Spell and Skill Slots        

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.