12 Training in the Shadows

As the spotlight shone brighter on Lucas and his band, the weight of expectations grew heavier with each passing day. Publicity events, interviews, and rehearsals filled their schedule, leaving little room for rest. But amidst all the chaos, Lucas knew he had to improve—not just to maintain their newfound success, but to take things to the next level.

However, the more Lucas tried to push his natural abilities, the more he found himself questioning his reliance on his Talent Replication ability. As useful as it was, it wasn't a permanent solution. He needed to become better on his own terms, without always copying others. He wanted to make sure that when the world saw him perform, it was truly him, not just a reflection of someone else.

That's when he made the decision: it was time to train, not just in the public eye, but in secret, where no one could see him honing his skills.

A Secret Mentor

Late one evening, after a grueling day of practice and media engagements, Lucas slipped out of the apartment. He had heard rumors about an elusive but highly skilled music producer named Gareth—someone who preferred to work in the shadows, far from the glamor of the mainstream industry. Gareth was known for being extremely selective about whom he mentored, and it was said that he only worked with those who were truly dedicated to perfecting their craft.

Lucas had managed to get Gareth's contact information through a mutual connection in the industry, and after days of persistence, he finally got a response.

The message was short and direct:

"Meet me at 10 p.m. at The Sound Room. Come alone."

Lucas arrived at the rundown building on the outskirts of the city, its exterior a stark contrast to the polished venues and studios he was becoming accustomed to. The Sound Room looked like it had seen better days, but that didn't matter. If Gareth could help him, Lucas was willing to train anywhere.

The door creaked as Lucas stepped inside. The air was thick with the smell of dust and old vinyl records. Dim light filtered through the cracks in the ceiling, casting long shadows on the walls. In the corner, a man stood by a mixing board, adjusting the levels of a track playing softly in the background.

"You're late," the man said without turning around.

Lucas blinked, checking his watch. It was exactly 10 p.m. "I thought I was right on time."

"In this business, right on time is late," Gareth replied, finally turning to face him. He was an older man, probably in his late forties, with graying hair tied back in a ponytail and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through Lucas. "If you want to survive in this industry, you need to be ahead of everyone else, not just keeping pace."

Lucas nodded, taking in Gareth's no-nonsense demeanor. This was going to be a challenge, but that's exactly what he needed.

"I heard you're looking to sharpen your skills," Gareth said, walking over to a set of instruments that were laid out in the corner. "You want to rise to the top, but you don't want to rely on your tricks anymore, right?"

Lucas tensed. He hadn't told Gareth about his Talent Replication ability, but the man seemed to know more than he let on.

"I don't care about your secrets," Gareth said, waving his hand dismissively. "Everyone in this industry has something they're hiding. What I care about is whether or not you have the drive to improve. The rest? I leave that to you."

An Unconventional Training Regimen

Gareth's training regimen was anything but traditional. There were no structured lessons, no gradual buildup of skills. Instead, Gareth threw Lucas into the deep end, forcing him to adapt on the fly. They worked on everything—vocal control, improvisation, composition, even stage presence. But the most intense part of the training was the mental aspect.

"You need to learn how to think like a performer, not just act like one," Gareth explained during one of their sessions. "The difference between someone who's good and someone who's unforgettable is how they approach the art. You've got the talent, but you're too focused on what's in front of you. You need to see the bigger picture."

One night, Gareth blindfolded Lucas and handed him a guitar. "Play," he instructed.

Lucas hesitated. "How can I play if I can't see?"

"That's the point," Gareth said. "You're too reliant on what you can physically see and hear. I want you to feel the music. Stop thinking about the notes, the chords, the audience. Just play."

It was one of the hardest exercises Lucas had ever done. Without his sight, he had to rely on his instincts, feeling the strings beneath his fingers and trusting his muscle memory. At first, the music came out disjointed and rough, but over time, Lucas found a rhythm. It wasn't perfect, but it was raw, emotional—something he hadn't realized he was capable of producing.

"That," Gareth said when Lucas finally finished, "is what separates you from the rest. That's where you need to go if you want to stand out."

Strengthening His Resolve

As the weeks went by, Lucas found himself growing not only as a musician but as a performer. He began to understand the nuances of the industry—the cutthroat competition, the importance of branding, and the delicate balance between artistry and marketability. Gareth's lessons were intense, but they were exactly what Lucas needed.

But training in secret came with its own set of challenges. He couldn't tell Jay or Luna what he was up to, not yet. They were already swamped with their public appearances and practice sessions. Lucas didn't want to burden them with his personal journey, especially when he wasn't sure where it would lead.

Every night, after their rehearsals, Lucas would sneak out to The Sound Room to train with Gareth. The exhaustion was starting to take its toll—he was running on little sleep and pushing his body and mind to their limits. But he couldn't stop. Not now.

During one of their final sessions, Gareth looked at Lucas and said, "I've taught you everything I can. The rest is up to you."

Lucas, drenched in sweat from hours of practice, nodded. "Thanks. I won't waste what you've taught me."

Gareth smirked. "You better not. But remember, talent will only take you so far. The rest is all about heart."

Emerging from the Shadows

With Gareth's guidance, Lucas had become sharper, more focused. He was still the same person, but now there was a fire in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how to get it.

Returning to his bandmates, Lucas felt the difference. His playing was more precise, his performances more confident. Jay and Luna noticed the change immediately.

"You've been working on something, haven't you?" Jay asked after one particularly intense rehearsal.

Lucas grinned but said nothing. He wasn't ready to reveal his secret training just yet. For now, it was enough that he had pushed himself to the next level, preparing for the battles that were still ahead.

They weren't just fighting for recognition anymore. They were fighting for their place at the top of an unforgiving industry. And Lucas was determined to rise to the occasion—this time, not just by reflecting others' talents, but by standing on his own two feet.