Chapter 67

In the end, Yin Xiaoya couldn't bring himself to ask for the Jin'e Red Stag Beetle to unlock Kamen Rider Kuuga. Seriously, how could I? He thought. It came all the way here from the Valley of Ten Thousand Insects to guard Emperor Yan. Taking it away would screw things up.

"A Kamen Rider can't take by force, or seek selfishness based on some flimsy justification."

Sighing softly, he pulled out the Caixia Feather Azure Phoenix King had given him.

"Azure Phoenix King gave me this. It makes fire-type soul beasts under five thousand years old like me. Can you give me something similar, so I can connect with the insect-type soul beasts of the Valley of Ten Thousand Insects? Something with a similar effect?"

Emperor Yan studied Yin Xiaoya, admiration in her eyes. Before the Jin'e Red Stag Beetle could respond, she spoke. "That's easy for it. Too easy, right, Red Armor?"

She's totally got her elbows out, Jin'e Red Stag Beetle thought, realizing Emperor Yan intended to side with Yin Xiaoya.

"Okay, let me decide this time."

Emperor Yan flicked a finger. A red flash, and a palm-sized piece of carapace neatly detached from the Jin'e Red Stag Beetle's massive collar.

Supported by Emperor Yan's power, it morphed into a perfect sphere, hovering steadily before Yin Xiaoya.

"Take it. Red Armor, besides that, I want you to pick a junior who is at least ten thousand years old to be his power."

The Jin'e Red Stag Beetle knew about Kamen Rider from the Ghost-Faced Griffin King and Cang Huang. It understood what Emperor Yan meant.

It trusted Emperor Yan wouldn't set up any soul beasts, so it hesitated, then nodded.

"Understood. I'll arrange for a junior to wait for him in the Valley of Ten Thousand Insects."

It blew a breath, merging it into the sphere in Yin Xiaoya's hand.

"Human, when you go to the Valley of Ten Thousand Insects, use this as proof. A descendant will meet you. But I must clarify. Many insect-type soul beasts exist. Most live in groups, protected by their race. My armor makes the insects friendly, but taking a soul beast depends on your skill."

Yin Xiaoya hadn't considered what he'd been too embarrassed to ask for, but Emperor Yan granted it anyway. This is great. Unlocking Kamen Rider Kuuga remained promising.

It might not unlock everything at once, but even unlocking the red form is enough. I'm not greedy.

As for the reminder, Yin Xiaoya didn't care.

The Valley of Insects will unlock many Kamen Rider forms. After all, most original Riders were insects, especially those of the Showa era.

Having something that could gain favorability with those insect-type soul beasts was a huge help.

"I'm satisfied, thanks."

Yin Xiaoya and the Jin'e Red Stag Beetle resolved their grievances. It was time for business.

Before helping the Ghost-Faced Griffin King and Cang Huang's child, Emperor Yan gave Yin Xiaoya the Red Jade Silkworm.

"I told this child to unlock your Kamen Rider power. You let some soul beasts unlock your power in the lava mountains, but I want to see the transformation and see if you can help those children."

Yin Xiaoya felt overwhelmed. Emperor Yan sent her own family to experiment.

"Is this okay?"

"When you changed forms on the way down, I spoke with the Devil's Belly Flame Lizard. It gave you a good review..."

Every time Yin Xiaoya unlocked his power, Emperor Yan sensed the soul beasts' emotions. After transforming into Kamen Rider, they all felt positive.

"...Soul beast cultivation is hard. I can't bear to see descendants fall. If there's a better way, I'll support reform."

Emperor Yan's decision showed her competence. She must have faced hardships to seek a better way for future generations.

Yin Xiaoya respected her.

"I won't disappoint you."

This little guy unlocks more than ordinary Rider power, but will it unlock the main Rider form?

Yin Xiaoya placed the Red Jade Silkworm on the ground, asking Xiaoman to send out the Kamen Rider power he could unlock.

Two off-white items appeared: a flat cuboid with an H-shaped pattern, and one with a pull ring on top and the number 20.

Though off-white, Yin Xiaoya recognized them.

The HEAT Memory of Kamen Rider W, and the No. 20 FIRE Astroswitch of Kamen Rider Fourze.

They matched a main Rider form, fulfilling Yin Xiaoya's hope. But W and Fourze needed other items to transform.

Despite the disappointment, Yin Xiaoya could use them.

First, the Heat Memory. Yin Xiaoya could become Kamen Rider Accel's Heat Form using the Skull Driver.

The Fourze Flame Switch could work with the Meteor Driver. Meteor had used it in the original series. No new form, but it amplified the switch's power.

Because they came from main Riders, their idealistic explosions would be amazing.

"Little guy, choose one."

Emperor Yan asked, "Can only one unlock?"

"They unlock through the Red Jade Silkworm, but they're not the same system, so only one at a time. But either will be powerful."

"If it's not the same system, can a life only have one power? If so, unlock both."

Yin Xiaoya stared, confused. Emperor Yan's eyes glowed red, and she raised a hand.

[A soul beast approaches rapidly]

A red dot crossed the Extreme Sky Flame Curtain, landing in Emperor Yan's hands. Another Red Jade Silkworm looked at its ancestor, confused.

After soothing it, Emperor Yan placed it next to the first. Xiaoman said it was summoned and was about 5,000 years old. Emperor Yan had chosen it.

"They're the two youngest Red Jade Silkworms in the lava mountains. Their cultivation bases are similar, so it's the same. I entrust them to you."

Too generous, Yin Xiaoya thought. Why not collect other main Rider-unlocking soul beasts?

He kept those thoughts to himself.

Now, with two Red Jade Silkworms, there was no need to choose. Yin Xiaoya pressed the buttons on the Heat Memory, pulled the Flame Astroswitch, and placed them on the two creatures. They blended into the props.

[Heat Memory successfully unlocked!]

[Flame Astroswitch has been successfully unlocked!]

They erupted in flames, making their sound effects.

[HEAT!]

[FIRE ~ ON!]

The flames faded. The gray-white was gone, revealing red.

Before Yin Xiaoya could speak, they flew from his hand to Emperor Yan. Her eyes glowed red, staring at the unlocked items. Relief spread across her face.

"Life still exists, and has escaped soul beast restrictions. They've been reborn."

***

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