Wings of Exhilaration: Prologue
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Race Track Preparation Area
Not a single cloud hangs above the bivouac for the first stage of the rally raid exhibition match on the outskirts of Stellis.
The main route of this stage consists of a man-made sand track, where each team's support staff are busily hurrying to and fro.
Though the rally itself challenges the driver's limits, the preparations before each stage also pose challenges for the support staff.
You: (We should be able to finish tallying the supplies today ... Then, we'll have to pack them up as per the equipment list, I suppose?)
You: (But it doesn't change the fact he's been working non-stop for over 10 hours. He needs to take a break.)
With a bottle of water in hand, you walk through the boisterous and excited crowd and head toward your own team's preparation area.
As you've expected, the familiar figure is still busying himself there...
The lamplight gently shines over Artem's shoulder and illuminates the area his eyes are intensely focused on.
Coupled with the complex machine before him and the racing suit he's wearing, the calm and serious expression he usually wears when reading legal documents surprisingly exudes a unique charm.
He is currently holding up the hood and carefully examining the car's parts, patiently checking the condition of every component.
Artem: ...The tires are fine, and the engine has been checked.
Artem: There's still the backup fuel and the fire extinguisher. I can pack those up later.
Artem: However, the course is quite difficult this time... Hmm, I'll double-check those again before I set off.
You: (Seems like the work is done for now. Time to remind him to take a break.)
You carefully walk around behind him and move the bottle of water in your hand toward Artem's cheek.
Artem turns in surprise when the cold bottle suddenly touches his cheek, only relaxing when he sees you looking at him with a smile on your face.
Artem: Didn't you go sightseeing at the market? How did you get your face so dirty?
Artem takes off the cotton work gloves he was wearing and softly wipes at your cheek.
By the time he pulls his hand back, a dark incongruous stain is visible on his clean fingertips.
You: ...Um, I helped a team prop up their car hood when I was on my way back. Maybe my face got dirty during that.
You: I bought this bottle of water for you. It's time to have a break, Support Manager Wing!
Artem: Thanks.
Artem leads you over to sit with him under the tent. He then unscrews the lid on the bottle and sips the water inside.
The non-stop work schedule is showing itself through the fatigued look on his face, even though he hasn't voiced a single complaint.
You prop your face in your hands and rub the pads of your fingers against the patch of skin he had touched. Your mind drifts back to that incident at home a few days ago...
Artem's Residence 1F
You wake up on a weekend morning to the delicious scent of breakfast wafting in from the kitchen.
You: (That smells amazing. Is he trying a new dish for breakfast today?)
You eagerly get up and rush downstairs, keen to feast your eyes on the food, only to find that Artem is answering a phone call in front of the kitchen counter.
Artem: I saw the forecast today. Would that be... dangerous?
You: (Dangerous?)
Artem: Don't mention "transactions" with me. We've been friends for long enough that I will not be walking away from this.
Artem: All right. I get it. I'll contact you when it's time to head off. See you.
Artem hangs up and turns around to leave the kitchen, only to see you standing at the door.
Artem: You're up already? Not getting any more sleep?
You: I came downstairs because of how amazing the food smells.
You: Who was that, by the way? Was that a new case?
Artem: Ah, no, that wasn't a new case. It was Martin.
Martin is Artem's junior high classmate and a professional car racer.
You've met Martin before when Artem participated in an exhibition race at Martin's invitation.
You: Well, since it's Martin's, then is it something to do with car racing?
Artem: Yes. Stellis is due to hold a rally raid soon and has invited many famous local and international racers, including Martin.
Artem: However, his team is usually located overseas. If Martin were to participate in a local event, then he'd be lacking in manpower in terms of helpers.
Artem: He presented the award to me when I won the exhibition rally. This time, he's inviting me to help him oversee his logistics in the race.
You: Oh, I see... But if you're just helping him, why are you talking about "transactions" and "danger"?
Artem pauses in serving breakfast when he hears this.
Artem: It's nothing. Just some business that Martin decided by himself. Besides... it isn't completely set in stone yet.
You: Why the secrecy? Is it really nothing serious?
Artem: Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll discuss it with you as soon as I can. By the way —
Artem places the breakfast plate before you as if he is dodging the question, then swiftly changes the topic.
Artem: There is still an empty role in Martin's support team. Would you like to join me?
You: Huh? Can I come too?
Artem: Yes. Stellis went as far as constructing many dedicated areas for this international exhibition match.
Artem: One of them is a man-made sand track, and the scenery is very gorgeous.
Artem: I imagine both the racer and spectator experience to be quite outstanding. Would you be interested?
You: Of course! How could I possibly pass up on a chance to go to a car rally with you?
Artem: Then it's settled. I'll give Martin a call and tell him that you will come with me.
Race Track Preparation Area
After you arrive at the bivouac, you two immediately start tallying your supplies due to a lack of staff and a tight rally schedule.
Everything is just like Artem said it would be — there's nothing major and no hiccups.
You: (Looks like everyone in the entire area has their hands full. I'm the only one who's all worried...)
You: (Why don't I ask him again?)
Artem: ...Looks like it's about time.
You: Hmm? Time for what?
Artem: Time to pack up Martin's supplies. I told you about it this morning.
You: Right, I remember. We're packing the supplies according to the list provided by the rally staff, right?
Artem: Yes. I just received an update — Martin's ranking was pretty high in the previous stage, so he'll continue to the next rally stage.
Artem: That means we need to hurry and send the packed supplies to him quickly.
You: Yes, I know about that one. I was there when you two had the call.
You: Then, should we head over to the packing area right now? Let's try our best to get everything on the first transport truck.
Artem agrees with a smile. After screwing the cap back onto the water bottle, he prepares to lead you to the warehouse.
You hesitate but in the end, you stretch out your hand and grab his wrist.
You: Artem, I still want to ask you something.
Artem: Yes? What is it?
You: For the past few days, I haven't been able to stop wondering...
You: Just what was the "transaction" and "danger" you mentioned when Martin called you?
Artem: ...
It seems like Artem wasn't expecting you to cling so persistently to this issue. He pauses for a while, then smiles rather resignedly.
Artem: So, you've been worried about it all this time...
You: It's just that the words you two used make me think of bad stuff... Of course I'd be worried about you.
Artem: I see...
He turns and lightly smooths the hair hanging down over your forehead with his fingertips.
Artem: Right now, I can only tell you that the "plan" Martin and I have is nothing bad.
Artem: As for the rest... I'll explain it all to you in due time when the rally is over. All right?
Summary
