Jalur Takdir : Path of destiny [English edition]

Lana stood on the winner's podium, cameras flashing and lights illuminating the arena. The roar of the crowd echoed, but her mind drifted far away, processing everything that had just happened. Behind her, Viktor had disappeared without a trace after suddenly withdrawing from the race. Something felt off, and she knew this wasn't the end.

"This is your victory, Lana," Aurora whispered from behind, resting a hand on her shoulder. "But it's also the beginning of something much bigger."

---

A Shocking Invitation

That evening, Lana and her team returned to the secret garage. Their victory had created waves not only among racing fans but also within the international racing community.

Amid their small celebration, a message appeared on the holographic screen. It was an official invitation from the Velocity World Circuit (VWC), the most prestigious international racing competition.

"Lana Harrington, we invite you to compete in the World Championship Tournament next month. You have proven yourself to be one of the best racers in the nation."

Everyone froze, stunned and proud at the same time. But Lana didn't smile. The invitation felt too sudden, as if it had been planned all along.

---

New Pressure

Aurora broke the silence. "This is incredible! But what if the mafia is already waiting for us there?"

Rai, who had just returned to the team after days of being away, stared at the screen with a sharp gaze. "Viktor never truly loses. He must have something planned. This competition might be his way of eliminating us for good."

Lana nodded, realizing their local victory was just a small step in a much larger battle. "Then we need to prepare ourselves. We'll go, but with a stronger, more calculated strategy."

---

Expanding the Team

That night, Lana made an important decision. She proposed expanding their team by recruiting other trustworthy racers.

"I need more allies," she told Aurora. "Nero and his team might be willing to join us. They know how the mafia operates, and they have the skills we need."

Although skeptical, Aurora agreed to try. Nero, who had been spotted at the previous race, had already decided to leave the mafia. "I won't let Viktor manipulate me anymore," he said when they met at his hideout.

---

Upgrading the Black Phoenix

Meanwhile, Aurora led the team in upgrading the Black Phoenix. They added an automated defense system, a new aerodynamic design, and advanced technology to prepare for the challenges of the global stage.

But Lana felt something was still missing. "This car is incredible, but I need more confidence to face them."

Aurora offered advice: "You need to sharpen your instincts even further. No technology can replace a racer's intuition."

---

Viktor's Shadow

Elsewhere, Viktor sat in a dark conference room surrounded by his allies.

"They've accepted the invitation," one of his subordinates reported.

Viktor smirked. "Good. On the international stage, we'll make sure they never have a chance to win. This tournament will be where we showcase our power—and eliminate them for good."

---

A Game-Changing Decision

On the final night before departing for the world tournament, Lana received an anonymous letter. It contained detailed plans of Viktor's scheme to disqualify her and ruin her reputation during the competition.

"Who sent this?" Lana asked Aurora.

"Maybe a secret ally," Aurora replied. "Or maybe a trap."

Lana realized she would have to take a huge risk to expose Viktor on the global stage. With a fiery resolve, she kept the letter as a reminder that every victory came with a cost and every challenge was an opportunity to push beyond her limits.

---

The Chapter Ends with Tension

Lana gazed at the stars in the night sky, reflecting on the journey she had taken. From a girl with a worn-out car to a symbol of hope, she knew this was just the beginning.

In a quiet voice, she said to herself, "I'll win—not just for me, but for everyone who believes in change."

But in the distance, Viktor's shadow loomed, ready to unleash an even greater storm into her life.

---