Nextgen Kids: Legend of the Nine Newborn

Operation: AINCRAD, Level 6: Black Ink

Boy, this chapter has a lot! Seriously, I can't believe I finished it in one day!

Level 6: Black Ink

Sector Q explained the situation to Vanellope as they drove to their destination, followed by Demetra and Guy's trio. The four racetracks they would have to cross would be the Water Park, Western Valley, Ice Cream Shop, and then the Prehistoric Caverns.

"So, how come we aren't letting those other guys know about the hearts?" Vanellope asked. "Are they enemies?"

"Nah, Kazma's just not cool with them." Jenny replied passively. "I mean, they are kinda grudgey..."

"So, Vanellope, is Carol monitoring you from a computer?" Eddy asked. "I'm actually controlling an A.I. from mine."

"So, you're not actually in the game?"

"No. It's the best way to watch over my friends while still being with them."

"Ah, okay..." Vanel narrowed her eyes with a nod, though they briefly sparked the eye symbol. "But yeah, she's watching over me. Unlike you, I have my own free will~ I'm too cool to be controlled."

...

"Yeah, that's the snappy remark she would make." XANA sneered. "But they're sure to be onto me before long. Good thing Sark is already on the way."

The kids all lined up at the Water Park's starting line. Quill's kart matched his clothes, white with black streaks, three engines on the top back, and 'Q' shapes inside the tires. Kazma rode in his bunny seat, having assumed his rabbit form for this contest. Jenny reused her Mega Rollers, with Miko in the buddy seat, and Eddy drove a kart that resembled a big pair of glasses, carrying Carmine on his seat.

"Just so you know, we're still playing to win." Demetra said. "We're gonna be fighting each other for the boss."

"Yeah, well we're a team." Quill stated. "And Vanel and I are the best racers there are."

"How did you change back into your avatar anyway, Kazma?" Arnold asked.

"None of your business!"

"Me_K.O., I have a query." Boly said. "Our strategy may be more effective with you piloting a kart. Do you not possess expertise in racing games?"

"Yeah, but I don't mind being a passenger. These guys are awesome!"

"You bet we are!" Jenny expressed confidently. "Get ready!"

The stoplight Lakitu hovered over the Start. "One... two... three... GO!" (Play "Maka Wuhu" from Mario Kart!)

Act 2: Dino Cup Race

Eddy and Jenny sped off with the other racers while Quill and Vanellope started a little later. "Man, I can't believe WE have to be the tail end." Vanel complained. "I race to win, dang it!"

"I feel the same, but this is a different kind of winning!" Quill reminded. "Just keep in touch with the others."

The karts would speed over some shallow water, and could drive through Rain Rings that would erupt gushes of water to give them a small boost. Arnold knocked Jenny away to stop her from going through one, and he landed on a mushroom platform that had a Flight Ramp. Quill saw this and decided to follow Arnold, the flight leading them to the deck of a small pirate ship. There was a Riddler Trophy set on the keel, so they took it as they pursued Arnold. They grabbed some ?-Blocks, with Arnold earning three bananas and Quill triple Red Shells. The ship deck ended at a boost ramp that landed them on a narrow route atop some mushroom platforms. The other racers would have to drift between and around these mushrooms as they poured waterfall barriers. Arnold dropped the bananas along the upper route, but Quill destroyed them with the shells.