The prompt from the System – [Open Character Screen (Y/N)?] – pulsed gently in Kael's vision. Level 2. Five attribute points. One skill point. These were the tangible rewards for his struggles, the first real opportunity to consciously shape his development in this new world.
"Yes," Kael thought, focusing on the 'Y'.
The familiar translucent blue window appeared, displaying his current status, now updated with his new level.
Name: Kael
Race: Human (Variant: Unknown)
Age: Approx. 8 cycles (Physical)
Status: Well-Fed (+1 STR, +1 CON for 5 hours remaining)
Title: The Reborn
Level: 2 (0/150 XP to Level 3)
Attributes (Base):
Strength (STR): 3Agility (AGI): 4Constitution (CON): 2Intelligence (INT): 7Wisdom (WIS): 6Charisma (CHA): 5
Unspent Attribute Points: 5
Unspent Skill Points: 1
Skills:
Basic Survival (Passive) (Rank F)Resilience (Passive) (Rank F)Keen Mind (Passive) (Rank F)Fire Starting (Active) (Rank F)Basic Crafting (Active) (Rank F)
He looked at his base attributes. His STR and CON were still pitifully low, even with the temporary Well-Fed buff. His INT and WIS, carried over from his past life, remained his standout stats.
Five attribute points. It wasn't a huge amount, but it could make a difference. Where should he invest them?
His immediate survival had depended heavily on his wits, but there were moments – trying to make fire, setting traps, the sheer physical exhaustion – where a bit more strength or endurance would have been invaluable. The new quest, 'Echoes of the Whisperwood,' sounded dangerous, with a recommended level far above his current one. He would need to be tougher.
He considered putting all five points into CON. More health, more stamina, better resistance to environmental effects. It was a tempting, practical choice. Or perhaps split them between STR and CON?
His 'Keen Mind' skill helped him analyze. While physical prowess was important, his greatest successes so far had come from outthinking his problems, not overpowering them. The Ancient Cache Box was a prime example. Perhaps amplifying his core strengths was the smarter long-term strategy? More INT could mean faster learning, better understanding of the System, perhaps even unlocking more complex skills sooner. More WIS could improve his intuition, his awareness, and his resistance to mental attacks or illusions, which the "Silent Watchers" from the riddle might employ.
After a few minutes of deliberation, Kael made his decision. He would invest in what made him unique.
He focused on the INT attribute. "Allocate 3 points to Intelligence."
[3 Attribute Points allocated to INT. New INT: 10.]
A subtle warmth spread through his mind, a feeling of enhanced clarity, like a lens snapping into sharper focus.
Then, he focused on WIS. "Allocate 2 points to Wisdom."
[2 Attribute Points allocated to WIS. New WIS: 8.]
A similar sensation, a feeling of deeper calm and heightened awareness.
His new base attributes were: STR 3, AGI 4, CON 2, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 5. He was still physically weak, but his mental acuity had taken a significant leap.
Now, the skill point. He looked at his current skills. They were all Rank F, the lowest rank. Could he use the skill point to improve one of them? Or perhaps to learn a new, basic skill if the System allowed?
"System," he queried, "what are my options for this skill point?"
[Skill Point Allocation Options:]
[1. Improve existing Rank F skill to Rank E. Cost: 1 Skill Point.]
[2. Attempt to unlock a new Tier 1 common skill (randomly selected from available pool based on attributes and experiences). Cost: 1 Skill Point. Warning: Skill acquisition not guaranteed, may result in 'Failed Skill Attunement'.]
Option 2 was risky – "randomly selected" and "not guaranteed." Improving an existing skill seemed safer and more practical for now. Which one, though? 'Basic Survival' was always useful. 'Fire Starting' and 'Basic Crafting' were crucial. 'Resilience' and 'Keen Mind' were passive and already proving their worth.
He thought about what had given him the most trouble recently, and what would likely be most beneficial immediately. Crafting better tools, better shelter, perhaps even basic clothing, would significantly improve his quality of life and safety.
"Allocate 1 skill point to improve 'Basic Crafting'."
[1 Skill Point allocated. 'Basic Crafting (Rank F)' has been upgraded to 'Basic Crafting (Rank E)'.]
[Basic Crafting (Rank E): Increased chance of successfully crafting simple items. Moderately reduced chance of material wastage. Unlocks ability to attempt slightly more complex simple recipes if materials and tools are available. Small chance of creating items with minor positive quirks.]
Minor positive quirks? That sounded promising.
With his points spent, Kael closed the character screen. He felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had the Attunement Shard, the Sylphwing Quill, and the riddle pointing him towards the Whisperwood. That was a long-term goal. His short-term goals remained: secure a more reliable food source, improve his shelter beyond the crude lean-to, and perhaps craft some better basic gear.
He looked at the Sylphwing Quill, its colors shimmering. "Focus for air-aspected spells," the System had said. Magic. The thought was both exhilarating and daunting. It was a path for the future, perhaps, but the quill was a tangible link to that possibility.
For now, though, he was a Level 2 survivor with slightly sharper wits and better crafting potential. He needed to check his traps again, gather more firewood, and continue to treat his parasitic infection. The Whisperwood could wait. The daily business of staying alive in this forest could not.