SWNOVELXO Chapter 268: Head-to-Head
At Jolly Jenny's invitation, Furina appeared on stage in a stunning outfit, microphone in hand, walking gracefully onto the platform that had been prepared in advance.
The moment she stepped out, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.
In the audience, most had come specifically for the Tour de Inferno. The majority were from the outer ring—very few were locals from the city center.
They thought the race was about to begin, only to be met with yet another delay from Jolly Jenny.
Frustration immediately rippled through the stands.
"What's going on? Are they not racing today? I've been sitting here over an hour already, and now they're just wasting time..."
"Some so-called big star—never seen her in my life. Get off the stage and stop stalling!"
"There wasn't any of this crap in the old Tour de Inferno races..."
"Random third-rate celeb? No one knows who she is. Would've been better if Jolly Jenny sang instead..."
"Anyone know this Furina? She's dressed up nice, but can she even sing? Maybe she's just debuting?"
"Wait—her? Seriously?!"
"Spit it out already! Stop acting mysterious—who is she?"
"You really don't know? Just yesterday, a concert out in the outer ring blew up online. She's been trending nonstop on forum, KnockKnock Chat, and microblog. Her name's Furina... Miss Furina, can I get your autograph?"
"Miss Furina, I'm your biggest fan!"
...
Most of the audience had never seen or heard of Furina before.
Only a few from the city recognized her from yesterday's viral "Outer Ring Concert," realizing she was the breakout star who had taken the entire internet by storm.
None of them expected it.
None of them thought they'd see Furina again—right here at the Tour de Inferno.
Suddenly, the cheers started rolling in from the stands.
It felt like the real competition wasn't between the Sons of Calydon and The Vanquishers—it was Furina, standing on stage, stealing the spotlight.
Still, only a small group truly recognized her.
Most were still complaining, urging the race to get underway.
...
At the starting line.
A few members of The Vanquishers glanced at Furina on stage, their faces full of disdain.
Lucius scoffed, "That Jolly Jenny's pulling this stunt again. We never should've let them organize the Tour de Inferno. She turned a solid race into some makeshift concert..."
Pompey, ever the composed leader, replied, "No rush. We've waited this long—what's a few more minutes?"
Then, several Vanquishers looked over at the nearby Sons of Calydon, who were only a few meters away.
Something didn't quite match Pompey's expectations.
This time, alongside the familiar Caesar and the long-absent Billy, there was a newcomer he didn't recognize.
Lucius cast a glance at Caesar, smirking as he spoke in a mocking tone, "Caesar, don't tell me you're so short on people you had to dig up that weird robot who vanished years ago? Honestly, there's no need for this Tour de Inferno anymore."
His eyes locked with Caesar's, full of taunt and challenge.
It was obvious.
The ambush that hit Caesar and Lucy yesterday had Lucius's fingerprints all over it.
Though Caesar usually acted carefree, the provocation snapped him to attention. He immediately saw through it and clenched his fists in anger.
"Lucius, you'd better hope I don't find out anything... or you're dead."
Lucius didn't flinch.
In fact, he turned to Pompey with an innocent look and said, "Boss, did you hear that? The Sons of Calydon are making threats now. We shouldn't go easy on them."
Pompey furrowed his brow, saying nothing.
He didn't care who started it—whether Lucius provoked Caesar or the other way around.
All that mattered was winning the race, and winning it clean. He wanted Caesar to lose with no excuses.
Suddenly, Lucius glanced at Clorinde and sneered.
"So that's your plan, Caesar? You really brought someone in from the city to help you beat us? Aren't you afraid the other gangs will brand you a traitor?"
Caesar glared back. "She's not from the city. If you don't believe me, go check for yourself."
Lucius smirked. "Oh, I will."
Caesar's eyes narrowed. "Try anything shady today, and I'll kill you myself."
She was nearly certain now.
Yesterday's ambush had Lucius's name all over it.
Once this Tour de Inferno was over...
She'd deal with him personally.
...
While the tension flared between the three from the Sons of Calydon and the three from The Vanquishers—
Furina's voice rang out across the stadium, crisp and enchanting.
She was performing another classic from Fontaine: "The Advance of Fontaine"—the nation's only battle anthem.
It was said to date back 500 years, composed during a time of darkness when the previous Hydro Archon led Fontaine's warriors against the creatures of The Abyss.
The moment her voice echoed through the arena,
The crowd erupted.
Furina's existing fans screamed and cheered with everything they had.
Even those who had been skeptical found themselves drawn in, quickly converted into believers, acknowledging her as a true superstar.
The cold, restless atmosphere in the arena—
Instantly gave way to music, roaring cheers, and renewed energy.
Even Pompey found himself impressed.
"Not bad. As an opening song for the Tour de Inferno—it's a great fit."
Lucius leaned in and said seriously, "I saw her come in with the Sons of Calydon. She's definitely working with them. Boss, don't fall for their setup."
Pompey gave a calm smile. "It doesn't matter."
...
That pushed Caesar over the edge.
It was clearly The Vanquishers who had pulled dirty tricks, sidelining Lucy and Lighter.
Now they were slandering Furina?
Caesar snorted coldly. "Uncle Pompey, I've always respected you. I didn't expect your Vanquishers to stoop so low."
Pompey frowned, confused.
He sensed something off in Caesar today—his temper was far more volatile than usual.
Before Pompey could ask further, the song came to an end.
Furina stepped offstage, handing the spotlight back to Jolly Jenny.
Holding the mic, Jolly Jenny gave her final explanation before the race began.
"The rules are simple: Rush into the Hollows. Reach the Lake of Fire. Use the flint to blow up those damn Ether Crystals. Whoever completes the ritual first... becomes the Overlord of the motorcycle clans."