The UCLA Music Library was the most extensive music library in Southern California.
They were known for having specialty music books that couldn't be found elsewhere, and they also rented music recording equipment, which is why Ari woke up early to take the 2-hour bus trip to the university.
A trademark of the university's music department was their impromptu music shows from amateurs and experts alike, and appropriately, when Ari got there, there was a small orchestra setting up to play on the front lawn of the library while students rushed to class.
Curious about what was happening, Ari sat there shamelessly wearing his snail mask.
Although he got some looks here and there, most people assumed he was a strange art or theater student and ignored him.
Perfect!
With his notebook pulled out, Ari prepared to transcribe what he was hearing.
According to his research, listening to music and identifying the notes and instruments was required for those learning song composition, so he'd been practicing.
Surprisingly, after learning the basics, because of the Picky Listener (B) skill, Ari usually got 80-90 percent of the notes and instruments right when listening to pop and rock music.
But since he was unfamiliar with string instruments in a classical setting, he wanted to give it a go while he had the opportunity.
La la la la
Hmm hmm hmm hm
As the orchestra played, Ari noted down the notes he heard while doodling random lyrics next to it.
And so, a strange sight could be seen by students rushing to class: a single student wearing a strange green snail mask watching an orchestra practicing on the lawn before 8 am classes began.
A few people took pictures to post on the school forum or online, but the majority of them kept going about their day.
Ari didn't notice as he was absorbed in his music composition self-study.
As he continued doodling, this time writing lyrics and musical notes, somebody came and sat right next to him, even though there were other empty benches available.
Glancing up, he saw that it was a bald old man wearing casual clothing who smelled like strong coffee.
The man was focused entirely on Ari's notebook, staring at the scribbled notes while smiling and humming along to the orchestra.
As Ari began to shut his notebook, a bit weirded out, the man stuck his entire hand on the page.
Ari: "...."
What the heck was happening here?
"Young man, are you learning how to transcribe songs and arrangements?"
"Ah, yes, I just started learning, so I'm not very good at it," Ari replied calmly while trying to pull his book away from the old man.
- Pullll
- Pullllllllll!
A tug of war battle ensued with Ari trying to pull his notebook away and the old man clutching it tightly.
Ari: ಠ_ಠ?
'Why was this old man so strong? Is this a characteristic of old people? And why are they always holding on to me or my things?
Let go!
No matter how much Ari pulled his notebook, the old man's strong grip didn't budge, and eventually, Ari had to let go so his notebook wouldn't rip.
With a happy sigh, the old man flipped through a couple of pages before he began speaking in a cheerful tone.
"Ohhh? You've been listening to quite a variety of music I see. Actually, that looks pretty great. You did it almost perfectly except for this part here. If you're not familiar with the bass, it can be a bit tricky. I recommend checking out double bass arrangements like Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Polonaise & Badinerie, along with the Mozart Symphony 40 and Beethoven Symphony #9. It really has-…."
Womp womp
womp womp womp womp
Womp womp
The sound of the old man's voice turned into nonsensical sounds as Ari's eyes began to glaze over at the completely unfamiliar terms being used in this unprompted technical lecture early in the morning by a thief who stole his notebook.
Truly, he was glad that the snail mask covered his entire face except for his eyes.
Otherwise, he was sure his expression would have given him away.
After about 10 minutes of lecturing, the old man asked with a slight smile, "Shall I fix your mistakes for you?"
Ari: "...."
Do I even have a choice? You're holding my notebook hostage!!!!!
Instead of letting out his true feelings, Ari sighed before responding as politely as he could.
"If I let you, will you give me back my notebook?"
"Of course! It belongs to you, doesn't it? I'm not a thief!"
'If you know that, then why did you take it!!!!!'
The man quickly crossed out a few sections of his writing, scribbled some notes, and even signed his name in some illegible scribbles.
"Make sure you don't sell it ahahah. And enjoy the show, young man. You seem quite talented, so here's some advice. I suggest you continue doing what you're doing, listening to a variety of music and understanding what parts make the whole and how they combine. And soon, you'll be able to create something spectacular too."
As the man walked away after patting his shoulder and giving some generic advice, Ari simply stared at him in confusion before muttering to himself.
"Why would I sell it? And why would you sign somebody else's notebook after stealing it? Is this Hollywood disease, or are college professors just weird like this? Are these corrections even right, or should I just restart?"
As Ari began looking over the changes the man had made-
There was a pause before the system responded.
[Ding!]
[I'm Not A Stalker, I Promise!! - Get an autograph and sincere advice from a famous person. - Complete!]
[Reward - 1 Stat Point & 1 Charm Stat Point]
[Current Rewards: 1 Stat Point & 1 Charm Stat Point ]
"Who was that? Was he famous? I don't recognize his face."
[Uneducated, uncultured swine.]
"That's ruder than you've been in two days. Who is he supposed to be?" Ari watched curiously as the old man stood in front of the orchestra with sheet music in front of him.
To Ari's eyes, he just looked like a regular old man waving a wand in the air on a random morning.
[Gustavo Dudamel]
"Am I supposed to know who that is?"
[Tsk.]
[He is one of the best orchestral conductors in the world and the director of the symphony in your city, you uneducated imbecile.]
[He has produced countless arrangements and written a variety of symphonies himself. His skills are highly sought after all around the world.]
[You should be honored that he not only corrected your work, but he gave you helpful advice."
"Got it. I'll keep it well and sell it later if I need money. Or since you like him so much, I'll threaten to burn it and see if you cough up stat points." Ari carefully tucked the paper away before observing the conductor. He still looked like a regular old man.
[Ding!]
[Because of your impertinent words, I'm Not A Stalker, I Promise!! - is now incomplete.]
"What the hell? You're not allowed to do that! Give it back. I disagree."
[Your disagreement is rejected.]
[Since you're unable to recognize the greatness of a classical music genius and the great opportunity granted to you, then find your own celebrity to give you advice.]
[Good. Luck!]
[╭∩╮( •̀_•́ )╭∩╮]
"We're cursing now? You think you're the only one who can flick people off?" With a harsh whisper, Ari immediately hid his finger with his notebook and flipped the system off in return.
[Say goodbye to your stat point.]
As the system splashed cold water on his rebellion, Ari immediately apologized.
"Hey, NOVA."
"NOVA, it was my bad."
"Hey SUPERNOVA, I'm sorry, okay? I made a mistake. I didn't understand the greatness that was before me, but I understand it now. I sincerely apologize for my mistake and will try to do better."
Ari began apologizing to the system in a soft tone.
In fact, he could kneel down if needed, just so the stat point would come back.
[Rejected.]
[If apologies fixed anything, there wouldn't be a need for prisons.]
"Don't you believe in reformation and second chances?"
[I know you're not sorry.]
[You just want your stat point back.]
[Which will never happen.]
"Tsk. You're as sharp as ever."
Seeing that the apology wouldn't work, Ari decided to focus on the music instead.
He wanted to see what a classical music genius was all about.
...