The farewell with those "bros" from the Samurai Shodown world had been full of martial brotherhood and a touch of bittersweet parting.
When Cloud's figure transformed into light and disappeared into the sky, he could still hear Haohmaru's powerful roar: "Wait for me! I'll definitely come beat you up!" and Rimururu's tearful "Brother-in-law, you have to come back!"
Honestly, if not for that "ghost of doom" system spamming his brain with [Warning: Any further delay will result in year-end bonus deductions!], Cloud really would have liked to spend another century or two in that peaceful, beautiful world, experiencing the blessed life of a "retired cadre."
After all, a gentle-as-water shrine maiden of nature in one hand and a pure-as-snow ice sprite in the other—who could resist that kind of divine existence?
However, as an excellent "dimensional worker," KPIs were the bottom line.
"Ah, this damned, uncontainable sense of responsibility of mine."
Cloud lamented as he endured the "motion sickness" in the space-time tunnel—worse than any roller coaster—while shamelessly praising himself.
[System: Detected Host engaging in meaningless self-glorification. Please note: you were forcibly transported.]
Cloud: "...Do you believe I'll file a complaint about you violating employee privacy?"
[System: You're welcome to try. Provided you can find this system's customer service number.]
Cloud: "..."
Verbal sparring with this sharp-tongued, scheming system—he never seemed to win.
This transmission was much smoother than his previous trip from the KOF world. Probably because the preliminary fusion of [Annihilating Vitality] within him had dramatically increased his body's resistance to space-time laws.
He even had the leisure to appreciate the data streams on either side of the tunnel—swirling and brilliant like Van Gogh's Starry Night.
After who knows how long, when that familiar "landing sensation" arrived, Cloud slowly opened his eyes.
Then he froze.
A massive, chaotic flood of information, full of "worldly vitality," crashed into his mind like a tsunami!
Blaring car horns, buzzing crowds, electronic music with a strong beat, flickering advertisements on displays, and... that familiar "city smell" in the air—a mix of exhaust, dust, and all kinds of food aromas.
The scene before his eyes had undergone an earth-shaking transformation.
No more snow-capped mountains and primeval forests like Divine Village.
No more quaint wooden houses and curling smoke from kitchen chimneys.
In their place were skyscrapers piercing the clouds—steel beasts reflecting cold metallic light under the sun.
On the ground, an endless stream of "iron boxes" (cars) raced at speeds far surpassing horses along crisscrossing asphalt roads.
Along the streets, massive electronic screens played flashy advertisements.
A scantily-clad virtual idol was striking poses at him, singing a song he couldn't understand but found inexplicably catchy.
Countless pedestrians on the street hurried past with heads bowed, staring at their phones, faces showing expressions of joy, sadness, or numbness.
This place was...
[Ding! Destination reached: Parallel World—Street Fighter. Current coordinates: Hong Kong, China.]
[World Background: Late 20th century. A modern world where technology and martial arts have both reached advanced heights. Under the wave of globalization, various ancient martial traditions have combined with modern technology, giving birth to a generation of "fighters" who have surpassed human limits. However, beneath this prosperity, a transnational criminal organization called "Shadaloo" is using its powerful military might and an evil energy known as "Psycho Power" in an attempt to conquer the world.]
[Newbie Guide: Welcome to the new map! The locals are simple folk, and talents abound. Turn right at the exit and you might encounter a yoga master who breathes fire. Turn left and you might bump into a sumo wrestler who likes to generate electricity in bathhouses. Please adapt to the local art style quickly and enjoy your brand-new buffet journey, Host!]
Cloud stood on the busy street, taking in this familiar yet strange modern civilization, momentarily dazed.
One moment ago, he had been in ancient times, bidding farewell to kimono-clad shrine maiden beauties.
The next second, he was standing in the middle of an international metropolis—even more bustling and cyberpunk than South Town in the KOF world.
This intense sense of temporal-spatial displacement made him feel like he'd jumped straight from an "ancient period drama" set to a "sci-fi movie" set without even changing costumes.
He looked down at himself.
Black combat outfit, long hair tied back, a katana (high-tech alloy version) tucked symbolically at his waist—exchanged from the system.
This getup had been total "master vibes" in the Samurai Shodown world.
But here...
A passing young woman with pink-dyed hair and a nose ring looked him over curiously, then gave him a thumbs up.
"Hey man! Cool cosplay! Are you from Demon Slayer?"
Cloud: "..."
He could understand, but he was deeply shaken.
A teenager on a skateboard zoomed past him, leaving behind: "Wah, handsome guy, you filming something? Which production crew? That prop sword looks super real!"
Cloud's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Once upon a time, he too had used those "looking at ancient people" eyes to tease Haohmaru and Nakoruru.
What goes around comes around.
Now it was his turn to be gawked at as an "ancient person" and "weirdo."
"System, I need local clothes, immediately, right now!" Cloud roared internally.
[Costume transformation function activated. Please select your outfit style: A. Street fashion B. Business elite C. Square-dancing uncle]
"...Can't you give me something normal? Just some casual wear!"
Following Cloud's mental command, his ancient-style combat outfit instantly transformed into a fitted black casual jacket, white T-shirt, and dark jeans. The katana at his waist also vanished with a bloop, stored back in the system space.
Outfit change complete—he finally looked like an ordinary citizen blending into the background.
He took a deep breath and began carefully "savoring" the "flavor" of this new world.
...
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