Chapter 78: "The Climb Back"

The roar of the crowd was deafening as I crossed the line to start Lap 28. My focus was razor-sharp, each corner a precise calculation. Behind me, Luca had just peeled into the pits, and Laurent's voice buzzed over the radio.

"Luca's in. You've got a clear track. Push, but keep the tires under control. We need these laps to count."

I pressed the throttle harder, feeling the car respond as I tackled Sector 1. The system chimed in with its usual blend of insight and sass.

System Insight: "Current pace: optimal. Gaps to midfield runners will shrink after your pit stop. Proceed with maximum efficiency, Calder."

"Maximum efficiency? How about maximum speed?" I muttered under my breath, wrestling the car through Turn 3.

The midfield chaos erupted behind me as Ayumu Tanaka and Victor Leblanc dived into the pits. Their gamble for an undercut would shake up the order, but I had no time to think about them. Laurent's calm voice anchored me.

"Sector 2 is yours, Henry. No mistakes. Keep it clean."

Each lap was a balancing act, pushing hard enough to stay competitive but not so hard that I ruined my tires. The crowd noise filtered in through the comms, faint yet unmistakable. The Spanish fans were alive with energy, their chants blending into a wall of sound.

Commentator 1: "Henry Calder is still out on track, extending his first stint. ART is gambling on his ability to extract every ounce of performance from these tires."

Commentator 2: "It's risky. If the others make up ground after their stops, Calder could be in trouble."

On Lap 30, the call came through.

"Box this lap, Henry. Let's make it count."

I hit the pit entry cleanly, slowing just enough to avoid a penalty as the ART crew sprang into action.

"Perfect stop, guys," I said as the car dropped and I peeled out.

System Update: "Pit stop complete. Points earned: +1. Total points: 32. Rejoining in P10."

Emerging from the pits, I immediately felt the difference. Fresh tires gripped the track like glue, and I attacked the corners with renewed confidence. In P10, the path forward was crowded, but I relished the challenge.

Ahead, Oliver Goethe was my first target. He defended hard through Sector 1, his car darting left and right to block me. By Turn 5, I saw my chance.

I feinted right, then dove left, my car threading the narrow gap between Goethe and the apex. He tried to close the door, but it was too late.

System Insight: "Position gained. Total points: 33. Maintain this momentum."

The crowd roared as I sped past Goethe, and I could feel their energy fueling me.

Commentator 1: "Calder's on fire! That move on Goethe was textbook precision!"

Commentator 2: "Impressive, sure, but he's got a long way to go if he wants to challenge for the podium."

Lap by lap, I clawed my way forward. Ritomo Miyata was next, his AIX Racing car struggling for grip. By the time we hit the main straight on Lap 33, I was in his slipstream. DRS activated, and I sailed past him before Turn 1.

By Lap 36, I'd reached P7. The midfield battles were as fierce as ever, with drivers fighting for every inch of track. Ahead, Victor Leblanc and Arvid Lindblad were locked in a heated duel for P5.

"Two for one special," I muttered, eyeing the opportunity.

The system chimed in, almost smug.

System Insight: "Double overtake possible. Timing and precision required. You know, things you occasionally excel at."

The chance came in Turn 10 on Lap 38. Leblanc went wide, trying to fend off Lindblad, leaving just enough room on the inside. I dove in, my tires skimming the curb as I slipped past both of them.

"Clear!" Laurent shouted.

Commentator 1: "Unbelievable! Henry Calder just pulled off a double overtake in Turn 10!"

Commentator 2: "That was gutsy, too gutsy, if you ask me. But it worked."

The grandstands erupted, the crowd on their feet as I crossed the line in P5.

I settled into my rhythm, the gap to the leaders slowly shrinking. Laurent's voice came through, steady as ever.

"Great work, Henry. Keep this pace. Pit strategies are playing out, but you're in a solid position."

The system added its own commentary.

System Update: "Points earned: +5 for overtakes, +10 for laps completed. Total points: 47. Override activation imminent."

My grip tightened on the wheel as I responded. "Do I have to use it now, or can I hold onto it?"

System Insight: "Override can be activated at your discretion, provided the threshold is met. Use wisely, Calder."

Ahead, Luca was battling Liam Hargrave for P2, while Ayumu Tanaka and I began closing the gap. The stage was set for an intense final phase of the race, and I could feel the weight of every decision hanging in the balance.

As I crossed the line to end Lap 40, I allowed myself a small grin. The fight was far from over.