Xiaxia's confidence had returned as she enthusiastically explained the mechanics of spell and skill slots to Xin. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she delved into the details.
"Though it may seem confusing at first, it's actually quite straightforward," Xiaxia began. "Each class has specific spell and skill slots that determines the number and level of spells and skills a character can use at each character level."
She gestured animatedly as she continued, "For instance, at your current level of five, you likely have two 1st-tier spell and skill slots as the default. However, as you progress and reach higher levels, additional slots will open up. For example, when you reach level 20, you'll gain another 1st-tier slot as well as a 2nd-tier slot."
Xin nodded, following along with Xiaxia's explanation. The concept of spell and skill slots tied to class and level made sense to him, and he began to grasp the importance of acquiring higher-tier slots for more powerful spells and skills.
Xiaxia continued with her explanation, detailing the allocation of slots based on spell tiers. "Depending on your class and level, you can acquire higher-tier slots. Currently, the default is ten slots for 1st-tier spells and skills, five slots for tiers two to five, three slots for tiers six to eight, and two slots for tier nine. However, it's worth noting that these numbers could change as you progress in the game."
She paused for a moment, catching her breath and added, "There are also rare items that can open up additional slots, but they are incredibly rare and often quite expensive to obtain."
Xiaxia then used an analogy to help Xin understand the concept better. "Think of slots as a groove of a certain size. A 1st-level slot is small, while a higher-level slot is larger. Just as a 1st-tier spell can fit into any slot, a 9th-tier spell can only fit into a 9th-level slot. It's all about matching the appropriate level of spells or skills to the corresponding slots. Got it?"
Instead of answering, Xin said, "So spells and skill are limited to how many slots and higher level slots you have?"
Xiaxia nodded. "When a spell caster casts a spell using a slot that is of a higher level than the spell, the spell assumes the higher level for that casting. When you put [Fire] in a level 1 slot, you cast like a fireball. But if you placed it on a level 2 slot, then that [Fire] will turn into [Flame]."
"I see." It got more interesting as Xin listened more. "So you can interchange your spells and skills in these slots as long as they fit."
Xiaxia nodded in affirmation. "Precisely! You can interchange your spells and skills in these slots, allowing for versatility and customization. It adds uniqueness to your character and opens up more possibilities within the game. You have the freedom to experiment and adapt your skills to better suit your needs."
"However," Xiaxia interjected, her tone turning slightly cautionary, "it's worth noting that certain spells and skills have restrictions. They can only be placed in specific slots and may not be able to move up to higher-tier slots. For instance, a simple spell like [Fire] can only be placed in the highest Tier 2 slot."
"Got it," Xin said.
"It might be confusing at first," Xiaxia remarked, her voice filled with encouragement, "but you can experiment with your skills and spells to get the hang of it."
"There's nothing confusing about it," Xin stated matter-of-factly. "I just need to place whatever skill and spell I have into the higher tier slots and see if it works. The higher level the better, right."
Xiaxia grumbled under her breath, acknowledging Xin's simplified perspective. "I suppose that's another way to put it," she begrudgingly conceded.
She then quickly regained her usual energetic self and exclaimed, "Now that's settled, let's add each other as friends!"
Xiaxia took out her phone and asked, "What's your account number?"
Xin felt drained of energy, as if Xiaxia had absorbed it all, leaving him feeling tired and sleepy. Reluctantly, he shared his ID with her.
When Xiaxia saw his gaming name, she furrowed her brows. "Lord Schrodinger? No wonder you chose a cat. Did you base your character on our previous pet?"
Xiaxia didn't know how to react, torn between laughter and tears.
Xin shrugged, seemingly unfazed. "What's the problem with that? You liked Lord Schrodinger."
Xiaxia blushed and stumbled over her words. "Y-yes, I did."
As Xiaxia thought about it, she realized that she was the one who took care of Lord Schrodinger, feeding, bathing, and grooming him. But despite her efforts, the cat always seemed to prefer Xin's company, leaving her feeling ignored.
Animals always gravitated towards Xin while giving her judgmental stares, which only fueled Xiaxia's frustration.
This somehow angered her for reasons she couldn't explain.
"Since you're here, help me buy a headgear," Xin said, getting up from his seat.
The rain had subsided, and the day was gradually fading into night.
Xiaxia bounced on her toes, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, don't tell me you've already converted your in-game currency to real cash?"
Xin nodded in confirmation.
However, Xiaxia remained skeptical. "How did that happen? Even if you were foraging nonstop for two hours, you'd only earn about ten or twenty dollars at most."
Suddenly, a realization dawned on Xiaxia, causing her to gasp. "Did you find a rare item?"
"Something like that," Xin replied, keeping his answer vague.
Xiaxia eagerly hopped to Xin's side, bombarding him with questions. "What's the item? How much did you get it for? Tell me, tell me!"
Xin chose to ignore her and simply replied, "It's a secret."
Xiaxia pouted in disappointment but refrained from asking further. Instead, she grabbed hold of Xin's arm, walking alongside him as his hand remained tucked inside his pocket.
As Xin and Xiaxia strolled through the bustling mall, they entered a store showcasing various gaming headgear.
Xiaxia initiated the conversation, inquiring about Xin's desired headgear.
"So, what kind of headgear are you looking for?" Xiaxia asked curiously.
Xin pondered for a moment before responding, his eyes fixed on the array of headgear options. "Something that would allow me to play the game nonstop."
Xiaxia burst into laughter, finding Xin's request amusing. "Oh, there's no such thing, my dear brother," she chuckled. "You can play for long hours while charging the gear, but the system will still log you out for safety reasons. It detects when you need rest, bathroom breaks, or food."
"Is that so?" Xin commented, absorbing the information while examining the headgear on display. There were various designs, shapes, colors, and sizes, each with its own price range based on functionality and aesthetics.
Curiosity piqued, Xin turned to Xiaxia and asked, "What kind of headgear did you get?"
Xiaxia beamed with pride, her excitement evident. "Since Guildbane is my main source of income, I invested in high-quality gear," she declared and placed a sleek, white headgear with streaks of black into Xin's hand.
"This is the fourth-generation headgear," Xiaxia explained. "This headgear allows users to play Guildbane for extended periods by enabling gameplay while the device is being charged.
"This thing also incorporated ergonomic design elements, providing a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions. It minimized strain on the wearer's head and ensured a snug yet non-restrictive fit."
"Uhm . . ." Xin wanted to interrupt, but there was no chance of stopping his sister once she started talking.
Xiaxia continued despite Xin's lack of interest. "The headgear featured an integrated high-definition display that enhanced the visual quality of Guildbane. Vivid colors, sharp details, and enhanced contrast levels brought the virtual world to life, allowing players to fully appreciate the game's graphics.
"The headgear also had a built-in microphone and voice command functionality. Players could use voice commands to perform various in-game actions and adjustable interfaces.
"And lastly, headgear featured customizable interface options, enabling players to personalize their in-game HUD (Heads-Up Display). Users could modify the placement, size, and visibility of various game elements, tailoring the interface to their preferences for optimal gameplay."
Xin ignored Xiaxia and examined the headgear, taking in its sleek appearance, like a futuristic helmet –– only bigger.
Xin admired the headgear's color and design, but when he saw the price, his eyes twitched. "Ten thousand dollars? Is this made of gold?"
Xiaxia chuckled. "You should see the customized ones that professional players and top guilds use. They cost hundreds of thousands."
"Maybe that's why they're at the top," Xin joked with a straight face. Those headgears better have extra functions for that enormous price.
Xiaxia stifled a laugh. "Maybe."
She then looked at Xin meaningfully. "If you can't afford ten thousand dollars, you can always ask me to pay for the gear."
She didn't have that kind of amount with her, but she could always pay in installments with her card. If he would ask, she would be willing to pay for it.
However, without a word, Xin went to the counter and paid for his headgear with cash, leaving Xiaxia dumbfounded.
Xiaxia zoomed in on Xin and exclaimed, "You! What item did you sell to have that much money?"
She had expected him to go for a cheaper headgear, maybe around five hundred dollars, which would provide a few hours of gameplay.
However, she never imagined he would actually buy the latest headgear with his own money.
Xin glanced at her and simply said, "It's a secret."
=======
Later that night, while they were eating the takeout food, Evelyn brought up the idea of Xiaxia studying with Xin to prepare him for his upcoming advancement exam at Fate Academy.
"Egh, you're going to Fate Academy?" Xiaxia protested immediately. She didn't mind studying with Xin in the same school, but Meilyn was also there.
Xiaxia wanted Xin to move on from Meilyn, so she didn't want him to be near her. The reason why he wanted to attend the same school was probably because of Meilyn. The thought of him still chasing after the woman frustrated and angered her.
On the other hand, Xin misunderstood Xiaxia's hostility, thinking that she didn't want the school to discover their sibling relationship.
It must be embarrassing for her if people knew that she had a brother who had been in a coma for four years because of something stupid like slipping off a stair.
"Don't worry. I won't reveal that I'm your brother if that's what's bothering you," Xin assured Xiaxia.
"What did you say?" Xiaxia's anger intensified. Was Xin embarrassed by her? Was that why he didn't want to tell everyone that they were siblings?
She get that she could be stupid at times, but that wasn't a reason to shut her off.
Xin stared at her sister, didn't know why she was so hot-blooded. Was there something he said? He was already doing her a favor by not getting involved in her life at school –– just like what she wanted before.
Evelyn intervened, putting an end to their argument. She looked at them sternly and said seriously, "Xin, you will study for the exam, and you, Xiaxia, will help him study and guide him in navigating the school this Monday. And that's final."
Both Xiaxia and Xin could only nod in response.
However, in reality, they were too engrossed in playing the game to focus on their academic responsibilities.
=======
A/N
No update on Sundays. It's my rest day 😴
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