With his morning workout session behind him, a tired Luca decided to splurge a little, purchasing a rich chocolate bar before heading home.
His mother was taken aback, never expecting her son to be the one who would visit a gym, a crowded place like that. After exchanging greetings, Luca took a refreshing bath in their shower, the cold water feeling like a thousand dandelions shimmering over him, easing his tense muscles.
Once he was dressed for the day, he waved goodbye to his mother as she headed out for her shift at the diner.
Unpacking his new groceries, Luca got straight to work preparing the unusual breakfast his System had prescribed for him. It was a strange yet pricey combination, something he never would have envisioned himself eating. On his plate, he had fluffy scrambled eggs, a bowl of oatmeal mixed with beans, and slices of lean meat on the side.
[This combination of lean proteins, slow-digesting carbs, and essential fats will allow your body to sustain itself under intense physical pressure behind the wheel, ensuring that your reactions and stamina stay sharp during races.]
[This will significantly enhance your performance, host. The diet will help you maintain high energy levels and accelerate muscle recovery. Just remember, consistency with this diet will lead to optimal results.]
Luca sat down to eat, eagerly digging his spoon and fork into the plate. He shoved the spoon into his mouth and began to chew, savoring the deliciously blended taste of the eggs and beans. The balance of flavors kept his jaw moving, making the meal surprisingly enjoyable, despite its unconventional appearance.
Sophia, who was getting ready for school, strolled by, pausing mid-step when she spotted Luca's plate. Her eyes darted between the food and his face before she blurted out, "What the heck are you eating?!"
"I'm on a diet," Luca replied, his mouth still full of food.
Sophia eyed him skeptically as she slung her backpack over her shoulders. "You are gonna fart, like, a lot," she said. "Anyways, I'm off to school."
"Did you eat something?" Luca asked, chewing slowly.
"Yes."
Luca nodded, glancing to his side where the big chocolate bar lay. He picked it up and held it out to her. "Here, take this."
Sophia's face lit up, and she snatched the snack with a bright grin. "Thank you!" she squealed, twirling around like a ballerina before heading for the door.
"And make sure you're heading straight to school—alone," Luca reminded her firmly.
"Don't worry, I am!" Sophia's voice rang back cheerfully as she disappeared out of the kitchen.
Luca listened closely as the door clicked shut and locked, then resumed eating his breakfast. "I'm surprised you didn't suggest an orange drink. It would go great with this meal," Luca said to his System.
[Certainly, host. But considering your current financial situation, I recall telling you that System would provide you with an affordable yet essential list.]
Luca finished his meal and gulped down a glass of water, completing his Daily Routine for the day. He felt a strange sense of maturity wash over him, realizing that he would have to go through this every single day.
Luca felt a wave of relief wash over him, thinking that his System might not disturb him anymore until the abrupt notification of a Daily Quest that was yet to come today. With his plans set firmly in mind, Luca left home and hailed a cab to the Stadhaven Circuit. He had a clear goal and a plan: to secure himself an official contract as a Formula 1 racer.
Upon arriving, he anticipated that the security would surely give him some problems, but Luca suggested they inform the Operations Manager or his secretary of who he was. As he expected, a security personnel returned and quickly asked him to enter instantly.
Luca expressed his thanks before navigating his way through the neat, impressive structures of the Stadhaven Circuit. The Stadhaven Circuit was a small one, and not entirely advanced like the popular ones Luca knew and had always dreamt about zooming over their asphalt toward the waving checkered flag.
Climbing up the stairs, he made his way into a building, moving through the hallway before encountering the secretary once more.
"Hey there, handsome," she greeted with a soft smile. "I can see you are doing very well—no major injuries," she said quickly, hardly letting Luca speak. "Why are you here? It's not even up to 24 hours; you should be resting."
Luca cleared his throat before speaking. He was known for his hoarse, deep voice, which was too deep for his young age, and a lot of people said it didn't match his face. "I came to speak to Mr. Vance. Can I have that honor? Is it possible?" he requested earnestly.
The secretary's face seemed distant as her brows furrowed slightly. She nodded slowly, licking her lips before standing up and saying, "Sure, follow me." Knowing the issue at hand regarding the Federation of the FIA, the management of the Stadhaven Circuit, and Luca's family, she didn't need to be told that he had to be brought in right away, regardless of the reason.
Knocking on Mr. Vance's imposing door, his harsh voice erupted from behind, permitting his secretary's entrance.
To Luca's surprise, the secretary held his hand softly for no apparent reason as they entered the office, presenting him. "Sir, young Luca is here to see you," she announced.
Instantly, Luca and Vance locked gazes, and the man was genuinely taken aback to see him. Seated at the side of the room was Mr. Mallow, his leg crossed over the other as he scrolled through his phone. He paused as well, looking up. "Lad? A huge surprise," Mr. Mallow spoke before Vance had a chance to respond.
Mr. Vance stared intently at Luca, his pupils fixed on the boy's youthful form, which forced Luca to tear away his gaze and glare around the office instead.
The office was less than an official one, but it still featured a desk with two boudoir chairs placed before it and a master chair behind. However, a few bleachers stripped away the officiality of the room. The bleachers were fixed to the cyan walls, where Mallow was seated on one.
"You can leave, Sara," Mr. Vance said with a casual wave, a frown still evident on his face.
Sara let go of Luca's hand, flashing a warm smile at him before leaving the room and gently closing the door behind her.
"Well?" Mr. Vance asked, spreading his arms apart. "If you think you can still work as a marshal, then I advise you to go to therapy."
Very funny. Clearing his throat again, Luca replied firmly, "I'm sorry, sir, but that's not my intention for being here. I want to discuss, rather, a more important topic."
Mallow lowered his feet, leaning in on his arms. "And that is? Go on, son. Take the seat," he encouraged.
Mr. Vance flashed Mallow a hard glare, as if he was displeased by the offer of giving Luca a seat. However, he did not protest, and Luca took the opportunity to serve his comfort.
Grinding his teeth, his jaw shifting slightly, Mr. Vance asked, "What topic can I possibly discuss with a child that would be of any significant help to me? Shouldn't you be recovering from that hit, or maybe helping your mother with the lawsuit?"
"The lawsuit, sir," Luca said quickly. "That is exactly why I am here. And I believe my proposal could greatly benefit all parties involved."