Just as Cloud was beginning to grasp NESTS's ultimate objective, an unprecedented invitation arrived in his hands.
The KOF 2001 tournament invitation.
But this time, the invitation wasn't a traditional letter—it was a compact, high-tech holographic projection device.
The moment Cloud activated it, the image of a man wearing a black trench coat with white hair and an aura far more domineering than Clone Zero's appeared in mid-air.
It was NESTS's true second-in-command—True Zero!
"Greetings, fighters of the world." True Zero's hologram spoke with a condescending tone, as if a god were issuing a proclamation. "I am the organizer of this KOF tournament—True Zero, Supreme Executive of NESTS."
"Past tournaments have been far too boring, far too limited to the ground."
"So this time, I've prepared a brand new, far grander stage for you all."
As he spoke, the holographic image behind him shifted to reveal an absolutely massive spaceship—a vessel the size of a city!
"This ship will establish boarding points in seven major cities worldwide. All teams who received invitations may use this token to board."
"The ship will transport you to this tournament's final venue—my mobile fortress, stationed in geostationary orbit above Earth."
"There, our leader will personally await your challenge as your final opponent. Of course, the prerequisite is passing my trial first."
"You may also choose to refuse. However..." A cruel smile spread across his face. "You've already witnessed the consequences of refusal."
He was referring to the Zero Cannon.
"So then, brave fighters, make your choice."
"Will you cower on the ground like cowards, waiting for judgment to fall at any moment? Or will you board this ship and challenge the authority of a god?"
"I'll be waiting."
With that, True Zero's image vanished.
This news detonated like a nuclear bomb, instantly sending shockwaves across the globe!
"Holy shit! This year's KOF is in outer space?!"
"These organizers are insane! Fighting from Earth to the cosmos? Is this King of Fighters or Dragon Ball?!"
"This is an ultimatum! Don't go, and you wait to get vaporized by orbital artillery. Go, and you're basically handing your life to NESTS!"
"What do we do? How can we even fight this? This is a trap with no return!"
Panic, unease, and despair spread like wildfire across the world.
...
Kusanagi Castle
Cloud looked at the holographic device in his hand, a excited smile spreading across his face.
"Finally time for the final boss fight, huh?"
He knew this was NESTS's endgame. They planned to lure all the world's strongest fighters into their home turf—that fortress floating in space.
Then, using the fortress's equipment, they would drain these fighters completely—their power, their data, even their lives—as the final nourishment for Igniz's "ascension to godhood"!
"You want to catch us all in one net? Heh, I'm afraid your net isn't strong enough."
"System, it's time to put that salvage from last time to use."
Cloud contacted Mr. Norton.
"Norton, I need your help." Cloud got straight to the point. "I need a ship... capable of space travel, equipped with the most powerful weapons and defense systems."
Norton fell silent for a moment on the other end, then burst into excited laughter. "Hahaha! Mr. Cloud, you're finally making your big move?! No problem! Absolutely no problem!"
"Those technical documents you packaged from NESTS last time—my team has already begun preliminary analysis and application, combined with our own technology. Energy deflection shields, miniaturized sub-light engines... we already have experimental prototypes!"
"Give me three days! I guarantee I'll build you your very own Cloud One!"
Norton—this world's richest man with a fanatical obsession for extraordinary technology—completely unleashed himself after receiving Cloud's "super tech support."
He mobilized nearly all his financial resources, launching an unprecedented "space warship" construction project!
...
Meanwhile, at Cloud's secret base.
K', Maxima, and the "fostered" Kula and Angel also received the "invitation from space."
"NESTS... True Zero..." K' stared at that arrogant hologram, vengeful fire blazing in his eyes.
"Hmph, more of these theatrical clowns." Angel dismissively curled her lip.
"Are we... going?" Kula asked fearfully, tugging at Angel's sleeve. She harbored a soul-deep terror of that man called "True Zero."
Just as everyone wavered in indecision, Cloud's figure silently appeared before them.
"Of course we're going." Cloud wore an unshakeable, confident smile. "This is the final dungeon—how could we main characters miss it?"
He looked at K'. "This is your best chance to settle your past."
He looked at Kula, gently patting her head. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. This time, they're the ones who should be scared."
He glanced at Angel. "Want to... personally beat up all your former bosses?"
Angel's eyes instantly lit up.
"Then it's decided!" Cloud spread his arms wide like a general about to lead his troops into battle, declaring with heroic spirit:
"KOF 2001—our goal is no longer the championship!"
"It's... NESTS headquarters! Igniz's throne!"
"Our conquest is—the sea of stars!"
...
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