The crowd was deafening as the podium ceremony began. Chants of "Henry! Henry!" filled the air, punctuated by bursts of applause. The dramatic conclusion of the race had left everyone in awe, and the top three drivers Henry Calder in first, Liam Parker in second, and Victor Lang in third were center stage, basking in the limelight.
Henry stood on the top step of the podium, his gold medal gleaming in the sunlight. His family cheered loudly from the stands, his father beaming with pride while Emily jumped up and down, shouting his name. Cameras zoomed in on the young victor, capturing his moment of triumph. Liam stood on the second step, his expression forced and stiff, while Victor maintained a calm, if irritated, composure on the third.
The academy head, a stern woman with sharp eyes and a commanding presence, stepped forward with the medals. She handed the bronze medal to Victor first, then moved to Liam, who accepted it with a curt nod. Finally, she reached Henry and placed the gold medal around his neck.
The crowd erupted, and Henry raised his medal high above his head. But even as he reveled in his success, a weight pressed on his chest. He couldn't let this moment pass without addressing the truth.
As the applause died down, Henry stepped forward. He held the mic the academy head had handed him, and his voice rang out across the track.
"Thank you, everyone. Winning this race means everything to me. But before we move on, there's something important I need to share."
The murmurs started immediately. Liam stiffened, his face losing color as he glanced toward Henry. Victor raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Earlier today, before the race began, I found something unusual with my car. Upon closer inspection, my engineers and I discovered signs of sabotage."
Gasps rippled through the audience. The scouts and agents leaned forward in their seats, their expressions sharp and curious.
"Despite the sabotage," Henry continued, "we managed to patch the car enough to get it on the track. But this wasn't just a mistake, it was deliberate."
Liam's hands balled into fists, his knuckles white. Victor's neutral expression gave way to surprise. The academy head exchanged glances with her assistants, nodding for them to investigate immediately.
"And I know exactly who's responsible," Henry said, his voice steady as he looked directly at Liam.
The cameras swiveled toward Liam, who flinched under the spotlight.
The investigation was swift. Engineers analyzed Henry's car, uncovering the tampered components. Security footage confirmed Liam and Nathan sneaking into Henry's garage late at night. The academy head's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Liam Parker and Nathan Harris, you have violated the integrity of this competition. Effective immediately, Liam is disqualified, and Nathan is expelled from the academy. Victor Lang is now second, and Sophia Martinez takes third place."
Liam's face twisted with rage as he was escorted off the stage by security. The crowd roared with a mix of shock and satisfaction. Nathan, who had been watching from the stands, tried to sneak away, only to be stopped by academy officials.
Sophia walked onto the podium, receiving her bronze medal with grace. Victor now stood in second place, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he adjusted his silver medal. Henry remained at the top, unshaken, his gold medal shining brighter than ever.
After the ceremony, the crowd began to disperse, and the agents and team scouts swarmed toward Henry. But before they could reach him, Henry turned and made a beeline for his family. His dad, mom, and Emily greeted him with hugs.
"Henry, you were incredible out there," his dad said, his voice full of pride.
Henry smiled. "Thanks, Dad. But there's something I need to ask you."
His father raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Henry hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "I want you to be my agent."
The request caught his father off guard. He blinked, clearly surprised. "Me? Henry, I don't think"
Before he could finish, Emily interjected. "Dad, you have to do it! You know more about racing than anyone. Who else could he trust?"
Henry's mother chimed in as well. "She's right, honey. You've guided him this far. You're the best person to represent him."
Henry nodded. "Please, Dad. I need someone who has my back, someone who understands the sport and knows what's best for me."
His father looked at each of them, his resistance softening. Finally, he sighed. "All right. I'll do it."
Emily let out a cheer, and Henry grinned, pulling his dad into a hug.
As the family celebrated, Henry felt the familiar presence of the system.
"Congratulations, Henry Calder," the system said, its voice now more refined. "You have completed the 'Champion's Integrity' quest and triumphed in the Academy Selection Race. For your efforts, you are awarded the following rewards."
A panel appeared before Henry's eyes:
• +30 Attribute Points
• New Skill: Enhanced Focus (Tier 1)
• System Upgrade: Novice ➡ Rookie
The system's voice shifted, becoming more confident and articulate.
"System Upgrade Complete. Welcome to Rookie Level, Henry. Analysis capabilities have been enhanced, and new features are now unlocked. Together, we will continue to push your limits."
Henry smirked. "Let's do it."
As agents and scouts finally closed in, Henry turned to face them, his family standing proudly by his side. The future was uncertain, but Henry Calder was ready. He had proven himself against all odds, and now, the real journey was about to begin.