Jalur Takdir : Path of destiny [English edition]

That night, Derek Veil's small workshop turned into a laboratory filled with sparks, the sound of metal clanking, and the dim light of neon lights. Lana worked side by side with Rai Ardent. Although she was suspicious at first, she slowly began to admit that this mysterious man did indeed know a lot about racing technology and old machines like the Falcon-X.

"So, you used to be a racer?" Lana asked as she tightened a bolt on one of the Falcon-X's engine components.

Rai, who was examining a small device in his hand, answered without turning his head, "Yes. But that's an old story. Now, I just want to make sure you don't repeat the mistakes I made."

Lana paused for a moment and looked at Rai. "What mistakes?"

The man fell silent, his jaw clenched. "Too much faith in technology and forgetting about human expertise. I used to think the more sophisticated my car was, the better my chances of winning. But racing isn't just about technology, Lana. It's about guts, instinct, and the ability to read the track."

Lana heard the regret in his voice, but she didn't press further. There was clearly something Rai was trying to hide, and Lana knew it wasn't the right time to ask more.

"Okay," Rai said, changing the subject. "Do you know how to use momentum on sharp turns?"

Lana smiled a little, feeling challenged. "I know how to read turns. What else can someone like you teach me?"

Rai laughed lightly, this time with a confident tone. "We'll see."

---

Night Training

After Rai had fitted the Falcon-X with an additional device—a small module he called "Stabilizer X," they took the car to the empty road outside the workshop. The road was filled with puddles from the afternoon rain, creating an ideal slippery environment for testing.

Lana took her place behind the wheel, while Rai stood at the side of the road with a serious expression.

"Push the pedal, Lana. I want to see how fast you can control the Falcon-X with this new module," Rai ordered.

The Falcon-X's engine roared as Lana stepped on the accelerator. The car shot up at incredible speed, far more responsive than before. However, as Lana approached the first corner, the car skidded slightly, almost causing her to lose control.

"Don't fight gravity!" Rai shouted. "Go with the flow, and use momentum!"

Lana clenched her jaw, trying to comprehend what Rai meant. She took a deep breath and tried again. This time, as the Falcon-X approached the corner, she let the car slide in the direction that momentum dictated, before quickly turning the wheel. The results were surprising.

"Yes! That's it!" Rai cheered from the side of the road.

Lana stopped the car at the end of the track and got out, breathing heavily, but her eyes were shining with excitement. "I can feel it. This Falcon-X... it's alive!"

Rai nodded in satisfaction. "Now you're starting to understand. It's not just about the engine, but how you connect to it."

---

Plans for the Race

After the night's test drive, Lana and Rai returned to the workshop. Derek, who had fallen asleep in his worn chair, was oblivious to the intensity of the night. Rai pulled a small holographic map from his pocket, displaying the amateur race track that Lana would be racing on.

"This race is your first step," Rai said, pointing to a spiral track with sharp turns and inclines. "It's called the Nebula Circuit. This underground race is where young racers start their careers. If you win, you'll get the attention of big sponsors. But the competition is brutal."

Lana looked at the map seriously. "How many racers will be participating?"

"At least twenty," Rai replied. "But you only need to focus on two people: Axel Kane and Vera Cryse. They're the most talented racers on this track. Axel is known for his aggressive strategies, while Vera... she almost never makes mistakes."

Lana smiled slightly, finding the challenge more interesting. "Very well. Then let's make sure Falcon-X is ready to face them."

---

Unexpected Conflict

However, the night did not pass without a hitch. As Lana and Rai were re-examining Falcon-X, heavy footsteps could be heard from outside the workshop. Lana turned, her heart beating rapidly.

The workshop door opened, and two large men entered without permission. One of them had a hoarse, intimidating voice. "You're Lana Veil, right? I heard you wanted to join the Nebula Circuit. We've come to make sure you know your place."

Rai quickly stood between Lana and the men. "What do you want?" he asked coldly.

The men chuckled. "A message from Axel Kane. This race is no place for little girls in junk cars. If you know what's good for you, you should back off."

Lana, though afraid, stepped forward. "If Axel Kane has a problem with me, tell him tospeak straight. I won't back down."

The men laughed again, but Rai interrupted in a firm tone, "Leave, before I make sure you can't walk again."

There was something in his tone that made the two men back down. After uttering a final threat, they left the workshop.

Rai looked at Lana seriously. "Axel already knows about you. He won't stop until he makes sure you can't race. You have to be prepared for more than just the track."

Lana clenched her fists, her eyes burning with passion. "I don't care. I'm going to race, and I'm going to win."

~~~

HM12