"Mission 11: Uncover Hidden Talents. Objective: Discover and cultivate a hidden talent. Reward: 150 Growth Points. Penalty: Stagnation Debuff." I read the mission, scratching my head. "Hidden talents, huh?" I glanced at my dusty guitar, leaning against the wall. Maybe it was time to dust it off. 🎸
I pulled out the old acoustic guitar, a gift from my grandfather. It felt strangely heavy in my hands, like a responsibility I'd been neglecting.
My first attempt at playing was… disastrous. 🎸 I managed to strum a few off-key chords, the sound more like a dying cat than music. Takeshi and Haru, who had conveniently dropped by to "offer moral support," doubled over in laughter. 😂
"Dude, you sound like a dying walrus," Takeshi wheezed.
"Maybe you should stick to gaming," Haru added, trying to catch his breath.
Ignoring their teasing, I persisted. I spent the next hour struggling with basic chords, my fingers fumbling and my ears suffering through the cacophony.
"System Notification: 'Growth Item Unlocked: Beginner Guitar Tutorial.' Accessing…" 📈
A small window appeared on my phone, displaying a video tutorial on basic guitar chords. "Not bad, app," I muttered, feeling a surge of motivation.
Over the next few days, I dedicated myself to practicing. I followed the tutorial, diligently learning basic chords and strumming patterns. Takeshi and Haru, ever the supportive (and slightly sadistic) friends, would drop by occasionally to "assess my progress," their commentary a mix of genuine encouragement and good-natured ribbing.
"Dude, you're sounding… less like a dying walrus," Takeshi admitted one afternoon, surprised.
"Yeah, you're actually starting to make some noise," Haru added, impressed.
One evening, while practicing, I heard a knock on my door. It was Reina. "I heard music," she said, a curious smile playing on her lips. "It… sounds nice."
I blushed, feeling a surge of nervousness. "Thanks," I mumbled. "I'm still learning."
She walked in and sat on my bed, watching me play. "You're doing well," she said, her eyes gentle. "You have a good rhythm."
I felt a surge of confidence, and I played a little better, a little smoother. The music seemed to flow more naturally.
"System Notification: 'Musicality' stat increased. Current value: 5 (Beginner)." 📈
I was surprised. The app was actually tracking my musical progress.
As I continued to practice, I found myself drawn to playing for Reina. She would often sit and listen, offering gentle encouragement and insightful feedback.
One evening, while playing a simple melody, I caught her looking at me, a soft smile on her face. 💖 I felt a flutter in my chest. This was more than just practicing guitar; it was connecting with her on a deeper level.
"You're really good," she said softly. "You should play at the school festival."
The idea startled me. "Me? Play at the festival?"
"Yes," she said, her eyes sparkling. "I think people would enjoy it."
The thought of performing in front of the entire school was both terrifying and exhilarating. I knew I had a long way to go, but the idea of sharing my music with others, with Reina watching, filled me with a newfound determination.
"System Notification: New Mission Unlocked: 'Stage Presence.' Objective: Perform a solo musical piece at the school festival. Reward: 200 Growth Points. Penalty: Stage Fright Debuff."
"Stage fright?" I muttered, a shiver running down my spine. "This is going to be interesting."
I picked up my guitar, a determined glint in my eyes. It was time to level up my musical skills. 🎸