The cassette tape burned a metaphorical hole in my bag as I made my way home. I couldn't stop thinking about Tony Stark's voice. *What's a Marvel character doing in the Modern Family universe?*
The Gamer system stayed quiet, offering no answers. If I wanted clarity, I'd have to earn it myself.
**[Quest Updated: Trace the Source of the Tape.]**
**Objective:** Decode the message.
**Reward:** +300 XP, New Skill Unlocked.
---
### **Back at the Dunphy Household**
"Alex!" Phil's voice boomed as I stepped inside. "Perfect timing. I need your help!"
I groaned internally. No way was I dealing with Phil's latest project now. "Can it wait? I have—"
Phil held up a clipboard with "PHIL'S AMAZING PROJECT (TOP SECRET)" written in bright marker. His hopeful expression made me hesitate. A notification popped up:
**[Optional Side Quest: Help Phil with his "Project."]**
**Objective:** Spend quality time with your dad. Humor his wild ideas.
**Reward:** +50 XP, New Skill Unlock Potential.
"Fine," I sighed. "What's the project?"
---
### **Phil's 'Genius' Idea**
Ten minutes later, I was in the garage, staring at a collection of cardboard boxes, duct tape, and… was that a blowtorch?
"We're building a prototype for the future of real estate!" Phil declared. "It's called… the Drone Realtor! Imagine a drone that gives property tours, answers questions, and plays soothing jazz music!"
"Sounds… ambitious," I said carefully.
"Ambitious is my middle name!"
I doubted that, but I got to work anyway. Phil's enthusiasm was contagious, and before long, I found myself genuinely enjoying the chaos. My Gamer system pinged repeatedly as I worked.
---
**[Skill Unlocked: Craft (Level 1)]**
**You can now create simple devices and gadgets.]**
---
After two hours and a few near-accidents (Phil should never be allowed near a blowtorch), we had something vaguely resembling a drone. Phil tested it with a remote, only for it to crash spectacularly into the wall.
"Well," he said, grinning, "back to the drawing board!"
**[Side Quest Complete: Help Phil with His Project.]**
**Reward: +50 XP, Relationship Boost with Phil.]**
"Thanks for helping, kiddo," Phil said, patting my shoulder. "I couldn't have done it without you."
I gave him a small smile. "Anytime, Dad."
---
#Decoding the Tape
That night, I finally had time to focus on the cassette tape. Using Alex's old Walkman, I played it again, scribbling notes as I listened to the static-filled recording.
"If you're hearing this, I need your help. My name is Tony Stark."
The voice paused, replaced by garbled static. Then:
"Cross-dimensional energy signatures… destabilization imminent… coordinates hidden…"
**[Quest Updated: Decode Stark's Message.]**
Just as I started piecing things together, the door burst open.
"Alex!" Luke shouted. "What's this?"
I scrambled to hide the tape, but it was too late. Luke's eyes widened as he spotted the faint blue hologram of my Gamer interface floating in the air.
"What is that?!"
**[New Quest Unlocked: Keep Luke Quiet.]**