Chapter 112: Watch Us Ride Ahead
On the racetrack.
It was now high noon, the most scorching time for the sun. The tourists in Zidian City wished they could all hide in the various shopping malls or shops with cool air conditioning to escape the sweltering summer heat.
However, on the Speedway on the outskirts of Zidian City, group after group of gathered people didn't seem to mind their sunburnt faces or their constantly sweating foreheads at all. Instead, they excitedly waved flags and shouted, cheering on the two "rookies" on the track.
Of course, the main object of their cheers was Red, who was riding the electromagnetic levitation motorcycle and was already far ahead. This was because very few people were optimistic about the girl-and-dog combo who were barely managing to drive the two-wheeled motorcycle.
And the facts proved it.
"Damn it, we're behind right from the start..."
Misa looked at the big screen, gritting her teeth.
On the straight track, two figures were currently advancing at high speed. However, the figure in the right lane was leading by at least 4 to 5 bike lengths.
"Rio, give it more gas."
Ming Rizhao said to Rio, who was holding the handlebars.
"No good! This speed is already the limit of our control! If we accelerate any more, it'll be hard to control."
Because the sound of the wind from their rapid advance was too loud, Rio had to raise his voice to respond.
"But if this goes on, we're going to lose."
"No, we still have a chance."
"If we can't catch up, how will we have a chance to overtake..."
Ming Rizhao was somewhat dejected.
This isn't working, Rio's thoughts raced.
The Pokémon battles where they couldn't coordinate smoothly, the many setbacks while learning to ride the motorcycle, not to mention being left far behind by the opponent right at the start of this race... no matter how firm the spirit, after facing so many setbacks, the resulting feeling of powerless disappointment would also wear down one's fighting spirit bit by bit.
"Rio, trust me!"
The girl's voice sounded in his memory.
Suddenly thinking of those sparkling eyes from his memory, Rio closed his eyes, and then opened them again!
"Xiao Zhao, trust me!"
Rio tightened his grip on the handlebars and said firmly to his trainer.
In the past, you gave me your trust. Now, just like the you who believed in me back then, it's my turn to give you my trust!
"Trust me! There will definitely be a chance!"
Why was Rio so certain? Because during his training over the past two weeks, he often took advantage of rest times to go to the Speedway and observe various motorcycle races. Therefore, he had discovered a fatal weakness of the electromagnetic levitation motorcycle.
And that was...
"We definitely can't match them on the straights. Whether it's the motorcycle's performance or the difficulty of riding, we are at a disadvantage."
"However, we still have a chance to turn things around."
"And that is... the curves!"
"The curves?" Ming Rizhao asked back, puzzled.
"Yes, the curves!"
"That is our only chance!"
Hearing her Pokémon's words, Ming Rizhao looked up at the figure that had already sped far away, then nodded.
"Understood! I'll leave it to you, Rio!"
She decided to place her trust in Rio and rallied her spirits again.
"Then tell me, how much longer until we enter the curves?"
Rio shouted.
Ming Rizhao squinted her eyes. Relying on her excellent ability to judge road conditions, she replied, "I predict about 50 meters..."
The two motorcycles were still speeding down the first straightaway, but the Bōsōzoku and various onlookers on both sides were already in an uproar.
"I told you those old antiques were useless! Look, they've been left so far behind! They might as well just admit defeat."
The Bōsōzoku supporting the maglev motorcycle roared with laughter, continuously making rude gestures at the small group of Bōsōzoku across the track who still supported traditional motorcycles.
"The race isn't over yet! We don't know who will win or lose in the end!"
The opposing Bōsōzoku retorted, but from their words, it was clear they also lacked confidence.
And many of the onlookers also praised the maglev motorcycle one after another.
"This kind of motorcycle is so cool and easy to ride. Maybe I should consider buying one?"
"Hmm? Little brother, you want to buy a bike? It just so happens I have an internal discount from the Zidian City Motorcycle Company here. I can give you a 20% discount. Are you interested?"
"Ah, no, no, I was just saying. My funds are not too optimistic."
"Having trouble with funds? What a coincidence! I also happen to have channels for processing various low-interest loans here. Would you like to know more?"
"Huh? Uh, um, I was just out for a walk, and I don't need these for the time being."
"A walk, is it? Walking is very good, beneficial for your health. But little brother, I think it would be best if you could get a health insurance policy. That way, you can protect your physical health. If you buy now, it only costs..."
"Ahhhhhhh, can I just not watch the race?! Leave me alone..."
The onlooker shouted, on the verge of a breakdown, and ran far away.
A group of Bōsōzoku was left looking at each other, and at the salesperson who had naturally taken out various insurance forms.
Suddenly, the salesperson looked towards the group of Bōsōzoku, his eyes lighting up.
"Friend, have you heard of Amway..."
"Vroom!" The Bōsōzoku fled in disarray.
Leaving aside the interlude off the track, the two motorcycles on the track had almost finished the initial straightaway and were now in front of the first curve.
A motorcycle racetrack sounds profound, but in the end, it is just a combination of two simple types of road sections—straights and curves. There's not much to say about straights; different straights just differ in length and width. But when it comes to curves, there's a lot of knowledge involved. Looking at the Speedway, there were all sorts of strange and varied curve sections, such as continuous S-turns, 90-degree turns, and even 180-degree super turns, each with different technical requirements for the motorcycle rider.
For the Speedway, the Bōsōzoku old-timer and his group had built various racetracks back in the day. And the track that Ming Rizhao and Red were racing on was one of those classic tracks:
Starting from the beginning, first passing through a long straightaway, then three S-curves, followed by a shorter straightaway connected to thirteen continuous C-shaped curves. Finally, after rushing out of the curves and entering a straightaway, they would face the final 180-degree super large turn, until they passed the finish line.
The combination of continuous straights and curves had very high requirements for both the driver's skill and the motorcycle's speed.
As for why this track was chosen for two "rookies" to race on, it was the result of a private discussion between Rio and Misa. And for Masha, almost all the tracks on the Speedway had been retrofitted by him; electromagnetic rails were buried underground. As long as the maglev motorcycles could levitate smoothly, he didn't care which track it was.
Back at the starting line, Misa looked at the big screen. As Ming Rizhao and Rio were about to enter the curved section of the road, she couldn't help but feel nervous.
She remembered what that mysterious Pokémon had privately communicated to her.
"Sister Misa, if possible, try to choose a track with many curves."
"Hmm? Why?"
"Because those electromagnetic levitation motorcycles of theirs have a major weakness, and that is..."
On the track.
Ming Rizhao reminded Rio, "Last 20 meters... 15 meters... 10 meters... 5 meters!"
"Aura, on!"
Listening to Ming Rizhao's precise countdown, Rio recited silently in his heart. At the same time, his body began to shine with an azure blue light, which quickly spread out, covering the motorcycle he was riding, and even "flowing" like water onto the ground.
Because his stature was relatively small, he couldn't see ahead when riding the motorcycle. However, one time when Rio tried using Aura energy to assist, although his Aura perception still couldn't let him see the road ahead clearly, he unexpectedly discovered...
"Last 2 meters... 1 meter... we've reached the curve!"
Ming Rizhao's urgent voice sounded, and her hand gripping Rio's suddenly tightened.
"...Aura lets me better perceive the motorcycle's condition!"
In his highly focused Aura perception, the motorcycle's front wheel, the instant Ming Rizhao's voice fell, had already touched a certain point before the curve.
In that instant, Rio squeezed the brakes and forcefully turned the handlebars towards the curve.
"Screeeech—" The motorcycle was suddenly braked at high speed. The fierce inertia caused the entire body of the vehicle to swing sideways. The rear wheel drew an arc on the track, and the intense friction even left a black, scorched brake mark on the racetrack!
This daring maneuver stunned the watching Bōsōzoku.
"What kind of maneuver is this?"
"This... this is too reckless, isn't it?"
"Aren't they afraid of crashing?"
But Rio's performance wasn't over. Under his Aura perception, his senses became extremely keen.
"Motorcycle balance is fine, engine power output is sufficient, piston device is operating normally... front and rear tires have been straightened. It's time!!!"
Just as the entire vehicle was swinging violently after the sudden braking.
Rio released the brakes, put his strength into it, and twisted the throttle!
"VROOOM—" With an explosive sound, the motorcycle's exhaust pipe instantly discharged a large amount of gas. The engine's constantly pressing pistons even emitted a low roar!
The entire motorcycle surged forward with the imposing momentum of a roaring beast.
Everyone and every Pokémon, except for Rio, was utterly dumbfounded.
"How... how dare they ride like this???"
"But... that was so cool..."
Misa, who was so nervous she could barely breathe, couldn't help but have a smile appear on her lips. Having ridden motorcycles for over a decade, she also couldn't help but feel her heart surge.
"So this is the 'drifting into the curve' that Rio talked about. This is a technique that only two-wheeled motorcycles can perform!"
Red, who had been in the lead, also saw the fiercely advancing wheeled motorcycle in his rearview mirror. Although somewhat surprised, he was still full of confidence; after all, he was still in the lead.
After the first curve, they quickly came to the second curve, which was in the opposite direction but had the exact same arc.
Red didn't dare to be careless. Following the teachings of Masha and the others, he first reduced the speed of the maglev motorcycle, then aimed for the entry point of the curve, and then increased the power, using the strong propulsive force of the electromagnetism to advance.
"Vroom—" But, what he didn't expect was that the roaring sound, which had seemed so distant, suddenly sounded right by his ear.
"What..."
The corner of Red's eye caught the figure less than half a body length away from him, and he was instantly shocked.
Masha and the others below the stage also had their mouths wide open.
In their eyes, the maglev motorcycle, which had been leading by several bike lengths, was instantly caught up to by the wheeled motorcycle after just two curves. For a moment, the two motorcycles were riding side by side!
"Rio, what's going on?"
Ming Rizhao, sitting on the motorcycle, exclaimed in disbelief.
The azure blue Aura had even covered Ming Rizhao. Rio took advantage of the slight lull after passing the curve to explain to Ming Rizhao via telepathy.
"Friction. This is our wheeled motorcycle's greatest secret weapon. Using the rapid braking and rapid acceleration from friction, we can take the shortest path in the shortest amount of time when going through curves. This is something that motorcycles relying on electromagnetic levitation cannot do. Because when maglev motorcycles enter a curve, they can only rely on reducing their speed to avoid flying off the track due to excessive speed. So their speed will slow down, and they will also take a slightly wider turn due to inertia."
"This is the key to our victory!"
Listening to Rio's confident explanation, Ming Rizhao took a deep breath and revealed a big smile.
"Rio, you're amazing! It's so great to have met you!"
Startled by his trainer's sudden display of emotion, Rio shivered.
"Don't. Let's talk after the race is over."
"Mm, let's do our best together!"
Ming Rizhao said seriously, and then continued to accurately estimate the distance to the curves and the condition of the track for Rio, who couldn't see the road.
If there were a third-person perspective at this moment, one would find that the Aura emanating from Rio's body was gradually enveloping Ming Rizhao and the motorcycle. That azure blue light became purer and more stable, as if... in activity and stillness, it had achieved the most harmonious balance.
"I see, how interesting."
Red, after his surprise, also figured out the trick that allowed Ming Rizhao and Rio to catch up to him. The passion in this young boy's heart also ignited.
At this time, the two motorcycles had already rushed out of a set of continuous curves. With the advantage of drifting through the curves, the wheeled motorcycle successfully overtook the maglev motorcycle and also pulled ahead by several bike lengths.
"Since the others are working so hard, we can't admit defeat." Red held the motorcycle with one hand and used his free hand to tap the Pikachu in front of him on the head. "Pikachu, wake up! It's your turn to show your stuff."
"Come on, Pikachu, use [Thunderbolt]!"
"Pika—chu!!!"
The yellow electric mouse mustered its strength, and bright yellow electric currents crackled around its body.
"What is he doing?!! Using a Pokémon to attack a rider is against the rules!!"
Misa couldn't help but slam the table and shout at Masha.
Masha, on the contrary, calmly watched the big screen.
"Don't worry. This kid wouldn't do something so stupid."
Pikachu's [Thunderbolt] shot out directly, but it didn't strike Ming Rizhao and Rio riding ahead, but rather the maglev motorcycle that Red was riding!
"Bzzzzzzzz!" The maglev motorcycle, bombarded by the powerful electric current, trembled. Its two shining rotors spun even faster.
This time, it was Ming Rizhao and Rio's turn to be surprised. Under the high-speed rotation of the rotors, the maglev motorcycle seemed to be pushed by a powerful force, its speed instantly increasing by a notch. With a "swoosh," it gracefully overtook Ming Rizhao and Rio.
"Using increased current intensity to create a stronger magnetic force... a good idea!"
Even though he was in a race, Rio couldn't help but admire his opponent's ingenuity.
"Mm, but we can't admit defeat either! There's still one more set of continuous curves and the final super large curve. This is our chance!"
At this moment, Ming Rizhao no longer had any trace of frustration or dejection. Her eyes were firm, just like the unyielding girl who had dared to sneak onto the Pokémon poachers' truck all by herself.
"That's right! We've come this far, how can we admit defeat!"
Rio's heart was instantly filled with heroic spirit.
On the Speedway, one azure blue light shadow and one bright yellow light shadow, the two combinations surpassed each other交互 (interactively/alternately). You're stronger than me in the curves, then I'll overtake you on the straights. Back and forth, neither giving an inch.
"…"
Such an exciting race made even the noisy Bōsōzoku and the crowd of onlookers fall silent involuntarily.
They closed their mouths, their eyes fixed on the two light shadows, their faces flushed, so nervous they didn't even dare to breathe too loudly.
Even Misa and Masha, and their supporters, two groups that were originally as incompatible as fire and water, couldn't help but move closer to watch because of the intensity of the race. No one dared to speak.
…
"Pikachu, keep using [Thunderbolt]!"
"Pika, pika!"
This was Red and his Pikachu, cleverly utilizing electromagnetic force.
…
"Rio, ahead is the last curve of the continuous curves! The distance is 20 meters..."
"I'm accelerating! Hold on tight!"
This was Riolu, freely controlling the motorcycle, and Ming Rizhao, precisely controlling the overall situation.
…
They rushed out of the largest set of continuous curves. Ming Rizhao and Rio were slightly ahead.
Next was only the last super large curve and a final sprint on a straightaway.
"Let's shake them off completely in this curve! Hold on tight!"
Rio shouted.
"Mm!"
Ming Rizhao nodded, forcefully gripping the motorcycle's handlebars.
"Vroom— Vroom vroom vroom—" The wheeled motorcycle's engine continued to roar explosively.
"Rio, there's a drainage ditch on the left side of the track ahead! Watch out! And then the curve is a left turn!"
Ming Rizhao loudly told Rio what she had discovered.
With a drainage ditch, what to do next naturally went without saying.
Friend, have you ever heard of the Racing God of Mt. Akina?
"Watch me..."
Rio grabbed the handlebars with both hands. The veins on the back of his hands popped out, and his blue fur stood on end in extreme excitement.
He forcefully lifted the motorcycle up!
The entire front of the motorcycle was lifted, forming an angle of about 30 degrees with the ground.
"What is he doing?"
Everyone and every Pokémon who witnessed this scene thought in their hearts.
The front of the bike was lifted, and then, heavily placed into the drainage ditch on the side of the track!
"They made a mistake! They didn't control the front wheel well and drove straight into the drainage ditch! The race is over!"
Masha let out a breath of relief, as if to vent all his inner tension at once.
"No, Boss Masha, look!!!"
But his Bōsōzoku underling beside him didn't think so. His eyes widened as he spoke in a tone of disbelief.
"This technique is called... the Gutter Run!!!"
The front wheel of the wheeled motorcycle was stuck in the drainage ditch, but the rear wheel was still spinning. The entire motorcycle, pulled by the traction of the drainage ditch, was dragged horizontally, drawing a large inverted C on the racetrack, directly cutting across the 180-degree super large curve.
In addition, the entire wheeled motorcycle was glowing with an azure blue light, like a ghost, pulling out a ghostly arc.
"Hiss—"
Everyone sucked in a sharp breath of cold air.
"Amazing, amazing," Red was so excited he almost wanted to applaud. "Pikachu, we can't lose! The final straight is our advantage!"
"Chu!!!"
Electric current flowed continuously from Pikachu's body, making the maglev motorcycle's speed faster and faster.
The azure blue motorcycle and the bright yellow motorcycle rushed past the super large curve one after the other.
But on the final straight, the speed advantage still allowed the bright yellow light shadow to gradually overtake the former.
There was no time to think about crashing or not, no time to consider winning or losing. At this moment, there was only... accelerate, accelerate, and accelerate again!!
"Vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom—" The throttle twisted to its tightest, the entire two-wheeled motorcycle charged forward like an untamed wild beast.
"Charge!!!"
Ming Rizhao and Rio shouted out together.
"!" The azure blue Aura light grew brighter and brighter. In the high-speed advance, it trailed several afterimages.
At this moment, the heart of the Pokémon, the heart of the trainer, and the "heart" of the motorcycle became one!
There was only one goal: charge!!!
But it was still just a little bit short.
Just a little bit more to overtake, but why was it just that little bit short?
In an instant, a flash of inspiration passed through Ming Rizhao and Rio's minds, making them both cry out involuntarily.
"[Agility]!!!"
"Swoosh—" The two-wheeled motorcycle suddenly became lighter. The originally difficult-to-handle feel suddenly became gentle.
The azure blue light shadow erupted, broke through, and surpassed.
Watch us, ride ahead of all!
The figures of the Pokémon and the girl drew a dashing trajectory in the air.
The moment they crossed the finish line, the whistle blew!
"Tooooot—"
"The race is over!"
The Bōsōzoku and the onlookers let out a breath of relief in unison.
"YEAH!!!!!"
"Ahhhhhh!!!!!"
Cheers that resounded throughout the entire Speedway instantly erupted.
All the people they knew, didn't know, were rivals, were friends, all hugged each other, shouting with extreme excitement. At this moment, they were no longer the maglev bike faction or the wheeled bike faction; they were just simple motorcycle enthusiasts.
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