7 Chapter 7 - Troll Ground Group

While waiting for his meal, Stray decided to visit all the shops in the town tommorow. He really didn't need that much money, and never had enough money in his previous life to go on a shopping spree. He noticed a group of people walk towards his table, and worried they might be friends of the idiot from before. These thoughts went out the window however, when they bowed to him and shouted in unison. "PLEASE BLESS US HONORABLE GOD!"

There was a long, uncomfortable silence as Stray stared at them. "Huh?" That was the only words that he could think of. One of the males, wearing heavy iron armor, a shield strapped to his back, and a sheathed sword strapped to his side, rose up with a wide grin. "We are the Troll Ground Group, a party of adventurers!" Stray slowly nodded, still not sure what their deal was. "I'm Stray, a god...that's pretty much it."

The male nodded, placing his right fist over his heart. "I am Gareth, a level 7 fighter, and the party leader. We would be honored to receive your blessing, as we are about to raid a dungeon." Gareth explained, his eyes filled with respect. Although they seemed way too uptight for his liking, Stray was curious about dungeons. "A dungeon, huh? I've never been in one of those, what's it like?" He asked with a smile.

"I'm not sure, this will be the first dungeon we've explored, but I'm confident we'll succeed!" Gareth responded with enthusiasm. Stray stared at him for a moment, before glancing at the other members of the party, and it didn't seem like they shared the same sentiment. Jade arrived at his table without a sound, and placed two plates on the table before turning to the group with a frown. "Stray is trying to enjoy his meal, and you're making the mood in the tavern awkward. Either sit down and eat, or leave." Stray was shocked at her bluntness, and felt relieved that he wasn't the only one who felt weird about them.

Gareth however, looked at her with eyes of hatred. "How dare you interrupt! What gives you the right to speak in a conversation of a god, much less not show reverence as a mortal!" Jade opened her mouth to speak, however Stray stood up so fast it knocked his chair over. "She's my friend, and I sure as hell won't let you talk to her like that! I can't stand self rightious people like you, leave this place or I'll personally knock your teeth out!" He snapped. The entire tavern went silent at his words, while the party of adventurers went pale as shook with fear.

Gareth's face was painted with confusion and terror, while his mouth opened and closed like a fish. Seeing they hadn't left, Stray was about to explode and attack them in anger, but felt something pull at his sleeve. Turning to look, he saw Jade give a kind smile while shaking her head. Closing his eyes, Stray took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. Turning his attention back to the group, Stray could see based on the party members faces that they hadn't wanted to do this, and that they must've been forced to by their leader. "Gareth, right? I don't mind talking with your party, but you have to stay outside. I don't like you." The man wanted to speak up, however knew based on the god's tone that it wasn't a suggestion, but a final offer.

Gareth bowed once more, before walking out of the tavern and leaving his party behind. The minute he left, everyone else in the party let out a heavy sigh and relaxed. Stray ignored them and turned his attention to his meal after picking up his chair to sit down, while Jade walked back to the kitchen to get his drink.

The party members quickly made their way to each customer and apologized for the commotion. They then took any unused chairs they needed, and sat down at Stray's table.

On his plate for food, Stray saw two large meaty wings extended outward, covered in a thick sauce and steam rose from every part. The smell alone caused his mouth to salivate, but Stray pulled forth all of his willpower not to eat until his drink came. Once she came with a small cup that was filled with a turquoise colored liquid and placed it on the table for him, Jade silently giggled at Stray's behavior. Motioning with her hand to his food, she spoke with a happy tone to him. "Dig in and enjoy, nya~"

The second she uttered those words, Stray descended on the barbecue wings like a starving animal, completely forgetting the existence of things like forks, knives, and table manners. Although the adventurers would normally find it appalling, the scent of the food which made them drool made them understand and were hungry for it. The archer of the group, a female elf with short blue hair, turned to Jade while pointing at Stray's meal. "How much does that cost?" Jade gave a smile at the beautiful elf, and made a mental note to keep Stray away from other females, especially from those races with unique charms like Elves, Risen, or Mechani.

"It costs three gold coins for the food, and 50 copper pieces for a Merryweather." She answered nonchalantly, watching with glee at the elf's pained expression. Their attention was both drawn to a loud burp coming from Stray, and everyone saw with wide eyes the entire plate had been cleaned spotless, without even a bone left. Taking out one of the chests of gold from the Inventory to make it appear on the floor next to him, Stray opened it to reveal thousands of gold coins, causing everyone at the table who saw it have their jaw dropped.

Picking up and counting out 25 gold coins, he sperated it into two piles of 5 coins and 20 coins on the table. "Here's 5 coins for the meal Jade, and the rest is your tip. Also, could you please get me a napkin? My mouth and my fingers are sticky." Stray asked, not even bothering to close the chest. Jade's mind went blank the second she realized the amount of her tip was 25 gold coins which is the equivalent of 2,500 copper coins. As her usual daily pay was 20 copper coins, Jade had now earned the equivalent of working 125 days, or about four months of work, with just a single tip from Stray.