Outer Ring.
The two teams split paths and sped forward, racing straight toward Cinder Lake.
No matter how many stone forests or mounds appeared along the way, none posed any challenge under their superb driving skills.
Overall, the two sides were neck and neck, neither gaining an inch over the other.
Thus, after two and a half hours from the start of the race, The Vanquishers led by Pompey and the Sons of Calydon led by Caesar arrived simultaneously outside the Hollow where Cinder Lake was located.
Both teams reached the place almost at the exact same moment—no one ahead, no one behind.
Next, victory would depend on who threw their ignition stone into Cinder Lake first. That person would be the winner of the Tour de Inferno—and the new Overlord of the Outer Ring Motor Alliance.
"Why are they so fast?"
Eous popped her head out, staring at Pompey's team in shock.
She was supposed to be the legendary Proxy guiding the way, yet they still ended up tied—the other side was really strong.
"They've held the Outer Ring's Overlord title for several consecutive years, with plenty of leading experience. Of course they're strong."
Caesar rubbed the Bangboo's head on her chest as she explained.
It wasn't like she had asked Sol to turn their bikes into flying bikes—they were all grounded machines. Win, lose, or tie, none would've been surprising.
"Then what now? Will the Outer Ring have two Overlords?"
Eous asked curiously.
Both sides arrived together—it looked like there was no winner.
Lucy shook her head, her gaze sharp. "If there are two, then what makes it an Overlord? It'll still come down to who throws the ignition stone into Cinder Lake first—that person is the true Overlord."
"Oh."
Eous nodded, suddenly becoming nervous.
Meanwhile—
Pompey stopped his bike, one foot braking against the ground as he exclaimed, "Caesar, you really didn't disappoint me."
"You were outstanding. Whether in bike modification or route exploration, you've reached the limit. If not for our years of experience, you might have pulled ahead."
The Sons of Calydon were simply unlucky—this year's Tour de Inferno was moved up drastically due to weapon experiments inside the city.
If given more time to familiarize themselves with the terrain, this Tour de Inferno might not have even been a contest.
"So, shall we fight it out?" Caesar gripped her handlebars, voice rising, battle intent surging. "Decide the winner—whoever wins enters the Hollow and ignites the lake."
"Haha!" Pompey released the handlebars and stepped off his bike, laughing boldly. "No need. Go on inside."
"Wait—are you giving this to us?"
Caesar frowned, her voice ringing firm. "If it's charity, then such a victory would never be honorable!"
"Indeed, Boss Pompey." Lighter adjusted his sunglasses, speaking calmly. "It's admirable for a senior to yield, but the Sons of Calydon don't need charity."
"This isn't yielding." Pompey looked at them with sincere appreciation.
He sighed, then said in a deep voice, "If the matter with Lucius hadn't happened, I would absolutely compete here and now to decide the rightful Overlord of the Outer Ring."
"But Lucius committed many wrongs. If young people were still far behind, I'd consider remaining Overlord for a few more years to make amends. But now that we stand evenly matched—what face does a sinner of the Outer Ring like me have to fight you heroes for the title?"
Since Lucius' death, he had thought about many things.
Being Overlord came with benefits, and he could use the position to restrain himself and atone.
But now that he saw the Sons of Calydon had the qualifications to inherit the title—he wasn't the type to cling to power.
"But… the rules of the Tour de Inferno~"
Caesar looked at Pompey, reluctant.
Pompey immediately saw through her thoughts and laughed. "What rules? You just want a fair fight, don't you?"
"Today I'm not competing because The Vanquishers, after Lucius' turmoil, aren't in a condition to hold the throne. But next Tour de Inferno—don't expect me to let you off so easily."
Only after considering several reasons did he make this decision.
It wasn't simply admiration for the younger generation.
"I see. Understood."
Caesar nodded firmly, eyes burning. "Then, Uncle Pompey—next Tour de Inferno, we'll have a proper match!"
"Next time—we'll settle it."
Pompey answered, solemn.
Caesar wasted no time being sentimental. She and Lucy led the group into the Hollow where Cinder Lake lay.
She valued honor, but she wasn't stubborn.
Since Pompey insisted on conceding, then they would save the real fight for next time.
"..."
Pompey watched their figures disappear into the Hollow, a faint emotion appearing on his resolute face.
The Outer Ring would likely develop even better under Caesar's leadership.
Though not the shrewdest, her leadership aura and ability to gather allies were enough to make her a qualified leader.
A leader didn't need to know everything themselves—only needed capable people under them.
Inside the Hollow, beneath the fractured cliff was a tranquil lake of fire. The orange flames rippled lazily, as though half-asleep.
And across the lake, massive patches of ether crystals covered the surface, nearly sealing the flames completely.
With the drop of a specially made ether bomb, the lake was granted new vitality. A towering pillar of fire erupted, shattering vast swaths of ether crystal.
The lake blazed into a dazzling gold-red, bursting with roaring life.
...
Meanwhile—
At the starting point of the Tour de Inferno.
The big screen was replaying the moment Pompey watched Caesar's team enter the lake's Hollow.
"Looks like the new Overlord has been decided."
Sol stretched lazily, speaking with satisfaction.
"Yahoo! Amazing—we're champions!"
Nicole hugged Piper and Anby tightly, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Ah… feels like the championship was stolen by the void."
Piper narrowed his eyes, muttering curiously.
It was the Sons of Calydon who won, yet the one most excited was Nicole—the boss of the Cunning Hares. Very strange indeed.
"My shop's going up in price! My goods are all gonna sell out! Hahahahaha!"
Nicole rubbed herself against Anby and Piper ecstatically, completely losing control.
…hmm~
Sol shrugged without comment.
Even though the Cunning Hares had long since achieved financial freedom, Nicole remained obsessed with dennies.
Having a hobby like that wasn't bad.
Before long, the victorious Caesar returned with her team to accept the host's interview.
"May I ask, what made the Sons of Calydon choose that route—the narrow gorge, the Death Dunes, the Killing Cavern, and the Pillar Forest?"
The host held the mic toward Caesar, curious.
It was a death route—one careless mistake and it would've meant total destruction.
"This time, the Sons of Calydon carried the hopes of many people. They helped us immensely." Caesar's expression grew serious as she looked toward Belle, Sol, Nicole… and continued:
"We can't let our friends down. The Tour de Inferno may happen many times, but gatherings of friends like this are rare. Under such circumstances, I had to wonder whether this was our only chance in life…"