The Mysterious Character is a character in Contra: Hard Corps. He is an odd-looking individual who is always searching for potential participants who would like to try their luck in the Battle Arena.
Location
In the Junkyard stage, right before entering the room to fight Noiman Cascade, if the player climbs up the wall, they will reach a secret screen where they will find the Mysterious Character.
Description
A rather odd-looking individual wearing a suit, top hat, red bow tie and sunglasses. He asks the player if they want to try their luck in the Battle Arena for a chance to win big money. If the player agrees, they will enter a crowded fighting arena where they will fight three bosses in succession: Simondo Belmont, Psycho Mother and Huge Face. If they succeed in defeating all three, a secret ending will take place where the heroes are sucked into an inter-dimensional portal and are sent back in time to a prehistoric age, where they become leaders of a tribe of apes.
If the player does not accept the Mysterious Character's deal, they will simply return back to the room below.