While Kao went to meet Alisa, Samy and Mok stayed behind.
"Didn't I say someone came here looking for Kao?"
"Mhm…"
"It was Kao's sister. Actually, they aren't on good terms."
Samy rubbed the back of her head. "I don't know the full details, but every time she comes here, it feels like a ticking bomb."
She glanced behind her. "Who knew what would happen today?"
Mok lowered his gaze before turning toward the direction Kao had gone.
Suddenly, Samy clapped her hands to lift the mood.
She grabbed Mok's wrist.
"Wait—" Before Mok could even react, she quickly pulled him somewhere else.
Then she halted, released his wrist, and stood proudly in front of him.
Clearing her throat dramatically, she bowed slightly.
"This is Samy speaking. From now on, I'll be your personal and exclusive guide. Welcome to K9R Line."
Mok blinked. "As expected, Samy wasn't exactly an easy person to handle."
He lowered his head politely. "I'll be in your care from now on."
They continued touring the place.
Their first stop was the racers' training room.
It was mainly used for physical training-- Expensive equipment filled the spacious area, though no one was there at the moment.
After that, they headed to the gaming section--
Using advanced technology, the racers could practice through realistic car and bike racing simulations. Every member had to train there for at least an hour daily.
Samy explained everything to Mok one by one.
Later, they walked through the hallway leading to the members' rooms.
Samy glanced at the doors with visible disgust. "Actually… I'd advise you not to enter these rooms. It's better if we skip them and move on."
Each room was meant to be personal space, but that wasn't the real reason she refused to open them.
They were simply messy and dirty.
She didn't want Mok to feel disappointed.
"Next is the most important place." Samy turned toward him dramatically. "You need to brace yourself, Mok."
Soon, they stepped into a large hall covered with framed photographs.
Pictures of every member covered the walls—moments of victory and failure alike. They kept them because those memories were the most precious moments they had shared together.
Kao's medals and trophies, earned with the team, were displayed there as well.
Mok stood frozen in awe.
His eyes traveled from one photo to another before a small smile slowly appeared.
"Now I respect him even more. How can someone this young achieve all this?"
"Mok… Mok… Mok…"
Samy called out repeatedly.
But Mok's attention remained fixed on a photo of Kao wearing a racing suit with a medal around his neck. His fingers traced the photo without any conscious thought.
"Mok!"
"Huh? Did you call me?"
"I did. You can't even take your eyes off him."
She brushed the tip of her nose proudly.
"Actually, everyone reacts like this when they first see this room."
"Why? Isn't it normal?"
"Well, maybe. But we have more photos than most teams. Photos of how everyone started… how they failed… and how they stood up again."
Mok looked around more carefully. "Now that you mention it, there are many pictures where they're crying or look sad."
"That's right. Kao wants them to remember their failures every time they win."
"Why?" Mok asked curiously.
"So they never forget how they reached this point. Even veterans can fail. What matters is having a mind that never gives up."
Her voice softened slightly. "It's proof that failure doesn't define everything. You just need to keep trying and overcome it. Your abilities may have limits, but your determination doesn't."
She smiled faintly. "At least… that's what Kao always says."
Mok stared quietly at Kao's photo. "I really don't know what to say. He works even harder than I imagined." His voice dropped to a whisper.
"Can we go to the main track now?"
"Samy. Can I stay here a little longer?"
Samy immediately nodded, happiness filling her face.
She watched Mok admire every single detail in the room.
"Kao really found someone who understands him. My instincts are telling me this won't end as just a junior-senior relationship."
A warm feeling spread through her chest. Actually, she was happy.
Most people only cared about results and ignored the painful journey behind them.
Even if this room touched only one person, that was enough.
That was exactly what Kao wanted.
Whenever someone locked away their dreams, he wanted them to keep moving forward. Achievements didn't matter.
But if people gave up before even trying, those dreams would remain nothing more than day dreams.
If they unlocked them, stayed determined, and continued moving ahead, those dreams could become something worth pursuing.
Even if the path ahead seemed as vast as the sky, it wasn't something to fear. After all, everyone needs a sky wide enough for their dreams.
Instead of measuring its vastness, measure the value within yourself. Only by trying will you realize how far you can truly go.
Mok remained there quietly for a while before Samy gently tapped his shoulder.
"We should go."
"Okay."
Before leaving, Mok glanced back one last time and smiled faintly.
Then they made their way toward the main racing track.
For some reason, the walk felt unusually long to Mok.
Soon, they arrived.
"Wow…" Seeing it this close left him speechless.
"It's a pity," Samy said. "Today is a trial session with other racers. Otherwise, Kao would've definitely taken you for a ride."
"Trial?"
"It's basically friendly matches with outside teams or other racing clubs. Simply training or practice before main matches."
"Oh…"
"Today is mainly training for our new members. You know, all our new boys are really adorable. Seeing them makes me want to squeeze them even more."
Samy clenched her hands dramatically.
"Squishy squishy."
As if struck by lightning Samy's expression became uneasy. "I hope nothing happens like last time..."
"Samy, are you okay? You don't look well."
"I'm… fine."
She took a deep breath. "If Fah were here, I'd feel less worried."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I…"
Before she could continue, loud shouting echoed through the area.
"Shit…" Samy tensed up immediately.
"Mok, stay here. I'll go check and come back."
She quickly rushed ahead, but Mok stopped her. "Samy, let me come too."
"I can't allow that."
"I'll be fine. Let me come with you."
Mok reassured her firmly.
But Samy still hesitated. "It's not about whether you can handle it or not. If Kao finds out—"
"Samy, why are you spacing out?"
"...Fine."
The two hurried toward the source of the commotion.
A few minutes before the fight broke out, the trainees of K9R Line—usually called K9—were waiting in the players' area for their match.
"Thank you, Phi Kaen…"
"You look really good in a racing suit, Sky." Kaen adjusted Sky's suit carefully while the others laughed and agreed.
"Seriously, I like these suits so much. I never thought I'd get the chance to wear one," somone added.
"Guys, focus on training," Kaen reminded them calmly. "No matter how talented we are, there are still monsters out there. The moment we stop improving, we'll fall behind."
As the leader of the trainees, his words naturally carried weight.
"Look at the screen. It's almost our turn."
Just then, footsteps approached from behind.
"Hey, Kaen."
Hearing the familiar voice, Kaen turned around.
A man wearing a black-and-white racing suit stood there arrogantly with one hand in his pocket while pointing at Kaen with the other.
His hair was short, and a thin necklace rested around his neck.
"Oh? So you're still racing? I thought you retired already, Kaen." Ren looked down at him mockingly.
"It's been a long time, Ren."
Ren's gaze shifted toward the newcomers.
"Ohhh… you still haven't changed. Still acting like a caring leader."
His mocking tone instantly irritated the trainees.
Kaen quickly stopped them before things escalated.
"Hey, Kaen. I want to practice now, so move.
Learn to respect your seniors." Ren waved his hand dismissively.
"Ren, I already know you have no shame, but now you don't even have respect either?" Kaen replied coldly. "It's my team's turn to train. Wait until your team gets called."
"Oh? Am I hearing things correctly?" Ren burst into laughter. "A no-name dog is barking at me?"
His loud laughter echoed through the entire area.
Then his expression suddenly changed.
And that was when Ren started using force.
Mok and Samy got there before a big fight started.
Samy stopped in shock. "Shadow Gears… Why are they here?"
Meanwhile, Mok remained completely confused.
"Mok, don't come too close. I'll handle this."
"Okay, khap."
Samy stepped forward just as Ren was about to slap one of the K9 trainees.
She quickly blocked the attack.
Clack...
"What do you think you're doing?" Samy's voice turned cold.
"Let me go! Don't you know who I am?" Ren snapped angrily.
"I know exactly who you are. Ren, leader of the Shadow Gears team."
"You bitch, if you know who I am, then let go!"
"Shit… How is she this strong?" Ren struggled to free himself while staring at his reddened wrist.
Samy finally released him. "Forget it. Using force won't solve anything. Whatever your problem is, why are you causing trouble here?"
"Really? We've been waiting for hours! Why should we wait any longer? I even paid just to train here!"
Samy smirked faintly. "I think you're forgetting something. Shadow Gears wasn't even included in today's training list."
Her tone became firmer. "And how much money you paid doesn't matter to us. Nobody forced you to come for this friendly match."
She took another step closer. "Don't forget that you're here because you need this place, not the other way around."
Hearing this one of Ren's teammates leaned closer and whispered nervously,
"Ren, let's just come back tomorrow. This could become a problem."
Ren couldn't wait. "A no-name racing place dares to make me wait?"
Ignoring him, Samy turned toward the K9 trainees. "You boys okay?"
"We're fine," Sky answered with a smile.
Samy glanced toward Kaen. "you can still continue, right?"
"Khap. Don't worry about it," Kaen assured her with a calm look.
"Good. Then continue your training."
Wait!" Ren suddenly roared again.
"Why can these no-name racers use the track while we're stuck waiting?"
Samy looked at him in disbelief. "Who have I been talking to all this time? Excuse me? Is this your place? No, right?"
Her voice sharpened immediately. "You came here for a friendly match, not regular training. Our racers are precious to us, so of course they can train whenever they want."
Then she added coldly,
"If you have a problem with that, go crawl back to your CEO instead of complaining here."
She was already reaching her limit, yet she still forced herself to stay composed.
One of Ren's teammates quickly whispered,
"Ren, let's leave. She's not an ordinary woman. She's an international racer. She has influence we don't."
Hearing that only irritated Ren more.
"You piece of shit, who are you to tell me what to do?"
He pushed his own teammate. Even his teammates couldn't believe what he was doing.
Then he glared at Samy. "Do you even know who I am, you damned woman?"
Honestly?" Samy laughed. "I don't care who you are."
"This trash place… these worthless teams… none of you have any class. And your precious Zero? Who even is he? And that owner? He probably bought all his achievements with money."
Ren deliberately tried provoking her.
The Shadow Gears members immediately panicked--
"Shit, Ren, what are you saying?"
"He's completely lost it. Forget talking about the owner, but even Zero is too much."
"Zero is someone we can't even compare ourselves to."
"We already failed just trying to enter the last knockout round. How is he comparing himself to Zero?"
"Ren, just stop already."
But Ren ignored everyone and continued insulting K9.
The trainees finally lost their patience.
"Stop!" Samy immediately stepped in.
"You boys, go back."
"But didn't you hear what he said? We don't care what he says about us, but he insulted—"
"I know."
The trainees fell silent.
"What does a racer need the most?"
No one answered.
"Patience."
Her voice echoed firmly.
"Trash like him exists everywhere. That's why racers need calm minds."
"You bitch, what did you just call me?"
Ren lunged toward Samy, aiming a punch.
But before he could reach her, Mok blocked him and shoved him back. Ren almost fell to the ground.
"You jerk, who the hell are you—"
Ren suddenly stopped. "He's strong…"
Samy sighed helplessly. "Mok, you don't need to—"
"Samy, I'm not…" Mok paused, his gaze darkening. "I'm doing this for Kao. I was holding back… but hearing that he bought everything with money… I can't stay calm. I don't know many things, but this is making me angry."
He clenched his fist. "Can I ask you something?"
"What, Mok?"
"The patience you talked about… is it only for trainees here?"
"Well, I said for trainees, but still patience is—"
"Samy, didn't you hear me?"
A cold pressure filled the air.
"…Let's say I meant only trainees."
"So I'm not a trainee. Why should I stay quiet while trash like him talks like that?"
"You—!" Ren shot forward, grabbing Mok's collar and punching him across the face.
But Mok barely reacted. Instead, he struck back immediately.
His fist landed heavily on Ren's face, sending him crashing to the ground.
Thud...
The trainees burst into cheers. "You jerk! You deserved that!"
Meanwhile, Samy rubbed her forehead helplessly.
Ren's face twisted in rage. "I'm going to kill—"
He swung again, hitting Mok's shoulder and chest, but Mok barely moved. Instead, Mok's counterattacks grew stronger.
Kaen muttered in disbelief,
"Is he a gang leader or a thug who became a student?"
Samy, equally stunned, added, "I don't know… how can someone so calm turn like this?"
Soon, bruises began forming on Mok's shoulder.
Samy tried to stop them, but it was useless.
"What should I do? Only Kao could stop this now."
Without wasting another second, she sprinted away.
"Kaen, watch them! I'll be back quickly!"
"Samy, wait!" Kaen's voice didn't reach her, as she had already gone.
As she ran...
"Shit… Kao, why is my office so far away?!"
Panic ran through Samy's mind as she ran.
"I'm getting old… no… somebody help me…"