chapter464

Rory was about to crash right into Chris when, out of nowhere, a car shot forward

like a streak of lightning. Shadow slid in front of Rory just in time, nudging Chris' car safely out of harm's way.

Rory, who'd been ready to send Chris flying, slammed on the brakes but it was too late. His car smashed into the barricade with a sickening thud. Sparks burst in every direction and, for a moment, his car hung in the air before crashing back down and spinning out of control.

The crowd erupted with screams.

Even with all the built-in safety features, the impact was brutal. Rory felt a warm trickle sliding from his temple, blurring his vision. He tried to steady himself, but the pain was sharp and immediate.

Accidents like this weren't unusual in racing. Still, when Rory didn't respond or send for help, the rescue team sprinted onto the track, equipment in hand.

Even with the accident, the race was still going full throttle. Country D's team, now without their captain, fell apart fast. Forget about chasing Country A. Other teams blew past them, leaving their hopes in the dust.

Lydia finished the entire race in thirty-five minutes and eight seconds. Two hundred and ninety kilometers, and she'd conquered every twist and turn, each section more challenging than the last. Most of the racers hadn't even reached the halfway point when Lydia was already celebrating her win.

The stadium exploded with cheers. The chant of "NO1 thundered through the air, shaking the stands.

With Lydia out in front, Chris crossed the finish line right behind her, then Jay, Weston, and Arden followed. Weston and Arden looked at each other, stunned. They had never done this well before. It felt unreal, like something out of a dream. Country A had totally dominated the first real race. If Chris could keep the team going like this, the championship would be theirs without question.

Lydia left the track and quickly changed clothes. She pulled out her silver needles and gave Chris' two teammates a quick treatment. Thanks to her, both of them could compete again that afternoon.

They felt way better. After watching the race, they were still buzzing from how wild and exciting it was. Finding out Lydia was the legendary NO1 just blew their minds. No wonder her advice had helped them take down Country D.

"Lydia, you're amazing. We couldn't have done this without you."

"For real, Lydia. If it weren't for you, Country D would still be walking around like they own the place."

Lydia packed up her needles and spoke in a steady, even tone. "Just do your best. This championship will be ours."

"Yes, Lydia! We'll give it everything. You won't be disappointed!"

Since the race wasn't officially over yet, Chris had to stay on-site as team captain. Lydia and Iceblade headed back to the stands.

When they returned, Lucinda let out a long sigh, clearly relieved. There was still half an hour left in the race and Lydia was already back. No way she was NO1. Lucinda eyed Lydia and Jay, her mind jumping to conclusions Maybe they'd run off to do something they didn't want anyone else to know about. The way they acted, it was easy to assume there was something going on between them.

So, big sis, where did you and your cousin disappear to? You were gone forever," Lucinda said, her voice full of sarcasm.

Now that NO1 had already finished

and the energy in the arena wasinet

starting to settle down, Lucinda's words carried through the crowd around them.

Connor say the sweat on Lydia's forehead and gently pulled her into the seat next to him. He grabbed a little electric far and held it up so the breeze cooled her face.

"You must be exhausted."

Lydia gave him a small smile. "I'm okay."

Iceblade rolled his eyes. "Okay? Do you even realize how much you were sweating

out there?"