[TS] Formula One Streamer - Chapter 116

Shukaak-!!!

Amidst the roar echoing through the heavens, my race car, which had become a complete Ferrari, began its elegant solo run among the competing race cars.

“Excuse me.”

Those at the pinnacle often fall into great delusion—thinking they’ve reached the peak. Ironically, even they do not truly know what that pinnacle specifically means.

I too was once at what people referred to as the pinnacle of F1, but I have never once thought of myself as being at the top, regardless of status or skill.

Even if I become a legendary driver admired in my time, it is entirely possible that a superior human will be born who surpasses me in the future. In fact, humans are a species that continually evolves and progresses, so it is certain to happen.

Moreover, even I, who was hailed as the top, am still continuously developing. In the world of humanity, I might be at the peak, but within my own world as Mr. Yooihyun and Jin Hyun-woo, I am merely an ordinary being chasing a pinnacle that I may or may not reach.

Perhaps the pinnacle is like a rainbow—forever out of reach.

Occasionally, among my fellow drivers, there are those who believe their skills have reached the summit, but I can assert that this is far from the end of skill.

That belief is simply a limitation of their own, and that arrogant and petty heart, thinking it has reached the summit touching the mountaintop, sky, and universe, is far too pathetic.

Perhaps our ability to develop comes from not knowing the end. The moment we believe we’ve reached the top, our limits are inevitably set.

Thus, I considered the pinnacle to be merely the most outstanding player among humanity existing in the present age. While broadening tolerance might allow for evaluations to include even antiquated eras, in the face of the unknown time laid before us, humanity becomes infinitely small.

I have always kept my humility.

“Hmmm…”

Vroom-!!!

A low yet sonorous engine sound reverberated, vibrating through the exhaust and spreading in all directions. I pushed the strength from my waist through my thighs and calves onto my foot resting on the accelerator pedal. The pedal was heavy, but thus began to execute commands delicately.

Click-!

The DRS was opened simultaneously.

【 352km/h 】

The race car, nearly reaching its maximum speed, sliced through the air with unwavering, perfect balance. The exhilarating speed stretched out straight ahead, and the background around me was instantaneously sucked into the distance of my vision.

I predicted the trajectory of the following rival and entered the corner. My speed was at its maximum, able to withstand the cornering.

The track was wide enough to allow for overtaking, yet I didn’t bother to block. I had never seen someone faster than me in the corners, unlike on the straights.

As proof, with each corner I passed, the 19 vehicles trailing behind were adding decimal places to the gap from the leader.

I raced freely on the mesmerizing road that seemed to be laid out solely for me. When was it that I wished to become the protagonist of the world? While racing on the circuit, beyond the grandstands filled to the brim with spectators, I felt as though the entire world was watching me.

The roar of the audience, mixed with the sweat-soaked heat of my body and the gales hitting my helmet and racing suit, filled me with an utterly liberating excitement and exhilaration that resonated within me.

It felt as if the entire universe was visible at a glance.

That feeling was something one could never comprehend unless they experienced it firsthand. It was something that stimulated the human heart.

“Is it because it’s a game? The Milky Way is really beautiful.”

I said while taking in the view of the Milky Way swiftly passing above the night sky. No matter how fast I went, the procession of stars stretched out before me, allowing for no difficulty in admiration.

[Why is the host being so sentimental today?]

[Dunno, maybe they’re dating someone]

[Who? The one-man show?]

[What one-man show; of course, it’s the extraordinarily handsome Leclerc, right?]

[Kang Ho-yun seems particularly close, but it’s not him?]

[It’s gay… distance separates hearts too]

[For real, they must be cuddling in the dorm together. Poor Leclerc!]

[True, eating together, training together, walking together, sleeping together… Ah, maybe not that?]

[They might have already slept together?]

[These delusional idiots, their fantasies are ridiculous;;;]

[Heeeng… Why isn’t it Haerari? Why isn’t it Bobim? I’m sad]

[Yep~ Just keep dating~ If I don’t see you, it’s no big deal haha]

I should stop talking.

Do these people have no sense of sentimentality? They’re laying out irreverent stories before this beautiful Milky Way that can’t be found in reality.

However, revealing such inner thoughts would merely throw meat to the frenzied viewers, so I nonchalantly replied.

“Hmm. It’s probably better if you see it with someone you love. Do you all have a precious partner?”

[If we did, would we be watching this broadcast?]

[Hahaha, the suspicious first defeat for the viewers]

[The indiscriminate barrage from the host has left millions of viewers in despair]

[Hey, are you crying? Hey, this guy is crying hahaha]

[Oh? You’re crying too, aren’t you?]

[Losers couldn’t possibly have a girlfriend haha. That’s fake!!!]

[sh*t, I’m leaving because the host is annoying]

[From today, the residents of the Ki-su and Pogalem declare their withdrawal of support for KING]

[By the way, this girl just shuts up when it comes to guys, huh?]

[Hey guys, the host is a minor]

[A minor? Rather good…]

Because I pretended not to notice, the viewers seemed to become even more irritated. With the chat overflowing, I felt like I poured oil onto the flames.

The situation became uncontrollable, so I decided to draw attention away from the chat.

It may create a bigger communication gap, but so what? As someone put it, most viewers are likely inexperienced, never having even held a girl’s hand. What kind of conversation would I have with those who lack experience?

“Pff…”

The sight of my snicker bursting forth made the viewers go wild. They claimed I was laughing at them or mocking them, creating their own bait through expanded interpretations (which, if you think about it, was true).

Some asked for more humiliation, claiming my snicker to be a trophy in the industry.

“Want me to make it humiliating? Then I’ll just ban you.”

These guys. If I keep giving in, things will cross a line before I know it.

I responded promptly with a ban.

There was some debate about whether banning was too excessive, but I didn’t care. People who type such chats often evolve into harassers, so preventive measures are critical.

There were too many of such people to ban them all, so I sent a few examples as a lesson, and the chatting from prospective offenders greatly decreased.

Indeed, examples are an effective means of suppression.

Having confirmed that the viewers had restored their energy in the now clean chatroom, I refocused on the race.

“Ah… this air is clean too?”

Aside from the sporadic backmarkers, the clean air ahead felt like it would allow for an exhilarating flight.

Both the chatroom and the circuit were clean.

Name / Time / Laps

① KING 1:19:331 48/57

Even the ranking was neat.

*

*

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Whether they were citizens of a foreign land or domestic, the solid and vibrant land of Italy embraced everyone equally. On this fertile land, rich with culture and history that generously shares its vigor.

Having completed the immigration process, I and Engineer Shin Juhyun stepped onto the ground together.

Once outside the airport, we exchanged brief farewells. While we could accompany each other to Ferrari’s headquarters, we both had people who came to pick us up, so we had to part ways inevitably.

I couldn’t forget the efforts of those who came to greet us.

“Well then, see you later, Engineer Shin Juhyun!”

“Sure. Let’s see each other again at the headquarters, Ji-hyun.”

I smiled at Engineer Shin Juhyun without hiding my deep gratitude. Her stature was impressive; it wasn’t just a formality or politeness towards someone I wanted to get along with.

It was a heartfelt gratitude that stemmed from sincerity, not a petty calculation of interests.

As it was my first time going abroad, no matter how much I tried to calm my nerves, I couldn’t help but feel tense. Italy was a faraway land with an eight-hour time difference from Korea.

Although I was told someone from Ferrari would guide me, the fear of possibly getting lost was indeed present.

Also, the possibility of that person leaving to use the restroom while I wandered off was not out of the question! What’s more, I was still a minor! A very pretty girl at that.

It’s somewhat like the feeling of a flower deer dropped into a savanna teeming with hyenas.

It’s hard to explain specifically, but it meant I was very scared.

Thus, Engineer Shin Juhyun alleviated all the worries that had already been weighing on my heart. No, it would be more accurate to say she eliminated them. I was so absorbed in following her and chatting away since stepping off the plane.

Now that we were parting, I felt nothing but a tinge of regret, no worry at all.

Well, since the engineer said she would return to Ferrari, I would probably see her a lot over the next year. Meetings have their farewells! For now, goodbye…

“Let me take your luggage. I can help carry it.”

“Ah! Thank you.”

While I was deeply immersed in girlish emotions, holding onto the big backpack and two oversized suitcases, the staff who had accompanied me took the luggage and moved it to the trunk. Whether it was Ferrari’s thoughtfulness or not, he was Korean.

Thinking of the advice to be cautious when meeting fellow countrymen abroad, I found myself unexpectedly at ease.

He had a warm appearance, and his speech and actions matched this kindness, and above all, he was affiliated with Ferrari. So I had no issues feeling comfortable.

His name… what was it again? Was it Mr. Myung-jin? A name that didn’t seem strange, something I might have heard somewhere before… No, it’s impossible for me to know a Ferrari employee working in Italy.

I shook my head vigorously, dismissing the idea as an illusion, and hurriedly followed him to help load the luggage. With a gentle click, the trunk closed. I took the passenger seat, while he sat in the driver’s seat. Since the driving would be done by artificial intelligence, I worried about the atmosphere being awkward.

Fortunately, he seemed to be prepared with conversation topics.

He explained the schedule for the training program, talked about particularly delicious foods and amenities at the company cafeteria, and kept the atmosphere light.

Then, a familiar name slipped from his lips.

“Oh, so you were a student at the Seoul branch academy. Then, you must know Ms. Yooihyun too?”

Of course. Hyun is my close friend with whom I share a dorm.

Just as I was about to respond to his question, he added something.

“That’s great. Since you’re alumni, you’ll become friends right away. Take this opportunity to get closer to Ms. Yooihyun. She has such a nice personality.”

“Haha… yes…”

If I opened my mouth any further, the atmosphere would uncontrollably become awkward.

I thought it best to keep the fact that I was close with Hyun a secret from this guy.

Otherwise, I would feel even more embarrassed.