Blazewood.
Everyone were still gathered around the giant iron sphere, critiquing it and arguing endlessly about where it might have come from.
Some guessed it was a research accident, some thought the projectile veered left during testing, and some suspected a conspiracy targeting the Outer Ring.
Sol Mercer, who knew the truth, coughed twice and interrupted their chatter. "The focus right now isn't where the iron ball came from. What matters is the Tour de Inferno. Don't drift off."
"Oh, right, right, right!" Caesar slapped her forehead and instantly came back to her senses. "The most important thing is the Tour de Inferno. We absolutely cannot let anything happen to it."
"Since everything kicked off in such a rush this year, we're still not fully prepared. We've got to pick up the pace!"
She rubbed her fists together, clearly ready to go all out.
But the route was still uncertain, and the bikes had yet to be modified—things were getting urgent.
"Tell us—what do you need us to do?"
Belle patted her chest confidently as she spoke.
"Proxy, you go with this person and plan the route. Scout the road conditions first."
Piper stepped forward with a squinty smile.
"No problem. This kind of small task? Leave it to me!"
Belle agreed instantly with full confidence.
Collecting Hollow data and planning routes was her specialty. There would be absolutely no trouble.
"Is there anything I can help with? I'm here for fun, but if a friend needs something, I've got to lend a hand."
Sol asked Caesar casually with a smile.
Caesar's eyes lit up in pleasant surprise. "Really? It'd be amazing if you could help!"
"We want to ask you to modify our bikes. We'll provide the materials. You don't need to make them outrageous—just better than before. I want to have a fair match with Boss Pompey."
She had seen Billy's full Starlight Knight armor and had full faith in Sol's scientific and engineering skills.
Pure speed-wise, Billy—after transforming into the Starlight Knight—could win the Tour de Inferno without effort.
Of course, she didn't need Sol to mod the bikes that extreme. Just a performance boost would do.
After all, if the bikes ended up literally flying, the Tour de Inferno would lose its meaning. It'd feel like using a time-stop device in a romance anime.
"OK. Modifying bikes? Easy."
Sol made a hand gesture and agreed without hesitation.
With his skill, doing two small motorcycles was trivial—barely even effort.
Seeing everyone being assigned tasks, Nicole complained unhappily, "Hey, what about us? We're not here to freeload."
Even though she loved freeloading, refusing to help at a time like this would make her look unprincipled.
Boss Nicole is always righteous and loyal!
"If Boss Nicole is willing to help, that would be absolutely wonderful!"
Lucy blinked and immediately placed a tall metaphorical hat on her head. "I've long heard that Boss Nicole of the Cunning Hares has vast connections. Recently, Blazewood's oil pipeline had issues, and materials are extremely scarce."
"We hope Boss Nicole can use those massive connections to gather some supplies. The Sons of Calydon will pay full market price—we won't let you lose out."
Her tone was sincere, without a hint of arrogance.
Clearly, even as the young mistress and manager of the Sons of Calydon, she had her share of social grace.
"Ohoho! That kind of thing is a piece of cake. Leave it to us!"
Nicole narrowed her eyes happily and accepted without hesitation.
"Since tasks are set, let's all go into action. Once the Sons of Calydon take first place in the Tour de Inferno, we'll definitely host a huge banquet for everyone!"
Caesar patted her chest optimistically.
"Caesar, you make it sound like we'd refuse to host a banquet for our friends if we didn't get first place."
Lucy shot the brute a disapproving look before turning to everyone. "Even if we lose, we'll still hold a banquet to thank everyone."
"Right, right! No matter what, the Sons of Calydon will treat our friends properly." Caesar rubbed her head and beamed. "I just feel that with everyone's help, the Sons of Calydon will take the Tour de Inferno and become the new ruler of the Outer Ring!"
"Then thank you for your trust, Caesar. We'll be waiting for the victory party. But for now, time is tight—let's get moving."
Belle looked at Caesar with a gentle smile.
She really was like a central air conditioner—treating everyone with equal warmth.
"Alright then—let's go! We'll succeed!"
With the call shouted, everyone split up and began their assigned tasks.
Belle and Wise drove the video rental shop's van, equipped with a vehicle-mounted HDD system.
They teamed up with Piper, Lighter, and Billy to collect data along the Tour de Inferno route.
Sol and Burnice formed a team to begin modifying the Sons of Calydon's motorcycles.
Nicole brought Anby, Nekomata, and a few others to contact reliable suppliers in Blazewood and find a suitable stall in town.
Caesar and Lucy worked together to maintain the daily operation of their "Leaps and Bounds Express Services Co." staying at the center to coordinate everything. Of course, most of the brains came from Lucy—Caesar was mainly the mascot.
Everyone fulfilled their role, working smoothly and efficiently.
…
Blazewood, inside the Sons of Calydon's open-air garage.
Four motorcycles stood neatly in a row. Their shapes differed, but they all looked rather dusty and dull.
Beside them, a dark gray toolbox sat quietly; from its size, it was clearly well-equipped.
Another pile of assorted parts lay on a workbench nearby—so many it was dizzying.
"These are our motorcycles—the rides we'll use for the Tour de Inferno."
Burnice pointed at them with admiration. "These four bikes have been with us for a long time. I've changed the formula of my custom fuel several times already."
She stroked one of them, unable to hide her joy.
"You can tell—they've been used for quite a while."
Sol examined the thick black soot on the exhaust pipe and nodded.
Just a glance told him many parts were aging.
Not unusable yet—but far from peak performance.
"That's why they need a proper overhaul, so they can stay with us even longer."
Burnice turned to Sol with a bright grin. "I'll be your assistant. Just tell me whatever you need."
"Mm. Watch me work."
Sol nodded confidently.
Looking at the four bikes, even he felt a rare flicker of interest.
I mean, what man could resist watching long videos of restoring old engines, fixing hooves, or cleaning carpets?
A long video about restoring an entire motorcycle was no exception.
Today, he would do everything himself—no extra powers—just to satisfy that urge.
Shua shua!
Sol Mercer pulled on blue-and-white gloves, ready to work.
Burnice carried the toolbox over and sat obediently at the side, waiting for instructions.
"Latch wrench."
Sol extended his hand.
"Got it."
Burnice immediately passed it over.
"Flathead."
Sol extended his hand again.
"On it!"
Burnice handed it over even faster this time.
The latch wrench removed the fasteners, the cross screwdriver took off the screws, and the needle-nose pliers straightened deformed components.
Piece by piece, the body panels were removed, revealing the inner machinery.
Then the spark plug socket removed the engine's spark plugs, and the piston ring pliers took off the piston rings…
After just over ten minutes, all four machines had become piles of scattered parts—completely unrecognizable.
The movement was smooth as flowing water, shocking Burnice. "Whoa, you're so fast! Sol Mercer, what are you exactly?"
Seeing these skilled motions, she almost thought she was watching a veteran mechanic who had worked for decades.
The smoothness—flawless, without a single pause.
"Mm~ I'm a mechanic now."
Sol dusted off his hands and replied casually.
"Oh."
Burnice nodded sincerely, eyes full of "wisdom."
So Sol Mercer was a mechanic now—no wonder he was so good at fixing bikes.