We stared at our status sheets for a brief period of time, trying to digest the information recorded. I finally got bored and pocketed my status sheet. Kevin grunted and said "I cant read any of these."

Oh Kevin, you poor bastard. I forgot this idiot is illierate. I snatched his status sheet and inspected it. Hmm. Okay?

"Well, I can see the numbers. Seems like you're strong. But the thing is you're also slow and stupid. Heh, what did you expect?"

The idiot tried to strangle me but alas, I'm too quick! Eat my dust Kevs. So this is what 7 agility does. Hehehehehe.

"What about you then, I bet your status looks pathetic." Kevin said with a frown. Oh Kevin, poor poor Kevin.

"Duh, except inteligence, I'm better than you in all aspects." I clicked my tongue when I realized that I may be just as stupid as Kevin is. What's up with this 4 inteligence. So being able to read and write doesn't have anything to do with inteligence? What? I scratched my head and let out a sigh.

"You know what, let's go back to the inn. I'm tired and I just want to lay down." We left the temple and returned to the inn.

-

"So, how did it go? The selling of herbs I mean." Harold asked while inspecting the parcel he ordered. It turns out that the thing he picked up is a new set of armor and a bastard sword. Ohhh! That looks so cool! Maybe one day I will be able to wear one of those. Maybe.

"Well it was so so. We sold them for a couple of shiny coins. Maybe we can buy supplies before we go back tomorrow." I said as I flipped a shiny silver coin.

"Also, we went to the temple to get out status sheets! There was lights and wiggly somethings and some more bright lights." Kevin said as he fished out his status sheet while grinning. What, are you a kid?

"Ohhh, interesting. Let me take a look at your statuses." Harold said as he carefully set down the armor he's inspecting. Kevin eagerly gave him his status sheet.

"Oho, quite good. A human's average status is 10 so looking at your status, it's quite good." Harold said as he returned Kevin's status sheet. He then looked at me expectantly. I handed him mine of course, I also want to be evaluated.

"Oh! How unexpected. You have higher statuses Kanno. This is almost as good as an average guard's status. Just a few more levels and you'll be able to apply for a guard post. That's a neat upgrade from being a villager. All you need to do now is to learn how to use a basic weapon." Harold explained while handing back my status sheet. I thought for a bit. A guard eh. Pretty decent but I'll pass.

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"How about me, what can I become?" Kevin asked while fidgeting. Seeing a grown man fidgeting is a bit disgusting just so you know.

"Hmm. Well you can be a guard too Kevin. You just need a few more levels and a bit of training. You can do it." Harold said. Look. This idiot named Kevin actually made a guts pose. What are you, a kid? I suddenly remembered my 4 inteligence and asked Harold.

"Uhhh, I have a question. What are statuses anyway? I know that they represent like, your abilities in numbers but... Can you explain more?" I asked. Harold looked thoughtful for a moment. Kevin and I just waited for him to answer.

"Well, you are correct in regards to how the statuses are numeric representation of one's capabilities. Hmm. Let me just explain each status to you, okay? Strength represents your physical power. You can think of it like strength is equal to brute force. It also represents your endurance or stamina. Agility, it represents speed in general. Or how quick your movements are, or how dexterous your hands are. Inteligence, hmmm. It represents your arcane talent. It shows how compatible you are with mana. But it does not have anything to do with being wise or smart. Some people tend to have this misunderstanding." Harold explained while playing with his beard. So that explains it! I'm not as dumb as Kevin, I just have a low compatibility with arcane arts. I smiled to myself, feeling a bit relieved. How terrible it is if ever I learn that I'm at Kevin's level of stupidity. It gave me the shivers!

"Hey you asshole, you're slandering me again aren't you!" Kevin fumed. Tsk. Why is this idiot so sharp whenever it comes to this things? Well, I learned so much information today thanks to Harold. Which reminds me, why does he know so much?

"Hey Harold, why is it that you're very knowledgeable when it comes to statuses?" I asked in genuine curiosity. Even Kevin is listening intently, clearly intrigued.

Harold scratched his head and said "Well, I already told you that I was once a mercenary but I retired because of an injury on my shoulder. So that's why I have a fair share of knowledge about how statuses work. Since we always have to check and improve our statuses. Knowing your own capabilities will help in combat. You might get yourself injured or killed if you overextend yourself by getting into fights you cannot win." Harold had a look of reminiscence. Maybe his shoulder injury is because of that, overexsomething? I wonder. Unable to bear the gloomy mood in the room, I asked.

"Hey can we see your status sheet Harold? It's a bit unfair that you get to see or status but we cannot see yours? Hehe." He smiled and took an old looking parchment from his bag.

"Here, it's very outdated. This is my status when I was still active. It goes back from 6 years ago." Harold said while grinning.

I took the status sheet and...

Name

Harold

Level 16 Strength 27 Agility 22 Inteligence 13