Dragon's movements were swift and precise, his sharp gaze fixed on the Electric Man as he calmly analyzed every motion of his opponent.
With a deep growl, Dragon unleashed his own technique — a dazzling display of martial mastery.
"Demon Cry Fist!"
In an instant, his figure vanished, reappearing before the Electric Man like a phantom. Both fists came crashing down with the force of a rampaging beast, the wind howling with destructive power. The Electric Man barely dodged, but the sheer force of the strike sent him staggering backward several steps.
Dragon gave him no chance to recover. With a fierce shout, he thrust out both palms, fiery energy gathering between them. The air trembled as sharp sound waves erupted outward, forming a violent shockwave that surged toward the Electric Man. Forced on the defensive, he stumbled back, narrowly avoiding the devastating impact.
Sensing the danger, the Electric Man pulled away, preparing for a counterattack from range. Lightning crackled around his hands, forming a glowing sphere of electric energy. Just as he was about to launch it, Dragon's form blurred again — his Flying Silk Step technique allowed him to glide through the air like a swallow, closing the distance in an instant. His foot flashed like a mirage, striking the Electric Man squarely in the chest.
The Electric Man groaned, electricity scattering from his body as he was forced backward. He tried to respond with ranged attacks, but Dragon didn't relent — another flurry of lightning-fast kicks pinned him down, each impact sending tremors through the ground.
Desperate to regain control, the Electric Man prepared to retreat — but Dragon anticipated it. With a whisper, he invoked Mystic Flight, soaring through the air with inhuman agility. He weaved effortlessly between attacks, launching unpredictable strikes from above.
The Electric Man gritted his teeth. His opponent's speed and adaptability were overwhelming.
Determined, he changed tactics. His body shimmered, and in a flash of lightning he vanished — Lightning Dash! He shot toward Dragon at impossible speed. But Dragon, calm as ever, sidestepped using Spirit Push Step, his fluid movements deflecting the assault as though guiding the lightning itself away.
Dragon smirked, eyes flashing coldly. "Your attacks are meaningless."
Then came his roar — a haunting, spectral bellow that rippled through the air, laced with psychic energy. The shockwave struck the Electric Man head-on, shaking his mind and throwing off his balance.
Before he could recover, Dragon's aura darkened. Energy coiled around his arms like blood-red serpents. He gathered his full power, transforming into a demonic figure — the air itself seemed to tremble under his killing intent.
"Blood Burial Soul Slash!"
The crimson energy wrapped around his palm like a blade, and he slashed forward with terrifying force. The Electric Man felt a wave of pure despair. The attack was too powerful — even his defenses wouldn't hold.
Just then—
"Super Gravity!"
A crushing force slammed down on Dragon, pinning him to the ground. His movements slowed, his strikes lost momentum. Seizing the moment, the Electric Man leapt back, breaking free of the deadly assault.
"Thunderburst!"
A colossal bolt of lightning tore through the sky, crashing toward Dragon.
But Dragon only raised his hand calmly. "Dream Wall."
A translucent barrier shimmered into existence before him — an illusion so real it could touch the physical world. It absorbed the lightning and then reflected it back with double the force.
Nathan Hawke's eyes flashed. "Tch."
He focused his will — psychic energy surged outward like an invisible storm.
BOOM… BOOM…
When the smoke cleared, Dragon stood alone, eyes burning with fury as he realized his opponents had vanished.
Later…
"Awake? You're a stubborn one."
Inside the Kusanagi estate, the Electric Man lay on a bed, still recovering as Nathan Hawke lectured beside him.
"Heh. I just wanted to experience how fighters in this world battle," the Electric Man muttered.
Nathan sighed. "You idiot. You should've kept your distance, worn him down, and waited for me. Charging in like that was reckless."
The Electric Man fell silent, then asked, "And the box?"
Nathan raised a small CD between two fingers. "Got it."
"What about the Roman?"
"Don't remind me." Nathan's expression darkened. "If I hadn't been careful, he'd have handed it straight to Cruz. If Cruz steps out of line again… I'll kill him myself."
"Will he expose us?" the Electric Man asked, frowning.
"Relax. I've taken care of it. But you—" Nathan patted his shoulder — "you've been out for two days."
The Electric Man glanced at the calendar."Two days… huh."
"Mr. Hawke, I sincerely invite you to help us fight Goenitz."
It was Kagura Chizuru, bowing respectfully.
Nathan waved dismissively. "The three heirs of the Sacred Treasures can handle it. Kusanagi and Yagami are strong enough."
He had watched the KOF matches himself — those two were monsters in close combat. Nathan knew he'd lose in a brawl… but he could fly. That changed things.
"I'll intervene only if you fail," Nathan said flatly. "This is your family's war against Orochi."
Chizuru smiled gracefully. "Thank you, Mr. Hawke. If you ever need assistance, the Kagura Group will always support you."
After she left, Kusanagi Shinsuke approached. "You're not planning to go, are you?"
Nathan raised a brow. "And miss all the drama?"
Shinsuke chuckled. "Chizuru's beautiful, isn't she?"
Nathan shrugged. "I wouldn't know."
Shinsuke sighed. "I'm old. Time to let Kyo handle things."
Nathan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'm out."
Though he'd agreed to help, he had no intention of joining the battle. His mission in this world was already complete — the rest was none of his concern.
"The Three Sacred Treasures can deal with Goenitz themselves," he muttered. "I'm not part of the script."
One day before departure.
Nathan Hawke, the Electric Man, Andre, Sengoku Ryoma, and Cruz gathered together.
Nathan eyed Andre, who was covered in bandages. "Looks like you learned the hard way."
Andre grimaced. "Yeah, yeah…"
"If nothing else," Ryoma smirked, "you fought to the end."
"Alright," Nathan interrupted, his tone sharp. He turned to Cruz. "From now on, you're one of us. Ryoma, you've explained everything?"
Ryoma grinned. "Of course. I had to convince him that other worlds — other dimensions — actually exist."
Cruz tried to keep a straight face, though his pulse quickened. He was still unsure if any of this was real… but after hearing of the harbor battle, he'd decided not to run. Curiosity outweighed fear now.
"Tomorrow," Nathan said, eyes fixed on a translucent interface only he could see, "we head to the KOF finals."
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