Gods were once humans.
But because they accomplished what humans could not, they became gods.
The Zero Domain was a mysterious psychological state.
Leon didn't have it — he didn't even know what it felt like.
To be called a "god," one must possess extraordinary skill, possibly omniscience and omnipotence. That was the baseline for a god.
Leon was brimming with fighting spirit, itching to get on the track immediately.
Dominic and Mia exchanged a look, their expressions unusual.
Although Leon was high-spirited, Dominic had to pour cold water over him.
"Don't get too excited. This race… it's in Japan."
"Japan? Not on the West Coast?" Leon was stunned.
He had assumed the race would be on American soil. He didn't expect it to be in Japan — a small country, yet capable of organizing a race that tested the limits of speed.
"Why would a Japanese race invite me?" Leon asked.
By logic, a Japanese competition would call Japanese racers, or at most, native Americans.
Someone like Leon — a foreign immigrant — shouldn't even be considered.
"In fact, it has everything to do with you," Mia said, taking out her phone.
"After you became America's number one racer, it spread worldwide, causing a sensation. Most countries were somewhat impressed… but Japan was different. They were not pleased with you."
She opened a video.
On it, a man was yelling at the camera:
"American racing gods? In Japan, they're second-tier at best!
Our 16-year-olds can wipe the floor with a bunch of your so-called gods! Hahaha!"
Leon's brow twitched, and a shadow passed over his expression.
He continued watching.
The man pointed behind him at the track.
"See that? Formula racing — a sport only real men dare to play!
Only weaklings play with supercars. Real Japanese men play Formula… the High-Intelligence kind."
"You trash American gods? You're a joke here in Japan!
He won't dare come to our race, because we'd teach him a lesson on our roads!"
The words were full of contempt, mocking Leon as weak and effeminate.
The final laughter was loud, arrogant, and grating — infuriating to hear.
If this had happened on American soil, the man wouldn't have dared be so brazen.
"What's his name?" Leon's expression darkened.
"Higashi Akira," Mia answered.
"He was originally a SUGO team driver, later paired with Kazami Hayato, so he had to leave his team.
He was slated to drive the Asurada for SUGO, but was secretly transferred without Hayato knowing, and ended up leaving the team.
He then traveled to Brazil, discovered by Robert, returning to the circuit in the 2015 Brazilian Cup (10th season, third race).
By 2016 (11th season), he switched to A.G.S., but poor car performance held him back.
In 2020 (15th season), he was preparing to return to the High-Intelligence Formula.
People who underperform internationally often boast the most online — he was hyping up his comeback.
Participating in the High-Intelligence Formula alone was a huge honor.
Even after failing abroad, he was desperate to regain fame. Hence the arrogant video."
"How did you get this video?" Leon asked, curious.
He himself had not received it — yet Mia had.
"Was it just for show?"
Mia answered candidly:
"I saw it while attending a funeral in Japan. After Guo Da was killed, the funeral was held there. Dominic and others couldn't leave, so I was sent.
It was partly to ensure my safety — if something happened to them, I'd be safe.
This funeral ended up being the perfect chance to see the situation firsthand."
"Everyone in Japan is laughing at you, waiting to see your reaction," Mia added, showing him the comments.
All of them were mocking: American gods are weak, supercars are for weaklings, your godhood is a joke, etc.
Anyone else would have been furious.
"Hmph, impressive. Let's see how good their Formula cars really are!" Leon said calmly, though his eyes burned with murderous intent.
"This is also why Mia brought me here today," Dominic said, clenching his fists.
Though Dominic had past conflicts with Leon, this was internal business — for foreign insults, he would act. Even if Leon didn't compete, Dominic would represent America.
It was not just about winning — it was about showing that America would not be intimidated.
"Hmph, a bunch of clowns," Leon muttered, lighting a cigarette.
"When does the race start, and what's the registration?"
"Today's Wednesday. The race starts Saturday, lasting three days," Mia explained.
She had fought for one entry — as long as she brought Leon in, he could represent America.
The High-Intelligence Formula followed an F1-like schedule:
Friday: Free practice
Saturday: First qualifying stage
Sunday morning: Second qualifying stage
Sunday afternoon: The main race
Since it was Wednesday, that meant Leon would need a proper F1 car by tomorrow.
His Diomas was not compliant — its engine and specifications did not meet Formula standards.
In other words, he would have to buy a new car to compete.