Max was currently standing in front of the Aethernova store. There were many stores that Aethernova Industries had. At the moment, there were barely any people inside.
The moment Max entered, the bell at the top of the door rang, catching the attention of the store clerk and salesman.
The salesman waited until Max walked towards him and beamed a smile. In one glance, he knew Max would definitely buy the Novalite Pad, a consumer grade quality gaming pod that anyone could buy.
It was also the most affordable gaming pod at the moment.
As soon as Max arrived, he asked, "I assume you want to buy our Novalite Pod, correct?"
Max glanced at him and nodded.
"Alright, I'll introduce you to our Novalite Pod."
The salesman gestured to follow him as he walked towards the nearest displayed Novalite Pod.
Max could remember that the first Novalite Pod he bought stayed with him until the apocalypse descended.
Even when he earned money through selling items, helping newbies clear dungeons, teaching other future mages, and more, he was unable to upgrade his Novalite Pod to buy the NovaPro Immersion Pod.
Now, Max silently swore to even become a powerful player to be worthy enough to be invited to test the Apex Ascendant Pod to be released four years later.
As he was lost in thought, they finally arrived at the displayed Novalite Pod and the salesman interrupted his thoughts, saying, "This is our Novalite Pod, a consumer grade quality. It's for casual and semi-competitive players.
It has a standard full-dive neural interface, basic biometric monitoring, ergonomic suspension bed, 6-hour recommended continuous use limit, and manual exit safety overdrive.
It's also energy-efficient, so at best, if you play 6 hours everyday, your electricity bill will go up to 500 dollars.
The standard price for this is 4,999 dollars. We'll also deliver it for free."
Max nodded. He said in a different tone, "I'll buy one. Can I accompany your driver when delivering to my apartment?"
Max wanted to save money as he did not want to spend more on transportation when returning to his apartment room.
The salesman felt his request was confused at first but he immediately nodded.
"Of course. We'll have to settle for the payments first. What color gaming pod do you want?"
"Blue will do."
The salesman led Max to pay the store clerk. Max was already aware of the price of the Novalite Pod, so he brought out exactly 5,000 CAD.
After they settled the payment, the salesman asked Max to wait on the chair while he prepared for his gaming pod.
Five minutes later, the salesman led Max to their garage, where the gaming pod was put inside the truck.
The driver was already waiting and Max took the passenger seat.
Then, they drove off to Max's apartment.
…
The driver, who carried a box twice his size, containing the Novalite Pod, was dumbfounded when he realized he would be delivering the Novalite Pod to an apartment room with a broken door.
He glanced at Max, who was already inside, pointing at the place where he had to place the box.
He thought. He must have been dealing with a loan shark.
The driver placed the box at the empty place where Max pointed as he turned around and patted Max's shoulder.
He said, "I hope whatever you're risking will reward you."
Max was quite surprised. He beamed a smile and nodded. "Thank you."
"I will take a leave now. Good luck."
He left as Max glanced at him through the broken door. Max frowned at the broken door and sighed.
He turned towards the box and realized he would only open it once the broken door had been replaced.
For now, he covered the box with a smelly blanket, pushed it on a place where an outsider wouldn't catch its attention, and proceeded to his auntie's room.
…
One knock was enough for Sarah's voice to echo on the other side of the room.
"Come in."
Max entered and saw Sarah was writing something in one of the countless papers on the table while wearing eyeglasses.
Sarah was already aware Max would arrive. Her speculation was confirmed after discerning his familiar silhouette through her peripheral vision.
She said, "Go to the ref and have a light meal. I made a fruit salad in the morning. Fruit salad is a perfect meal not to shock your stomach after being empty the whole night and in the morning and afternoon."
Max smiled awkwardly. He was aware of how worried his auntie Sarah was. Without hesitation, he took a plate and grabbed a fork and spoon, scooping a fruit salad in the refrigerator until his plate was full.
Max sat on the opposite side of Auntie Sarah and carefully placed the plate on the glass table and the mug filled with cold water.
He glanced at her and ate quietly. Once Sarah was finished with her work, she glanced at Max and saw him, staring at him.
She asked, "Do you want to say something?"
Max nodded. After gulping the fruit salad he had not chewed yet, he drank the cold water and said, "Auntie Sarah, I bought a gaming pod. I'm planning to earn money through playing games."
Sarah was stunned. She dropped her ballpen to the glass table, startling her awake.
She furrowed her eyebrows and said, "Where did you get the money to buy?"
Max smiled. "From working three different jobs in a day for months. I've heard I could earn money through gaming, so I've worked hard to buy a gaming pod and try."
Sarah sighed.
"Since you've worked hard for it, it would be rude of me to invalidate your decision."
She gazed at Max with a solemn expression and said, "I assume you have also prepared everything just to try. However, know this, if you fail, don't be depressed. It's normal. Just don't forget to earn enough money to settle with your parents' debt and fill you and your brother's stomach.
I will be here, encouraging and helping you in dire times."
After a while, she beamed a smile. "You and Enzo are hard working. I can be assured. Your parents will be proud of you."