Original subtitles

The new energy system introduced in the NEX Race series, HyPER,

was unveiled to the public at this very location.

If Fuji is considered hallowed ground for NEX Race, then Osaka is its birthplace.

This season's final race will take place on this specially built track in Osaka.

Now that we humans have access to this new form of energy...

...just how far have we evolved?

That will be demonstrated here today!

Rin apparently has to rerun her laps.

But she qualified really high up.

What a shame.

But you know...

Yup.

That's just like her.

Right?

Driving on unfamiliar tracks makes me twice as tired.

And in turn, you become more familiar with them.

Was that all part of your plan?

What?

Oh, no, you've got the wrong idea!

Affirmative. We were able to collect a lot of data.

Now why'd you say that?

I have every reason to say this. No one can beat the King.

What?

So you've also come to that conclusion?

Affirmative.

Thank you for your valuable opinion.

I'm excited now.

Oh, um... You're welcome!

You've got a lot of nerve.

I'm sorry! I misspoke!

It's the final race already.

Let's have a little fun, shall we, Rin?

Right!

NEX Race: a new world of race cars built with next-gen power.

The girl dances on a stage that exceeds 500 kph.

Her goal: to become the étoile of the circuit.

It's the final NEX Race!

This specially built circuit at Osaka Kansai Expo will play host to this race.

The track is 7,246 meters in length and the race will consist of 45 laps.

Isn't this track bigger than usual?

It's top-level.

It's troublesome if you're forced to retire.

Very troublesome.

Here are some of the track's key features.

It's right on top of the ocean!

That's right. The main feature of this circuit is this long straight over the waves.

Zooming along that must feel great.

Also, there are strong crosswinds at Turn 17 which can upset the cars, so take care.

Wow!

The banking of Turn 18 leads into the home straight.

Another great spot to hit top speed!

Engage your Revol Burst and aim for a final dead heat!

But be careful, because Turn 18's known for tailwinds that can greatly reduce downforce.

Double wow!

The infield section is slow and technical.

Although relatively flat, the fact it is a street track means tire deg will be high.

So be sure to change tires sooner.

And that's the Osaka Kansai Expo circuit.

Back to you!

Sumire-chan! Chris-san!

Thank you for that, Primas.

You have had your year, as we agreed.

Yes.

That girl's growth has been remarkable.

Your team's skills have been highly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

But an agreement is an agreement.

What?

You must win the race. Otherwise, it will be your last race.

Of course.

That's why we're here.

Three points separate the King and the Queen in the standings.

If the Queen can beat the King and come first, she will be crowned the drivers' champion.

It's the final showdown between the King and the Queen.

We're not gonna hold back because of that.

I won't let them finish first.

I'd love to win one more time.

I'm racing for myself. And what's more, I'm going to surpass that driver.

You are singing that song again.

Yup!

You are singing three of the notes incorrectly.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Oh, hey. What you said earlier...

About how no one can beat the King...

It is the truth.

No, I don't mean that.

It is not a big problem.

No, that's a huge problem.

The race is about to start.

Oh, right.

A special new rule is in force for this season's final race.

Revol Bursts are permitted from the very first lap.

In truth, using it would be quite a gamble.

And so...

Here comes the start!

Sophia uses her Revol Burst already!

She knows how to wow the crowd.

I'm going on ahead!

She's instantly in the lead.

No, wait. Here comes another car.

Please work!

Richard blocks the King, allowing the Queen to take second.

He's able to predict the King's preferred line.

This role suits him.

I'll be your playmate today, King.

Youran passes the King and Richard, and is now in third.

She picked her timing on that overtake.

Thanks to Richard's masterful blocking, the King can't get past.

He's the perfect shield. An aegis, if you will.

Even on a track that's new to him, he knows the ideal line. That's the King for you.

It's ingrained in him.

It's easy to block someone if you know where they're going.

But it's easier said than done.

Just goes to show how skilled the old guy is.

If he wasn't always being the Queen's knight, he would've won many championships by now.

"Old guy"? He's younger than you, Gen-san.

Kanata and Towa overtake the King!

They're totally in sync.

The accuracy of their combos has improved.

Things'll get interesting between those two.

This is the correct option if you wish to win.

I hear you.

V-ZEN's Rin makes the pass, too,

dropping the King to eighth place.

This race has been intense from the off.

A fitting level of excitement for the final race.

But I can't imagine the King letting things stay as they are.

After turning up the heat with her sudden Revol Burst, Sophia leads the way.

Will she continue to outpace everyone?

No, that'll probably be very difficult.

Her acceleration isn't great, and she's been taking shallow lines.

Ah, my tires are all dirty.

No hard feelings, Sophia.

The Queen takes the lead as she comes into the home straight!

It's only the first lap, but it's been fierce.

Yes, however, this race has only just begun.

Next up, it's Youran.

Then it's a battle with the Queen.

Youran sets a new fastest lap.

What an amazing lap.

Reminiscent of one of the "King's lectures" in practice.

She's already memorized it.

I knew she would.

I can't catch up yet.

Oh, well. Cooldown time.

But there's still a chance.

Who's that?

Yeah.

Maybe I can still go for it.

Wow.

Rin's up into third place!

That was amazing, wasn't it, Chris-san?

Chris-san?

Oh, sorry. I was just a little taken aback.

That was a real burst of acceleration there.

No, I meant before that.

It was her perfect positioning coming out of the corner that made it possible.

Team V-ZEN's Rin has really improved, no doubt about it.

Sophia decides to pit.

The Queen holds on to the lead.

Their tires should all be wearing at the same rate,

but somehow, the Queen is maintaining her pace.

Youran also decides not to switch tires.

She's really good at tire management.

Perhaps she's decided now is the time to challenge Sophia.

Just one more car.

Then I'll be able to challenge the Queen.

But...

Just one more.

I want to be able to pass the Queen all on my own.

It's a one-on-one battle between Rin and Youran!

Youran's on fire today.

She's accurately tracing the ideal line shown to her by the King in practice.

She's almost perfect.

However...

Turn 17 is up next.

Here.

And then...

Here!

She did it! V-ZEN's Rin passes Youran and Sophia. She's now in second!

Not only is her technique amazing, so is her mental strength.

Charging into that corner at that speed...

I lost.

But only in that moment. Because...

I'm not done yet.

Rin. The Queen is up next.

Hey, ami-chan?

Is something the matter?

You know that qualifying run you messed up?

The one where I improved your time? Affirmative.

Well, maybe if I did it more like this...

Rin accelerates even harder, closing the gap between her and the Queen.

Rin?

A new fastest lap!

How's that?

Damn it all.

Seriously, who taught you to say that?

Never mind that. Box, box.

Box?

It means you need to pit. You should have this memorized.

Oh, right. I totally knew that.

Now, Her Majesty the Queen is waiting.

The Queen and Rin both pit.

The cars behind also pit.

Looks like they're opting for mediums.

Sophia's struggling on the hards, so it's no wonder.

The Queen and Rin exit the pits.

Chris-san!

Yup.

The battle starts now.

Team V-ZEN's Rin has her sights set on the Queen.

She's already gotten the hang of it all.

However, her competitor...

Alice is just getting started.

I'm all warmed up now.

See if you can keep up!

The Queen's now showing her true speed!

She pulls away from Rin!

This fearless driving style makes her truly worthy of her "Queen" nickname.

And turn!

This song again. Is it your favorite?

Not exactly.

It's the song I danced to the most.

Rin is hunting down the Queen!

Her style is the opposite of the Queen's. She drives is as if she's dancing.

The Queen sets a new fastest lap, which Rin immediately beats!

Whew! Just how fast are they going to go?

Rin. You are too close.

I'm on a roll right now.

Don't get in my way.

It's Odette and Odile.

You say something?

I was just saying how much I envy them.

God didn't give me the talent to be a ballerina.

But maybe I got something even better.

Rin, I am displaying the predicted line.

I can drive faster than that.

That is what I like to hear.

Now, let us go overtake the Queen.

Yes! This is it!

I've been waiting for this moment since that day!

Turn up the heat.

Let's make this more stimulating.

More.

More.

More!

Make me go faster!

Faster than the King!

Revol Burst!

Rin Rindo finally gets past the Queen and takes the lead!

I'm lost for words.

She's the real deal.

Yes!

Well, well. She's looking like a real racer now.

Who knew I'd be the one to get gobbled up?

But don't go celebrating just yet.

He's coming for you.

Sorry, Queen.

Richard retires from the race!

With the Queen's Shield out of the way, the King is unleashed.

Whoa!

So fast!

The King's gotten serious.

It's been a while.

You won't pass me so easily.

He's through!

No way!

This is intense! The King's marching through the field!

He was conserving everything while he was being held back,

biding his time for an alternative.

The only one who can stop him now is...

Yup, it's the Queen.

Not bad.

But you're not my opponent today.

The Queen has fallen!

The King's hunting down Rin!

He's finally within range!

Team V-ZEN's Rin is in trouble!

Don't jinx me!

It is the truth.

He has caught us.

Oh, boy. But it's like you said.

Affirmative.

The King updates his ideal line as he is driving.

Even Mr. Richard could not keep up with that kind of pressure.

That's why no one can beat the King.

He is the ever-improving undisputed champion.

In other words, he's OP.

I'm still gonna go for it.

Victory will be mine!

Damn it all.

Damn it all!

The Queen's Showdown

I dreamed big and put in the effort.

But it wasn't enough and I gave up on everything.

Even so, there were people who were willing to let me take to the stage again.

That's why I want to meet their expectations.

Next time on HIGHSPEED Étoile's final episode: "The Scenery Beyond."

The Scenery Beyond

Name: Rin Rindo Team: V-ZEN Racing (VZR)

Illustration: Ren Sato