KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

(The settings of the secret manuals in Fatal Fury 3 conflict with some character settings in King of Fighters, so they will be changed here to conform to the novel.)

The book "The Secret Book of Qin" in Mai Zhuo's hand originated from Krausa.

This was something Mature and Vice found by chance in Krauser's castle when Rugal defeated Krauser.

"We were quite surprised when we discovered this scroll, considering it was found in a secret room in a German castle, but it was written in ancient Chinese characters."

I felt it was something special, so I subconsciously and secretly put it away...

Looking back now, I have to say my intuition was pretty accurate.

Mai Zhuo remained nestled in Yan Yue's arms, explaining with a hint of pride.

"What a coincidence..." Yan Yue sighed as she looked at the scroll in her hand.

Sometimes things happen too coincidentally or luck is too good, making even Yan Yue feel that it's outrageous.

Seeing Yan Yue's stiff expression, Mai Zhuo smiled slightly and said softly:

"I did some research before, and the secret manual in this book seems to be related to the emperors of the Qin Dynasty, which fits quite well with your imperial status, Little Yan Yue~"

As she spoke, Mai Zhuo's hands began to wander again, circling Yan Yue's chest.

"Qin Shi Huang?"

Yan Yue looked at the secret scroll in her hand and pondered for a moment.

Kusanagi Shizuru mentioned that Qin Shi Huang's origins might also be related to his own background. Perhaps the contents of the secret manual are related to the constitution of ancient emperors.

His body was simply not suited to practicing other martial arts, so he could only rely on the Mindfulness and Qi cultivation method to enhance his spiritual power and Qi. Even the "Flowing Water Shattering Rock Fist" was created based on the Mindfulness and Qi cultivation method.

This has resulted in a somewhat slow improvement in his strength. Perhaps this secret manual can actually enhance his abilities.

Because next we'll be preparing to face the Four Heavenly Kings of the Eight Orochi. How can we not become stronger?

Perhaps Geese's secret control of the conglomerate to hold the King of Fighters tournament was also an attempt to improve his own strength. That's why he spread the news of "Qin's Secret Manual" and planned to use the tournament to lure out the other two holders so that he could seize the opportunity to do so.

Thinking of this, Yan Yue said, "It looks like I have to participate in the King of Fighters tournament in Nanzhen this time."

Upon hearing this, Mai Zhuo stroked Yan Yue's cheek and replied coquettishly in a teasing tone, "Good luck~ If you win, I'll reward you handsomely..."

As she spoke, she lightly licked the corner of her mouth, her eyes revealing an irresistible allure.

Although Yan Yue was almost used to Mai Zhuo's teasing, she still blushed a little, and many strange images immediately flashed through her mind.

So Yan Yue quickly changed the subject and continued, "Sister Mai Zhuo, do you know who has the third secret manual?"

Mai Zhuo replied in her usual charming and coquettish manner, "Give me a kiss and I'll tell you."

Without saying a word, Yan Yue kissed Mai Zhuo on the cheek.

Mai Zhuo nodded in satisfaction and replied with a mischievous grin, "I don't know."

Yan Yue was speechless for a moment, then sighed, "Sister Mai Zhuo..."

"what happened?"

Yan Yue said half-jokingly, "You're so sexy..."

"Ugh~ Little Flame Moon, why have you become so naughty..."

……

The next few days.

Mai Zhuo temporarily stayed at Yan Yue's house.

Yan Yue was initially worried that a chaotic scene would unfold, but to her surprise, Xiao Long obediently agreed. This made Yan Yue extremely grateful.

So, after both Mai Zhuo and Xiao Long made concessions, Mai Zhuo finally managed to stay in another room on the second floor.

Normally, due to her special status, Mai Zhuo doesn't go out casually. Most of the time, she stays in her room using her computer to investigate various information or goes out alone to secretly investigate some gang news in order to prepare for what's to come. Occasionally, she will take the initiative to go to the third floor to talk to Xiao Long.

A secretary like Mai Zhuo has strong interpersonal skills, and an introverted and withdrawn girl like Xiao Long quickly accepted her.

After spending a few days together, Xiaolong's opinion of Maizhuo changed, and he stopped being confrontational.

Meanwhile, Yan Yue continued to diligently cultivate. When she returned to Wudang Mountain before, Tang Fulu had carefully instructed her on the advanced techniques of the "Flowing Water Shattering Rock Fist," so Yan Yue still went to the bottom of the cliff every day to try to repel the waves.

In the evening, Yan Yue would open Krauser's "Secret Book of Qin" and try to decipher its contents. Meanwhile, Mai Zhuo would also skillfully choose the right time to seduce him.

Yan Yue was already used to Mai Zhuo's routine actions, and now she even enjoyed them.

But to everyone's surprise, after realizing Mai Zhuo's motives, Xiao Long followed suit. Completely disregarding the traditions of his own Flying Thief Sect, he went to Yan Yue's room late at night and sat quietly to the side, acting very obediently, saying that he was protecting his brother Yan Yue from outside interference.

This made Yan Yue break out in a cold sweat, but she didn't pay any more attention to it.

It's a good thing that Xiaolong is gradually adapting to the life of an ordinary person. Compared to the overly restrictive Flying Thieves Clan, Yanyue hopes that Xiaolong can let go of his identity as a Flying Thief Clan and truly live a freer life.

……

A month passed just like that.

Bubble Cafe has become very popular since it just opened.

Yan Yue learned from Terry that the bubble cafe in South Town was actually a branch; the main branch was located in New York City, and the owner was Richard Mayer, a very famous local leg-fighting expert. Furthermore, Mayer and Terry had a good relationship.

The branch in South Town was opened by Richard's apprentice, Bob Wilson, who was also a fighter skilled in leg techniques.

Meanwhile, the news that South Town was hosting the King of Fighters tournament was confirmed, but the organizer remained hidden behind the scenes. This made Yan Yue even more suspicious that Geese was behind it all.

News of the tournament and the secret manual spread quickly, immediately attracting many foreign fighters to South Town.

This led to a temporary halt in the fighting among the various gangs in South Town, who were all secretly investigating the whereabouts of the secret manual. Some gangs also sent their own fighters to participate in the tournament.

Furthermore, since the outside fighters do not belong to any faction and are difficult to control, the gangs have not made any rash moves on the surface and do not want to cause conflict. Instead, they have been secretly observing the fighters who are preparing to participate in the competition.

……

One morning, at the Phantom Bar.

Robert, dressed in a crisp blue shirt and white trousers, was waiting for something in his luxurious convertible sports car parked not far from the bar entrance.

He possessed a remarkably gentlemanly and elegant demeanor. Coupled with his tall stature and handsome appearance, he instantly attracted the attention of passersby.

But then, a familiar voice rang out, "You're quite handsome! Are you going on a date?"

Just then, Robert suddenly shuddered as if struck by lightning, then quickly turned around. He saw a figure slowly walking towards him—it was Yan Yue, wearing sunglasses.

Yan Yue was on vacation at the time and wanted to come to the bar to ask everyone for some inside information about Nan Town.

Robert felt a pang of panic. His eyes darted around, and he replied somewhat guiltily, "How...how could that be? I just came to pick up Lily and take her home."

However, his unnatural tone and expression could not hide his true thoughts.

Seeing Robert's appearance, Yan Yue directly exposed his lie: "Come on, stop pretending! I think you're just trying to take advantage of Uncle Sakazaki's absence from the dojo to pursue Yuri."

Upon hearing this, Robert quickly stepped forward, gently placed his hand on Yan Yue's shoulder, and whispered a reminder: "Shh! Keep your voice down! Don't let anyone hear us!"

Seeing this, Yan Yue nodded in agreement and said, "Good luck! But, Baihe seems a bit oblivious when it comes to romance. Aside from caring about her brother and Sister King, she doesn't seem to understand anything about other romantic relationships..."

Robert frowned slightly after hearing this and retorted, "What do you know? These things can't be rushed; you have to cultivate feelings slowly!"

As he spoke, he unconsciously clenched his fist, as if he had made up his mind.

Yan Yue shook her head helplessly, a bitter smile appearing on her lips, and said, "Look at the way you're talking, anyone who didn't know better would think you're a seasoned player in love."

Robert sighed deeply, his face full of worry, and muttered to himself, "Sigh... I can't understand why Master just won't agree to me pursuing Baihe."

After hearing this, Yan Yue frowned slightly and pondered for a moment. She had some guesses in her mind, but she did not say them out loud.

"Hmm...maybe it's because your charm is just too powerful!"

Upon hearing this, Robert's previously dull eyes instantly lit up. He excitedly slapped his thigh and shouted, "I knew it! See, even you think so!"

However, seeing Robert's narcissistic appearance, Yan Yue sighed inwardly: This guy is hopeless!

In Yan Yue's view, for someone like Sakazaki Takuma who has very strong traditional values, his disagreement with Robert pursuing yuri is likely because he is worried that a noble young man like Robert might be too frivolous towards women.

However, Yan Yue often interacted with Robert and learned that although Robert appeared to be unrestrained and dashing on the surface, he was actually quite devoted, which was much better than the flirtatious male model Hong Wan who liked to flirt with people everywhere.

"Anyway, keep going, I support you..." Yan Yue comforted her.

Suddenly, a strange girl's voice rang out, "Robert?"

Yan Yue and Robert looked at the girl at the same time, and saw a blonde, blue-eyed girl wearing a travel hat appear in front of them. Behind her was a blonde, short-haired beauty wearing a green leather jacket.

Robert's gaze was instantly drawn to the girl wearing a travel hat. He was slightly taken aback because he recognized her at a glance as his good friend from Italy.

"Freya!? What brings you here?"

Freya slowly raised her head, her beautiful eyes meeting Yan Yue's, then turning her gaze to Robert. Her expression was unusually solemn, and she said in a low voice:

"Robert! There's something very important I need to discuss with you privately..."

Hearing this, Yan Yue tactfully waved her hand and smiled at the two of them, saying:

"In that case, I'll go to the bar to find my senior brothers first." After saying that, Yan Yue turned and walked into the bar.

After watching Yan Yue walk into the bar, Robert nodded seriously in agreement.

Then, Freya turned around to face the short-haired beauty beside her and sincerely thanked her: "Thank you so much, Miss Mary. I was able to reach South Town safely thanks to your help."

Mary nodded slightly. "You're welcome. My request is now complete!" she said, bowing to Robert and Freya.

After stretching, he also headed towards the Phantom Bar.

Upon hearing Mary's name, Yan Yue, who had already reached the bar entrance, suddenly turned around and looked at the short-haired beauty named Mary, as memories flashed through her mind.

It was her! Yan Yue suddenly remembered her – this beautiful older woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.

A melancholy wild rose! Blue Mary.

Yan Yue didn't know much about Mary, only that Mary had a good relationship with the three wolves and was good at close combat.

He seemed to be either a policeman or a secret agent.