The morning air carried a crisp chill as Rick walked through the dim rows of a long-term storage facility, stopping in front of a faded blue tarp covering a shape in the corner.
He grabbed the dusty fabric and pulled it back, revealing a slightly rusted, battered 1998 commuter sedan, a humble vehicle his father had bought years ago after saving up tips from the community center kitchen.
Since they were flying to the capital city to secure real estate for the Emperor's Culinary Foundation, Rick decided to leave the towering presence of his Koenigsegg behind, wanting to keep a low profile while honoring his father's hardworking roots.
The old engine sputtered and coughed as Rick turned the ignition, shaking the worn chassis before settling into a rhythmic hum, carrying him out of the storage facility and toward the wealthy residential district.
