While enjoying the tournament, Cloud quietly used the System to leave an imperceptible spiritual mark on Ash.
This mark couldn't be detected by anyone, but like a "GPS tracker," it would relay all of Ash's movements and every instance of energy absorption to Cloud's mind in real-time.
A smokeless shadow war between "cheater" and "schemer" had begun.
Cloud was like a patient hunter, quietly watching that self-proclaimed clever "fox" walk step by step into the net he had laid.
All he needed to do was appear before Ash at the very moment the fool thought he was about to succeed, ready to reel in his catch—and give him a big "surprise."
"Oh, white-hair, I hope your expression at that moment will be sufficiently entertaining."
Cloud raised his wine glass toward the surveillance footage showing that green figure currently "stealing energy" from Benimaru Nikaido, toasting from afar with a "scheming" smile on his face.
...
The elimination rounds aboard "Sky Noah" proceeded with intensity.
Fighters battled fiercely for honor and prize money.
Meanwhile, Cloud continued his "retired official" lifestyle in his VIP box—watching matches, drinking wine, and conveniently monitoring the green-haired one.
Finally, as the elimination rounds neared their end, the tournament's real "main course" was served.
Co-organizer Rose appeared before everyone once more.
Today, she wore an even more magnificent black Gothic gown, its hem adorned with blood-red roses, making her snow-white skin appear even more radiant.
Her golden curls were crowned with a small tiara, and she held an exquisite ivory fan. Her every movement exuded the elegance and pride of European classical nobility.
It had to be said—this girl was beautiful, like a princess who had stepped out of an oil painting. Those eyes as pure as sapphires, combined with the slightly upturned corners of her mouth carrying a hint of innocence and cruelty, created a peculiar, yandere-like beauty.
She was a beautiful rose—but one with thorns and poison.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Rose's voice remained clear and pleasant, but now carried a hint of excitement. "The elimination rounds have concluded. Next, to celebrate this tournament's great success, I shall arrange a special entertainment program for everyone."
She gracefully waved her hand toward her silent, devastatingly handsome brother, Adelheid.
"This is my brother, and in my heart, the strongest man in the world." Her eyes sparkled with near-fanatical worship and confidence. "Now, I command all of you to step forward one by one and face my brother in combat."
"I want to see if there is anyone in this world, besides our father, who can last ten moves against him!"
The entire venue erupted in commotion.
"What the hell? After winning matches, we have to be sparring partners too?"
"This little girl talks pretty big! Sure, her brother looks strong, but we've got monsters like Kyo Kusanagi and Terry here!"
"The strongest man? Where does she think that puts Cloud? Does she look down on our Cloud-god's VIP direct-to-finals status?"
However, Adelheid didn't refute anyone's comments.
He simply walked silently onto the ring, performed a standard knight's bow to the crowd, his eyes filled with pure fighting spirit.
"Please, instruct me."
And so, a massive "gauntlet challenge" began.
Ryo Sakazaki, Terry, Kim Kaphwan... one famous powerhouse after another took their turns.
It had to be said—Adelheid's strength was absurdly formidable.
He had perfectly inherited Rugal's fighting talent and transformed Rugal's techniques by removing their evil essence, making them his own righteous martial arts.
His "Genocide Cutter" was sharp and domineering. His "Kaiser Wave" was devastatingly powerful.
After defeating seven or eight top-tier fighters in succession, Adelheid, though greatly depleted, still stood firmly on the ring.
Rose's face showed a proud smile that said "as expected."
However, just as she was about to announce the "entertainment program's" conclusion, a lazy voice drifted from the VIP box.
"Hey, little girl. Since this is entertainment, isn't it a bit impolite not to invite your special guest to play?"
Cloud walked out of his box, yawning.
The moment Rose saw Cloud, her eyes lit up!
Of course she knew Cloud!
The man who had personally defeated her father Rugal and ended her father's "undefeated legend"!
From her father's diaries and battle recordings, she had seen this man's figure countless times.
She had extremely complicated feelings toward Cloud—both hatred from her father's defeat, and a morbid fascination and curiosity toward absolute power.
She had been scheming how to approach this man, how to avenge her father.
She never expected him to deliver himself to her doorstep!
"Of course, esteemed Mr. Cloud." Rose's face blossomed into a smile sweet enough to make hearts skip. "My brother has been wanting to experience the skills of a world champion."
But in her heart, she was thinking: "Brother, crush him for me! Show him the might of the Bernstein family! Better yet... beat him half to death, and then I'll personally..."
However, what happened next completely shattered her yandere fantasies.
Cloud walked onto the ring and beckoned to the already exhausted Adelheid with a crooked finger.
"Come on, let me see how much stronger you are than your old man."
Adelheid took a deep breath and unleashed the last of his power without reservation, firing his strongest "Kaiser Wave" at Cloud!
Facing this energy blast capable of reducing a battleship to slag, Cloud merely extended one finger.
Then, lightly tapped.
That raging "Kaiser Wave" popped like a pricked balloon, dissipating with a soft "poof."
...
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