Around 2 p.m., Luca left home and took a cab to the team's facility. He felt restless staying at home and wanted to check in with the team to see how they were spending their break.
The atmosphere at the Trampos facility was lively. Some team members had ventured out to enjoy the city, with Victor and Haas among them. Others stayed back, taking advantage of the recreational activities offered on-site. To Luca's relief, he spotted Ansel in the courtyard, engaged in a spirited tennis match with McCauley.
The common area buzzed with energy as crew members, dressed in relaxed attire, shared stories and laughter. The backdrop of booming hip-hop music added to the cheerful mood. Luca, who considered himself a decent table tennis player, grabbed a paddle and joined the lineup, waiting for his turn to play. He spent the next few hours immersed in conversations, unwinding with the team until the sun began to set.
Before he could even offer, Ansel asked if he could have dinner at his home again, and this time, sleep over. Luca readily agreed, calling his mother to let her know to prepare food for four. They left the facility together, stepping out into the crisp evening air as the sky hinted at rain. They flagged down a cab to Clapham, the ride filled with conversation about Luca's new potential endorser, Mrs. Hawthorne. Ansel listened, wide-eyed. Though he lived in the Deutschland, he had heard of the powerful businesswoman's empire. To see Luca getting such attention was remarkable.
When they arrived, a light drizzle began to fall. Mrs. Rennick greeted them warmly, her face lighting up as she welcomed her son and his friend. She embraced them and took Ansel's duffel bag with a smile.
"Be careful with that, ma'am. There's something valuable in there," Ansel said.
"Don't worry, dear, I've got it," she replied, guiding them into the living room where Sophia was sitting cross-legged on the couch, half-watching the TV while scrolling on her phone. Luca was glad she was at home by this time and not somewhere unknown.
Luca waved her off, and she moved to the dining table without protest. A few minutes later, Mrs. Rennick returned, carrying a lighter but hearty dinner spread. Plates of grilled chicken, fresh garden salad, and warm rolls were laid out, complemented by a bowl of seasoned rice and a pitcher of lemonade.
When dinner was done, Ansel revealed why his bag was so precious.
"Wait. You brought the PlayStation?"
"Of course I did. Now connect it, it's your house this time," Ansel said with a grin.
Luca chuckled and quickly connected the console to the living room TV. Within moments, the room came alive with animated sounds and theme music.
After an hour of gaming, the post-dinner drowsiness set in. The combination of a full stomach and friendly competition left them both stifling yawns. Sensing this, Mrs. Rennick swiftly prepared the guest room for Ansel, ensuring he was comfortable. By 9 p.m., everyone retired for the night, the house settling into a peaceful silence.
The following morning, Luca's System chimed, signaling the start of a new day.
[Host should begin Daily Routine]
There was no stopping Luca this time. He was accustomed to this for three months now, and he wasn't sure he would feel confident before Mrs. Hawthorne and her lawyers if he didn't hit the gym and exercise like he did everyday. The gym had become more than a physical routine for him—it was a mental anchor. The rush of endorphins and the structured intensity of his workout infused him with a sense of control and readiness.
Just as Luca had planned, he and Ansel would be hitting the gym together in case Mr. Mallow decided to swoop in and prevent him from going. With Ansel, it'd be two to one and Mallow would be able to do nothing.
Smiling, Luca woke up Ansel and they got dressed, leaving the house unnoticed and back to the facility.
On arriving at the facility's gym, Luca shifted to a personal space, strapped a headband and awaited his System's new recommendation of Advanced Bundle daily exercise.
[... Successfully Retrieved]
[5:30 HYDRATION & MEDITATION: Host will get out of bed and stretch to loosen his muscles. Taking a full glass of water will kickstart your metabolism. Afterwards, you will sit quietly for a few moments. By breathing deeply, you will help release all forms of stress.]
[6:00 WORKOUT & GROOMING: Your daily workout includes Power Burpees, HIIT with Plyometric Push-Ups, Jump Squats, advanced core work (Hanging Leg Raises, Oblique V-Ups), Bulgarian Split Squats, and weighted Lunges. Flexibility training features full yoga sequences and deep stretches. Afterward, you'll take a shower to refresh yourself.]
[7:00 BREAKFAST & NUTRITION: A nutritious meal and more water to stay hydrated.]
"This is close to Intermediate Bundle's," Luca noted, getting ready to begin.
In a jiffy he began the string of exercises that he would maintain until he levels up to Professional Bundle. Luca wondered what that had in store for him.
Rising from the burpees, Luca transitioned seamlessly into HIIT with plyometric push-ups, exploding his muscles. Without pausing, he dropped to the floor again, now into planks, holding steady as his core trembled before shifting into Russian twists. The intensity heightened with jump squats and Bulgarian split squats, his muscles burning with effort. He gave himself two minutes of rest before he powered through lunges, focusing on form and balance. Finally, he eased into yoga poses, stretching deeply to relax tension.
[Would host like to focus on Attributes?]
Luca drank half a bottle of water. "I've forgotten the values. Let me see them again," he said.
[... Generations completed.]
"You had said something about a new skill when taking all to 20?" Luca asked.
[Yes, host. Host unlocks a new skill when all Attributes reach 20, 30, 40 and 50 marks]
Luca hummed to himself, his eyes settling on Strength and Intelligence, honing 16 and 18 respectively. He wondered why Intelligence hadn't reached 20 up till now, when it had the highest value when he began. "System, can you calculate their rate of progress?"
[Strength— 1.16% progress per session/race
Stamina— 1.91% progress per session/race
Endurance— 1.41% progress per session/race
Agility— 1.5% progress per session/race
Intelligence— 1.08% progress per session/race ]
So, it's obvious I grow Strength and Intelligence less, Luca thought as the yes and no query popped up again. What are the activities you'd likely assign for Intelligence? That quiz again?!
[There are several host, System would collect data needed according to requirement]
[Cognitive Speed Training is highly possible to be picked.]
What about Strength? Luca asked, realizing he had never picked to focus on that Attribute.
"You know what?" Luca said, interrupting the System's process. He had the rest of the day in mind, plus preparing to go to Birmingham with Mallow and Sara, he decided he'd have to do these activities later. "Just draft them out, and let me know later."
[System will notify host once training activities have been successfully generated.]
Luca left the gym area to go greet Ansel and the team. He left the facility some minutes later, literally dragging himself away from an intriguing discussion everyone had.
When he arrived home, breakfast was already waiting for him. After a quick shower, he sat down and enjoyed his mother's cooking. Between bites, he mentioned his upcoming trip to Birmingham that afternoon, explaining that he might be back in two or three days—Mallow had been vague about the timeline.
Mrs. Rennick tried to appear supportive and understanding, but Luca could tell she was unsettled. He expressed his gratitude for the meal and headed to his room to pack just a few essentials. At 1 p.m. sharp, Mallow and Sara showed up, clad in their usual all-black attire, now paired with coats.