《Betting on the Jackal》
6-Minus Race
StarWing Preliminaries
criminal. He couldnt be there.
Jackal The name tasted like poison and acid in her mouth, burning its way out of her throat.
ruin you.
1st Race - A One Man Empire
6 YEARS AGO
Only those who fell from the top know what it feels like to look up.
To see all their accomplishments, conquests, and victories crumble and turn into ashes, to watch the wind make them all disappear. To go lower than rock bottomto go from a king to a worm.
Only those who know could possibly understand how much hatred someone can nurture toward the person who pushed them from the top.
[THE GREATEST JACKAL ON THE RUN? HOW ALANTRA HARRIS OPERATION DESTROYED A ONE-MAN EMPIRE]
[THE SECOND COMING OF IKARUS! FROM THE BEST RINGLEADER TO ASHES]
And as I stared at the newspaper in front of me, with no money or place to stay, I could only relieve the past hoursthe past days, the past months.
Thinking about all the clues I missed and all the mistakes I made.
Dragon races were for those who had money.
Ever since its official creation, it was clear this was not a sport to be appreciated by just anyone.
A ticket to a race was a year''s worth of the minimum wage, for the most basic seats. And the minimum bets accepted would be at least thrice that amount.
There was also a required attire for the event, which was the polite way for organizers to say "even if you managed to save enough money to get yourself here, you need brand clothes to pass through the door.
Racing, however, involved entirely different costs.
Riders had to pay good money for the good gear, and those had to be regularly checked and replaced. Flying lessons were expensive, even more so if done alongside a maneuver coach or tamer. The lanes alone also cost insane amounts to build, especially artificial ones with particular settings, obstacles, and themes.
Yet no expense got as luxurious and obscene as the ones riders spent to raise and keep a dragon.
Dragon eggs were one of the most expensive items in the entire world, the cheapest worth millions. Yet grown dragons could be even more expensive, especially if the animal was in their golden age to compete.
After that, riders had to worry about living expenses and facilities, special diets and treats, training, taming
Dragon race was a sport for the elite by the elite. It had so many regulations in place, it was impossible for normal people to either compete or watch the races. Unless they went to underground rings.
The ring races were illegal, of course.
Which is why it made me so much profit.
The first run will start in five, boss. Do we close the bets yet?
Close it ten seconds before they give the signal. And for anyone who wants to place bets after it, charge the usual fee.
Do we double the fee every five minutes like usual?
I thought for a few seconds before replying. Make it two. This is the last event of the year before we start the championship, after all.
I will let the others know, then. Thanks, boss.
The wooden box let out a faint static noise, the firefly placed on top changing its light from blue to red, signaling the communication had been turned off for the time being.
I was sitting in my office, an isolated room with no windows. There was only a table with some notes and the radios, and a chair.
Around me were floating orbs, some bigger than others, made of liquid silver that kept moving and undulating now and then. All of them showed reflections from the outside.
A few depicted the benches where spectators waited eagerly, others showed the betting-stalls where people pushed and pulled each other desperately while flaunting their money and shouting, just so they could place their bets in time.
Most orbs, however, showed the lanesfrom all kinds of different angles and positions. And as I finished organizing and moving the orbs, a map formed in front of me.
A map where I could see all riders and their dragons, all the lanes and buildings the dragons would pass by, as well as the streets below.
In the slums, people didnt have much access to energy and sanitation. Even with the occasional volunteers and good Samaritans, the stench one could feel the moment they entered the slums was indistinguishable.
Poverty.
The slums were located on the outskirts of the city, where the air quality was not as great and the sun never shined as much. However, illegal races were never done out in the open like that. No, no.
Those races happened below the slums.
When the project was first created, the operations required a lot of money. They had to open up the space and create artificial cities, after all. Some major crime organizations backed the project, knowing their investment would tenfold in a few years.
Since the underground cities were owned by these organizationsunder the pretense of improving life in the slums and their overpopulationlaw enforcers could never shut it down.
The royal family''s response was to reinforce the regulations for dragon races, especially in underdeveloped areas. Since these areas lacked the appropriate structure and resources to manage and handle this kind of race.
We still did them, of courseshitty regulations or not.
Beside me, a second radio turned on, the firefly turning blue as I began to hear the riders voices.
King Nero in. All clear, boss.
This is Beru, all clear here.
Queen checking in, all good.
One by one, my riders spoke, giving their final status before the doors opened. As they spoke, I checked their personal chambers, making sure things were all right.
Emrys. Clear.
I smiled when I heard his voice, waiting for all riders to check in before leaning closer to the wooden box, pressing a button on the side to redirect the signal.
Emrys, today will be your last race. You better make me look good after demanding such a feisty price for you.
There were a few seconds of silence between us before he replied.
You talk as if you are happy to get rid of me.
Would a king be happy to lose his crown?
As if you would let anyone take your crown. You are the Jackal, after all.
To be a race ringleader, one had to own at least a block in the underground city. There was a total of 157 blocks and sixty-four leaders.
I happened to own five blocks.
We leaders had a ranking system of our own. Our positioning was not based on how many blocks we owned, or how many riders we had under our care. There were a lot of factors that contributed to our fame.
Riders, profit, race style, block locationthe more famous a ringleader was, the more people would pay to watch our races.
As Jackal, I was ranked first.
I chuckled, tapping the quill on the table a few times.
You may not be my crown, but you are my special treasure.
Emrys scoffed. So special you sold me off.
They gave me a bigger one, so what can I say.
I said that, yet losing Emrys would cause a big blow for me. He was my biggest star, one of the biggest sources of profit in the races. Which was why someone from the academy approached me and scouted him.
It was not uncommon.
Many of the most famous and talented riders had been underground racers. Since the underground city could not provide the same facilities as the regulated races, we had to alter the structure a bit.
This different environment and competitive style gave a real edge to riders when they started to compete in the traditional races. So it was quite common for guilds or particular academies to scout riders from the underground.
Of course, the fact they were illegal racers would never be publicly disclosed. Everything would be done under wraps, and ringleaders would profit a great lot from these deals.
The person who approached me changed their initial proposal eight times until I finally accepted. I really didnt want to lose Emrys; the kid had talent.
But by the end of the day, money was money and Emrys was only one of my top riders. Also, he would enroll in the best elite academy for riders in the country. As long as he could keep up, his future would be bright.
Checking my clock, I tapped on the table a couple of times. The race would start in two minutes.
I stared at the radio for a few more seconds, thinking.
Are you nervous about going to that place?
From one of the orbs, I could see as Emry''s silhouette became stiff.
Whether is down here or up there, a race is a race.
But people up there are not like the people from down here.
I could hear the cold distance from Emrys voice through the wooden box, and it made me wonder what kind of expression he would have if I could see his face.
But they are still humans. So it makes no difference to me.
Because I dont like humans
Even though he didnt say it this time, I could hear it. Like an afterthought in his voice, the words Emrys would say every so often to me.
That place is different, even among the academies. Do you think you will fit in well?
There were a few moments of silence until I could hear his voice again.
Its like I said. Humans are humans, a race is a race. No difference.
A low buzz resonated in the room, indicating the race would start in less than 30 seconds.
If you say so, I will trust you.
Thanks.
Even though Emrys replied in an annoyed tone, I smiled.
Dont forget to give them hell on your last day.
Dont worry. I will make sure they will never forget Emrys, Jackals favorite pet.
There was a loud bang, all twenty doors opening at the same time.
And with no delay whatsoever, the dragons left their chamber
Roaring and raging across the city with hunger and pride.
2nd Race - The Jackals Race
There were two official types of dragon race; Traditional Roster and Royale Rush.
The first was a single long track, where riders would compete and choose between different lanes until they reached the finish line.
There were no laps or rounds, only a few stops along the way. This race focused on speed and tested riders'' quick thinking in choosing the best-suited lanes for them.
The second one was often compared to an all-out battle, where riders and their dragons would fight against their competitors inside a dome until they reached the finish line at its center.
The path to the domes center would be blocked, the barriers lowering as they passed. Rather than a race, Royale Rush was more about endurance and knowing how to pick the right battles.
However, there was another type of race. The unofficial onedone only in the underground.
I liked to think it was a fun mix of the previous two.
The cities below the slums were almost like abandoned industrial complexes. Tall and medium buildings, narrow streets and alleys, as well as constricted spaces.
It was a location bad enough to walk and live on, let alone race with raging animals.
Which was why underground races were so incredibly fun to watch.
Beru is closing in, Emrys. Go for the left buildings. I spoke over the wooden radio without taking my eyes off the screen.
After working with Emrys for so long I didnt need to detail my instructions as muchthe kid got the idea with only a few words.
The yellow wingless dragon dove right into the empty building, breaking its large windows with ease.
Through another orb I saw as Emrys flew and broke from one building to the next with insane speed, going up and down their floors.
It did not take long for me to spot Beru in another orb.
Five oclock. It was all I said to the kid and all he needed to know.
Not even two seconds later I saw the serpent-like dragon coming from inside one of the buildings, charging and wrapping his body on the two-legged red dragon Beru rode.
Emrys dragon spun the other five times before unwrapping himself like a spring coil, using his sturdy tail to throw the red dragon into a random house below.
Sorry, Beru. Emrys needs to win this one.
A big investor had placed a very generous bet on this races first place, and I had received a kind commission to make sure said investor won his earnings.
That was not at all uncommon. Quite often, as a ringleader, I would receive offers to make sure certain outcomes would take place.
In these situations, if the offer was good enough, I would instruct the riders to ensure I got the most desired results.
And there was another fixed bet for this race.
King, there are five other riders in your street. Fly with Ranger three blocks to the right, have him climb the roofs and jump in the houses instead of flying over them.
She did as I told her.
Ranger was also a two-legged dragon, his body quite sleek and flexible. Since his scales were a mix of faded brass and copper, he was able to mix well with the muted, dead earthy tones of the buildingsespecially considering the undergrounds poor light.
The dragon moved like a lizard chasing its prey, his movements precise and quick.
Jump into the fifth house in front of you and take down Pachu. Ranger will have to pick up his pace if you dont want to miss them.
King was a rookie I had discovered a few months ago. She was rising in the ranks fast, and Ranger was a great match for her. According to King, she had raised Ranger since he was three years old so their synergy was great.
Someone wanted King and Ranger in the top three
And I was going to comply with their wishes.
Ranger was not the fastest, and they both knew that. So before Pachu could pass them Kings dragon opened his mouth, flames pouring out with hunger and rage, blasting the houses wall with a destructive force.
The wall fell right on top Pachu and his dragon, the animal using their wings to protect their rider as both descended to the ground, fighting and trying to claw their way out of the wreckage.
But by then, King and Ranger had already passed them by, flying away in a rush.
I smiled, taking a few sips of my tea.
She can be Jackals next favorite pet
My new shining treasure.
My focus shifted to Emrys once again, not taking even one second to spot him and his dragon. The yellow wingless animal was called Blue due to his cobalt mane and piercing eyes.
They flew through the streets with the speed of a hurricane and broke into buildings like turmoiled waves, avoiding riders with ease.
When a chance presented itself, Blue would use his body to either break his rivals balance or send them off course.
Blue was not an impressive dragon in terms of power and speedthere were dragons far superior to him. However, Emrys talent was unmatched. And together with Blues agility and quick maneuvers, it was almost impossible to catch up to them.
Yet I often wondered what it would be like if Emrys had a better dragon.
The first run ended after eleven minutes, its course going from Block 53 to Block 55. There would be a ten-minute break, as we prepared Block 64 for a quick six-minute course. Then the final long run would go from Block 56 back to Block 53.
Boss, the riders already got to 64. We are finishing things up here.
Perfect. You can close the bets three minutes before the run starts.
As the firefly turned red and the radio went silent, I turned my attention to the black crystal ball tied to my wrist in a leather bracelet.
It kept blinking and glowing rapidly, blue numbers being displayed in the crystal one after the other, being accompanied by short codenames.
Those were deposits from my dear investors.
I grinned and laughed, my heart filled with joy.
This life, it was certainly the best.
When the final run came to an end, I read the final rankings with a smirk.
Emrys had placed first, of course.
King followed in second place and I was quite surprised to see Beru ranked third. He would usually fall between 6th and 7th place, so that was a nice twist. The investors were also quite happy with the results.
Which made me happy.
And even after distributing the bets, separating all payments and commissions for third parties, riders, and the citys big bosses, I was still left with quite the large sum.
That was likely due to the fact this had been Emrys'' last race.
There was a knock on the door, followed by a quiet voice.
Its me. You called.
I already had my mask in hands, taking not even three seconds for me to put it on.
Come in.
A fourteen-year-old boy entered the room, his worn-out uniform still dusty and dirty from the previous race. His dark green hair was a bit wet from sweat, his cheeks flushed. It seemed he had run all the way here as soon as the last run ended.
Emrys had his mask tied on his waista white mask with a long beak, its form resembling feathers and symbolizing a phoenix, red and orange shades mixing and decorating the piece.
In the underground, all riders, dragons, and leaders hid their faces. We dealt with an illegal business, after all.
Did you call me here to say goodbye? The boys voice was low, as if he was uncomfortable. However, his gray eyes revealed nothing, his true emotions buried deep in his gaze.
I chuckled. I called you here to give your share of todays race.
The boy furrowed, his voice firmer. You never call anyone hereyou never called me here.
I never had to. But today is your last day, and Emrys will always be one of Jackals treasures.
I sent the money using my black crystal, Emrys blinking not two seconds later. However, he didnt even glance at his wrist, his eyes averting my gaze.
The great Jackal will probably find other treasures, ones that are shinier and more precious than me.
His voice was neither too cold nor too sad. In fact, it lacked emotion and will. I shrugged, the jackal mask concealing my smile.
Still, you have been my champion for three years now. That alone was worthy of a meeting.
The boy shifted in his place, both hands behind his back as if I was a general and he a foot-soldier.
I guess
It took me a few moments to speak again. I already sent someone to bring all your belongings to the address the buyer sent us. You will live there until classes start, before you can move to the dorms. I also hired a carrier to handle Blue.
Emrys nodded once. Ok. Thanks.
Your seat at the academy is already guaranteed, however you will need to participate in their admission exam. A boring formality, yet I believe you wont have any problems with that.
The boy scoffed, his eyes showing some glimpse of annoyance.
Of course not.
I smiled, resting my face in my hand. Great. I believe this was everything I had to tell you. Do you have any last words before we finally part ways?
He replied faster than I anticipated, his eyes as expressionless as his face.
Your real voice fits you better.
Amusement filled my voice as I asked, Why is that?
The real Jackals body is too small and frail. The other voice doesnt match you at all, now that I finally saw you.
I laughed out loud, not being able to hold it in. There was a built-in voice modifier on my radio; it made my voice sound deeper and lower.
The only instructions I gave were done either by message or through the radiothere was no need to meet with people.
I was only meeting Emrys like this because we would likely never see each other again, and I was certain he would never betray the Jackal.
Anything else?
He curled a lock of his hair in his finger, and for the first time, I noticed a hint of genuine warmth in his voice.
I wanted to thank youfor taking care of me. I had fun with your races.
I blinked a few times, not expecting that at all. Before I could answer, Emrys rubbed his neck and took a few steps back, going for the door.
If you have nothing more to say, Ill be going now.
Right before he could disappear behind that door, however, I called out his name. Not his rider codename but his real name.
The boy turned to face me with some surprise reflected in his eyes, and in that moment I was happy he could not see the face behind the jackal mask.
Good luck.
It was all I said, yet it was enough to make Emrys hold his breath and freeze for a couple of seconds. He gave one final bow before closing the door, leaving me alone once again.
I removed the mask with a sigh, staring at its pointy ears and long nose. There were no decorations or fancy colors; it was a simple black mask.
Emrys was young, which meant he had a future. I never got attached to my riders, yet somehow Emrys had grown on me a bit.
And though I hated to admit it, I would probably miss him a little. I had never taken such a young rider, and to watch him grow over the past yearsit almost made me feel proud.
At that moment, I received a message.
I glanced at the black crystal, reading its content with furrowed brows.
It was a dinner invitation, from an unlikely person.
The moment I read the message, there was this feeling that grew inside me. Something unsettling and inconvenient, like a faint echo inside my mind.
Yet I accepted the invitation and forgot to pay closer attention to the feeling.
And that was my first mistake.
3rd Race - The Bleeding Fox
There were only a few ringleaders I had contact with.
Lor, the eternal fourth place.
Fredo, ranked seventh.
Nikke, the leader ranked second.
Rain, a new leader who was climbing the ranks fast. Last time I checked, they were ranked 23rd.
Among them, only Nikke and Lor had seen me in person.
And only Nikke had seen me without a mask and knew my real name.
Can I get you anything to drink?
Im good.
I entered the house with low, reluctant steps. With all windows closed, without being able to see the grim and bleak landscape of the underground, anyone would believe if Nikke told them they were in the heart of the citadel above.
Chairs made of high-quality dragons leather, fur rugs and fancy tapestries, quartz crystals hanging from the ceiling with magic light pouring from them, illuminating the entire space.
Even the way he was dressed reeked of money and powerelegance even. I wouldnt doubt it if even his underwear was tailor-made, his vest a blend of black and gold with only a hint of the white shirt showing from beneath. Nikke had his hair combed back; a hair so white it was blinding.
Nikkes real name was Angus Quennin. He was born and raised in the slums.
And no one could even tell.
I watched your race today. It was Emrys last, isnt that so?
I nodded once, still feeling a bit out of place. Every time I visited Angus place, it felt like I was in the city above. And I hated that.
I still think you shouldnt have accepted this proposal. Who knows, maybe I will finally steal Jackals first place, now that you dont have your ace anymore. An amused smile touched Angus lips as he poured a red liquor into a crystal chalice, the light reflecting it for a brief second.
Making it look a scarlet red.
You say this only because you wanted me to sell Emrys to you. And even after sealing the contract and receiving the money, Nikke was still making me counteroffers and trying to convince me to give Emrys to him instead.
I was more surprised he hadnt contacted me before the race than to see him invite me for a meal.
The man laughed, taking one long sip of his drink.
Well, I still think I wouldve been a better choice. His talents will be wasted in that place.
He will grow in that place. Say what you want about the regulated racesthe academies are second to none when it comes to raising and molding high-rank riders. With their resources, that kid can easily become a Diamond Wing.
A glimpse of disgust crossed Nikkes golden eyes, his lips curling in distaste before he replied.
Let bygones be bygones, now. Nothing to be done, after things have already been settled. He sat on the chair, signaling me to take a seat. After a few seconds, I complied. So, how are you faring these days? Any ascending stars stealing your attention?
I shrugged.
King has promise. I think I will invest in her for the championship. I will open some free runs next month to see if I spot any new talent.
The smile on Angus face did not fade.
She placed second today, right? Hmyes, I can see why you like her. He took one more sip, his eyes wandering through the room before they met my gaze. Ive been thinking of expanding my business. Buying a couple more Blocks, planning more races. What does the great Jackal think about this?
His question caught me by surprise. I wasnt sure why he was asking me. As leaders, our approaches were vastly different.
I owned only five blocks, four that made one long run. The only solitary Block I had was 64, one considered to be bigger in scale when compared to others.
Nikke, however, did not own two Blocks close to each other. He only set eyes on big Blocks with lots of structures, his races resembling more of a blend of Royale Rush with a scavenger hunt. They were insanely popular and quite entertaining to watch.
Certainly he wasnt looking for my advice on this.
How many do you own already? Seven?
Eight.
I slightly raised my eyebrow, still trying to understand where Angus wanted to go with that conversation. Managing Blocks was not easy, much less cheap.
Leaders had to pay commissions for the organization that owned the Block; it usually varied between 15% and 35% of the gross profit. Then, we had to hire construction firmsafter every single raceto reform the structures and clean up the streets.
If we owned Blocks too close to residential areassuch as Blocks , , and ?ringleaders had to make sure residents would be evacuated to safer zones. And in case there were any damages to their houses, the ringleaders had to pay for repair damages.
Some Blocks were easier to access than others or were more frequented. So there were many things ringleaders had to consider regarding buying a Block.
Nikke already owned eight, and he had maintained his position at the top for six years. What was he expecting by getting more?
Did he want to remove Jackal from the top one?
But then why ask for my opinion?
Why bother getting more Blocks? Your business is profiting as it is, shouldnt you be glad the great Nikkes races are so famous and sought after?
It was almost as if he hadnt heard me when he spoke again. As if he hadnt paid an ounce of attention to my words.
I was thinking about buying one of yours. Block 64. Would you sell it to me?
I furrowed, not managing to hide the shock in my eyes or the annoyance in my voice.
Why would I ever sell one of my Blocks? Especially to you.
Angus leaned closer to me, his hands grasping the crystal chalice as he stared at the red liquid.
I had a curious dream this week. But Im not sure what to make of it.
It took all my self-control to contain my laughter.
Angus and his odd dreams.
He would swear with his life the reason he was successful was because his dreams were blessed by some sort of winged goddess. As if they were prophecies or divine messages.
Funny enough, his strange dreams had never failed him. They actually brought great results whenever he trusted them.
Or so Angus claimed.
What, did this dream show you buying Blocks from me? Or other leaders?
not quite. It took him a few moments to reply, his voice distant and cold.
For some reason, it made me shiver.
What? Dont tell me you want me to help you find some meaning in this dream of yours.
The golden eyes met my owntheir glow fierce and grim.
Do you consider us to be friends, Vex?
Hearing him say my name while gazing so deep into my eyes...made me avert my gaze for some reason.
Vex and Angus may be on friendly terms; Jackal and Nikke are business rivals.
The white-haired man smiled, a glimpse of relief crossing his face.
I share the same belief. Which is why Im meeting you today not as ringleader Nikke, but as your friendly neighbor Angus.
He finished his drink, placing the chalice on the table in front of us. The next time our eyes met, a chill went down my spine. There was something dark lurking in those clear, golden eyes.
Something foul.
Sell me Block 64. You rarely use it, so it would not impact your races. Im not asking because I want itIm suggesting it because I believe you may need it.
A nervous laughter found its way out of my mouth, managing to hide the unsettling feeling that kept growing within me.
Why would I even need it? How would you buying one of my Blocks benefit me in any way? Why, dont tell me you had a bad dream with me, and now you are worried.
Angus stood up, startling me for a second. He walked around the living room, turning his back to me.
In my dream, I saw a wounded animal in the woods. It was bleeding and limping, yet it never approached me for help. Then, it was struck by an arrow, right into its heart, and died right there. Soon after, the Winged Goddess appeared from above and placed a crown on my head.
For some reason, my voice shook a bit when I asked, even though I was smiling.
You think this animal was me?
Angus turned his head slightly, just so he could meet my gaze.
It had purple eyes, like you. It left a bad impression on me, which is why I messaged you.
I scoffed, crossing my arms.
Yeah, sorry, no offense, but dont expect me to believe in this dream nonsense like you.
He turned around, standing beside the window for a few moments, without saying anything. Angus didnt appear sad or angry about my comment, rather, it was as if he was deep in thought.
When he opened his mouth to speak, however, a faint chiming sound echoed through the house. The man glanced toward the kitchen, his face once again a clean and handsome mask I could never crack open.
Our meal is ready, it seems. I hope you are hungry, for I am famished.
Apart from some pleasantries and small talk, we finished our meals in silence. And as soon as I was done, I left without ever looking back.
Although that night I couldnt stop thinking about Angus dream, as the days passed by and my planning for the championship went on, I soon forgot all about Nikkes strange proposal and odd dream.
This was my second biggest mistake.
4th Race - That Day... [その日]
On that day, there were three signs I overlooked and one mistake I made.
The first sign was a sudden change in the schedule.
Ringleaders would never host the championships and other big events on the same day as the upper city. Many people who came to the underground were from the cities above, after allthey were the ones with money. For that reason, we always paid closer attention to the dates of all official and unofficial events.
But one day before our race, Ergosone of the biggest and greatest dragon academies in the countryannounced a surprise race with three of the ten highest-ranked riders confirmed to participate. Tickets were completely sold out in a few hours.
I saw it has rotten luck.
A twisted irony.
I gave one of my most esteemed treasures to Ergos, yet they still wanted more. I doubted Emrys would participate in the race, considering he still had to take the admission exam.
The second sign was how many leaders had to drop out from the championship.
The championship was the undergrounds biggest event; a race involving all leaders ranked in the top ten. Yet many leaders dropped out only a few hours before the races took place.
The last message sent was from Nikke. It was the message that made me hesitate, made my fingers hover over the black crystal ball in my wrist.
Rain asked; a proposal that was not at all frivolous. To host such a big event, an illegal one at that, was no joke. A lot of care and resources were put into the Championship every year. To change it or postpone itit was not only troublesomeit was risky.
As I thought it over for a moment, I received a message. Not one sent to all ring leaders, but Jackal exclusively.
It was from the seventh rank, Fredo.
I leaned against my chair. At the time, the idea seemed interesting.
Fredo would never climb too high in the ranks. Seventh was the highest Fredo had ever gotten, and it was not for lack of effort.
After discussing with Fredo, I agreed with the collaboration. We would use both our Blocks for longer runs and open some special bets for viewers.
Just like that, we went on with the Championship as planned.
It was not unusual for setbacks to happen, in underground races. Our resources were limited, and our operations had to be done on the sly. Riders getting sick or injuring themselves, problems with construction companiesthey were all common issues leaders had to face. The most serious, however, was magic leaks.
Magic was, most times, a reliable energy source to power up field forces and equipment. Yet magic leaks could not only be hazardous for humanswhen exposed for long periodsbut they could also cause big explosions.
So the only thing I checked when four of the leaders dropped from the competition was to check if the magic leak was anywhere near mine and Fredos Blocks.
And it wasnt.
Boss, how can we proceed here?
Just join Fredos crew and make sure everything is set on both sides. The riders were already notified.
Got it, Boss.
The radios firefly turned red, but I quickly adjusted the magic frequency until it started blinking blue again.
When you all get to your new post, notify me and send me your coordinates so I can adjust the orbs.
One by one, my riders started to confirm either by radio or by sending me a message.
I shifted the orbs, coordinating with my crew on the Blocks so I would have the least blind spots possible. Fredo was also sharing his frequencies with me, so it would be easier for us to survey each others Blocks.
In no time, all my orbs were set, the right side of my chamber showing the Blocks owned by Jackal while the left showed Fredos.
King, how is Rangers condition?
He could set an entire forest aflame and still mock your ridiculous mask, she replied in a heartbeat.
I smiled.
Good. Win today, and you become the new ace. Im placing my bet on you, so you both better do good.
I didnt wait for her reply before turning off the communication. That amount of pressure was minimal. If King wanted to succeed as a rider, she had to prepare for worse.
Leaning in my chair, I put my arms behind my head, watching the orbs. Soon enough, the Championship would officially start.
Then, I heard a crackling noise escaping from the wooden radio.
I furrowed, checking the firefly twiceit was still red. Which meant someone was trying to invade my frequency.
The connection was quite bad, the crackling noise overlapping the strangers voice almost completely.
tousay
At first, I was hardly amused. From time to time there would be some smartass trying to connect with Jackal, just to talk shit about me.
goingfall The voice became clearer, carrying a certain melody to itlike a song.
Already bored, I was about to turn off the radio completely in order to enjoy some peace and silence before the first run started.
Then the connection stabilized, the noise almost gone. And through the wooden radio, spoken in a singing tone, I heard the sadistic and egocentric tone of the stranger on the other side.
Today will be the day you will finally pay There was this childish mockery in their singing, something one would expect from immature and snotty children.
This jackass is starting to annoy me now
I was about to track their frequency and have someone from my crew deal with them.
But then I heard that name.
You flew high and higher than allbut today, the great Ikarus will fall
As I stood up in one go, the chair dropped to the ground. I clenched my fists and jaw so tight, I could almost hear them crack.
In less than a second, I was already pressing the radio between my hands, the whisper crawling its way out of my mouth filled with thorns and flames.
Who is this?
Amidst laughs and chuckles, the voice kept singing in a grim tune, their giddy joy and arrogance overflowing as if they couldnt contain it themselves.
You can change your name to Jackal, and wear a dogs maskbut you cant escape Ikarus fate. Not when you fall that fast
My blood began to boil in my veins, my body getting so hot I could almost burn someone with my bare hands.
Who is this?! You fucking bastard, come find me and tell this to my face!
Their laughter grew, sound more chaoticmore maniacal.
As if they had completely lost their mind.
Fall, fall, fall. Ikarus will fly and fall.
I threw the radio against the wall, the wooden piece breaking into dozens of pieces with a loud bang.
My breathing was erratic, uneven. It took me minutes to finally catch my breath, even more to stop shaking as I stood still, glaring at the broken radio as if the object was a person I could kill over and over, enough so I could paint the entire chamber with blood.
A few minutes later, someone brought me a new radio per my request. And that was my final mistake.
Instead of trying to track down their frequency and find out who that bastard was, I focused on the Championship. I focused on trying to prove them wrong.
And this decision cost me dearly.
Two minutes into the second run, and I could still hear that bastards singing in my head.
Ikarus will fall
If my nails were longer, I would be drawing blood from how hard I was clenching my fists.
I would show them. There existed only one Ikarus, and that one had been long dead.
King, one of Fredos riders is trying to close in on you. Six seconds, three oclock. Get them.
When the rider and their dragon broke out from one of the buildings, Ranger already had his claws on them. The brass and copper dragon bit the other on the neck, digging his claws into his competitors scales. The other dragon roared in pain, venom gas poured out of their mouth as it tried to free themselves from Rangers grasp.
On another street, Beru, Pachu, and three of Fredos riders were flying neck to neck. Pachu was flying below them all, while Beru was in the middle of two others, the third right on top of him.
Pachu, drag the left one by their tail and pull yourself closer to Beru. Their dragons all have warm cores, so shoot ice right in their throats when I give you the signal.
As Pachu followed my instructions, I watched the rider above them for a couple of seconds before switching the communication to Beru.
Pachu will use ice. Do a 180o spin when I give you the signal, as fast as you can. When you find the chance, fly higher and do your best to surpass them all.
I waited for Fredos top rider to get a few inches ahead, and switched to both Bery and Pachu.
Do it now.
Pachus dragon opened her mouth, ice shards shooting like rapid arrows from her throat alongside a chilling blizzard. As Berus dragon spun, covering his body and Berus with his wings, some shards ricocheted and hit Fredos rider right on the animals right wing.
Beru did not waste one second, the four-legged dragon using the opportunity to hit his opponent above right in the stomach while throwing both dragon and rider to the side.
On another end, King and Ranger were in the lead, with only two competitors trying to get closer.
Things were going well.
Ranger was using his claws to jump and pull himself forward from building to building, giving bursts of speed from time to time with his wings. Soon enough, they would get to the finish line.
Then it happened.
I first heard a low rumble, taking a few more moments to feel the ground and walls reverberating.
The dragons, however, noticed way before.
They all shrieked and roared and stopped, diving in all directions as if they had no idea where to go. And before I could ask what the heck was happening, I saw from all kinds of different angles and positions as the citys ceiling from my Blocks blew up.
As pieces of rocks fell, crushing the buildings below, winged figures appeared from the new entrance.
Even with dust in the air, I was clearly able to distinguish the center figure. How could I not, after all? She was in every newspaper, every article, every rumor, and senseless gossip.
Long silver hair that blended with red locks here and there, perfectly highlighting the long, black coat she wore. A tall figure, one that demanded respect and submissionas if she was not even trying to hide the fact she belonged to a prestigious, noble family.
The new rising star, a rookie rider who had the potential of becoming a Diamond Wing once she graduatedAlantra Harris.
And she had an entire squad from the authorities behind her.
5th Race - Runaway Princess
Shit, shit, shit!
Desperately, one by one, I put away the floating orbsreturning them to their liquid silver original state, storing them in glass tubes.
From afar, I could hear more explosions. The panic, the roars.
The entire city trembling.
Even with all windows closed, my chamber sealed in an empty building, I could hear.
Her voice.
It is futile to resist. We have pinpointed your location, closed these Blocks, and captured your accomplices. You have five minutes to exit the building on your own volition.
Alantra spoke with the tiniest hint of contempt, something that was almost imperceptible.
From outside, I heard dragons approaching. Yet those dragons were being ridden by authorities. Because every other dragon had either been put to sleep or had been restricted and locked away.
As I threw everything inside my bag, I cut myself on a piece of metal I didnt even know what it was.
Fuck!
Never, not even once, did the authorities blow up the underground to make an arrest.
They would barely interfere with the illegal races, since they were still under the big four criminal organizations. Unless the person had rotten shit for brains, it was obvious to anyone the authorities had some kind of agreement with the organizations.
So why were they here?
Why this day?
Why me?
Ikarus will fall
I kicked my chair hard, sending it flying against the wall. Breaking three of its legs.
Ringleader Jackal, you have one minute to leave the building under a peaceful approach. Her voice was defiant, almost like a dare.
I let out a scream, the frustration, and rage tearing their way up my throat enough to make it bleed and hurt.
Think, think, think.
What can I do?
Where can I go?
Of course I had escape routes. The problem was the closest one had been blocked by the wreckage when they blew up the ceiling.
Trying to outrun a dragon rider enforcer was a fools endeavor at best; a desperate death sentence at worst.
Alantras team had at least fifteen riders, and it was best to assume they also had ground officers as well. She said they had closed my Blocks, and although it was not an impossible thing to do, there was fated to have some blind spot or small crack they didnt cover.
This underground city was practically my home. I had grown up in the slums and lived in these streets my entire life.
Those shitty bastards couldnt know those Blocks better than I did.
I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. It was difficult to calm my nervesto soothe the untamed rage that kept crushing against my entire being like violent waves. Yet I couldnt lose control at this moment.
I had to escape first.
After grabbing my bag, I gave one last glance across the room to make sure I wasnt forgetting anything. Then I started to run.
A cape and hood concealed my face alongside the jackal mask, my clothes as dark as they could be, and as I escaped through one of the broken windows my eyes kept wandering and glancing in all directions. My heart racing and trembling against my chest.
Let the records show you were accordingly warned, Jackal. Alantras voice, as she spoke, was a haunting mockery. As if she wanted me to go against their orders, just so she could humiliate me even more once she caught me.
If she caught me.
The building I had been in not even ten seconds before blew up, the explosion followed by roars and cries. To cause such an explosion, they had to have a high-breed dragon with either a fire or air attribute. Maybe both.
Or a freakish good alchemist.
Avoiding the riders was even more challenging than I had anticipated. I had to crawl in the dirt and lurk in narrow alleys like a dirty rat, hiding at the faintest noise, freezing in the spot by the weakest breeze.
From afar, I kept hearing Alantra giving orders and directions, coordinating the entire squads movements. Wasnt she too young to be a leader?
It felt like hours, but perhaps not even ten minutes had passed when I reached the border to another Block.
Officers in their immaculate white and red uniforms stood in lines, blocking the passages. Between houses and buildings, I saw riders enforcers, some carrying enhanced weapons.
I cursed under my breath, leaning against the cold stone wall.
What now, Vex?
Suddenly my eye caught a faint glow coming from my wrist. In my hurry, I had forgotten to destroy my crystal. I was about to throw it away when the message displayed on the black ball made my eyes jump.