The wind tasted like ozone and engine fuel.
Kael stood at the entrance of the SRL track platform on the Tower's western wing, the sun behind the Traveler painting golden streaks across the clouds. Rows of sparrows lined the edges of the launch lanes, each customized with decals, light trails, and reinforced plating. Above them all loomed a massive neon sign pulsing in rhythm:
SPARROW RACING LEAGUE – INITIATION SERIES
Amanda Holliday approached from the garage bay, her grease-stained jacket tossed casually over her shoulder. She carried a datapad in one hand and a mug of what smelled like machine oil in the other.
"Kael Solas," she greeted with a grin. "Crucible's got your name buzzin' louder than my hangar fans."
He offered a small smile. "Thought I'd see how fast I can go before my ego catches fire."
Amanda laughed. "Well, let's find out. I've got a modified Free Roll Sparrow prepped for you. Lightweight frame, tricked-out thrusters. She's twitchy, but she purrs if you treat her right."
Kael nodded. "Just point me at the starting line."
---
[System Notification – New Job Accepted: Sparrow Racing League]
> Challenge: Win 3 Placement Races to qualify for Ranked SRL
Time Limit: 14 Days
Reward: Unique Sparrow Mod (Performance Boost), Lumen Salary, +Style Points
Bonus: Achieve 1st Place All Three Races to Unlock Custom Exotic Vehicle Frame
---
Race One – Circuit: Twilight Expanse Location: Moonbase Runoff Sector, Crater Ring Alpha
The countdown began. Ghost hovered by Kael's shoulder, counting along.
"Three... two... one…"
The starting chime echoed, and twenty Sparrows rocketed forward.
Kael's fingers danced across the controls as his Sparrow lurched and then surged with power. The track twisted through broken lunar tunnels and over collapsed research stations. He hit the first boost gate and watched his trail ignite in a wave of orange.
A racer ahead clipped debris and spiraled. Kael swerved, kicked sideways off a broken pipe, and slingshotted forward.
> Position: 6th Speed Mod: Activated
"Use your rear boost!" Ghost shouted.
Kael did. Two racers behind him got knocked off-course by his afterburner shockwave.
> Position: 3rd
He leaned into the next turn, whispering to the Sparrow like it was a warbeast on a leash. Overhead, the Tower's spectator drones broadcast every moment.
He crossed the final gate with a burst of momentum.
> Position: 2nd Place
---
Race Two – Circuit: Titan Driftway Location: Floating Platforms over Titan's methane sea
Slippery. Slick. Deadly.
Kael skidded around twisting curves as waves below crashed against ancient metal scaffolding. One wrong move meant a fall into a liquid abyss.
He was calm. Calculating.
---
Mid-race, Ghost pulsed. "We just received a decrypted Legendary Engram from Crucible rewards."
Kael grinned. "We decrypting mid-air?"
"Why not?"
> [Decryption: Exotic Ship Schematic – 'Firetail Fang']
{Description: Vanguard-Commissioned Interceptor-class Jumpship, Enhanced Maneuvering Source: Crucible Champion Reputation Bundle}
Kael laughed aloud. "Looks like the Crucible's still paying dividends."
He finished 1st, drifting sideways through the final ring with an eruption of cheers from the Tower feed.
---
Race Three – Circuit: Earth's Old Chicago Loop Location: Abandoned tunnel systems and collapsed highway
This time, Kael didn't just race. He flew.
Every turn felt like instinct. Every jump was poetry. His Sparrow hummed beneath him like it was alive. He hit shortcuts, bounced off ramps, and knocked two competitors into a collapsed billboard.
> Position: 1st – Final Lap
Amanda's voice echoed in the comms. "That's it, cowboy—kick the afterburner and make 'em eat it."
Kael launched through the last checkpoint as explosions flared behind him.
> Final Position: 1st Place
---
[System Notification: Challenge Complete – SRL Initiation Series]
> Reward: SRL Mod – Overcharge Ignition Trail (High-Speed + Cosmetic Flame Trail)
Lumen Earnings: +45,000
Style Points Gained: +3,000 (Ranked: SRL Flash Tier)
Unlocked: Exotic Frame Blueprint – "Streakwinder Chassis"
Ghost buzzed. "That was... actually kind of beautiful."
Kael, breathless, grinned. "Felt like dancing at light speed."
---
Amanda waved him down at the Tower garage, her grin wide.
"Congrats, hotshot. You just made the leaderboard—and maybe history."
Kael leaned against his Sparrow. "Now what?"
Amanda tossed him a datacard. "You rest, champ. You've got something bigger waiting tomorrow."
Kael raised a brow. "Bigger?"
Her smile faded just a bit.
"The Speaker wants to see you."
---
To Be Continued – Chapter 20 – Beneath the Traveler's Gaze
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