After passing Cage Mountain, the trio headed west towards the Impassable Mountain Range.
In less than half an hour, Maggie was the first to admit defeat.
At an altitude of 1500 meters, the Phoenix easily relied on its two engines to fly at 400 km/h. While Maggie's petrel form could also attain that speed, she could only sustain it for a short while. Against the brand new Type-14 Engine that did not tire out, shaking Maggie off was something bound to happen.
"How was it?" Tilly asked with her hand to her lips.
"… I-I can still fly… Coo!" Maggie gasped for breath.
"You've done your best. I'll take it from here."
Lightning took her unyielding companion into her embrace and took over the second stage of the competition.
The human and plane began a new pursuit in the dusky sky.
