Luca lay flat on his back on the motel room bed, arms crossed behind his head, staring at the notification on the System's interface. He hadn't yet responded [Y / N] since signing the contract and many more documents just an hour ago.
"Intermediate, huh? So, that means I'm no longer a Rookie—I'm Intermediate?" Luca asked, finally selecting [Yes].
[Typically so, yes. You are now.]
The System processed his answer, and a short loading bar zipped across the interface.
[Congratulations! The Intermediate Bundle will now be embedded into your Activity!]
Luca nodded, licking his lips instinctively. "So, what's the difference between the Intermediate and Rookie Bundles?" he asked.
[The Intermediate Bundle offers a slightly more challenging Daily Routine, harder Daily Tasks, and a stricter diet requirement.]
"Oh, so that's what you mean by it evolving. I see," Luca said. "Is that all?"
[No, host. With the Intermediate Bundle, the System will undergo some adjustments on the track.]
[Tracks can now be analyzed, dissected, calculated, and structured.]
[The Sync Buff will take 3.5% longer to fill.]
[Skills or Attributes will now need to be utilized twice before receiving an upgrade.]
[Most importantly, the Intermediate Bundle unlocks a new Skill, host.]
[Ding!]
[You have unlocked a Skill:
-Pitstop Prodigy: 2 ]
"Pitstop Prodigy? What kind of useless heck is that...?" Luca muttered, arching a brow. "Who doesn't know how to pitstop? I thought you'd give me something cooler."
[You still have more Skills and Techniques to unlock with EXP by maxing out the ones you already possess. Advancing to Advanced, Professional, and eventually the Top Driver Bundles will grant you additional Skills: two, three, and four Skills respectively for each level achieved.]
[And do not underestimate Pitstop Prodigy. It provides a 4%-25% reduction in pitstop time and a 2%-10% boost in post-pit tire performance. Every detail, no matter how small, is critical in racing, host.]
"Alright, I accept it," Luca said.
[Wonderful, host.]
[Now, I will provide a list of food items suited to your new diet, aligned with the Intermediate Bundle.]
[As always, I've adjusted this to fit within your current financial capabilities. Please grab a pen and paper.]
Luca sighed, but did as instructed. He sat up, crossing his legs on the bed, and leaned forward with the pen ready in hand.
[ANALYSING DATA AND ATTRIBUTES...]
[Welcome.]
Luca froze for a moment, giving the System interface a perplexed look. "Uhhhhh... thank you?" he replied.
[Food items:
-Sweet potatoes
-Grilled salmon
-Greek yogurt
-Avocados
-Chicken breast
-Whole grain pasta
-Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)
-Blueberries ]
[This selection enhances your muscle recovery, energy and mental sharpness, host.]
I hope I can afford this this time, Luca thought. I'll give it to Sara when she comes.
[REANALYZING DAILY ROUTINE...]
[DAILY ROUTINE WOULD COMMENCE OFFICIALLY TUESDAY MORNING—5 AM]
[Ding!]
Luca knew exactly what that sound meant, and he braced himself. The System was relentless, always one step ahead, ready to throw new challenges his way. Having just completed a mission, Luca hoped the next one wouldn't stretch his abilities too far. His heart pounded as text scrolled across the glowing interface.
[Advanced Mission has been Issued!]
[-·-WIN YOUR FIRST OFFICIAL RACE-·-]
The tight knot in Luca's chest loosened, and he let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Not bad," he muttered, wiping away the sweat gathering on his temple. "Could've been worse."
Just as he began to relax, a knock echoed from the door.
Luca stood and opened it, revealing Sara on the other side. She stepped in, balancing a purse, a paper bag, and a larger market bag. With a sigh of exhaustion, she set everything on the small motel table and placed her hands on her hips.
"Mr. Mallow's tied up with Harry's signing," she said, brushing a few strands of blonde hair from her face. "You won't see him for a bit, so it's just us for now." She motioned toward the bags. "I grabbed your breakfast, aligned exactly with the diet you provided."
"Thanks," Luca replied, offering a smile. Then, handing her the new list, he added, "But after this, I'm switching to a different diet."
Sara accepted the paper with a nod. "Got it. I'll make sure the transition goes smoothly."
She busied herself, arranging the meal neatly in front of Luca. His stomach growled audibly, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the previous night. With the clock already pushing past noon, hunger hit him hard. Without hesitation, he dove into the meal, savoring each bite.
While Luca devoured the food, Sara rummaged through the other bag and pulled out a sleek white cuboid box, setting it carefully beside him.
"Before he left, he bought this for you," Sara said, placing the box on the table. "It's a smartphone."
Luca froze mid-bite, his eyes widening in disbelief. His gaze darted between the white box and Sara. "A smartphone? For me?" He swallowed the food hastily, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he reached for the box.
With fingers trembling with excitement and anxiety, Luca carefully opened the lid, revealing a sleek, glossy black phone nestled inside. For a moment, he just stared, his reflection glinting off the polished surface of the screen. He couldn't believe it—his own phone. Having a smartphone was the last thing he ever believed would happen to him. He had no devices of his own except his mp3 player and the dusty videogame set back at home.
"He really didn't have to..." Luca murmured, overwhelmed by the thought. He knew this wasn't his money at work—his race winnings hadn't even hit his account yet. This was pure generosity from Mallow, and it caught him off guard.
Sara chuckled. "He told me that you'd say something like that and I should quote his words for you: 'Don't think it's a gift, you bozo. I'm your agent, and you need a phone to communicate with me.'"
Luca burst out laughing as he lifted the phone out of the box, studying the smooth edges. The screen flicked to life once he pressed the power button, displaying the accurate time. I can't believe it. These things are new devices, the pinnacle of technology! And I have one!
He quickly looked up at Sara. "You've set it up, already?"
"Yes, I have," Sara said, smiling as she continued, "Everything's in there—our contacts, schedules, even some apps for tracking your fitness and diet. You'll get updates for your team meetings and race events directly."
Luca grinned, feeling the weight of responsibility and excitement settling in. "This is... unreal. Thanks, Sara." The team meetings and race events were good, but tracking his fitness and diet, his System was way ahead any app she could install.
Luca placed the phone on the table, his mind racing as he resumed his meal.
-----------------------------------------------------
The ride to the Trampos Racing headquarters felt interminable, making Luca believe they had crossed half the country to get there. When the car finally rolled to a stop, he wasted no time stepping out, eager to take in his new surroundings.
The headquarters was a sight to behold—an enormous complex with sleek glass walls that mirrored the sky above, while the towering main building stood at the center, flanked by smaller facilities. In the distance, rows of state-of-the-art garages housed pristine racing cars, and the entire area buzzed with activity. Luca could see engineers and staff moving purposefully, and everything emitted standard to him.
Inside, Luca was introduced to key members of the Trampos Racing management. He met Mr. Fisher, the President, along with Mr. Grant, the stern Team Principal, and Emma Doyle, the Head of Strategy. They gave him a quick briefing on the team's legacy and outlined their ambitious goal for the season: finishing in the top three. They also reminded Luca about the cancellation clause embedded in his contract—he had five races to prove himself and meet their expectations by making a podium.
Later, Mr. Fisher invited Luca to a private room for a more intimate discussion. The room was plush, with luxurious sofas and a soft rug that absorbed every step. Mr. Fisher himself was a charismatic man, his neatly trimmed beard framing a warm, expressive face. His sharp, well-tailored suit strained slightly against his round belly, but it didn't detract from the commanding air he projected. He spoke with an easy confidence, his voice smooth and engaging, radiating both charm and authority.
Their conversation delved deeper into the goals for the upcoming season, which was just a week away. While Mr. Fisher did most of the talking, Luca remained attentive, drawn in by the man's enthusiasm. Mr. Fisher discussed the potential endorsements and sponsorships that could come Luca's way if he performed well. Then, with a smile, the President made a surprising offer—he would personally endorse Luca, becoming his first sponsor.
However, when Mr. Grant, the Team Principal, entered the room, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The warmth in Mr. Fisher's tone vanished, replaced by a professional demeanor. Their conversation became strictly business, and all traces of informality were swept away as they focused on the critical expectations ahead.
The discussion centered around whether Luca would be in the two main drivers or serve as a reserve. With four drivers now in the team, competition was fierce. From what Luca had gathered, Trampos Racing had never recruited from Grey-Husson's before, and they expected him to meet some lofty standards.
I'll show you guys I'm good enough. Just put me in the team–I don't wanna be a reserve driver.
Mr. Fisher leaned back, crossing his legs, the motion emphasizing his round belly beneath the sharp suit. "We've made a decision, Rennick. We believe it's a solution that favors both you and Haas, our first reserve driver. He's been eager to break into the lineup ever since Denko was promoted," Mr. Fisher explained. "For the early races, we'll rotate you two between Sprint and Featured. Whoever performs better will claim the spot for the rest of the season. Your Team Principal here will oversee the switch."
Mr. Grant, standing with arms crossed, gave a curt nod. His polished shoes tapped lightly on the plush rug, revealing his measured impatience.
"Thank you," Luca said, glancing at Mr. Grant. He had the distinct impression that the Team Principal wouldn't have given him this opportunity if not for Mr. Fisher's intervention.
Before the meeting ended, Luca was issued a quarter of his first payment on the spot as part of the financial structuring and an assurance of trust. The funds were meant to cover initial expenses and ensure his focus remained on racing. He was also scheduled for comprehensive medical checkups, including cardiac, neurological, and physical endurance tests, ensuring he was fit to race. In addition, the team offered him on-site accommodation at the headquarters, with most amenities and services provided for him.
Luca shook hands with Mr. Fisher and Mr. Grant, looking them in the eyes as he promised, "I won't let you down."
He left the room and found Sara waiting outside, her face glowing with excitement. She held up her phone, waving it playfully. "Got the alert already!"
Luca grinned, his relief turning quickly to resolve. "Once you're done clearing up the necessary expenses, send 95% of what's left to my mother," he instructed without hesitation.
"Will do!"