[CENTER][h2][color=#C9A281]Xiao Mei[/color][/h2][img]https://i.imgur.com/H0vRWf5.png?1[/img][/CENTER]

It was difficult for Mei to determine on who was more formidable between the mother lizard they had previously faced and the pair that who were on the receiving end of their fangs and claws. One thing she was certain of though, was the efficiency of hunting as a group. If made to tackle the same situations on her own, Mei wouldn't have been as violent and reckless; that just would've gotten her killed. What they had right now wasn't a simple group of random creatures. As cliché as it might've sound, they were a family. Mei could've done without such a dynamic, but the innate familial instincts of protectiveness and lingering compassion for each other had been working to her advantage so far. Coupled with the natural speed and agility of the dire rat, the pseudo synchronicity they displayed during their attacks also impressed Mei. For the time being, she knew that  sticking together was the best option presented to her.[hr]

After her encounter with the wisp and fanged lizards, Mei couldn't help feel her hunger creeping out once again. It could have been something usual for their kind or was just due to Mei overexerting herself. Either way, she decided to address her body's needs and helped herself to the bountiful meal that was in front of her. What she would've thought of as disgusting and savage, was actually calming and nostalgic. The fresh, bloodsoaked reptilian meat was iron-like in taste, but it reminded Mei of zhū zá tāng; a warm, spicy blood and organ soup that she frequently had as a child. While living on the streets of Chaozhou, it was the cheapest and heartiest meal she could afford, but eventually grew to love.

As Mei was enjoying her meal, from out of nowhere and without warning, an abrupt...update had appeared? Or was it more accurate to call it a notification? Regardless, it had caught her off guard, but her surprise most likely went unnoticed. Mei briefly choked on the lizard meat, but it was probably just seen as her eating too hurriedly.

The terms presented to her, such as leveling up and skill points, undeniably piqued Mei's interest. It was as if they were in a game? If this was true, it wasn't apparent given the way she's been reacting to the world around her; it did not feel artificial in anyway, but that was probably what characters in games felt as well. Trying to figure everything out with what little information was available, was a futile attempt and Mei was well aware of this. At least it was a problem she didn't need to focus on for now. Learning how to go about this supposed pre-existing system was something she had to go about gradually. If she didn't take it in as bits and pieces, the chances of her just being overwhelmed was high.

[color=#C9A281][I]"Five points to spend, huh?"[/I][/color] Mei pondered while she resumed her meal, pretending as if nothing had happened aside from her swallowing mishap.

[color=#C9A281][I]"Beast Sense and Deception."[/I][/color] Mei found these words so familiar, as if she had heard them not long ago. Memories of just before her rebirth came flooding back, catching her by surprise yet again. And like before, causing her to choke on her meal. Honestly, she was starting to feel embarrassed. As she cleared her throat though, Mei continued to review the information she had just received. She was, most of the time, logical and practical. However, when games were involved, Mei had the habit of taking risks. She was what most would call, a gambler.

With that train of thought, she knew where she'd invest her skill points. Everything into Deception. Mei found no reason not to do so; that was her bread and butter. Lying, confusing, misleading, to misinform, and the like were second nature for her. 
[hr]

At some point, Mei came to the realization that if she was going through this sort of experience, it was fair to assume that Asteria was as well. They faced the same challenges and have been with each other for what seemed to be the whole day. With Mei's curiosity overtaking her, she had to find a way to observe her sister without being to obvious. Grabbing the lifeless lizard by the mouth, Mei proceeded to drag it towards Asteria. What she planned to look like a peace offering with some compassion thrown in, was actually Mei just trying to be sly.

[@SilverPaw]