bookrandom Chapter 435 New Stand Ability
Chapter 435 New Stand Ability
As expected, this competition wasn't so easy. That night, while camping, you were attacked again. Your tent was inexplicably frozen and destroyed by an unknown force. Just like the attack on dentist Jonathan Brooke, you couldn't see any enemy, as if the mysterious force had appeared out of thin air.
[Besides you, veteran cowboy Jorg Washington and 12th-ranked Harvey Apollo Dent also suffered the same attack. The latter even suffered frostbite on the left side of his face, completely disfigured, and had to withdraw from the competition.]
Everyone said this silent attack was unprecedented. Even superheroes and superheroes, with their superpowers, could always see the trajectory of the attack. However, at this moment, the usually taciturn George Washington jokingly recounted a legend that might be related to this.
Long ago, a meteorite from outer space landed in a corner of the Arizona desert, causing immense destruction and creating a dangerous area called the Devil's Palm. Once a person steps into that area, perhaps due to some kind of gravitational pull, unknown abilities within them will be awakened.
He personally calls this ability a "stand-in."
This demonic palm is constantly moving, sometimes moving over ten kilometers a day. Its position is erratic, and no one knows its exact location unless they happen to enter it.
[Later, in modern times, about a decade ago, a scientist from Arizona explored it. After paying a heavy price, he discovered a semi-dissolved broken arrowhead inside, which contained a large amount of isotopes that cannot be naturally formed on Earth.]
[It was later said that the scientist who went in to explore awakened a strange power. Upon his return, due to an academic dispute, he killed his colleague in a similar manner, and has since fled and disappeared - also using an invisible attack method, also freezing, it is very likely that the perpetrator is the same person as this time.]
[Scientists from more than a decade ago... This means that if the murderer is indeed the same person, he should be around 50 years old, or even over 60 years old. Of the remaining 5000 or so riders, not many would meet this condition.]
What annoyed you a little was that the silent Stand's attacks didn't stop, but instead harassed you all night long, until the next morning.
【1973年1月2日上午10点，第二轮比赛照常进行，所有选手同样来到预备区等待起跑号令。第二赛段将由圣玛利亚·诺薇拉教堂出发，跨越整个亚利桑那沙漠后抵达位于亚利桑那州北方州界的纪念碑谷。总距离超过1200公里，预定天数将在12-18天之间。参赛选手总共还有5983人。】
As a long-distance race, each participant is free to decide their route, daily distance covered, and camping breaks. As long as the participants can reach the Monument Valley checkpoint, no other requirements are set.
[Also, if a runner is about to withdraw, they simply need to turn their bib number into a flag and remain on the course. A hot air balloon will detect the signal and dispatch a rescue team. They even have superhero Harleen Quinzel on board to ensure they arrive at the scene immediately.]
[At this point, you and Bruce Wayne have teamed up together. Since this stage has to cross the entire Arizona desert, this level is likely to turn into a battle to find water.]
The map in your hands shows the location of the water source. The nearest water source is in the north, more than 40 kilometers away.
Although you agreed to cooperate, you disagreed from the outset. Bruce Wayne wanted to head due north for water, but you firmly chose due west. You could also find fresh water about 80 kilometers further, and you had a feeling that something important was waiting for you to the west.
[But in the end you still convinced Bruce Wayne, the reason was simple - the straight line distance is the shortest.]
Because the first water source is so far away, not many players chose the same direction as you. However, coincidentally, many popular players like Jonathan Joestar, Dio Brando, and Jorg Washington also chose this direction.
[Although you've had arguments, Bruce Wayne isn't a stingy person. His horse, B, can not only fly, but also has a parasol and a small refrigerator hidden inside. It's unknown where the energy comes from. He's also much more talkative than you might think. You both have a lot in common, so you didn't feel bored during the trip. You've become pretty good friends.]
But something strange happened again. At night, that silent double attack appeared again, pursuing you relentlessly. It would appear and disappear, forcing you to focus on taking care of your warhorse. It was extremely annoying, but you were helpless.
Despite the harassment of unknown Stand attacks, the initial distance is a period when both riders and horses have more energy. With exceptional horsemanship and advanced technology, you remain in the lead. On the first day, you covered nearly 110 kilometers. The next water source is approximately 50 kilometers away. The first day ends here!
[According to the hot air balloon observations, the current ranking is still you and Bruce Wayne tied for first place, Jonathan Joestar is second, and Diana is third. You are still in the lead.]
After two days, you've gradually learned the pattern of the freezing attack. It seems to be a targeted ability, appearing only at night. To avoid further harassment from the freezing attack, you've decided to travel overnight, changing your planned route and instead crossing the rocky area to the northwest, aiming to reach the water source and rest during the day tomorrow.
[I don't know if it's a coincidence or some special attraction, but because the diversion slowed down your progress, you unexpectedly ran into Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando again in the rocky area, with George Washington following far behind.]
Then, as you approached the foot of a mountain, the Stand attack that had been harassing you for a while reached its peak. The silent freezing attack suddenly expanded, and a raging freezing whirlwind accompanied by blue ice rain split you apart, dividing you into two battlefields!
But then, something magical happened. Strange patterns suddenly appeared on the mountain wall you were leaning against, and you suddenly saw an ice-blue evil spirit in the icy whirlwind. And behind you, a similar evil spirit wearing a mask floated behind you, its hands shimmering with water!
[Perhaps it was fate that you unknowingly fell into the devil's clutches.]