KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

The setting sun seemed to come alive, painting the entire sea surface a brilliant red.

Dozens of large lifeboats drifted majestically on the red sea, their imposing figures contrasting with the surging waves, showcasing an indomitable strength.

The once massive and imposing black Noah's Ark (aircraft carrier) was now riddled with holes and unrecognizable. The towering flames, like an angry fire dragon, wantonly devoured everything around it, while billowing black smoke, like a group of black ghosts, spread through the air. The whole scene seemed like a true depiction of the apocalypse, sending chills down one's spine.

The tourists on the lifeboat stared blankly at the huge ship that was slowly sinking into the sea in the distance. A trace of despair flashed in their eyes at first, and then a sense of relief after successfully escaping gradually appeared.

At this moment, Yan Yue and the three members of the Japanese team lay quietly in a makeshift first-aid room on the lifeboat. Several special forces soldiers were busily moving around inside, waving medical instruments in their hands. But everyone's expressions were calm, clearly indicating that none of them were in mortal danger.

Haderen and the other fighters nearby also suffered injuries of varying degrees during their escape. Some were pale and slightly out of breath; others were barely able to support themselves, their eyes revealing exhaustion and resilience.

However, regardless of the extent of their injuries, everyone felt incredibly fortunate to have escaped unscathed. Some had already begun chatting quietly, sharing their experiences and feelings. Their laughter seemed to be a praise of life, adding a touch of warmth to this disastrous moment.

……

Haderen was contacting the rescue team with a radio. After a long while, he finally hung up the phone, sighed deeply, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Haderen gazed at the sinking mothership in the distance, recalling all the information.

The Black Noah, Rugal's private aircraft carrier. In order to increase his collection by hosting the World King of Fighters Tournament, Rugal transformed the upper part of his aircraft carrier into a cruise ship-shaped arena and entertainment venue.

In his defeat, Rugal detonated the bombs inside the ship, causing it to sink to the bottom of the sea along with his mothership.

Fortunately, Yan Yue's powerful perception allowed her to foresee the bombs on the ship. It was also thanks to Hadilen's decisive decision and meticulous arrangements that the casualties among the tourists were minimized, saving countless families from harm.

Thinking of this, Hadiran slowly pulled the photograph, which held countless memories, from his pocket. The face in the photograph was like a warm ray of sunshine, instantly illuminating the softest corner of his heart.

He gazed at the familiar faces of his wife and daughter in the photograph, his eyes softening like a gentle spring breeze, caressing his heart; while his grief surged like a raging tide. It was a testament to their happy family life, the most important thing in his life.

Haderen gazed intently at the photograph of his wife and daughter, as if trying to etch their images into his heart. Then, he gently reached out and slowly released the photograph out the window. The photograph swayed and danced in the air, like a butterfly that had lost its way, until it was finally carried away by the wind and disappeared into the vast ocean.

Heidern knew that with Rugal's death, the shadow that had once loomed over his heart had finally dissipated. He could let go of that heavy hatred and bravely face a new life. He made a clean break with his past, bidding farewell to those painful memories, and went to pursue his own future. He still had his good friends, his subordinates, and most importantly, his beloved daughter, Leona.

……

The next day, the group's lifeboats were rescued by the UN military, who, after meeting with Haderen, escorted everyone back to Japan.

The tourists are mostly wealthy young people from all over the world, backed by powerful conglomerates with vested interests linked to their governments. Furthermore, conglomerates from around the globe have intricate and complex relationships with Rugal, the Dark Emperor.

Therefore, in order to avoid further trouble, the explosion of Black Noah was ultimately suppressed by the United Nations, and the broadcast of the fight video was also restricted.

To compensate the fighters who were put in danger during the competition, Heidern, after discussions with the UN military, awarded each team a prize. Naturally, the Japanese team received the largest prize.

The American and South Korean teams left Japan shortly after receiving their prize money.

……

Two days later, Engetsu lay in a hospital in Osaka Castle, unconscious but not in mortal danger, with Kyo Kusanagi, also unconscious, by his side. Benimaru and Daimon had been discharged and were recuperating at home.

During this time, the people of Nanzhen also came to visit Yan Yue and Kusanagi Kyo, and left one after another after finding that they were alright.

Terry and King return to South Town with the Sakazaki family. Terry reunites with Angelina and Rock, while King needs to continue running her bar. Andy and Mai Shiranui return to the Shiranui Dojo in Japan. Joe Higashi returns to Thailand to continue his Muay Thai training.

Haderen led his squad back to their base in Brazil, taking with them the still-disoriented Kusanagi Shizuru, in an attempt to find someone to heal him.

Others would visit Engetsu and Kusanagi Kyo at the hospital from time to time.

……

The sea was as calm as a mirror, without a ripple, and the stars in the night sky were like jewels, dazzling yet gentle. Yan Yue's body was completely relaxed, lying quietly on the sea, as if she had become one with the ocean.

Beneath the surface of the sea, a group of golden fish swam by, their scales shimmering with iridescent light, as beautiful as a dream.

Yan Yue returned to his own consciousness. He looked at the brilliant starry sky, and the scene of his battle with Geese immediately appeared. The scene contained golden flames, and his vision was briefly restored, allowing him to clearly see the powerful force released by Geese's hands. This was exactly the same scene as his battle with Rugal.

Yan Yue turned her head to look to the side, where a ball of golden flame was quietly floating on the sea.

Yan Yue immediately reached out, and the ball of flame drifted over again. When Yan Yue touched the flame, those ancient scenes reappeared in her eyes, but this time, Yan Yue clearly felt much better...

……

On the morning of the third day of his coma, the sunlight shone through the thin clouds, like a veil falling on every corner of the city, as if draping the whole world in a soft glow.

Athena and Yuki Kushinada were walking on their way to the hospital.

Athena wore a light blue dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps. She wore a red bow, and her purple hair danced freely in the wind, making her incredibly beautiful and lovely.

Meanwhile, Yuki Kushinada wore a white short skirt with a pink belt around her waist. Her steps were light and elegant, and her beautiful face carried a faint worry.

A hint of worry flickered in Athena's bright eyes as she softly asked, "Xiaoxue, when do you think Yanyue and Jing will wake up?"

Yuki Kushinada lowered her head slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes. Then she sighed softly and replied, "They're just exhausted right now. Even you, with your superpowers, don't know that, so how would I know?"

Athena saw Xiaoxue's expression and patted her on the shoulder. "Yes, but it's good that they're alright."

Then, Athena looked at the exquisite bag that Xiaoxue was carrying and said with a smile, "That's right, Xiaoxue prepared some homemade snacks for Jing again today. Jing will be very happy when he wakes up."

Kishinada Yuki blushed slightly, smiled shyly, and said softly, "Oh, no, don't tease me like that."

Athena winked mischievously at her bright eyes, a sly glint in them. "Haha, Little Xue, I guessed your thoughts so easily!"

Upon hearing this, Yuki Kishinada blushed even more. She retorted defiantly, "Don't be so smug. Didn't you also bring some delicious food for Engetsu? And I must say, Engetsu is really beautiful. Her charm is simply captivating!"

Athena's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile, and she explained, "It's different. Yan Yue and I are true friends. We met back in China. Besides, Yan Yue has someone he likes."

Xiaoxue realized she couldn't win an argument with Athena and shook her head helplessly, but she became even more curious about the tournament.

So Xiaoxue cautiously asked, "Athena, could you tell me in detail what happened during the King of Fighters tournament? I really want to know."

Athena sighed softly, a hint of reminiscence in her eyes, and slowly began, "It's a long story. At the time, none of us present had any idea that so many secrets were hidden behind this competition..."

Athena told Yuki Kushinada what she knew, and as they talked, the two slowly walked toward the hospital.

……

The author came to supplement the settings.

Classification of martial arts systems in the King of Fighters universe.

Martial arts are divided into two categories: physical techniques and internal energy, also known as external skills and internal strength. Cultivating both can balance oneself, with the two complementing each other, leading to mastery of martial arts.

I. Physical Techniques.

In China, it is generally referred to as external martial arts. Physical martial arts refer to various forms of physical training, including strength, speed, and techniques.

II. Qi (vital energy).

In China, this is called internal energy. There are many ways to express this energy, and it varies depending on the fighter's constitution.

Common ways to express energy include Terry's energy attacks such as [Energy Wave], [Flame Punch], and [Energy Fountain], or energy waves such as [Tiger Flame Fist] and [Overlord Soaring Fist] of the Kyokugenryu style.

Special types of ki include Kyo Kusanagi's flames, Benimaru's electric currents, or the fire-style ninjutsu of the Shiranui school; all of these are forms of ki (internal energy).

Introduction to mental power:

Mental strength is not a martial art, but a kind of ability that a few people are born with. It can be called telekinesis, superpower, or special ability.

Athena, Kensou, and the protagonist Engetsu are all characters with very strong mental power.

Introduction to Nen:

Literally, it means the combination of mental power and internal energy. Currently, only the protagonist, Yan Yue, can perfectly combine mental power and internal energy.

……

Skill level classification.

[...] - Normal moves. Corresponding game moves - Special moves, command throws, finishing moves, etc.

Ultimate move [...] — A powerful attack. Corresponding game skill — EX skill.

Super Special Move [...] — Normal Ultimate Move. Corresponding Game — 1-Gas Super Special Move. Blue Gass Move.

MAX Super Special Move [...] — Enhanced ultimate move. Corresponding game — 2-level Super Special Move. Red Aura Kill.

Ultimate Super Special Move [...] — The most powerful move. Corresponding game — Hidden Special Move. Golden Aura Kill.

MAX Ultimate Super Special Move [...] - The most powerful move used under special circumstances.

……

A roar from the author: (voice cracks)

There is no energy gauge; as long as the fighter has enough stamina, it's like having unlimited energy!

There is no BC system; as long as the fighter is strong enough, they will have BC by default!