The Public Bath      

After returning home, Xin attempted to log back into the game, but the system kept logging him out, insisting that he needed sleep.

"Looks like we can't cheat the system," Xin sighed.

He was impressed by how accurately the system detected his need for rest. Within a minute of closing his eyes, he fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Xin and Xiaxia were met with their usual early morning chores. Their mother had prepared breakfast before leaving for a Saturday meeting with her boss.

'Michael Fey must be working overtime,' Xin thought.

"Hoi," Xiaxia called, pushing the broom into Xin's hands. "Go clean the house while I do the laundry. Let's split up the chores and finish quickly, so we can play the game."

Though she said that, they ended up spending the entire morning finishing the chores. By the time they were done, Xin was feeling tired and wanted to rest.

Xin asked Xiaxia, "Is there a headgear that operates while you're asleep?"

"They're still developing it if my information is correct," Xiaxia replied, wiping her sweat. "God. This place is so hot! Times like this that I miss our old house."

"I badly needed an AC!" she exclaimed passionately and sighed. "I'm going to take a bath. You finish the rest."

She then locked herself inside the bathroom.

After finishing the house chores, Xin felt sweaty and covered in dust. He desperately needed a bath, but there was only one bathroom in the house, and he knew Xiaxia took forever in there.

Xin didn't know what rituals Xiaxia performed in the bathroom, but he wasn't going to wait around. He decided to go to a nearby public bath instead.

He knew there were hot springs near Zone A, thanks to the living volcano, making it a popular destination for holidays.

After leaving a note for Xiaxia, incased she got off the shower and found him gone, he gathered his things and headed out.

Checking the map on his phone, he found the nearest public bath was more than a hundred meters away from their building. Determined to get some relaxation, he set off on his way.

Zone A area 50 and beyond was where the mass housing was located, so there were a lot of shops and stores that cater to this area's needs.

As Xin walked by the road, he noticed that there were a lot of people, old and young, who were posing in front of cameras; most were dancing while some were engaged in talking to themselves.

Xin didn't know what was going on, but the world suddenly changed. Everyone was acting strange, and he hastened his walk to his destination.

When he reached his location, and looked at the building that his phone had pointed at him. It said, Public Bathhouse.

The building stood nestled amidst a serene landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens. It's traditional Japanese architecture exuded an air of elegance and tranquility.

The exterior was adorned with wooden beams and panels, while a gently sloping roof covered in thatch tiles added to its charm.

Xin admired the place. Though the area here was considered for poor people, it didn't mean that the shops and buildings looked worn out and dilapidated.

As Xin entered the building, he was greeted by the soft sound of flowing water from a man-made stream, enhancing the peaceful ambiance. The interior was tastefully decorated with natural materials, such as wooden furnishings and sliding doors adorned with delicate paper screens. Soft lanterns provided warm, soothing light, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the bathhouse was the main bathing area. It featured a large communal bath made of smooth stones, bordered by decorative wooden columns. The water was kept at the perfect temperature, inviting guests to immerse themselves and soak away their worries.

Surrounding the bath were beautiful paintings and traditional art pieces depicting serene landscapes and calming scenes.

A small tea room was adjacent to the bathing area, offering guests a chance to enjoy tea and snacks while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.

The scent of incense wafted through the air, adding to the sensory experience and contributing to the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Outside, a serene garden awaited, with carefully manicured trees, decorative rocks, and a small koi pond. The gentle sound of trickling water from a nearby stone fountain added to the soothing ambiance.

Benches were placed strategically around the garden, providing spots for guests to sit and meditate in nature's embrace.

Overall, the bathhouse was a tranquil oasis where visitors could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, immersing themselves in the age-old tradition of public bathhouse culture and finding solace in the natural beauty that surrounded them.

Everything was man-made, of course, with pipelines bringing the hot spring water from the mountain into the building. The steam created a slight fog, but the surroundings were still visible.

Xin went to the counter to register. He had the option to have his own private room with a hot spring for $100, but he chose the regular public bath for only $5.

All he wanted was to get rid of the dirt and dried sweat from his skin. No need for a private room for that.

After receiving the locker keys, he changed into his shorts and headed to the public bath.

It was busier than usual because of the weekend. Children splashed and played in the shallow areas, giggling with joy. Older folks chatted and relaxed in the hot springs, feeling the soothing warmth wash away their stress.

There were also some people wearing skimpy outfits, posing for pictures in a bold manner.

Minding his own business, Xin relaxed and let the warm waters relieve his tired bones. His mind drifted away from all the worries for a moment.

He was confident that no one would recognize him here since most of his classmates and friends were in Area 40 and above.

Until someone called his name, that is.

"Xin?"