22nd July 2022 - Windsor Square - 6:49 PM
It had been almost a week since Kai began his tutoring under Jeff, and his emotions were a mix of amazement and frustration. Jeff was, without a doubt, an exceptional mentor—his teachings were steeped in a philosophical reverence for music, bordering on the religious. He spoke at length about the greatest musicians in history, past and present, their motivations, and the magic they brought into the world. His passion was infectious, and Kai found himself drawn deeper into the world of music. In this short time, Kai gained a point each in intelligence and charisma, reflecting his growing understanding of the artist's mindset. These improvements were immediately noticeable in his retention and performance.
According to the household's tenets, Kai even looked better. Jeff teased him often, attributing his newfound glow to "finally following his passion." The comment always made Kai chuckle inwardly. While he also gained a level in singing, it was his rapid progress with the piano that astounded both him and Jeff. In just six days, he had reached Piano: Level 3. The instrument, once foreign and intimidating, now felt like a natural extension of himself. Jeff, floored by his student's progress, often muttered about Kai being a "natural-born pianist."
Kai genuinely enjoyed playing the piano. The calm he felt while practicing small symphonies was a welcome respite, and he couldn't thank Jeff enough for introducing him to the instrument. However, his progress in singing was not as swift, leaving him disappointed. With just three days remaining to reach Level 3 in singing, Kai resolved to push himself even harder.
The system's mechanics became more familiar as the week progressed. Kai's stats reflected his growth:
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[User Stats]
Name - Kai Jones
Talent Grade - E (B)
System Level - 1 (0/1000)
Titles -
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Strength - 4(9)
Agility - 0(12)
Intelligence - 14
Stamina - 8
Charisma - 6(12)
Luck - ??
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Skills:
Singing - Level 2
Piano - Level 3
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The brackets next to some stats—his original values—remained a mystery. Why were they displayed? What purpose did they serve? Though curious, Kai set those thoughts aside to focus on leveling up his singing skill.
He also met Steven and Eliza a days ago as they came to check on both Jeff and himself. The care shown by both (even though Steven was often reserved) warmed his heart. And they even brought the most adorable boy Kai had ever met!
Flashback - 19th July - Windsor Square - 12:02 PM
Jeff's voice was calm yet commanding as he guided Kai through a complex piano piece. Just as Kai began to hit his stride, the door to the music room burst open, and a small missile bolted toward the grand piano.
"GRAMPSSSS!" the missile shouted as it collided with Jeff. Kai froze for a moment before realizing it was a child. Jeff's laughter echoed warmly as he tenderly searched for the boy's cheeks and pulled him into a hug. The boy giggled, holding his grandfather's hands and pressing them to his face in what seemed to be a cherished routine.
"Heya, kid. Did you miss your gramps that much?" Jeff's voice was soft, filled with affection.
"Uh-huh!" The little boy nodded emphatically, his chocolate-brown eyes sparkling with delight. Moments later, Steven and Eliza entered the room. While their expressions remained neutral, their eyes betrayed a quiet warmth as they observed the reunion. Even Kai found himself smiling at the heartwarming scene.
When Jeff set the boy down, Kai got a better look at him. The child couldn't have been more than five or six, with playful eyes, dark hair, and a sunny smile. He was the spitting image of a young Steven, though his eyes and smile clearly belonged to Eliza.
"Gramps, who's this uncle?" the boy asked, tilting his head as he pointed at Kai. Uncle? Kai was nineteen! But he couldn't be upset—the boy's innocent expression melted away any annoyance.
Jeff, on the other hand, had no such reservations. "Hahahahaha, he called you an uncle, kid!" he roared, his laughter contagious. The boy, thrilled to see his grandfather so amused, joined in, filling the room with laughter.
"That's enough," Steven interjected. "Zach, apologize to Mr. Jones. That's not how you address your elders."
The boy's laughter ceased instantly, and he looked at Kai with wide, guilty eyes. Kai's heart softened immediately. "It's fine, Mr. August. He's just a child. I didn't feel bad at all." He turned to the boy and smiled. "Hi, Zach. I'm Kai. Your gramps is teaching me music. Nice to meet you."
Zach's curiosity was piqued. "Gramps is teaching you music?" He turned to Kai and then back to Jeff. "Is gramps good at singing?"
Kai chuckled. "He is. He's very good."
Before the conversation could continue, Steven cut in abruptly. "Zach, it's time for lunch. Let's go." Without waiting for a response, he scooped up the struggling boy and walked out, followed closely by Eliza. The latter looked guiltily at the old man but decided to follow her husband. The air in the room shifted. Jeff's laughter faded, his energy seeming to drain away as he heard his son leave.
Flashback End
The family's dynamic intrigued Kai. Though lunch was pleasant and filled with Zach's playful chatter, Kai noticed the pointed glances Steven occasionally directed at Jeff. A quiet tension lingered beneath the surface, one Kai couldn't quite place. Still, he bonded quickly with Zach. The boy's sunny disposition was infectious, and when he began calling Kai his "big brother," it warmed everyone's hearts—even Steven's, if only for a fleeting moment.
Zach joined Kai and Jeff in the music room later that day. Jeff patiently taught both of them to play "Happy Birthday" on the piano. Zach's excitement was palpable, and Kai found himself laughing more than he had in months.
Toward the evening, Steven shared an update that reignited Kai's determination. According to Dr. Richard, if everything went as planned, his surgery could be scheduled for the 28th—just three days after his mission deadline. The news filled him with both hope and pressure. He had to reach Level 3 in singing. He had to get the vitality elixir.
That night, as Kai sat by the piano, he let his fingers glide over the keys, playing a simple melody. The calm it brought was unlike anything else. Music wasn't just a skill to master anymore; it was becoming a part of him. And with every note, every lesson, he felt himself inching closer to the life he'd always dreamed of. His determination to get that vitality elixir also strengthening.