First was the "ki."
Various energy fluctuations of different types and intensities drifted through the air.
Some were pure and fierce, brimming with vitality and filled with the essence of "seeking the Way." Cloud could sense that the source of this energy was somewhere nearby at a harbor—like a beacon, particularly prominent among the chaotic mass of auras.
Others were aggressive and explosive, with a distinct scent of... money? Cloud followed the aura and found its source at the tallest building in the city center. A golden-haired man in a red training outfit was lounging by the rooftop pool, arm around a beautiful woman, popping champagne.
Still others were subtle and swift, carrying a "sacred" sense of mission, seemingly carrying out some "righteous" task in a corner of the city.
"Surge Fist, Rising Dragon Flame, Hadouken..." Cloud's lips curved into an excited smile. "Hot damn, this is basically a supermarket of fighters! Every flavor you could want!"
Beyond these fighting energies representing the "righteous path," he also sensed a much larger, more evil force lurking in the city's shadows—one brimming with negative emotions.
That energy was purple-black, filled with violent, controlling, and destructive desire.
It was like an invisible net cast over the entire city, greedily feeding on the fear, anger, and despair emanating from the populace.
This energy felt somewhat familiar to Cloud.
It was similar to Amakusa's magic, but more "scientific" and "systematic." It also shared something with the Orochi power within him, but Orochi was pure "nothingness" while this force was pure "evil."
"Psycho Power... Shadaloo... Vega..."
Cloud's eyes flashed with cold light.
Without a doubt, this was the main target of his "business trip"—the biggest "cake" on the table.
[Ding! Main quest updated—Dimensional Correction: Street Fighter Arc—Twilight of Shadaloo!]
[Quest Objective: Destroy the transnational criminal organization "Shadaloo" and completely purify its core energy source—the "Psycho Power Drive"—to repair the space-time barrier erosion it has caused to this world.]
[Current Stage Quest: Initial Exploration. Please integrate into this world quickly and establish connections with key plot characters.]
"Roger that."
Cloud closed the system interface and began wandering aimlessly through the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
Like a country bumpkin who'd just arrived in the big city, everything fascinated him.
He watched people in a cha chaan teng leisurely eating pineapple buns and egg tarts and marveled: "So people in this world don't fight all day long after all."
He saw a group of young people in an arcade crowded around a Street Fighter II cabinet, frantically working their joysticks. On the screen, a man in a red gi and another in white were exchanging "Hadoukens."
Cloud leaned in for a look and couldn't help commenting: "That modeling is way too crude, right? The frame rate is way too low. Those Hadoukens aren't even as smooth as the ones I can throw with my toes."
He passed an electronics store and saw news playing on the TV.
"...According to reports, Interpol recently launched another raid on the illegal arms trading of the mysterious organization Shadaloo, but the operation ended in failure. During the operation, one female agent displayed exceptional bravery..."
On the screen, a photo flashed briefly—a female police officer in a blue high-slit cheongsam with two adorable "bun" hairstyles.
"Oh? The female lead makes her appearance this quickly?" Cloud stroked his chin.
Just as he was about to leave this "newbie village quest alley," a more urgent, more intense sound of combat rang out from the nearby main road, accompanied by a crisp, melodious battle cry.
"Freeze! You Shadaloo lackeys aren't going anywhere!"
Cloud poked his head out curiously.
The bustling street had descended into chaos.
Pedestrians fled in panic, and at the center of the chaos, a "cat and mouse game" was playing out.
The "mice" were three burly men in matching black uniforms, their faces hidden behind gas-mask-like protective gear. Their movements were agile and their skills impressive—clearly specially trained soldiers.
The "cat" was a... striking figure that made Cloud's eyes light up.
She was a tall young woman radiating healthy vitality.
She wore a tailored blue high-slit cheongsam that showed off those long, explosive legs to perfection. Her signature "bun" hairstyle didn't look childish at all—instead, it added a touch of playfulness and charm.
She was none other than the Interpol agent who had appeared briefly in the TV news just moments ago—Chun-Li!
"Hyakuretsukyaku!"
Chun-Li let out a sharp cry. Her form spun like a top, and one beautiful leg became countless blurry afterimages in the air—so fast it made the eyes swim!
THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD!
A dense barrage of kicks—like a pile driver—hammered solidly into one Shadaloo grunt. He didn't even have time to scream before foam burst from his mouth, his eyes rolled back, and he dropped like a log.
"Nice legwork!" Cloud watched with great interest from a distance, unable to stop himself from silently cheering. That technique, that speed, that flexibility... tsk tsk, the phrase "those legs could kill" was literally made for her!
The remaining two Shadaloo grunts realized they were outmatched and immediately split up to flee.
"You're not getting away!" Chun-Li's elegant brows rose. With a beautiful backflip, she landed steadily, then shot toward one of the fleeing soldiers like an arrow from a bow.
As luck would have it, that grunt was running toward the very alley where Cloud stood.
The grunt rushed headlong into the alley, spotted Cloud standing at the entrance, froze for a moment, then a vicious glint flashed in his eyes—clearly intending to take Cloud hostage.
However, before he could make his move, Cloud simply gave him a casual glance.
Just that one glance, and the grunt instantly felt as if he'd plunged into an ice cellar!
He felt as though he was facing not a person, but an awakened primordial beast!
That pressure—vast beyond imagination—made his legs give out on the spot. He dropped to his knees with a thud, trembling like a sieve.
"B-Big bro, I was wrong! I have an eighty-year-old mother at home, and... and a dog that needs feeding! Please spare my life!" He clutched his head, sobbing and begging for mercy.
Cloud: "..."
What kind of mental fortitude is this? Even worse than Amakusa's demons.
At that moment, Chun-Li also charged into the alley.
...
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