NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Baptism by Storm
Boom!
Lightning split the sky as the two cars tore down the Midnight Tempest track.
The world blurred into streaks of neon rain and flashing thunder.
Ren's fingers were tight on the wheel.
He had never driven in conditions like this before.
But his Tempest Reflex skill kicked in, sharpening his reactions.
His car adjusted instantly to the slippery road—
Yet Raiden was ahead.
The Storm Emperor's car moved like it was part of the storm itself.
Effortless. Unstoppable.
Ren gritted his teeth.
I won't lose.
He pushed the gas—full throttle.
Up ahead, the track dipped into a valley.
Massive waves crashed onto the road, threatening to sweep racers away.
A single wrong move, and—
Game over.
Ren saw Raiden barely slow down.
The Storm Emperor's car skimmed across the water like it was weightless.
"Thunder Veil…" Ren muttered.
That ability—Raiden's legendary technique—let him glide over unstable surfaces.
Ren's Tempest Reflex could keep up with the storm—
But it wasn't enough.
He needed more.
A system alert popped up.
[Dangerous Terrain Ahead – Suggested Strategy: Braking]
Ren ignored it.
Instead, he did the opposite.
More speed.
His heart pounded as he took the risk.
Splash!
The car hit the water.
For a split second—
It felt like he would lose control.
But then—his cheat ability activated.
[New Skill Acquired: Hydro Drift]
[Effect: Allows controlled movement over wet surfaces]
Ren's eyes widened.
It worked.
He adjusted instantly, sliding through the water with perfect control.
His car skidded across the flooded gorge—closing the gap with Raiden.
The Storm Emperor glanced at his rearview mirror.
For the first time—a flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Only 2KM left.
The last stretch was a nightmare.
A narrow tunnel where lightning struck the track at random.
One hit—instant knockout.
Raiden accelerated.
Ren clenched his jaw.
I can't lose here.
His cheat ability scanned the environment.
[Calculating Lightning Pattern…]
[Prediction Ready – Safe Route Identified]
Got it.
Ren adjusted his line, dodging every bolt by inches.
His car flashed through the tunnel like a ghost.
The finish line was ahead—
500 meters…
300 meters…
100 meters…
Ren was right behind Raiden.
So close.
He pushed the gas one last time—
But then—
CRACK!
A sudden lightning strike blinded him.
For half a second, his reflexes failed.
That was all it took.
Raiden surged forward.
And crossed the finish line.
1st Place: Mikazuki Raiden
2nd Place: Ren Kisaragi
The storm faded.
The crowd was silent.
Then—thunderous applause.
Ren stepped out of his car.
He had lost.
Yet…
There was no bitterness.
Instead—a burning fire lit in his chest.
Raiden walked over, staring at him.
Then, he smirked.
"Not bad, rookie."
Ren met his gaze.
Raiden saw something.
Determination.
This wasn't the end.
It was just the beginning.