🔥🔥 You can find chapters ahead here
Support link: pat_reon.com/Redon1
Also other exciting fanfic available 🔥🔥
----------------------------------------------------------
And so, the two girls officially began their contest.
Whatever Mai Shiranui reached for, King would snatch away.
And whatever King aimed for, Mai Shiranui would steal first.
Their chopsticks clashed again and again over the dining table, turning the meal into a battlefield.
Emiya couldn't help but feel impressed.
So this is what a well-trained sisterly rivalry looks like.
I'm enjoying this way too much.
Kasumi Todoh stood there, completely at a loss, unsure whether she should involve herself in the internal strife of the Women Fighters Team.
Loki, however, found it amusing.
She didn't hesitate for even a second before joining in.
Cú Chulainn watched for a moment, then felt an uncontrollable urge rise up.
The clash between the three women wasn't chaotic.
On the contrary, it displayed refined control of strength and technique within a confined space.
"I'm joining too!"
After watching for a few minutes, Cú Chulainn officially entered the fray, chopsticks in hand.
Apachai couldn't hold back either.
"Apachai is also joining."
He aimed his chopsticks straight at King.
The reason was simple.
It wasn't infatuation.
It was because King practiced Muay Thai.
Although her leg techniques were astonishing, she was undeniably a Muay Thai practitioner.
She had even once disguised herself as a man, entered a Muay Thai tournament, and won the championship.
And Apachai, the Death God of Muay Thai, naturally wanted to test her strength.
King also noticed the familiar Muay Thai rhythm in Apachai's movements.
Her eyes lit up.
She began taking the exchange seriously.
Hayato Fūrinji chuckled softly.
"If everyone's having this much fun, I suppose I'll join as well."
Riveria rubbed her temples.
Are these people children?
She turned to Ais-
And froze.
Ais had already been dragged into the battle.
Illya clapped her hands excitedly.
"This looks fun! Berserker, we have to join too!"
Heracles had no interest in this kind of contest.
But Illya had spoken.
So he joined.
Even if it wasn't really an order.
Emiya stared blankly at the dining table that had fully transformed into a battlefield.
Chopsticks flew.
Food vanished.
People laughed.
He exchanged a look with Riveria.
Both of them sighed deeply.
"These people are unbelievably childish," Emiya said.
Riveria nodded.
For once, someone understood her.
She was just about to feel relieved-
When Emiya suddenly roared and jumped into the chaos himself.
Riveria: ...
What she didn't know was-
A man never really grows up.
This ridiculous battle continued until midnight.
Yet somehow, not a single bite of food was wasted.
Every plate was spotless.
After that, Shizuka Hiratsuka's Psychic Team-along with Bikumo Kushinada and Robin-and Hephaestus's Team successfully advanced.
They became the only two teams to qualify for the official tournament.
Two days later, everyone departed from the Shiranui Dojo to attend the KOF tournament's opening ceremony.
Since this was the first time KOF was held as a global event, the opening ceremony was anything but ordinary.
The venue.
The performers.
All top-tier.
And among them, one name stood above the rest.
Athena Asamiya.
At this time, she was arguably Japan's top high school idol.
Her popularity was overwhelming.
It was only fitting that a competitor like her would perform at the opening ceremony.
This was Emiya's first time seeing her in person.
And it was clearly her golden age.
During this period, no idol could surpass her.
Those more beautiful couldn't sing as well.
Those who sang better couldn't fight.
Those who could fight couldn't sing.
Esper.
High school girl.
Idol singer.
KOF fighter.
All four identities fused into one.
Athena Asamiya.
Her popularity was unstoppable.
It would only be in '97 that a band called CYS would briefly rise and rival her fame.
Unfortunately, they wouldn't last.
A flash in the pan.
The reason was simple.
The members were too special.
Yashiro Nanakase.
Shermie.
Chris.
All Hakkesshu.
All among the Four Heavenly Kings.
In '97, they would die attempting to revive Orochi.
Dead people don't make music.
But this was '96.
They hadn't awakened yet.
Just three insignificant figures.
So at this opening ceremony-
There was only one true star.
Athena Asamiya.
While she performed on stage, Emiya and the others were backstage, making preparations.
The backstage area wasn't exclusive to them.
Every participating team was gathered there.
Kyo Kusanagi's Kusanagi Team.
Iori Yagami's Yagami Team.
Terry Bogard's Fatal Fury Team.
Ryo Sakazaki's Art of Fighting Team.
The Psycho Soldier Team, watching Athena on television.
The Women Fighters Team led by King.
And of course-
Emiya's Heroic Spirit Team.
Loki's Team.
Hephaestus's Team.
Shizuka Hiratsuka's Nen Team.
Hayato Fūrinji's Ryozanpaku Team.
Masters filled the hall.
Outwardly indifferent.
Internally alert.
Benimaru Nikaido stood beside Kyo Kusanagi, his gaze sweeping over the Heroic Spirit Team, Loki's Team, and Hephaestus's Team.
"...This year feels different," he said.
Kyo nodded.
"Fewer familiar faces. More newcomers."
At the very least, Kim Kaphwan's Team and the Ikari Warriors were nowhere to be seen.
Iori Yagami sat off to the side, eyes closed.
He looked like he didn't care.
But the two women beside him were carefully observing the Heroic Spirit Team.
"Did you feel that?" Vice asked quietly.
"Yes," Mature replied. "This is troublesome. I didn't expect monsters like this to appear."
Iori opened his eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
Mature spoke slowly.
"Several monsters have entered this tournament. Winning won't be easy, Iori."
"If you're unlucky, you might even be eliminated in the first round."
Iori frowned.
"What kind of monsters?"
"Demigods," Vice said, rubbing her teeth slightly.
"Real ones."
Iori looked at them as if they were joking.
"Demigods? In this era?"
Mature smiled bitterly.
"I don't know why they still exist. But those two are genuine."
Iori followed their gaze.
Two men stood out.
One wore blue tights, with a long blue braid.
His crimson eyes scanned the crowd, indifferent and predatory.
To him, almost everyone backstage was prey.
The other was massive.
Over two and a half meters tall.
Bare upper body.
Muscles like carved stone.
His expression was calm.
His aura peaceful.
Yet no one wanted to get close.
The pressure was overwhelming.
Heracles sensed the stare.
He turned his head slightly.
His gaze met Iori's.
He nodded once.
Then looked away.
Iori exhaled slowly.
The lethargy in his eyes vanished.
Sharpness replaced it.
"...You're right," he said. "They're monsters."
That brief eye contact-
There was no hostility.
Yet his body reacted on its own.
Muscles tensed.
Heart tightened.
It was instinct.
The same instinct that reacts to tigers, lions, or worse.
Even without malice, danger was undeniable.
Mature and Vice were right.
But instead of fear-
Iori felt excitement.
He shifted his gaze toward Kyo Kusanagi.
He wanted to see Kyo's expression when he faced that monster.
Elsewhere, Chin Gentsai sat drinking and watching television.
For the first time, doubt crept into his heart.
Was it really a good idea to let his disciples participate?
Why were there so many monsters here?
"Are you Chin Gentsai-senpai?"
A man in a traditional Chinese jacket approached silently, cupping his fist.
"Junior Ma Kensuke. It's an honor to meet you."
Despite being middle-aged and clearly accomplished, Ma Kensuke addressed himself as a junior.
Chin Gentsai raised an eyebrow.
"Ma Kensuke? Whose student are you? I've never heard of such a master."
He felt it.
The danger.
If they fought, he wasn't sure he would win.
Yet no matter how he searched his memory-
He had never heard of this man before.
__________________________
🍊 Boost This Fanfic! 🍊
Every 350 Power Stones gets 2 bonus chapters! 🚀
Want faster updates? Show your support by dropping Power Stones, leaving reviews, and sharing your thoughts in the comments! Your engagement keeps the story going strong!