My Formula 1 System

[Good job, host. You can now proceed to the next phase of your daily routine.]

Luca offered a positive response before settling comfortably on a bench, taking a moment to relax his muscles. He was fortunate to have the gym entirely to himself throughout his session; no one had even tried knocking on the locked glass doors. Beyond the gym, he could still make out the faint silhouettes of figures moving about, attending to their duties.

Taking a sip of refreshing chilled water, Luca felt revitalized. He then decided to tidy up his workout area, ensuring everything was left as it should be. Once satisfied, he gave a simple command: "System, display attributes, including Skills."

[Host status generating...]

[... Generation completed]

[Strength: 19

Stamina: 25

Endurance: 22

Agility: 21

Intelligence: 18 ]

[Skills & Techniques: Total Grade - B

Pitstop Prodigy: 7

Corner Chopping: 6

Straightaway Chopping:3

Spatial Awareness : 4

Night Mastery: 2

Grid Launch: 3

Slipstream Mastery: 3

Others (Completed)

Others (Locked) ]

"Display completed skills."

[Certainly, host.]Nôv(el)B\\jnn

[... listing resumed]

[Reflexes: 20 (+1)

Overtaking Skill: 20 (+5)

Track Awareness: 20 ]

"That's cool," Luca said. "Still not enough to grade me A. Hmm. A must be tough, then."

[System's analysis indicates that host is nearing a significant milestone, with Skills approaching Grade A. Based on the growth chart, host's progression is optimized for a swift transition to the next level. However, System will terminate calculations and leveling assistance once host attains the S Grade.]

"Oouuh. S Grade? I like the sound of that," Luca whispered as he stepped into his room. He closed the door behind him, tossing his gym towel onto a chair and slipping off his sneakers with practiced ease. Stretching his arms overhead, a soft groan escaped him as he loosened his muscles. He grabbed a fresh bottle of water from the small fridge by his bedside, taking a deep sip before sinking into the bed. Reaching for his Catapult watch, he checked his progress logs, replaying the System's words in his mind.

"No SS or SSS, just S?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow at the digital interface.

[Yes, host. The threshold is S Grade]

"Alright," Luca said, sitting up right. "Hide Display."

The System promptly disappeared, leaving the room eerily quiet. The sudden stillness caught Luca off guard, and he found himself momentarily lost, listening to the faint hum of activity beyond his room—crew members exchanging muffled words and wardens tending to their tasks. His phone rang abruptly, startling him.

He grabbed it from the nightstand. It was Sara on the line, informing him that she had just entered the Kőszéli District and would arrive at the training center within minutes. Her words jolted Luca back to reality.

Shoot, Luca thought. He'd completely forgotten about today's commitment. His schedule was packed, and the day held something entirely outside the realm of single-seaters and racing circuits. As an ambassador for Fijee, the energy drink brand also sponsoring Trampos, he was obligated to attend a promotional event there in Budapest.

The event—as he was informed—was likely going to be more than a convention, an orchestrated marketing spectacle where Fijee would showcase its products to the public. Luca couldn't understand why the management insisted so strongly on his attendance, even after Sara tried to negotiate a compromise on his behalf. It's not like he was much of a star yet. Either way, it was stated in his contract and he had to oblige.

Realizing he only had a few minutes to prepare, Luca moved quickly. He ducked into the bathroom for a rapid shower and emerged fifteen minutes later, his mind preoccupied with what to wear.

Luca realized he didn't have any of his Fijee branded polo shirts with him. He figured it might make the outing much easier with a plain casual, but fitting attire. He sighed and went with a gray blazer of his and dark jeans.

Grabbing his phone, he stepped out of his room just as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the windows. The corridor was calm, sparsely populated with Trampos crew members beginning their routines. Luca nodded greetings to those he passed, his stride steady as he headed toward the canteen. He needed something quick to eat before Sara arrived.

There, Luca indulged in a hearty breakfast, savoring the meal to kickstart his day on a positive note. Halfway through his meal, however, his phone buzzed. It was Sara, calling to inform him that she was waiting outside the gates. Apparently, she had no intention of dealing with the hassle of the training center's stringent security protocols. Luca hurried through the rest of his meal and left quickly. On his way out, he managed to greet most of the crew, though some, like Ansel, opted to stay indoors. He couldn't help but wonder why the team hadn't simply booked a full hotel for everyone—it would've been far more convenient.

Exiting the Vasliget Training Center was as needlessly stern as entering it, but Luca managed to get through without much trouble. Outside, he spotted a lone vehicle in the quiet area and made his way toward it. Without hesitation, he opened the passenger door and slid into the front seat, glancing at Sara, who looked like she hadn't gotten enough sleep.

"New ride, huh? It's nice," Luca remarked, letting his eyes roam appreciatively over the Ford. It had an understated sophistication, perfectly balanced between an SUV and a crossover.

Sara yawned, waving a dismissive hand. "Company car. Nothing special."

Luca nodded and leaned back in his seat. "So, where's the event being held?"

Straightening in her seat, Sara sharpened her focus. "It's at the BDC Center. They're hosting a brand showcase, so be ready to make an impression... I think."

Before Luca could respond, Sara revved the alive car, shifted into gear and navigated the car onto the quiet morning road.

It didn't take long before they were weaving through the main streets and roads of Budapest, heading toward the BDC Center. They arrived a few minutes past nine, moving steadily in a queue of cars leading to the grand venue. Luca could see many people bustling around the entrance, some carrying banners or promotional material.

The air was alive with the sound of chatter and vibe as event staff guided vehicles and attendees. Near the entrance, clusters of media personnel with cameras and microphones were stationed, ready to capture the day's highlights. Business representatives, influencers, and fans sporting Fijee merchandise added to the vibrant scene.

"Are you with your ID?" Sara asked abruptly, the Ford cruising smoothly down the path.

"ID?"

"Yes, your ID as a Trampos driver," Sara clarified, giving him a sharp glance. "You aren't with it...?"

"You didn't mention–"

"Are you freaking kidding me?! How are we gonna get in?!"

Before Luca could respond, a heavy hand landed on the car's roof, causing a slight jolt. A stern-looking security officer peered through the window.

"Good day, ma'am. You're heading into an official area. May I ask your purpose here?" the officer asked with a Scandinavian accent.

Sara offered the most polite smile she could muster. "Good day. We're here for the event. He's one of the brand ambassadors," she said, leaning back slightly to give the security officer a clear view of Luca.

"Do you have identification, sir?" the officer asked, his gaze shifting to Luca.

Luca shook his head. "No, I don't."

"He's an F2 driver. Trampos Racing," Sara interjected quickly. "He won the last–"

The officer's expression shifted as recognition dawned. "Oh! Luca Rennick?"

Luca nodded. "Yes."

The security officer's demeanor warmed instantly. As a new and enthusiastic fan of F1 and F2, he quickly recalled seeing Luca prominently displaying the Fijee logo during races. It seemed credible enough to him.

"Wonderful race on Saturday, mate," the officer said with a grin. "I'm still torn between Trampos and Velocità, but I'm leaning toward full Trampos support by the next GP."

Luca could only smile. He thought of a response, but his sealed lips betrayed him.

The officer gestured toward the far-right lane. "Proceed through Gate 3 and follow the signs to Visitor Parking. Enjoy the event!"

"Thanks," Sara said, giving a quick wave as she eased the car forward. As they passed through the gates, she muttered, "Plus one thousand popularity points for you. But if you forget your ID again, you'll have even cringier encounters. Believe me."