[Special Function Card: Myriad Laws Furnace (Unique)]
[Effect: System auxiliary function. Host can place powers of different systems and attributes into the "Furnace" for "fusion" and "sublimation." Fusion results depend on Host's own understanding and the quality of powers invested. Has a certain probability of producing unpredictably powerful new abilities, and also a certain probability of exploding.]
[Note: Truth exists only within the range of cannons. And stronger truth is born within the explosion of furnaces. Host, are you ready to welcome a "chemical reaction of power"?]
Seeing this card, Cloud's breath caught in his throat.
This... this was the greatest reward from this gacha session!
It gave Cloud the opportunity to "reforge" all his powers and create a truly unique "ultimate power" that belonged to him alone!
"I've struck it rich... I've really hit the jackpot this time..." Cloud was so happy he nearly fainted.
Amid the intense excitement, Cloud immediately made a decision.
He would enter seclusion!
He would use this "Myriad Laws Furnace" to attempt his first "power fusion"!
[Host, would you like to activate the "Myriad Laws Furnace" now?]
"Activate!"
At Cloud's command, within the system space, an enormous bronze furnace—massive beyond imagination, full of steampunk aesthetics—rose from the ground!
Cloud took a deep breath and began carefully guiding the powers within his body, feeding them into the furnace.
The first stream was the [Power of Orochi]—representing "destruction" and "nothingness."
The second stream was the [Power of Nature] from the shrine maiden sisters—representing "life" and "protection."
The third stream was the [Power of Dark Magic] from Amakusa and Mizuki—representing "evil" and "distortion."
He chose these three most representative and most mutually conflicting powers as the "raw materials" for his first fusion.
"Begin fusion!"
BOOM—!!!
The massive furnace shook violently, and from within came a roar like the end of the world! Three entirely different powers collided, tore at, and devoured each other in a frenzy!
Cloud's complexion also grew pale. The drain on his spiritual energy from this fusion was absolutely terrifying!
He felt like his head had become a sack into which three different breeds of cats had been stuffed—one Persian, one Siamese, and one unvaccinated stray—and inside, they were tearing the place apart!
Time passed, second by second.
After who knows how long—perhaps a day, perhaps three.
When the furnace's trembling finally subsided—
Cloud looked as if he'd been fished out of water, his entire body drenched in sweat.
[Ding! First power fusion complete...]
[Result: Preliminary Success.]
[Obtained new fused power (embryonic form): "Annihilating Vitality."]
[Power Description: A paradoxical power simultaneously containing "absolute destruction" and "infinite vitality." With a single thought, it can erase all traces of existence; with another thought, it can make withered trees bloom and restore life to dead land. Please explore specific effects on your own, Host.]
Cloud felt that entirely new power within him—both familiar and strange—and his eyes blazed with unprecedented intensity!
He had succeeded!
He had finally taken the first step toward creating his own "Way"!
...
Half a month later.
Divine Village, at the village entrance.
The moment of farewell had finally arrived.
Cloud had changed into a clean, sharp black combat outfit, ready to embark on his new journey.
Haohmaru, Tachibana Ukyo, Yagyu Jubei, Genjuro Kibagami... all the powerful warriors who had forged deep bonds with him through battle came to see him off.
"Cloud, are you really... leaving?" For the first time, reluctance showed on Haohmaru's face. He offered his sake gourd. "From now on, I probably won't be able to drink with such a great opponent... no, such a great master again."
"All feasts must end eventually." Cloud took the gourd, tilted his head back for a large gulp, then tossed it back. He laughed boldly. "Besides, who says we won't meet again?"
He looked at the swordsmen before him, his eyes full of appreciation and anticipation.
"This world is too small for all of you."
"In my homeland, there are broader horizons and more, stronger opponents. For example, a man who can burn everything with flames, a madman who can tear the sky apart with lightning, and a monster who can punch planets into pieces..."
"Everyone—work hard to get stronger."
"I'll be waiting for you at the summit."
"If fate allows, let us meet again in that higher world!"
These words struck like thunder in everyone's hearts!
A higher world? Stronger opponents?
The flames of battle reignited in their eyes!
"Agreed! It's a promise!" Haohmaru laughed heartily. "Wait for me! One day, I'll come to your homeland and have another all-out fight with you!"
"I too shall diligently hone my swordsmanship, looking forward to the day we meet again." Ukyo bowed deeply.
Genjuro said nothing—he simply used his blade to carve a new scar on his arm. His eyes seemed to say: "Next time, I will definitely cut you down."
Cloud smiled.
He turned to face the greatest "harvest" of this journey.
Nakoruru and Rimururu stood quietly before him. Their eyes were full of reluctance.
"You really... can't take us with you?" Rimururu tugged at Cloud's sleeve, her voice choked with tears.
"Silly girl." Cloud affectionately patted her head. "Where I'm going is full of unknown dangers. You are shrine maidens of nature—Divine Village still needs your protection."
He looked at Nakoruru. Their eyes met, and a thousand words passed between them without need for speech.
"Wait for me." Cloud said only two words.
"Mm." Nakoruru nodded firmly. She stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to Cloud's lips—one that tasted of tears.
"I'll wait for you. No matter how long, I'll wait."
[System: Warning! Warning! High-energy dog food scene ahead! Single system please evacuate immediately!]
[Dimensional transmission protocol ready... Coordinates locked: Parallel World—Street Fighter!]
[3—2—1—Transmission initiated!]
Under the gazes of those who were reluctant, those who were expectant, and those who burned with fighting spirit—
Cloud's figure transformed into a streak of light, shot into the sky, and vanished beyond the horizon.
All that remained was the silhouette of a legend, and a bold promise that echoed between heaven and earth.
"Everyone—until we meet again in the jianghu!"
...
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