The [Backtrack Backup System] was a human backup system created by current Dark Crow Unit member and ability user “Reverse Man” (yes, that is actually his code name) through the tech department of the Central Africa Headquarters.
After scanning a human body, anyone determined to have died within sixty-six minutes and sixty-six seconds would be immediately backtracked.
This system was not originally intended for competition. Instead, it was designed for use in the military and scientific research fields.
However, because the machinery was too heavy and required the absorption of Runaway Energy to function, DRG had not yet found a way to miniaturize it or collect enough energy.
When Jiang Jian Yue learned of this machine’s existence, she had one sent to Japan to test whether the energy from the Light Bugs in the Light Insect Space could be used as Runaway Energy.
The result was… it could.
So, were these energy-state Light Bugs actually Runaway Energy?
Regardless of the specifics, GSAC had found a brand-new method to prevent casualties.
Subsequently, both the research department that manufactured the machine and Reverse Man himself were dispatched to Japan.
The Board of Directors was somewhat dissatisfied with this arrangement, but their complaints were limited. After all, such a machine was truly useless to them in its current state.
Furthermore, a group of medical ability users who were originally scheduled to be sent to Japan remained in Africa — our new backtracking system had completely surpassed those old-fashioned medical ability users.
This should have been a win-win solution for everyone, but for some reason, once the technology was made public on the GSAC website, it caused quite a stir.
Most ability users were unfamiliar with such peculiar power-based machinery. What if the “True Backtrack” DRG claimed was a lie?
What if their abilities were backed up and stolen by DRG for secret research, like cloning?
Searching for the name “Dawning Resource Group” in English on foreign websites did not yield many positive results; the name was often tied to human rights violations.
Currently, public opinion online was split fifty-fifty.
Opponents mostly protested based on the reasons mentioned above, while supporters took the stance of, “If you’re scared, don’t play. If you play, don’t be scared.”
Of course, DRG’s battle-hardened internet task force was fanning the flames behind the scenes, but the number of players withdrawing from the tournament remained within controllable limits.
April thirtieth, the day after the Day of Yinghe.
On the second day of Golden Week, the sky over Tokyo displayed a disturbingly deep blue.
The sunlight poured down without any obstruction, lightly scorching the city that was about to reach its boiling point.
“Missy, here is today’s schedule.” Mark’s voice came from the passenger seat.
Jiang Jian Yue sat in the back of the Maybach, glancing at the front passenger seat with a hint of discomfort.
That was originally Koji Hattori’s spot.
Now, it was replaced by Mark’s broad back, which looked like a small mountain.
He wore a specially made, extra-large black suit, but in front of his exaggerated muscles, even a high-end tailored suit looked like a compression shirt that could split at the seams at any moment.
Mark was not suited for suits, nor was he suited for sitting inside a sedan like this.
“How is Hattori’s injury…?” Jiang Jian Yue asked casually, looking at the street scenery flying past the window.
“He’s still screaming in pain, which means he’s fine.”
Mark’s reply was concise. “However, as the Security Coordination Officer, he truly cannot fulfill his duties right now. Missy, although I am not as skilled as Hattori at… hmph, those convoluted social niceties, please rest assured when it comes to security deployment and tactical execution.”
“I’m not worried about that.”
‘Hattori himself wasn’t exactly skilled at diplomatic niceties either.’
‘And with a Black security officer, our GSAC really is quite diverse.’
The vehicle entered Shinjuku Ward, and that massive oval building — the New National Stadium — was already in sight.
The surrounding area had been cordoned off, with guards posted every few steps.
In addition to the uniformed Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Mobile Unit, there were even more DRG security forces wearing red armbands.
Alongside these “soldiers,” people wearing combat suits could be seen patrolling from time to time.
Currently, the number of DRG Japan’s security forces stood at 3,000.
Most were equipped with light weapons, along with a small number of individual anti-armor and anti-air weapons, as well as several mobile vehicles.
There was also a small-scale aviation unit equipped with twelve helicopters.
Those patrolling in combat suits were not the ability users of the Dark Crow Unit, but elite soldiers equipped with external energy source suits. Their number was approximately 100.
‘This doesn’t look like an opening ceremony for a competition; it looks like martial law,’ Meiguan complained in her mind. ‘Are you trying to concentrate all of Tokyo’s armed forces right here?’
‘Not quite,’ Jiang Jian Yue replied internally. ‘Besides, I don’t want to lose face in front of the entire world.’
The vehicle passed through layers of security checks and drove directly into the stadium’s internal tunnel.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, a heatwave mixed with the smell of engine oil and ozone hit them.
In the center of the massive venue, the original grass had been removed and replaced by a giant stage.
‘Tonight, you’ll be performing up there… Your first-ever stage performance is a sold-out show for 60,000 people at the National Stadium. Talk about having connections.’
‘Shut up!’
……
Meanwhile, in the command center outside the stadium.
The atmosphere was tense.
This was the exclusive makeup room for the Southern Cross.
When the door opened, a pleasant scent of cosmetics and faint floral fragrance wafted out.
Seven girls were sitting in front of the mirrors, receiving final touches from stylists.
Seeing Jiang Jian Yue enter, everyone stood up nervously except for Kazuki Hanatsubame, who was resting with her eyes closed.
“Overseer Jiang!” Mizuki Hoshi looked a bit constrained in her complex and gorgeous performance outfit.
“No need to be nervous.”
“Long time no see, Overseer Jiang.” Makino Yuzuha greeted her with a slight, mischievous smile. “You’re a busy person. When are you coming back to school?”
“I’ll be able to soon,” Jiang Jian Yue said, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
She truly missed the days when things weren’t so complicated.
She had finally been able to experience a taste of youth, only for it to be disrupted by all these affairs.
Although she was the one who had agreed to take them on in the beginning… but later…
“Overseer Jiang, Miss Kazuki… she seems a bit off.”
Saori Saiyonji was wearing bright makeup. If there weren’t so many people around, Jiang Jian Yue would have considered taking a few photos.
At those words, the other members who knew the truth wore strange expressions.
There were some things that Saori Saiyonji and Makino Yuzuha did not know.
“It’s fine.”
Jiang Jian Yue’s gaze swept over the group before finally landing on Kazuki Hanatsubame.
The once elegant songstress sat quietly like an exquisite doll, her eyes empty and calm.
Jiang Jian Yue walked behind her, looking at the “two people” in the mirror.
She reached out and lightly rested her hand on Kazuki Hanatsubame’s shoulder.
……
The New National Stadium had turned into a sea of light and sound.
The 60,000 seats were completely filled.
Audience members from all over the world waved light sticks and flags, their cheers rising in wave after wave like a tsunami.
In a VIP box high above.
Jiang Jian Yue stood before a massive floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the boiling arena below.
She had changed into a more formal black dress.
The off-the-shoulder design left a large portion of her skin exposed, glowing with a silvery brilliance.
Anyone’s first glance would be drawn to her collarbones, followed immediately by the Sun Pendant Necklace resting above them.
This time, Jiang Jian Yue wore Yuki Asahi’s gift.
Mark stood guard behind her, while reports from various security teams continuously came through his earpiece.
“Area A normal.”
“Area B normal.”
“Air patrol in position.”
Everything was ready.
Jiang Jian Yue looked down at the crowd, dense as ants, and the flickering lights.
‘Nervous?’ Meiguan’s voice sounded somewhat playful.
‘Nervous?’ Jiang Jian Yue’s fingertip lightly brushed the rim of the glass in her hand. ‘I’m alright.’
At that moment, the lights across the entire venue suddenly went out.
The instant darkness fell, the clamor of tens of thousands of people came to an abrupt halt.
Immediately following, a pillar of light pierced the heavens, striking directly at the center of the stage.
Stirring music began to play, vibrating against everyone’s eardrums.
“Ladies and gentlemen!”
“Welcome to—”
“The Global Superpower Arena Challenge!”
The curtains opened.