Chapter 27: Game Plan

"Isn't Ayame the most perfect creature in this world? Rejoice for you have been blessed with her illustrious presence."

—Gō Sato

Birds soared through the sky over the great city, chirping sweet melodies. The weather was just right—not too sunny, not too cloudy.

It was 12:00 PM. They could tell from one of the many pale-blue clock projections hovering in various spots across the city—a logical convenience, given the sheer size of Bac.

But amid this seemingly perfect new day…

“Ayame, please just teleport us to the Travel Agency!”

“Nope! We’re walking, and that’s final!”

The two were locked in a serious back-and-forth at the front of the inn. Meisatsu couldn’t bear the thought of wheeling his V2 for a journey Ayame claimed might take up to…

Five—long—hours… 

He stood firm, refusing to budge.

Since Bac was at least ten times larger than Beetho, there were quite a few designated branches of the agency. Even the closest one still lay a lengthy distance away. “Please!!!”

And the one closest to them was still a lengthy distance away. “Please!!!”

People strode past, some tapping away at rectangular, light-beaming objects as they went about their commute.

A few paused, pointing the strange devices at the two. A quick shutter of white light flashed, and then they continued walking as if nothing had happened.

Those performing the strange act all seemed like youths—mostly teenage-looking, ranging from humans to beastpeople.

“We should walk! It’s good for your health, the weather’s perfect, we can bond…” 

Tuning out Ayame’s long explanation, Meisatsu instead scanned the passersby.

Among the crowd, he counted two with pointy ears—probably elves. And though not many as the other races, he spotted some dwarves weaving through the crowd—shorter, more compact. But that was where the differences ended.

“Are you listening?!” Ayame snapped as she noticed him zoning out. Tired, she sighed. “Fine…”

“Thanks Ayame! You’re the best!!!!” He wanted to ask about the strange rectangles in people’s hands. “You have any idea what—“

D-don’t say stuff like that! She blushed, cutting him of. “Teleport!”

She groaned slightly as the scenery shifted instantly to a towering building reminiscent of the one in Beetho. “Hngh…”

Her eyes then flicked to the gun in Meisatsu’s pocket.

“Something hurt?!” Meisatsu asked, worry filling his voice. “I would’ve walked if I knew it would hurt you—”

“N-no, it’s no problem at all… Just felt tired for some reason.” Ayame cracked a small smile.

Leaving his V2 outside, they stepped into the magnificent structure. The layout and design were nearly identical to Beetho’s main branch—the only difference being the sheer number of workers and customers.

They made their way to a counter at the edge of the hall, where a female receptionist in corporate attire was stationed.

She greeted them politely. “Welcome. How may I be of assistance today?”

Meisatsu thought as he watched her bow slightly, she seems nice…

An elbow from Ayame jabbed his side, snapping him out of his—soon to be pervy—thoughts

“How much to Beetho?” Ayame asked bluntly, eager to get away from the receptionist—her beauty was unsettling to Ayame. “We also have a Magi-Mobile out front.”

The receptionist’s wavy ebony hair swayed as she smiled. “One gold per person, and for the Magi-Mobile, about fifty silvers, depending on its size.”

So they charge less for Magi-Mobiles? Meisatsu mused, watching Ayame place the coins on the counter.

“It’s not a very large one,” Ayame added. The receptionist had accepted her word, noticing the pendant around Ayame’s neck and assuming, She must be an Explorer.

She then motioned toward three robed High-Mages lounging in a corner, indicating they should assist the pair. “Please attend to these two.”

The robed figures approached, following the pair outside. They murmuring in low voices all the while.

“That’s it right there!” Meisatsu called out to them, pointing at the V2.

A sudden—

GASP!

—escaped the three accompanying individuals.

“It really is you!” one exclaimed, whipping off his hood. “The new Hero, right?!!”

Ayame’s face brightened as she nodded, pleased her brother had been recognized. Isn't he awesome?!

Meisatsu froze for a moment, thinking, Is this what it’s like to be popular?! 

“Yeah, that’s me!” he replied. “The Gun Hero…”

The latter part of his response was barely audible—self-consciousness creeping in.

“I knew it! You’ve been trending!!” the High-Mage shouted, approaching Meisatsu and his V2. “Wow! So this is the Hero’s Magi-Mobile…”

Did he just say…? Trending?!!!

The young High-Mage's words were filled with admiration. “Where’s that cool armor—”

A stern voice boomed from one of the two hooded figures behind him. “Enough, Stefan!”

Under the hoods, gray beards peeked out. The Mage speaking to Meisatsu was far younger, likely in his early twenties.

“We shall now begin,” The one who had silenced Stefan, continued.

He then smiled as he joined the other two to stretch both hands at them, chanting quietly.

The entire area surrounding Meisatsu Ayame, and the V2 began glowing softly.

A question burst from Meisatsu before he could stop himself. “Wait! What’d you mean I’m trend—”

They vanished...

✦✦✦

Back in Beetho, the pair decided to head to Mt. Diminuendo first before returning home.

Ayame had suggested checking out the terrain—and, more importantly, seeing how long Meisatsu could hold out before the big race tomorrow.

Seeing the sky shift to a soft, dim orange, she quickly teleported both of them to the mountain’s peak. It was getting late.

Looking over the railing, Meisatsu saw the entire town stretching to the horizon, the setting sun casting its warm light across the lands. He could just make out the hovering blue clock face at the center of town—6:00PM.

“Okay, Satsu. You’ll race down this mountain as fast as you can. I’ll keep watch!” Ayame then blasted into the air, flying above him.

The mountain towered just over four thousand feet, with a single continuous spiral road leading from base to peak.

Meisatsu hopped on the V2, placed his thumb on what he simply referred to as—the ignition, and it roared to life, exuding its impressive power.

“Here goes nothing!” He twisted the throttle, and down he went. The V2 sped along the road, taking corners with relative ease despite his gradually increasing speed.

150… 158…

159… 160

He realized the faster he went, the more magic drained from him through the handles. The current speed felt most comfortable. Any faster and he would probably pass out.

The front wheel began to wobble, barely staying on course. Ayame rushed to him from above—but gradually slowed as he struggled against it...

“Raaaaah!” Meisatsu screamed, pouring every ounce of strength into gripping the handles, continuing until he reached the bottom.

At the foot of the mountain—

“Five minutes!” Ayame called out excitedly as she landed beside him. “If you race like that, you’re sure to win!”

As he panted, still on his V2, she clamped down on him with a hug.

“I don’t know what Gō can do…” he mumbled, thinking of the final hurdle of the race. “How do I deal with him…?”

“Forget that! There’s no way you’re losing to someone like him, right?!”

“Right…”

No way I’m losing, huh? He stared off at a random area, grinning wryly. I guess she has a point!

They headed home, Meisatsu still thinking about the railings. Could I use them somehow…?

His main problem—the curved road. Maintaining the path seemed to strain his magical output. If only there were a way around that, my victory would be set in stone…

A short while later, they flickered into view near the family home. Meisatsu couldn’t walk any further—he’d spent way too much energy.

Ayame’s eyes flicked to the Glock in his pocket. She was pondering a pressing issue.

“My babies!!!” The front door swung open and Leina leapt out, charging straight at them—like a hurricane of motherly affection. “How I’ve missed you!!!”

She hugged and snuggled them tightly, before quickly performing  her usual bodily assessment, circling them faster than the eye could follow.

“Welcome back, kids!” Ragan’s loud, commanding voice boomed as he strolled toward them. “Is that the—?!”

Meisatsu shakily nodded with the little strength he had left.

“Amazing! The craftsmanship is just—where do I even begin?!” Ragan laughed heartily. “When’s the race?!”

“It’s tomorrow,” Ayame replied, holding up Meisatsu who could barely stand on his own.

Leina spotted this and immediately slung his other arm around her neck. “My little boy must be so tired…”

Tell me about it…

“Don’t worry, Mommy will make your favorite. I’ll make sure you eat until you’re stuffed!”

Meisatsu lightly sobbed imaginary tears, smiling. Finally... Mom’s cooking…

And the family went in for dinner, leaving Ragan alone outside, inspecting and admiring the V2...