Myotismon's evolution represented a return of the lost era when Digimon could once again break through the wall to Mega!
Though, strictly speaking, Myotismon had likely mastered this method of forcibly evolving by absorbing all data in the Misty Realm long ago. His own strength had already touched the very boundary of Mega-level…
…But forcibly triggering an Digivolution by wildly absorbing vast amounts of data clearly didn't align with Myotismon's original plan. His true goal had always been to become a Demon Lord capable of ruling the Dark Area.
Even if he couldn't earn a Crest of Sin to become one of the Seven Great Demon Lords, merely achieving a proper Demon Lord form would put him far beyond a typical Mega.
Yet, because of Zero's interference, all of that vanished into thin air. Perhaps he had other hidden cards up his sleeve, but at this very moment, he'd thrown all caution to the wind…
…He consumed the Misty Realm's data entirely, degenerating into a mindless, uncontrollable beast. Gone was the refined gentlemanly facade; only a monstrous horror remained.
But, regardless—it was still an authentic, unadulterated Mega-level Digimon!
VenomMyotismon's eyes glowed crimson, firing a beam of destructive red energy!
This was clearly an enhanced version of his signature Bloody Steam—a devastating beam brimming with virulent data, capable of utterly annihilating and corroding an enemy's DigiCore—Venom Infusion!
The crimson energy beam burst forth. Zero's Giga Destroyers had just finished reloading; he immediately fired both missiles without hesitation…
The twin organic missiles blazed forward, directly intercepting the incoming scarlet beam. Yet, astonishingly, they were half-disintegrated the instant they touched Venom Infusion…
"…"
Luckily, even half-eaten missiles could still explode. The detonation thundered powerfully, though weaker than usual, yet the crimson energy rapidly devoured the resulting explosion, rushing forward toward Zero once again.
"…Gatomon, Wizardmon—protect Taichi and Hikari!"
Zero swung his arm forward, forcibly blocking Venom Infusion's attack…
Thankfully, the Chrome Digizoid's strength held steady. Though Venom Infusion left a few darkened corrosion marks, the silver claws suffered no severe damage.
But those blackened marks were enough to underscore the seriousness of the problem. This Mega-level assault, combined with the destructive corrosiveness of Venom Infusion, was already starting to damage Chrome Digizoid armor.
A few more hits, and even the metal armor would inevitably dissolve.
Even though a MetalGreymon had a full alloy skeleton—literally bones of steel—it only bought a few extra hits compared to a normal flesh-and-blood Digimon.
"Zero!" Taichi shouted anxiously, gripping his Digivice tightly, the Crest of Courage glowing brilliantly on his chest. He knew that cheering Zero on and channeling his courage was all he could do.
Fortunately, Taichi's constant Courage buff allowed Zero to touch the edge of Mega-level, letting him hold his ground against VenomMyotismon.
VenomMyotismon, now a mindless monster, fortunately didn't think to target the much weaker human children. Like a bull charging at a red cape, VenomMyotismon's focus remained entirely on Zero due to his relentless provocation and attacks.
But still, this wasn't a sustainable strategy…
"…At this rate, we're doomed."
Gatomon fixed her gaze on Zero, fighting desperately against VenomMyotismon. At that moment, she seemed to resolve herself to something.
"Gatomon, what are you planning?" Hikari and Wizardmon immediately noticed her expression shift. Gatomon replied lightly:
"…That monster definitely has a weakness. If I can force it to expose that weakness, with Zero's power, we should be able to take it out in one strike."
After all, VenomMyotismon was fundamentally just a forcibly-induced Mega. It wasn't a genuinely perfect Mega-level evolution.
Imperfections always meant weaknesses—usually fatal ones.
If not for that critical flaw, Myotismon wouldn't have rejected this power so vehemently. If not driven to desperation, he never would have forcibly evolved.
Since its Mega-level power was genuine, its weakness likely wasn't a matter of raw strength…
Thus, somewhere on its body had to be a fatal physiological flaw. Discovering this could turn the tables.
"Even if that monster has a weak point, do you really think you can just stroll over and find it?"
"Precisely," Gatomon flicked her tail gently, the golden ring around it shining with sacred brilliance. "That's why I'll use this to provoke it at close range. Since it's just an irrational beast now, it'll react instinctively to something holy that it loathes. Zero can then take advantage of that moment to find and strike the weak point."
"You're being reckless!" Wizardmon roared harshly. "Have you lost your mind?! That thing may be mindless, but it's still a legitimate Mega! Zero-sama might be fine, but who do you think you are? If anything goes wrong, you'll die instantly!"
Yet Gatomon laughed without a care. "Exactly. That's why I've already made up my mind."
Her smile faded.
"I've killed so many innocent Digimon just to become stronger. I've deceived countless people, committed unforgivable sins. Can I really just walk away as if nothing ever happened?"
Her voice was bleak, unmistakably regretful for her past deeds. But she understood very clearly: she couldn't possibly pretend her sins never occurred and happily become Hikari's partner without consequence.
Everyone must take responsibility for their actions—committing a crime demanded punishment!
"If my life can help destroy that demon, at least it'll count as atonement."
Wizardmon gripped his staff tightly, voice low beneath his hat brim: "If someone must bear that responsibility, let it be—"
"What can you do?" Gatomon cut him off sharply. "Do you have a Holy Ring? Can you provoke that demon? Other than going up there to die for nothing, what else can you accomplish?"
Wizardmon had no reply.
But suddenly Gatomon's stern expression shifted, softening into a radiant smile.
"…Thank you…my friend~"
"?!"
Leaving those words behind, she turned to head out—but Hikari grabbed her tightly, refusing to let go.
"…Hikari, I'm sorry."
As Gatomon prepared to force herself free—given their strength difference, a human could never restrain her—Zero's voice unexpectedly interrupted:
"…Taking responsibility for one's mistakes is commendable. But dying only repays one life at most. How many innocents have you harmed?"
Incredibly, Zero spoke clearly, though still battling VenomMyotismon—his ability to multitask was astonishing.
Zero inwardly thanked the Hyper Gear technology, which vastly enhanced his DigiCore's performance, allowing him to simultaneously battle and interject clearly.
Taichi froze briefly, feeling Zero's words harsh in the moment. But Gatomon caught his meaning immediately.
"…What are you saying?"
"If you have the resolve to die, nothing else should scare you, right? If you truly want atonement, there's a better path…"
…Destroy the Dark Army. Defeat the Dark Masters. Seek justice for those Digimon still suffering under oppression!
"But, I…I'm not—"
"Of course you can. You have that potential—no one knows it better than yourself!"
Zero took a deep breath:
"Gatomon, why, despite serving the Dark Army, can you still evolve into a Holy Beast, Vaccine-type Digimon?"
"Why have you lost your memories? Why does your head hurt when you try to recall your past?"
"That feeling in your heart when you first saw Hikari—what was it?"
There was only one answer!
"Gatomon—you're the chosen Digimon partner selected by the Host Computer to fight alongside humanity's chosen heroes and save the world!!!"
"?!"
Gatomon stood stunned, utterly speechless.
"…I'm…the partner of a hero? The one I've always been waiting for?"
A piercing headache struck her. With VenomMyotismon now mindless, his lingering control over her memories vanished.
Long-forgotten memories flooded back vividly.
…Yes, exactly. She had always awaited "someone," always remembered her mission. Why had she forgotten?
"Gatomon?" Hikari asked, puzzled.
Gatomon smiled gently.
"…Hikari, I finally remembered everything. Nice to meet you…and it's been a while…my hero!"
"Eh?"
Though confused, Hikari seemed to understand something important.
"Let me fight! I won't throw my life away…so please, cheer for me. With you watching, I fear nothing!"
Slowly, Hikari released her.
"Good luck, Gatomon…and from now on, we'll never separate again."
Gatomon felt an unprecedented surge of resolve. As she stepped forward into her new life—Hikari's Crest of Light glowed brilliantly. Her Digivice erupted in radiant brilliance!
—GATOMON... DIGIVOLUTION!!!