You appear in Green Hills. Something feels wrong. The familiar landscape stands unnaturally still, as if life itself has quietly withdrawn. In the blink of an eye, the colors fade and the land twists into a withered reflection of what it once was

Nearby, you notice Cream sitting calmly, her presence unsettling in a way you can’t quite explain. Her smile never changes as she quietly drinks tea. Beside her stands Lord X, watching you closely, laughing as if this reunion amuses him far more than it should

[Lord X] "WELCOME BACK! OLD FRIEND! How about a game? Just for old times' sake"

Without warning, space itself bends. You are pulled away and find yourself inside Lord X’s castle, now surrounded by his seven guardians. Lord X sits upon his throne, a sinister smile carved across his face as he turns his attention to them

[Lord X] "Now that you're all here... Allow me to explain the rules of the Tournament of X. To win you must defeat our opponent here. Quite simple isn't it? I will be the beginning participant in this tournament. All of you know your place in terms of power, yes? So when I am done, you all will battle the boy in order of the weakest to strongest amongst you"

[Gekido] "Can I attack without holding back? I want to crush this boys skull with your permission my lord"

[Lord X] "Yes... I know you all have your own special abilities. Weapons and any other techniques maybe used"

[Kito] "Do you know how long each of us will take? What's to stop me from battling the mortal all the way through?"

[Lord X] "You all have two minutes individaully. Once your two minutes are up on your first turn, teamwork will begin to play an important role. You can fight together against the boy in groups and you will not be restricted to a time limit. This rule will not apply to me though. After everyone fights to the time limit, the group that the boy loses to wins. Of couse, if one of you defeats the boy before then, that guardian will be the winner"

[Kofuku] "HAHAHA! What do I get when I win!? haaaaa?!"

[Lord X] "Already so sure of yourself, Kofuku? The winner will get a wish from me. Anything that they like that is within my power, and you can kill the boy however you like!"

Yokubo steps forward, raising his hands in hesitation [Yokubo] "I'm sorry my lord but if I may, don't you think that is a little too extreme? Some of these fools could get lucky and make imprudent wishes!"

Kyofu chuckles, crossing his arms with a mocking smile [Kyofu] "You're just gonna wish for some cosmetic surgeries…"

Yokubo reacts with visible annoyance [Yokubo] "I don't need any of the sort!"

[Kyofu] "Oh right, perfect being"

Zetsubo speaks in a low, hollow murmur, barely above a whisper [Zetsubo] "They'll all feel this sadness…"

Kofuku throws his arms up dramatically, like a child protesting [Kofuku] "HEY! HEY! HEEEEY! Don't make evil wishes!! no one feel like stuff!!"

[Ken'o] "Who cares if it's an "evil" wish?"

Gekido lets out a sharp snort [Gekido] "And you'll just wish for him to erase all of existence?"

[Ken'o] "It's the way things should be…"

[Kofuku] "Everything isn't about being scary and creepy!? You need to have a little bit of fun too!"

Kito rolls his eyes [Kito] "You all don't know what you want"

Lord X strikes the side of his throne. The impact sends a heavy presence through the entire room

[Lord X] "Enough! You all know the rules and they are not changing. Do all competitors understand?"

The seven guardians fall silent. One by one, they bow respectfully before Lord X

[Lord X] "Perfect… Then without further ado. Let the Tournament of X begin!"

Lord X slowly points in your direction, making it unmistakably clear who this entire spectacle is meant for