Michael woke up early the next morning. His phone showed forty-seven missed calls and over two hundred messages. The videos from yesterday had spread everywhere. People were calling him the "Mystery Singer of Granite University."
[Good morning, host! Your fame is growing faster than expected. Ready to spend some Talent Points?]
The blue screen appeared as Michael sat up in bed.
"I have 256 points now, right?"
[Correct! The Talent Shop has been updated with new options. Take a look!]
The screen changed to show the shop.
TALENT SHOPCurrent TP: 256
Available Purchases:
Advanced Vocal Techniques (75 TP) - Master vibrato, runs, and breath control Musical Composition (150 TP) - Write your own hit songs
Performance Mastery (100 TP) - Command any stage like a professional
Charisma Enhancement Level 2 (200 TP) - People find you irresistible
Dancing Skills (125 TP) - Move like a professional dancer
Guitar Mastery (100 TP) - Play guitar at master level
Piano Mastery (100 TP) - Play piano at master level
Michael studied the options. Musical Composition caught his eye. Writing his own songs would make him even more special. Most singers just performed other people's music.
"I want Musical Composition."
[Excellent choice! Purchasing now...]
Michael felt the familiar warm sensation in his brain as new knowledge flowed in. Suddenly he understood melody, harmony, rhythm, and song structure in ways he never had before. He could hear complete songs in his head, ready to be written down.
[Purchase complete! Remaining TP: 106. But wait... something unusual is happening.]
The screen flickered. The text became fuzzy, then cleared again.
[System Update in Progress... Talent Shop refreshing... New inventory detected...]
Michael watched as the shop completely changed. All the previous options disappeared. New ones took their place.
TALENT SHOP - UPDATEDCurrent TP: 106
NEW ARRIVALS:
Writing (100 Years Experience) - Master novelist, poet, and storyteller (500 TP)
Acting (200 Years Experience) - Become any character perfectly (750 TP)
Business Genius (300 Years Experience) - Build financial empires (1000 TP)
Martial Arts Master (500 Years Experience) - Fight like a legend (800 TP)
Cooking Mastery (150 Years Experience) - Create perfect dishes (400 TP)
Fashion Design (250 Years Experience) - Design clothes that change trends (600 TP)
RETURNING ITEMS:
Performance Mastery (100 TP) Charisma Enhancement Level 2 (200 TP)
Michael stared at the screen. Writing with 100 Years of Experience for 500 points. That was expensive, but amazing. He already had 5000 years of writing experience from the original talents, but this seemed different.
"What's the difference between this Writing talent and what I already have?"
[Your current writing ability focuses on stories, novels, and creative writing. This new Writing talent covers everything - journalism, screenplays, speeches, business writing, poetry, and more. It's much broader.]
"But I only have 106 points. I need 500."
[Correct. You'll need to earn more Talent Points. But this talent is worth it. Imagine combining your singing fame with bestselling books. You'd become unstoppable.]
Michael's phone rang. It was Marcus Webb, the talent agent.
"Michael! I'm so glad you answered. Can we meet today? I have some incredible opportunities to discuss."
"Sure. Where do you want to meet?"
"How about the Granite Café at 10 AM? It's near your university."
Michael looked at his clock. It was 8:30 AM.
"I'll be there."
"Perfect! See you soon, superstar."
[This meeting could earn you Talent Points if you impress him enough. But first, you should test your new Musical Composition talent.]
Michael sat at his tiny desk and grabbed a notebook. He closed his eyes and let the music flow through his mind. Within minutes, he had written a complete song. The melody was catchy, the lyrics were emotional, and the structure was perfect.
He hummed the tune to himself. It was good. Really good. Better than most songs on the radio.
[Impressive! That song has hit potential. You should perform it at your news interview today.]
Michael got dressed and walked to Granite Café. It was a fancy place where rich students and business people met. He had never been inside before because everything was too expensive.
Marcus Webb was easy to spot. He wore an expensive suit and had perfectly styled gray hair. He sat at a corner table with papers spread out in front of him.
"Michael! You're even younger than I expected." Marcus stood up and shook his hand. "Please, sit down."
"Thank you for meeting with me."
"Are you kidding? Thank you! I've been in this business for twenty-five years, and I've never heard a voice like yours. You're going to be huge."
Marcus opened a folder and pulled out several documents.
"I've already had three record labels call me about you. Just from those university videos! Can you imagine what will happen when you release actual music?"
"That sounds amazing."
"It will be. But you need professional representation. Someone who knows the industry and can protect your interests. That's where I come in."
Marcus slid a contract across the table.
"This is a standard representation agreement. I take fifteen percent of everything you earn, and in return, I handle all your bookings, negotiate your contracts, and make sure you get the best deals possible."
[Warning! Don't sign anything yet. Ask questions first.]
"Can I read this over first?"
"Of course! Take your time. But Michael, I have to be honest. There are other agents who want to represent you too. I'm hoping we can work together because I believe in your talent, but I can't wait forever."
Michael pretended to read the contract, but he was really thinking. He needed Marcus to help his career grow, but he also needed to be smart about it.
"The contract looks fair," Michael said. "But I have one question. What if I want to do things besides just music? Like writing books or acting?"
Marcus's eyes lit up. "You're interested in other entertainment areas? That's perfect! Multi-talented artists make the most money. This contract covers all forms of entertainment."
"Good. I'll sign it."
Michael signed the papers. Marcus smiled and shook his hand again.
"Welcome to Webb Entertainment, Michael. This is the beginning of something incredible."
[Quest Progress: Several missions updated based on your new professional representation!]
"So what happens now?"
"Now we get you into a real recording studio. I want to capture that amazing voice of yours properly. Are you free this afternoon?"
"I have a news interview at noon."
"Even better! Free publicity. After the interview, we'll go straight to the studio. I want to have a demo ready by the end of the week."
Michael left the café feeling excited. A real recording studio! His father watched the news every day, and tonight he would see his "worthless" son being interviewed as a rising star.
At noon, Michael met Reporter Linda Chang at the university. She was a professional-looking woman with a camera crew behind her.
"Michael! Thank you for doing this interview. Our viewers are very curious about you."
They set up in the main courtyard where lots of students could see them filming. Within minutes, a crowd had gathered to watch.
"We're here with Michael Smith," Linda said to the camera, "the Granite University student whose incredible singing voice has taken social media by storm. Michael, tell us about yourself."
"Well, I'm just a regular student who loves music. I never expected this kind of attention."
"But you weren't always recognized for your talent, were you? We heard you were recently rejected by your university's Musical Club."
Michael smiled. "That's true. But sometimes rejection leads to better opportunities. I'm grateful for everything that's happened."
"Can you sing something for our viewers?"
"I'd love to."
Michael performed the new song he had written that morning. His voice filled the entire courtyard. Students stopped walking to listen. Even the camera crew looked amazed.
When he finished, everyone applauded.
"That was incredible!" Linda said. "Was that an original song?"
"Yes, I wrote it this morning."
"You write music too? Is there anything you can't do?"
[Perfect opportunity! Mention your other interests!]
"I'm interested in many forms of creative expression. Music, writing, storytelling. I think talented people should explore all their abilities."
"Speaking of talent, we heard you recently had some family difficulties related to your abilities."
Michael's smile faded slightly. "Yes. Some people didn't believe in my potential. But I'm focused on the future now."
"Any message for those people who doubted you?"
Michael looked directly into the camera. He knew his father would be watching tonight.
"I'd say that everyone deserves a chance to show what they can do. Sometimes the people we dismiss surprise us the most."
[Excellent answer! Your father will definitely see this.]
After the interview, Marcus drove Michael to Platinum Studios, the most expensive recording studio in the city. Michael had seen pictures of it online but never imagined he'd actually be inside.
"This is where all the big stars record," Marcus explained. "Lady Horizon recorded her last album here. So did The Electric Dreams."
The studio was amazing. Everything was high-tech and professional. The sound engineer, a man named Tony, showed Michael around.
"Your agent says you've got something special," Tony said. "Let's hear it."
Michael went into the recording booth and put on the headphones. When he started singing, Tony's expression changed completely.
"Holy shit," Tony whispered to Marcus. "That's the most perfect voice I've ever recorded."
They spent three hours recording. Michael sang five different songs, including his new original composition. Each take was better than the last.
"Michael," Marcus said as they finished, "I've never seen anything like this. You don't need voice lessons. You don't need coaching. You're already perfect."
[Mission Update: Social Media Star mission 75% complete! The interview and studio recording will generate massive online attention.]
On the way home, Michael felt exhausted but happy. Everything was moving so fast. This morning he was just a college student. Tonight he would be on the evening news.
[Excellent progress today! You gained recognition from the talent agent, impressed the news reporter, and created professional recordings. Estimated TP earned: 89 points.]
"That would give me 195 total. Still not enough for the Writing talent."
[True, but you're getting close. Tomorrow's news broadcast should earn you the rest.]
Michael got back to his apartment and checked his phone. The university interview was already online. It had thousands of views and hundreds of comments.
"This guy is incredible!"
"From rejected to famous in two days. What a story!"
"I can't wait to hear more of his music!"
But one comment caught his attention. It was from an account called "BusinessMan_Robert": "Interesting interview. This young man reminds me of someone."
Michael's heart raced. Robert was his father's first name. His father's business used social media for marketing. This could be him.
[Analysis suggests high probability this comment is from your father. The Special Mission may progress faster than expected.]
That evening, Michael watched himself on Channel 7 News. Seeing himself on television felt surreal. He looked confident and talented. Nothing like the rejected loser from two days ago.
His phone exploded with notifications during the broadcast. Friend requests, messages from strangers, and calls from music industry people filled his screen.
[Mission Complete: Social Media Star! The news broadcast pushed your video views over 50,000! Reward: 500 Talent Points!]
[Current TP: 695! You can now afford the Writing talent!]
Michael's hands shook as he opened the Talent Shop.
TALENT SHOPCurrent TP: 695
The Writing talent was still there, still 500 points.
"I want to buy Writing - 100 Years Experience."
[Confirm purchase: Writing (100 Years Experience) for 500 TP?]
"Yes."
[Purchasing... Warning: This integration may be more intense than previous talents...]
The pain hit Michael like a truck. It was worse than when he first got his talents. His brain felt like it was on fire. Knowledge poured into his mind faster than he could process it.
He understood journalism, screenwriting, poetry, business writing, technical writing, and dozens of other forms. He could write in any style, for any audience, about any subject. The knowledge of a hundred years of writing experience filled every corner of his mind.
When it finally stopped, Michael was lying on his floor, sweating and exhausted.
[Integration complete! You now possess master-level writing abilities across all genres and formats. Remaining TP: 195.]
Michael sat up slowly. He felt different. More complete. Like he had gained another piece of his true potential.
He went to his computer and opened a blank document. Without thinking, he started writing. The words flowed from his fingers like water. He wrote a short story about a young man who discovered hidden talents and used them to change his life.
When he finished, he read it back. It was perfect. The pacing, the dialogue, the descriptions - everything was exactly right. He had written a publishable story in just thirty minutes.
[Incredible work! With your singing fame and this writing ability, you could become one of the most successful entertainers in history.]
Michael's phone rang. It was Marcus.
"Michael! The news interview was perfect. I've already had five record labels call me tonight. We're going to be very busy tomorrow."
"That's great news."
"It is! But I have an even better opportunity. There's a talent showcase next week for industry executives. If you perform there, you could land a million-dollar record deal."
Michael's heart pounded. A million dollars. That would definitely get his father's attention.
"I'll do it."
"Excellent! I'll set everything up. Michael, I have to ask - is there anything you can't do? First you sing like an angel, then you write original music, now I hear you might be interested in writing books too?"
[Perfect opening! Tell him about your new writing abilities!]
"Actually, I've been working on some writing projects. Stories, maybe even a novel someday."
"A novel? Michael, you never cease to amaze me. Multi-talented artists are incredibly valuable. We should definitely explore that angle too."
After Marcus hung up, Michael sat in his apartment thinking about how much his life had changed. Three days ago, he was homeless and talentless. Tonight, he was a rising star with abilities most people could only dream of.
But this was just the beginning. The Special Mission to make his father regret rejecting him was still incomplete. The talent showcase would be his chance to take things to the next level.
[Rest well tonight, host. Tomorrow we start preparing for the showcase that will change everything.]
As Michael fell asleep, he smiled. The System had given him incredible talents, but he was learning to use them smartly. Soon, everyone who had ever doubted him would understand just how wrong they had been.
Especially his father.