I couldn’t imagine what kind of vehicle that beefy weapon-loving man would end up driving, but I could only picture it as a dump truck, or some other kind of beefy construction vehicle.
As I continued to worry about the race and its participants, the days flew by until the date was nearly upon us...
The Ether Vehicle testing is pretty important, but I hope those two end up closer together because of this...
I called their parents up to check on them, and apparently, they were working themselves so ragged that they were even missing out on sleep... Frankly, I worried about them.
Chapter III: The Amazing Race
The skies were blue and clear, aside from the occasional roaring Dragon. There was no severe wind, and the seas were relatively peaceful. It was the perfect day for racing.
I’d warned the Dragons not to attack the humans zipping around the island, and a few of them even seemed interested in watching the race. I was fine with them watching so long as they didn’t disrupt anything.
I summoned a few Valkyries to act as my camera crew. They hoisted cameras into the air and could move around above the vehicles. After that, I erected a large monitor on the beach for the spectators to watch at their own leisure.
Now, for the list of participants...
Vehicle Number One: The Steel Ax. Driver: Griff
This rugged dwarven machine was being driven by Griff, the leader of the dwarven craftsmen. It was an Ether Vehicle made almost completely out of original dwarven tech.
Vehicle Number Two: The Silver Star. Drivers: Rosetta & Monica
This lean, mean, silver machine was built collaboratively by the gynoids Rosetta and Monica. Both of them would be driving it together.
Vehicle Number Three: The Swan. Driver: Lapis
An elegant vehicle driven by an elegant beauty. Rosetta and Monica created the machine, but head maid Lapis would be handling it.
Vehicle Number Four: The Red Cat. Driver: Nia
A red machine for a red cat. Rosetta and Monica created this one as well, but Nia was handling it.
Vehicle Number Five: Strain. Driver: Berlietta
A standard-build Ether Vehicle modified extensively by Princess Berlietta of Strain.
Vehicle Number Six: Triharan. Driver: Lupheus
A standard-build Ether Vehicle modified extensively by Prince Lupheus of Triharan.
Vehicle Number Seven: Felsen. Driver: The king of Felsen
The culmination of Felsen’s magitech research. It was quite a huge vehicle compared to the others.
Vehicle Number Eight: Brunhild. Driver: Mochizuki Touya
I was participating as well, though I stuck to a regular Ether Vehicle. This one was based on the Renault Type K.
All eight vehicles were racing against each other.
Some of the vehicles definitely looked unusual, but the range of their specifications weren’t known off the bat. I was one of the participants too, so obviously I wouldn’t be told if they had any aces up their sleeves.
The one that stood out the most was Felsen’s, with its massive size. I kind of felt like it was only big to match the size of its driver, though...
The Steel Ax also looked like a military vehicle... If I wasn’t mistaken, it was made out of mithril.
I’d handed out a map of the race track to all drivers a few days before the race began. I hadn’t made it too detailed, since I didn’t want to spoil all the obstacles, but it let them get a general feel for the place.
If you split the island into four areas based on the directions, then the race started in the southern area and looped around the island counter-clockwise.
Elluka and Doctor Babylon explained the segments of the track to me like this:
■South■
The pier track. It was basically a racetrack on a pier that had been constructed atop the beach and sea areas.
■East■
The forest track. It was a series of dirt roads that went over winding hills.
■North■
The snow track. A slippery track with ice and snow around it.
■West■
The obstacle course. A dangerous area filled with mysterious obstacles.
The details were pretty vague in general, so I had a feeling my suspicion wasn’t misplaced.
The rules were pretty simple too. The drivers needed to get through each area within a certain amount of time, or they were out of the race.
If the vehicle broke down and ended up being pushed manually into the next area by its driver, it would be considered them getting through, so they could stay in that way if they sustained damage.
Each area also had one or two pit stops that would allow the drivers to repair or refit parts on to their vehicles.
I let out a small sigh. Geez... This was supposed to be more of a test than a race, but I guess it’s my fault for expecting things to go according to plan...
◇ ◇ ◇
It was an hour before the race began.
The international representatives that I’d invited, along with their guards, were all looking up at the screen. All of them seemed happy as they sat around the various tables I’d set up.
I’d invited almost every country from the regular world. This was their first time in the Reverse World, but the island was identical to the one in the world they’d come from, so they weren’t really doing any sightseeing.
The Reverse World nations in attendance were Triharan, Strain, Primula, and Gardio.
The one representing Gardio was Prince Lucrecion, who no longer held any rights to the throne. He was still overseeing Lowe, though.
“It’s been a while. Thanks again for your help earlier.”
“You’re looking well. How are your parents?”
“Quite well. They’ve been living pretty peacefully since abdicating the throne.”
The young boy gave off such a mature vibe that I almost forgot he was only around ten years old. I was impressed every time I saw him.
Even though he’d been put in charge of Lowe, someone else was managing it until he was older. He’d probably been learning a lot about how to be a ruler, so I hoped this would be a chance for him to relax a bit.
I introduced him to the young king of Palouf, since they were close in terms of age.
Seemed like young Ernest hadn’t brought his shogi set with him this time. The two boys seemed to get along, so I let them chat about various topics from each world.
I backed off slightly when Ernest’s fiancee Rachael glared at me as if to say “Why did you bring some stranger over?” She probably wanted some alone time with him.
Triharan’s emperor, Strain’s queen, and Primula’s king were all busy chatting to the world leaders from the world I lived in.
I was glad that they were able to get acquainted a bit before the formal summit. I wondered if they were chatting out of caution, or a desire to make friends...
“A kidnapping, you say? That certainly sounds like him.”
“I’m not surprised that Isengard country fell when they made him an enemy. Two countries on our side actually made the same mistake.”
“It’s fine if you just get along with him, though. He’s a fine young man, he just does some crazy things every so often. This gathering, for example!”
...What are you guys talking about? I neglected to butt in, since they seemed to be having a good time.
As the world leaders continued to side-eye me and gossip, I moved towards the contestant garages.
There was a wall enchanted with [Gate] opposite the garages, which connected to various pit stops along the race track. If their vehicle was damaged during the race, they’d be able to come back to the garage for repairs using the pit stops.
I entered garage number eight.
There wasn’t a door or anything, so it was pretty easy to walk right in. I figured I should do some last-minute preparation before the race.
Four mini-bots acted as my maintenance workers. They were all doing some final
checks on the Type K.
Each participant was allowed four maintenance staff and one navigator who could ride with them. Only Rosetta and Monica opted for the navigator option, though. Everyone else thought the weight of an extra person would be too much.
“Make sure the handling’s secure, alright?”
The mini-bots waved my way in affirmation. I wasn’t aiming to win the race or anything, so I wanted to prioritize getting through it safely.
As I directed the little robots, two people walked into the garage.
“Is this your vehicle, Touya? It looks cool!”
“Ah, we brought some food...”
Linze and Elze walked through the entrance and greeted me. They each held a small basket with sandwiches and fruit inside.
We started eating together, and I asked them what the other girls were up to.
It seemed that Lu, Yumina, Hilde, and Sakura were talking to their respective fathers. Leen was talking to the beastking, and Yae was meeting with Eashen’s mikado. Apparently Yae only went to see the mikado because her brother was there as an imperial guard, though.
Sakura was also only talking to the overlord because her mother dragged her there. Linze and Elze weren’t royals so they didn’t have any family among the guests. That was why they came to see me.
Technically they were from Refreese, but it wasn’t like they knew the emperor or anything.
“How’re you feeling about the race?”
“I’m not really aiming to win or anything. I just want to get the testing sorted out.”
“Huh? That sounds like loser-talk to me. Don’t you wanna win?”
Elze’s competitive streak started flaring up. But I didn’t really see the point in winning. I was more interested in the rivalry between Lupheus and Berlietta.
So long as I finished safely, I’d be happy enough with that. I had no idea what kind of obstacles I’d be facing during the race... I just had to pray that there wouldn’t be any landmines.
Gradually, all my other fiancees made their way towards the garage. We all chatted together as the mini-bots finished their tweaks.
“Hey, Touya. Can I ride with you?”
“Eh... It’ll probably be safe, but you shouldn’t. If we drove into the water you’d get all wet.”
Sue wanted to get in the passenger seat for the race, but her getting wet was the least of my worries. I had no idea what kind of weird dangers would be on the track.
All my other fiancees had probably considered that as well, since Sue was the only one to ask. The navigator position was entirely optional, so I didn’t need them in there. I could just have the map projected in the car, anyway.
Paula suddenly raised her arm, as if to volunteer. I didn’t think she’d be much use, though...
“Heh... I doubt she’ll get in your way, so could you take her?”
“...I mean, I guess.”
I shrugged and gave in, since Leen asked me to. Paula suddenly threw both arms into the air and dashed out of the garage in celebration, I had no idea where the hell she was going.
The [Program] spell sure was incredible, though. It made a stuffed doll like her seem so alive... I was even calling her a ‘her’ sometimes instead of an ‘it.’
“Alright, now all I need to do is wait.” Paula suddenly toddled back in and started tapping me on the pants leg.
“What’s up?”
I followed her outside, only to find Prince Lupheus and Princess Berlietta staring each other down. Shit...
“Congratulations on finishing your vehicle. But your victory is all but impossible. My Strain will wipe the floor with you!”
“I’m afraid you’re misguided, Princess Berlietta. Your pride and joy will be left in the dust by the power of my Triharan! I must apologize in advance.”
“Eheheheh...”
“Ahahahahaha...”
...Your eyes are a lot more menacing than your laughs... Even your maintenance staff are getting freaked out.
“...This is certainly a vicious battle...”
“Not yet it isn’t.” I heard Elze and Sue chattering as they peeked around the garage entrance.
I wondered if everything would be okay... They were certainly more aware of each other on an individual level, but it wasn’t exactly loving...
“The race begins in fifteen minutes! All participants please change into your racing suits and assemble in front of the main building.”
Elluka’s voice came through the speakers atop the garage. It was finally time.
The two royals broke up their glaring match and headed towards their vehicles. I quickly returned to mine as well.
...Geez. I hope this race ends safely.
I prayed to God Almighty, hoping he’d somehow keep this looming disaster free from harm.
◇ ◇ ◇
“As we mentioned earlier, you must clear each zone within the designated timeframe, or else you’re out. If your vehicle breaks down and you have to push it, then you’ll still be A-OK to pass so long as it gets through in the right amount of time.”
Elluka listed off the basic rules from atop the stage.
“You’re permitted to interfere with the other drivers. Each of your vehicles has been enchanted with magic to prevent direct collision, so feel free to try ramming each other. The lighter cars might get repelled away like a magnet, though.”
Each vehicle had been enchanted to create a repulsion field that synchronized with their engines. Basically, each one would act as a magnet, pushing the other cars away.
The closest any two cars could get to each other before the repulsion activated would be roughly ten centimeters. It was originally just a safety feature, but when we realized it could be used for ‘fighting’ we decided to incorporate it that way.
“In the event of a crash, the driver will be teleported back here before impact. That doesn’t immediately mean you’re out of the race, but if the crash is so bad that the vehicle teleports you, then it’ll probably end up too wrecked for you to carry on. We also have a manual emergency teleport button, use it if you think it’s necessary.”
We had a [Gate] enchanted into all the car seats, just in case. We also had Flora from the Alchemy Lab on standby to treat any possible injuries.
“Magic’s also forbidden during this race. If you use any spells, you’ll be out immediately. I’m talking to you here, Touya.”
“...I get it, geez.”
If magic was allowed, I’d just use [Slip] and win without a hitch.
“And the race commentator is...”
“A cat that fights for the sake of mankind! Mankind that gives its lifeblood to a cat! The heavens cry! The earth cries! The cats cry! Bear witness to my kitty-cat chivalry! For it is I, the feline knight that’s feline fine, Mr. Mitt- Uh... D’Artagnan!”
Sakura’s summoned Cat Sith, Mr. Mittens, took to the stage. He was brandishing a mic instead of his usual rapier.
You’re the one commentating? Please don’t make too many puns...
“Meow then! It’s time to get your paws on the pedals, all participants into the Ether Vehicles!”
A red line was drawn along the stone path by the beach, and all our vehicles lined up against it. We’d all be starting in the same spot.
The drivers all got into their cars and began revving up their engines. I also got into my Type K. I then fired up the magic engine and started to project my map before I realized something... I wasn’t allowed to use magic.
Luckily, Paula was in the passenger seat and helpfully passed over a map to me. What a thoughtful little inanimate object.
Hmm... So the stone road stretches out straight and then ends on a sandy beach path... Then we’ll race in another line until we veer right on to the pier area, got it.
The pier was only about two and a half times wider than a standard Ether Vehicle. If someone decided to drive in the middle, it’d be almost impossible to pass them. If someone tried to ram someone else there’s a chance that both cars could get knocked
off into the water and disqualified... That was a pretty tough starting area. I shrugged a bit and decided to just keep driving while prioritizing safety. If I held back a little at the start of the race, I’d be able to survey the situation as well. It wasn’t like I needed to win.
I put my helmet on and pulled the attached goggles down over my face.
“Are mew ready?! Then I pawsitively declare the start of the first Babylon Cup... Go!“
Right as Mr. Mittens yelled ‘go,’ the signal to start went off. A roaring sound rang out as all eight vehicles whooshed forward past the starting line.
“Meow about that! Princess Berlietta’s Strain has blasted past all the others! The Red Cat and the Silver Star are coming up close behind!”
Strain shot ahead with incredible speed, followed closely by Nia’s Red Cat. Rosetta & Monica were gaining on them both in the Silver Star, taking third place easily. Lapis’ Swan was coming up in fourth, with Prince Lupheus’ Triharan following after her. I was behind them both in sixth place.
The king of Felsen’s Felsen was behind me, and Griff the dwarf’s Steel Ax was in last place.
There were five people in front of me, but none of them had a particularly massive lead.
The smooth stone path ended in a flash, quickly replacing itself with a sandy trail beneath our wheels. It was slightly wet, goopy sand but it wasn’t quite on the level of quicksand. It gave me some traction trouble, but I carried on without a hitch.
“Wahaha! If you’ll excuse me, Grand Duke!”
“Uh.”
“I can’t believe my little kitty eyes! The Felsen is clawing its way ahead!”
The king of Felsen’s vehicle completely ignored the more difficult terrain, charging forward like a bulldozer and rushing right past both me and the Triharan.
...Damn it. I know I said I don’t care about winning, but it doesn’t mean I like being overtaken either.
“Meow my goodness! The frontrunners are already at the pier! It’s hard to pass people there cause it’s so narrow, so they’ll probably be stuck in their positions! But don’t let that throw you off! This little kitty knows it’s actually one of the most dangerous parts of the race! One wrong move will send them hurtling into the deep!”
In Another World With My Smartphone: Volume 17 Page 11
