1st Area: Plains A

Fou... Fouwaaa...

Fou is so bored he's starting to yawn.

With the exception of that rocket incident, I guess it HAS been surprisingly quiet so far...

True. But I wouldn't mind if things stayed this peaceful for the entire race.

Me neither.

？！

I've learned about sporting events like marathons and ekiden from video records in the sports library.

They showed me that a competition doesn't need fighting or conflict to be riveting. Just seeing who is the fastest can be more than enough.

I hope this race turns out to be a clean, honest competition, just like

No way! I didn't pony up for this event just to have my racers be good sports!

Did you forget who I am or something? I'm Ishtar! The goddess of love, beauty, and WAR! Duh!

And I say it's not a real race until there's been some bloodshed. The fans didn't come here to watch the racers play nice!

...So, on that note, let's go back to commentary mode!

The lead racers are just about to enter the first area... Does this bode well, or is it a sign of trouble afoot!?

And hey, what do you know: It looks like something's happening over there. That's more like it!

Everything looks the same around here. I am growing bored of this scenery! I desire excitement!

What do you say, dark maid? Shall we try picking a fight?

I am loathe to admit it, but I was just thinking the same thing. My self-control has reached its limit.

However, before we go about ridding ourselves of interlopers, there is something strange around here that must be dealt with.

I can sense the sort of people I dislike most: ill-mannered customers.

Hm...? (Tilts head)

I see the air and sand have grown dry. Hmm...

Hm? What is this rundown place?

This desert brings back memories...but the sand here seems much less pleasant than it is in Egypt.

Something's coming from up above! Watch out!

Yeehaw!

You're not goin' anywhere!

Stop right there, girlies!

Who are these men with the strange haircuts? Were they defeated in battle and forced to cut their hair that way as a mark of their shame?

Heh, I guess they're some kind of wandering space soldiers.

This should be fun! Let's see if they can keep up with my driving technique!

What's this? A mysterious group of mohawked men have appeared before our racers! Are they friend, or foe!?

Yes...I suppose you're right. They certainly don't appear to be very friendly.

Yes...I suppose you're right. We shouldn't judge books by their covers, after all. It's just like you to be so understanding, Senpai.

？！

Our racers are completely surrounded, and have no choice but to come to a stop!

Each group is eyeing the other! Will our racers engage these men with diplomacy, or hostility!?

Welcome, honored customers. Let us begin with Secace Morgan!!!

GAAAAAAH!

Hahaha, well done, British barbarian! I shall have to make sure I do not fall behind!

You came to hear me perform, yes? Then listen well, Laudatum Domus Illustris!

Fou!?

They STARTED with their Noble Phantasms!? Th-that's overkill!

？！

Looks like things are escalating quickly. Not that I'd expect any less.

Anyway, this looks like the right level of violence to get things rolling.

Let's sit back and watch how our racers handle this little warm-up exercise!

...Hm!

Such rebellious hairstyles are unacceptable! You may shave your head if you like, but you must keep the hair that remains in a tidy topknot!

They're not very strong, but there's so many of them that it'shm? What's that?

...This is as far as you go, intruders.

This is our land.

Did you think you could set foot in our land without first paying your respects?

This voice...

B-boss!

Big cat sis!

Ma'am's here to save us!

Ugh! Couldn't you all have agreed on a nickname for her ahead of time?

What an unpleasant surprise... This Singularity truly has gone awry. I never expected to see you leading these barbarians.

But let me just make certain of this: ARE you their leader, Atalante?

It would seem I am, Your Imperial Highness.

Why do you interfere with my rosy driving? Who are those men, anyway?

My presence here alone should give you the answer to that.

They are my darling children.

...What was that?

I don't...understand.

What in the world are you talking about?

Perhaps I should introduce you to a good therapist.

Children...? But, you're so close in age...

And you look nothing alike. In fact, I have a hard time believing you're even the same species...

They look more like ogres than anything...

There is more to parenting than age difference or genetics. Our relationship is what matters. I shall tell you again: these are my children, and I adore them.

Yeehaw!

Yeah! Mama gets compliments all the time on what precious angels we are! (Licks pipe)

Relationship, eh... You're exactly right. A mother and her children are not linked by blood alone.

Now...never mind my children.

These are the Atalante Plains, and there is something I must tell all who would try to cross them.

Huh, I'm surprised you're such a romantic that you'd name this land after yourself. That's like something an explorer would do.

...The name is of no importance.

What IS important is that this road leads to our greatest treasure... Something more valuable than even gold or jewels.

Is that so... And what is this treasure?

Seed apples. We have planted seed apples up ahead.

...What?

Um... I'm not even sure what those are.

Seed apples are seed apples. Plant them, and they grow into apples.

They are truly a blessing in this forsaken land. I need them to ensure my children's future.

But if you were to run roughshod over them with your wheels and hooves, that future would be ruined. I cannot permit that.

Um, are you aware that apples don't like arid environments? There's no way they'll ever grow in climate like thi

Silence! It is not today that matters, but tomorrow!

I'm fairly certain this desert will still be hot and dry tomorrow, and you'll have the same problem...

At any rate...I will not have you racing over our seed apple orchard.

I shall be merciful and permit you to turn back, or to find another path.

However...if after everything I have told you, you insist on proceeding, my wrath shall be swift and terrible.

I will not hesitate to pierce your heart on the spot.

For my arrows exist solely to ensure my children will always have cause to smile!

Heeheeheehee! (Smiling while sticking out pierced tongue)

The very instant our racers reach the first area, they are presented with their first real challenge: an ultimatum from a mysterious, beautiful woman!

If they continue on their current path, they will have to face a hail of arrows!

How will they get out of this predicament!?

Looks like this Singularity's inhabitants showed up after all. It does complicate matters, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Races are supposed to have setbacks, after all, so it all adds up to make the ritual more exciting!

Now come on you two, don't just stand there! You've got a lot of work ahead of you!

I guess it's too soon to tell what will happen later, but for the moment, it does seem like we won't be fighting Atalante just yet.

So I suppose we should do what we can by focusing on our own jobs.

I believe it had something to do with keeping supplies in stock?

That's right. I want you to bring supplies and stuff to the pit stops and racers on the track.

That said, circumstances can change preeetty quickly in a race like this, so it's probably impossible to make sure all the teams are always on equal footing all the time.

So you're free to use your own discretion to send supplies to whichever team you think needs them...

...or even just the team you most want to win.

If that ends up making things a little uneven, well that's okay. Each team's relationship with you is an important part of the race too.

？！

I know you will, Senpai. I do wonder how everyone else will end up handling this race.

But I'm certain that if we do our job well, we'll be able to help all of them. Let's both do our best!

Fou!