Chapter 154: [153]
The van’s tires slammed into the ground on the other side with a jolt, the suspension screaming as if unable to bear both the weight and momentum. The vehicle bounced once, twice, before finally regaining stability. The impact rocked the cabin—medical kits flew from shelves, a toolbox clattered to the floor, and Ren was thrown forward, held back only by his seatbelt.
Still, he gripped the wheel tightly, eyes locked on the path ahead.
Smoke billowed from the rear tires, and several dashboard panels blinked yellow, warning of repulsor system overheating. But Ren paid them no mind.
In one smooth, instinctive motion, he jerked the steering wheel right, causing the van to swing in a tight half-circle on the gravel. The tires scraped the hard surface, sending up tiny sparks, and now the vehicle’s nose pointed straight at... Trek.
From the other side of the ravine, the champion had just emerged from the treeline, his body covered in wounds and dust, yet still standing firm like a steel pillar. His face twisted into a savage grin, fully confident that his prey couldn’t have gone far.
But that expression vanished in an instant the moment his eyes locked on the ravine.
Trek had no time to think. His speed was too great. But his instincts as a veteran fighter took over. He forced himself to stop, stomping both feet into the ground with brutal power.
BOOM!
The earth beneath him shattered. His legs sank halfway down into the soil, creating a web of cracks around a newly-formed crater. Debris and dust exploded outward. And right at the edge of the ravine, his body came to a halt... just inches from destruction.
Trek paused for a moment. His chest heaved. His eyes stared down into the yawning abyss below, then slowly turned to the far side.
There, Ren stared back from behind the van’s window, a crooked grin playing across his bloodied and bruised face. He raised one hand—not to wave... but to salute. A sharp, mocking gesture—personal and deliberate.
And before Trek could roar or lunge forward, Ren yanked the steering wheel left.