K', Kula, Angel... these people who had been so deeply wounded by NESTS looked at this man radiating confidence and power. Hope for vengeance ignited in their eyes.
An unprecedented final battle—from Earth to space, mortals challenging an "artificial god"—was about to begin!
And Cloud—this man who held multiple titles including "Final Boss," "Savior," "Harem King," and "Dad"—would soon lead his ragtag squad of "rogue ninjas," "problem children," and "gluttons" down the "path of demolition" toward the cosmos.
When True Zero's chuunibyou-flavored "cosmic invitation" spread to every corner of the world via holographic projection, the entire planet exploded.
To go or not to go? That was the question.
Go, and you're basically handing your life to some lunatic with screws loose, potentially becoming experience points for his "godhood achievement."
Don't go, and you're sitting at home waiting for a "Singles' Day sale"... wait no, sitting and waiting for a "Zero Cannon discount," never knowing when a "satellite express delivery" might land precisely on your skull.
Anxiety spread everywhere as countless fighters fell into "decision paralysis."
Yet amidst this fog of confusion and fear, a voice rang out like lightning cutting through the darkness, resounding throughout the fighting world.
Cloud—humanity's combat ceiling, professional villain terminator, and concurrent harem captain—issued his "call to arms" through Kagura Financial Group's global media channels.
"Those NESTS bastards are shitting and pissing on our heads—you think we can just take that? They think moving the battlefield to space means us Earthlings are helpless? What kind of international joke is this!"
"I, Cloud, hereby officially establish the Earth Coalition! Everyone who doesn't want to be used as a power bank, everyone who doesn't want their house forcibly demolished, everyone who still wants to see tomorrow's sun—get your asses... to South Town and assemble!"
"We're not just going to participate in a tournament. We're going for... door-to-door service, a friendly visit to warm their hearts, and while we're at it, we'll physically unplug that so-called artificial god's server!"
This crude, straightforward declaration dripping with street fighter energy instantly ignited the fire in every fighter's heart!
Afraid?
When have we fighters ever been afraid?!
And so, an unprecedented "Earth Defense War" worthy of being called "King of Fighters All-Stars" officially began.
South Town once again became the center of the world.
...
K' Team arrived in full. K' leaned coolly against a wall while Maxima polished his mechanical arm. Kula and Angel, meanwhile, were engaged in a "friendly sparring session" over "ownership of the last piece of strawberry cake."
The Sacred Treasures Team reunited after years apart. Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami—these eternal rivals who'd been "loving and hating" each other for over a thousand years—still couldn't stand the sight of each other, but on the matter of "getting the job done," they'd reached a "temporary ceasefire" consensus. Chizuru Kagura stood between them, serving as both "peacemaker" and "translator."
Fatal Fury Team—Terry, Andy, and Joe—these South Town "local bosses" were burning with fighting spirit after experiencing the pain of their "home being destroyed," swearing to make NESTS pay blood for blood.
Art of Fighting Team—Ryo, Robert, and Yuri—the Kyokugenryu "iron triangle" had come without hesitation to protect their family and dojo's honor.
Beyond them, the Ikari Warriors, Women Fighters Team, Psycho Soldiers, Korea Team, and even that newly formed oddball squad of "revenge loli," "chuuni teenager," and "flamboyant pretty boy" had all gathered.
In an instant, South Town sparkled with starlight as masters assembled. The lineup was so luxurious they could've held a "Fighting World Spring Gala" on the spot.
Cloud surveyed this "Earth Coalition" he'd personally assembled—gathering Earth's absolute peak combat power—and smiled with satisfaction.
"Excellent."
"So then, everyone..."
"Ready to raid the boss?"
...
According to True Zero's "invitation," they first needed to travel to a secret base deep in the Sahara Desert for a qualifying trial.
When the "Earth Coalition" descended upon that futuristic desert facility like a tour group, they encountered their "examiner"—True Zero.
He stood alone at the center of the massive ship's boarding platform. His black trench coat billowed in the desert heat, white hair dancing in the wind. That handsome yet cold face bore the absolute confidence of a superior being.
Behind him stood his three loyal "pets"—the lion Glaugandr, the dragon Gurauge, and the Flying Thief Village traitor Ron.
"Welcome, challengers from Earth." True Zero regarded the "rabble" before him, his voice flat yet carrying undeniable authority. "I am the threshold of your trial."
"My clone—that stupid failure—was a disgrace to us martial artists." Disdain flashed in his eyes. "True warriors never stoop to schemes and conspiracies. Strength should be proven through honorable combat."
"Therefore," he spread his arms as a terrifying aura erupted from within, "do you wish to board this ship and proceed to Lord Igniz's divine realm?"
"Simple."
"Defeat me!"
...
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