Infinity, The Arcade Age

Without wasting a single word or giving Qin Ming any chance to breathe, the newly recovered Wind unleashed his most powerful ultimate move: Eight Maidens!

Though he said nothing, deep down, Wind knew he was afraid—terrified, even.

Afraid of the monster in front of him whose combat strength rivaled his own.

Afraid of Qin Ming's bizarre and completely unforeseen abilities that he had never encountered or even heard of before.

This monster had to die—immediately and without mercy!

Seeing the red glow and afterimages trailing behind Wind as he charged with unrelenting fury, Qin Ming used his only remaining arm to forcibly push Mary and Mai Shiranui aside, stopping them from intervening.

Taking a deep breath, his gaze hardened. He reached into his inventory, pulled out an item, and flicked it toward the oncoming adversary.

Noticing the projectile, Wind's pupils shrank, but he chose to rely on his skills to tank it head-on.

The object struck his body but bounced harmlessly to the ground with a sharp clink.

As it rolled, its true form was revealed.

A coin.

Standard Silver Consumable Activated: Arcade Token!

Summoning an Ally!

In the Fatal Fury world, countless plot characters exist, but Qin Ming was only familiar with a select few.

Summoning a character with this item granted a random plot character's 100-point initial favorability, but it didn't guarantee their assistance.

In some cases, the summoned character might not even show up; they could observe the fight from afar and decide to leave altogether.

Because of this unpredictability, the Arcade Token's true strength was often questioned—except in certain unique circumstances…

A furious voice suddenly rang out from within the Shiranui Dojo.

"Huh? Eight Maidens? Where did a brat like you learn that move!"

The enraged shout was accompanied by a flash of blinding cold light.

Wind, mid-charge, reflexively canceled his attack and activated Glacial Wind to dodge.

He landed, staring in horror at the X-shaped gash now carved into the ground.

Face darkening, he roared, "Who's there?! Show yourself!"

As his voice echoed, a figure descended from above, landing gracefully in front of him.

The newcomer was a striking woman dressed in a sleek secretary's suit, her long golden hair tied in a single ponytail with a few strands blowing elegantly in the wind.

With one hand on her hip, her icy expression exuded danger, and her eyes burned with murderous intent.

"Glacial Wind? Even that move? Who are you? And how do you possess the power of the Hakkesshu? Speak!"

Hearing her chilling voice and seeing her commanding presence, Wind's face turned ashen.

Recognition struck him instantly, and his entire body trembled as he stammered out her name.

"Th-The… Hakkesshu?! The Cruel Beauty! Mature!!!"

Wind's mind blanked.

Why was she here?!

This was supposed to be 1995, wasn't it? Mature should be assisting Rugal Bernstein, the infamous boss of KOF 95. Why would she appear here?

The Hakkesshu, members of the legendary Orochi Eight, were among the strongest fighters in the interconnected worlds of King of Fighters and Fatal Fury.

They weren't just stronger than fighters like Mary or Mai Shiranui; they could rival even top-tier martial artists like Goro Daimon, Ryo Sakazaki, or Terry Bogard.

With the Orochi blood activated, their power could even surpass these champions.

Facing someone like Mature was a nightmare beyond Wind's worst fears.

Even veteran high-level adventurers would think twice about engaging her in combat.

Worst of all, Wind recalled his brother's dire warning when gifting him the Orochi Bloodline and Goenitz's Skill Book:

"You may walk the lower worlds with confidence, but mark my words—never use Orochi skills or powers before the Hakkesshu in the King of Fighters world.

If they discover you, you will surely die. They do not tolerate anyone stealing or defiling the power of their god."

Yet now, against all odds, one of the Hakkesshu had appeared at Shiranui Dojo—and he had been caught red-handed.

Overwhelmed by dread, Wind froze for two seconds before his survival instincts kicked in.

He activated Glacial Wind and bolted, abandoning even his teammate Tu in his panicked retreat.

But Wind's speed was no match for Mature's.

A flash of blood-red light streaked through the air, and in an instant, she appeared behind him, seizing him by the back of his neck.

"You like running?" she growled, dragging him at blinding speed. "Let me help you with that!"

With a violent toss, her hand erupted in crimson energy, engulfing Wind entirely.

Ultimate Technique: Heaven's Glide!

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"

Dragged along at incredible speed, Wind's body was ravaged by the explosive energy coursing through him, reducing him to a bloodied mess.

Without mercy, Mature flung him into the air, sending him crashing to the ground.

Skill Combo: Judgment Slam!

As Wind's body rebounded off the ground, she followed up with razor-sharp strikes.

Skills Activated: Death Drop + Iron Massacre!

A flurry of six slashes tore into Wind's chest, each cut deep enough to expose bone.

Then, with a wicked smile, Mature thrust her hand forward, driving it straight into his chest.

Squelch!

Her fingers wrapped around his heart, squeezing it mercilessly.

Dangling from her arm, Wind coughed up blood, his wide, terror-filled eyes locking onto hers.

Mature's face, spattered with blood, tilted slightly as she gave him a chilling smile.

"Some filthy little rat dared to steal the power of the Hakkesshu? And used it so disgracefully?"

Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper.

"Tell me—how could I ever forgive that?"

Wind tried to speak, but only faint gasps escaped his lips.

Feigning impatience, Mature leaned closer. "What's that? Speak up. I can't hear you."

When no coherent words came, she rolled her eyes in boredom.

With a flick of her wrist, she hurled his lifeless body away—leaving his bloodied heart clenched in her hand.

Thud.

Wind's corpse hit the ground, his blank, lifeless eyes staring into nothingness.

The same adventurer who had dominated Qin Ming and toyed with plot characters was now effortlessly slaughtered by Mature.

Standing amidst the carnage, the Hakkesshu's Cruel Beauty examined the heart in her hand, then crushed it with disdain.

"Trash," she spat. "Letting a weakling like you use the Hakkesshu's power… What a disgrace."

(End of Chapter)