Volume Two: Life-and-Death Speed in the North Realm - Ten Minutes Before the Start

By noon, a total of 3,012 teams had participated, four times the number of participants in total – an unprecedented scale. Due to the large number of vehicles, the Gray Starling Group divided the area into different zones and set a starting point for each team, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.

"Is it finally starting...?"

The string "C-102" was painted on the rear cover of the race car, and we also wore bibs with the same number on our backs. This was both our team number and our starting position - section C, position 102.

"Dry rations, spare parts, daily necessities, change of clothes, distress signal pistol for reporting accidents... Hmm, very good, everything is ready!"

After checking the luggage one last time, Ally nodded in satisfaction.

"Where's the fuel?"

"The highest Psionic Brick are already installed, and the backup fuel tanks are full. We'll have more than enough to last until the first supply point! What about you?"

"I have already projected the image to a radius of one kilometer. I will be immediately aware of any unexpected events."

"My body is in peak condition, so I'm not afraid of anyone trying to disrupt me!"

"Ailin, what about you?"

"The race car is fine. No matter what kind of trouble it encounters on the road, I will definitely be able to fix it!"

"Since everything is prepared... well, as the captain, I have something to say, so listen carefully!"

Ally cleared her throat, her expression turning serious. I, Ailin, and Givinia also stopped, ready to listen to the reprimand.

"A Ye, Givinia, although I've only spent a little over two hours with you two, the talent and strength you've shown are enough to earn my trust. I don't know where you're from, nor why you want to participate. You might be doing it for honor, for the prize money, or perhaps just to try it out—but! Now that you've become members of the Ferruggio Silver Wolf Team, you must give it your all! Aim for the championship! Don't be afraid, and don't give up halfway! Understand?"

""Understood!""

"Okay, then-"

Ally held out one hand, and I immediately understood and placed my hand on top, then Ailin's small hand, and finally Givinia's.

"3--2--1--"

At the same time, we raised our hands high and shouted in unison:

"Ferruggio Silver Wolf Team, victory is assured!!!!"

The Gray Starling Cup North Realm Rally, the largest off-road rally to date, brings together hundreds of the world's top teams and countless dream chasers, some unknown but with real talent. The organizers erected massive grandstands capable of holding tens of thousands of people at each starting zone, and even temporarily rented out all surrounding buildings of three stories or more to serve as grandstands—of course, only for the general public. Wealthy and influential fans boarded the official spectator airships to enjoy a bird's-eye view. While various types of airships are the main mode of transportation on Spirit Star, their technological limitations prevent them from being used for long-distance transport, making them far inferior to Earth's systems. However, they are more than sufficient for watching the race.

At each starting point, the racers were in position, and the starting grids were connected one after another. Looking down from above, thousands of top-of-the-line race cars of different models and colors formed a long line. Beyond the barrier was a sea of hundreds of thousands of people, cheering and shouting. The scene was truly spectacular!

As the race was about to begin, media outlets from around the world focused their cameras on Port Turltukha. Numerous media airships, equipped with the most advanced photography equipment on the Spirit Star, hovered above the starting lines, almost obscuring the entire sky. Reporters, armed with their long lenses, bombarded the competitors already waiting at the starting line with their cameras, the clicking of shutters even drowning out the clamor of the countless spectators.

Now, on the giant Spirit Light Screen atop the central city hall in Port Turltukha, a young announcer is speaking fluently and clearly in a loud and clear voice. He represents all the media outlets covering the Northern Realm Rally, and his ability to secure this position speaks volumes about his competence.

"Good afternoon, fans, journalists, and most importantly, drivers—all gathered in Turtuka from around the world! In less than fifteen minutes, the grandest, most luxurious, and unprecedented super rally in Spirit Star's history will begin!!!"

A deep voice, amplified by the loudspeaker, resonated throughout the city. Everyone—citizens, fans, reporters, and even the drivers—stopped what they were doing and cheered loudly towards the sky! The already heightened atmosphere became even more exhilarating!

Seemingly infected by the enthusiasm of the crowd, the announcer's tone became urgent and passionate:

"Although everyone is surely already aware of this, let's review it properly in these final moments! There are four routes to choose from for the competition: ① Port Turltukha → Arkham Town → Mad Mountains → Nacht City → Engai Forest → Crystal Island"

Port Turltukha → Xibriel City → Nas Canyon → Beiluoshimen → Engai Forest → Crystal Island

Port Turltukha → Innsmouth Village → Kardas → Ci'en Cave → Engai Forest → Crystal Island

④ Port Turltukha → Kingsport Town → R'lyeh → Carcosa City → Engai Forest → Crystal Island

When registering, participants will be assigned to four starting areas, designated as A through P. Lines A, B, C, and D are designated as Route 1, and so on. Each of these four areas corresponds to one route. Each of the four routes has a varying level of difficulty, and participants are free to choose the one most suitable for them.

Due to the large number of areas, the media alliance has subdivided the starting zones for each major media outlet's broadcast! Commentators will be providing real-time updates on the race from each zone! Different starting zones will be broadcast on different channels! Please identify the starting position of your supported team and select the corresponding channel!

All acts of violence are strictly prohibited during the competition. Any violation will result in penalties such as time penalties or detention! From Port Turltukha to Crystal Island in the center of the Northern Boundary, there are four rest stops on each of the four routes. All participants will be required to stay at each rest stop for a full 24 hours to recover. In addition, there are numerous aid stations between each section; their approximate locations are marked on the provided map, but participants will need to find their own specific locations.

As everyone knows, the North Realm Continent is the harshest and most savage of the 'Four Lands and One Sea'! High mountains, canyons, rapids, jungles, and deserts are scattered throughout! Countless ferocious beasts inhabit this land, and a single misstep can lead to certain death! This is why every convoy must be equipped with combat personnel! If you are attacked far from any town and unable to fight back, please immediately use your issued signal flare to call for help! We will come to your rescue in a specially designed airship!

Finally, there's the previously controversial 'bonus point system'! Along the four routes, there are over two hundred bonus points of varying sizes, none of which are marked on the map! Each player must find at least 'two' bonus points to be eligible for first or second place! Otherwise, they won't qualify! Furthermore, for every bonus point found, the prize money increases by one billion— the Gray Starling Group has truly gone all out! This new system undoubtedly greatly increases the challenge of the competition, making it even more difficult and dangerous! Friends, let's wait and see!!!!!!!!!"

"""""OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"""""""

Millions of people erupted in thunderous cheers, and even I, sitting nervously in my car, felt my blood boil. I looked to the side, and there was a car every ten meters; the line of vehicles stretched as far as the eye could see. It was the first time I had ever seen such a magnificent sight!

"Hey! A Ye!" Ally called out to me.

"What's wrong?" I shouted back. It was so noisy here that we had to shout at the top of our lungs.

"The combatants must be positioned on the outermost edge! See the sunroof on the roof? There's a specially designed seat under the sunroof that can be raised to expose your upper body outside the vehicle! Although no one will dare to act openly under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, there will definitely be those who try to sabotage us! If anyone dares to maliciously obstruct us, then it's up to you to act, don't hesitate!"

"Understood!"

"As for Ailin and Givinia, Ailin, you sit in the back; we haven't needed you yet since we've just started moving. Givinia, you sit in the passenger seat and use your 'Mind Projection' to observe all the vehicles around you. Report any unusual activity to me immediately!"

""Learn!""

I glanced at the clock installed inside the car.

There are less than ten minutes left before it starts.

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I can't find myself on the homepage anymore /(ㄒoㄒ)/