KOF: The Starting Bell!

A letter for me?

I don't see a sender's name anywhere. What's it say...

King of what now? Never heard of it... Who did you say this was from?

Thanks. I'll take a look!

Hm. No one here. Guess I must have just missed 'em...

Huh? Was that a voice?

...Did that cat send me the letter?

It said "over here"... Does it want me to follow it through this rift?

A tournament? Where does this rift go?

Guess I'll find out. I can tell there's someone waiting for help through here.

Is this...Elzion?

Wait!

I could've sworn it went this way...

This is the terminal for the tournament cargo, right?

Temporary cargo bound for Darkest Noah... Everything seems to be in order.

This King of Fighters thing is gonna be great!

Did they just say "King of Fighters"?

Hey, wait!

I just followed where everyone else was going, but it looks like this is the place? Lucky me, I guess. ...But I still have no idea what this "King of Fighters" thing is supposed to be about.

The opening ceremony will begin shortly. Please move swiftly to your seats.

An opening ceremony?

Hurry! We have to get good seats!

Wh-What's going on?!

Wait! Don't push!

Today marks a great change in the history of Elzion's entertainment industry.

Experienced fighters have traveled from around the globe to test their fate...

Man, that was rough...

There sure are a lot of people.

...And in this ring, their destiny will be forged by fist and foot, knuckle to bone! And YOU get to witness every blow, every twist and brutal turn!

We here at Darkest Noah would like to welcome you to our new facility, and to a new type of martial arts extravaganza.

Now... Let the King of Fighters tournament BEGIN!

So it's a martial arts tournament? Why am I invited?

Man, it's standing room only... I guess that's what happens when every fight is worth a platinum ticket.

Hold on! They say they're going to set up a viewing area for the public! Tickets go on sale at the entrance today, but they're first come, first served...

Well, what are we waiting for? We gotta get there quick!

Dang... I can't miss out!

Me neither!

Huh? What now?!

Aaagh!!!

Finally out of that mess...

Is this tournament really so amazing that it makes people go out of their minds?

How do you know my name? And what is this place? I still don't really get this whole "tournament" business...

A dark presence from another world?!

To get me into the tournament?

Sure. I can help.

You're in a tough spot, right? I can help you.

Well, you sound like you really need my help, so yeah. I guess it really is that simple.

I just have to find that dark presence and stop them, right? Leave it to me.

So I need to find these folks and participate in this tournament with them. Where should I start looking? Are they already at the arena?

Worlds of possibilities, huh...

So let me get this straight...

In short, you made some worlds, and that's where the people who will help me are. I have to go to each of those worlds and win the tournaments there with them. Do I have that right?

Hey, what's wrong?

Wait!

Huh? Now I'm back here.

This is a lot to take in... What should I do next?

We are now accepting registrations for King of Fighters participants! If you have not registered but wish to participate, please come to the reception desk immediately!

I'm worried about that cat, but I do still have to register for that tournament. Let's go give it a look.

Hi there. I've got this invite, but I don't know what to do next. Can you help me out?

You have an invite? Then you've come to the right place! Allow me to welcome you to the King of Fighters tournament! Are your teammates for the first match here with you?

Teammates? No, not yet... Actually, I don't even know the rules.

Sorry, it's just me. I don't really know who my team is.

Your name is Aldo, correct?

I see... Your team information is indeed still unregistered...

What should I do?

Rest assured. There should be no issue so long as your team is registered by the start of your first match.

Really? That's all?

Yes, as you are already registered as a tournament participant. As the organizers of this event, our motto at EFE Corp. is "the more fighters, the merrier!"

Uhhh...got it. Thanks. I'll go look for my teammates, then.

...Or so I said, but what should I do?

Ah, there you are! I was wondering where you went...

No worries. What's more on my mind is needing teammates for that tournament...

Got it. I'll see what I can do.

So now we should be able to see all of the fighters' possibilities...but that doesn't mean it'll be smooth sailing. What to do next...

Huh? Is that...

Are you telling me to go that way?

Guess I should follow it!

Hey, just how far are you taking me?

Huh? This voice...

Oh, it was you.

Even after beating that Rugal guy, we didn't find out anything. We still don't know where that dark presence you told us to look for is...

Really? Then that's...

Where's that phantom?!

Hey, are you okay?

Wait!

What do you mean by bringing everyone again?

Huh? Wait, weren't you just talking a second ago? What's going on? Do I have the wrong cat?

Hey, wait!

I guess I gotta get everyone together again to make any more progress... Might as well head back to the registration desk.