Wings of Exhilaration: Story 3
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards:
S-Chip x100
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
Race Track Preparation Area
The rally is finally nearing its end, but a worried atmosphere has enveloped the entire bivouac.
Two days ago, when the racers entered a mountainous area, the outskirts of Stellis were hit with a sudden rainstorm.
Even though dealing with intense weather is one of the challenges for racers even in normal rallies, this artificial terrain is completely different from a natural landscape.
The artificial gravel used in the mountainous stage resulted in landslides under the torrential rain, and many participating racers lost contact with the organizers, including Martin.
You raise your head and look up at Artem, who is leaning against the wall next to the entrance. His eyes are fixed in the direction of the organizers' tent, and he is clutching his phone in his hand.
He's waiting for news to come either from the communication officers or from the phone.
You: (Hope that Martin's going to be okay...)
The phone suddenly rings and Artem immediately lifts it to his ear out of reflex.
Artem: Hello? Is there news on Martin?
Artem: ...Really? That's good to hear... Yes, we've packed all the supplies on our end and loaded them on the transport truck.
Artem: You're too kind. I didn't do that much... Yes. She's working really hard and taking this very seriously. It's all thanks to her.
You: (Thank goodness. It sounds like Martin is safe.)
Seeing that Artem has hung up, you hurriedly stand up and walk toward him. He turns to you as well.
You: Have the organizers managed to contact Martin?
Artem: Yes. The organizers just called to say that he picked up the supplies you packed and had entered the final stage.
Artem: Martin has experience dealing with these sudden events. He was helping an amateur team deal with their issues and couldn't contact the organizers for a while.
You: Hahaha, that's the kind of reaction you get from a pro. In that case, he should be in the first group to enter the next stage, right?
Artem: Yes. He should place well in this race. However, the biggest surprise this time is you.
You: Huh? Me?
Artem: When the typhoon hit, I went to temporarily help the rescue team with tallying their supplies, didn't I?
Artem: Martin's supplies were entirely handled by you. Did you put an extra GPS in there?
You: Yes... because I was concerned that he might run into some other issues later. It's always good to be prepared...
Artem: That's true. A racer that set out in the same group as Martin had their GPS damaged in the typhoon. The extra GPS you put in saved their team.
Artem: The organizers aren't holding back when it comes to praising you. They say your judgment is as good as some of the professionals.
You: Gosh... You're making me blush. I didn't really do anything.
Artem: There's no need to be humble. If I were in your shoes, I might not have done any better.
Artem smiles, wipes off the drops of sweat on your brow, and suddenly raises his head to check the weather. He then takes your hand and leads you outside.
You: Hmm? Where are we going?
Artem: Most of our job is done. It's about time I tell you the "answer" as promised.
You: Do you mean what you and Martin were planning? True, you said you'll tell me after the competition is over.
Artem: Right. Now I can finally reveal the answer to you.
You have been to several bivouacs in the rally, and the final stop is next to an artificial lake.
Perhaps the intense work over the past few days is taking too much of your time. You didn't even realize that such a beautiful view exists so close to the bivouac.
You: The scenery here is magnificent...
From the horizon to the apex of the sky, the layers of color are discernible from crimson to indigo.
And where the sky connects with the cityscape, a wild and marvelous scene unfolds after the torrential rain. Layers of clouds roil with the glittering sunlight.
Artem: I've only seen scenery like this after storms in reference materials. I've always wanted to see it with my own eyes.
Artem: So... after hearing that Stellis had built a location like this, I planned on bringing you here with me.
Artem walks up to you and softly takes your hand in his.
You gaze at him. He is looking at the dusk sky, but his expression is gentle when he takes your hand.
He's always been like this, sharing with you what he believes to be the best.
You: ...Didn't you bring the Polaroid camera, Artem? Let's take a photo together!
Artem: Sure.
Artem expertly sets up the camera tripod not too far away, adjusts the angle, sets up a timer, and then returns to your side.
The sky and the land are vast as the brilliant dusk sky glows in the distance. You hug Artem's arm, trying to snuggle as close as possible to him in the middle of the photo.
However, Artem seems to be deep in thought, as if he is making a decision.
You: Artem. Look at the camera. The countdown is about to en—
You don't get to finish your sentence. He suddenly gets closer, lowers his head, and turns your face at the same time.
As the shutter goes off, a warm and gentle touch lands on your lips.
He's even greedier than you — he chose an even closer distance.
However, after the momentary shock, you see the light of the golden dusk dancing in his eyes.
Summary
