Chapter 13 - Family reunion
22nd July 2022 - Windsor Square - 6:49PM
It's been almost a week since Kai started tutoring under Jeff and he was both amazed and disappointed at the progress he made in the time span. Jeff was an amazing mentor and he was extremely philosophical borderline religious about the art and how it should be approached. He spoke about the best musicians in the world, past and present, their best songs, motivations, and everything in between. Due to understanding the psyche and integrating the artist mindset he gained a point in intelligence and charisma both. And those points had an immediate effect on his performance.
His retention became even better and according to the tenets in the house, Kai was looking better than ever due to 'finally following his passion.' he inwardly chuckled at the notion. He also gained both a point in singing as well. Jeffrey was shocked at his rapid development and often remarked about how he was a natural.
But it was his progress with a piano that shocked both himself and his mentor. In the past 6 days, he gained 2 levels in piano! He was at Piano: Level 3 right now! Jeffrey was floored at his progress and often muttered about being a natural born pianist. And Kai really enjoyed playing the instrument as well. After the initial nervousness, he quickly grasped the keys and with a patient mentor like Jeff, Kai's learning speed accelerated. He felt very calm while playing small symphonies and really very grateful to his mentor for introducing him to this instrument. H was disappointed that his singing hadn't progressed to level 3 yet and he only had 3 more days to get it to the next level.
Normally Kai would be really nervous but he could feel that he wasn't far from reaching his goal. Throughout the week, he could familiarize himself with the system and how it worked. His stats also looked a little different than before.
[User Stats]
Name - Kai Jones
Talent Grade - E (B)
System Level - 1 (0/1000)
Titles -
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Strength - 5(9)
Agility - 0(12)
Intelligence - 11+2
Stamina - 8
Charisma - 5+1(13)
Luck - ??(??)
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Skills -
Singing - Level 2
Piano - Level 3
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He gained 3 points of intelligence throughout the week and 2 points in charisma in total. Kai also figured that the numbers in the bracket were his original stats and they stayed on the screen for some reason.
He also met Steven and Eliza throughout the week as well as their son Zach. He was an adorable boy who was very curious by nature.
Flashback
19th July - Windsor Square - 12:02PM
As Jeff was teaching Kai, the door to the Music room abruptly opened and a small missile ran towards the grand piano.
"GRAMPSSSS" the 'missile' shouted as he collided with Jeffrey as Kai was shocked for a moment. Jeff laughed loudly and tenderly searched for the boy's cheek. The little boy laughed and held his grandfather's hand and brought it to his cheeks like it was routine.
"Heya kid. Did you miss your gramps that much?" The old man laughed as he then lifted the kid to his lap and and hugged him.
"Uh-huh!" the little boy nodded and hugged his favorite person back. A second later Steven and Eliza entered the room and while both did not show any emotions, their eyes showed both mirth and warmth from the scene. Even Kai smiled brightly watching the grandfather and grandson reunite.
As Jeff let go of the boy and set him down, Kai got a good look at the grandson of the legendary artist. He seemed very young, Barely 5 or 6 years ago but playful chocolate eyes, dark hair and a sunny smile on his face. He seemed like a younger version of Steven with his mother's eyes and smile.
Kai was brought out of his thoughts by the child's voice "Gramps who's this uncle?" Uncle?? He wasn't an uncle! He was 17 for gods sake. But he couldn't be mad at the adorable expression the kid made and just smiled.
But Jeff did not have any such reservations. "Hahahahaha.. he called you an uncle kid." Jeff started hysterically laughing and seeing his favorite person laugh, even Zach started laughing. Seeing those 2 together, Kai could easily see the resemblance between the grandfather and grandson.
"Alright that's enough. Zach, apologize to Mr. Jones. That's not how you treat an elder." The ever disciplinarian Steven reminded the boy in a strict tone. The boy stopped laughing and looked at Kai with a guilty expression. Kai immediately fell for his adorable charm and reassured Steven. "It's not a big deal Mr. August. He's just a child and I didn't feel bad at all." he then looked at the child and introduced himself. "Hi Zach, I'm Kai. Your gramps is teaching me music right now. It's nice to meet you."
"Gramps is teaching you music?" Zach wondered out loud. Neither he nor Kai noticed Steven stiffen so they continued chatting. "Is gramps good at singing?" he inquired curiously, his head tiled looking Kai and his grandfather alternatively.
"He is. He's very good" Kai confirmed and before they could continue further, Steven interjected, "Zach c'mon, you haven't had lunch yet. Let's have a quick bite to eat" and without getting a response, he quickly picked up the struggling boy and quickly left the room followed by an apologetic Eliza.
"What happened?" Kai wondered and looked at Jeff as the old man seemed to lose energy after seeing his son walk away so abruptly.
Flashback end
After some time, both Kai and Jeff joined the family for lunch and all seemed well but he could feel Steven looking at Jeff pointedly from time to time. Kai also got to talk to Zach a lot and being the closest in age, they quickly bonded and the little boy even started calling Kai his "big brother" which warmed everyone's heart including Kai himself. He asked quiet a number of questions about the teen, even asking about why he was riding in his wheelchair and asked his mother for one himself but the adults quickly shut him down by explaining that Kai has suffered from a "minor" accident and will be back in sometime. That seemed to placate the kid for now. The rest of that day spent with Zach joining the duo in the music room and Jeff even teaching the 2 of them how to sing happy birthday on the piano!
Towards the end of the day, Steven even informed Kai that according to discussions he had with Dr. Richard, if everything goes as planned, they should be able to schedule the surgery on the 28th of the month which was 3 days after his mission deadline. That made him even more determined to level up his singing skill to level 3 and obtain the vitality elixir!