Timeline
The story so far — every beat in order.
In-universe story beats, not real dates. This timeline tracks the fictional story of Ani Sparks. The beats are ordered by story, not by any real-world calendar.
First token
Age 9: Ani clears three stages of Starlight Strikers on her first try. The Usher notices.
Junior circuit
Age 11–13: undefeated in the junior circuit; builds her hover-board from scrap.
First Neon Cup
Age 15: wins the Neon Cup; meets Bolt, a decommissioned arcade-assistant robot she repairs.
Second Neon Cup
Age 16: wins again; Vex takes the racing crown the same year and the rivalry ignites.
The Glitch appears
Cabinets corrupt across the city; the Grid flickers. Episode 1.
Midnight Grand Prix
The rooftop photo finish against Vex. Episode 2.
The Blackout Run
Ani and Bolt reboot the Grand Arcade by hand before dawn.
Now
Age 17: champion, Glitch-hunter, and still first in line when a new cabinet arrives.