CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56 :FINALLY BOUGHT A CAR

Rain had soaked Iron City for two straight days after Ryan returned from the East Coast trip.

Now, finally, the skies had cleared.

He stepped out of his apartment building, squinting into the rare break of sunlight like it might disappear again.

Eddie’s car was already parked at the curb—always punctual.

In the backseat sat Jamal, earbuds in, eyes half-closed like he hadn’t slept in a week.

Ryan climbed in.

Eddie kept his hands on the wheel instead of driving. "Got any brands in mind for that new ride?"

Ryan shook his head. "Nope."

The car brands here weren’t the same as Earth’s, and honestly, he’d never bothered learning them.

"Okay," Eddie nodded. "Type, then?"

Ryan paused, thinking. Back in his old life, he could only dream of sports cars, never got behind the wheel of one. Now, in this world, with money to burn, he figured it was time to live a little.

"Something sporty," he said, then added, "but cheap. Low-key. I’m still just a rookie."He remembered Kobe, back in his rookie days, cruising in an Audi TT—understated, not some flashy supercar.

Eddie started drumming on the steering wheel, muttering through a mental catalog of makes and models.

"Got it." Eddie snapped his fingers.

"The Malerin K3. It’s a sleek coupe from Malerin Motors, not screaming for attention like those Orion or Zephyr hypercars. Best part? Roomy interior, built for taller guys like you."

Ryan nodded. "Let’s go check it out."

Eddie threw the car into gear, a grin creeping onto his face. "You’re gonna like this one."

Twenty minutes later, the trio strolled into Malerin Motors, a gleaming dealership nestled on the edge of Iron City’s downtown strip.

The showroom was immaculate—sunlight bouncing off polished hoods, rows of serdans, sleek coupes and SUVs lined up like soldiers.

A saleswoman—early thirties, sharp blazer, practiced smile—started toward them, then froze mid-step. Her eyes locked onto Ryan.

"Oh my God." Her professional composure cracked for half a second before she snapped back into character. "Ryan Carter?"

She wasn’t wrong to be excited. Ryan might not be a household name across all of Atlantis yet, but here in Iron City? He was the guy. Billboards, highlight reels, rising star buzz. People noticed.

"I’m Tara," she said, recovering quickly, her grin unwavering. "What kind of ride are you hunting for today?"

Ryan glanced at Eddie, then back at her. "Something sporty. I’m thinking K3."Tara’s eyes lit up. "Great choice. Follow me, it’s right over here." She led them across the showroom, weaving between sleek sedans and SUVs, to a jet-black Malerin K3. Its low, angular frame and subtle curves caught the light just right—sharp but not screaming for attention.

"This baby runs a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4, 290 horsepower. Snappy acceleration, tight suspension, and enough tech inside to make any drive feel like a joyride. Great for city cruising, but still fun when you open it up."

Ryan walked around the car, hands in his pockets, nodding slowly. It reminded him of a car from his old world—something between an Audi TT and a Mazda RX-8. Not a supercar. But sharp. Balanced. Confident.

He liked it. A lot.

She popped the driver’s door open with a flourish. "Seat’s fully adjustable, and the legroom’s generous—which, ah, I’m guessing you’ll appreciate."

"Can I sit in it?" he asked.

"Of course!"

He was about to duck inside for a closer look when a guy in a tailored suit jogged over, hand already extended.

"Mr. Carter, I’m Julen Bennett. Dealer Principal here. We’re thrilled to have you in our showroom. Honestly, you being seen in a K3? That’s better marketing than any billboard we could buy."

"Alright," Eddie cut in smoothly, flashing his practiced agent grin, "so is this a full gift situation or... more of a friends-and-family discount?"

Bennett’s smile didn’t waver, but his eyes sharpened—a salesman recognizing a negotiation. "We have a partnership model. ’Gifting’ isn’t legal. Or tasteful." He leaned slightly toward Ryan. "But if you’re open to a social media post—just you and the K3, maybe a tag to our dealership—we can do 40% off MSRP. Plus three years of complimentary maintenance. And of course, we’d love to snap a few photos and use them for light promo—nothing over the top."

"Forty percent?" Ryan blinked.

That was a lot more than he expected. Maybe being a pro athlete had its perks after all.

He looked at the sleek coupe again, the black finish catching every ray of overhead light like it had a spotlight of its own.

"Let me sit in it first," he said.

"Of course." Bennett gestured like a man unveiling treasure. "You’ll love the feel."

Ryan ducked into the driver’s seat. It was low but surprisingly roomy. No crunched knees, no awkward angles, just comfort and power wrapped into a cockpit. He stretched his legs and twisted the wheel slightly—tight, responsive. Nice.

Bennett leaned in, grinning. "Told you. The K3’s got the widest cockpit in its class. Perfect for you ABA guys. You know, we’ve got a few ABA players driving these..."

He rattled off a few names in quick succession—none of which Ryan recognized.

Probably benchwarmers or some lesser-known rookies, not exactly big-name players. He fired up the engine, and the engine growled to life, a low, satisfying rumble that sent a grin creeping across his face.

He stepped out and looked at Bennett. "Alright. I’ll take it. We’re locked in at 40%, yeah?"

"Absolutely," Bennett said, beaming. "Let me get the paperwork started."

He ran the numbers. The K3’s sticker price was 62,000. With the 40% partnership discount, Ryan owed just 37,200.

"Full payment today, or you want financing?"

"Full," Ryan said without hesitation.

Bennett nodded, impressed, and sent Tara to prep the paperwork.

While the deal was being finalized, Ryan noticed Jamal wandering through the showroom like a kid in a toy store—touching the hoods, peeking into windows, clearly daydreaming.

He nudged Eddie. "Check him out."

Eddie and Bennett followed his gaze.

Eddie smirked. "Honestly? He’s due for a car. Guy still bikes to work every day."

"Got something affordable for my friend here?" Ryan asked.

"Something... affordable?" Bennett hesitated, caught off guard.

"Yeah," Ryan grinned. "What’s the cheapest thing on your lot?"

Bennett cleared his throat. "Well, the entry-level Seron One is our most economical new model. Subcompact coupe, good mileage, safe build. Runs about 16,800."

"What if I said I wanted one tossed in for free?"Bennett froze, his salesman’s smile flickering. "Uh... free? That’s, uh...""Kidding," Ryan said, though he wasn’t entirely. "But if I filmed a quick test drive of the K3, hyped up Malerin Motors, and posted it on my socials... would that move the needle?"

Bennett rubbed his chin, clearly torn between policy and opportunity.

"The new models are harder to comp, especially with inventory the way it is. But—wait a sec..."

He tapped his tablet and pulled up an inventory list.

"We just got a trade-in," he said. "Six months old, Seron One, silver. Less than 5,000 miles. Still under warranty. Practically new, but it’s technically used. That gives me wiggle room."

"Perfect," Ryan said. "Let’s see it."

Bennett led them to the lot next to the showroom, where a silver Seron One sat gleaming under the midday sun. It was compact, sporty enough for a kid like Jamal, with a clean interior and no visible dings. Ryan glanced at Jamal, who was already circling it like a vulture. "Check out your new ride, man."

Jamal’s jaw dropped. He scrambled into the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel like he was about to take it on a joyride. "Yo, Ryan, I swear—I’ll pay you back when I’ve got money."

Ryan waved him off with a faint smile. "Worry about that when you’ve actually got it."

Truthfully, he didn’t care. It was free. And seeing Jamal’s grin was worth it.

Back inside, Tara had the paperwork ready. Ryan signed for the K3.

The total for both cars, after the discount and the "handshake deal," came to 37,200 for the K3 and nothing out of pocket for the Seron One. Ryan wired the payment from his account, feeling a surreal rush as the transaction cleared.

Then came the quick photo op with the new ride.

"Time for the new car photos," Tara said, pulling out her phone. No professional photographer - this wasn’t some endorsement deal.

Ryan leaned against the K3’s hood and threw up a casual thumbs-up as Tara snapped pictures. Jamal circled the car, capturing different angles with his own phone.

"Try one in the driver’s seat," Tara suggested. Ryan slid behind the wheel and flashed a peace sign, the leather creaking as he settled in.

"That’s got it," Jamal said after a few more shots.

Once the photos were done, Ryan glanced over at Bennett.

"So... can I drive it home now?"

Bennett, still beaming from the deal. "We’ve got the temp tags ready, but the insurance needs a couple more hours to process. I’ll have the K3 dropped off at your place by tonight, cool?"

Ryan nodded, twirling the keys. "Sounds good."

Eddie suddenly snapped his fingers.

"Wait—you’re parking this beauty in that sketchy lot under your rundown apartment?"

Ryan’s face froze. He hadn’t thought that far ahead. The image of his shiny new K3 sitting in the cracked, dimly lit parking lot of his budget complex—hit him like a bad jump shot.

Ryan rubbed the back of his neck, half-laughing. "Alright, alright. Daytime’s fine, but at night? I’ll swing the K3 by your place for now. I’m flying out to Vega City in a couple days for All-Star Weekend anyway. Moving’s gonna have to wait till I’m back."

Jamal, still buzzing from his new-to-him Seron One, chimed in. "Yo, Boss, can I stash my car at your spot too while we’re gone?"Eddie rolled his eyes, tossing Jamal a look. "Your car? Man, that thing’s so basic it blends into every lot in Iron City. What’re you worried about?"

Jamal grinned, undeterred. "Heh, just playin’ it safe. It’s only a few days, c’mon."

Unlike the Roarers’ games, this trip to Vega City wasn’t team-related—Ryan was flying solo to check in for the All-Star festivities.

Eddie would tag along, and for once, he’d even sprung for Jamal’s ticket. Then again, with the commissions Ryan was generating, what was another grand to the agent?