Chapter 17: The Road to the Final Test
Henry wiped the sweat from his brow as he stood by his car. The crowd had finally begun to disperse, but the buzz of the race still hung heavy in the air. The victory had been his, and the exhilaration of crossing the finish line first still lingered in his chest.
"Congratulations, Henry Calder," the system's voice chimed, its tone a mix of pride and robotic flair. "For completing the hidden quest: 'Win a Selection Race,' you have been awarded 10 Attribute Points and a new skill: Race Setup Optimization."
Henry blinked in surprise.
"Hidden quest? You didn't tell me there were hidden quests."
"Some things are best left as surprises. You're welcome."
Shaking his head with a chuckle, Henry opened the system's interface.
Henry's Attributes (Post Race Update):
• Focus: 67 (+3)
• Control: 72 (+5)
• Adaptability: 64 (+4)
• Reaction: 74 (+5)
• Stamina: 60 (+3)
• Composure: 66 (+3)
• Car Setup Knowledge: 50 (+10)
Available Points: 10
System: "You've earned 10 additional points. Allocate them wisely."
Henry thought for a moment. "Boost 'Control' by 5 and 'Focus' by 5."
System: "Done. Here's your updated profile."
Updated Attributes:
• Focus: 72
• Control: 77
• Adaptability: 64
• Reaction: 74
• Stamina: 60
• Composure: 66
• Car Setup Knowledge: 50
With a satisfied nod, Henry glanced at the new skill, Race Setup Optimization.
System: "This skill allows you to instinctively determine the optimal car setup for any race condition. Use it wisely. The skill improves with repeated use."
"Not bad," Henry murmured.
"Not bad? It's revolutionary. Show some gratitude."
Henry smirked, appreciating the system's growing personality.
Before Henry could relish his victory further, the Academy Head, a stern man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence, stepped onto the podium near the track. His voice echoed through the speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I commend all of our drivers for their performances today," he began. "But as you know, this was merely a step on the path to becoming a Formula 1 driver. The final challenge awaits."
The remaining drivers, including Henry, turned their attention to the podium. Nathan, standing off to the side with a sour look, crossed his arms. Victor, his face set in a mask of determination, stared intently. Sophia and Santiago exchanged glances, their competitive spirits ignited.
"For the final test," the Academy Head continued, "you will drive real Formula 1 cars. Each of you will be assigned a car from one of the current teams, chosen at random. You will be required to adapt to your vehicle and customize it to your preferences. Your performance in these cars will determine the final rankings and, ultimately, your future."
The crowd murmured in surprise, and the drivers exchanged tense looks.
A massive digital wheel appeared on a nearby screen, its vibrant colors displaying the names of all the current F1 teams: Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, and more.
Henry's heart raced as he stared at the screen. "Random cars?" he muttered. "This could make or break everything."
"Focus, Henry," the system chimed. "No matter what car you get, you'll adapt."
The Academy Head stepped aside, and an official began the process.
"First up, Victor Lang."
Victor stepped forward confidently, his eyes fixed on the spinning wheel. The screen whirred, colors blending into a blur until it finally slowed and landed on Red Bull Racing.
Victor smirked. "Perfect."
The process continued:
• Sophia Martínez: Ferrari.
• Santiago López: McLaren.
• Nathan Harris: Mercedes.
• Liam Parker: Alpine.
When Henry's turn came, he stepped forward, the weight of the moment pressing on him.
"Henry Calder," the official announced, spinning the wheel.
The wheel spun faster than ever, the names flashing before Henry's eyes. Finally, it slowed, clicking into place on Sauber Racing.
The crowd murmured. Sauber was infamous for being the worst team in the F1 paddock. Their cars were underpowered, plagued by reliability issues, and notorious for poor performance.
Henry stared at the screen, a mix of disbelief and determination on his face.
"Could be worse," the system said after a beat.
"How?"
"Okay, maybe not."
As the rest of the drivers received their assignments, the mood shifted. Victor's smirk grew wider when he saw Henry's result. "Looks like you're out of luck, Reeves."
Nathan chuckled, leaning against a nearby wall. "Hope you enjoy being lapped."
Henry ignored them, keeping his focus on the task ahead.
Sophia approached him briefly, her expression cautious. "That car… it's going to be tough. But if anyone can make it work, it's you."
"Thanks," Henry said simply.
Santiago gave him a thumbs-up from a distance, though his face betrayed his relief at landing a McLaren.
The drivers were led to a sprawling garage where their assigned cars were waiting. Engineers from each team were present, ready to assist with setup changes.
Henry walked over to his Sauber, a car that looked sleek but lacked the raw power and finesse of the other teams' machines. He ran his hand over its surface, taking in the challenge before him.
"This is your chance, Henry," the system said. "You've got a new skill. Use it."
Henry closed his eyes briefly, activating Race Setup Optimization. A flood of information filled his mind: tire pressures, suspension stiffness, wing angles, and more. He worked with the Sauber engineers, making adjustments that would maximize the car's limited potential.
As the other drivers fine-tuned their machines, Henry remained focused. He could feel the eyes on him some curious, others skeptical but he tuned it all out.
By the time the session ended, the cars were ready. The drivers were told they'd have a few days to familiarize themselves with their vehicles before the final race.
Henry stood by his Sauber, his mind racing with strategies. He knew the odds were against him, but that only fueled his determination.
"Let them underestimate you," the system said. "We'll show them what you're capable of."
Henry smiled faintly, his resolve solidifying. The final test was looming, and he was ready to face it head-on.