(stats)"It's pronounced 'Statistics Master'."

Shiroe
Level 2 Tactican
Empathetic Insight - know allies' strengths
Conjure Basic Rations - convert mana into food and drink
(Unspent Ability Slot)

Niki
Level 3 Warrior
Shield Bash - stun and/or push back an enemy
+Enhanced Strength
+Enhanced Durability

"Well, that's interesting." Shiroe said.

"What is?" Niki asked.

"I've already reached level 2. But I haven't killed any monsters or completed any quests since arriving." Maybe this world gave people experience points for completing social encounters, or for traveling with higher-level companions, or something like that. Shiroe decided not to share his theories prematurely. "More interestingly, I can see some of your stats now."

"You can!?" Niki asked, sounding much too worried. "What does it say?"

"Level 3 Warrior. Some combat abilities. Bonuses to strength and speed. Nothing bad."

Niki visibly relaxed.

"My 'Empathic Insight' ability only shows me party members' strengths. So anything bad probably wouldn't show up here."

Niki swallowed nervously as Shiroe stood up, his body backlit ominously by the daylight streaming in the window.

"Of course, if you did have some sort of crippling weakness, I'm sure I'd find out what it was, sooner or later. It could happen when I overhear a rumor in the marketplace. Or when I level up, and gain the ability to see weaknesses as well as strengths. Or when it suddenly causes you to fail in a combat situation, placing both of our lives in danger. Is that what you want?"

Niki withered under his gaze. "No."

"Well then? What are you going to do about it?"

"It's not fair! Normally, it's sexy when you talk to me in that creepy voice. How are you doing that?"

Creepy voice? Whatever. Lean into it. "It's simple. I'm not doing it. You are. Probably because you feel guilty about letting me down. Now, you could impress me, by being braver than I expected, and telling me what you're hiding right now, in the privacy of this inn. Or, you can wait and see how long it takes for the truth to come out, probably at the worst possible time. The choice is yours. I can't **** you. But if you wait too long, life is going to make the decision for you."