Opening Ceremony

It really is, isn't it, Senpai. I wasn't expecting this to be such a huge event.

It's almost like a carnival. A lot of Servants turned out to watch in the spectator stands, too.

I saw them on that jumbo-sized screen not too long ago. I wonder if Ishtar paid for that as well.

？！

It's not just the facilities either. Ishtar has also hired a number of Servants to staff the event.

That has to be a pretty significant expense too. It does seem very...generous of her.

Sheesh. I can't believe she didn't make arrangements for even a single food stand.

A race isn't just for the racers. It's also for all the people who come out to watch.

Just look at this food cart I set up. I've got kebabs...hot dogs...fried noodles...snow cones...

And a super-hot steak griddle I projected specially for today!

Heh... It's all so perfect, I almost scare myself.

Hey mister! One cotton candy, pleeease!

Cotton caaandy!

Cotton candy!? ...Right. I guess that IS a popular summer treat, isn't it.

I should have realized it sooner. Let's see, a cotton candy machine...

I think that should do it. Coming right up, girls. How does extra caramel sound?

... (Stare) That looks like a cloud. Can you really eat it?

Of course you can. Though it's actually just melted sugar spun into a cotton-like treat.

You can have as much as you'd like as long as you've got QP to pay for it. There's no such thing as a free lunch, after all.

Don't you mock me. Of course I have QP! In fact, I shall even pay for those two as well. Now give it to me! ALL OF IT!

Hmm. I think I shall take a picture of that too.

A fine shot, if I do say so myself. The subject is perfect, and the composition flawless. It seems the job of record keeper suits me.

This is the best! I don't know why races are always treated as summer events, but as far as those things go, this one is awesome!

After whatever happened during spring break, with me not showing up at all until the fall...

...and countless new girls popping up left and right, things were looking pretty dicey for me for a while.

But then I got offered this sweet modeling gig! "All you have to do is stand around in this bikini."

This is great! I always wanted to try being a booth babe!

Go on, Mr. Cameraman, snap away!

I stayed up all night working on this pose! This summer, Supermodel Liz makes her debut!

What a sad picture she paints. But she herself is so happy, I cannot bring myself to tell her.

I must at least capture the dark side of this event as well. It is my duty as official record keeper.

...She truly does make for a poor subject. I wonder where I could find Lady Scáthach.

Huh? What's with the pity-eyes!? I've got a great body, I'll have you know!

...Look, Senpai. It's the racers.

Would you like to say hello to them?

？！

Oh, if it isn't Fujimaru! Have you come to cheer me on? How very kind of you!

But then, I suppose it is only inevitable that you would. As inevitable as all roads leading to Rome.

After all, were it not for you... Hehehe...

What are you prattling on about? Have the roses finally gotten to your head as well?

Fujimaru is here to cheer ME on. After all...

...No, as a summer maid, I suppose I should not say anything that might lead another to be jealous.

Hehe... How unusual to know the victor before the contest even begins. It does make for a decided lack of excitement, but it is certainly not a bad feeling.

I don't know why you're both acting so strangely, but I guess it would be stranger if you weren't. Still, there's one other thing I don't understand...

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You mean you did not know? The rule book mandates that all drivers wear swimsuits.

Indeed, it does.

I believe Senpai is wondering why you are BOTH wearing swimsuits?

Oh, that? Simple. Because we are both driving.

And as an assistant is required to be on the team, we are both assisting as well.

Thus, we are both driver and assistant. It was not against the rules to hold concurrent roles, you see.

Indeed! There is nothing underhanded about it!

Of course, while I should by rights be the only driver, this wicked dark maid here refuses to give up the wheel.

Never mind that I am an expert charioteer who won the race in Olympia. Why, I'm practically a Rider!

Heh. That nonsense again? Even after changing into a swimsuit and altering your Spirit Origin, you still ended up a Caster.

I, on the other hand, actually AM a Rider now. One with an exceptional Riding Skill, no less.

There is no question that the only appropriate driver is me, but Drama Queen here would not permit it.

We were unable to reach an agreement even after discussing the matter all night, and with no time left before the race was set to begin, we reluctantly agreed to share the role of driver.

？！

You even need to ask!?

I would think you of all people would understand.

Because the driver gets the glory!

Uhh, Master! Thank...you!

？！

There may no longer be a need for me to interpret for her, but just in case... She is saying she's happy you came to cheer for her.

That's right. I just remembered that you're able to talk a little more as a Saber, Fran.

And with Babbage as your assistant, communication should be simple.

Uh. We'll be fine. (Nods)

Of course. I can't have the daughter of an old friend taking part in a dangerous race on her own.

Indeed, there is nothing to worry about. In addition to the great bulk of the King of Steam...

...I have joined the team to assure our victory! As such, young Fran can race in safety knowing two capable grown-ups are looking after her.

O-oh, right. I forgot you were here too, professor.

Hahaha, I assure you there is nothing to fear.

Right now, I am nothing more than a fiftyish adoptive father whose heart has been stolen by the innocent plea of a purehearted young girl!

If you still have concerns, I invite you to change my entry name to "Mysterious Papa"!

How could you mistrust me so much? You wound me!

Please don't!

？！

Fran and Babbage partnering up makes a lot of sense...

But somehow, I feel like their choice of additional members adds a lot of shadiness to their team...

I can handle a little shadiness!

Indeed.

Our team may have been assembled rather hastily, but his knowledge, notoriety, and shadiness are genuine.

I have every confidence that we will win.

Furthermore, he has agreed to assume nearly all responsibility if something occurs during the race.

And since anything bad that may happen would almost certainly fall on his shoulders anyway, we feel everything should be fine.

Uh!

Oh, Master. I see you have come to cheer me on.

Hehe, thank you very much.

I confess to being...somewhat embarrassed knowing that I will be seen competing in a race, as that is more something Kintoki would do.

But knowing you are cheering for me is a tremendous motivation. I swear I shall not disappoint you.

Other Servants may have abandoned dignity and decency simply because it is summer...

But as the shadow prefect, I shall see that all such flagrancy is duly punished.

My sword that kept all of Kyoto safe is still completely untarnished!

I really don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about, but it does sound like you have a different goal than the other racers, Raikou.

That she does. Personally, I still want to take first place, but who knows how it'll turn out.

Well, aside from the Buddha, of course. Anyway, it still looks like fun, so I decided to race with her!

It's been a long time since I got to go on a journey, so I can't wait. Who knows, I might even find a new disciple or sutra along the way!

As they say... GO WEST, young monk...

...Wait. Come to think of it, which direction ARE we supposed to go in?

Oh, hello. What's up?

Wait, let me guess... You're here to find out what mystical wisdom powers our car, right?

Sorry, but I'm not telling. I trust you, but there's still a nonzero chance that information could make its way to the other teams if I did.

This race may be all fun and games, but it's more fun if we all do our best to win, right?

？！

Even she needs a chance to let off some steam now and again. I trust you can understand that.

？！

I'll be fine. I know I'll be competing with powerful kings and former Berserkers...

But brawn doesn't win a race! It's all about brains.

Don't believe me? ...Well, you should, 'cause I'm going to show you what we old people can do with all our years of wisdom!

(Whisper) As you can see, she's still a bit upset about that little incident from the other day. Part of that falls on your shoulders, Master.

？！

That said, we are the ones who encouraged her to compete.

Though I hesitate to use this word given its connotations with Holmes, one might say you and we are accomplices in that regard.

If you feel at all responsible for what happened, you can make up for it by cheering with all your might for this superb direct current support vehicle to win.

Hold it. What did you just say about the alternating current support vehicle I've worked so hard on?

I can see where this is going...

Anyway, we don't have a lot of time, Senpai. Let's go visit the other teams while we still can.

It's me! Hahaha, let me guess: You came to tell me that the three ceremonial dishes I always have before setting out on a new campaign are all ready, correct?

That's the kind of dedication I like from my Master!

Still, while I imagine chestnuts and abalone remain a rare enough treat in this day and age, isn't kombu absurdly common now?

Perhaps you should forego the kombu and try something more modern... Maybe truffles?

After all, given that I handily won a (totally real and not imaginary) popularity poll, gaining a swimsuit is cause for an all-out celebra

Huh? Chaldea's Nobbu Resources already ran out during the GUDAGUDA event this year? You're kidding me.

...Well then, that's all the more reason I must win! First I shall take the prize money, then I shall perform a live concert that'll burn down the house!

I, uh, I see... A live concert, huh.

What's this about lives!?

Cause of course, I've been sensing the birth of too many new wicked lives myself!

Both the new and scantily clad Altria face and her partner, the emperor who thinks she can escape my sword by turning into a Caster!

There could be no evil so perfidious as their team in this or any race!

They may be a Rider and Caster now, but they're still Sabers at heart. And so I will cut them down. No, I MUST cut them down!

On top of that, I sense the birth of a whole new Saber... I'm gonna make sure we see SOMEONE knocked outta this race as soon as the starting gun goes off!

Of course, it also looks like I'll get to eat all sorts of yummy things if I win, so I'll be doing my best to win the race as well!

Indeed, I have high hopes for you, seeing how I am trusting you to handle all driving-related matters!

After all, I'm a general from the Sengoku period. The only mount I know how to steer is my horse, Oniashige.

And apparently this race's horse quota had already been filled.

...Oh well, it can't be helped!

So, you wish to be granted an audience with the pharaoh before she sets out on her journey. Good. Such is only proper for one sworn to a contract with her.

？！

Y-you don't have to make THAT big a deal out of it. It's just me.

Oh! So it was you under there, Nitocris. But... Why were you under there?

Well... Earlier, while I was getting changed into my swimsuit, I got to thinking about how inadvertently rude I was to Pharaoh Ozymandias...

...and how far I still have to go as a pharaoh myself.

And then I really, really, REALLY wanted to just hide my face, and one thing led to another, and...

Uh, I mean, never mind all that!

Surely you see how Medjed must be a fast racer thanks to his sleek form, right!? Yes! That is what you need to know!

Ahem. At any rate, I gratefully accept your presence as an audience. I presume you have prepared a tribute?

...Yes, it does. Gold or jewels would be unnecessary burdens on this journey, anyway.

I am glad you understand what is truly valuable. I gratefully accept your tribute, my ally.

...Blasphemy!

...No, I have only myself to blame. This wouldn't have happened were I a better pharaoh.

That, of course, is why I am here in the first place. I will demonstrate the glory of the pharaohs for all to see, and in so doing become a true pharaoh myself.

？！

(Sigh) ...

I must say, it's a little surprising to see you assisting Nitocris.

I am just as surprised as you are.

I can hardly believe I was so taken with the idea of a charm to protect me from death that I entered a race which is almost certain to result in death.

Ah, all I can do now is hope that victory will allow me to be free of death forevermore.

It does seem kind of ironic that being so scared of death led to you skirting it.

？！

...

I am told that by participating in this race, we will be helping to dispel a Singularity.

If I imagine that I am offering this service to a compassionate king, perhaps that will serve as its own reason for my participation.

Indeed, I hope that by doing so, I can be of some service to you as well.

That's all of the teams.

To be honest, I have no idea which one will end up winning. All I can say for certain is that it looks like it's going to be a very intense race.

...Oh? Senpai, look. Isn't that

Okaaay! Everyone's here, right? Great!

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Well of course I'm going to wear a swimsuit. I can't host a race in my stuffy regular clothes, can I?

Besides, I always wanted to try wearing a modern-day swimsuit. And since I was changing my outfit anyway, I thought I'd take the opportunity to get all sorts of other new things too★

？！

What's that now? Word of advice: be careful what you think around a goddess.

In fact, this works out well. Since I was already taking my new form out for a test drive, I think now's as good a time as any for a little warm-up.

You two are going to have your work cut out for you in this event anyway, so I may as well give you a little taste of what's in store.

Hey, here I come, Fujimaru! Time to see what this new form can do!

Well, surprising no one, she isn't going to take no for an answer. Please try not to get hurt, Master!

Okay, that oughta about do it.

Um, can I ask you a question?

What is it?

Well, I couldn't help but wonder what that...thing by your feet is.

Uh...g-good question. Come to think of it, what IS this thing, anyway?

？！

H-hey, I didn't ask it to follow me around. But since it is, and it seems to really like me, I may as well train it to help me out a little, right?

Besides, every good race needs a mascot. And at least it's better than kicking it to the curb, right?

Fou... Fofoou... Fo?

Ah! Fou is giving it the same wild look he gave the boar piglets on that desert island!

So hey, on another note! I almost forgot something important. All racers, gather round!

What is this about?

Okay everyone, all eyes on these tools!

These ritual tools are the key to erasing the Singularity and indicating that you're a legit participant of the Ishtar Cup!

They've been designed to integrate into your vehicles, so make sure you each install them.

Any vehicle that tries to compete without one of these will be automatically disqualified, so make sure not to forget them!

Got it? Whatever you do, do NOT lose or remove it during the race. That's VERY important.

Mine somewhat resembles a crown! I like it!

I suppose this is like that "E-Zpass" device that Kintoki has on his bike.

I am not overly familiar with things like this, but as it seems our steeds require them, we shall use them!

A new part? Now? I wish you'd told us about this sooner.

It affects the balance of the entire craft. Of course, I can compensate quite easily, genius that I am.

Fujimaru! Don't give me that look! This concerns you too!

You two will be helping me run things. Come here, I'll tell you what your responsibilities are.

...There you have it. Here we have the service and maintenance area along the starting line.

We'll have a few pit stops like this along the course.

I want you two to restock supplies as needed, handle any problems that arise...

...and really just do whatever I tell you. Basically, you'll be like PAs for my new hit series!

I have no idea what that means, but I was told that's what you'd be!

？！

That would be me, of course!

Ciao, Fujimaru! Ciao, Mash!☆

Da Vinci!

I can see that you have a question for me. You're wondering why I allowed this whole thing!

Admittedly, this is all pretty strange, but I figured I could let Ishtar here handle this how she wanted.

I mean, Chaldea's budget is already stretched thin as it is, you know? The Mage's Association has cut off all financial aid until their inspectors get here...

...so right now, all we've got is our UN budget and the remains of our nest egg keeping us afloat.

So when Ms. Goddess there agreed to fund all this herself, I decided it was worth the risks.

Hey, of course there's gonna be risks. We're erasing a Singularity here, remember?

Yes yes, I'm well aware. Anyway, there you have it, Mash. I know it's not ideal, but I trust you'll be able to handle it!

(Sigh) ...I guess I can see how you weren't able to stop this, but...

Oh, don't worry. I'll keep backing you up from here like usual until my turn rolls around.

While its format is pretty unorthodox,

Ishtar was kind enough to provide a control system with a magecraft source of sorts, so we're all covered.

？！

O-of course. We goddesses are especially generous in summer, okay? You'd better be grateful!

We are. Anyway, don't mind me. You two just focus on enjoying this year's summer festival.

Okay. It looks like Senpai and I are relegated to working behind-the-scenes this time...

But I certainly don't want to rain on the pararace after coming this far, so I'll do my best.

By the way Ishtar, what are you going to do once the race begins?

If you're the production assistants, wouldn't that make her the director or producer or something?

Don't be silly. I planned this whole race, AND I'm the one supervising it. I've got tons of work to do!

In addition to telling you two what to do, I also have to provide running commentary, color commentary, and serve as the referee.

Commentary, huh. You really are taking this seriously...

Well, of course I am. I've got to keep the spectators engaged, after all.

Oh, and at some point, I might need you two to help me with a different kinda job.

？！

Remember how I told you that this Singularity has a ruler and subordinates?

As long as we can finish the race, we shouldn't have to worry about them... Buuut since it's going to last for so long...

...it's probably too much to hope that they'll just leave us alone for the whole thing.

So if they do try to interfere, I might have to go and stop them.

And since we're going to have to try to keep them from messing with the race too much... Naturally...

I'll need you to come along as a Master for that sorta thing, so stay sharp, 'kay?

That's true. We shouldn't forget that there are still enemies about.

I'm sorry I'm still unable to assist with combat myself...

But I'm relieved to know that you'll be out there with us, Ishtar.

I guess I was right when I predicted you'd be helping us without asking for compensation after all.

I know you will, Master. I'm sure you'll be fine no matter who we're up against!

That's what I like to hear. I knew I saw potential in you.

？！

Anyway, on that note, I'll let you give the combat orders during the race.

And to reward you for your service, I'll even form an official contract with you once the race is over.

Thanks again for helping out, Fujimaru!

Hehe... Just make sure you're not so enthralled by my swimsuit form that you forget all about the race.

Now that the race is finally about to begin...I'd better get ready to wave the starting flag.

There's not a job that stands out more, so I can just leave all that glory and publicity to someone else.

Ah! That means I won't be able to press the button for the starting lights... Okay, you can do that part.

...It's not as important as the flag, but it's still a big job, so you better be ready for some divine punishment if you screw it up.

Do you even need to wave the flag if you've already got the lights?

It's all about presentation, duh! Doesn't matter what I'm doing, so long as it gets the crowd fired up! So! I'm starting this race Ishtar-style! Got a problem with that?

Not at all, my goddess.

Okay, Fujimaru, let's start by heading to the commentator seats.

First, I'll go over the rules of the race with the spectators, and introduce all the teams.

Then I'll tell everyone to get ready, and head to the starting line.

Once I give you the signal, go ahead and press the button to start the race whenever you're ready.

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G-good luck, Senpai! Don't worry, I know you can do it!

At last...the moment you've all been waiting for is almost here!

The Ishtar Cup Singularity Cannonball Run is just about to begin!

Thank you for that thunderous round of applause!

This race and commentary are brought to you by Chaldea's richest and most beautiful goddess, the incarnation of love and war herself: Ishtar!

As I'm sure you've all heard plenty, Ishtar's the only goddess Chaldea needs! So don't you worry, you'll be seeing plenty of yours truly during this event!

Oooh, I can FEEL the glares of those other inferior goddess Servants who're all upset that they won't be getting their turn in the spotlight.

And to that, I say... sucks to be you, losers!

I'm...not even sure what to say anymore.

？！

Now then, let's go over the rules of this race.

The starting line is, of course, right here, and the finish line is on the other side of this Singularity. You'll recognize it because it's sporting the beautiful, brand-new Ishtar temple! Check it out on the live feed!

I had no idea she had something so extravagant built at the finish line, too. What an incredibl(y wasteful) expenditure for a onetime event!

Incidentally, this live feed is brought to us by a drone made in the famed workshop of none other than the Ishtar Cup board member and special advisor, Leonardo da Vinci.

Thanks to this, you'll all be able to see how each team is doing at every leg of the race!

As everyone knows, it's the mark of a great goddess to give credit where credit is due.

So let's have a big round of applause for this muh, this...FOR DA VINCI! They've been a big help!

Now then, there are four checkpoints between the starting line here and the finish line.

Whenever a team reaches one of these checkpoints, they'll be required to stop...

...and wait for every other team to reach the same checkpoint. Naturally, each team's time will be closely monitored all the while.

Once every team has reached that checkpoint...

...the race will resume with all vehicles leaving from that checkpoint's starting line at the same time and continuing to race until the next checkpoint!

Since it's a long way to the finish line, the idea is to break up the race into five smaller courses.

However, at the last checkpoint before the goal, instead of all vehicles leaving at once...

...the time difference between each team will be tallied up, and they will have to wait until the corresponding amount of time has passed before they can go.

This is so we don't have vehicles getting too far apart from one another. That'd be really boooring!!!

Gotta mix things up to keep 'em interesting, y'know?

Th-that makes a surprising amount of sense. She's thought this through a lot more than I expected.

Oh! Also, there's a looot of distance even between checkpoints, so you racers'll probably wanna rest up at the various pit stops you'll find along the way.

Even though each team's got an assistant providing their vehicle with magical energy, this'll DEFINITELY be one exhausting race!

Now, of course I expect you all to REEEALLY compete to be the fastest, but I also want you all to see the race through to the end. No dropping out on my watch!

I think...that's Ishtar's way of showing concern for all of the racers.

I guess she hasn't entirely forgotten her kindhearted goddess side after all. That's a relief.

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Okay, that about takes care of the rules! We'll be getting this race started real soon now!

Now I think it's time we met all the lovable daredevils who volunteered to risk their lives in what's sure to be a brutal race!

Our first team is the Tyrannical Shooting Star, and one of the top contenders for the cup!

Just the fact that they named their vehicle Red Venus, EVEN THOUGH I'm the organizer, should tell you everything you need to know about how gutsy these two are!

In the driver-slash-assistant seat: Nero Claudius!

Umu. I, Nero Claudius, am nothing less than the greatest charioteer in all of Rome!

I may not have her sword, but my victory is promised just the same! Shower me in your cheers and adulation!

And, in the other driver-slash-assistant seat: Altria Alter!

I know no one by that name. I am but a summer maid, as I believe I indicated on my entry form?

That's right, it's an unprecedented double-driver, double-assistant team! At first I was a little flustered I didn't catch this loophole about teammates pulling double duty...

..buuut they're both wearing swimsuits and it oughta be fun to watch, so I figured what the hell! Besides, doesn't look like either of them has any other friends to ask!

Next, we have Electric Steam feat. Papa! Hey, can you do something about how shady you're coming off!?

Hello there. I'm Professor M, the assistant for this team. I promise you can trust me.

...Gonna take that as a no. That guy is suuuper shady...

Well, never mind him. Let's just move on to the driver.

She's not normally much of a talker, but it looks like she'll be making up for lost time this summer! I like your spirit, Frankenstein!

...Uh! I'm new to being a Saber, but I'll do my best!

Next, we have another...assistant? Or whatever he is... Charles Babbage!

Here, I shall reveal my body's new functionality, the result of countless painstaking calculations.

...A transformation!

Input complete, steam pressure rising! Behold the King of Steam's new cross-country form!

Babbage Locomotive Form!

...(There it is!)...

？！

Mmm, this is nice. I can sense everyone's mistrust of me is greatly reduced as Babbage's Locomotive Form draws their attention.

An exemplary instance of teamwork.

More like the mistrust is getting spread around your whole team. Just make sure your evil scheming doesn't make too much trouble for us running the show, okay?

？！

That's okay. A little chaos in the mix should help keep things interesting!

Okay, let's keep things moving withwell, talk about straightforward! Give it up for the Prefect of Public Decency and Monk Sanzang!

Their driver is Minamoto-no-Raikou! I've received a tip from a passing motorcyclist warning me that...

...quote, "Raikou's a dangerous shadow prefect now, so be careful." I wonder what that's all about.

Listen, everyone: you must not let summer go to your heads! I will not permit anyone to engage in behavior or wear clothing that flouts public decency!

Should anyone attempt to do so, they should be prepared to suffer the consequences: a swift execution!

I'm just tagging along for this reform program ride! In that sense, I guess I'm kind of like Wukong!

I'm picking up plenty of Buddha Power in this place, so I'm feeling good about my chances!

Incidentally, I've decided their outfits qualify as pareu-style. As far as I'm concerned, summer Sanzang's a swimsuit Servant. Got that? Good.

As for their vehicle, its name is Kyogoku & Bailong!

Okay, so it's not the same sorta machine as the other vehicles here, but hey, these horses still seem like pretty strong spirits, so I decided to allow it!

Our next team is Satisfaction H∴T∴E! Its driver: Helena Blavatsky!

This is it! We're going to have so much fun!

This vehicle's name is Kumara Wheel & Thunderdome.

And it looks like they've given a technical breakdown that...nobody asked for. Let's see...

Apparently, this is "an ingenious design created by certified geniuses that takes Ms. Blavatsky's racing...

...Kumara Wheel and ingeniously pairs it with a DC/AC Thunderdome to provide genius-level support"

It's an AC/DC Thunderdome!

No, she had it right with DC/AC the first time!

(...This team isn't going to implode, is it? I spent a lot of money on this race, so you'd all BETTER finish it.)

Don't worry, Ishtar! If worse comes to worst, I'll just race in my Kumara Wheel!

After all that trouble we went to!?

Okay, next we have... Uh... Is it just me, or does that look more like a rocket than a car?

This team's name is ...Killer Demon King of the Xth Heaven! Their vehicle: Demon King of the V6 Heaven!

It's a highly unorthodox vehicle, but then, it's a highly orthodox team, with Oda Nobunaga as driver!

That's me!

Oh yeah! Are you seeing this, Okita?

Bet you never expected to lose so massively to Summer Nobbu, did you! (Double peace sign)

Vroom, vroom! The engine looks to be in peak condition! Heh... It's gonna be out for blood tonight!

I get the feeling the driver and assistant roles are switched here, but...eh, I'll allow it!

Well, more that I'm just gonna let these two do their own thing and be done with it. Now, our final entry!

Their team name: Desert Beauty. Their vehicle name: The Pharaoh Legend!

All right, which one of you said those names are overselling it!? I'll pass judgment on you myself!

...No, I won't. I already know I don't live up to those names. I thought I should at least make it sound like I have confidence in myself...

...as I thought that doing so might help me to mentally overcome the things Pharaoh Ozymandias said I was lacking, but... (Mutter)

I don't believe anyone said anything of the sort.

Also, we have yet to even begin the race. Isn't it a bit early to be hiding away like that, Nitocris?

Then again, if the purpose of that outfit is to prevent death from heatstroke on our perilous journey...

...then you should be commended. Perhaps I should wear one myself, since I don't want to die.

Don't do that! It defeats the whole point of a swimsuit event! Will nobody think of the fans!?

Of course, having said that, I can't really deny that this race holds peril after peril for our teams!

So a word of advice to all you racers: be careful not to die out there!

Okay, now that we've met all the teams, I think it's time we got this party started!

All racers, on your marks!

Okay, I've got the flag, and I'm standing in position. Now then... (Glance)

Senpai, that's the signal! Go ahead whenever you're ready!

？！

...

...

？！

Aaand we're off! The Ishtar Cup Singularity Cannonball Run is underway!

I-it's started. It's really started! Look at everyone go!

The first one out of the gate is...

...!

Wahahahaha! Cars? Horses? LOL, as the kids say! This is why I chose this woman as my partner!

These days, it's all about airno, space travel! Why drive when you can fly!?

This is how Oda Nobunaga, the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, rolls! You obsolete Heroic Spirits can all be relegated to historical footnotes!

My path to superstardom is now all but inevitable!

Elevation angle, check! Igniting rocket boosters! Main engine...full throttle!

Output levels look good! We could fly to the other end of the galaxy if we wanted to!

Here goes! Altrium...blast ooofff!

...

What just happened!?

I guess you didn't read the rules, huh? This is a race. No flying permitted.

Catching some air off the ramps is one thing, but just flying around like that is against the rules!

If I see any of you try that again, I'll shoot you down with Maanna immediately, so watch yourselves.

I see... Well, in that case... I suppose it can't be helped.

It looks like this is already shaping up to be a highly fraught race.

I wonder if everyone will make it to the finish line okay.

And what's more...which team will be the winner...?