C Is For Champion, Right?

Four days after the German Grand Prix, Luca was approached with a personal sponsorship offer from Fijee, an energy drink company that generally sponsored Trampos Racing. Luca's teammates, Ansel and Haas, were already affiliated with the beverage company, so getting in touch with Luca was not difficult. He was about to secure his first official sponsorship, though Mr. Fisher kept his word and paid him a whopping sum of $5,000 just the day after the race.

Even with all the euphoria, the short press interviews, and the shower of love from the entire Trampos Racing crew, Luca still made time to keep up with his System's Routine and Quests, missing not a single step.

He couldn't believe he was slowly going from grass to grace and was now able to provide for himself and his family. Just the other day, he had spoken to his mother and sister—on a video call, in fact. It had been a long, unending conversation, and Luca was glad to hear the happiness in their voices, though he could tell the slight hint of concern.

Luca's first order to his mother was that they leave their apartment and move to a more suitable place. He also made it clear that provisions for Sophia's college should be made early enough. He was determined to ensure she would have all the educational opportunities he could never have again. Overall, he promised she and their mother would have a better life—a life far better than what they once had.

Luca adjusted the knot of his tie for the hundredth time while staring at himself in the exquisite mirror. He was dressed in an all-black suit with a black tie that made him look like a mob character. He was in a hotel room in Mitte, Berlin, waiting for his agent, Mr. Mallow, to return. Mallow was setting up the meeting place with the representatives of Fijee in the hotel's grand dining hall.

Luca felt uneasy as he adjusted his tie again, his eyes flickering to the time on his phone. It read 7:15 pm, Thursday of the second week of March. The German Grand Prix was over, and Australia was next. By the following week, Luca would find himself on a plane, crossing the face of the globe once again.

He shrugged at the thought, finally lowering his hands and staring at his reflection. What the heck? he thought, leaning closer to the mirror to inspect his face. Puberty had found Luca's address late, and he was more than surprised to see that his moustache was now evident. To be sure, he fumbled around the table for a hand-sized mirror and brought it to his face. Marvellous!

Luca gave himself one last glance before calling out to Sara, who was seated on a chair next to the master bed, her legs crossed as she focused on her phone. "When is Mr. Mallow coming?" Luca asked. "It's been almost an hour."

"Relax, Luca," Sara responded, looking up from her phone. "Occasions like this usually take time. I know you want to make it to the get-together party. Me, I just wanna sleep," she said with a yawn. "Assessing and drafting your new bank records is tiring, and my brain is stressed."

"Oh, sorry," Luca muttered, turning back toward the mirror. Sara was right. He was looking forward to the F2 drivers' get-together event tonight. It was a one-night occasion organized by the Federation at the start of the season so the drivers could meet with their spouses, get to know each other, and build sportsmanship early on.

Ansel said he'd be there, and Luca couldn't wait to meet the other drivers from the F2 teams. OLAC's team would attend as well, which meant Luca could finally see Harry again. He felt bad for Harry, knowing the team hadn't assigned him as a periodic driver. Instead, Harry had been placed as one of the few reserves.

"System display," Luca said softly, staring at his reflection.

[SYSTEM ONLINE...]

[ANALYSING DATA AND ATTRIBUTES...]

[Welcome.]

"Thank you," he replied as the interface obscured his view of the mirror. He navigated to his [STATUS] and selected it. Luca wanted to review the progress he had made, especially with the week coming to an end.

[Hosts status generating....

[..... Generation completed]

[Personal Information:

Name: Luca Rennick

Age: 18

Nationality: Italian ]

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[Physical Information:

Weight: 71kg / 154 lbs

Height: 6'1"

Body Fat Percentage: 10%

Muscle Mass: 32%

Strength: 14

Stamina: 15

Endurance: 17

Agility: 13

Intelligence: 14 ]

--------------------------------------

[Personal Stats:

Nickname: None

Status: 2 year contract

Salary: $53,000

Team: Trampos Racing

Race Win: 0

Podium Finishes: 1

Pole Positions: 0]

------------------------------------------

[Skills & Techniques: Total Grade - C

Reflexes: 17

Overtaking Skill: 19

Track Awareness: 13

Pitstop Prodigy: 3

Others (Locked) ]

Luca smirked, satisfied and glad that his Grading had climbed to C. He had achieved his first Podium Finish, and his Personal Stats were beginning to take shape. Although his Race Wins still stood at zero, Luca felt like a winner after the recent race. However, the blinking Mission to win his first official race was a stern reminder that there was still more to achieve.

The hotel room door swung open, and Mr. Mallow stepped inside, dressed in a black tracksuit with matching black trainers. It seemed as though their color theme was black because Sara, seated next to the bed, looked like a mourning widow.

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Luca's sponsorship offer was relatively identical to his Trampos Racing contract in terms of Annual Salary and duration. He was offered $53,000 for the first year, with the possibility of an increase if he performed exceptionally well throughout the season, just as he had in the last race. Bonuses were awarded for podium finishes and race wins—$5,250 and $10,500 respectively. An additional $21,000 bonus awaited if he placed in the top five of the overall F2 championship standings.

Fijee also agreed to cover 50% of his travel and accommodation expenses. In addition, he would receive a generous supply of their energy drinks.

In return, Luca and Trampos Racing were expected to brandish Fijee's logo on more spots across Luca's helmet, car, and race suit. He would also be required to participate in their campaigns and events during his free time.

Luca could hardly believe it as he and Mallow shook hands with Fijee's management.

Back in their hotel room, they packed their small bags, ready to leave. Luca's mind buzzed with excitement and joy that he struggled to contain. He glanced at Sara with a mischievous grin.

"Could you do me a favor?" he asked.

"My jolly. You're making me a rich woman, and I won't accept?" Sara replied.

Luca chuckled, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as they made their way down the stairs. "Could you be my spouse for tonight's event?" he asked with a playful bow.