Chapter 69: Fastest Man Alive
The top floor of the Speednasium was where the luxurious penthouse lounge sat, boasting floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offered a breathtaking view of the Arcadia skyline.
Vincent walked over to the marble bar at the side of the room. "Care for some whiskey?" he asked.
"No," Scar replied instantly, walking over to the glass window to look out at the city. "I don’t take alcohol. It makes me feel vulnerable. I don’t like being vulnerable."
"Fair enough," Vincent said, pulling out a shaker. "Surely you can take a cocktail, then? A virgin one?"
"Sure." Scar shrugged. He watched as Vincent expertly flipped bottles, measured syrups, and shook the ice with the fluid grace of a seasoned professional. He poured a glowing, amber liquid into a highball glass and walked over to hand it to Scar at the window.
"I didn’t know you could make cocktails," Scar said, taking a sip.
"It’s something I picked up a long time ago in my teens," Vincent said, leaning against the glass beside him. "I actually used to work at a dive bar back then, to afford the Mage Academy tuition. My mom was a simple maid, and my dad was... unavailable. But life as a bartender wasn’t so bad. You get to learn a lot about people. You get to hear tons of things happening around the city. It’s actually where I first heard about Felicity’s speedster recruitment program." He looked out at the city, a fond smile on his face. "I decided to try out the program after I graduated. And ever since the day I met Felicity, my life has been a whole lot better. That is why I will forever be grateful to her."
Scar listened in silence. He didn’t know what to feel. Vincent’s story was just like a gritty, yet emotional slice-of-life drama. The typical underdog rising from nothing.
"From a simple bartender, to the fastest man in the world," Scar chuckled.
"Yeah," Vincent smiled warmly. "Life can be full of surprises."
Scar swirled the drink in his glass, his competitive side returning slightly. "Well, you won’t be the fastest for long. I’m coming for that title," he muttered with a teasing edge.
Vincent laughed, a genuine, booming sound. "I think we both know that’s inevitable," he said softly. "With the way you’re progressing, we could be on the same level in a matter of months."
Scar paused, completely stunned. He stared at Vincent, looking for the micro-expressions of malice, jealousy, or hidden insecurity.
There were none.
He couldn’t believe it. In all his time, both in his past life and here, Scar believed that humans only cared about themselves. Surpassing a master always bred resentment. To see Vincent act so positively toward the situation was so surreal. It was almost unbelievable.
"Are you not worried about being overthrown?" Scar asked flatly.
Vincent chuckled. "Why would I be? That title was given to me out of respect for my participation during the mutant attack ten years ago. Everyone in the world knows who the actual fastest ’human’ is. It’s your mum. I was just given Fastest ’Man’ as a customary, gender-specific title. I don’t consider it a big deal." His smile faded slightly, his fist clenching at his side again. "Especially when I know I’m permanently capped."
Scar stared at Vincent, registering the deep turmoil in his tone. "Well, I’d like to race you someday." He murmured, changing the subject.
Vincent’s smile returned. "I’ll be looking forward to it," he chuckled. "But you need to be hitting at least Mach 10 for the race to even be close to fair."
Scar smirked, taking another sip of his drink. "Don’t underestimate me, Vincent. There’s a lot more to me than meets the eye." He stated smugly.
"Oh, really?" Vincent snickered. "I can’t wait to see." He turned and pointed toward the far corner of the lounge, where two massive immersion gaming rigs were set up. "Do you play?"
"Not really," Scar said. "I never really had time for games in my..." He paused, stopping himself before he could say the wrong words. Then he quickly dismissed the question. "...I just never got a chance to play."
"Well, that changes today," Vincent said, walking over and booting up the massive holographic screen. "Come on. I’ll introduce you to the art of MMO gaming."
Scar followed him, raising an eyebrow. "Should a grown man like yourself still be playing games?" He chuckled.
Vincent laughed, tossing him a sleek controller. "Well, what do you expect? I’m single, and I live alone."
"Fair point," Scar conceded, sinking into the plush gaming chair. "Why are you single, anyway? You’re rich, famous, and kinda cool. Surely girls must be fawning over you."
Vincent chuckled, adjusting his headset. "I could say the exact same thing about you. You’re the son of Felicity Myers. That fact alone could get you all the girls in the world."
Scar shrugged indifferently. "Girls don’t interest me."
Vincent paused, his hands hovering over the console. He looked at Scar, his expression softening into one of deep understanding. "O-Oh... I see. That’s understandable. It’s okay to like whomever you want, Roy. The most important thing is that you’re happy."
Scar’s eyes widened as the implication of those words hit him. "What? No! It’s not like that. I don’t like boys," he defended. "I just don’t find romance interesting enough to indulge in it."
"Oh, okay," Vincent nodded. "So there’s no girl in your life right now?"
Scar paused. Suddenly, an image of Alicia flashed into his mind. He didn’t know why is he cane to his mind... it happened subconsciously. But he forcefully crushed the thought, scolding his own brain.
What am I even thinking? She is nothing but an annoying little brat. I only tolerated her because she had dirt on me, and now I will tolerate her because I can use her. Nothing else.
"No," Scar said firmly.
"Okay," Vincent said softly, staring at the loading screen. "But you know, romance isn’t so bad if you try it out. Though, I suppose it just might leave you broken forever, with no ability to ever feel the same kind of connection anymore."
Scar stared at him, alarmed by the sudden, heavy depression in Vincent’s voice. He decided to defuse the tension immediately. "Vincent, if you keep talking about romance like this, I’m going to tell my mum that you tried to force yourself on me."
Vincent’s head snapped up, he was completely stunned. "What? But that’s not true!"
"It will be if I have to hear any more of this romance nonsense," Scar said flatly.
Vincent stared at him for a second before bursting into a nervous chuckle. "Okay, fine. Let’s just play."
The giant screen flashed to life, and they turned their focus entirely to the game.