East L.A. was humming with life. Jace had driven the R34 through familiar streets that now felt like a movie set. People stared. The car wasn't just loud—it was a legend. Midnight purple, tuned for war, and whispering power.
Jace didn't just want to drive.
He wanted to rewrite the game.
The quest from the system echoed in his mind:
[Make Contact with Dominic Toretto – Reward: Reputation +1 | NOS x1]
"Time to meet the king."
He rolled up to Toretto's Market and Café just before sundown. It looked exactly like he remembered from the movies—beat-up chairs, Corona by the crate, and that unmistakable sound of a family that could race or wreck you.
He parked outside, revved the engine once, then killed it.
Inside, Dom sat at a corner table, talking to Letty and Vince. Mia wiped down the counter. Brian O'Conner hadn't arrived yet—Jace was still ahead of the main plot.
Perfect.
He walked in casually, trying not to overplay his entrance. Mia glanced at him, eyebrow raised. Letty paused mid-sentence. Dom's dark eyes lifted.
"You lost?" Dom asked.
Jace grinned. "Nah. Just came to see the man who owns the street."
Letty smirked. Vince scowled. Dom chuckled.
"And you are?"
"Jace Carter."
[Quest Progression: 50% – Continue interaction with Dominic Toretto]
"I've heard of you," Dom said slowly. "Purple Skyline. Raced down the 110 like it was a drag strip."
Jace leaned on the counter. "You gonna pretend that's not impressive?"
Dom cracked a grin. "Depends. You here to talk or race?"
[New Quest Triggered: Race Vince – Reward: Street Cred +2 | Custom Engine Part (Tier 1)]
Jace checked the time. Still plenty of daylight.
"I'm here to win," he said.
---
Later that night, they met in a warehouse lot behind downtown. Cars circled like vultures around the starting line. Engines roared. Neon lit the ground like a rave.
Vince pulled up in his Mustang GT, snarling like a pitbull.
"Gonna regret showing up, rookie."
Jace smirked. "Talk is cheap. Show me something."
The race was brutal. Vince took the lead early, but Jace's system kicked in.
[System Bonus Activated: Perfect Gear Shift + Handling Boost – 20 seconds]
The Skyline roared past Vince in the final quarter mile.
The crowd erupted.
Dom nodded slowly from the sideline.
Mia was already watching Jace differently.
Letty crossed her arms. "He's got something."
Vince slammed his door in frustration. "He got lucky."
Dom approached.
"That wasn't luck."
Jace stepped out of the car. "Told you I came to win."
[Quest Complete – Reward Received: Reputation +1 | NOS x1]
[Bonus Quest Complete – Reward: Street Cred +2 | Custom Engine Part (Tier 1)]
[New Quest: Earn a Place in Dom's Crew – Progress: 0%]
Dom extended his hand.
"You free tomorrow?"
Jace smiled. "I'm free every day. Let's ride."