The Other Side of the Light

The eruption of the Crystal Realm Fruit tore apart the rock layers, and the crystal palace and the crystals scattered all over the ground transformed into the most dazzling rain in the world, falling into the abyss while entwined with light.

Countless crystals emitted a shimmering light, which reflected back and forth between the crystals. The countless crystals intertwined, illuminating the abyss of death in a dreamlike and illusory way.

Ally Sena shut down her sight, hearing, and touch. As countless crystal fragments fell, her crystallized body gradually disintegrated during the descent. Countless crystal sands peeled off her body, leaving a bright trail, like a rainbow in the darkness.

There are two most beautiful moments in life: birth and destruction.

Without the five senses, humans cannot perceive the outside world. Ally has been completely isolated from the outside world, with only a slight ability to think remaining.

They must have escaped by now...

There was only one thing left on Ally's mind.

As long as she leaves the area where her powers are suppressed, A Ye can use them again, and landing safely will be a piece of cake for her.

Givinia, too, as the most reliable person, she can handle any trouble that comes her way.

In that case... only Ailin is left.

The girl who had been sticking to her side for a long time, seemingly never growing up, was someone she had only considered a younger sister a few days ago.

In the early hours of that day, facing her own dejected and negative state, Ailin confessed her feelings for the first time.

It's not the affection between family members.

It's not about liking someone, but rather the affection between lovers.

And that soft, lingering kiss.

Even though the body has crystallized, that soft touch still lingers on the lips, never to be forgotten.

Looking back now, I realize that even though my first kiss was taken from me, I didn't feel any resentment.

Perhaps, I've been yearning for love from others for a long time...

I'm sorry, Ailin.

I clearly promised to reciprocate your feelings once I got back.

From now on, you'll have to walk this path on your own...

Please forgive me, this incompetent older sister...

"... sister..."

In the silent abyss, a clear and melodious cry broke the silence.

Despite having lost his hearing, he heard this cry.

"Elder sister..."

A pair of small hands dispelled the darkness of the abyss, melted the coldness of the crystals, and gently wrapped around her waist.

Ailin? Is that you...?

"Yes, sister."

My sister's voice is always so sweet.

Idiots... I risked my life to save you all...

"I know... I'm sorry, sister..."

Then why did you--

"Because for me, my sister is my whole world."

But I'm such a terrible older sister, I've never even noticed your feelings for me...

"But I love my sister just the way she is."

I love how reliable my sister is when she shelters me from the wind and rain.

I like my sister's slowness in not realizing my feelings for me.

I love the focused expression on my sister's face when she's seriously competing.

I love my sister's innocent and pure sleeping face.

I like the serious look on my sister's face when she scolds me.

I love my sister's body, I love her personality, I love everything about her.

So--

"A world without my sister is not a world for me."

Compared to being born without an older sister,

I would rather the one with the older sister dying.

Don't worry, sister.

It would be very lonely for someone to go to that world alone.

It doesn't matter,

Because I will be with you...

Ai... Lin...

You... idiot!

"Don't blame your sister, Ally."

A soft male voice sounded, Alba Sena appeared before Ally with a kind smile.

Uncle...

"You've done a great job, and I'm proud of you."

The handsome, tall man, Elton Cena, gently stroked Ally's head, his eyes filled with affection.

Dad...

"My daughter has grown up so much! She won beautifully, congratulations!"

There are also many mothers who passed away from illness many years ago, and whose faces I can barely remember...

"You must be tired from the journey, Ally."

"No wonder she's Elton's daughter!"

"You must be tired. Go and rest. I'll make you something delicious."

"But we mustn't be arrogant."

"You've really worked hard; hard work always pays off."

Congratulations on winning the championship!

We are proud of you!

The uncle from the logistics department, the brother in charge of finance, the auntie from the canteen, the old man who works as a technician, the green newcomers... all those who left Ferruggio with the passage of time are gathered here at this moment.

Everyone is here.

Everyone was laughing, jumping, clapping, and congratulating her on her victory.

Today, Ferruggio Silver Wolf Team are resurrected.

Ally closed her eyes, then opened them again.

A smooth track stretches out before you.

The enthusiastic audience ignited the atmosphere.

Ally gazed at this dreamlike scene.

My left hand holds my beloved younger sister.

My right hand represents my most admired father.

Behind me was my most grateful uncle.

Surrounding them were former members of the convoy.

This is exactly the view I've been dreaming of.

Ally finally smiled.

Surrounded by family and friends, she stepped onto the field.

Towards the light.

In the center of the northern border, there is a beautiful Crystal Island.

Deep beneath Crystal Island, surrounded by countless crystals...

Two sisters lie buried here.

"Ally Senna is the best driver I've ever seen. Whether as a driver or as a team captain, she is someone I will respect for a lifetime..."

Northern border, Port Turltukha

At the starting line of the race, the original starting area and part of the spectator seating were removed and replaced with a spacious elevated platform.

Originally intended for the closing ceremony, it has now been put to another use.

"... Ailin Sena is also a top-notch mechanic; even her sister cannot overshadow her brilliance. Seemingly the most unassuming, she has actually saved the convoy from dire situations on numerous occasions..."

Givinia stood on the stage to give a speech. She wore a long black dress, her beautiful long hair was tied back, her expression was solemn, and her eyes revealed an unyielding sadness.

The closing ceremony turned into a memorial service.

The person being mourned was none other than the champion himself.

"... I admire their strength, and even more so their character. I hope they can live happily in the afterlife."

Givinia bowed deeply and stepped down from the platform in a somber atmosphere.

My turn.

I straightened my mourning clothes and brushed past Givinia as she came down from the stage.

"..." "..."

Silence.

I felt like I wanted to say something to her, but I didn't know where to begin, so I could only choose to remain silent.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, I couldn't help but feel nervous, and the sorrow for the Sena Sisters made my heart even heavier.

"I, Liu Ye, offer my deepest condolences for the sacrifice of Ally Cena and Ailin Cena..."

The suffering of others is ultimately their own business.

Humans as a species is a whole, but as individuals, they are composed of many individuals.

It is absolutely impossible for different individuals to truly understand what others feel.

They were the ones who died, not me, so I can't understand the pain of dying just as one's dream is realized.

But, if there truly is a God in this world—

At least for now, let me wallow in sorrow like an ordinary person...

After escaping Crystal Island, my powers returned immediately once I left the area affected by the Crystal Realm Fruit explosion. Protected by the Blood Crystal, Givinia and I landed safely in the Engai Forest and were picked up by the staff.

The competition ended amidst controversy.

For a top-tier event, the number of casualties is far too high.

During the cleanup of the racecourse, many riders died from attacks by monsters in the first two stages, but they were only a minority. In the underground ruins of the third stage of Route 1, many moldy corpses were found, some even rotten into mud. According to those who had been inside, it was beyond description as hell on earth. As for the fourth stage, the Engai Forest, which is shared by all four routes, it goes without saying that most of the top teams perished there.

Of course, the most serious incident was the Crystal Island incident.

Before the World Crystal Tree appeared, thousands of people evacuated Crystal Island in an extremely orderly manner for unknown reasons. Even when asked why they did so, they themselves could not give a clear answer. Therefore, Crystal Island had the fewest deaths, with only three people killed.

But these three are no small matter.

The team captain and mechanics of the champion team, as well as Garde, the chief executive officer of the competition.

Countless fans—especially Ferruggio supporters—launched massive complaints, petitions, and marches, expressing their discontent in various ways. But what use are these complaints when even the CEO himself is dead?

Ultimately, the official explanation given by the Gray Starling Merchant Guild was a terrorist attack.

The explanation that members of an unknown organization targeted the race was incredibly simple and straightforward, yet flawless. Even the most fervent racing fans couldn't find a reason to refute it and ultimately had to accept it.

After a month of competition, the total revenue generated by the event had reached astronomical figures, not even counting its various social impacts. The Gray Starling Group ultimately decided to donate all proceeds from the competition to support the development of the motorsport industry, which somewhat quelled public anger.

It's morning.

In the slightly chilly lounge, I quietly packed my luggage.

"..."

There are too many things to think about.

After learning of Alba's innocence, Ally's goal became "to win the championship and revitalize the team."

She did achieve the first half of her goal, but not the second half.

She's gone, and Ailin is gone too.

In the end, only Givinia and I, the two temporary members, remained in Ferruggio Silver Wolf Team.

"So, what are you planning to do from now on, A Ye?" Givinia asked.

"What do you mean, what to do... I don't know either."

Whether as members of the team or out of gratitude to the Sena Sisters, rebuilding the team is our inescapable responsibility.

Of course, leaving Givinia Paltrow aside, I have absolutely no experience running a racing team. I can only be a fighter. While Givinia can drive, she's far from being a professional driver. Rebuilding the team would start with recruiting new talent, but where can I find a driver as good as Ally? And where can I find a mechanic as good as Ailin? Even if the championship prize money is enough to build a team, how exactly do I do it?

After thinking about it for a long time, the final answer I came to was—I can't do it.

Not to mention, I also have my own path to walk.

A strong conflict arose between the team members' sense of responsibility and their own desires.

What do I do?

Knock knock-- Is anyone there?

"Um... excuse me, is this the Ferruggio Silver Wolf Team?"

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The next chapter will mark the end of Volume Two... sigh.