Chapter 88: Inspection of the Digital Soul

“Do I have to give more blood?” Watching the figure in the white coat pace back and forth before her, Qin Fei sighed and obediently sat in the chair, extending her wrist.

“This is a necessary procedure, mainly to check the state of your Digisoul…” A short-haired girl with wine-red hair entered the room. Noticing her purple and crimson uniform, Qin Fei seemed to guess her identity.

“I’m Shuno Fujieda, also a member of DATS. Captain Satsuma asked me to explain some matters to you in detail, since you’ll be joining DATS as well.” As she spoke, the girl who called herself Shuno found a nearby seat and sat down.

“However, I’ve also heard from Daimon and Touma that you’re quite special—you have the ability to let Digimon evolve on their own. Captain Satsuma also said the Digimon at your side are unusual… so he asked me to keep a closer eye on you.”

Qin Fei smiled indifferently. Satsuma probably sent her to monitor her, but she had already agreed to his terms. Especially with LorettaMon’s ability to take on human form—such a bizarre power would certainly make Satsuma uneasy.

A Digimon with a human appearance, if left unchecked, might cause untold problems.

On the other hand, Satsuma promised not to reveal any information about them to DATS headquarters, particularly about LorettaMon’s human disguise.

Qin Fei had also hinted to Satsuma that those hunting Digimon were actually among the upper echelons of DATS—there were people plotting against the Digital World.

Whether he believed her or not, at least she had planted a seed of doubt in his heart, enough for him to weigh his choices.

After all, people’s intentions can be terrifying; she might well become the target of some deranged Digimon researcher—someone like Akihiro Kurata, for example.

“…”

“Do you trust them that much?” Once the researchers and Shuno had left, LorettaMon stepped out from the shadows of the room and looked at Qin Fei, who was visibly relieved.

At that moment, Loretta no longer resembled a Digimon in the slightest. She looked entirely like a beautiful human girl, even her clothes had changed completely.

“These people aren’t bad—they’re worth trusting, at least this once. Besides, I trust Sleipmon, one of the Royal Knights; his judgment can’t be too far off.”

Thinking of how these people had continued to help Digimon in the anime, even when wanted by the government, Qin Fei felt she could take a chance.

Still, her main goal was to obtain the fifth generation Digivice. After the blood tests and measurements, she wondered how long it would take to finally get her own…

Hearing Qin Fei’s inexplicable confidence, LorettaMon merely nodded and fell silent.

“I don’t think we should trust humans too much either. LorettaMon’s concerns are quite valid.” Gatomon reluctantly crawled off the soft mattress. Having lived her whole life in the Digital World, everything in the human world was a source of endless fascination for her.

Take the mattress, for example—softer and more comfortable than any grass bed she’d ever slept on.

BlackGatomon was already sprawled out on the bed, fast asleep.

“Well, let’s not dwell on that. At least our food and lodging are settled for now. Otherwise, in a world where we have no one, even knowing where to go would be a problem.”

As part of DATS, Qin Fei had been assigned a private dorm room, with LorettaMon, BlackGatomon, and Gatomon staying with her. But Qin Fei was well aware that there were surely “eyes” watching her every move outside the door.

Though the feeling of being monitored was uncomfortable, Qin Fei knew this wouldn’t last long. The fuse for conflict between the human and Digital Worlds was about to be lit by a Digi-Egg. Soon, they’d have far more pressing matters than watching her…

“So, what now?” LorettaMon asked.

“Of course, we do the work of a DATS member for a while. Free food and lodging, a salary, and instead of searching for Digimon battles, they’re sent right to our doorstep—why not take advantage?”

Qin Fei lay on the other side of the bed, closing her eyes and relishing the deep comfort of the bedding. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d slept soundly. At least for the moment, she didn’t have to worry for her safety, and she was tempted to lie there for a day and a night, catching up on rest after so many adventures.

“Oh right, Lolo, how about you join DATS too and try being a Tamer?”

Suddenly, as if struck by a funny idea, Qin Fei’s drowsy eyes flew open.

“What?” LorettaMon, sitting at the edge of Qin Fei’s bed, swung her delicate feet. Her fingertips resembled tiny pearls, making one almost want to bite them.

“Here, catch!” Qin Fei took out the Holy Plan Digivice and tossed it to LorettaMon.

“What for? I can’t make BlackGatomon evolve…” LorettaMon caught it easily and shot Qin Fei a sideways glance.

“Just pretend, get a feel for it. Imagine you’re a Tamer and BlackGatomon is your Digimon.”

“…”

Everyone in the room was stunned by Qin Fei’s sudden, ridiculous suggestion.

“You want me to command BlackGatomon, who can’t evolve, in battle? While I just stand by and watch?”

Self-sabotaging ideas like this—only she could come up with them.

“No, no, just pretend, I said pretend! I’m just thinking—if we really brought two or three Digimon into battle, wouldn’t that be a bit too conspicuous? Since the mastermind is still lurking in the shadows, it’s best not to draw too much attention.”

Hearing this, the others had to admit it made some sense. Their identities were a little sensitive right now, and only LorettaMon could pass for human. So pairing her with BlackGatomon as partners was a pretty good arrangement.

“Why BlackGatomon and not her? Wouldn’t it make more sense for you to command BlackGatomon, Qin Fei? I think Gatomon and I would make a better team.” LorettaMon glanced unhappily at Gatomon, who was kneading the pillow like a kitten. She clearly didn’t want Qin Fei and Gatomon getting too close.

“Don’t be silly, Lolo. This Digivice is only for Gatomon to use this time. You and BlackGatomon have your own ways of evolving; only Gatomon needs to try this opportunity.”

Though Gatomon had succeeded in evolving through the Holy Plan, the process was unstable—perhaps it was mere coincidence. If Gatomon was to go further, Qin Fei needed a Digivice suited for her—in other words, the fifth generation one…

“Hee hee, so Qin Fei and I will be partners for the time being.” Gatomon rolled upright on the bed, smiling sweetly at LorettaMon.

Behind that adorable smile, LorettaMon felt something odd in her tone, even sensed a hint of challenge in Gatomon’s eyes.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Just as LorettaMon and Gatomon were about to clash, a series of urgent knocks sounded at the door.

Shooting them a look to stay quiet, Qin Fei got up to open it.

It was Shuno Fujieda again.

“What’s wrong?” Qin Fei asked first, noting the girl’s breathless state.

“Your Digisoul test results are back.”

At that, Qin Fei’s face lit up with delight.

“But there’s a slight problem.”

Her joy froze on her face, and a sense of foreboding crept into her heart.

“I’m not sure what it is—you’d better hurry and see Captain Satsuma. He’ll explain everything to you.”