The Headgear    

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."

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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.

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A/N

No update on Sundays. It's my rest day 😴