After a brief moment of thought, fierce determination flared in Alex Sun's eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he answered the system in his mind decisively:
"I accept the challenge!"
The instant the words fell, the system fully unfolded the detailed task panel for "Demonstrate Strength in Monaco."
[Side Quest: Demonstrate Strength in Monaco]
Requirements:
Free Practice 1 (FP1): Lap time ≤ 1:22, no mistakes; unlock exclusive tuning;
Qualifying: Finish within the top 5 of the group;
Both Sprint Races: Finish within the top 8;
Feature Race: Finish within the top 10.
Rewards:
FP1 target met: Unlock Monaco-exclusive optimized setup concepts;
Cumulative completion of later stages: +6 free attribute points;
Full completion bonus: +3 Track Tactics, +3 Emergency Reaction, +10% Track Proficiency.
[Compensation Plan]
Compensation: Early unlock of the main quest reward "Guardian of the Machine" (reduces car consumption by 10%);
Unlock condition: Win any Sprint Race or the Feature Race at this round.
Seeing the generous rewards and the compensation plan, Alex Sun's resolve only grew stronger.
To secure the championship more reliably and unlock "Guardian of the Machine," he didn't hesitate for a second. He immediately issued a command to the system in his mind:
"Allocate all of the 10% Track Proficiency I previously saved from system rewards to the Circuit de Monaco!"
As the command was executed, Alex Sun instantly felt his understanding of the Monaco circuit sharpen and solidify. At the same time, the system notification sounded:
"Host has consumed 10% reserved Track Proficiency. Circuit de Monaco Track Proficiency level has broken through. Current level: F1–Master Tier, 10%."
It was worth noting that at the F2 level, Track Proficiency capped out at Elite tier. The higher Master and Legendary tiers could only be unlocked after advancing to F1, with their respective all-attribute bonuses set at 7% and 10%.
Alex Sun's thoughts stirred, and he immediately confirmed with the system:
"Bro, can the Master-tier all-attribute bonus really apply to attributes above 80?"
The system replied promptly:
"Yes, Host. Master-tier and higher Track Proficiency provides an all-attribute boost that applies across all attribute ranges, including those above 80. However, attributes above 80 are converted into effective bonuses according to specific rules.
After 80 points, every additional 5 points convert into 1 effective bonus point.
After 90 points, every additional 10 points convert into 1 effective bonus point.
It must be noted that Elite-tier Track Proficiency—the highest tier available at F2—can only apply its all-attribute bonus to attributes at or below 80, and provides no bonus beyond that threshold."
(This rule will not be reiterated later. If you ever notice a 10% all-attribute bonus resulting in only a one-point increase, this rule is the reason.)
That explanation also neatly resolved an earlier puzzle. Despite already having Elite-tier Track Proficiency with a 5% all-attribute boost, Alex Sun had remained stuck at his lap-time ceiling. The core reason was that the Elite-tier bonus couldn't cover attributes above 80, preventing a fully realized boost to his overall performance.
Now, by using his saved proficiency to break through the cap, he had not only unlocked a higher bonus percentage but, more importantly, achieved coverage across his entire attribute range. This was unquestionably a crucial boost on his road to the championship.
Feeling the surge in track awareness brought by the proficiency bonus, Alex Sun smoothly opened his status panel.
Launch Control: 55 (58, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Driving Technique: 82 (83, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Resource Management: 55 (58, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Track Tactics: 68 (72, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Physical Endurance: 70 (74, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Emergency Reaction: 50 (53, Circuit de Monaco F1–Master Tier 7% bonus)
Looking at the across-the-board increase in his attributes, Alex Sun felt a surge of exhilaration. The return on investment from that 10% Track Proficiency was simply insane.
Not only had it pushed him into F1 Master tier and dramatically boosted his strength, but with this level of capability, taking the F2 win at this round and unlocking "Guardian of the Machine" no longer felt difficult at all.
Alex Sun was resolute—this race, he would fight with everything he had for the championship.
He closed his notebook, stood up, and prepared to head back to the team, ready to throw himself fully into qualifying preparations.
Before he even exited the passage from the spectator area toward the pit lane, Alex Sun spotted a familiar figure—Leclerc, who had just stepped out of the Ferrari garage.
Alex Sun slowed his pace, walked up, and gently tapped Leclerc on the shoulder, speaking in a calm, reassuring tone:
"Charles, I saw what happened in FP1. That was really unfortunate.
But your understanding of this track is unmatched across the paddock. There's another practice session this afternoon—I hope you find the setup sweet spot then."
Hearing the voice, Leclerc slowly raised his head. When he saw it was Alex Sun, some of the dejection on his face eased.
He gave a bitter smile and shook his head, fatigue creeping into his voice.
"Thanks, Alex Sun. That's racing, isn't it? Fate always dumps a bucket of cold water on you right when you're most hopeful."
As a time traveler, Alex Sun clearly remembered that Leclerc would ultimately retire from this race due to mechanical failure. Not wanting his friend to repeat that outcome, he searched for a tactful way to offer a warning.
Alex Sun leaned closer to Leclerc's ear, glanced around, and lowered his voice.
"This is just my personal opinion, but I feel like your car's failure rate this season has been a bit high. You might want to keep a close eye on it."
After saying that, Alex Sun stepped back, gave Leclerc a light pat, and said with a grin:
"You know me, Charles. I'm your fan. I've already prepared a celebration speech for your next race win—don't let me down."
Leclerc fell silent for a moment before replying with a wry smile.
"Maybe there really is a home curse. I hope they can fix it soon. As for the win, I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
He took a deep breath, quickly setting aside his negative emotions, his gaze growing focused once more.
Instead, he leaned in half a step and reminded him seriously:
"Monaco doesn't allow for even the slightest luck. I remember you're planning to run qualifying directly with your simulator setup. Make sure you protect the gearbox and the tires—especially in this heat. Component stability can easily become an issue. My situation is right in front of you. Don't make the same mistake."
The two exchanged a few more words about pace management around the circuit, with Leclerc holding nothing back as he shared his insights on handling several tricky corners.
Alex Sun listened attentively, nodding from time to time. Leclerc's reminders further reinforced how critical component preservation and risk management would be.
After thanking him, Alex Sun didn't linger. He turned and quickened his steps back toward the Prema Racing garage, integrating everything he had just learned into his qualifying preparations—his fighting spirit burning brighter than ever.
...
(20 Chapters Ahead)
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