Surrounding air is thick with excitement and anxiety within the Racer's Union. The entries stand nearby the door to the race track, waiting for the exam to begin. Like every year, the group is an array of ethnicities, nationalities, and ages.

Staren swipes a hand over his brown locks, watching the crowd with honey-colored eyes. Though, he quickly smoothes his bangs back to hide his star-shaped birthmark.

The group didn't seem to want to converse with one another. Most were looking ahead or absent-mindedly looking around. Though, he could hear nervous stammering and annoyed huffs somewhere in the crowd.

Why would they want to talk? They were all competing to pass the trial ahead. But, then again, beating someone's time won't get you a license. The only thing that counts as a win is beating the examiner. Otherwise, that person is better off coming next year.

Speak of the devil. The examiner walk to the front of the room, not even having to quiet the group. They've all gone silent with his appearance.

"It seems everyone has finished their forms," the blue-clad man says. "In that case, we will-"

"Wait!"

The yell gains everyone's attention. A girl, about Staren's age, rushes in. Her brown hair is bobbed and she is wearing a yellow shirt and skirt.

"I would like to enter as well," she pants before hastily filling a form and joining the group.

"Ahem... Well then," the examiner clears his throat. "Now that it everyone is done, we will officially begin the test."

He nods to another union member that approaches with three spheres. He sets them down, and three monsters form: Leefee, Phoechik, and Cuboom. All three look ready to race.

"For those who have not brought a monster, these ones are free to use," The examiner states. "You may keep them if you receive your license."

Staren, another boy, and the girl who was late step forward.

Staren sends her a sideways glance. 'Not only were you late, but you forgot to bring a monster?'

He stops in front of Leefee and kneels down. "Hey, amigo. Willing to be my partner?"

Leefee chirps with no hesitation.

Staren smiles. "Awesome. Alright if I call you Sage?"

Sage nods, following Staren to the gate.

"Ready to go?" The examiner asks with a friendly smile.

"Yes sir!" Staren affirms as Sage chirps.

"Alright. Let us get to it then!" He leads the duo to the race track. And from there, Staren is certain that his future lay not so far ahead.


"Now that the exams are complete, I would like to announce our new Racers!" The examiner holds a piece of paper and begins to read. "Geng from Asia!"

A boy wearing a green zhongshan suit perks up, smiling. "M-me? Really?"

"Zoltan from Eurasia!"

Another boy, wearing a purple and blue track suit and sporting purple, spiked hair, smirks. "Well, obviously."

"And, last but not least, Staren from South America!"

Staren silently celebrates, though does give a bright grin.

"For those who did not pass, do not be discouraged! Come and try again next year!"

The three receive their medals that act as their licenses. Then, the group breaks up, leaving Staren in the room by himself.

He lets Sage out and strokes his head. "What do you think we should do next buddy? Maybe get more monsters for the team? After all, there's plenty of terrains out there and we'll need a good variety to match them."

Sage coos, enjoying the petting. He does chirp in response, it sounding almost like a "yes".

"Alright, let's get ready to head out then. I'm sure-"

"Hey!" They look over, noticing the girl from earlier approaching. "You're Staren, right?"

"Um, yeah," He responds, a pit growing in his stomach. "Do you need something?"

"Sorta," she says, sticking out a hand. "I'm Misaki by the way."

He shakes her hand as she continues, "Maybe we could talk over lunch? I'm kinda hungry."

Staren scratches his head. "Sure, I guess."


"Wait, say that again?" Staren says, eyes widening.

The trio sit outside a restaurant and had been enjoying their food when Misaki dropped her question. Staren nearly choked and Sage paused his munching, half of a cracker sticking out of his beak.

"I would like to be your assistant," Misaki reiterates, calm as before. Clearly, she thought this through.

"But, why?" Staren questions. "We just met not even five minutes ago. That's kind of an odd thing to ask of someone."

"I know that!" She protests, face flushing. "I... just have this feeling about you. That you could become a top racer one day and I want to help you get there."

He quirks an eyebrow. "That's speaking highly of a stranger. It's flattering, really."

She pushes her hands together and bows her head. "Please, Staren! I'm aware that this is asking a lot, but I really believe you have talent as a racer! My instincts have never been wrong before."

He's taken aback at her pleading. All of that over him? He isn't anything special. Well, not yet at least.

Staren did plan on becoming a top tier racer. Possibly even the new champion, if he worked hard enough. What he had not expected was a random person coming in and begging to work with him. To assist him in becoming what he wants to be.

Misaki is something of an anomaly. But, who's to say she won't be useful?

"Sure."

She lifts her head. "Really?"

Staren leans back. "Yeah. It'll be nice to hang out with someone who I can actually talk to. No offense, Sage."

Sage chirps with indifference.

"Thank you!" Misaki exclaims, grabbing his hands. "You won't regret this, I promise!"