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The city was buzzing with life, but Rex wasn't paying attention.
With his beat-up guitar slung over one shoulder and his system interface hovering at his side, he navigated the streets of Brooklyn like a man possessed. Every step echoed with purpose. Every breath felt charged.
> [Target: Kai Wolfe – 0.6 km and closing.]
Rex jogged past coffee shops, traffic lights, and honking cabs. A few people gave him strange looks—probably because of the glowing blue interface no one else could see—but he didn't care.
"Just wait, Kai. You're about to meet your future frontman."
As he rounded a corner, the city opened up to a large open courtyard. Riverstone High loomed at the edge, its modern design a strange blend of glass, brick, and steel. Students milled about near the music building—some chatting, others practicing instruments in the open air.
The system pinged again.
> [Talent Confirmed – Within 50 meters.]
Rex slowed his pace, scanning the area. That's when he saw him.
A tall guy with a wild, fire-red mohawk sat on a stone bench, guitar balanced on his knee. His fingers danced over the frets with precise, fluid motion. The notes poured out—clean, rapid, melodic. It wasn't flashy, but there was a bite to his playing, a tension like the calm before a storm.
Rex's eyes lit up.
That's him.
Kai Wolfe wore a torn denim vest over a black band tee, ripped jeans, and scuffed boots. He had the kind of posture that screamed "don't talk to me unless you're serious." A small group of students had gathered around, nodding along as he played something fast and original—maybe a solo he was working on.
Rex stepped forward.
He waited until the solo ended before speaking. "You're good."
Kai looked up, skeptical. "You stalking me or something?"
Rex smirked. "I'm scouting you."
That earned a laugh from someone nearby, but Kai didn't flinch.
"Scouting?" Kai narrowed his eyes. "For what, exactly?"
"For a revolution," Rex said simply. He swung his guitar forward and plucked a chord. "Ever heard of Enter Sandman?"
Kai blinked. "No… what band is that?"
Bingo.
Rex strummed the opening riff. Even with a busted string and no distortion pedal, the rhythm hit hard. Raw. Iconic. A few heads turned as the low, dark melody echoed across the courtyard.
He sang the first verse, voice low but steady.
"Say your prayers, little one… Don't forget, my son…"
By the time he hit the chorus, even Kai was leaning forward.
When Rex finished, there was silence for a beat.
Then someone in the crowd clapped. Another whistled.
Kai's brows furrowed. "That… wasn't half bad. But I've never heard that song before. You write that?"
Rex smiled. "You could say that."
Kai stood, slinging his guitar over his back. He was about Rex's age—maybe a little taller—but there was something fierce in his gaze.
"So what's your deal? You just walk up to strangers, play mystery bangers, and ask them to join your fantasy band?"
Rex took a breath.
"Look… I don't have time to sugarcoat it. I'm starting a band. Not just any band—the best damn rock band this world's ever seen. I've got songs no one here has heard. Songs that changed lives where I come from."
Kai crossed his arms. "Back where you come from?"
Rex smirked. "Let's just say I got inspired by the gods of heavy music."
Rex stepped closer. "And I need a lead guitarist who can keep up. You've got the hands, the rhythm, the fire. I can hear it. You're good, Kai."
Kai scoffed. "You know my name?"
"I do. And I know you're tired of playing solos no one understands. You're looking for something real. I've got it."
There was a long silence.
Finally, Kai slung his guitar to the front. "One condition."
Rex raised a brow. "Shoot."
"We duel. Guitar to guitar. You beat me—I'll join your band."
Rex chuckled. "You're on."
They both sat opposite each other on the bench as a curious crowd began to form again. One student whispered, "Wolfe's gonna shred him," while another muttered, "Dude in the jacket's crazy."
Kai started. He played fast—blistering scales, finger-tapping flourishes, and unexpected slides. It was aggressive, technical, and impressive as hell. A few in the crowd whistled. He finished with a flamethrower-style lick and leaned back with a grin.
"Top that."
Rex didn't try to copy him.
Instead, he played the opening riff of "Sweet Child O' Mine."
Soft. Clean. Emotional.
Then he slipped into the solo—soulful and calculated, letting each note breathe. It wasn't about speed. It was about feel. He let the guitar speak.
The crowd leaned in. By the time he finished, the silence was almost reverent.
Kai let out a low whistle. "Okay... okay. That was different."
"You in?" Rex asked.
Kai cracked a grin. "Hell yeah, I'm in."
> [SYSTEM ALERT: Quest Complete – First Band Member Recruited!]
Reward Unlocked: 🎵 [Beginner Music Pack]
– New Feature: [Practice Studio (Virtual)]
– New Function: [Song Adaptation Tool]
Rex's heart jumped.
One down.
Three to go.
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