After bidding farewell to SuperStarmon, Aomori remained in Business Town to organize the assets left behind. According to their agreement, all holdings of the SuperStar Chamber of Commerce now belonged to him.
His performance in the battle against Myotismon had been outstanding; his contribution was paramount, a fact witnessed by all the participating Digimon. Consequently, the vast majority of SuperStarmon's old subordinates, including Deputymon, held Aomori in the highest regard. The transition of power encountered no resistance and proceeded smoothly.
Deputymon's capabilities had already been verified by Aomori. Thus, he not only used data fragments to Digivolve it into the Ultimate-level Baalmon, but also appointed it as the Acting Chairman of the SuperStar Chamber of Commerce. He placed it in charge of Business Town and ordered it to use the guild's resources to continue expanding their influence outward.
Aomori then took Akihiko Kayaba and rode Pidgeot to Iron City, as he was deeply interested in the operations there.
Since Gigadramon had taken almost all the armed forces with it, Iron City was now essentially defenseless, relying only on a few Hagurumon to maintain city operations.
After some patient persuasion from Aomori, the Hagurumon decided to "abandon the darkness for the light" and join the service of their new boss, HellKnightmon.
"Great HellKnightmon, this is the workshop where we produce Mekanorimon and Guardromon." A Hagurumon led the way for Aomori and the others.
There were two fully automated assembly lines here. As long as Numemon fed raw materials into the starting end, the lines could continuously manufacture Mekanorimon and Guardromon.
Aomori looked at a finished Mekanorimon coming off the line and scanned it with his mental power. He found no spiritual fluctuations inside. In other words, there was currently no consciousness within the mechanical body; it was just an empty shell.
Seeming to sense Aomori's confusion, the nearby Hagurumon explained, "The activation button must be pressed for them to be considered true Digimon."
"The activation button? Show me," Aomori ordered.
"Yes, sir!"
The Hagurumon stepped forward and used its gear-like hand to press a specific switch on the Mekanorimon.
After a few whirring beeps, the Mekanorimon's indicator lights flickered on, and a large eye appeared behind the front grate. Only then did it become a real Mekanorimon.
At the moment the activation button was pressed, Aomori sensed a surge of spirit appearing out of nowhere, rapidly growing until it reached its current state.
What gives them a soul? Is it a special rule of the Digital World?
After thinking for a while without a clear lead, Aomori looked toward Akihiko Kayaba. "Kayaba, what do you think?"
Akihiko Kayaba understood his meaning. He stepped forward to inspect the Mekanorimon, but after a long pause, he shook his head. "I don't know. This is a field I cannot explain."
The nature of the soul was an elusive thing.
Thus, Aomori gave up on digging for the root cause and instead turned his attention enthusiastically toward the operation of the entire assembly line.
"My head is full of inspiration. I wonder if I can perfectly utilize these production lines to recreate them."
Since ancient times, mechanical forces have always been the easiest to mass-produce. He planned to utilize these facilities to build several more lines for Machine-type Digimon. Simultaneously, he intended to use his experience with mechanics to see if they could be modified to create even more aggressive Digimon.
If he had thousands of Champion-level Digimon, there would be a high probability of posing a significant threat even to Mega-levels.
"Boss, are you going to establish your headquarters here?" Akihiko Kayaba asked.
"Yes," Aomori nodded. Establishing their headquarters here was the best choice; both his and Kayaba's research required the equipment here for assistance.
As for the former castle of Myotismon, because it housed the gate to the Human World, it needed to be guarded by capable lieutenants.
Then there was Ore Town, which held strategic resources and likewise required a heavy guard.
However, those were matters for later. The main task now was to send out troops to sweep across the entire Server Continent, recruiting a vast labor force and completing the Main Quest on the system while he was at it.
If the Main Quest wasn't completed, he wouldn't be able to list the Digital World as a permanent Dungeon, which would be the greatest loss.
After handling affairs in Iron City and instructing the Hagurumon to maintain things properly, Aomori left Darkrai and Ditto to temporarily manage the city.
He returned to Ore Town, withdrew Absol, and took Akihiko Kayaba, Salamon, BlackAgumon, and DemiDevimon back to the former castle of Myotismon on Pidgeot.
Fortunately, Pidgeot had grown quite a bit larger; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to carry so many people.
"Wow, it's so beautiful!" Upon arriving at their destination, Salamon let out a cry of surprise. She jumped out of Aomori's arms and skipped into a flower bed, sniffing left and right, looking absolutely delighted.
BlackAgumon also looked impressed, though it quickly masked its expression, pretending to be indifferent.
DemiDevimon's jaw dropped; it couldn't believe this was the original castle of Myotismon.
The castle before them had shed its former gloom. It was beautifully decorated, surrounded by clusters of flowers and lush green grass. It looked like a princess's castle; even Aomori initially thought Pidgeot had taken a wrong turn.
Arriving at the castle gates, Armormon, having received word, led a group of Digimon to welcome them in formation.
"Welcome, Great HellKnightmon!"
"You've done quite well, Armormon." Aomori said with a beaming smile, patting its shoulder affectionately.
"It was all according to your instructions, Great King. I dare not take the credit," Armormon replied humbly, bowing its head.
"Good." Aomori praised it again, called over the playing Salamon, and led BlackAgumon and the others inside.
In the Great Hall, Aomori sat on the high central throne with Salamon resting on his lap. Akihiko Kayaba and BlackAgumon stood on either side. Pidgeot remained outside, bathing in the sunlight and warm breeze.
Armormon led the other Digimon in two neat rows below, appearing to have undergone significant drill practice.
Aomori grew increasingly satisfied with Armormon and asked with a smile, "Any unusual occurrences near the castle lately?"
"Quite a few remnants of Myotismon's forces appeared, but they have all been captured and are currently held in the dungeon awaiting your judgment, Great HellKnightmon. Aside from that, nothing unusual has happened," Armormon stepped forward and answered respectfully.
"Good," Aomori nodded. "I intend to set out to conquer the Server Continent. From now on, this area is under your management."
Though he mentioned it casually, Armormon couldn't help but feel excited. It knelt on one knee and said with fanatic fervor, "I congratulate you in advance on becoming the King of the Digital World! I will not fail your expectations and will continue to manage this territory well."
Afterward, Aomori went to the dungeon and handed over the Digimon willing to surrender to Armormon. Those who offered stubborn resistance were turned into data fragments.
After encouraging Armormon, Aomori set out again, officially beginning his conquest.