That's right.
While NESTS organization was conducting their "global public opinion trial" against K' and Maxima.
Another official organization also made their move.
Heidern's mercenary forces!
After witnessing NESTS' arrogant "global demonstration" and reaching a "cooperative consensus" with Cloud.
Heidern, this iron-blooded commander, decisively implemented an extremely bold and effective plan—"Official Entrapment, Precision Justice!"
In the name of the "International Criminal Police Joint Counter-Terrorism Force," he announced a partnership with the KOF organizing committee to jointly host the "KOF 2000" Global Fighting Tournament!
The tournament's theme was—"Combat Terrorism, Maintain World Peace!"
And their "targets" were directed straight at NESTS organization, as well as those two "globally wanted criminals"—K' and Maxima!
This was an open scheme.
Heidern was using this method to force NESTS organization out from the shadows into the light!
He was turning the KOF stage into a globally-broadcast court to judge NESTS' crimes!
Of course, he also knew he couldn't do it alone.
So he immediately informed Cloud of this plan.
And requested him to participate in this destined-to-be-turbulent "game" as a "special consultant" and "final trump card."
"So!" Cloud explained to K' and Maxima. "This is all a play."
"A play directed by Heidern, with me as producer, fighters from around the world as actors, and you two..."
He paused, a "mischievous" smile appearing on his face.
"—You two are the male leads of this play."
K' and Maxima, listening to this plan straight out of fantasy, were completely dumbfounded.
The whole world was acting alongside NESTS in a play?
And they were the protagonists?
This... this script is way too freaking exciting, isn't it?!
"So? Interested in playing the lead role?" Cloud asked them.
"To reclaim every grievance you've suffered, to expose NESTS' crimes, right in front of the entire world!"
K' fell silent.
An internal struggle was raging within him.
Go?
Or not go?
Going meant completely exposing himself to the eyes of the whole world, becoming the center of this "grand play."
But not going meant continuing like now, hiding like a rat, never knowing peace.
"K'." Maxima patted his shoulder and spoke gravely. "I think we should go."
"This might be... our only chance."
K' raised his head, looking into Cloud's deep eyes that seemed to see through everything.
He finally made his decision.
"...Fine."
He squeezed out a word through gritted teeth.
"Let's go!!!"
"Very good." Cloud nodded with satisfaction. "But you're still short two people."
"This tournament uses four-person teams. I've found you two very professional teammates."
As he spoke, he pointed at the red-haired mature woman who had been leaning against the door since he entered, observing K' and Maxima with interest.
"Let me introduce you."
"This is Vanessa. Your... new teammate."
Vanessa, a woman full of "mystery."
She had short red hair like burning flames. A mature, beautiful face full of intellectual beauty.
And a voluptuous figure wrapped in a tight white shirt and black pants that could make any man's blood pump.
She exuded a unique aura somewhere between the warmth of a "housewife" and the efficiency of an "ace agent."
She was a top agent from a secret organization even more mysterious than Heidern's forces. Her mission was also to investigate NESTS.
And during her investigation, she naturally crossed paths with Cloud, this "key figure" who was also investigating NESTS.
After a round of "adult-style," mutually understood "friendly exchanges."
The two decisively reached an agreement.
And Cloud had arranged her "entry point" as joining K's team.
"Hello, handsome boys~"
Vanessa swayed her mature waist and walked up to K' and Maxima, her face wearing a charming yet confident smile.
She extended her hand to introduce herself: "Vanessa. Starting today, I'm your teammate. Please treat me well~"
Her voice carried the magnetism unique to mature women.
K' looked at this woman who exuded "danger" and "seduction" from every pore, and his frown deepened.
He didn't like this woman.
Because he felt he couldn't see through her at all.
Maxima politely shook her hand.
The scanner beneath his helmet was frantically analyzing Vanessa's data.
[Target: Vanessa.]
[Physical Data: Heart rate steady at 67, muscle density extremely high!]
[Combat Style Analysis: Suspected ancient boxing technique! Danger Level: High!]
[Overall Assessment: A very dangerous woman.]
"Good, now you have three." Cloud clapped his hands. "Still missing one Striker."
"I've already thought of the Striker candidate for you."
As he spoke, he snapped his fingers.
The room's door was pushed open again.
A figure wearing a blue tracksuit, wrapped in bandages, looking battered but still full of spirit rushed in!
"Mr. Cloud! Mr. K'! Mr. Maxima! Miss Vanessa! Hello!"
It was Ramon, the one who had been captured by Krizalid as a "data collector" and casually rescued by Cloud!
This legendary Mexican wrestler, after being saved by Cloud, had become Cloud's "hardcore fan."
"From today, I, Ramon, am your Striker!" He thumped his chest and said excitedly. "I will definitely use my copper skin and iron bones to protect everyone!"
K': "..."
Maxima: "..."
Vanessa: "..."
...
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