By late morning, around 10 a.m., the team disembarked from their plane after touching down in Budapest. Unlike previous trips, they now carried more team members per flight and had even started considering dual passenger flights to accommodate their growing numbers. Sitting at the top of the standings, life was considerably easier for Mr. Fisher's Trampos Racing. They had managed to retain many of their sponsors who had once threatened to leave, thanks to their strong performance and a promising young driver securing valuable benefits.
Luca noticed that Jackson Racing had arrived at roughly the same time, landing at the same airport. He had a clear view of their crew and drivers, not by chance, but because airport officials prioritized honoring the prestigious F1 team over the thriving F2 team, despite Trampos Racing having landed first.
Luca caught sight of Marcellus Rodnick and his young teammate, Buoso Di Rienzo. Both walked with confidence, squinting under the bright sun and waving to the small crowd of fans who had gathered to greet them.
Luca couldn't help but wonder if Di Rienzo was stepping into Rodnick's shoes, just as Rodnick had once done for Marco Rossi. As reigning F1 champions, Jackson Racing had plenty to uphold and defend.
Once Jackson Racing had departed in their seven buses and a massive truck—each vehicle gleaming in silvery black and blue—the airport officials finally turned their attention to Trampos Racing.
An hour later, Trampos Racing left the airfield, their passenger bus rolling into the heart of the city. The bus diverted briefly for a short sightseeing tour of Budapest, showcasing its beauty. Much like in Baku, Azerbaijan, Budapest seemed to embrace the motorsport spirit with fervor, as preparations for weekend festivals were already in full swing.
"Wow," Luca whispered to himself, his eyes fixed on a striking monument as the bus cruised by. On Gellért Hill stood the Liberty Statue, as their hired tour guide had described. The eye-catching bronze statue, perched on a pedestal, depicted a woman holding a palm leaf aloft. According to their guide, it symbolized freedom and triumph—a powerful reminder of the nation's rich and complex history. To Luca, it looked strikingly similar to the greenish-blue woman featured at the start of every American movie he'd been watching lately.
"Damn! I wish I had a camera," Luca muttered, pulling out his phone as a substitute. He thought that with a proper camera, he could capture these moments more perfectly.
"Ah, drop it off, mate," said McCauley, seated beside him. "You're a driver. You know you'll travel so often that these sights won't mean a thing after a while, right?"
"I guess so," Luca replied, lowering his phone. His eyes instinctively darted to Ansel, who was intently observing the cityscape that seemed to echo the grandeur of ancient Rome. The empty seat beside Ansel left Luca slightly puzzled, making him wonder why they hadn't sat together on the bus.
His phone buzzed once in his palm, drawing his attention.
Turning on the screen, he navigated to his messages. A notification from Sara stood out, reminding him of an important commitment scheduled after the results of the British Grand Prix.
It was an upcoming headtable interview organized by the Federation for F2, set to take place before the Hungarian Grand Prix. The event would feature the top five finishers from the British Grand Prix alongside Sean Aaronson, who had suffered a DNF. Steve Cole was listed as the host, and the session was designed to cover questions about their reflections on the British Grand Prix and their outlook on the upcoming race.
The thought of sitting at the same table with his rising rivals unsettled Luca. As he mentally ran through the top five from the last race, he realized the lineup would include his teammate Ansel, Max Addams, Dani Walding, and Miles. Sean, as the sixth participant, would round out the group.
Luca quickly texted Sara back, confirming he was aware of the event and would be there at the Halasz Pavilion, a venue styled with traditional Hungarian architecture, by late afternoon when the session was scheduled to begin.
[Daily Quest has been issued!]
No problemo. Just don't place it at the time I'll be there.
[-·-COMPLETE A LONG-DISTANCE RUN ALONG THE DANUBE EMBANKMENT-·-]
[OBJECTIVE: Jog a total distance of 10 km, focusing on controlled breathing and maintaining pace.]
[DURATION: COMPLETE BEFORE 2:30 PM]
[This quest will improve your cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and overall stamina, essential for optimal performance.]
Luca sighed. After just arriving, now he'd have to jog under the warm, near-summer sun along a course in the city that was overly crowded and populated.
[Reward for Completing Tuesday Daily Quest: (EXP)
[Consequence for Failing Tuesday Daily Quest: (EXP)
Consequence for Failing Tuesday Daily Quest: Punishment
Luca chuckled inwardly. He noticed what the System was trying to do, which was to push him into not thinking about dropping the Daily Quest.
At Rewards, he had one which was an increase in his Strength attribute. Bear in mind, Luca had been looking forward to leveling both Strength and Intelligence to 20 so he could unlock a new Skill. At 17 value now, an extra +1 would take Strength one step closer.
Then at Consequences, there was a possible deduct of his Agility attribute. And Agility being at 20, a deduct would get it back to 19 which was an extra climb to get all Attributes to 20 or more. To add it up, Nightblindness was just an extra measure.
Luca lifted his eyes to the road ahead, realizing that the team was approaching a tunnel. The dim entrance loomed, shadowed by the arch of stone that framed it. Beyond the tunnel, he knew it would open up to a majestic six-way turn that bordered the iconic Liberty Bridge, with its iron trusses rising with this kind of old-world elegance. The path they traveled now was remote, weaving through a secluded landscape with a road that felt slightly rocky under the tires, yet provided a rhythm that was oddly satisfying to his butt.
Luca squinted into the distance, unable to make out where they were headed, but the driver and their hired guide had mentioned that this area was called Kőszéli District, a lesser-known part in Budapest that offered both seclusion and charm. Slowly, a stone building emerged from the hazy horizon with an aged but dignified facade. Bold letters spelled out Vasliget Training Center above the entrance, carved with dignity into the weathered stone. Within moments, the bus pulled to a halt at the front gate for the routine security check.
A slight misunderstanding broke out as the facility's security personnel, the federation's representatives, and the Trampos Racing staff exchanged clipped words. It turned out Mr. Grant's convoy, along with their equipment truck and essential support vehicles, hadn't yet arrived. This bus only carried the drivers and a few team members.
Restless from the long journey, the team spilled out into the open, stretching their legs and basking in the quiet that enveloped the area as the towering, reinforced gate loomed over them. The members moved around, chatting among themselves while taking in their new surroundings. Luca occasionally glanced at his watch, mentally noting the time and keeping his Daily Quest deadline in mind.
Luca found the outside so quiet and peaceful, making him wonder how serene the premises inside was.
At last, around 1 PM, the rumble of engines signaled the arrival of the main convoy. A truck lumbered into view, followed by smaller support vehicles. Once the checks were completed, the gate creaked open, revealing the facility that would serve as their base for the next five days.
Inside, the Vasliget Training Center was a nice blend of old-world architecture and modern design. There were surprisingly cobblestone paths that helped them weave through the gardens toward the steel-framed buildings. The air there smelt fresh, natural and earthy. Perhaps, it was the presence of the tall oaks and well-trimmed greenery.
The team wasted no time settling in. While drills were scheduled, they were meant only for Haas and Victor, as Ms. Vallotton and Mr. Grant kept Luca and Ansel's upcoming interview in mind.
Nice track, Luca thought, peering out the window at the facility's layout while changing into a hoodie tracksuit. He recalled overhearing one of the wardens mention that the track stretched 2.5 km—an impressive length for a training center.
With approval granted, Luca hopped onto an outgoing bus that was heading to pick up supplies. He requested to be dropped off at the start of the Danube Embankment, which stretched alongside the famed river and offered panoramic views of Budapest. A few minutes later, the bus stopped at the lively area bustling with locals and tourists alike. Music already humming through his earpiece, Luca stepped out.
He took in the blend of people from all walks of life before setting his eyes on the scenic path ahead. System? How long is this thing?
[The Danube Embankment extends approximately 15 kilometers within the Budapest section.]
That's one rep? You said 10km
Alright, Luca exhaled sharply and took his first stride. Within moments, he was running through one of Budapest's most iconic sights. The path meandered along the river, past elegant bridges, and grand historical buildings, and each step immersing him in the city's essence as he perspired within seconds.
[Host is attempting Tuesday's Daily Quest]
[ANALYSING AND COLLECTING TRACKING DATA...]
[DATA DISPLAYED IN REAL-TIME:
-Stamina: 95% (Very Good)
-Breathing: Calm & Steady
-Distance covered: 10m