Act: 3 Chapter: 2 | The True Potential Is Revealed

The summit of Yougou Pass was alive with a quiet energy. The crisp mountain air carried the distant hum of engines—faint, yet unmistakable. Leaves rustled softly in the night breeze, whispering secrets only the mountain knew.

Leaning against her Devil Z, Seele exuded her usual calm, but her violet eyes remained watchful. A storm was coming.

Meanwhile, Collei stood before her Eight-Six, the open hood revealing the marvel of engineering nestled within. A brand-new heart—one she barely understood, yet one that called out to her.

Her fingers traced the edge of the engine bay. She muttered softly, frustration laced in her voice:

"Why did you keep your true potential hidden...?"

She sighed, dragging a hand down her face.

"God damn it, Dad... Why did you keep this from me in the first place?"

Her arms rested against the frame, head bowed, as if expecting the engine to answer. The silence was deafening.

But after a moment, her frustration hardened into something else.

Resolve.

Collei straightened, her eyes gleaming with determination.

"It doesn't matter. Once I find out how high it can really rev…" A smirk tugged at her lips. "Ayaka won't stand a chance with that Eight-Six of hers."

And right on cue, the silence of the mountain was shattered.

Engines rumbled in the distance, growing louder—a convoy approaching from the downhill.

Collei turned toward the horizon, eyes narrowing.

They're here.

The Arrival of Legends

The first car to crest the hill was Beidou's imposing R32, its presence commanding the night.

Close behind, a sleek Supra rolled in, driven by March, with Pela riding shotgun—its aggressive stance a contrast to the refined way it moved.

Then, as if to complete the procession, a Lancia 037 emerged from the darkness, its boxy yet elegant silhouette cutting through the night like a blade.

Clorinde.

She parked gracefully behind the Supra, stepping out with her usual composed demeanor.

Seele shifted her stance, smirking. "Look who decided to show up tonight."

Collei glanced over her shoulder, a similar smirk forming.

"About damn time."

One by one, they approached the Eight-Six's open hood—drawn in like moths to a flame.

Clorinde was the first to react. Her sharp eyes widened. "Is that... the new engine?"

Collei nodded, her voice steady. "Yeah... it is."

Seele, still leaning against the car, folded her arms. "Incredible, isn't it?"

Beidou stepped forward, peering inside. But unlike the others, her expression shifted instantly. Her seasoned eyes recognized what she was looking at.

Her voice came out firm. "More than that... it's a rarity."

She turned to Collei, intensity in her gaze.

"Where the hell did you even get this engine?"

Collei shrugged. "That's a question for my father."

Clorinde let out a low chuckle. "Whoever sourced this for him is someone worth knowing. This isn't something you'd find in a normal road car."

Pela adjusted her glasses, stepping closer. Her analytical mind was already piecing it together.

"I couldn't agree more." She tilted her head, gears turning in her mind. "This isn't just any engine. This is a racing engine."

A Secret Unveiled

Collei's lips curled into a smirk.

"I know. Seele told me it's a high-revving unit. Most likely hits the 10,000 RPM range."

The reaction was immediate.

Beidou, Clorinde, March, and Pela all exclaimed at once:

"A high-revving unit!? 10,000 RPMs!?"

Collei nodded again, confidence settling in.

"Yeah. That's what Seele said, anyway."

Pela's eyes flickered with realization. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"If that's true… and this is a racing engine… then it was built for TRD's Group A Corollas."

Collei's eyes snapped to Pela, widening. "Group A!?"

Pela nodded, her voice sharp.

"Yes. Group A, specifically for touring car racing."

Clorinde stepped forward, her tone now that of a storyteller.

"Let me explain. After Group B was banned, Group A took over. It enforced stricter regulations to slow the cars down. That's why machines like my Lancia 037 became obsolete." She gestured toward the engine. "Your 1.6-liter unit would fall into Division Two for touring cars. If I had to guess, it's pushing between 250 and 300 horsepower."

Collei's breath hitched. "That much?"

Pela pushed up her glasses. "And there's more. This isn't an engine you'd find at a dealership. Whoever sourced this engine has ties to professional racing teams. My guess? A racing driver."

A racing driver.

Collei's mind raced.

Who the hell was her father involved with?

Clorinde's voice pulled her back. "That's why you're struggling with those corners. You lack the power to maintain your drifts. But this engine… changes everything."

Collei turned to Beidou, eyes burning with resolve.

"Can you help me find a tachometer? One that goes up to at least 13,000 RPMs?"

Beidou's smirk widened. "I'll make some calls first thing tomorrow morning."

The Challenge – A Duel of Eight-Sixes

The group was still processing the revelation when Collei straightened, her expression unreadable.

She exhaled slowly.

"There's more."

The air grew tense.

Beidou, Clorinde, March, Pela, and Seele all turned to her, curiosity reignited.

"Do you guys know a 'Kamisato Ayaka' by any chance?"

March's brow furrowed slightly. "Yeah. She's from Kannazuka. Despite being in her final year of high school, she's an incredible driver. Especially on tight courses."

Collei exhaled, shaking her head slightly. "Just perfect."

Then, she dropped the bombshell.

"She came by the gas station today. She drives an Eight-Six Levin. And she invited me to a race on her home course this Saturday."

Silence. Then—

Beidou's voice rose sharply. "Wait— she challenged you on Tatrasuna!?"

March's expression was a mix of concern and excitement. "Tatrasuna's one of the most brutal technical courses in Inazuma! If it were Clorinde's Lancia, sure, but an Eight-Six battle… That's insane!"

Collei nodded. "I know. But I want to prove to all of you that I've changed. That I'm faster than ever."

She clenched her fists. "That's why I accepted her challenge."

A final silence settled over the group.

Then, slowly, Beidou's smirk returned. "Well, shit. Looks like we've got a hell of a race coming up."

Seele grinned. "You'd better not lose."

Collei glanced at her Eight-Six, feeling its silent anticipation.

This is it. The real test.

And this time… she wouldn't hold back.

The morning rush at the gas station was nothing special. Customers came and went, filling their tanks, grabbing snacks, and exchanging small talk. But for Beidou, this wasn't just another workday.

She was on a mission.

Stepping outside, phone still in hand, she sighed heavily. Another dead end. The last parts store had nothing.

She rubbed the back of her head, frustration creeping in.

"Damn it… What am I gonna do now? Collei really needs these parts…"

She pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath.

"How the hell am I supposed to explain this to her?"

From the worn-out couch in the corner, Lyney glanced up from his phone. His usual relaxed demeanor stood in stark contrast to Beidou's growing anxiety.

"What exactly are you looking for?" he asked casually, tilting his head.

Beidou turned, crossing her arms. "A high-revving tachometer. For Collei's Eight-Six. She needs it to properly monitor her engine."

At those words, Lyney's eyes narrowed slightly.

So, she finally figured it out.

After a beat, he smirked. "Let me call my sister. She might have what you need."

He pulled out his phone and dialed Lynette's number. It barely rang once before she picked up.

"Hey, brother! Need something?" Lynette's voice was bright, her usual calmness tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah, big favor." Lyney leaned forward slightly. "You wouldn't happen to have any high-revving tachometers in stock, would you?"

A soft laugh echoed through the line. "Oh, you're in luck. I've got one."

Lyney's smirk widened. "You're messing with me."

"I'm serious," Lynette replied, still chuckling. "Arlecchino had these delivered when we swapped Collei's engine. It's not just a tachometer—it's a full set. Water temp, oil pressure, oil temp… the works."

Lyney lowered the phone slightly, glancing at Beidou.

"This is huge. These are exactly what Collei needs to unlock her Eight-Six's full potential."

He returned to the call. "Perfect. Can you bring them over ASAP?"

Lynette smirked. "Already on my way."

Beidou, now reinvigorated, quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Collei.

The call barely rang before Collei answered.

"Collei! Get your Eight-Six here, stat! We've got the parts coming right now!"

Installation – Unsealing the Eight-Six

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the gas station, the Eight-Six sat in the garage—its hood open, its future about to change.

Inside, Collei and Beidou worked tirelessly.

The Smiths tachometer, capable of reading up to 12,500 RPM, was now securely in place. Alongside it, newly installed water temp, oil pressure, and oil temp gauges ensured Collei could monitor her engine with precision.

Beidou wiped her hands on a rag, stepping back with a satisfied grin. "That's it, Collei. You're all set!"

Collei leaned against the driver's seat, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Phew… finally done. Good thing the instructions were clear."

Beidou's grin faded slightly as her gaze flickered toward the engine bay. Her tone turned serious.

"Just remember, Collei… even though this engine is high-revving, it's not indestructible. Until you figure out its redline, you're running on sealed potential."

Collei smirked, confidence glinting in her eyes. "That's not a problem. My father knows its redline."

She stepped outside the garage, where the others had gathered. Amber approached first, her excitement practically radiating.

"So, is the seal finally unlocked?" Amber's eyes sparkled.

Collei shook her head. "Not yet. I need to find out its redline first."

From the side, Clorinde's calm voice cut through the air.

"These engines don't come with hard-cut limiters. They'll keep revving… until they can't anymore." She crossed her arms. "Group A touring engines are built to push boundaries—but even they have their limits."

As if on cue, a new sound rolled in from the distance.

A familiar engine growl.

Everyone turned toward the street, where a sleek, white and black Eight-Six Levin pulled into the station with effortless grace.

The driver stepped out.

March gasped. "It's… It's Ayaka!"

Face to Face – The Rivalry Ignites

Collei's eyes narrowed as Ayaka approached, the soft click of her heels against the pavement the only sound in the air.

Without hesitation, Collei stepped forward to meet her.

The space between them was small, but the tension? Palpable.

Ayaka's smirk was calm, yet sharp. "Just thought I'd swing by to see if you changed your mind." Her eyes flicked to Collei's Eight-Six. "But judging by your car… it looks like you're ready for our little race tonight."

Collei's lips curled into a confident smile. "Of course I'm ready. I've been waiting to take you on."

Ayaka chuckled softly, a glint of excitement in her gaze.

"Good." She turned, heading back to her Levin.

The engine roared to life, its wastegate hissing sharply as Ayaka pulled away from the station. In seconds, she was gone—disappearing into the night.

A trail of adrenaline was all she left behind.

Collei clenched her fists, her resolve burning hotter than ever.

"It's time to show her what the Eight-Six can really do."

The Visit – Unlocking the Truth

The night air carried a faint chill as Collei's Eight-Six rolled to a stop in front of the Arlecchino estate. She killed the engine, and the hum of the high-performance four-cylinder faded into silence. The headlights shut off, leaving only the dim porch light to illuminate the driveway.

Collei sat there for a moment, gripping the wheel, steadying her breath. She had her answer soon enough, but something about this felt heavier than just another modification.

She stepped out, her boots crunching against the gravel, and approached the door. Before she could knock, it creaked open.

Inside, Arlecchino leaned against the frame, arms crossed, sharp red eyes scanning Collei's expression.

"Something on your mind?" Arlecchino asked, her voice calm, unreadable.

Collei hesitated, then took a steady breath. "Dad… may I tell you something?"

Arlecchino nodded, her gaze never wavering. "Go ahead."

Collei met her eyes. "I'm racing someone later. I installed a tachometer in the Eight-Six, but now I need to know… how high should the engine rev?"

For a second, there was silence. Arlecchino's smirk barely shifted, but Collei could sense something in her stance.

Then, she spoke. "You'll want to rev it to eleven thousand."

Collei's breath caught. "Eleven… eleven thousand?!"

Arlecchino's smirk widened just slightly. "You heard me."

Collei stared at her, as if trying to process what had just been said.

Arlecchino placed a hand on her shoulder, firm but reassuring. "Don't you dare lose this one."

Without another word, she turned and walked back inside. The door clicked shut.

Collei stood there, looking at her car, her mind racing just as fast as her heart.

Eleven thousand.

Tonight, she would push the Eight-Six further than ever before.

The Convoy – Roaring into the Night

The highway was alive with the sound of high-performance machines tearing through the night.

At the front was Collei's Eight-Six, its taillights glowing red as it led the convoy down the expressway. Behind her followed a group of legends, each car a force in its own right.

Clorinde's Lancia Rally 037, its supercharged engine howling with raw aggression.

Amber's Supra, its straight-six purring with restrained power.

An R32 Skyline GT-R, turbo spooling as it surged forward.

The infamous Devil Z, its twin turbos screaming at full boost.

The pack moved like ghosts through the night, headlights slicing through the darkness.

At 9:45 PM, the convoy reached its destination—Tatrasuna Pass.

The road ahead was narrow, winding, and unforgiving, carved into the mountainside. It was a true test of skill, where the difference between victory and disaster was measured in inches.

Collei pulled up and surveyed the road, frowning. "This pass… it's way too tight. A second car wouldn't even fit side by side."

Amber leaned against her Supra. "Feels like something out of a Snezhnayan rally stage. No room for mistakes."

Collei traced the road with her eyes, mentally mapping out every curve. "It's not just tight. The elevation shifts are small but just enough to mess with weight transfer. You can't just be fast—you have to be precise."

The Summit – A Rival Awaits

The convoy reached the summit.

A single car was waiting.

Another Eight-Six.

Its presence was quiet, but the aura around it was unmistakable.

Standing beside it, arms crossed, was Ayaka.

The air shifted the moment Collei stepped out of her car.

She locked eyes with Ayaka, and in that instant, the entire night led to this moment.

Ayaka's expression was calm, unreadable. But there was something beneath it—something that mirrored the same fire burning inside Collei.

"Thought I'd wait here." Ayaka said smoothly. "Wanted to see if you'd changed your mind." She glanced at Collei's car. "But it looks like you're ready."

Collei smirked, rolling her shoulders. "I've been waiting for this."

Ayaka chuckled softly, her gaze sharp. "Good. I'll see you in Tatrasuna."

She turned, stepped into her car, and fired up the engine. The Levin's exhaust growled to life, wastegate hissing as she pulled away.

The sound of her car disappeared into the night.

Collei exhaled, turning back to her own Eight-Six.

The challenge was set.

Tonight, only one of them would stand at the top.