novelden Chapter 623 Item Race 1: Items are a Must
Chapter 623 Item Race 1: Items are a Must
The girls were no strangers to the "item race" that Kokoro had mentioned.
Especially Bai Lili and Chi Xue, who had an accident while playing cards and racing in the recent series of events in the Dream Image, even made everyone think, "We absolutely cannot let Chi Xue drive."
It's hard to say whether Xin Yuehu was inspired by that intense chase on the suspended track, but the flying track woven from light strips in front of us is enough to remind people of that aerial track back then.
"A flight competition..."
"That sounds quite interesting."
"The top three can get so many vouchers! Even if you don't get a ranking, you still get a participation prize."
Looking at the types of items that could be obtained on the track displayed on the screen, and the generous reward list that rolled out with dynamic rock music, many people were very tempted.
Everyone was eager and excited, and the teams even gathered together to discuss what tactics to use to ensure they could get the most prizes.
Some plans designate one person to fly at full speed from the beginning while the others act as her backs, while others plan to crouch at the back of the team to collect and accumulate items, and then unleash them all at once on the last lap – a rather unorthodox strategy.
After discussing for a while, the girls' gazes all fell in the direction of the Hyacinth Squad—or more precisely, on the dark figure in the squad:
The rookie magical girl, codenamed "Shuo Ye," possesses exceptional flying abilities and skills as a winged being, making her an absolute favorite to win the championship. It could even be said that this competition was tailor-made for her, inevitably raising suspicions about the motives of the mastermind, Xin Yuehu.
"You mean we have to compete in flight with a winged being with a wingspan of over three meters? And she's a magical girl?" Edelweiss asked, posing a probing question.
"Although Shuoye's flying ability as a winged person is indeed excellent, she is still a newcomer and may not be that proficient in flight magic..." Mai Sui tried to make amends.
"Do you even believe what you're saying?" Then Green Ivy mercilessly retorted.
Amidst the chattering and commotion, the winged girl in the Hyacinth Squad also sensed the gazes focused on her, and couldn't help but feel a little nervous, shrinking into a stick.
"But don't forget, this is an 'item race'. Even if you fly really fast, you can still be affected by all sorts of weird items. Don't worry too much."
Bai Lili shrugged and offered her opinion.
She was someone who had personally experienced the prop competition in the Dream Image. At that time, Garuda's Shadow Followers used all sorts of strange props, which left a deep impression on her. Even now, she still feels lingering fear when she thinks about it.
There are all sorts of strange props, like banana peels, giant turtles, cannons, and rockets. It's hard to say whether flying fast enough will guarantee you the first place when so many people are using these props.
In the stands not far away, Xin Yuehu, wearing a flight jacket, was giving a pre-match commentary through a megaphone:
"The athletes are in high spirits and seem confident of winning the championship!"
"Viewers have probably already grasped the basic workings of 'flying magic' from the video clip we just watched, right? Perhaps you're wondering—if this magic is so simple, then aren't everyone's flying skills roughly the same?"
"Of course! But even the simplest magic has differences in proficiency, and even the slightest difference will be magnified in a competition. To win, you have to give it your all!"
At this point, Xin Yuehu nimbly flew to a few figures in the audience and held out her microphone to them.
"Miss Chixue didn't participate in the competition tonight. Since you chose to be a spectator, could you share your thoughts on the contestants? Is there anyone you particularly like?"
Suddenly being interviewed by Xin Yuehu, Chi Xue was slightly taken aback, but seemed used to such interviews. She took the microphone and skillfully delivered the scripted dialogue:
"I have been retired for many years. Although everyone may think that I still retain a considerable amount of fighting ability, my energy is really not what it used to be. In addition, I have been busy with the reconstruction of Chengdu recently, so I can't spare more physical strength and energy to spend on this game."
"I think this competition is very meaningful. The contestants can showcase their magical abilities, and the audience can enjoy a whole night of laughter and joy. It's a great event."
First, state your position clearly, then shirk responsibility, give a convincing reason, and finally shower others with compliments. After that, remain silent throughout.
This scene reminded the longtime fans in the live stream of their unanimous passing the buck when the TV station interviewed the Red Snow Squad, which made the reporters suffer and even led to complaints about it in the newspapers at that time.
Seeing Chi Xue skillfully demonstrate this set of rhetoric again, viewers flooded the live stream with comments like "My youth is back!" and "I'm so glad to see Chi Xue's water interview segment again."
"Ah... this... Miss Akashi..." Shingetsuko said tentatively, slightly troubled.
Red Rose blinked. She hadn't expected Akashi to act like a seasoned TV station veteran at this moment. She was about to say, "No need to be so serious, let's relax a bit," but Inari, who was next to Akashi, preemptively spoke up.
"This isn't a reporter interview, Akayuki, so don't be so nervous. Just relax," Inari said directly.
"...Ah, so that's not how it is?" Akashi asked, puzzled, after a few seconds of stunned silence.
"Of course not! The three of you are the special guests of my live stream tonight. You have nothing to do with TV stations or anything like that!" Xin Yuehu said with a light laugh, while showing the camera familiar following behind her to Chi Xue.
It took the latter a while to come to his senses, and he shook his head with a wry smile.
Chi Xue's little incident livened up the atmosphere in the live stream. After learning that it was just a normal interactive activity, she relaxed a lot and expressed her thoughts in front of the camera.
The favorites to win are mainly concentrated in a few candidates: none other than Sakuya Shiro Lili Hyacinth, who have outstanding flying ability or overall ability.
While newcomers like Marigold and Four-Leaf Clover do generate some discussion, it's generally accepted that their proficiency in flight magic is inferior to that of veteran practitioners and certain gifted individuals.
The lively pre-race atmosphere ended with the blowing of the whistle to signal the start of the race. Referee Xinyuehu flew to the contestants who were already in position at the starting line, raised her Xinyue Magic Wand, and gathered a ball of magic missiles at the tip of the wand.
"Is everything ready—?"
"Ready—"
The girls' voices were in unison.
"Everyone understands the rules now, right? I'll repeat them again!" Heart Moon Fox said loudly.
"Follow the light trail along the route through each checkpoint, and you can collect all sorts of amazing items on rooftops and building walls along the way!"
"Fly as fast as you can! Be the first to complete three laps around the track and reach the finish line before everyone else! Then you'll claim the winner's prize!"
"On your marks—get set—"
The music in the stadium stopped abruptly, the starting red light turned yellow, and the magical energy brewing from the flying spell wove a magical cloud at the starting line.
A brief silence.
"Snapped!"
The magic missile soared into the sky, the starting lights turned green, and the flight magic was activated at full power. The surging air currents caused by the disturbance even made the red-clad trio in the stands reach out and cover their flying sideburns.
The crowded scene at the start immediately filled the live broadcast with a joyful atmosphere:
Wheat was full of confidence and planned to be the first to cross the finish line, but as soon as she squeezed out of the crowd, she was trapped by Aquamarine, who was also trying to squeeze out. Aquamarine was also restricted by Clover, who was not to be outdone. The human wall formed by the three of them immediately blocked several people behind who wanted to rush forward.
"Don't push me!" "Isn't it spacious over there?" "This is the inner lane!"
The girls jostled and pushed each other, creating quite a scene, but this crowded situation was quickly broken up. After the first bend, the originally crowded group dispersed and each executed their own tactics.
[The one flying at the very front is actually a hyacinth!]
[As expected of a battle-hardened genius newcomer with surging magical power, Miss Hyacinth's flying style is all about straight ahead without any detours; she's already far ahead of the rest of the group!]
[Second place is Lily White, third place is Edelweiss and Red Zircon... After the first corner, the two engaged in a fierce close-quarters battle, neither giving up their position on the inner lane, seemingly intending to gain an advantageous position first.]
[But the players will soon reach the first item checkpoint. I wonder what kind of fun items everyone will get?]
The camera shifts, and countless magically formed cubes float up from the rooftops and edges of buildings, each marked with a question mark. These are presumably the random items provided by the [Item Race].
The racing teams each set their sights on the item blocks. Hyacinth, flying in the lead, grabbed a magic block first and condensed it in her hand—it was a [Nitro Boost] that temporarily increased her flight speed.
This is a great item; its effect is a simple and direct "speed boost," making it one of the most versatile items in any racing game.
But before the hyacinth's joy could last long, a deafening roar suddenly rang out behind it:
"BOOM!!!"
"Whoa?!!"
With a wail, Aquamarine was struck directly by a beam of light, its speed drastically reduced as it tumbled through the air, and in the blink of an eye, it landed at the very back of the group.
Everyone couldn't help but look towards the source of the beam that struck the aquamarine stone—where Mai Sui was holding her powerful magic cannon, a happy smile on her lips, as if her fear of insufficient firepower had been completely cured.
Hyacinth suddenly realized something: this wasn't just any ordinary flying competition; it was a grand competition organized by Heart Moon Fox! She would definitely mix some strange and terrifying things into these props!
With one shot, Aquamarine was driven to the back of the group. Wheat, who had temporarily acquired the magic cannon, immediately turned the cannon around and aimed it directly at Hyacinth, which was flying at the front of the group.
"I'm sorry, Hyacinth." "What's the use of apologizing now?! Don't hit me!!!"
A cacophony of wails and laughter echoed through the sky.