"Those lacking strength have no right to meet a true god. Rather than let your lives become cosmic dust in space, it's better to end them gloriously here by my hand!"
"I won't use cannons against you. I will test you with honor."
These words left every fighter present stunned.
They hadn't expected that this villain serving as NESTS's second-in-command would possess the pride and dignity of a true martial artist.
Though he was an enemy, his standards and his respect for "martial arts" earned him a measure of respect from many present.
"Not bad. Much more class than that clone who only knew how to fire cheap shots from behind." Cloud stepped forward. "You... are a worthy opponent."
"So, as a show of respect for your martial spirit," battle intent blazed in Cloud's eyes, "I'll take this fight personally."
"Everyone else handles the minions. No objections?"
"None!"
"Boss is yours—we've got the trash mobs!"
And so began a unique division of labor.
Kyo Kusanagi faced the Flying Thief Village traitor Ron—old grudges and new grievances (mainly on behalf of his disciple's teammate) settled together!
Iori Yagami set his sights on that "fun to tear apart" looking lion.
The rest provided moral support from the perimeter while snacking on sunflower seeds.
The center stage was reserved for the two true "big shots"—Cloud and True Zero.
"Come then. Let me witness the caliber of the man Lord Igniz considers the greatest variable." True Zero removed his black trench coat, revealing the tech-laden combat suit beneath, and assumed his fighting stance.
"As you wish." Cloud shed all his usual nonchalance. His entire bearing transformed into an unsheathed blade, sharp edge fully exposed.
The next instant, both figures vanished from where they stood!
BOOM——!!!
A thunderous impact as their fists collided in mid-air!
The shockwave from this pure clash of power sent the surrounding fighters dealing with "minions" staggering!
"Such incredible power!" Terry dodged dragon fire while exclaiming in amazement. "This True Zero guy is leagues above that clone!"
True Zero's fighting style was bold and overwhelming, full of dominance. Every technique represented the perfect fusion of NESTS technology and his own martial prowess.
"Prison Lock Slash Array!"
With a wave of his hand, multiple blade-slashes formed from dark energy instantly sealed off all of Cloud's escape routes!
"Interesting." Cloud neither dodged nor evaded. He simply deployed a paper-thin golden barrier of Ultimate Power before him.
The blade-slashes dissolved into nothing upon contact, vanishing without a trace.
"What?!" Shock flashed through True Zero's eyes.
"Your power is formidable, but ultimately borrowed." Cloud's voice drifted over calmly. "Combat suits, technology—these are external things. True martial arts lie in the heart, in willpower!"
He took a single step forward, and the entire desert base trembled!
He used no flashy techniques—just a simple, straightforward punch!
But that punch seemed to carry the will of heaven and earth itself!
In True Zero's eyes, he no longer saw a human fist. He saw an infinite expanse of stars, a universe being born! Pure, vast, unstoppable martial will!
"This... this is..." True Zero could feel his prized "God's Battle Armor"... whimpering before this pure "will."
True Zero roared, pushing his combat suit to maximum output. Countless black chains howled forth from the magic circle beneath his feet, snaking toward Cloud like predatory serpents, attempting to bind him completely!
Yet Cloud's fist treated those chains as if they didn't exist!
One force conquers all!
Before absolute "martial will," all fancy techniques seemed pathetically weak!
BOOM——!!!
Cloud's fist finally landed on True Zero's chest.
No earth-shattering explosion—just a muffled impact like an ancient bell being struck.
True Zero's "God's Battle Armor"—that ultimate weapon forged by NESTS's most advanced technology—shattered inch by inch from the point of impact on his chest, crumbling away like weathered stone.
And the man himself flew backward like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily to the ground, blood staining his hair crimson.
He had lost.
Completely and utterly convinced of his defeat.
"Cough cough..." True Zero struggled to rise but ultimately collapsed again.
He looked at Cloud slowly approaching, his eyes no longer holding hostility or madness—only the complex emotions of a martial artist who'd met his match but lost by a single move.
"So this... is this what true martial arts looks like?" he murmured, a hint of peace appearing on his face.
"You... are strong." He looked at Cloud with genuine respect. "Perhaps... only you are qualified to challenge Lord Igniz's supreme... divine realm."
He used his last strength to press a button on his wrist.
"Go..."
"The stairway to the god's throne... has been opened for you."
With that, his head lolled to the side as he lost consciousness completely.
Behind him, the massive city-sized spaceship's sealed doors slowly opened for these "challengers" from Earth.
Cloud looked at the unconscious True Zero, a hint of respect flickering in his eyes.
This man was a villain, but he was a true martial artist.
Cloud didn't kill him—he only destroyed his combat suit.
"Let's go." Cloud turned to the "Earth Coalition" behind him—who had finished their "minion cleanup" and were staring at him in shock—and waved his hand.
...
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