My Formula 1 System

[SYSTEM ONLINE...]

[Host should begin his Daily Routine]

Luca finished his Daily Routine in the facility's gym as quick as ever, his body adapting to the strain he put it through every day, and he found pleasure going over the same set of exercises. His System told him that, however, once he levels up to the Intermediate Bundle, his Daily Routine would change.

The silence was unbearable in the facility, even as Luca made his way to the simulation room to practice in a virtual cockpit, since there was no race to be held. He had already eaten breakfast, taken a shower, and now found himself walking toward the simulation room.

Two of the selectable seven were there, fully engrossed in their simulations and unaware of his presence. A staff member nearby helped Luca set up a cockpit for his session.

Luca simulated for a while, determined to keep his senses sharp and maintain his awareness of the motor and track dynamics. After an hour of simulation, he emerged sixth twice and fourth in his third race. He figured that was enough mental training for the day and decided to head back to his quarters to wait for Mallow, his agent, to take him and Harry to meet with the scouts.

As he left the simulation room, Luca rubbed his tired eyes while walking down the hallway. Distracted, he almost bumped into someone, cursing himself under his breath. Still rubbing his eyes, Luca glanced and immediately recognized the person standing before him. He groaned internally, filled with disdain, but mumbled an apology and tried to walk away.

"You really thought you'd win, Luca?" the girl sneered, brushing herself off as if he'd somehow contaminated her when he didn't even make contact. "Why the sour face? You should be grateful you even completed the race."

The girl was Hanna—someone Luca knew all too well. In fact, she had been his first and only girlfriend during school. The relationship had ended the moment he discovered her cheating on him with none other than the wealthy and "magnificent" Miles Bellingham. Luca still couldn't understand why some girls felt the need to juggle two or more boys, exploiting them for different privileges. In Hanna's case, she admittedly said it was simply about having fun, keeping her affair with Miles hidden from Luca for as long as she could.

"Miles is gonna be the face of Grey-Husson's, and he'll get an endorsement instantly. As usual, his signing is guaranteed into a junior F1 team in F2," Hanna continued with a smirk. "Well, you... you made the seven at least."

Luca shrugged, resisting the urge to rub his irritated eyes. His anger about the situation had long faded, replaced with indifference. All he felt toward Hanna now was a void. "I didn't just make the seven. If you say it right, I... actually made a podium," he muttered, turning and walking away before she could finish her gloating.

He heard her muttering something under her breath as he twisted the doorknob to his room and entered. Inside, Mallow was casually chatting with Harry, and both of them looked up when Luca walked in. A broad smile stretched across Mallow's face.

"Alright, boys. Let's get on with this, shall we?" Mallow said enthusiastically.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mallow led Harry and Luca out of their room and down the hallway. They exited through the back door of the main building, entering a part of the facility Luca had never been to before.

The trio walked along a concrete path bordered by ornamental plants that gleamed under the soft morning sun. They approached an open door to the side of another building, where Luca noticed a familiar figure standing on the steps. The man's stubbled beard and fierce, cold gaze behind his glasses were unmistakable.

As they neared, Luca's voice dropped with suspicion and irritation. "What is he doing here?"

"Luca, don't speak to Mr. Vance like that," Mallow cautioned, giving Vance a respectful nod. "He flew in last night after hearing you made the top three."

Obviously. Luca's eyes locked on Vance, a deep-seated hatred simmering within him. Now that you've seen my potential, you come to take credit? "I thought you said you alone were my agent?" Luca questioned Mallow, his gaze fixed on Vance's sneer. "So why is this tyrant here? How's your tongue? What happened to licking the hot asphalt than letting me—"

"Shut up, punk," Vance cut in with a disdainful look. "You talk too much, and if you keep it up, I'll cancel every ounce of progress you've made. You're here because I allowed it. Until you sign a contract with a team, you, Harry, and even Mallow are under my control," he growled, his eyes narrowing. "Now get in here, you little shit, and let me see how much I can make from you."

Luca's heart pounded with rage. His fists clenched tightly, and his instinct was to lash out, but he thought better of it. Mallow gave him a reassuring nudge, and with a deep breath, Luca shoved past Vance and entered inside.

The interior of the room had a slightly formal air, with rows of desks symmetrically arranged, giving the space an orderly feel. Luca noticed a few men, whom he quickly identified as scouts, sitting at the far end, across from another desk that seemed to be reserved for them. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the polished tiles beneath his feet, casting a soft, warm glow that provided a faint sense of comfort as he sat down at their desk.

Luca had walked in expecting to sign contracts, but instead, the hours seemed filled with endless discussions between Mr. Vance and the scouts. Through snippets of conversation, Luca gathered that the teams interested in him and Harry were QR Racing, Ultra Pix, OLAC, and Trampos Racing. Though he had harbored a passion for motorsports for a good part of his life, these names didn't stir any recognition in him, and it left him feeling somewhat unanchored. He later found out they were F2 teams searching for good racers for better competition this coming season.

As the minutes dragged on, Luca grew frustrated for not participating in the discussions that would lead to his potentially first team. He leaned over to Mallow, lowering his voice, "Sir, shouldn't I be the one choosing the team myself... right?"

Mallow shook his head slowly. "Mr. Vance will select the team that benefits him first. You'll only make the final choice when it's in his interest for you to do so. That's how it's always been."

Luca scoffed. Of course. And his final choice will be money, won't it? What if the team with the bigger money don't see my potential and just toss me to the side? Luca didn't like the sound of a team being selected for him, but he had to accept for he was the aspirer here.

After what felt like an eternity of negotiations, it seemed that Mr. Vance had finally reached a conclusion. His face brightened with a satisfied smile as he approached Luca and Harry, placing two hefty documents on the desk in front of them. "Read the details carefully," he instructed, tapping the papers lightly.

TEAM: TRAMPOS RACING

Duration of Contract: 2 years, with the option for a 1-year extension based on performance.

Salary: €50,000 ($53,500) with Performance Bonuses

Termination Clause: The contract will be terminated if your client fails to secure a top 5 finish within his first three races.

Luca couldn't believe his eyes. $53,500 salary?! That is huge... isn't it? He questioned himself, glancing back at the figure on the contract. It is a lot, right? But then his eyes caught the termination clause, and his excitement faltered. Top 5 within his first three races? That was a steep expectation, and Luca wasn't sure he could meet it.

He looked up at Mr. Vance, contemplating asking for a different offer, maybe something less demanding. But it was clear from Vance's expression that this was the deal on the table, no room for negotiation. Reluctantly, Luca realized he had no other option but to accept the offer to drive and race for Trampos Racing.

With a resigned nod, he signaled his acceptance to the Trampos Racing scout, acknowledging that this would be his team. He shot a glance at Harry, who was handed an OLAC proposal and had already accepted it. Luca had hoped they'd end up on the same team, but fate had placed them on different paths.

Mr. Vance and the scouts from OLAC and Trampos Racing shook hands, motioning for Harry and Luca to do the same. Luca stood up, gripping the outstretched hand firmly, trying to maintain a confident smile despite his lingering thoughts.

"Wonderful boy you are," one of the scouts said with enthusiasm. "We'll see you in Germany, then."

Luca smiled instinctively and responded, "Of course, sir," as he released the handshake.

Once they stepped outside, Mr. Vance led them to the door for the next group of agents and their clients to enter. As soon as they were out, he slapped Luca hard on the back, startling him.

"I'm done with you, you little scalawag," Vance hissed, his tone half-teasing, half-serious. However, Luca termed it serious. "Try not to crash on the track one day, heh? I'll try my best to watch your feeder races."

Luca wore a deep frown as he watched Mr. Vance walk away down the path. Once the man had disappeared from view, he turned to Mallow, recalling the scout's earlier comment. "Trampos Racing isn't in the UK?" he asked.

Mr. Mallow smiled amusingly as if he did not expect such a question. He tucked his hands into his pockets and began walking down the path. "Of course it isn't. We're headed to Germany, kiddo. That'll be your home now—and mine as well."