Chapter: 30

Norah took off her helmet, letting her long hair flow down.

The crowd was taken aback by this revelation, not having expected to see that.

Norah's hand rested near her mask. "Certainly."

When she was about to remove her mask, Nocturne interjected, "Hold on."

Norah felt puzzled as she gazed at him, unsure if he preferred her to keep her mask on.

Nocturne spoke softly. "You don't have to show your face, provided you agree to one condition."

In the Krusa Mountain Racing tradition, winners could impose a condition on the losers. Historically, this often meant the losers had to reveal their identity by removing their masks.

During a race two years ago, Norah won and chose not to reveal Nocturne's mask so she could have another match with him some other time. Instead, she picked someone at random and revealed the latter's identity.

After today's race loss, Norah felt she had to reveal her identity and quit Krusa Mountain Racing.

This standoff left the spectators buzzing with curiosity.

"Is Nocturne asking Selene to show who she is? What's causing the delay?"

“Maybe Nocturne's being kind and doesn't want Selene to remove the mask?"

"This mask reveal is a tradition. With Mr. Scott watching, wouldn't skipping it upset him?"

“Perhaps Nocturne wants someone else to remove their mask. Selene wasn't the only loser, after all."

The crowd was abuzz with their theories.

Kathy couldn't hide her disappointment and said, “Why didn't Selene win? I was hoping she'd be the one to uncover Nocturne!"

Madeline tried to offer some solace, "Selene's just a girl, and it's normal for girls to make mistakes in a race like this. Aren't you glad the racer you were cheering for won?"

Derek scrutinized the racer known as Selene on the screen, sensing something familiar about her.

Then, Madeline's hands encircled Derek's arm, pulling his attention away. "Derek, can we seek out Nocturne after this? Kathy admires him a lot."

Derek masked his brewing thoughts with a nod and said, "Of course."

Derek accepted a glass of water from a passing waiter, took a drink, and added, "After the official race events wrap up, I'll escort you backstage.”

Madeline asked, "Derek, who is this Mr. Sean Scott? Why haven't I heard of him before?"

Kathy eagerly answered, "Mr. Sean Scott is a member of the Scott family, having only taken an active role a few years ago. He made his mark through sheer determination. He is quite a formidable person."

Sean's reputation was well-known throughout Glophia.