It had been a few hours since Kai received the quest but he had a very hard time digesting. Despite Eliza's calm words, it seemed like a huge weight had been put on his back and thus he was struggling to keep his mind steady.
[Quest - Upgrade your singing to level 3 or above]
Time Limit - 15 days Rewards - Mysterious Title, B-rank vitality elixir, 250 points.
Failure - The S.T.A.R System will be uninstalled and the user will live a sad life.
The system's words were a sledgehammer to Kai's heart. Level up his singing skill to level 3? While he loved singing and had dreams of one day releasing his own music, he couldn't believe it would come this quick. He wasn't bad at it— his acquaintances had once complimented him during karaoke nights—but he wasn't amazing either. To upgrade it in just 15 days seemed next to impossible.
"Mr. Jones, are you okay? You seem surprised," Steven asked, noticing Kai's pale face. The concern in his voice pulled Kai out of his spiraling thoughts. Steven and Jeffrey had entered the room a few minutes after Eliza left as Dr. Richard wanted to conduct some tests on him. And the two wanted to be present for that.
"Oh yes. I'm alright. Good morning, Mr. August and Mr. August," Kai greeted respectfully, trying to mask his inner turmoil. But Steven wasn't convinced. To him, the boy looked shaken.
"What did I say yesterday, boy? Just call me Jeff," Jeffrey barked in his gruff, no-nonsense tone, motioning for his son to help him sit near Kai's bed. Steven complied, carefully assisting his father.
"Are you really alright, Kai?" Steven pressed again, his brows knitting together. "You look a bit shaken. Did something happen? Let me know if anyone's been bothering you."
"It's nothing like that, Steven. Trust me, I'm fine." Kai smiled weakly. "And please, just call me Kai. Mr. Jones was my grandfather."
Steven nodded, though his eyes remained doubtful. Before he could say anything more, the door swung open, and Dr. Richard, the surgeon, walked in. He glanced briefly at the father-son duo, then turned his attention to Kai.
"Good morning, Steven," Richard greeted his colleague before shifting his attention to the others. "And good morning to you, Mr. August and Kai."
"Good morning, doctor," the three replied in unison.
The doctor began his routine examination, asking Kai about pain points and discomfort. Kai answered as best as he could, though his mind was still grappling with the system's daunting mission. Once the examination was complete, the doctors left to discuss treatment options, leaving Kai and Jeffrey alone.
Kai stared at the old man, who was sipping his coffee in silence. The weight of the system's mission loomed over him like a dark cloud. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Jeff, how did you get into music?"
The question caught Jeffrey off guard. He continued sipping his coffee, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "I don't know, kid. My earliest memories are of me singing and creating music. Everyone told me I was born to sing—that I was gifted. And for a long time, I believed it too." His voice took on a melancholic tone. "But there's no such thing as being born gifted. I wasn't gifted—I was arrogant. And that arrogance cost me... dearly."
The room fell into a heavy silence as both men became lost in their thoughts. Kai felt a pang of guilt for asking but knew he couldn't afford to back down. Taking a deep breath, he asked softly, "Can you teach me?"
Jeffrey's head snapped up, his unseeing eyes narrowing slightly. "Teach you? Music?"
Kai nodded quickly, realizing he needed to explain himself. "Sitting here like this... it's made me think about my childhood. I used to love singing and acting. I was fascinated by the stage. But life happened, and I gave it all up for stability, for a paycheck." He hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hearing you talk about your life, your music... it made me realize how much I miss feeling that way."
"I want to be part of the music industry, Jeff. Will you teach me how to sing?" Kai's voice trembled with sincerity.
Jeffrey didn't respond immediately. He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Just as Kai felt his hope slipping away, the old man let out a deep sigh.
"You don't understand what you're asking, kid," Jeffrey finally said, his voice heavy with something Kai couldn't quite place. "Teaching someone isn't just about showing them scales or technique. It's... it's reliving my own failures, my own regrets."
Jeffrey's hands trembled slightly as he set his coffee cup down. For a moment, he seemed lost in his own world, grappling with memories that refused to stay buried.
"There was a time when I thought I had it all. Fame, money, fans screaming my name. But I pushed away the people who mattered. My wife, my son... music became my obsession, and in the end, I was left with nothing but my own bitterness."
Kai's heart ached at the raw vulnerability in Jeffrey's voice. He remained silent, letting the old man take his time.
Finally, Jeffrey looked up, his unseeing eyes seeming to pierce through Kai. "If I teach you, it won't just be about singing. It'll be about discipline, about understanding the weight of your choices. And before I agree, I need you to promise me something."
"Promise you what?" Kai asked, leaning forward.
"That you'll never get caught up in the vices of the industry," Jeffrey said firmly. "It isn't that easy, kid. The music industry is a den of vipers. A small opening, and they'll eat you alive. Everyone's out for themselves. No one is truly your friend. It's a lonely, miserable place behind all the glamour."
Jeffrey's voice softened, but the weight of his words was crushing. "During those times, the vices—the drugs, the alcohol, the temptation—they'll seem like an escape. But they'll destroy you. Promise me you won't fall into that trap, Kai. Promise me you'll hold on to yourself."
Kai shivered at the intensity of Jeffrey's warning. He took a deep breath to steady himself. "I promise, Jeff," he said earnestly.
Jeffrey remained silent for a long moment before sighing deeply. "Alright. Once you're out of here, I'll teach you. But it won't be easy."
Kai's face broke into a wide smile. "Thank you, Jeff. Thank you so much." He couldn't believe his luck—being mentored by Zephyr himself. It felt surreal.
As if on cue, Steven returned to the room, his expression serious. "I've spoken to Dr. Richard and a few specialists. We've decided to proceed with the spinal fusion surgery in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you're healthy enough to leave the hospital."
Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "I can leave?"
Steven nodded. "The doctors recommend staying here until the surgery, but I understand how suffocating hospitals can feel. If you'd prefer, I can arrange for you to stay at Dad's villa. We'll ensure you have the best care."
"I'd like to leave," Kai said almost instantly. The sterile walls of the hospital were beginning to close in on him. Steven looked surprised by the quick response but nodded.
"Alright. I'll make the arrangements. You'll be discharged by this evening." With that, Steven left the room, leaving Kai and Jeffrey to make small talk for the rest of the day.
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12th July | Los Angeles Medical Center - 5:15 PM
Kai was wheeled out of the hospital by a nurse, his belongings packed neatly in a small bag. Waiting for him outside was a sleek black Mercedes G-Wagon. Steven and Jeffrey were already seated inside. As the nurse helped him into the car, Kai couldn't help but glance back at the hospital. It had been his home for a few days, but he was more than ready to leave it behind.
As the car pulled away, Kai gazed out the window, watching the bustling streets of downtown Los Angeles pass by. The city felt alive—chaotic yet mesmerizing. Neon signs flickered above crowded sidewalks, street vendors called out to passersby, and musicians played on every other corner. Despite its imperfections, there was something inspiring about the energy of downtown LA.
But as they left the urban sprawl behind and ventured into Windsor Square, the contrast was striking. The narrow, graffiti-marked streets of downtown gave way to wide, tree-lined avenues. The noise of the city faded, replaced by the quiet hum of luxury cars and the occasional bark of a well-groomed dog. Windsor Square felt like another world entirely—a world of pristine lawns, towering mansions, and the understated elegance of old money.
Kai couldn't hide his amazement as they turned into a private driveway. The villa before him was breathtaking. It wasn't ostentatious like some of the celebrity homes he'd seen on TV; instead, it exuded timeless charm.
The three-story villa was a masterpiece of Mediterranean architecture, with white stucco walls and terracotta-tiled roofs. Ivy climbed the stone façade, and wrought-iron balconies overlooked a beautifully landscaped garden. A cobblestone path led to the grand wooden doors, flanked by stone pillars and lantern-style sconces. To one side, there was a sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and shaded by tall palm trees.
Kai's jaw dropped. He had never seen anything like this in person. "This... this is where you live?" he stammered.
Jeffrey chuckled, his gruff demeanor softening for a moment. "Not bad, huh? It's been in the family for years."
As the car came to a stop, a man in a sharp black tuxedo approached with a warm smile. "Good evening, sirs. As requested, Madam and Master Zach have relocated to another residence to accommodate our guest."
Kai immediately felt a pang of guilt. "I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to inconvenience anyone—"
Steven cut him off with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it, Kai. It was our decision."
"Albert," Steven continued, addressing the butler, "please help Kai inside and ensure everything is ready. Also, call one of the maids to assist Dad to his room."
"As you wish, sir." Albert bowed slightly and moved to help Kai out of the car. The butler's movements were efficient yet gentle, and Kai couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the treatment.
Inside, the villa was just as stunning as the exterior. The foyer featured a grand spiral staircase with a wrought-iron railing, leading up to an ornate chandelier that bathed the space in a warm, golden glow. The floors were polished marble, and the walls were adorned with tasteful artwork and family photos.
As Albert wheeled him through the spacious living room, Kai noticed the blend of modern comfort and classic design. Plush sofas and sleek coffee tables sat alongside antique cabinets and a grand piano. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a view of the garden, where a fountain trickled softly in the evening light.
Kai felt like he'd stepped into a dream. But as he was shown to his room—a cozy, sunlit space with its own balcony and an en-suite bathroom—he reminded himself why he was here. He had 15 days to complete the system's quest. There was no time to get distracted by luxury.
Once Albert left, Kai took a deep breath and opened the system interface. The quest reminder flashed in bold letters, almost mocking him.
[Quest - Upgrade your singing to level 3 or above]
Time Limit - 15 days Rewards - Mysterious Title, B-rank vitality elixir, 250 points.
Failure - The S.T.A.R System will be uninstalled and the user will live a sad life.
Kai clenched his fists. He couldn't afford to fail. Not when the stakes were this high.