Chapter 2

As Johnny stepped into the lavishly decorated reception hall, the roar of applause washed over him along with two popped bottles of champagne.

“Congrats Johnny!”

“Make way for the Champion, Johnny!”

Two voluptuous Convar women cooed as he walked in, the champagne bottles in their hands poured over their loose clothed bodies as they clung and pecked the 20th Banzai Banger Champion on the cheek. Automated cameras hung at the entrance flashed in rapids, sealing the scene in pictures for news headlines and the Raceway’s Magazine.

“Hahah! Thank you ladies, I appreciate it.” Johnny said, laughing even as he pulled away from the stunning models hired for the event.

Like Brandon the Shadow Wolf, both women were of the Convar race and were some of the few who weren’t prejudiced about humans. They lingered on him but let him leave as he stepped into the greater hall, the space was buzzing with energy as the crowd awaited him. Neon lights pulsed rhythmically, reflecting off sleek metallic surfaces and shimmering chandeliers that dangled like constellations above. The room was a testament to Banzai Bangers’ grandeur and willingness to go all out for the victor of their most prestigious track.

Johnny had won numerous times before and had been greeted in similar manner in the past, but he remained grateful and flattered. Especially so as this was his final race.

Johnny grinned as he moved through the crowd as the celebrated guest, his hands delivered handshakes and tight embraces to friends both old and new. Their faces alight with pride as they congratulated him. The room was loud with music and bright with lights as dusk grew into the night, he was looking out for a particular friend in all this.

Scattered among the attendees were other racers, some nursing the sting of their own losses while offering polite congratulations. Terry raised a glass, too busy flirting with a familiar looking Convar celebrity to walk over. Johnny merely shook his head and mouth ‘Goodluck’ with a thumbs up as more acquaintances and even fans lucky enough to be in the party came up to greet and bother him for autographs.

He signed one notebook, someone’s chest and even a forehead before he locked eyes with a rather important person across the room. He excused himself from the flirtatious and adoring fans and moved through crowds of friends and colleagues, his pit crew hailing each time they saw him pass.

“You never fail to meet expectations, Johnny!” A full-blooded Convar of grey-white fur, decked out in a sharp designer suit embezzled with rarest gems smacked Johnny’s arm as he flashed a toothy grin down at him.

Banzai Banger executives rarely came out to watch the races or even see the racers, but Johnny, having been in the profession for decades knew the ins and outs more than most racers. As a result, even the elusive executives had met him more than a handful of times like they had with others.

The Convar before him was the same one that signed Johnny on his very first race contract so many years ago. “You know me too well, Gerim.” Johnny laughed heartily, happy to see an old, albeit distant acquaintance again, “Did you place a bet this time? Sure you’d have cashed in big.”

Gerim chuckled, his voice a deep gravel tone made most sounds intimidating as his size and presentation, “I’ll never tell, hahah!” He smacked Johnny’s side again, causing him to wince in fear of being clawed, but unlike Brandon, Gerim kept good hygiene and had clipped, polished nails. “I will say, it is a shame you’re leaving us, you’ve been a consistent star racer, a given champion even. Tell you what, ever feel the need for speed let me know and I’ll happily sign you again!”

“Thank you, Gerim, I doubt I’ll change my mind but I appreciate the offer.”

Gerim nodded knowingly, “I suppose you human’s age differently, this may be the best time to retire. Never say never hm? Johnny the Invincible Victoris! Hahaah.”

Johnny stepped aside as Gerim began walking away, a trail of assistants- mostly hybrids or full-blooded Convars- followed closely behind, few actually pausing to nod and congratulate him on the victory.

Free to move about again, Johnny strolled through the party, entertaining conversations where they happened while filling a small platter with snacks and food from the buffet. Champagne was nice and all but after experiencing the latest of Brandon’s rage and being the first to survive his murderous Championship hunt, Johnny was famished.

He fetched a stack of colourful sushi, a slice of generously decorated pizza and fine cut pieces of steak. His small plate couldn’t contain any more even though he wanted it to but he settled for coming back for seconds as he strolled the party, returning to his search for the friends he was looking forward to the most.

“Johnny?”

He gasped at the voice and spun around with a smile enveloping his face already, “Brent? I’ve been looking out for you ever since I got in! Where did you go? And where’s Connor?”

Brent Atwood and Conner Martin, third place winners for this championship race. They’d stood beside Johnny on the victors podium and got their pictures taken, he meant to talk to them afterwards but they’d disappeared and Johnny was swallowed up by fans and his pit crew all over eager to cheer him on his victory and survival.

“Took a break, I don’t know how you do it Johnny.” Conner said, suddenly appearing behind Johnny holding a similar platter of food in hand as he chewed.

“Took a break? We won.” Johnny said, grinning incredulously at his friends.

Brent shook his head and snatched a wine glass from a server strolling by with a set. He sipped and continued to shake his head as he gestured at Johnny, “No, you won, we? We barely made it out in one piece. At some point, all the death, fire and horror…well, you just got to know when to call it quits.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Quits?” Johnny looked between them, even setting his platter aside as he gaped in surprise. He understood Banzai Bangers wasn’t for everyone, it was dangerous, lethal, in fact and today it was lethal for quite a number of people despite the celebrations. But racing was in Brent and Conner’s veins, he couldn’t imagine them abandoning it.

Conner shrugged and tossed a sushi roll down his hatch, savouring the flavour before saying, “I know exactly what you’re thinking, Johnny, but you have to remember, Brent and I aren’t built like you.”

“Built like me? What does that mean?”

Brent sighed, staring at the swirl of his wine, “He’s talking about your other experience, the one arguably more lethal than Banzai racing.”

Johnny narrowed his eyes at them but sighed, they were right. Surviving Brandon’s murderous rage was easier than what he’d experienced about a decade ago as a Sargeant in the army. Those missions…never again.

“I suppose…but, you’ve made it this far without it. Lots of people have.”

Conner shook his head, the small, satisfied smile mirrored on both their features told Johnny he wouldn’t be convincing them today and possibly not ever. Johnny raised his hands in defeat, surrendering to their decision, “Fine, but, if you ever want to, I can hook you up with my sponsor.”

“Thanks but no thanks, Johnny, sponsored or not the car still explodes, gets crushed or somersaulted. It’s time. I’ll be quitting after this season, same with Conner here.” Brent said, finishing his wine with a gulp and sighed. He narrowed his eyes at something behind Johnny and Conner, “Oh look, I think it's time for the Champions interview.”

Johnny followed his line of sight and found Billy, a world famous journalist and Banzai Banger regular waving his way through the crowd. He took a deep breath, his head hung from the sad news, “I guess…anyway, I’ll miss you guys, I’ll miss racing you.”

Conner cackled as he and Brent shook hands with Johnny, “I won’t miss losing to you!”

Johnny’s wide smile lingered even after they left, his mind swarmed with thoughts of all the deaths he’s seen in his career racing at Banzai Bangers, how many funerals of friends just like Brent and Conner who risked it all too soon. Like Brent and Conner, Johnny was leaving the racing scene as well but…

“Hey Johnny! Remember me?” Billy asked, already ushering Johnny to a quieter corner of the hall where there were less obstructions and a set-up lightning crew.

Johnny’s smile had fallen without him realizing and so he manifested it again for Billy’s sake. He rolled his eyes at the man dressed in a black suit lined with silver and gold designs and a top hat long out of fashion. “Are you kidding? It’s good to see you again, Billy, hope you’ve got better questions than last time.”

Billy’s eyes twinkled, one an intricate metal sphere with a cybernetic iris and the other, a natural green, “Hahaaha! Don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson, viewers are eager to have a stronger interview too, mind if I go live?”

His finger hovered over a button on a plain wristband, waiting for Johnny’s say so. Johnny sighed and nodded, watching how Billy’s cybernetic eye lit up crimson red, casting enough of a light to illuminate the space between them. His eye was now recording live to millions of his viewers, many having followed Billy for his reports on Johnny. Johnny waved for their sake.

“Awesome! We’re live at the 20th Banzai Banger Championship race after-party,” He spun around to show the grandiose hall full of celebrity Convars and other famous racers. “And here we have none other than our favourite recurring Champion, Johnny the Invincible Victoris!”

“Haha, Johnny’s just fine.”

“Of course, Johnny. I think we all heard your announcement, a shock for sure, I mean, I’m still finding it hard to belief. Tell us, is it true? Will you truly retire?”

Johnny nodded, feeling conscious under the red glare of Billy’s camera eye, he could see and hear its lenses focusing the image of the live interview. He scratched the back of his neck and answered with a shy smile, “Yes, I’ll still love to race but this will be the last of Banzai Bangers from Johnny.”

“Ahh, such a bummer. We’ll miss you dearly, your fans across the world will miss you the most.” Billy wasn’t sad for long, he perked up quickly as he added, “By the way, this is your 70th win, did you know that? Or do you lose count at some point?”

Always keeping track, that’s Billy. Johnny shook his head, “No, thanks to you I got back on track counting them and this will be the final, nice round number don’t you think?”

Billy chuckled heartily, “Why, yes of course, I often can’t help myself with these little facts about you, Johnny, you’re a star!” He flicked his nose and added, “That said, now that you’ve conquered Banzai Blitz Raceway, what’s next for the great ‘Invincible Victoris’? Any plans to take your talents off-world?”

Johnny chuckled, tilting his head in mock contemplation. “Let’s just say I’ve got a few irons in the fire. Racing isn’t just a sport for me; it’s a lifestyle. Whether I’m tearing up the asphalt or testing something a little more... experimental, you’ll always find me chasing the next thrill.”

Billy’s eyes lit up at the tantalizingly vague answer. “Speaking of experimental, let’s talk about DRIFTERS. They’ve been making waves in space commerce, and word is they’ve got you beta-testing some of their latest tech. Care to spill the beans?”

Johnny leaned back, his grin sharpening. “DRIFTERS and I have a great relationship. They’re innovators, no doubt about it. But you know me, Billy—I’m not one to kiss and tell. Let’s just say their tech keeps me ahead of the curve, whether I’m on the track or somewhere...less predictable.”

Before Billy could press further, a shadow fell over them. Johnny turned to see a towering Convar, his tailored suit failing to mask the raw power in his frame. The newcomer’s eyes glinted with intelligence and something darker, a predatory glint that sent a chill through the air.

“Johnny,” the Convar said in a voice smooth as velvet, deceptive of his appearance. “A word, if you don’t mind.”

Billy opened his mouth to protest, but one look from the Convar silenced him. Johnny gave the journalist a quick pat on the shoulder. “Duty calls, Billy. We’ll pick this up some other time.”

The Convar led Johnny away from the crowd, his presence commanding enough to part the sea of attendees without a word. They stopped near a sleek bar in the corner of the room, where the hum of conversation faded to a low murmur.

“Congratulations on your victory,” the Convar said, his tone polite but measured. “DRIFTERS has been watching your progress closely and we’re glad the Lonsdaleite suit proved useful.”

Johnny snorted, “More than useful, it saved my life.”

“We’re glad you feel that way, Johnny. We have a new offer for you—one that I think you’ll find... intriguing.”

He narrowed his eyes at the DRIFTERS Convar, knowing well that their ‘interesting’ usually turned out to be some mind-boggling tier of technology humans wouldn’t have seen or accessed without them.

“Are you interested?”

He was. Today was great, he’d won, survived but then everyone’s been asking what’s next. What is Johnny the Invincible Victoris going to do with all his free time and money. Frankly even he didn’t know and so… “I’m listening.”

The Convar’s fur lined lips curved into a small, enigmatic smile. “Not here. Let’s discuss it somewhere more private.”