Summertime Saga: New Life, New Saga

Chapter 2 String of Curiosity?

A few minutes passed as he sorted through the documents, shooing the cat away every time it tried to bat at the papers. Once he'd secured everything, his attention shifted to the other item beside him: the black guitar case.

"Is this the gift that 'Cookie Person' mentioned in the letter or just one of the items he prepared for me? And why would anyone name themselves after a cookie?"

Shaking his head, he knew pondering over strange names wouldn't get him anywhere. It was time to open the guitar case and uncover whatever surprise lay inside. But as he reached for it, something felt... off. The surface of the case was unnaturally smooth and solid, almost like it was built to withstand a beating.

"This case is weird," he muttered, running his fingers over its surface. "It's too smooth and hard. It feels like it could be used as a shield if someone tried to stab me."

He knocked on the case a few times, listening to the dull thud that echoed back. This was unlike any guitar case he'd encountered before. A thought crossed his mind, causing him to frown.

"This guitar must be really precious to need this much protection. Hopefully, it's not some sort of guitar-shaped bomb..."

He quickly shook off the paranoid thought, not wanting to jinx himself. The urge to open it and finally see what kind of instrument lay inside grew stronger. He found the zipper easily; it slid open smoothly, revealing no lock or complication.

As he lifted the case, he noticed something strange. Despite its solid material, the case was surprisingly light. He barely had to exert any effort to lift it.

"Huh? Is this thing hollow or something?" he mumbled, but as he carelessly jerked it up, the weight shifted unexpectedly. Miscalculating, he caused the heavy case to slam back down onto the ground with a loud thud, sending a cloud of dust straight into his face.

"Perfect," he muttered between coughs, waving his hand frantically to clear the dust. "Of course, the dust flies right into my face. Classic."

His eyes stung, forcing him to rub them as the dust lingered. "No epic treasure reveal here," he grumbled, his voice hoarse from coughing. "No shining lights, no dramatic music-just dust and burning eyes. So much for that main character privilege."

After a few moments of wiping his eyes and brushing off his clothes, he squinted down at the guitar case, eager to get a clear look at what was inside. His eyes widened in surprise.

There, nestled inside the case, was a stunning guitar. The body was sleek, with a striking design in black and brown. The front featured a pattern resembling an iris-a rich brown that seemed to draw you in-while the sides were jet black. The silver strings shimmered in the sunlight, giving the instrument an almost ethereal glow.

He carefully lifted the guitar out, marveling at its weight. It felt solid, perfectly balanced in his hands, not too heavy but substantial enough to convey quality.

But that wasn't all. On the opposite side of the case, nestled into a custom compartment, was what looked like a collection of high-tech equipment: cables, buttons, and what seemed like a mini amplifier. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.

"This thing's bloated... Is it an acoustic-electric hybrid? But... why does it look so advanced?"

Curiosity gnawed at him. The guitar had a mystical quality, as though it held secrets waiting to be unlocked. If this was truly the "gift" mentioned in the letter, it must hold some kind of power.

"Well, Cookie Person," he whispered, staring at the guitar in awe, "let's see what kind of surprise you've left me."

Just as he was about to lift the guitar to give it a try, he was startled by a sudden meow from the cat. It seemed to be warning him of something.