Chapter 5

Reo eagerly waited for Lexz at the bottom of their towering apartment building. Suddenly, the ground shook as a deafening roar filled the air. A massive hovering vehicle descended from the sky, its sleek and metallic design reflecting the sunlight. Reo's jaw dropped in awe as he gazed upon the vehicle. "That's our ride?" he said incredulously.

Lexz exited the building and chuckled at Reo's reaction. "Yep, just a taxi," he said with a grin. "First things first," he continued, "we gotta get you a telecaster. It's a small chip that gets implanted into the back of your head. It lets you contact people, check your DC balance, and even purchase items or transfer DC. It's a necessity in this world, kid."

Reo's eyes widened in surprise. "So it's like a smart phone but in your head?"

"Exactly," Lexz nodded. "You'll be able to communicate with other players, and keep track of your progress and earnings. Now get in the hovy kid."

As they climbed into the hovy, Reo couldn't help but feel like he was in a futuristic dream. The seats were like soft foam and the vehicle moved smoothly and silently through the air. The music playing in the background was both soothing and invigorating, like something out of a dream.

"Wow, this is incredible," Reo said, gazing out the window in amazement.

"Just wait until you see what's next," Lexz said with a sly smile. "Buckle up, kid."

As the hovy gracefully descended into the bustling sky city, Reo couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and complexity of the place. They landed in what appeared to be a crowded market street filled with various species of aliens bustling around, some haggling and bargaining, while others simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

"Let's head to that shop over there," Lexz said, pointing towards a small store nestled in between two towering buildings. "We'll get you that telecaster, Reo."

The tiny store was crowded with all sorts of technological gadgets, each with its own unique design and purpose. As they entered the shop, they were greeted by a small, elderly-looking reptile alien who welcomed them with a gruff grunt.

"Ah, Lexz! My old friend, how are you?" the reptile exclaimed as soon as he recognized Lexz.

"I'm doing well, Doc," Lexz replied with a smile. "I just need a telecaster chip for my new friend here."

The reptile's face lit up with curiosity as he turned towards Reo. "And what might your name be, young one?"

"Reo," he replied, taking in the peculiar appearance of the reptile. With his bright orange scales and spikes that adorned his head, the reptile looked like a mad scientist straight out of a sci-fi movie.

The reptile nodded in acknowledgment and led them over to a display of various telecaster chips. "Ah, here we go," he said as he picked up a small, gleaming chip. "This will do the trick."

Reo's mind was racing with excitement as he opened his eyes and saw the telecaster screen appear before him. He couldn't believe that he now had this incredible device implanted in the back of his head. The tiny reptile, who had just installed the chip, was grinning from ear to ear. "That'll do it," he said with satisfaction. "This one's on the house, kid. Lexz is an old pal of mine, and you're always welcome here." Reo couldn't believe his luck. Not only had he gained a powerful new tool, but he had also made a new friend in the process.

As Reo checked his DC balance, he was thrilled to see that he had 4000 DC to his name. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Doc!" With a little mental focus, Reo was able to access his telecaster's contacts menu. "Lexz, how do I add you to my contacts?" he asked eagerly.

But Lexz just chuckled. "You don't need to add me, kid. Just think of me, and your telecaster will automatically update your contacts as long as I approve it on my end. Now, transfer me the 500 DC you owe me for rent, you deadbeat!" Lexz teased with a smirk on his face. Reo rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smile at his friend's playful jabs.

As they walked out of the shop, Reo noticed the glint of nostalgia in Lexz's eyes, and couldn't help but ask, "How do you know that reptile?" Lexz grinned, "That 'reptile' is actually a famous ex-baller named Speedy. He and my pops played together for Galaxy League back in the day." Reo's jaw dropped in amazement, "No way! Speedy is a pro baller? And your dad too?" Lexz chuckled, "Yeah, my old man had skills on the court, and Speedy was a legend. His quick feet and amazing shooting ability made him a force to be reckoned with."

Reo couldn't believe it, "That's insane! I thought you just hatched from an egg or something." Lexz playfully punched him in the arm, "Even if I did come from an egg, I still had parents, you knucklehead." They both laughed as they walked down the bustling market street.

"Alright Lexz, where to next?" Reo asked, his eyes shining with excitement. "We're heading to the Northern Courts. There are some pick-up games going on over there, and word around town is that Rylai, one of the top recruits in this part of the galaxy, is in town," Lexz explained, his hand stroking his chin in contemplation. "Who is Rylai?" Reo asked curiously. "He's a center and just the kind of player we need," Lexz replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "But how are we going to convince a top recruit like him to join us?" Reo asked, his brows furrowing in confusion. "It's simple, we beat him," Lexz said, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Reo's eyes widen with excitement at the thought of playing against a top recruit. He imagines the potential challenges and skills that Rylai might possess, and how he and Lexz could possibly outsmart him. Suddenly, a notification appears in front of his vision, revealing a new quest: "David vs Goliath - Find Rylai and Defeat Him." The quest's description leaves Reo feeling both exhilarated and a bit intimidated. "This quest is no easy feat," he thinks to himself. "But I'm up for the challenge." Lexz, ever the seasoned veteran, takes charge and leads the way through the busy streets. "We don't have all day, kid. Let's go!" he urges Reo forward with a sense of purpose and determination."

As Reo and Lexz approached the towering gates of the futuristic facility, they couldn't help but be awed by the many different aliens waiting in line to get in. Lexz didn't have time for the crowd, pushing his way past anyone who dared get in his way. When they finally reached the gates, two massive cyborg security guards blocked their path, their imposing figures intimidating even the boldest of adventurers. "State your name and purpose of visit," one of the cyborgs demanded in a metallic voice. The cyborg's face was a grotesque mix of purple skin and cybernetic parts, making him look like something out of a nightmare. "Lexz Dimeheart," Lexz replied with confidence. "Ah, apologies, Master Lexz. Please proceed, it's been quite hectic with Rylai's arrival," the cyborg said, stepping aside to allow them entry.

"Dimeheart?" Reo couldn't help but chuckle at the sound of the name. "I had no idea you were a celebrity, Lexz," he teased. "When your father was one of the greatest players in the galaxy, it's hard to keep a low profile," Lexz replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice. It was clear that being in the shadow of his famous father was a burden that Lexz carried with him, no matter how successful he became in his own right.

The hallway was adorned with countless posters of various intergalactic basketball legends, with their incredible feats of skill and power immortalized in vibrant, larger-than-life images. Reo gazed up in wonder at the wall-to-wall display, marveling at the diversity of species represented in the sporting world. Amidst the array of faces and colors, one poster in particular caught his eye. It was of a man with striking red hair and eyes that glowed like molten lava. He was clad in a white and red jersey emblazoned with the image of a fearsome dragon and the number 21. Reo couldn't take his eyes off the poster, transfixed by the aura of raw power and confidence radiating from the man in the image.

"Hey Lexz, who is that?" Reo asked, pointing towards the poster.

Lexz turned to look and smiled. "Ah, that there is Drevin Lightguard, one of the greatest point guards of all time. He won four championships with the Griffonside Dragoons, was a four-time MVP, and was the first Martian to achieve all of that. He was a true legend in his time."

Reo's amazement only grew as he looked at the poster. "So that's a Martian," he breathed, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of playing alongside such incredible talent."

One other poster, in particular, caught Reo's attention. It depicted a towering orange-skinned creature with flowing green hair, fiercely gripping a basketball and preparing to slam it through the hoop. "Hey Lexz, that guy looks just like you!" Reo exclaimed with a grin, pointing up at the poster. "Same expression and everything."

Lexz's face darkened at the mention of his father. "That's not just any guy, you fool," he growled, his eyes blazing with emotion. "That's Dexz Dimeheart, one of the greatest basketball players in the galaxy. He won three championships with the Cryptcity Jackals and was the MVP of every single one. He would have won a fourth if it weren't for..." Lexz trailed off, gritting his teeth in frustration. "But that's all in the past now. We're here to focus on the present."