Long ago, in a secret laboratory, scientists conducted experiments aimed at creating beings with exceptional abilities — monkeys capable of extraordinary speed, intelligence, and strength. The first experiment failed — the creatures created were too aggressive and uncontrollable, which led to their downfall.
Then the scientists focused on a new project — Genesis. This time the goal was to create monkeys who, besides strength and speed, could cooperate and form their own communities. Thus was born Genesis — an experiment that marked the beginning of a new era. The monkeys are almost like humans — intelligent and emotional. Some are even more intelligent and live long lives, some over 60 years, allowing them to experience many stories.
Almost all monkeys were sent far away to build their city — Apepolis — away from other settlements. Located in an isolated, harsh terrain, this city became a place where monkeys created their own laws and competed fiercely in races for dominance, which became the daily life of its inhabitants…
At the heart of Apepolis — a bustling city of monkeys where Japanese macaques lived alongside capuchins, gibbons slipped out onto the streets, and baboons vigilantly guarded their districts — Kaiyo was busy in his small workshop. The city was like a jungle of concrete and greenery, and every corner was filled with the scent of damp wood and freshly picked leaves.
"Monkeys quickly jumped from one branch to another, moving as fast as if the city were one big tree."
Kaiyo, a Japanese macaque with keen eyes, skillfully assembled parts of his vehicle — his own car for the Rashed Race. Kaiyo's vehicle was simple yet sturdy. Made of wood, stones, and found metal parts, it had reinforced wheels and well-twisted axles. The wooden steering wheel fit perfectly in his hands, and the springs absorbed the bumps on the track. Every element was carefully thought out because Kaiyo knew that not only speed but also durability counted.
"In Apepolis, most monkeys don't worry about clothes, but Kaiyo does. He wears a light green vest and loose, short brown shorts — his look shows he knows his stuff and values comfort."
???: "You're doing well, Kaiyo." — came a quiet voice from behind the door.
Kaiyo looked up and smiled at his friend.
"TSUKI — Kaiyo's friend, always supportive but not participating in the races."
Kaiyo: "Thanks. But it's not over yet. I have to reinforce the axles and check the brakes." — Kaiyo said, adjusting the wooden steering wheel.
Tsuki came closer, assessing the vehicle with approval.
Tsuki: "The Rashed Race isn't a joke. The track can change every second — stones, roots, mud, rain. Not everyone can handle such a run."
Kaiyo: "I know. That's why I need the best gear." — Kaiyo replied without looking away from the vehicle. — "Besides, no one has beaten… him yet."
Tsuki: "Who?" — asked Tsuki, frowning.
Kaiyo: "That powerful one…"
The day of the race was approaching fast. The streets of Apepolis gathered various monkeys — capuchins, gibbons, baboons, and, of course, macaques. Each group had its unique cars, built from what they found.
Kaiyo stood next to his vehicle, hands trembling slightly, but his eyes burned with determination. He looked at the other monkeys, but suddenly heard a voice.
Tsuki: "Remember, Kaiyo" — whispered Tsuki — "in this race, it's not only speed that counts but also cunning."
Kaiyo climbed into the car. The starting line trembled with the roar of engines — each car was unique, like its owner. Kaiyo pressed the gas and felt his vehicle come alive, lightly trembling, ready for battle.
The track — full of roots, mud, and unpredictable turns — was a challenge for everyone. And at the end waited him — the mysterious, powerful opponent whose strength would decide everything.
Kaiyo had to overcome not only the track but also himself and his own fear.
The air smelled of damp earth and adrenaline.
Suddenly, from the crowd appeared the powerful competitor — a huge mandrill named GORUN. His vehicle looked like a beast — thick wheels, metal plates, and a powerful engine whose roar seemed to announce domination.
GORUN — a powerful mandrill whose strength and speed are almost legendary. Unbeaten in races.
Gorun looked down at Kaiyo, laughing.
Gorun: „You ain't gonna make it to the finish line."
Kaiyo looked straight into his rival's eyes without looking away.
Kaiyo: "We'll see about that. Strength isn't everything."
Kaiyo adjusted his grip on the steering wheel — built with his own hands from wood, stones, and springs, honed to the limits of durability. He knew this race was not just about winning but about respect and proving his worth.
Tsuki: "Ready?" — asked Tsuki, standing nearby and watching his friend with care.
Kaiyo nodded, exhaling slowly. "I have to do this. For myself and for Apepolis."
The judge raised the flag — ready… start!
The vehicles roared off with a noise that echoed through the forest surrounding the city. Kaiyo felt the wood tremble beneath him, the wheels gripping the uneven race path leading through wild parts of Apepolis, full of roots and stones.
Gorun rushed like a storm; his power was undeniable. Kaiyo fought to maintain balance and speed. On the turns, he had to balance to avoid falling off the track, and every uneven hit to the ground risked breaking the frame.
From the crowd came a roar — excited gorillas, cheering mandrills began chanting:
"GORUN! GORUN! GORUN!"
The gorillas hit their chests with fists. This was Gorun's team, cheering their champion with all their might.
Gorun: "Do you really think you have a chance?" — shouted Gorun, passing Kaiyo disdainfully.
Kaiyo: "We'll see!" — replied Kaiyo, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I have to endure. If I don't overtake him now, I'll lose my chance…"
Kaiyo crouched on the seat, leaning his body low to reduce air resistance. At the last moment, he turned the steering wheel sharply right, avoiding a protruding root that could have thrown him off balance. The wheels barely touched the ground as he jumped over unevenness, each jump requiring immediate correction.
Ahead of them was a steep climb, and Kaiyo felt this was his chance. "Focus, Kaiyo, don't make a mistake." He pushed the pedals with all his strength, and the vehicle started climbing, surprising Gorun, who suddenly slowed, struggling with the weight of his machine.
In the next turn, he sharply locked the rear wheel, balancing the vehicle on the edge of a skid. His hands clenched the wheel, and his legs felt every move of the machine beneath him. At that moment, only precision and quick reaction counted.
Kaiyo slipped through narrow paths, putting together every move and balancing on the edge of control. When they reached the last turn, his vehicle slid slightly, and he reflexively straightened his arms, using the muscles of his whole body to accelerate.
At the last moment, after a tough duel, he overtook Gorun, and the crowd exploded with cheers. Gorun stopped a few meters ahead, his face twisted in anger, but in his eyes shone respect, barely hidden behind pride.
Gorun: "Not bad… little macaque." — he said, turning away, but his tone was different than before — no longer disdainful, but challenging.
Tsuki ran up to him, smiling widely.
Tsuki: "I knew you could do it!"
Kaiyo looked at his vehicle — a piece of wood and metal that became his weapon and pride. Then he looked at Gorun, and a new spark lit in his eyes.
Kaiyo: "This is just the beginning."
"That was the hardest race Kaiyo had ever won."
And with that thought, Kaiyo felt it was no longer just about the race. It was about something more — about himself, about Apepolis, and about who he was to become.
"Kaiyo's story and his racing adventure is just beginning…"
End of Chapter 1, continued in Chapter 2.