2 Chapter 2 - Level Up

"Hey sorry, I didn't mean to scare you or anything, I'm just new to these lands." Stray gave an awkward, but apologetic smile to the two guards. One was tall with short black hair and green eyes, while the other was the same height as him, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

They both looked at him strangely, and the taller guard whispered something in the other guard's ear before they nodded to each other. Stray was pretty sure he could try using one of his skills to overhear them, but decided not to be rude. The taller guard pointed his spear at Stray, which got his attention. "State your name and purpose here Traveler."

Stray stared at the guard with a gentle smile, then stared at the spear, and then back at the guard. Raising his hands up like they were the police from his past life, he tried to be as honest as possible. "I don't really have a name, but everyone calls me Stray cause I like stray cats. I came here just to explore the town, nothing more."

The guards glanced to each other before moving aside to allow him passage. "Don't cause trouble here Traveler, or else we'll throw you in jail." Stray nodded at the blonde haired guard's warning before walking into town.

The ground in the town was flat and save for a weed or two, it was well taken care of in his opinion. There were lanterns hung outside each building, bright enough to light up almost the whole town. There were mostly humans that populated the town, but every now and then he'd see an elf or a dwarf.

Tapping the shoulder of a random passerby, Stray thought since this world seemed to be a fantasy one, the easiest place for information would be a tavern. The human male snapped his head towards him. The male froze upon seeing his face, then looked Stray up and down. He then gave a smile before speaking. "Well hello there Miss, you need anything? Need someone to keep you company?"

Stray stared at the man with a blank look, shifting his legs slightly to confirm that his body was in fact, male. Using his hand to feel his hair, Stray found it went down to the base of his neck, and assumed that was behind the confusion.

"Sorry, no, I'm male. My name's Stray, I was wondering where I could find a tavern." The man's face twisted up in disgust, and got in his face. "You think just cause you got fancy clothes you can screw with me?! Huh!?! How about you leave that armor with me, and I won't beat you up."

Stray's first thought was not of anger, fear, or excitement. 'This guy's breath is gross. System, do I have any skills to deal with this guy without hurting him?'

{Here are the skills that fit your search: [Deception] = +6, [Intimidation] = +6, [Persuasion] = +6, and [Stealth] = +11}

As Stray considered his options with a blank expression, the man sneered thinking the boy was too terrified to speak. Patting Stray's cheek, the man gave a mocking smile. "Don't worry pretty boy, just leave your armor and I promise not to hurt your pretty face."

Originally, he was going to use Stealth to sneak away, but the instant the man touched him Stray decided to make things clear between them. "Intimidation." The man instantly felt a sense of danger, and backed away from Stray. Taking a moment to process what happened, the man was about to attack Stray for using a skill on him. "Stealth."

Stray instantly vanished from the man's sight, leaving him there with a dumbfounded expression. Stray, meanwhile, walked to another part of town before seeing a building that several drunks were leaving from. About to enter, Stray heard a ding go off in his mind.

{Host has gained enough experience to level up. System recommends doing so immediately.}

Mentally nodding, the world suddenly became void of color except for him, and time seemed to stop. Stray saw a menu like screen appear in front of him, showing the options and rewards for his level up.

|[Select Stat] +1, [Select Stat] +1|

|Hit Points: 19 + 21|

|Spell Slots: +2 Cantrip Slots|

|[Divine Talent]: "Every two levels, your talent doubles."|

Seeing everything improved Stray's mood tremendously, but he wasn't sure which stats to invest in. Deciding to just put it in Charisma, which was his lowest stat at 22, Stray felt suddenly stronger, and time returned to normal. 'System, show me my stats.'

[Strength: 40]

[Dexterity: 34]

[Constitution: 32]

[Intelligence: 32]

[Wisdom: 30]

[Charisma: 26]

'Huh? I only increased my Charisma by 2 points when it was at 22, shouldn't it be at 24?' Stray mentally asked.

{Host's ability [Divine Talent] provides a small boost to stats every two levels}

Stray couldn't stop himself from smiling as he entered the building. So far, it seemed like life was going to be easy sailing for him. The building was indeed a tavern, and he sat down at an empty table. It took a full minute for him to realize he didn't actually have any money. Stray was about to get up and leave when a waitress rushed over.

The waitress was wearing a maid outfit and had black cat ears as well as a matching tail. She had black hair tied in a ponytail, and sharp green eyes. "I apologise for being late Dear Customer, I do hope you'll forgive me-nya~" The waitress winked at him and gave a cute smile.

Stray was frozen in place, on one hand he was somewhat of an otaku and the chance of being friends with a real life cat girl made him want to stay. On the other hand however, Stray had no money, and didn't want to dine and dash. 'System do you have any advice? Please?!?' He mentally pleaded.

{Host I recommended to spend 1 Divinity on the [Gamble] section of the [Store]}

Stray mentally nodded, and sensed a pot within his mind. Dice were thrown into the pot, and the pot violently shook several times, before exploding in a rainbow of light.