Jalur Takdir : Path of destiny [English edition]

The Day of the National Race

The day of the national race had finally arrived, and the arena was bursting with energy and spectacle. The state-of-the-art racetrack stretched before Lana like a modern battlefield, complete with massive holographic screens displaying profiles of each racer. But this time, Lana wasn't just up against ordinary opponents. Among the competitors was a name that silenced the entire arena: Axel Volkov.

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The Arrival of Axel Volkov

Axel was a legend in street racing, notorious for his aggression and sharp intelligence. Beyond his racing skills, he had a reputation for employing manipulative strategies, often working with criminal syndicates to eliminate his rivals.

When Axel stepped onto the track, his presence alone was enough to command attention. Clad in a black leather jacket adorned with a skull emblem, his calm yet menacing demeanor, paired with his team of engineers escorting his car, Cerberus X, projected an aura of dominance. The vehicle itself was a marvel of experimental technology.

"So, this is Lana?" Axel's voice, calm yet cutting, addressed her as he approached. "The racer who claims she can take on anyone—even a storm."

Lana met his gaze, hiding her unease. "I'm not here to challenge anyone. I just want to prove something to myself."

Axel chuckled. "Classic idealist talk. But soon, you'll learn that racing isn't about dreams—it's about power. And I'm the strongest one here."

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Axel's Edge

Lana quickly realized Axel was unlike any racer she had encountered before. Cerberus X boasted unparalleled technology: adaptive autopilot systems, magnetically powered propulsion, and damage-resistant armor for navigating dangerous tracks.

But Axel's strength wasn't just in his car. His influence in the racing world was immense. The media hailed him as "the perfect racer," and other competitors feared him due to his connections with the underworld.

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The Most Challenging Track Yet

The national racetrack was the most complex Lana had ever faced. Sharp turns, sand traps, narrow bridges, and low-gravity zones tested every racer's skill.

From the start, Axel took the lead effortlessly. Cerberus X tore through the competition like a predator, leaving everyone else to scramble for second place. Lana fought hard to stay in the top five.

"Lana, focus on the track!" Rai's voice came through her headset. "Don't let Axel mess with your head. He'll try to throw you off your game."

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Axel's Psychological Games

Midway through the race, Axel began showcasing his cunning. He deliberately slowed down, allowing others to catch up, only to force them off course with sudden maneuvers.

When Lana tried to close in, Axel deployed his electromagnetic shielding at a sharp turn, creating a gust of force that caused Falcon-X Prime to wobble.

"He's playing dirty!" Vera exclaimed from the control center.

"No proof," Rai replied in frustration. "The tech might be legal, but the way he's using it isn't ethical."

Grinding her teeth, Lana steadied herself. She knew Axel's goal was to break her focus.

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A Moment of Insight

In the final stretch of the race, Axel made an aggressive move, nearly crashing into another racer. The rival's car spun out, flying off the track. The crowd gasped, but no one dared to confront Axel directly.

However, Lana noticed something crucial during the incident. Cerberus X, despite its advanced tech, had trouble maintaining traction on wet surfaces. She recalled the final segment of the track, which featured waterlogged areas caused by automatic sprinklers.

"Vera, Rai, listen to me," Lana said through the radio. "I've found Axel's weakness. We can exploit it in the last zone."

Her team quickly adjusted their strategy. Lana conserved her boost and positioned herself just behind Axel, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

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The Final Showdown

As they entered the wet zone, Lana seized her chance. She accelerated Falcon-X Prime, slipping past Axel on the inside. Cerberus X struggled briefly, losing grip on the slick surface, giving Lana the lead.

But Axel wasn't done. He regained control and pushed Cerberus X to its limits, closing the gap between them. The crowd held their breath as the two racers went wheel-to-wheel, their cars nearly colliding.

In a nail-biting finish, the results flashed on the holographic screens: Lana crossed the line in second place, just milliseconds behind Axel.

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The Aftermath

The audience erupted in applause for Lana. Though she didn't win, she had shown extraordinary courage and skill against the strongest competitor.

Axel approached her after the race, his expression unreadable. "I'll admit, you're better than I expected. But remember, this is just the beginning. If you want to face me again, be prepared for more than just a race."

Lana met his gaze unwaveringly. "I'm not afraid of you, Axel. You might be stronger now, but every storm I weather only makes me tougher."

Axel smirked faintly before walking away, leaving Lana with a mix of emotions.

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Reflection and Resolve

Losing to Axel became a turning point for Lana. She realized she still had much to learn, but this defeat wasn't the end. It was a stepping stone. With unshakable determination, she vowed to improve and prepare for the next challenge.

At the same time, she began to suspect that Axel's ties to the mafia might be linked to the mysterious accident that claimed her mother's life. This wasn't just about racing anymore—it was about uncovering the truth behind the shadows haunting her past.

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