Overtake: Reincarnated in the Racing Realm

Ren barely had a moment to breathe before his communicator buzzed.

[Incoming Call: Unknown Number]

He hesitated, then accepted.

"Ren Kisaragi. That was quite the performance."

The voice was smooth, confident.

Ren's eyes narrowed. Someone important.

"Who's this?"

A small chuckle.

"I represent Takamura Racing Academy."

Ren's breath stilled.

Takamura.

One of the Top 5 Racing Academies in the world.

They only recruited the absolute best.

"We want you, Ren."

The offer was sudden, direct.

Ren didn't respond immediately.

He needed to think.

But before he could—

BZZT! Another incoming call.

[Incoming Call: Azure Drift University]

Another top academy?!

Then—BZZT!

[Incoming Call: Valkyrie Racing Institute]

[Incoming Call: Blackstorm Academy]

His screen flooded with messages.

The top schools were all trying to recruit him at once.

Ren exhaled.

This… was unexpected.

Inside a sleek office at Valkyrie Racing Institute, a woman in a sharp white suit tapped her fingers against the desk.

Her assistant stood nervously beside her.

"Director Hanekawa, all the top academies are after him. Should we increase our offer?"

Hanekawa's violet eyes gleamed.

"No."

The assistant blinked.

"B-But—"

Hanekawa smirked.

"He's not just talented. He's smart. He won't rush his decision."

She leaned back in her chair.

"Let the others fight over him. I want to see what kind of racer he really is."

Ren ended the call, his mind racing.

The top academies were after him… but why so suddenly?

Was it just the victory? Or was there something more?

Before he could process everything—

A shadow fell over him.

Ren turned.

A man stood there, dressed in a black racing suit with a silver emblem on his chest.

His presence was overwhelming.

The crowd went dead silent.

Someone whispered in shock.

"…No way. That's—"

Ren's communicator flashed a name.

[Mikazuki Raiden – The Storm Emperor]

A legend.

One of the fastest racers in the world.

Raiden's sharp golden eyes locked onto Ren.

Then—he smirked.

"You're interesting."

Ren felt a chill.

This wasn't a normal conversation.

Raiden wasn't here to congratulate him.

He was here for something else.

Then, Raiden spoke again.

"Race me."