"Alright, alright, enough with the formalities." Cloud waved his hand dismissively. "Next time you get the chance, come visit my place. I'll treat you to some good drinks."
"It's a promise!" Guile nodded firmly. He knew that the "home" Cloud spoke of might not be anywhere on Earth. But he would keep this promise locked firmly in his heart.
"Hey! Cloud!" Ken also came over enthusiastically, throwing an arm around Cloud's shoulders with his trademark sunny grin.
"We really owe you this time! If it weren't for you, we'd probably all be buried with that purple yam-looking freak. So tell me, what do you want as thanks? My newest Ferrari? Want me to introduce you to some Hollywood actresses?"
"I'm not interested in your car, and as for actresses... ahem, also not interested," Cloud said. "Your kind thoughts are enough."
He looked at Ken, and at Ryu beside him—who remained silent but whose eyes were equally filled with gratitude and respect.
"So, what are you two planning to do next?"
"Me?" Ken smiled. "Going home, of course. To be with my wife Eliza and my newborn son. After fighting this long, it's time to go back and be a super-dad."
His face radiated happiness.
"But," he looked toward Ryu, fighting spirit igniting in his eyes, "once my son's old enough to run errands, I'll definitely come back out to have one hell of a fight with Ryu! Our battle isn't over yet!"
Ryu bowed deeply to Cloud.
"Cloud, you have opened an entirely new door for me," he said solemnly. "I will continue my path of training. To understand and master the power within me. To seek the true pinnacle of martial arts that belongs to me."
"I have a feeling!" He raised his head, those pure eyes filled with yearning for the future. "Someday, we will meet again at an even higher summit."
"Good." Cloud looked at these two protagonists, full of vitality and promise, and smiled with satisfaction.
"I'll be waiting for you."
...
All banquets must end.
The heroes' adventure was drawing to a close.
Each would embark on their own life's journey.
Guile would return to his family and military, continuing to protect his country and justice.
Ken would transform from a carefree fighting champion into a mature husband and father.
Ryu would walk even further—and more resolutely—down his solitary path of seeking the Way.
All of them had their fates altered by Cloud's appearance.
But their stories were far from over.
...
After brief farewells, the military helicopter Guile had contacted quickly arrived. He boarded with Ryu and Ken, disappearing into the horizon.
Only Cloud and Chun-Li remained atop the ruins.
The atmosphere became somewhat delicate.
"They're... all gone," Chun-Li said softly, watching the helicopter fade into the distance, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
"Yeah." Cloud nodded. "Heroes always have their curtain calls."
"What about you?" Chun-Li turned her head, those beautiful large eyes fixed unblinkingly on Cloud. "Are you... leaving too?"
Her voice was filled with reluctance, and a trace of panic she herself hadn't noticed.
She was afraid. Afraid that this man who had streaked across her life like a meteor would suddenly vanish from her world, just like that helicopter.
Cloud looked at her pitiful, vulnerable, helpless expression, and his heart softened.
He knew the moment of parting would eventually come.
His "KPIs" in this world had all been completed.
The system's insistent "clock out" notification had been buzzing in his head all morning.
But...
Looking at this girl who had just avenged her father, only to immediately face the risk of "heartbreak," he really couldn't bear it.
"Mm, it's time to go." Cloud nodded, then his tone shifted as a scheming smile appeared on his face. "But for this business trip, I'm still short a secretary and personal bodyguard. I think Miss Chun-Li has impressive skills and high visual appeal. Any interest in... changing jobs to work with me?"
"Huh?" Chun-Li blinked, not comprehending.
"What I mean is," Cloud extended his hand toward her, just like when they first met, making an invitation, "my upcoming journey will take me to more interesting—and more dangerous—worlds."
"Chun-Li, would you like to come with me?"
This was no longer just an invitation.
This was a brazen declaration to elope!
Chun-Li's heart pounded wildly!
Her cheeks instantly flushed with two beautiful rosy clouds!
Go to a completely new world?
Together with him?
This proposal was filled with the unknown, filled with danger, but also filled with an irresistible temptation!
She looked at Cloud's confident, expectant smile, and recalled all the times he had saved her from danger; recalled how, in her most confused moments, he had been like a lighthouse guiding her; recalled how, in her most helpless moments, his embrace had been warm yet steadfast...
Did she need to hesitate?
"I... I'm willing!"
The words practically burst out of her!
Only after saying them did she realize what she'd said, her face instantly turning red enough to drip blood.
Seeing her adorable embarrassment, Cloud smiled.
He opened his arms.
Chun-Li understood, and like a bird finally finding its nest, dove into his broad, warm embrace.
"But..." She buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled. "Am I... being too selfish? My work, my friends..."
"Silly." Cloud gently patted her back. "You've already done more than enough for this world. Now it's time for you to live for yourself."
"Besides," he grinned mischievously, "coming with me is still maintaining world peace, isn't it? Just maintaining peace across all dimensions and realms. And you can come back to visit anytime. Think bigger!"
Chun-Li laughed at his words. She raised her head, that tear-stained pretty face blooming into an incredibly moving smile.
"Sweet-talker."
She gazed at Cloud, her expression becoming infinitely tender.
Then she stood on tiptoe.
And once again, took the initiative to kiss his lips.
This kiss was no longer filled with desperate resolve and catharsis like before.
It was filled with a maiden's sweetness, and infinite longing for the future.
...
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