They returned to London as swiftly as they had left for Birmingham.
By the end of the week, it became evident to everyone in Trampos that their time in the city was nearing its conclusion, as the remainder of the midseason would unfold in Berlin.
Fortune favored Luca when Mr. Fisher, Mrs. Doyle, and Mr. Grant approved his request for an additional four-day stay in London, allowing him to attend his sister's graduation. He planned to take the first available public flight back to Berlin the morning after the ceremony.
While the rest of the team prepared for their imminent departure at week's end, Luca turned his attention to the regimen outlined by his System, zeroing in on activities designed to enhance his strength attribute.
[Strength is crucial for you, as it provides the physical power needed to endure the intense demands of an F1 car over long races.]
[Enhanced Strength ensures better control of the vehicle, supports sustained performance during high G-force conditions, and helps maintain optimal posture and stability under pressure.]
[Today's session will focus on Deadlifts, Squats and Overhead Press.]
[EXERCISE: DEADLIFTS]
[EQUIPMENT: BARBELL AND WEIGHT PLATES]
[Host is required to perform deadlifts with controlled, powerful movements, focusing on proper form to maximize strength gains and prevent injury.]
[This exercise will be done for 4 sets of 8-10 reps, with gradual weight increases to build overall body strength, targeting the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.]
Luca scrambled to the other side of the gym area to grab the barbell and weight plates, eager to begin his session. He hurried back to his mat, sliding the weight plates onto each side with good focus. Wrapping his fingers tightly around the bar, he adjusted his stance carefully, preparing for the task ahead.
With his feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, he took a deep breath, engaging his core as he lifted the barbell off the floor in one fluid motion. He paused when the barbell reached his hip level, because he could feel the strain ripple through his muscles before he lowered it with effective control. Lowering it slowly, Luca then repeated the motion, his mind locked on the System's recommendations for achieving optimal progress this session.
By the 4th and final set, Luca had added an extra 10kg weight plate to push himself further. He lifted with every ounce of strength he could summon, his muscles trembling under the strain. With a sharp exhale, he let the bar drop back onto the rack.
[Good job, host. Moving on to the next]
[EQUIPMENT: BARBELL AND SQUAT RACK]
[Host will position the barbell across the shoulders and perform squats, focusing on depth and controlled movements to maximize lower body strength and core stability.]
[This will be done for 4 sets of 12 reps, with short rests in between to maintain intensity and allow muscle recovery.]
Luca took a deep breath, hoisted the barbell onto his shoulders, and stepped back. He lowered into a squat, his legs straining as he pushed through each rep. With controlled power, he drove himself upward, exhaling sharply. There was no hesitation in his rhythm, his focus fixed on completing the set and pushing his strength to its limit.
At some point, Luca felt he couldn't continue, his muscles ached and his face had turned red. The tension in his quad and glutens intensified to almost an unbearable level, while his thighs burned with power.
With only two reps remaining, Luca made the tough call to gently lower the barbell, knowing a gym injury wasn't worth the gamble. He leaned forward, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath as his body trembled from the exertion.
[Squats uncompleted; 2 Repetitions to go]
[Proceed to the next?]
Panting heavily, Luca dropped to his knees, allowing himself a brief moment of recovery. After a gulp of air, he selected "Yes."
[Moving on to the next]
[EXERCISE: OVERHEAD PRESS]
[Host will position the barbell at shoulder height, then press it overhead in a controlled motion, focusing on full extension and core engagement to build upper body strength.]
[This will be done for 4 sets of 10 reps, with short rests in between to maintain intensity and allow muscle recovery.]
Oh my goodness, that's wild!
[Should System replace the activity?]
"No, don't worry," Luca replied, though part of him wished he'd said otherwise. With a deep breath, he grabbed the cold barbell once more, positioning it at shoulder height. He steadied himself, then pushed upward.
Surprisingly, as he pushed through the reps, it wasn't as difficult as he'd expected, though his muscles still strained with each movement. Midway through, that familiar chime of his System echoed, and a notification flashed in front of him.
That's great, Luca mused, still pressing on. He focused on his breathing, locking in on his form as every push sent a jolt through his shoulders and arms. After the final repetition, he slowly lowered the barbell, his sweat pores yielding as he was drenched in sweat.
"Don't break your back!" McCauley yelled as he strolled past the gym area.
[Good job, host. All activities assigned have been completed.]
Luca nodded in acknowledgment, grabbing a towel to wipe away the evidence of his hard work. He knew he was locked into daily sessions with his System until his return to Berlin, and this was just the beginning.
Luca took out his phone to answer messages, going straight to Isabella's chat to reply. He noticed Sara had sent him a few pictures of buildings, telling him to choose the kind he'd like for his home.
They weren't bad at all, all of them were good, wonderful infact in Luca's opinion. The first was a modern, sleek glass building with clean lines and a minimalistic design, set against a city skyline. The second was a more classic style, with stone facades and elegant arches, giving off a timeless, almost regal feel.
Luca checked the price tags that were attached, and his mouth fell open. $6 million dollars?! $4.2 million dollars?! What is she thinking?!
He quickly wiped the shock off his face and typed a message to Sara, explaining there was no way he could afford such expensive houses—not even close. While he wasn't sure about his bank balance, he knew the numbers would never add up to buying or maintaining a property at that price.
Hearing laughter and loud voices coming from the common area, Luca shut off his phone and wiped his face. Ignoring the strain in his muscles, he pushed himself to his feet and sprinted out of the gym, eager to join the team and catch up on whatever fun they were having.