CHAPTER 32

The drive lasted about an hour and a half, partly due to traffic, until they reached a black gate. It creaked open, revealing a white bungalow adorned with flowers. Two more cars, a sky-blue Camry and a white Venta, were parked under a canopy on the left. The entire setting exuded a warm, homely feeling.

Adekunle stepped out of the car and addressed the two children, "Welcome home. This is where you'll be staying." A smile graced his face as he spoke.

Hamza and Zara disembarked and rushed to the trunk to retrieve their luggage. Hafsat approached Zara, took the bag she was carrying, and playfully resisted Zara's attempts to reclaim it. Hamza, witnessing the scene, couldn't help but smile warmly. Suddenly, Adekunle joined Hamza's side and gently took the guitar from his right arm. Hamza, taken aback, tried to retrieve it, but Adekunle chuckled and said, "Don't worry, come inside."

Upon entering the house, they encountered a beautiful interior. Their journey continued as Adekunle showed them around, taking them through the visitor's sitting room, kitchen, laundry room, family sitting room, dining room, and finally, their bedrooms.

Hamza walked into his room, utterly amazed by what he saw. The room was spacious and adorned with his favorite colors, white and blue. Posters of renowned musicians like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and others adorned the walls. To his left, he spotted a piano and a set of drums. Overwhelmed, he looked at Adekunle, and tears welled up in his eyes. It felt as though Adekunle had tailored the room to Hamza's preferences. Hamza considered prostrating but was stopped when Adekunle embraced him. Hamza expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, sir."

Adekunle responded with a warm smile and a hug, not uttering a word but letting his actions speak volumes.

Meanwhile, Zara and Hafsat entered Zara's room. Zara was awestruck and asked, "Is this my room?" Hafsat replied with a smile, "Yes, it is." Zara stood there, taking in the pink and purple decor, with pictures of beautiful places adorning the walls. Even the bedsheet featured the same colors in different shades. Zara looked at Hafsat with tears in her eyes and said, "Thank you, Aunty. Thank you so much," before being embraced by Hafsat.

That night, Hamza lay on his bed, reflecting on the whirlwind of events since his and Zara's kidnapping. He couldn't help but feel grateful to Major Abdullahi, Adekunle, and Hafsat. His thoughts turned to the mysterious system:

- Name: Adekunle Hamza

- Age: 17 years

- Vocal Level: Beginner 6

- Composing Level: Beginner 3

- Dance Level: NIL

- Acting Level: Beginner 2

- Instrumental Level:

- Guitar Level: 7

- Kambali Level: 5

- Flute Level: 4

- PP (Performance Points): 4,200

- SKILL: Melodic Emotion

- The ability to understand and portray emotions in art

- SYSTEM LEVEL 1: [4,200/20,000]

Hamza was intrigued by the significant increase in his PP, which he attributed to the video of him singing. He remembered Major Abdullahi's advice about finishing school before pursuing a music career. Although he didn't fully understand why, he decided to trust the major's guidance, especially after all the help he had received.

That day marked the beginning of a beautiful journey, as smiles and laughter filled the house, and the promise of something wonderful hung in the air.