The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway as Henry made his way back to the dorm after the race. The adrenaline from the final lap still coursed through his veins, but a knot of tension sat in his stomach. He had made it into the top 10, but that didn't mean he was safe. The academy was designed to push everyone to their absolute limit, and this was only the beginning.
As he passed the training rooms, he spotted Nathan practicing his cornering technique in a simulator. The cocky smirk on his face was impossible to miss. Henry glanced at the screen briefly. Nathan was doing well really well. It made Henry's thoughts turn, but then the familiar voice of the system broke through.
System Update
• Status: Task Complete.
• Current Goal: Prepare for the next race.
• Daily Task 1: Gym workout – Focus on upper body strength.
• Daily Task 2: Endurance test – 30-minute cardio session.
• Daily Task 3: Review race footage – Focus on overtake and defense.
• Punishment: None.
Henry frowned, but he knew that the daily tasks were part of the grind. He didn't mind the workouts; in fact, they had helped him feel sharper both mentally and physically. The cardio sessions were tiring, but they helped him handle the G-forces in the car better. Still, the system's voice was a constant reminder that this wasn't going to be easy.
System: "You've made progress, Henry. But don't get complacent. I've been keeping track. Your stats are improving, but so are the others. They'll catch up, and the competition will intensify. You need to step up your game."
Henry exhaled sharply, the weight of those words settling on his shoulders. "I know, I know." He muttered to himself, feeling the pressure build.
"Don't let your guard down. I've seen how you handle yourself under pressure. Let's see if you can keep it up when it counts," the system added, its tone now tinged with a hint of encouragement, though still strict.
System Update:
• Endurance: +10
• Reflexes: +8
• Focus: +12
• Synchronization Skill: +2% Handling Bonus.
• New Attribute Gained: Mental Resilience (Level 1) – Ability to stay focused under pressure.
"Mental resilience? That's new." Henry mused.
System: "Mental resilience is crucial in high-stakes races. It helps you maintain focus and make split-second decisions. It will become more important as you advance, especially in tight races. Every driver has their limits. You just need to figure out yours."
Henry nodded. He had learned that lesson the hard way. In the last race, he'd nearly lost it during the final laps, but he'd kept his head, relying on his instincts and, to some extent, the system's help. Still, the next race could be far more brutal.
Later that evening, Henry was back in the dorm room, staring at the ceiling. His mind kept racing. The upcoming race would be a selection race, a chance to prove his worth again. He couldn't afford to slip.
His phone buzzed. It was a message from his sister, Sophie.
Sophie: "Hey, big bro, how's the academy going? Did you win??"
Henry couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth in his chest. Sophie always managed to lighten his mood, even when everything else felt like it was pressing down on him.
Henry: "I made the top 10, Soph. But the real test is coming up. There's another race this week. I have to keep improving, stay in the top 10, or they'll cut me. But thanks for checking in."
He could already feel the tension building in his shoulders as the weight of the next selection race loomed over him. He could feel his father's disappointment, even though his father had said nothing. It was in his eyes whenever Henry spoke about his racing career, his father had once been a promising driver, until an injury forced him to quit. The regret in his father's voice when they talked about racing… it was something Henry wanted to fix. He didn't just want to make it for himself. He needed to make it for his family.
System Update:
• Status: Task Complete.
• Daily Task 1: Gym Workout – Complete.
• Daily Task 2: Endurance Test – Complete.
• Daily Task 3: Review race footage – Complete.
• Punishment: None.
• New Task Added: "Mental Resilience Exercise – 20-minute focus drill."
Henry stood up from his bed, the pressure mounting on him again. His room was small, just a bed, a desk, and a closet. He walked over to the desk where his racing helmet sat, staring at it. The weight of it didn't just come from the physical object. It represented everything he had to do. Every sacrifice, every struggle, every task. This wasn't just a race; this was his shot at redemption.
System: "Time to get to work. The race is soon, and you've got to be ready. Start with the mental resilience exercise."
Henry sighed but sat down at his desk. The system had already set up a focus drill on his tablet. He activated it, and a series of images began flashing on the screen. Each one was designed to test his ability to focus under pressure. He knew the drill. The system had given him a similar exercise when he first arrived.
The first exercise was simple, his eyes had to track a small moving object across the screen while staying focused. It was harder than it seemed, especially with the noise of the other students in the dorms and the constant chatter that filled the academy. But Henry kept his breathing steady, his eyes locked onto the object, tuning out everything else. His hands rested on the desk, feeling the tension in his fingers as they flexed with each movement.
The system's voice interrupted him. "Remember, the key to mental resilience is not just focus, it's adaptability. Your brain needs to stay sharp in moments of high intensity. Push yourself."
Henry didn't need to be told twice. His focus became laser-sharp as he concentrated on the object, tracking it through the screen without letting his mind wander. The world outside faded away.
When the drill finished, the system's message flashed across the screen.
System Update:
• Mental Resilience: +5
• New Ability Unlocked: Focus Shift – Ability to adjust focus quickly in high-speed racing moments.
Feeling more prepared, Henry stood up from his desk, his mind buzzing. The next few days were going to be crucial, and the weight of it was heavier than ever. He needed to stay focused, to execute every move perfectly. No mistakes.
His phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from his dad.
Dad: "I know you're doing well out there, Henry. Just remember, it's not about the wins… it's about the drive. Don't give up, no matter what."
Henry paused, looking at the message. His father's words hit him harder than he expected. They were simple, but they carried so much weight. His father wasn't just talking about racing. He was talking about life.
The conversation ended abruptly, as always. Henry knew his father was still struggling with his injury, with the life that had been taken from him. But Henry didn't want that for himself. He didn't want to be someone who could have been great.
System: "Time's up, Henry. The next race is coming up. Are you ready?"
He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of everything on his shoulders. He was ready. He had to be.
System Update:
• Status: Daily tasks completed.
• New Task: "Race Preparation."
• Race Date: 3 days.
• Punishment: None.
• Current Goal: Top 10 finish.
The selection race was just around the corner.