LightReader

Chapter 26 - JUST ANOTHER GUY PART 26

Episode 26 — The Armored Subaru

Cold Open — HUD Spits a New Goal

Miami afternoon, the heat thick, streets buzzing with bass-heavy cars. Legend leaned on the balcony, blunt between his lips, HUD glowing:

[CASH FLOW | +$4,400 Deposited]

Balance: $509,640 → $514,040

But instead of missions, a new alert appeared:

[Upgrade Opportunity: Personal Armored Vehicle]

[Suggested Build: Subaru WRX STI (2015–21) — Varis Wide Body V2 Kit]

[Cost: $100,000 | Protection Rating: High | Respect Boost: Massive]

Legend smirked. "Finally. Time to buy a car that takes bullets and still outruns cops."

Miles poked his head out of the studio, grinning. "Bro! If you get that, I'm shooting a whole music video around it."

Salina walked out, sipping wine. "I don't care what it costs, as long as you don't get killed driving it."

Legend smirked. "Then it's worth every dollar."

Scene 1 — The Dealership Flex

At a private Miami dealership, the floor gleamed with exotic imports and muscle cars. But in the corner, the beast sat — Subaru WRX STI, 2019 base, already prepped for a Varis kit.

Wide fenders, aggressive lines, matte black finish, hood vents like scars.

The salesman walked over, slick smile. "She's not just a car, sir. She's a statement. Full Varis Wide Body Version 2. Ready for bulletproofing."

Legend exhaled smoke. "Good. Because I don't drive statements. I drive investments."

He snapped $100,000—Balance: $414,040—and stacked it on the desk. "Cash. No paperwork trail."

The salesman stuttered. "W-we usually—"

Legend leaned in, Silver Tongue sharp. "You take it. Or I buy the dealership."

The man gulped. Nodded. "Keys are yours."

HUD pulsed:

[Purchase Complete: Subaru WRX STI (2015–21) | Varis Wide Body V2 Kit | Armored]

[Balance: $414,040]

[Respect: +Boosted]

Legend smirked. "First armored car. Lowkey, but loud enough."

Scene 2 — First Ride

They hit the streets that night. Miles in the passenger seat, Salina in back, Legend gripping the wheel.

Engine roared. Turbo hissed. Miami neon reflected off the wide-body kit.

Miles shouted over the sound. "Bro this is straight Fast & Furious vibes!"

Salina laughed, gripping the seat. "You're insane!"

Legend smirked. "Insane pays better."

He snapped $500—Balance: $413,540—and threw it out the window mid-drift. Kids on the sidewalk scrambled for bills, cheering his name.

HUD glowed.

[Influence: Street Respect Increased. Crew Recognition Spreading.]

Scene 3 — Collector's Chase

As they hit I-95, black SUVs pulled up. Collector's men again.

They boxed him in. Guns flashed.

Miles panicked. "They found us again!"

Legend grinned. "Good. Time to test the car."

He downshifted, engine screaming, slammed the gas. The Subaru leapt forward. Bullets pinged harmlessly off the armored panels.

He drifted around traffic, clipped an SUV's bumper. One flipped into the divider.

HUD blinked:

[Vehicle Defense Activated.]

He snapped $1,200—Balance: $412,340—and made cash rain from the window. The SUVs swerved, drivers blinded by greed.

He cut through, engine roaring, smoke trailing.

Salina gasped, clutching his shoulder. "Legend—what the hell are you?!"

He smirked. "Lowkey."

Scene 4 — Pit Stop Comedy

After losing the chase, they pulled into a Miami taco stand. The Subaru sat rumbling, wide-body stance scaring off kids with skateboards.

The taco guy leaned out. "Bruh, that car looks like it eats people."

Legend exhaled smoke. "Only if they don't pay rent."

He bought the entire stand's worth of tacos — snapped $1,000—Balance: $411,340—and handed them out to random people.

The crowd cheered. Miles recorded. "New video: Taco King with an Armored Subaru."

HUD pulsed:

[Side Quest Complete: Taco Giveaway]

[Respect Boosted. Social Media Buzz Rising.]

Scene 5 — Back to New York

A week later, the Syndicate tapped him for a run. Crates to Brooklyn, armored car perfect for the job.

They loaded up, Legend behind the wheel.

Halfway through the Bronx, ambush. SUVs again. Collector's men waiting.

Leader sneered. "Car won't save you. Lies won't save you."

Legend lit a blunt, calm behind the wheel. "I don't need saving. I need steering."

He slammed the gas, ramming through SUVs. Cash Knuckle pulsed, his fist denting doors mid-drive.

HUD blinked.

[Mission Complete: +$60,000] → Balance: $471,340]

[Level Up: 29 → 30]

Hourly Income: $4,600/hr]

Legend drifted into the safehouse lot, blunt still lit, car smoking.

Miles shouted, "Bro that was movie-level!"

Salina just laughed nervously. "I don't even know if I'm scared or impressed anymore."

Legend smirked. "Both pays better."

Scene 6 — Collector's Message

Back at the Miami apartment, an envelope waited on the Subaru's hood.

Inside: photos of the chase. The note: Even your armor cracks.

HUD pulsed.

[Collector Influence: Increasing.]

[Silver Tongue at Limit.]

Legend burned the photo, exhaled smoke. "Then I'll patch it with cash."

Closing Beat — New Era

That night, balcony breeze warm, Salina curled against him, Miles blasting music.

HUD glowed.

[CASH FLOW | +$4,600 Deposited]

Balance: $475,940

Legend stared at the Subaru parked below, black paint glinting under lights.

He smirked. "First armored car. First of many. Chaos comes on wheels now."

More Chapters