Is this how my life ends… so meaninglessly? [8]
The young man's name was Eli Moon. Because of a serious illness, he had been confined to bed for years. Now, he could feel the end drawing near. [8]
Mustering the last of his strength, he turned his gaze to the wall-mounted screen, hoping for one final glimpse of the world that had always captivated him. An old anime played there, the story of several children summoned to another world where they met creatures called Digimon and began an adventure. For years, that anime had been Eli's lifeline. [8]
Some plot points felt childish through a modern lens, but the heart of the show still shone brightly. "If only I could… I wish I could be like them, and set out on a journey full of wonder." With that wish, and his strength spent, Eli slowly closed his eyes in the hospital bed. [8]
Maybe a prayer had been answered, or maybe a long-dormant miracle finally stirred. When Eli opened his eyes again, the sterile white had vanished, replaced by a vast, lush jungle. Expecting never to wake again, he froze, stunned by the sight before him. Was this a dream? The soil's texture and the breeze on his skin felt undeniably real. [8]
Where am— A deafening crash erupted behind him. He turned, confused—only to have his vision filled by a gigantic creature. Red, insect-like carapace. Eye-like markings on its head. Eli had watched Digimon countless times; he knew it instantly. A Digimon—Kuwagamon! [8]
"Aaah—Kuwagamon! Why is there a Kuwagamon here!?" He shook himself. "No—no time to overthink!" Even if nothing made sense, survival instinct kicked in. Eli forced his unsteady body to run. Kuwagamon were not exactly friendly. [5][8]
Just as he feared, the moment it spotted him, Kuwagamon shrieked and lunged. Eli's legs, weak after years of disuse, gave out within a few steps, and he tumbled—luckily ducking under the monster's first deadly strike. [8]
"Damn…" Pain from the fall, the sting of stone cuts, and the screeching behind him lit up every nerve. This was no dream. And yet, to his surprise, he felt no fear. A body tempered by years of suffering sparked with something else—joy. It's real. I actually made it to the Digital World. I'm finally free of the illness. A thousand thoughts flashed by, but he pushed the giddy laughter down and focused. Celebration could wait. First, survive. He forced his body to move, scrambled up, and ran. [8]
Kuwagamon, after a brief pause, recovered and resumed the hunt, shrieking as it barreled after him. Years of inactivity meant Eli tired quickly, even if his body now felt miraculously whole. The dense forest cover and his small build were the only reasons he hadn't been caught already. Dizziness pressed in, but sharp branches and stones kept him painfully alert, and the constant commotion behind him strained his nerves without mercy. Most people would have broken by now. Eli's eyes stayed clear. Fear was useless. Tears earned no pity. Being reborn at all was a miracle; he would not ask for more. The wind howled in his ears, his heart hammered with wild resolve, and one thought cut through the noise—find a way out. [8]
He noticed something, and the corner of his mouth lifted. Kuwagamon's frustration grew; this tiny prey kept slipping away, even widening the gap. Wasting stamina was a risk. It began to lift off to clear the area with its full power—then noticed the prey slowing down. Tired already? It dropped the plan and dove, pincers reaching— [5][8]
The surrounding giant trees tipped and crashed in succession, slamming down over Kuwagamon and pinning it in place. "?!" Eli couldn't help a flicker of triumph. He hadn't been running aimlessly. The whole time, he'd studied the terrain, luring Kuwagamon in tight circles. Its wild charges had loosened the giants, and the trap finally sprung. Seeing it straining but stuck, Eli exhaled in relief. [8]
He turned to go—when Kuwagamon roared and heaved, shattering the makeshift cage. Eli's pupils tightened. The massive pincer swept toward him. At that instant, a yellow figure burst from behind him— [8]