John stood there for a moment, staring at the packet in his hands. The realization of what he had just committed sank in. He was all in now, and there was no turning back.
Just as he was looking at the ticket, a mechanical voice cracked in his mind:
[Detected! The Host has signed for the tournament.]
John listened keenly, his heart pounding.
[The Host will receive the racing motorcycle Honda brand typically 1000cc four-stroke engines in the next 12 hours.]
John smiled, but he knew he had never been in a racing tournament. Why did the system choose him for this mission?
"I don't have much time to worry about the tournament. Let it be the way it is," John muttered as he turned back to take the corridor out.
Just as he was heading out, through the window, John's eyes captured a friendly face. Guess what? Nah, I wouldn't mind telling you who it was then. Wait, you know, it's your information and don't worry it's down there...
John raised his eyebrows. Their eyes met, and a moment of enthusiasm in between them knocked for silence.
They walked towards each other, and John's mouth twitched a little bit. "Glays! Are you?"
"Nah! How? What are you doing here? Yes, I am Glays. John?"
"Yes, I am John. I have come for the competition," John said to Glays.
Glays gestured for them to move to the pavilion where she was heading and her friends were. From her face one could tell that he was sure John was just joking.
The pavilion was a spectacle of modern design and vibrant colors. Rows of sleek, cushioned seats were arranged in a semicircle around the central stage, creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere with a big glass table.
Each seat was adorned with a small, personalized nameplate for the guests who had booked in advance. The arrangement was meticulous, with ample legroom and perfect sightlines to the stage, ensuring every fan had a premium viewing experience.
Overhead, large banners fluttered gently in the breeze, displaying the names and logos of major sponsors. The walls were adorned with murals depicting legendary races and racers, a testament to the storied history of the tournament. The floor was carpeted in a rich, deep blue, adding a touch of elegance to the space.
Scattered throughout the pavilion were high tables and bar stools, where fans could grab refreshments and chat about the upcoming races. There were concession stands offering a variety of snacks and beverages, from gourmet hot dogs to artisanal coffees.
The aroma of freshly popped popcorn and sizzling sausages filled the air, mingling with the excitement and anticipation that buzzed throughout the pavilion.
At each corner of the pavilion were large cinema screens, strategically placed to ensure that no matter where one sat, they could catch every moment of the action. These screens were state-of-the-art, with crystal-clear resolution and dynamic sound systems that brought the roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd to life. Names of top competitors slid across the screens from time to time, highlighting the stars of the show.
John and Glays found a spot near one of these screens. The names of the top racers scrolled by: Nicko the champion in most races, followed closely by Ramjar,the toughest rival. The tension between these two was palpable, and their rivalry was the talk of the tournament.
John and Glays settled into their seats, the soft cushions offering a welcome respite from the hustle of the day. They watched as the names continued to slide across the screen, each one bringing a murmur of recognition or excitement from the crowd.
"Remember that day when we called off the marriage?" Glays asked, breaking the silence.
John nodded. "Yeah, how could I forget? It was a tough decision, but it was the right one."
Glays sighed. "Rohit's arrest really threw everything into chaos. But let's not discuss that now. We need to focus on the tournament."
John appreciated her understanding. "You're right. I need to stay focused."
Glays smiled reassuringly. "Just enjoy the adventure, John. Who knows, you might even win but here the tournament is usually tight."
John chuckled. "Adventure, huh? More like a rollercoaster."
Glays laughed. "Come on, John. Think of it as a fun ride. Besides, you wouldn't want to miss out on all the excitement, would you?"
John couldn't help but smile. "You always know how to lighten the mood, Glays."
They watched as the names of the top racers continued to slide across the screen. Nicko and Ramjar were still leading the pack, their rivalry evident in the way their names were highlighted. The fans around them were buzzing with excitement, placing bets and discussing the chances of their favorite racers.
Glays turned to her friend Lonah, who was sitting next to her. "Lonah, who do you think will win?"
Lonah looked thoughtful. "It's hard to say. Nicko has been on a winning streak, but Ramjar is always a strong contender."
Glays grinned. "Wanna bet on it?"
Lonah raised an eyebrow. "You're on. I bet Nicko will win."
Glays shook her head. "I'll take Ramjar, then. Let's see who comes out on top."
John watched the exchange with amusement. "You two are really into this, huh?"
Glays winked at him. "Of course! It's all part of the fun."
Lonah looked at John. "So, who are you betting on, John?"
John hesitated. "Well, I don't really know much about the racers and I can't bet due to the rules. I am a racer."
Glays nudged him playfully. "Come on, pick a side!. I know you're joking."
John laughed. "Alright, I'll go with the best one to win. That seems like a safe bet for me because I can't guess right. For sure bet for Nicko because he has several, or can place a bet on me as well."
Lonah clapped her hands. "Looks like we've got ourselves a bet. Let's see who wins. Surely are you really going for a race? It seems you're kidding me..."
They continued to watch the screens, the excitement building as the names of the racers scrolled by. The atmosphere in the pavilion was electric, with fans cheering and discussing the upcoming races.
As they waited for the tournament to begin, Glays leaned over to John. "You know, I'm really glad you decided to compete. It's going to be an incredible experience."
John nodded. "Thanks, Glays. I just hope I don't embarrass myself out there."
Glays laughed. "You'll do great, John. Just remember to have fun."
John smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. The support of his friends meant a lot to him, and it gave him the confidence he needed to face the challenges ahead.
The large cinema screens continued to display the names of the top competitors, and the excitement in the pavilion was palpable. Fans were eagerly discussing the racers, sharing their predictions and placing bets. The anticipation for the tournament was at an all-time high.
As the names of the racers scrolled across the screen, Glays and Lonah continued their playful banter, each trying to convince the other that their chosen racer would win. The camaraderie and friendly competition added to the excitement of the event.
John couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the other fans. Despite the nerves and uncertainty about the tournament, he was excited to be a part of something so thrilling. The energy in the pavilion was contagious, and he found himself looking forward to the races more than ever.
The conversation turned back to the tournament, with Glays and Lonah debating the strengths and weaknesses of the top racers. They discussed the previous races, analyzing each racer's performance and predicting how they would fare in the upcoming tournament.
John listened with interest, absorbing as much information as he could. He knew that the more he learned about the competition, the better prepared he would be. The insights from Glays and Lonah were invaluable, and he appreciated their knowledge and enthusiasm.
As they continued to chat, the large cinema screens displayed the schedule for the tournament. The first race was set to begin in a few hours: the beginners who usually meant to open up the tournament, and the excitement in the pavilion reached a fever pitch. Fans were on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament.
John felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The reality of the tournament was sinking in, and he knew that the next few days would be a whirlwind of adrenaline and competition. But with the support and guidance of the system, he was ready to take the competition.
The conversation with Glays and Lonah shifted to lighter topics, with Glays recounting funny stories from her childhood and Lonah sharing amusing anecdotes about her work in the music industry.
The announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeakers, signaling the racers of the tournament by their names. The large cinema screens displayed the starting lineup, and the fans erupted in cheers and applause.
Glays turned to John with a grin. "Here we go, John. Are you ready for this?"
John took a deep breath, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Glays patted him on the back. "You'll do great. Just remember to have fun and give it your all."
Lonah turned her attention to Glays, "Why don't you bet on AKA Jonte?"
"Nah! I can't, can you?" Glays exclaimed, nodding her head.