Chapter 30: Defying All Odds
The Spiral Inferno track stretched out before Lana, a twisting labyrinth filled with deadly traps—slippery terrain, shifting walls, and narrow paths flanked by sheer cliffs. Among the competitors, the Shadow Trinity stood as the most fearsome opponents.
"Today is ours," declared Nero, the trio's leader, his tone icy and confident.
Inside the Black Phoenix, Lana steadied herself. While all eyes were on the Shadow Trinity, she focused on her breathing, recalling the strategy she and Aurora had meticulously planned.
---
A Frenzied Start
The race began with a surge of adrenaline. Shadow Trinity immediately seized the lead, their teamwork flawless. Nero led the charge, while his two partners guarded the flanks, ensuring their dominance.
Lana, however, held back, starting cautiously and staying under the radar. But at the first sharp turn, she began to showcase her skills. The Black Phoenix glided with pinpoint precision, overtaking two other racers who lost control on the slick surface.
---
Reading the Shadow Trinity
Lana carefully observed the Shadow Trinity's movements. Every time they approached a trap, the trio seemed to anticipate its location, avoiding it effortlessly.
"They must have data on this track," Lana thought.
Determined to turn the tables, she decided on a bold move: using the traps against them.
---
A Surprising Strategy
Approaching the fourth turn, Lana accelerated, taking a riskier route dangerously close to a slippery trap. Her gamble paid off—when the Shadow Trinity tried to pursue, one of their members skidded out of control, careening off the track.
Nero's anger was palpable. "How dare she challenge us!"
But Lana wasn't finished. She continued exploiting the traps, strategically luring Nero and his remaining partner into increasingly difficult positions. Every maneuver disrupted their coordination, leaving them struggling to maintain their rhythm.
---
A Stunning Performance
As the race neared its final stretch, the track narrowed to a single lane, forcing the racers into a high-speed showdown. Nero, desperate to maintain his lead, attempted to block Lana's path.
But this was the moment Lana had been waiting for. Utilizing the Black Phoenix's advanced boost system—designed for sharp turns—she executed an impossible maneuver, overtaking Nero with breathtaking speed and precision.
The crowd erupted in astonishment, their cheers echoing through the arena.
---
An Unexpected Victory
Lana crossed the finish line first. Shadow Trinity had lost two of its members to the traps, while Nero managed only a third-place finish.
Yet, despite her victory, Lana remained stoic. She stared at the leaderboard with a cold determination.
"This is just the beginning," she murmured.
---