Only Cloud, the "GM" lurking behind the scenes, knew that all of this was merely a small "appetizer" he'd prepared for the true "final holy war" to come.
"The crops have grown nice and fat." Cloud stood on his estate's balcony, feeling the increasingly dense spiritual energy in the air and the powerful auras emerging across the globe, his face breaking into the satisfied smile of a farmer surveying his wheat fields.
"It's time... to harvest."
Just as Earth entered the revelry of "universal leveling up," a mysterious invitation arrived once again.
KOF XIII.
This time, the invitation came not as a letter or holographic projection, but as blocks of black metal—classical and ornate, engraved with a mysterious "R" emblem.
No instructions, no rules—just a time and place.
But every fighter who received this metal plate could feel a summons from what seemed like "destiny" itself emanating from it.
They knew this was the final "call to arms."
This would be the ultimate showdown with that mysterious organization hiding in history's shadows—"Those From the Past"!
And the tournament's organizer was a mysterious family calling themselves simply "R."
No one knew their origins, only that they possessed wealth rivaling nations and power reaching the heavens, having seemingly seized control of the world's economic lifeblood overnight.
They were the "servants" that Those From the Past had left in the human world.
"So it's finally coming?"
In the Kagura family's dojo, Elisabeth Blanctorche, last descendant of the Light Clan, gazed at the metal plate in her hand, her eyes blazing with determination.
Since Ash's disappearance, not a single day had passed without her searching for clues about Those From the Past.
She had gathered every force capable of opposing them—from the Sacred Treasures' descendants to the Hakkesshu, to top fighters like K' and Terry...
A loose but powerful "resistance alliance" had quietly formed under her efforts.
But she knew these forces alone weren't enough.
Because they faced an ancient race capable of manipulating "time," virtually "gods," along with their terrifying "Master" on the verge of resurrection.
They needed someone who could deliver the decisive blow—a true "leader."
An existence capable of standing against "gods."
And so she turned her gaze toward that man who had "retired" long ago, spending his days in decadent luxury.
Cloud's estate.
A grand "pre-war mobilization rally" was being held here.
Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, the Kagura sisters, Elisabeth, Terry, Ryo Sakazaki, K', Kula, Shermie, Goenitz...
Nearly every notable name in KOF history—whether hero or "reformed" villain—had gathered in one place.
A lineup so impressive any KOF fan would faint from excitement on the spot.
And standing at the very front was that man in casual clothes who looked the least "proper"—Cloud.
Elisabeth, as the alliance's initiator, walked solemnly before Cloud.
"Mr. Cloud." She performed a proper knight's salute, her voice clear and resolute. "This time, we face an unprecedented and powerful enemy. We... need your strength, need your leadership."
"On behalf of all warriors resisting Those From the Past, I humbly request that you become the Supreme Commander of our United Earth Forces!"
As her words fell, everyone present turned their eyes to Cloud.
Those gazes held awe, trust, anticipation, and a hint of "if you don't step up and lead us, we're all going to die" resentment.
Cloud looked at these familiar faces, then glanced at Kula in the distance, chasing butterflies with Yuri Sakazaki, and let out a helpless smile.
"Sigh, what a life of toil." He sighed. "I wanted to just be an ordinary retired billionaire hanging out with you all, but all I got was endless trouble. Fine, I'll stop pretending. Cards on the table!"
He casually flicked the lollipop from his mouth.
That tiny lollipop traced a strange arc through the air before silently vanishing into the void!
The next second, everyone present felt the air around them freeze solid.
An aura both vast and majestic, as if from the universe's very birth, slowly rose from Cloud!
In that moment, Cloud was no longer the lazy, improper man he appeared to be.
He was the center of heaven and earth!
He was the sole ruler of this universe!
"My god... this power...?!"
"He... he's gotten even stronger?!"
"This feeling... it's even more terrifying than facing Orochi!"
Every fighter present—whether prodigies like Kyo and Iori, or former "divine representatives" like Goenitz—felt their knees go weak the instant they sensed this aura, overcome by an urge to kneel in worship!
This was the pressure of "Cosmic Power"!
This was absolute "hierarchical suppression"!
"Since you all think so highly of me," Cloud's voice wasn't loud, yet resonated clearly in everyone's soul, "then I shall not decline this commander position."
He surveyed everyone present, a confident and domineering smile spreading across his face.
"So then, as your Supreme Commander, I now issue my first and only order."
"KOF XIII—go in there and fight like your lives depend on it!"
"Don't hold back, don't hesitate! Bring out every trump card you've got! Max out your style points! Flex as hard as you possibly can!"
"Let those self-righteous time travelers hiding in history's shadows get a good look!"
"At what it really means to face... the fury of Earth's people!"
"As for their so-called Master..."
Cloud's eyes flashed with an icy indifference, as if looking at a corpse.
"...leave that to me."
...
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