Digitize: Rebirth of the Silver Death God

Before Nero's eyes was a sight like no other, the images of many different humans with their bodies open, usually this wouldn't be alarming to someone like him based on his fantasy world experiences. Still, as Nero looked closer, he saw that within each of their bodies was a strange creature that lived in their brains.

Looking closer, one would notice that each of these 'brain critters' was somewhat translucent, each with a worm-like body that wriggled about with odd limbs that seemed no different from pincers.

"This... this... what the hell are those things?" Nero said in shock as despite venturing the World of Promise, such a sight would be more than enough to spook anyone.

Ryo narrowed his eyes at this; he knew what they were and had already learned these details from his father.

Cubeman gave Ryo a sharp look before setting his eyes onto the strange critters as he replied to Nero with a solemn voice.

"Boy, what you see before you are the larva of the Mind Spirit Kind. These are nasty little bloggers that tend to merge with the souls of all whom they've come in contact with."

As Nero heard this, he felt shocked; he looked at Cubeman and asked, "Huh? How can this be? Shouldn't any lifeform from that world be unable to enter our world?"

"True, but also not in entirety, the fact is there are ways to connect to all worlds, but only through the use of the Universe Rings and consent from both parties on each potentially connectable surfaces. Most races only do so with their allies, forming vast networks in their galaxies, further enhancing their civilizations' strength and potential. On the other hand, despite making allies, we are only newly joined into this vast universe space. We can't easily grant passage to even those we respect as allies, only accepting a bare minimum for interconnection and exchange. Naturally, some use secretive methods by forming deals with certain societies and humans to connect to our world. Still, they are only able to do so through communication devices." Cubeman said as a strange look appeared on his face.

Nero made a stern look as he said nothing more, hearing all of that was a lot to take in, and he was slowly processing everything.

'Incredible, to think that such a thing was even possible? That All-Seer, he truly is a sneaky fellow with his words. I wonder, just how many of what he said was the truth from falsehood?'

While Nero pondered, he soon cleared his mind as he knew that this wasn't the time to overthink, and most importantly, he had yet to hear a proper answer from Cubeman; as expected, Cubeman spoke once more.

"On a different note, and more back on topic, as I've mentioned before, these Mind Larvas can connect with any they make contact, they do so by attaching themselves to the other party's soul. Do you know what this means?"

When Cubeman spoke to here, his eyes narrowed as he showed a grim look when he continued speaking.

"It's simple; this means that they can each transfer bits of themselves to other worlds, even when the opposing party has left from the World of Promise into their native lands. Hence, forming a partial influence in that particular world. It is in this way that the Mind Spirit Race has formed a bond in our world, many have always wanted to know of how Bit Hunters came into being, but the very truth is that we were the ones who've unknowingly, or even intentionally brought them to our world."

Ryo remained calm and indifferent to all things, as he knew these details, but as for Nero, he had a surprise on his face as his thoughts went wild.

'So that's how it is, that's how they were able to get here, and that's why humans have such a sinister and cruel method of empowering themselves. That merit is likely one that does more harm than good meant solely to create discord amongst humanity, yet most of them probably haven't even realized that there were many amongst them infected by these things.'

"Right, but also wrong," Adult Nero said, finally speaking after a long while of silence.

'Hmph! So only now you decide to say something on this matter, you truly are a bastard.' Nero complained inwardly towards his older self.

Adult Nero didn't seem to mind his words; he merely stared at the images shown from Nero's eyes in the space of his consciousness as he continued speaking.

"I said that you were right in that you had correctly guessed the enemy's intention, but you were wrong about one thing."

'Oh, and what might that be?' Nero asked with a curious expression on his face, though he only seemed as if he was sizing up the images on the outside.

Adult Nero looked at him and replied, "You were wrong about the tendencies of humans."

When Nero heard this, his eyes turned colder as he spoke inwardly, 'You mean to say that the leaders of those Bit Hunters and their upper executives are likely knowledge of the enemy's intentions and even the Mind Larva?'

"Correct." Adult Nero said in reply as he no longer said anything else, fading back into quietness in Nero's consciousness.

Cubeman had been observing Ryo's and Nero's reaction. He found Nero's initial surprise within reason but grew a bit of admiration as he saw him recover to curiosity.

He also noticed that Ryo remained indifferent; he couldn't help but feel it strange. He had peculiar thoughts, but he didn't over ponder it as there were more important things he had to concern himself on.

With a loud clap, Cubeman drew both Nero and Ryo's attention onto himself once more as the scenes had vanished.

"Good, with that, I should've already addressed all core subjects. You can find out more from your Blood Steel Tokens and your comrades. I officially welcome you both as new members, for now, you can tour the rest of the temple and learn of the various particular areas for members. Take care now, kids, and until the next time we meet."

As Cubeman said those words, he gave both Nero and Ryo a peculiar smile before he faded into the world, leaving behind the giant cube that stood at its center.

A passageway appeared behind the duo, who looked at each other with a loud rumble before they walked towards it and left the space. They had vanished behind the door in moments, which then burst into specks of lights across the now silent space.

As if he was waiting for this moment, Cubeman soon after appeared at the side of the giant cube, staring at the direction they left with a fascinated gleam in his eyes.

'Interesting, I can't say for sure about that Asian child, but that silvered-haired boy, he reminds me of someone, they're so different, yet so similar, that face, that aura. Huhu, I truly look forward to seeing another rise in this generation...'

When Cubeman finished his thoughts, the scene before him rapidly changed as he vanished again, and the world here once more returned to its stillness.

***

Within a small building inside the Blood Steel Temple space, a familiar-looking black-haired woman with bangs garbed in revealing mage-like wear was seated around a desk.

Naturally, this was Yullia, who was currently residing in her private quarters, but her face was now one of anger, unlike her last appearance.

"How annoying. Why did the leader force it upon my shoulders to check out that zone? What is he expecting me to find there?"

Yullia complained about an annoyed expression, she really didn't know what that leader was thinking, but as he had given her the command, it wasn't her place to reject it.

After sighing deeply, Yullia put down a stack of papers and prepared to leave for today's inspection duties, but as she rose to her feet, another familiar individual appeared.

A slender blond man with a long face and a straight body, garbed in a business suit, walked from nearby with a lively expression on his face.

"Stick... no, Felick, what's the matter?"

Felick, widely known to many as Stickman, stared at Yullia with a smile as he spoke, "You wouldn't believe who's made it here."

"Who?" Yullia asked with a hint of curiosity on her face.

"Come with me to find out," Felick said, not saying anything in a straightforward manner, very much unlike his nickname and appearance.

"Pssh, I want to see just what's got you so eager," Yullia said as she hurried along. The two quickly vanished from this part of the temple as the day festivities within was about to enter a new phase.