Outer Ring, Blazewood.
Evening had arrived, and only a trace of fading crimson lingered along the horizon.
A convoy mixed with motorcycles, cars, and trucks rolled in from afar, carrying laughter with it—the group returning from the Tour de Inferno.
From today onward, the Sons of Calydon were officially recognized as the Motor Alliance's Overlord. However, the celebratory feast for an overlord required inviting many forces throughout the Outer Ring. Preparing such a banquet would take quite some time.
Tonight, only an internal celebration was held by the Sons of Calydon—to honor their massive success in the Tour de Inferno and to thank the friends who had helped them.
As the sky darkened and the air grew cooler, their enthusiasm did not wane.
Mayor Kasa of Blazewood had already received the news when the Tour de Inferno ended and had arranged for a venue to be prepared early.
A simple bonfire was lit, its orange flames illuminating the entire open space.
Burnice handled the Fuel Drinks—her supply was more than enough, no need to worry.
Originally, Caesar wanted to offer their specialty roasted lizards, but Sol stopped her and replaced the Outer Ring specialty with dishes from his own "Little Master Chef" repertoire.
With everything set up, night fully descended.
Plates of beautiful, generously portioned dishes lined the cloth-covered tables. Back in Sol's original world, any one of them could have easily sold for tens of dollars. Large skewers glistened golden and oily beside the fire, releasing irresistible fragrance.
There were also rows of custom Fuel Drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Everyone sat around the bonfire, cheerful against the quiet night.
Beside Sol were Nicole and Belle, then Anby, Billy, and Wise. Across the fire sat Caesar, Lucy, Burnice, Piper, and Lighter.
Together they formed a small circle—tiny beneath the vast sky.
"Never expected Uncle Pompey would step back on his own and give up the overlord's seat."
Caesar's gaze drifted, speaking with a hint of emotion. "Maybe that's what makes a true leader—able to take up power and also let it go. Feels like I learned another lesson."
She felt a little down—overwhelmed by Pompey's magnanimity.
Compared to her desire to earn true honor, Pompey seemed to stand on a higher level.
"Actually, he only gave it up because he recognizes you. If you were a useless airhead, he'd fight you with his life on the line."
Lucy thought for a moment and offered her reassurance.
"…Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Caesar fell silent, feeling a little strange.
She was not an airhead—that was something to be proud of… probably.
Caesar shook her head and stopped thinking too much.
She picked up a cup of Fuel Drink and spoke boldly to everyone: "The Sons of Calydon won the Tour de Inferno today because of everyone's joint effort."
"Thank you, Sol, for modifying our bikes. Thank you, Proxy, for planning our route. Thank you, Nicole, for mobilizing resources for us. And thank you to every partner of the Sons of Calydon!"
"Here—I drink to all of you!"
She raised her glass and downed it in one go.
Without her friends, she would've been drowning in chaos—and likely would have lost this year's Tour de Inferno with deep regret.
Fortunately, with their help, they achieved a perfect ending.
"No need to be so formal. We're all friends—helping each other is natural."
Nicole lifted her cup as well, eyes narrowing with a smile.
"That's right. And it was fun getting to watch such an exciting race."
Sol nodded, smiling.
These past days had been great—Outer Ring vacation life was pretty nice.
"Is that so? I'm glad everyone enjoyed it!"
Caesar smiled warmly, genuinely.
"These days in the Outer Ring… we've seen many sights we've never seen before. Honestly, it's been a wonderful time."
Wise gazed into the flickering flames, sighing.
"Yes, yes! The scenery of the Outer Ring is truly unique," Belle said beside Sol, nodding eagerly.
These days they had collected data—and enjoyed the landscapes along the way. That wild, untamed aura felt like freedom.
Belle handed Sol a cup of alcoholic Fuel Drink, then grabbed one for herself, beaming. "Anyway! Enough talking—there's so much good food and unlimited Fuel Drinks tonight! Nobody leaves sober!"
"Nobody leaves sober!"
Everyone raised their glasses together, colorful liquids shimmering under the orange glow of the bonfire.
And then, as always happens around a fire, someone eventually opened their mouth to tell a story.
"This is great… this person hasn't eaten something this delicious in ages." Piper shoved a piece of roasted lamb rib into her mouth, savoring it. "Last time I had food this good was at that Black Panther Organization base."
"That night, I was exhausted and starving—the food tasted like enlightenment."
"Thinking back, it really was an unforgettable experience."
Her eyes grew nostalgic—like a middle-aged person recalling childhood memories, though in reality it was only a few weeks ago.
If not for that misunderstanding, they might never have met Sol.
The process was a little chaotic, but the result was wonderful.
"Hey! That's not something worth talking about! Past is past, right?"
Lucy rushed to stop Piper, flustered.
Piper didn't care, but Lucy definitely cared.
Just thinking of that embarrassing scene made her want to die.
"What happened? Tell me, tell me!"
Nicole leaned in, full of gossip.
It was the place Sol and Anby had visited—and where they'd first met the Sons of Calydon.
She was curious about the details, but Anby was a brick wall. Anything she said was stiff and flavorless.
"It's nothing much," Piper mumbled lazily. "Just some misunderstanding. Everyone got tied up, and then…"
"Mmmmph!"
"Stop talking!"
Lucy covered Piper's mouth in a flash and said sternly, "After we were tied up… my hands hurt terribly. I don't want to remember any of it."
She stole a quick glance at Sol—her face full of shame.
Being tied up was embarrassing enough—never mind the feeding afterward or the mortifying things she said.
No way could she say that in public. No way could she even think about it alone.
"Fine, fine. That's all."
Piper sighed.
Kids would be kids—unable to let go of things like adults.
Meanwhile—
Though they didn't hear Lucy's humiliating story, seeing the proud lady squirm in embarrassment was entertainment enough.
"Here, we're happy today—drink a few more."
Belle handed Sol another alcoholic Fuel Drink, grinning playfully.
"I can drink plenty, but you should slow down."
Sol shook his head lightly, accepting the drink with ease.
"No way! I'm happy—I want to drink more!"
Belle's face was bright red—who knew whether from drunkenness or something else.
She'd already had five drinks and felt that wonderful buzz kicking in.
They said alcohol boosts courage—and she felt it was absolutely true.