Myotismon had been defeated by the sudden emergence of HellKnightmon!
The news spread across the Server Continent as if it had wings. The name HellKnightmon replaced Myotismon as the most feared existence on the continent.
"Myotismon was defeated? The Nightmare Soldiers are almost completely gone?"
In another major power base, Etemon's entire mood soured upon hearing the news. The microphone it usually cherished was crushed into pieces in its hand.
Although it had conflicts with Myotismon, those were internal matters within the Nightmare Soldiers. Now that the legion had been taken down, it was left all alone.
"Great Etemon, what should we do?" a Gazimon asked nearby, trembling.
"If Myotismon couldn't beat them, we certainly can't. Since we can't win, we run, of course!" Etemon wasn't stupid. No matter how highly it thought of itself, it didn't believe it could face the guy who had annihilated the Nightmare Soldiers.
"But where should we run to?"
"Hmm." Etemon thought for a moment before saying, "We'll pack everything and take a ship out to sea. The ocean is vast; they won't find us so easily."
"As long as we survive this period, Lord Piedmon and the others will return soon. When that happens, I, Etemon, will surely avenge this forced exile!" Etemon gritted its teeth and released its special move, Dark Spirits, destroying everything nearby to vent some of its frustration.
"Let's go! Pack everything now! We set sail! If I can't be the King of the Continent, I'll become the Ruler of the Seas!"
"Yes, sir!"
…
On the other side, Aomori, who was being held in a grudge for no apparent reason, had no intention of paying attention to Etemon. He was taking Akihiko Kayaba and riding Pidgeot to the SuperStar Chamber of Commerce to help SuperStarmon repair the rocket.
This was also part of their agreement.
"HellKnightmon, thank you for coming to help me." SuperStarmon joyfully led Aomori and Akihiko Kayaba into the building and up to the secret chamber on the top floor where the rocket was kept.
Deputymon followed them, entering this room for the first time.
"A just cause attracts much support; it's only right." Aomori patted Akihiko Kayaba's shoulder and said, "Besides, he's the one who's going to help you. You should thank him."
"Thanks to everyone! Also, I've made arrangements over the last two days. Once I leave successfully, Deputymon and the others will be under your management. You will be the next Chairman of the SuperStar Chamber of Commerce!"
Deputymon nodded. It already knew about SuperStarmon's past and wouldn't stop it from leaving. Staying behind to work for the incredibly powerful HellKnightmon wasn't a bad choice at all.
"Don't worry, I'll treat them well." Aomori gave a toothy grin.
After the pleasantries, SuperStarmon introduced the rocket's condition.
"Back then, when I arrived on the Server Continent from the Moon in this rocket, I didn't know how to operate it properly. It crashed hard during landing, causing a section of the hull to break. The hull is made of Chrome Digizoid; otherwise, it wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of takeoff. I've been searching for Chrome Digizoid for all these years, and with your help, I've finally gathered enough."
The rocket was over 10 meters tall, with a design similar to a standard one.
On the side of the fuselage was an exposed area of about one square meter, showing a complex tangle of cables and wires inside.
Looking at the gap that needed filling, Aomori asked Akihiko Kayaba, "How long will it take?"
"Three days should be enough," Akihiko Kayaba replied succinctly.
"Three days." SuperStarmon let out a long sigh of relief. In three days, it could finally start its journey home.
"Alright, let's begin."
"Sure."
At this critical juncture, SuperStarmon naturally stayed right there, unwilling to leave for even a moment.
Aomori took the opportunity to ask it about rocket equipment and related knowledge.
With such a capable subordinate around, he couldn't afford to fall too far behind as the boss. Given Aomori's mental strength, memorizing and understanding this information wasn't difficult.
Don't forget that the strategist Izzy from the original story was just a 10-year-old boy. If even he could master it, it was even easier for Aomori.
SuperStarmon was deeply grateful to him. It agreed to the small request immediately and gave him an exhaustive explanation of everything regarding the rocket.
Thus, while Akihiko Kayaba repaired, Aomori learned, SuperStarmon explained, and Deputymon stood guard. Three days flew by in an instant.
"Whew, I'm finished."
Beside the rocket, Akihiko Kayaba let out a long breath. Before him, the hull that had once had a large gaping hole was now covered by a layer of silver metal, blending seamlessly with the surroundings as if the damage had never existed.
"Really?" SuperStarmon, who had been watching closely, rushed over the moment it heard Akihiko Kayaba's words. Looking at the fully repaired rocket, it shed tears of joy.
"Thirty years... Finally, finally I can go home!"
Unable to wait any longer, it immediately entered the rocket and sat in the pilot's seat. After a series of operations that were familiar to its very soul, rehearsed countless times in its mind, the rocket began to function.
Layers of light rings lit up on the rocket's hull, and the sound of mechanical gears turning echoed from within.
The ceiling opened, revealing the deep blue sky.
Everything was ready. From inside the rocket, SuperStarmon used the broadcast system to say goodbye to Aomori, Akihiko Kayaba, Deputymon, and all the Digimon of Business Town.
"I, SuperStarmon, came to this continent alone thirty years ago. I started from nothing, endured countless hardships, established the SuperStar Chamber of Commerce, built the Business Town, and met so many great subordinates, friends, and rivals. Now, I must say goodbye to you all! I am returning to my home. Take care, and may we meet again if fate allows!"
"Great SuperStarmon, I wish you a smooth journey! May we meet again!" Thinking of all the time they had spent together, Deputymon wept uncontrollably.
"Great SuperStarmon, I wish you a smooth journey! May we meet again!" All the Digimon in the Business Town sent their blessings to SuperStarmon.
"SuperStarmon, have a safe trip," Aomori said with a look of gratification. He was still looking for his way home, while SuperStarmon was already set to return.
Inside the rocket, SuperStarmon was deeply moved by the loud, tide-like blessings from outside. With tears in its eyes, it shouted once more, "May we meet again!"
Its right hand slammed down on the launch button, and the fuel at the base of the rocket ignited.
Amidst billowing flames, the rocket began to ascend, gaining speed until it vanished into the clear sky, leaving only a faint trace of fire.
Watching the white trail in the blue sky, Aomori exhaled and asked, "Kayaba, do you ever miss home?"
Akihiko Kayaba thought for a moment and shook his head. "If you mean 'home' in the narrow sense, it's long gone. If you mean a place of spiritual belonging, I don't think I've found it yet."
"Is that so?" Aomori chuckled. "Then, are you interested in building one ourselves?"
"Hmm?"
"Never mind, we'll talk about that later."
"..."