"What kind of chips?" Nathan Hawke asked immediately.
"Genetic modification technology," Zhan Jilingma replied. "It's an upgraded version of Karlkov's original work, but Mr. NEST-S decided to seal it away. It's currently stored in a base somewhere in Europe."
As soon as she finished speaking, Nathan's expression sharpened."What about Igniz? Have you or Cruz had any contact with him?"
"I'm not sure," Jilingma said, shaking her head. "But Cruz hinted that if I managed to obtain the genetic modification tech, I should follow him. He also implied that he doesn't want to get caught up in the coming power struggle."
"So?" Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"In other words," Jilingma said after a pause, "Cruz probably received an invitation from Igniz. He's just hesitating for now. If we fail to secure that technology first, he might go to Igniz for it."
Nathan leaned back slightly, then stood up decisively. "Then there's nothing more to say. Let's move."He looked at Jilingma and added, "When you get back, tell me the exact location. You can handle that, right?"
"Of course. Expect good news soon." Jilingma gave a confident smile and left.
Nathan glanced at Electro beside him. "Don't just stand there. Let's go."
When Nathan handed his briefcase to Andrew, the man looked confused."Boss, do you need me to come with you?"
"No," Nathan instructed. "These next few days, spend more time with Master Chin Gentsai. Ask him about improving your psychic control and martial skills. He doesn't use psychic power himself, but his martial arts experience is more than enough to guide you. Every KOF fighter is a powerhouse—treat this tournament as your training. You still lack real combat experience against strong opponents."
"Got it," Andrew blinked.
Nathan sighed. "This guy…" He really hoped Andrew could one day have a real fight with Iori Yagami. Then again, Andrew could fly—and most characters in the KOF world couldn't.
"That's right," Nathan said seriously.
"What's wrong, boss?" Andrew asked curiously, tilting his head.
"Don't reveal that you can fly. Ever," Nathan said sternly.
Andrew shuddered and replied quickly, "O-okay, okay." In his mind, he thought, So the boss already knows that if I'm losing, I just fly up and blast them with telekinesis?
"If you fly in this world," Nathan warned, waving his hand, "someone's going to come after you immediately. Be careful."Then he turned and walked away.
A few days later.
Nathan Hawke and Electro met with Zhan Jilingma at a bar.
"This way, boss," Jilingma said, leading them into a private room.
When Nathan stepped inside, he found two people already waiting. As he entered, they both stood up.
"Nathan Hawke."
"Max Dillon."
"Dr. Cruz."
"Ramon."
"Ramon?" Nathan looked at the man—a sharp-eyed, cunning fellow wearing a small eyepatch. It was indeed Ramon, one of the teammates of "K," the protagonist of The King of Fighters 2000.
Then Nathan turned his attention to Cruz.
Cruz had short black hair neatly combed back, with deep brown eyes full of calm focus. His features were sharp and symmetrical, giving him a confident, intelligent look.
Tall and lean, he carried himself with a quiet energy. The white lab coat he wore gave him the air of a man utterly devoted to research. Every movement exuded poise and precision.
"Just a little genetic infusion," Cruz said with a polite smile, shaking Nathan's hand.
Nathan raised an eyebrow. So this guy's got some presence too. His handshake was firm.
Once everyone sat down, Cruz spoke first. "I've hired Ramon. But I heard from Mr. Jilingma that you, Mr. Hawke, have an electrokinetic under your command?"
No sooner had he said that than—
BZZZZZT!
Electro rose into the air, lightning crackling around his body.
"What the hell?!" Cruz exclaimed, staring in shock. Ramon, behind him, was equally stunned.
"I thought Benimaru from the KOF tournament was impressive," Cruz muttered, "but your Max Dillon—he's on another level."
"You can test your combat ability if you'd like," Nathan said, glancing at Ramon.
"Haha, no, no need," Cruz waved his hands quickly.
"Then let's get to planning," Jilingma said.
Cruz nodded. "Genetic modification—the one improved by Karlkov—currently exists in three places: one public, two hidden. Aside from the European branch base originally holding it, the other two are in the hands of Zero and Igniz."
The room fell silent as everyone listened carefully.
Cruz continued, "The European branch is too heavily guarded—we can't get in. Igniz's base is completely off-limits. That leaves only one target—Zero's."
He turned to Ramon.
Ramon smirked. "Here's what I've learned. 'Clone Zero' made a deal with a smuggler named Long, leader of a thieves' syndicate. The item being traded—Karlkov's modified genetic tech."
"The customs checks in Long's country are strict," Ramon went on, "but Silver Nest, the biggest trading organization, has no trouble shipping it legally—just pay the taxes."
He raised one finger.
"A single CD containing the genetic modification data, stored with other goods in a secure vault. It's currently held at the Sound Nest port in Sakura Country. Scheduled for transport in ten days."
Cruz added, "I've been there before. Besides the usual security, there are specialists guarding it secretly. The supplies aren't fully prepared yet. And according to my insider, the safe containing the CD hasn't even arrived at the port."
"I'll scout the place in the meantime," Cruz continued. "Once I've mapped it out, I'll send you a layout. If you succeed, I'll join you. If you fail—"
"Don't worry," Jilingma interrupted confidently. "We won't fail. Apart from a few skilled guards, Sound Nest's security isn't that impressive unless we run into an executive." He glanced meaningfully at Nathan.
Nathan considered the timing.
Ten days. Mid-July.Enough time to pay the Gehenna Band a visit and drain their blood if needed.
"Alright. Contact Jilingma when it's time," Nathan said firmly.
"Got it." Cruz looked at him, nodded respectfully—perhaps at his future superior—and turned to leave with Ramon.
After they left, Nathan said quietly, "I don't think he's the type obsessed with science."
He had only known Cruz briefly from the story's timeline, but meeting him now, Nathan could sense something different—Cruz's ambition wasn't purely scientific.
Jilingma chuckled. "That's because his original dream wasn't to become a scientist." He clenched his fist, striking a boxer's pose. "His dream was to become a fighter. Genetic modification is just his way to reach that goal. And one reason he doesn't want to serve Igniz—he refuses to live as just a 'researcher.'"
Nathan couldn't help but smile faintly and shake his head. "So, to become a true scientist, one must first become an excellent researcher, huh?"
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