Chapter 3: The First Notes of Change

With fatigued eyes, Kai Smith sat at his desk, the light from his computer screen shining off it. It had been a long day, full of the usual setbacks: another exam that went badly, more harsh comments from his peers, and yet another evening spent dodging the worried looks of his parents. Though he was used to the pattern, something seemed off tonight.

The home was peaceful, save for the odd creak of the hardwood flooring as midnight approached. The identical book that had transformed his life just two days prior was sitting on Kai's desk, and he gazed at it blankly. Now that the "Top Student Genius System" had become a reality, he had experimented with it on little assignments, but he had not yet pushed its boundaries.

Perhaps I ought to have scanned the system menu, thinking, simply try something basic. There were several possibilities available, including cuisine, athletics, music, academics, and even more exotic skills like martial arts and archery. However, one choice caught his attention—piano, which had always captivated him even from a distance.

Although Kai's parents had long discussed enrolling him in music classes, other commitments and money had always prevented it. I've always felt that learning to play the piano is a far-off ambition best left to those with greater ability and resources.

But now that the system was in place, that dream didn't seem so far off.

His finger was briefly resting on the "Piano Mastery" option while he hesitated. The program said he could pick up any talent right away, but even now, the situation seems unreal. Is it really that simple?

Taking a deep breath, Kai made the choice. His fingertips felt odd, as if they were suddenly more sensitive and nimble, as a rush of warmth coursed through his body. A message displayed on the screen:

[Skill Attained: Level 1 Piano Mastery]

Half-expecting something more spectacular, Kai blinked, but nothing occurred. The book was lying innocently on his desk, and the room was silent. Flexing his fingers, he felt exactly the same as he had earlier.

Getting to his feet, he thought, Maybe it's only in my brain. But this was a first for the system. Trying was the only way to find out.

Kai quietly moved to the living room, where a dusty old keyboard lay neglected and aged. Kai had never learned to play it, even though it had been an uncle's gift years before. The keyboard sprang to life as soon as he plugged it in, filling the room with a gentle hum of energy.

Kai took a seat and slowly moved his fingers over the keys. He closed his eyes and tried to remember the notes of a song he'd heard a million times over the radio—one of his mother's favorite compositions, Debussy's Clair de Lune. He was untrained, had no sheet music, and could only recall the song in his head.

However, the notes sprang out of the keyboard as soon as his fingers touched it, as though they had always been there and were only waiting to be played. The well-known song filled the space, every tone distinct and unambiguous. Kai's hands glided over the keys like a professional pianist, exuding a confidence and elegance he had never experienced before.

For a brief instant, Kai was enthralled with the music and forgot about all of his past mistakes, frustrations, and uncertainties. He was engrossed in the music and the unadulterated delight of creating. The sound reverberated throughout the peaceful home, bringing back the warmth that had been lacking for so long.

Kai opened his eyes as the last notes of Clair de Lune drifted away into the darkness. Though not because of terror, his hands were shaking and his pulse was racing. It was the type of thrill and enthusiasm that comes from doing something he had never thought was feasible.

It was him. He had truly succeeded.

Kai sat back, his thoughts whirring. In a way that seemed almost miraculous, the system had lived up to its promise. However, this was only the start. What else might he accomplish if he could learn to play the piano so quickly? The opportunities were limitless, and Kai saw a glimmer of optimism for the first time in his life—the thought that perhaps, just perhaps, he wasn't destined to be an unsuccessful person.

Kai awoke the following morning, hearing his mother humming in the kitchen. Though the previous night's events felt almost surreal, the piano remained in the living room, a concrete remembrance of the events.

With a racing heart, Kai dressed and made his way downstairs. His mother was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when he arrived, and she came back to him.

"Good morning, Mom," Kai responded, attempting to maintain his composure.

She smiled as she turned to face him. Good morning, my love. You wake up early.

With a rushing mind, Kai nodded. The words seemed trapped in his throat as he tried to tell her what had occurred. How could he make sense of something so implausible? Rather, he indicated the living room. "Last night, I was just kind of experimenting with the keyboard."

His mom gave him an astonished look. Oh, I see. I was unaware that you had a passion for music.

Shrugging, Kai tried not to show off. Yes, I have been considering it at the moment. I gained some knowledge yesterday night. Do you want to hear it?

Her interest glowed in her eyes. "Obviously! I wish I could hear you perform.

With apprehensive excitement in his heart, Kai guided her to the living area. His fingers hanging over the keys once again, he sat down at the keyboard. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and allowed the music's memories to lead the way.

He then began to play.

With even more beauty in the dawn light, Clair de Lune flooded the room once again. Standing next to him was his mother, who had a surprised and slightly proud expression in her eyes. She put her hand on his shoulder as the last chord faded.

"Kai, that was amazing," she said. Her speech was full of emotion. "I had no idea you were such a talented player."

With pride in his heart, Kai glanced up at her. He said, "I didn't either." However, I'm beginning to believe that I might be able to do a lot.

With tears sparkling in her eyes, his mother grinned. Kai, you have my undying pride. You can't comprehend the significance of this to me.

A knot started to grow in Kai's neck. It was an overpowering experience, as he had never previously been his mother's object of pride. At that moment, he understood that this was about more than simply picking up new skills; it was about turning his life around and being someone his parents, and most importantly, himself, could be proud of.

As the days passed, Kai kept investigating the possibilities of the system. He experimented with cooking and even gave his dad a gourmet supper that was so good it left him breathless. He took up martial arts and found he had a natural skill that made his classmates appreciate him. Still, the piano was his favorite instrument throughout it all.

His newly acquired skills were also acknowledged in school. The girl who had eluded him all along, Luna Williams, began to show interest in him. One day after class, her normally self-assured manner gave way to curiosity as she approached him.

"Kai, it seems that you've been practicing the piano," she remarked, her curiosity shining in her eyes. "I had no idea you were a music lover."

Warmth welling up in his chest at her attentiveness, Kai grinned. Indeed, I've only recently begun. That is what I have always desired to do.

Luna nodded, her eyes pensive. That is just amazing. Even though I've been playing for a long time, I've never been able to execute Clair de Lune as skillfully as you did.

A beat skipped by Kai's heart. "Did you hear me perform?"

She gave herself a little flush. "The other night, while I was strolling past your residence, I heard it through the window. It was just great.

Kai had a happy rush. He had been recognized by the girl he had long-eyed from a distance, and more than that, she was impressed. "Many thanks, Luna. That is really important to me.

Luna softened her gaze and smiled. "Perhaps we should play together at some point? I would like to learn more.

Kai felt her heart race at the idea. "That would be nice."

Kai couldn't help but believe that things were finally beginning to improve in his life as Luna left. More than simply talents, the system had allowed him to connect with people and build connections that he had always believed were unattainable.

But something was bothering him in the back of his mind as he watched Luna walk down the corridor. He received what he needed to succeed from the system, but it remained a mystery. From where had it originate? Why had it selected him? Most importantly, how much did it cost?

Kai ignored the ideas, choosing to concentrate on the exhilaration of his brand-new existence. For the time being, he would savor the journey, but he knew in his heart that the answers would arrive eventually. And he would be prepared when they arrived.