'The course goes around Dracliff Island. It's not just a flat course, with all sorts of obstacles, right?
It also serves as a performance test for the magic vehicle, the Ether Vehicle. To see what happens when they drive on bad roads.

　I mean, testing is supposed to be the main thing. Now the race is becoming more mainstream.
　In order to get all sorts of data, the race course was devised and built by the doctor. I was a little apprehensive about it, but it doesn't look like I could get any useful data from it.
　The course is projected on the monitor in the "Research Institute". At first glance, it looks like an ordinary course.

Why is there a fork in the road these days?
It's a shortcut. If you do it right, it's a shortcut. But if it doesn't work, you're in big trouble.
Where's the break here?
Jump over. If you don't jump far enough, of course you'll fall.
I don't think this is the ocean...
The pier area. You can't go off course, can you?

　........will it be okay? I nailed it down so as not to overdo it.
　What I was wondering about was how to build a course on Dracliff Island in the underworld, and I heard that the 'small workshop' that mass-produces Frame Gear bullets and the like will be temporarily transferred to the underworld to build it.
　The performance of the workshop is not as good as it could be, but since we are not making a complicated machine, that seems to be enough.

Regina-chan, I've designed the thing you asked for.

　The door to the lab opened and an Elka engineer with Fenrir, a wolf-type golem, walked in.
　Just the fact that this guy is also participating in course building makes me even more worried....

''Anyway, let's prioritize safety. Just make sure you don't crash and get seriously injured, okay?
Don't worry. I won't hurt you, even if you fall apart. Trust your mistress.

　Who is your mistress, you little girl? I left the grinning doctor and left the Institute.
　You're going to be able to find yourself in the hangar with Monica, who is in one of the garages working on her magical vehicle, the Aether Vehicle, along with Rosetta and other mini-robots from the workshop.

"What's that, Master? Warii, take that wrench over there.

　Handing her a wrench from the workbench, Monica tightened the bolts on the wheel and exhaled in a breeze. Rosetta moved the wheel to check for some kind of movement.
　In the back of the garage, there were several body-less, bare magic motive bodies. They are all magical vehicles with different characteristics.

Are things going well here?
Well, you know. It's nothing compared to frame gear. It's not too late to do it in between. What about you guys?
They've built some weird courses.
No matter what course we build, we will build a magical vehicle, the Aether Vehicle, that can finish the race. I'll see to it.

　Rosetta huffs and snorts while clutching a spanner.
　This time, they would also be participating in the race. Rosetta and Monica are on the driver's side and Dr. Babylon and Engineer Elka are on the course construction side. They have a strange rivalry with each other, but I guess it's their pride as technicians.
　It's not a rule, but it's a rule that Babylon's technology is not used in the production of this car.
　The "Aether Vehicle" is useless unless ordinary engineers are able to build it in both sides of the world. The only thing you can't make is the Aether Liquid, though, which is the fuel source.

Don't dwarves make them on Earth?　You can't lose, right?

　The dwarves who built the civil engineering robot "Doverg" will also be participating in this race.
　I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of magical vehicle, the Aether Vehicle, they can create with their unique technology, but it's a course for those annoying duo to run. I hope they don't end up retiring early.
　Also, our head maid Lapis will be participating. Her driving technique is quite good, and due to the difference in her driving skills, I'd like to see her driving data on the Aether Vehicle, too.
　As for the rest, Nia from the "Akaneko" forced me to participate, so I gave her permission. The Red Crown Commander is not going to be able to do that with his magic vehicle. Even if he did, Deputy Leader Esto would be upset with him later.
　These two magic vehicles, the Aether Vehicle, were also made by Rosetta and Monica. They don't seem to be making a vehicle that special, so it will probably be fine.
　Aside from Triharan and Strain, the other country participating in this event is the surface world's magical kingdom of Felsen.
　It seems that this country is ambitious in the development of magic engineering, and they have been working on the magic vehicle, the Aether Vehicle, since early on, and have said they would like to participate in the test race.
　It's not that I'm buzzing, but I thought it would be better to have a variety of models of vehicles so that we could get a variety of data, so I allowed this as well. However, I wasn't sure if the driver was King Felsen himself.
　A magic-powered passenger car 《Aether Vehicle》 driven by that king who was a heroic weapons geek and muscular macho despite his title of King of the Magic Kingdom....... It's not like a dump truck or anything, is it?
　The day of the test race is approaching with all sorts of anxieties like that.
　Well, the magic vehicle《ether Vehicle》is important, but I hope that the two people we set up on an arranged marriage date will recognize each other and make up with each other.
　I called their parents to ask them what they are up to, and it seems that both of them are devoting themselves to improving their magic vehicle, the Ether Vehicle, without sparing a moment's sleep. Are they really going to be okay?




　The neigh of a dragon wore a blue sky with not a cloud in the sky. The sky was blue, the sky was blue, the sea was calm and there was not a cloud in the sky.
　I had ordered the dragons to refrain from attacking each other as I prepared for today's test race around Dracliff Island. Apparently there are a lot of people who are interested in the race itself, even though they are dragons. I don't mind watching as long as they don't get in the way.
　As usual, the Valkyrie and her team of war angels were summoned and made into a filming team, and the status of the race was projected on a large projection screen (monitor) set up on the beach.
　Basically, everyone other than the drivers could watch the race from the monitors.
　Now, let's introduce the contestants.


Number 1: Steel Axe] Driver: Griff.
　Griff, the head of the dwarf workshop, is the driver. He drove the "Ether Vehicle," a magical car built with dwarven technology, the "Steel Axe".


Driver: Rosetta and Monica.
　Built by Rosetta, the caretaker of "Studio" and Monica, the caretaker of "Hangar". They also serve as the driver. Joined by two people.


[Number 3 Swan] Driver: Lapis.
　Lapidus, the head maid of Brunhild, is the driver. Rosetta and Monica build the "Ether Vehicle", a magical car.


Number 4: Akaneko [Red Cat] Driver : Nia.
　Nia, the leader of Akaneko, is on board. Also made by Rosetta and Monica.


Number 5: Strain Strain] Driver : Berrietta.
　Princess of the Kingdom of Strain, participated in "Strain" built by Berrietta herself.


No. 6 Triharan] Driver : Rupheus.
　Rupheus, Crown Prince of the Triharan Divine Empire, participated in the "Triharan", which he built himself.


No. 7 Felsen] Driver: King Felsen.
　He participated in the "Felsen", which concentrated the technology of the Felsen Magical Kingdom. Large magical car (Aether Vehicle).


[No. 8 Brunhild] Driver: Fuyao Mochizuki.
　He participated in a standard magical car, the Brunhild. The model car was a Renault Type K.


　The competition consisted of eight "ether vehicles," which were all powered by magical vehicles.
　At this point in time, I don't know what kind of abilities are hidden in these cars that have their own unique characteristics. I'm one of the participants, so I haven't been told.
　At a glance, the Felsen is a little larger than the others. Well, that's more like it was enlarged to accommodate the drivers' huge bodies.
　Each driver was given a map of the course a few days before the race. It didn't show the details of the obstacles, but it did tell us what the course was all about.
　The island is divided into four areas, east, west, north, south, southwest and north-south, starting from the south area, going around in a counterclockwise direction, passing through the west area and coming back to the south area before finishing.
　The following is a description of the course given to us by the doctors.


■South ■.
　Pier Course. This course is a pier course built on the sandy beach and the sea.

East■■
　This is a jungle course. This course runs through rough, dirt, wild mountains.

North■■
　Ice and Snow Course. This is a slippery, slippery course made of ice.

West■■
　Obstacle Course. A dangerous course with a variety of obstacles.


　That's too general, man. It was a mistake to leave it to those guys after all...
　As a rule of the race, if you don't clear each area within the stipulated time, you're out of the race.
　As long as the tires are on the ground, you can push a broken car through an area and be cleared within the time limit.
　There are several pit points (vehicle maintenance stations) in each area, where repairs and parts can be done.
　It was only for the driving test, but the race was supposed to be a bonus.




　An hour before the race started.
　Representatives and bodyguards from each country have gathered in front of the monitor. They seem to be relaxing at the tables that have been prepared for them.
　Most of the nations from the surface world have been invited, but only Triharan, Strain, Primula, and Galdio are from the underworld.
　Among them, Prince Lucretion who had renounced his right to the throne from the Galdio Empire.......oops, it's already the Leve Frontier Count, had come as a representative from the Galdio Empire.

''It's been a long time. Thank you for the trouble you've caused me.
It's been a while. How are your parents doing?
'Yes. I have retired from the throne and am living comfortably.

　The boy I hadn't seen in a while looked so mature I couldn't believe he was ten years old. I guess it's like a boy meeting for three days.
　Even though he's a frontier count, at the moment, a deputy is still running the government in his place at the estate. He must be learning a lot of things to become a proper lord. I hope today will be a break from all that.
　I've decided to introduce you to the boy king of Paloof, since he's probably close to my age.
　As expected, Ernesto, the king of the Paloof Kingdom, did not bring his chess game with him today.
　Since they are boys from different worlds, they were able to get to know each other easily and exchanged many stories.
　Rachel, the boy king's fiancée, glared at me for being superfluous, so I decided to leave. I guess that thing wanted to be alone with me.
　The Emperor of the Triharan God Empire, the Queen of the Strain Kingdom, and the King of the Primula Kingdom were each chatting with the kings of this country.
　It wouldn't be a bad idea to get to know each other before the Two Worlds Conference.
　The kings of different worlds can have a cautious and probing discussion with each other.......

''An abduction? Haha, he's going to do it.
That country, Isengard, was dead as soon as you made an enemy of him. There are two countries missing from the map here, too.
There's nothing wrong with a normal relationship. It's just that you do some crazy things. As in this case.

　Hmm?　Isn't that a funny topic?
　I didn't go into it, though, because the conversation seemed to be getting more exciting.
　I turn my feet to where the contestants' garages are lined up while looking at the kings with a sideways glance.
　On the other side of the garage, there is a gate with a [Gate] on the other side of the garage, which is connected to some of the pit points I just described. During the race, if the car broke down, it would return to the garage to be serviced.
　I entered the garage, which was numbered "8".
　It's an open garage with no doors, but I'm ready to go in and get ready to race. I need to get ready for the race.
　In the garage, four mini-robots were doing final checks on my Type K. I had to get ready for the race. These mini-robots are my maintenance staff.
　Four maintenance staff and one navigator are allowed to ride with me. Basically, though, the more weight, the slower the car gets, so there are no passengers except Rosetta and Monica's group.

Anyway, please make it easier to drive.

　Rajaah!　The mini-robots raised their hands. I'm not aiming to win, so I'm aiming to finish the race. So, speed is secondary.
　Two shadows appeared behind us.

Is this the car of winter night?　That's pretty cool.
Well, I have brought a light meal for you.

　The twin duo of Else and Linse appear in the garage. They had a small basket in their hands, with a few sandwiches and some fruit inside.
　I asked them how everyone else was doing as they took a quick bite to eat, and they seemed to be going to their respective officials.
　Yumina and Sue went to the King of Belfast's, Lou to Emperor Regulus, Hilda to King Restia, Lean to King Mismid's Beast King, Sakura to the Demon King of Xenoas, and Yae to the Emperor of Yisheng, Mikado.
　Yae, of course, was accompanied by the emperor, Mikado, to Ieyasu-san... and also to his brother, Shigetaro, who was his bodyguard.
　Also, Sakura was taken by her mother, Fianna-san, and she didn't want to be taken away by her mother, Fianna-san.
　There are no such people in Else and Linse, so she is light in these situations.
　If I had to say anything, it would be my native country's Emperor Liefries, but even that ends with a light greeting.

''Do you think you can win?
'I'm not running to win. It's just a performance test, that's all.
Hey, you're not very ambitious. Don't you have any idea what you're getting into?

　Else will say something like that, but there's nothing special about winning. I'm curious about Prince Rupheus and Princess Berrietta's match, though.
　Anyway, as long as they finish the race in one piece, it's a good thing. I don't know what they're up to.... I'd like to think there aren't any landmines or anything like that.
　Soon, other people arrived, and in the midst of the hubbub, the maintenance of the little robots was finished.

'Noo, Winter Night. Can't I ride this one too?
'Uh I think you're okay about safety, but you shouldn't. You don't want to fall into the ocean and get flooded, do you?

　Sue said that to me as if she wanted to ride, but I refused. I don't care if we're just going to get flooded, but it's not like there aren't more nasty traps.
　Everyone except Sue seemed to have figured it out, and no one asked for a ride. One person is allowed to ride with me as a navigator, but I can get by without them if they're not there separately. I can display the map by myself.
　However, I raised my hand to say, "Well then, I'm going to ride..." and the one who raised his hand was a stuffed bear. No, I don't want you to get on it....

I don't think it'll get in the way. I don't think it'll get in the way, so let him up.
Well, it's okay.

　I can't help it if Lean asks me to. Yes!　Paula ran to the outside of the garage. Where are you going?
　Are you that happy?　Well, I guess that's a [programmed] expression, too.

'Okay, now we just have to wait for it to start.

　As I grumbled to myself as I looked at the refurbished Type K, Paula came back from outside the garage and gave me a tug on my pants.

What?

　As I followed Paula, who was beckoning me with a nipple, I saw Prince Ruffeus and Princess Berlietta confronting each other outside the garage with a scowling smile on their faces. Wow.........

''Congratulations on the successful completion of the competition. But the winner is going to be awarded to my ship, the Strain!
I'll take you at your word. I'm afraid that the work you've done for us is nowhere near as important as the work of the Triharan. I'm sorry.
"Mmm-hmm.
Hahahahahahahaha.

　Neither of you are smiling with your eyes........ The staff around them are pulling away too.....

"Is that what you call 'shuraku'?
No, no, no.

　I can hear Sue and Else's voices from behind me as I was peeking out from the garage wall.
　Is this okay? You're right, Hanakoi's sister is right, I'm very conscious of it, but it's not the right direction....

15 minutes before the race starts. All participants must change into their racing suits and gather in front of the headquarters.

　Engineer Elka's voice came over the speakers mounted above the garage. Oops, let's start.
　The two men who had been staring at each other go back to their respective garages. Okay, I'll get ready too.
　Huh. Anyway, I hope the race ends safely.
　I prayed to God in my heart and headed for the room at the back of the garage.