章 22: Chapter 21 Risk

"Take your car forward to the racing line!" the witch's voice echoed across the venue, amplified by the speakers, sending a ripple of anticipation through the crowd.

Ruby's eyes flashed with determination as she settled into her chosen car. The right-side driving rule in this world felt familiar, but the features of the vehicle were entirely different from what she was used to. She scanned the dashboard, noting the softly glowing crystal in the shape of a steering wheel, its faint light giving off an otherworldly feel. It hummed under her fingertips as she touched it, making her realize just how different this car was from the ones in her previous life.

The temperature inside the car was blissfully cool, a relief from the unrelenting heat outside. Ruby sighed in contentment, grateful for the break from the suffocating warmth, especially with the scarf wrapped around her face. Her skin felt sticky from the sweat, but the cold air helped her relax, if only a little.

Her hands rested on the gear shift, and she tested the pedals beneath her feet—both the brake and the acceleration felt responsive. The seat, unexpectedly soft, was more comfortable than any bed she'd slept on in both her previous and current lives. She almost sank into it, but the tension of the race kept her alert.

Ruby glanced at the other racers, most of whom were already seated in their elegant cars, looking confident and ready.

Car key was already there. She started the car and began testing it.

She tried using the steering wheel and gear for the first time, almost unable to start. When she finally did, the car jerked forward awkwardly, rocking so badly she almost lost control.

Other witches sped past her, their cars racing smoothly to the line, while she struggled to move. They stopped at the racing line, opened their door, and stepped out, laughing as they watched Ruby struggle.

"Oh my ghostgod! Look at her, that witch with the scarf doesn't even know how to drive," Astra, one of the witches, mocked, adjusting her witch cap with a smirk, her voice loud enough to reach Ruby.

"Maybe she saw how much money the winners get, so she decided to try her luck here," Astra added, grinning at her friend Zorya, who was laughing so hard her stomach hurt.

With a puff of breath, Zorya laughed even harder, saliva flying from her mouth and landing on Astra's arm. Astra grimaced but didn't dare wipe it off, knowing Zorya would just find it funnier.

The sight of them laughing, along with the others joining in, only made the situation worse. The air was filled with their mocking voices, as more witches turned to see what the commotion was about.

But Ruby's face didn't change. She took a deep breath, blocking them all out. She knew what she had to do. She had seen it in the original owner's memories—driving here wasn't just about using the car. It required control over spiritual power. She could feel that energy inside her, pulsing like blood.

Concentration.

Patience.

Deep breath.

She gripped the steering wheel tighter.

You can do it. You need it. No matter what.

Spiritual power flowed through her body, and she knew that it was key to controlling the car. She just had to focus it, direct it, and think of it as her fuel.

'If I can handle complex software back in my world, I can do this', she thought to herself. The car wasn't so different—it was about control and focus.

She imagined the car as an extension of her own body, just like she had done with machines in the past. Slowly, she could feel it respond. The jerking stopped, the engine hummed steadily, and the car began to move smoothly.

The witches outside might still be laughing, but Ruby didn't care. She had figured it out. Now, it was just a matter of proving it on the track.

Ruby stopped near the empty racing line, the sound of laughter still ringing in her ears as she observed the witches receiving their wristband numbers. A few were still snickering at her, but her attention was fixed on Astra and Zorya, the ones who had mocked her the most.

An idea suddenly crossed her mind, and a sly smirk tugged at her lips, though no one could see it behind her scarf. She decided to turn the tables. Slowly, she walked toward them, her steps deliberate, and the two witches noticed her approach, their faces shifting from amusement to slight discomfort.

"Hi," Ruby greeted them, her crystal red eyes shimmering, catching the light and drawing their attention. Those eyes were stunning, captivating, and for a moment, Astra and Zorya looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

"H-hi," they stammered awkwardly. After all, it was always uncomfortable when someone you were gossiping about came right up to you.

"You know what?" Ruby began, her voice calm but filled with quiet confidence. "I'm going to win."

Her eyes sparkled arrogantly, challenging them without showing any sign of hesitation. The only thing they could see of her face was those eyes.

Both witches burst into laughter at her words, Zorya clutching her stomach. "You're funny," she managed to say between fits of laughter, her voice breathless.

Astra, meanwhile, only gave Ruby a mocking look, clearly unimpressed.

"How about a bet?" Ruby said, her brows raising slightly, her voice carrying the weight of the challenge. "If I win, you give me one note." She didn't break eye contact, her gaze intense.

Astra scoffed, glancing at Ruby's car with disdain. "I've seen your driving skills," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And I don't think you can win. But I'm not interested in betting."

Ruby chuckled softly, knowing just the right buttons to press. "What, are you scared?"

That caught Astra's attention, and nearby witches who had overheard began murmuring among themselves. The challenge was heating up.

Zorya, still laughing, straightened herself. "Scared? You think we're afraid of you? I can't believe you'd even think about winning." She glanced at Astra with a grin. "I'll take that bet. Two notes. There's no way you're winning, especially since Astra has won this race for the past two years, and I've always been second."

"And what if you lose?" Astra cut in, her voice sharp as she stared Ruby down.

—To be continued...🪄

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