KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

(The prologue to the spin-off series "Maximum Impact" is complete; the main story will continue from here.)

At this moment, Mai Zhuo was wearing an exquisite black business suit. The well-tailored lines perfectly outlined her figure, showcasing her beauty and elegance.

"Little Yan Yue~ Have you missed me lately?"

She smiled faintly, her lips curving upwards, and looked at Yan Yue with a meaningful gaze.

When Yan Yue saw Mai Zhuo approaching the gate, she roughly guessed why she had come.

So Yan Yue said to Locke, "Locke, after you've mastered the Gale Fist, remember to practice the Rising Dragon Fist that I taught you."

As she spoke, Yan Yue slowly walked towards the direction where Mai Zhuo was.

"Okay, big brother!" As he spoke, Locke also turned to look at Mai Zhuo. He thought the unfamiliar older sister in front of him was very beautiful and couldn't help but feel curious, but it was only a brief distraction.

Soon, Locke turned back to the wooden stake in front of him and continued practicing.

Yan Yue walked slowly to Mai Zhuo with light steps. He had a faint smile on his face and his eyes were calm as water. He greeted her softly, "Long time no see, Sister Mai Zhuo."

As always, Mai Zhuo skillfully extended her right hand and gently wrapped it around Yan Yue's neck.

Immediately afterwards, she leaned forward slightly, her beautiful face instantly coming within inches of Yan Yue's. Yan Yue was already used to this, so his expression remained calm.

Yan Yue asked casually, "Looks like you're here to deliver an invitation..." Before she could finish, Mai Zhuo suddenly giggled and said in a very experienced tone, "You're so annoying! Little Yan Yue~ You guessed it again..."

"I have important business to attend to now! We can play more tonight~" With that, Mai Zhuo suddenly pulled her hand back forcefully and shoved En Yue away. Then, without looking back, she turned and strode quickly into the Kyokugenryu Dojo.

Yan Yue was left standing there, gazing thoughtfully at her departing figure, before following her.

As Mature slowly entered the Kyokugenryu Dojo, a group of disciples dressed in white karate uniforms came into view. They were being instructed by Ryo Sakazaki and practicing basic karate with each other.

Ryo Sakazaki quickly sensed Mature's presence, his eyes turning serious and wary. He remembered that this was the woman who had brought the three members of the Japanese team to Rugal during last year's tournament.

At this point, Ryo Sakazaki was absolutely certain that this woman was Rugal's person.

When Mature saw Ryo Sakazaki staring at her, she smiled contemptuously, while Ryo was also somewhat surprised by the woman's expression.

Suddenly, the dark red serpent power emanated from Mature, and her entire body transformed into a blood-red afterimage as she attacked Ryo Sakazaki.

Ultimate move: [Steel Massacre]!

Mature's fingernails transformed into blades, unleashing a horizontal slash towards Ryo Sakazaki. Her speed was astonishing; the surrounding disciples didn't even have time to react, and Engetsu was also witnessing Mature's attack for the first time, which greatly surprised him.

Because the moment Mature used the power of Orochi, Engetsu could no longer sense Mature's presence, which caused Engetsu to involuntarily frown.

As the gleaming blade in Mature's hand pierced towards Ryo Sakazaki, it was already upon him in the blink of an eye.

However, Ryo Sakazaki lived up to his reputation as a successor of Kyokugenryu. In an instant, Ryo Sakazaki reacted quickly, letting out a loud shout as his arms jerked violently, and all the muscles in his body tensed up instantly.

Ultimate move: [Fierce Tiger Thunder God Gang]!

In an instant, he lowered his entire body, charging towards Mai Zhuo with the momentum of a fierce tiger.

In the blink of an eye, Ryo Sakazaki used advanced Kyokugenryu taijutsu to block Mature's attack.

With a dull thud, Mature's sharp claws collided violently with Ryo Sakazaki's powerful punch, and a burst of intense energy erupted from the point of contact.

In an instant, the disciples who were still practicing were startled awake and looked in horror toward the direction where Mature and Ryo were.

Just as everyone's attention was focused on this, Mai Zhuo suddenly seemed like a different person. Without hesitation, she withdrew her move, and with a light leap, landed steadily back in her original position.

Immediately afterwards, Mai Zhuo gracefully reached into the side pocket of her clothes and slowly pulled out a white envelope.

The envelope seemed to exude a mysterious aura, attracting the attention of everyone present.

Then, Mature swung her arm sharply, throwing the white envelope in her hand straight at Ryo Sakazaki.

Without hesitation, Ryo Sakazaki reached out and caught the envelope that flew towards him. After receiving it, he immediately examined it closely. Just one glance was enough to make his brow furrow, and a look of doubt appeared on his face.

This letter paper is exactly the same as the one I received last year; the texture, pattern, and size are almost identical. Similarly, the letter "R" is still clearly visible in the red wax seal.

Standing to the side, Yan Yue had long ago confirmed with Mature that Rugal had been resurrected. Therefore, Yan Yue did not show too much surprise, but the unease in her heart began to grow stronger, and she always felt that Rugal was up to something else.

"What does this mean?" Ryo Sakazaki asked, looking at Mature.

“My name is Mature,” Mature said, bowing slightly. “As the one who issued the KOF invitation, I need to test the fighters’ strength.”

"That's not what I'm asking. Why is the invitation the same as last year's, still labeled 'R'?"

Mature replied politely as always, "Mr. Ryo Sakazaki, if you want to know, please participate in the King of Fighters tournament!"

After saying that, Mai Zhuo turned and walked out, not forgetting to wink at Yan Yue and tease her:

"Little Yan Yue~ I'm going to get busy now, remember to make plans for tonight~"

"..." Yan Yue blushed slightly as she looked at the envious gazes of the many disciples behind her, gave an awkward smile, and remained silent.

After Mature finished speaking, she walked to the door, glanced at Locke who was practicing in the outer area, and then used the power of Orochi to disappear from everyone's sight in a flash.

Ryo Sakazaki and his many disciples were momentarily amazed: "Such speed!"

Yan Yue wasn't particularly surprised, as he had witnessed it before. However, he was now even more certain of the danger posed by the Orochi's power, and a sense of unease crept into his heart.

……

As night fell, countless stars twinkled in the vast sky, and a bright, clear moon hung high in the air.

Yan Yue sat alone on the edge of a rooftop, her legs dangling casually in the air, swinging gently.

From this vantage point, you can take in the dazzling night view of the entire South Town.

However, Yan Yue had no heart to appreciate the beautiful scene at this moment.

When Mature fought Ryo Sakazaki, she clearly used the power of Orochi. Engetsu saw that Mature did not disappear into thin air, but was moving at high speed. However, Engetsu could only see her, but could not sense her presence.

Therefore, Yan Yue concluded that the power of the Eight Heroes did not belong to humans. Their pure Orochi power could block out his senses, which meant that if he were to face the Eight Heroes, his senses would be rendered useless, which would be extremely dangerous.

Mature West is alright, she's not an enemy yet, but there are other members of the Eight Heroes, especially the Four Heavenly Kings, who will only get stronger.

Yan Yue had previously learned some information about the Eight Orochi from Mature. Combining this with her own memories, she knew that the Eight Orochi consisted of eight members, representing the eight heads of the Yamata no Orochi in the mythology. They were Goenitz, Yashiro, Shermie, Chris, Gader, Mature, Vice, and Yamazaki Ryuji.

Goenitz, Yashiro, Shermie, and Chris each control one of the four natural disaster elements on Earth, possessing the power to destroy everything. They are much stronger than the other eight members of the Eight Orochi, and are known as the "Four Heavenly Kings" of the Eight Orochi.

With Gadile dead, his power seems to reside in his daughter Leona.

Mature and Vice are as close as sisters. One is incredibly fast, and the other has terrifying strength. Both of them have extremely cruel personalities hidden within them.

However, they all disliked the Four Heavenly Kings intensely. So, when Mature was tasked with monitoring them, she said things like, "Although Orochi will eventually descend, I don't like certain people." This might also be the reason they turned against Goenitz.

As for Yamazaki Ryuji, Yan Yue couldn't quite remember him. She only remembered that he was a madman who was fierce with a knife, had strange moves, and could fight with his brain. Moreover, Yamazaki Ryuji seemed to have some connections with the underworld in South Town, so it would be troublesome if she encountered him.

Thinking of this, Yan Yue began to have a headache. It seemed that dealing with the Eight Heroes would really require the help of the Three Divine Weapons.

Thinking of this, Yan Yue couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Jing, my darling, I really did my best! You have to learn [Styleless] quickly... otherwise how are we going to fight them?"

Just as Yan Yue was lost in thought, a gentle voice suddenly sounded in her ear: "My little Yan Yue~ What are you thinking about?"

Suddenly, Mai Zhuo quietly appeared beside him and sat down gracefully.

At this moment, Mai Zhuo changed into her signature black long dress. The slit design of the skirt revealed a section of her slender and beautiful legs, and the black stockings that were faintly visible added a touch of charm and allure.

Her long, golden hair was still tied back, gently brushing against her snow-white skin, radiating a captivating yet deadly glow under the moonlight.

"Nothing? Is there something you need to talk to me about tonight?" Yan Yue asked Mai Zhuo with a puzzled look on her face.

Mai Zhuo chuckled coquettishly and said, "What else could it be? I, your older sister, always love playing with you!"

Before she finished speaking, Mai Zhuo skillfully stretched out her arms and wrapped them around Yan Yue's neck. With a gentle lift of her legs, she sat steadily on Yan Yue's lap once again, like a nimble cat.

Yan Yue was already used to Mai Zhuo's intimate and proactive behavior. His expression remained calm as still water, as if none of this could stir the slightest ripple in his heart.

Yan Yue pressed on, "Sister Mai Zhuo, who in South Town received invitations?"

Upon hearing this, Mai Zhuo's lips curled into a mysterious smile. Her slender, long fingers gently traced circles on Yan Yue's chest as she whispered:

"Want to know? These are all contestants carefully selected by my boss. For example, there's the incredibly talented Ryo Sakazaki, the dashing Terry, and the heroic King, etc..."

At this point, Mai Zhuo paused deliberately, then suddenly leaned close to Yan Yue's ear and whispered in a soft, sweet voice, "Of course, there's you too~ my lovely little Yan Yue~"

After saying that, she playfully licked Yan Yue's earlobe with the tip of her tongue. "Little rascal, still pretending to be serious~"