Both the residents of Hell's Kitchen and the contestants eagerly awaited the moment Alex Ray was about to step onto the stage and say a few words.
After all, many had only heard of Alex Ray but had never seen him in person.
Amid cheers and rising anticipation, Alex suddenly appeared in full view—though not in a typical way.
He didn't walk onto the stage like an ordinary person. Instead, he floated effortlessly in the air. This unexpected entrance stunned everyone present, prompting shouts and applause.
Suspended above the crowd, Alex's eyes swept over the racers and spectators below, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
He cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Welcome to Hell's Kitchen, and thank you for joining this race. The original intent of this competition was simply to give the residents of Hell's Kitchen a chance to have fun.
I never expected it would attract masters from all over the world. That's beyond anything I imagined, and it makes me truly happy."
The crowd erupted into warm applause and cheers.
Alex looked down at the enthusiastic crowd and the fired-up racers, feeling a wave of relief. He knew his idea for this competition wasn't wrong. If it went well, similar events could continue.
Still, Alex understood this race wouldn't be a peaceful one. A quick glance at the vehicles revealed many equipped with heavy weaponry and bizarre modifications.
But Alex didn't dwell on that. He failed to notice the ambulances already staged nearby.
This was Hell's Kitchen. Alex had ensured emergency response teams were ready. Everyone would be rescued before any cars exploded.
The buildings were protected too, safeguarded by Alex's personal security network. It cost some 'friend points'—a currency in his system—but that was a small price to pay.
The competition had to reflect Hell's Kitchen's character.
Alex spotted familiar faces among the racers: Takumi Fujiwara, known as the "Akina Mountain Racing God," expertly driving his classic AE86; Teacher Chen, a photography master; three bald guys whose identities were mysterious; even the actor who played Wonder Woman from the nearby DC universe had joined; and, surprisingly, the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—usually hiding in the sewers—had secretly signed up.
These were unquestionably skilled drivers, but Alex couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for them.
Hell's Kitchen's roads were narrow, twisted, and dangerous. Winning here wasn't about pure speed—it was about survival and destruction.
Many racers had weapons installed on their vehicles, and the streets teemed with mutants—the locals of Hell's Kitchen.
Alex had known from the start that this race would never be a simple speed competition.
Did anyone expect the residents of Hell's Kitchen to compete in a straightforward drag race?
This was a demolition derby disguised as a speed race.
Thinking that, Alex was curious who would emerge victorious. Even he couldn't predict the final winner.
At the same time, Anna stood on the commentary platform high above the streets. Her voice cut through the chaotic noise of Hell's Kitchen, both reminding Alex to start the race and stoking the crowd's excitement.
Alex nodded and proclaimed loudly, "Well, I hereby declare the Hell's Kitchen Death Race officially begins!"
"Three!" His voice echoed, each count like a drumbeat pounding in everyone's chest.
"Two!" The crowd held their breath, eyes fixed on the hundred racing cars poised at the line.
"One!" Alex's voice rose with intensity.
"Start!"
With that final word, a piercing "Beep!!!" rang out, like a battle horn, signaling the thrilling competition's official start.
The roar of countless engines exploded through Hell's Kitchen, deafening and fierce. One hundred cars shot forward like arrows from a bow, kicking up clouds of dust. Their tires gouged deep tracks in the asphalt.
"The red light's off, and the race is underway!" Anna voice rang again, her commentary bringing the audience closer to the action.
"Let's take a look. The current leaders are Pietro Maximoff from Hell's Kitchen and the lucky girl, Domino!" Anna shouted excitedly.
The camera cut to the lead car, where Pietro expertly gripped the steering wheel and Domino relaxed in the passenger seat. Their seamless teamwork put them out front.
"Of course, with Domino's luck on their side, Pietro's leading right from the start!" Anna added.
Wanda Maximoff, standing beside Alex, smiled discreetly upon hearing this.
She had made the right call by sending Domino into the race.
As long as Domino continued siphoning luck from the other racers, keeping Pietro and herself ahead, she'd have a chance to go out with Alex. The thought made Wanda excited and hopeful.
"Right behind Pietro is Dominic Toretto, who's tailing him closely. The other racers are still jockeying for position, but the crowded, narrow roads make overtaking tough. We'll have to wait and see," Anna continued, narrating the race progress.
Dominic grinned with confidence. As expected, no one could match him in racing skill. He easily held second place.
The car ahead? Nothing to worry about. He'd pass it on the next corner.
The cars behind? No chance of overtaking him—only watching his tail lights.
Hell's Kitchen racing was a joke to Dominic.
He was waiting for Roman Pearce's praise, but Roman's eyes were glued to the rearview mirror, a look of fear twisting his face.
"What's wrong? We're leading. Did something happen behind us?" Dominic scoffed.
Roman pointed tremblingly at the mirror. "I might be imagining things, but the car behind seems to have pulled out a rocket launcher. This is a race, not a warzone. I must be seeing things."
Dominic glanced back—and saw a rocket streaking toward them.
He jerked the wheel sharply, losing second place as the car behind sped past.
"Damn it! A bazooka? Referee! Host! This isn't a game anymore, it's murder!" Roman yelled, barely escaping the blast.
Anna, hearing Roman's outburst, explained, "Weapons are allowed in this race. Contestants can use whatever they want. Don't worry—we have professionals here to ensure safety. Hell's Kitchen's specialists are unmatched in this."
Hearing this, Dominic's face darkened.
"Damn! Nobody told me this was a damn demolition derby!"
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
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