The next day, after waking up and having breakfast, I went to look for Brian. Unfortunately, he was not in his room, and since Tina was nowhere to be found either, I ended up asking the staff. From what I was told, he was last seen at the outdoor stables by the back of the Inn. Since the stablehand was too nervous to get anywhere close to such powerful monsters as the [Lightning Wolf], he was forced to take care of them himself. Knowing that, I went out to find him.

"What is it twerp?" asked Brian as he just finished feeding the wolves, and made his way towards the fountain to wash his hands.

"Harold said for you to take me to the Blacksmithing Guild" I informed him, as I went over to pet the soft [Lightning Wolf].

"Hmm? I don't remember hearing anything" Brian teased.

"Well, he told me yesterday to tell you!" I insisted.

"Sorry, if the Boss doesn't tell me, I can't do anything. See ya later twerp~" Brian declared and walked off.

"Wait! If you don't take me there, what am I suppose to do?!" I pressed.

"That's your problem~" Brian shrugged off with a smirk as he left the outdoor stables.

Grrr! Stupid hateful dogkin! I need to get to the guild as soon as possible, so that I can prepare stuff to sell on top of making the swords for the party! I can't afford to waste any time here!

Then a brilliant idea hit me! * evil grin *

I looked left and right to make sure the coast was clear, and once I was sure no one was looking... I lifted up my hand...

* buzz * * buzz * * buzz * * buzz *

Electrostatic filled the air and my hairs began to stand up...

I was waiting for an opportunity to try out this skill, what better way than to punish a sinner? Of course, I'll make sure to hold back and adjust the skill to maximize paralysis over damage, but it should be enough to give him his dues! He won't even know what hit him!

Lightning began to form in the air and came straight down at me! With all my concentration in tow, I made sure to targe-

"TshaAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!" I yelled as I fell over from the electrical shock.

You have taken 83 damage. You have been paralyzed for 30 minutes.

...

O-Ouch... Well that could have turned out far better... I tried to move around, but as expected no luck... * sigh *

Finding myself lying there unable to do anything, I decided to contemplate where I could have gone wrong... It was obviously not at trying to electrocute that stupid dogkin, nope, that was justified. What I wanted to know was why in the world did my own attack backfire back at me?... and it isn't like this is the first time something like this happened, so I can't exactly pretend that this was an accident and go about my day... not that I could do that anyways since I'm kind of stuck here for the time being...

The only difference is that during previous backfires, it at least led to some results... but this time around, it was almost a complete failure... So I need to get to the bottom of this, lest I end up getting myself killed due to my negligence...

At first when I used [Meteor Rush], I assumed the recoil was due to me lacking the stats or some support skill to use it properly. While that may still be the case, it became even more apparent that something was up with the use of [Screech], which ended up shredding the insides of my throat. In that case, it simply couldn't have been due to lacking such things as stats or skills, no, at that point the difference was clearly in our anatomies. Looking at a [Wraith] who has no fleshy throat versus me who does, the reason why I got hit by the recoil becomes far more apparent.

And if I had anymore doubts left, this incident most definitely confirmed it... that Racial Skills are far more dangerous than I thought...

At first, I thought the only difference between Normal Skills and Racial Skills was that Racial Skills allowed me far more flexibility, from limiting stamina usage to overriding cool downs. While Normal Skills tended to offer better overall performance. This was of course information provided to me by the system. But as I used both types of skills more and more, I noticed other differences that were not documented. The most apparent one was that Racial Skills came second hand, while Normal Skills required additional training and understanding to make up for the gaps.

There was also one other thing that I noticed, but didn't think too much of at the time... Particularly in my usage of [Blend Stealth]. I just took it as a given that I would not blend into the environment as well as an Iguana... I mean that's common sense right? And I moved on not giving it too much thought... since well I had plenty of other stuff to think about... like you know day to day survival!

But in reality, that was my first hint that anatomies play a vital role in the usage of Racial Skills.

And if that is truly the case, then it goes without saying that a lack of having the proper anatomy can prove fatal... If I say learn a skill that lets me shoot poison or acid out of my mouth, even if I end up shooting it out, lacking the mouth anatomy to properly isolate the poison, that would be equivalent to committing suicide... even in this incident... if I set the [Lightning Horn] to maximum damage output... * shiver * ... I really don't want to think about it...

Now that I know this, I should probably focus on collecting more Normal Skills, while finding ways around the bottlenecks of Racial Skills... such as maybe making a helmet with a horn or the like, and testing it in a safe environment... and any new Racial Skill should be carefully tested prior before I utilize it in combat...

But for now... what do I do, I still can't move...

* Lick * * Lick * * Lick * * Lick *

"S-S-to-p T-tha-t T-T-ick-les... he-he-he" I tried to complain, as the [Lightning Wolf] began to lick me...

...

After about 5 minutes of being licked by the [Lightning Wolf], I was somehow finally able to get back up... By the looks of things, It seems the [Lightning Wolf] absorbed most of the remaining electrostatic, thus lowering the time on my paralysis... Though once he was done absorbing it, he pretty much lost interest and went about his business... * sigh * and here I was hoping he liked me, and that I could later on tame him or something...

Oh well... Anyways, since Tina has already left prior, I guess I'll just have to go there myself. To be honest, I didn't even need that hateful dogkin in the first place! I only came here to ask cause Harold told me to. Now that I know where the guild is, I have no need for him. It's not like I walked around this town with the hero, so it's unlikely for anyone to know about me just yet, and in the worst case, I have my senses and skills to back me up.

With my mind made up, I headed out of the Inn towards the Blacksmithing Guild. As I was passing the shopping area on my way there, my ears picked up something that peaked my interest...

"Selling sweet bread buns! Only 10 silver coins a piece! Limited time only!" declared a girl standing outside what seems to be a bakery.

Hmm... that might seems like a high price at first glance, but sweets seem to be pretty expensive in this world... Not sure why that is the case, maybe because it's considered a luxury over a necessity? Either way, 10 silver coins a piece is by far the cheapest sweet I have seen so far...

Hmm... this is definitely something intriguing... maybe I should grab a few... but if I do that... I'd be depleting the money I need to save up for better equipment... hmm... but cheap sweets are pretty rare to find, and I don't know if I'll ever get another opportunity... not to mention, if my plans for today go well, I could earn quite a killing...

This is so difficult... weighing practicality versus luxury... After some time contemplating, a stroke of genius hit me!

This isn't a purchase to indulge myself, no, this is for research! Yup, for research! I will analyze these discount sweets in hopes of reproducing them with my [Cooking] skill, thus it isn't a wasteful spending, but precious research material!

With my mind set on munching... err I mean analyzing the sweets, I entered into the bakery and walked up to the counter.

"Can I get a taste sample of the sweet buns before buying?" I asked the old man behind the counter.

I wasn't naive enough to buy something sold below market value without hesitation after all.

"Hmm..." the old man pondered as he took a scrutinizing glance at me... no... looking at it more carefully, at my clothes?

"Alright, here is a piece" the old finally decided as he handed me a tiny sample to try.

I took a look at it with [Creationist: Analyze Everything] just in case, and after confirming there was nothing strange in it, I picked it up and... * munch *

Mmmmm... It's nowhere close to Zaveriya's heavenly deserts... but, it's pretty close to the deserts I ate in my previous life I would say... so I guess I could say they are acceptable?...

"I'd like to buy 10 please!" I requested.

It still feels a bit expensive, but now that people are buying my stuff and me getting a salary, there is nothing wrong with buying things once in a while... Of course, I don't plan to eat all 10 in one go... as tempting as that may sounds... I plan on only eating one for now, and save the rest for another day.

"That will be 1 gold coin" said the old man.

"Here you go..." I replied while hesitantly handing him the money.

"Thank you, come again" responded the old man as he handed me the wrapped sweet buns.

I put 9 of the deser... I mean research materials inside my [Item Box], and left the shop while happily munching on my sweet bun.

Unfortunately, before I knew it... the sweet bun was all gone!

Hmm... it won't hurt to eat one more right? To celebrate me finally selling stuff... just one more... I swear this will be the last!

After finally convincing myself, I took out one more sweet bun!

"Aah..." I pronounced right about to stuff it in my mouth, only to stop after feeling a presence rushing from the right.

Taking a glance, I noticed what seemed to be a 9 year old ratkin child collapse right in front of my feet. Looking at him carefully, he seemed to be wearing rags and fully covered in dirt.

He then desperately grabbed onto the hem of my clothes.

"P-Please h-help * sniff *... I-I didn't do anything wrong... *sniff* I was framed!" he pleaded as tears fell down his cheeks.

...

I began to inwardly panic not knowing what to do! D-Don't tel me... Did I trigger a flag?!?! No, no, no! Stop! Don't you know I'm allergic to flags?!

That said, even without my high [PER] or the blue box showing up, I could easily tell that the kid in front of me was lying about something... I mean... the whole crashing into a little kid that is being chased is one of the oldest clichés in the book!

You have acquired a new skill [NP][Acting] Level 1

And when you see that pop up, it leaves little room for doubt...

I took a peek into the alley where the kid came from, preparing for any trouble that might brew... but no matter how far I looked into the alley, I saw nothing...

Then suddenly, I felt the sensation of the sweet bun leaving my hand! It's not like I wasn't on my guard for the other possible cliché, but to my surprise, the direction the bun was being stolen from was from behind!

Barely catching a glimpse, I saw a 13 year old ratkin grabbing my sweet bun and run away!

You have acquired a new skill [NA][Steal] Level 1

"Hey! That's mine!" I yelled.

Feeling something out of place, I looked down and noticed that my pockets were inverted out, and the 9 year old ratkin already ran back into the alley!

Damn it! They teamed up and got the drop on me! I'll make them pay!... is what I would like to say, but I know where this one is going... catching up to them with my skills should be a breeze, the problem is what happens afterwards! Once I catch up to them, I'll probably learn about how they are only doing it for their sick father... but in reality, that is also a lie and after getting into a bunch of random events, I'll eventually figure out the truth! After confronting them yet again, I will only then learn about how the one in charge of their orphanage has gone missing, and after investigating I'll end up to learning that she has been taken hostage by some mafia like organization. Then get embroiled in some sort of mess that puts me in conflict with some noble who is after the land or something... thanks, but no thanks!

I guess I'll just consider the two skills I got as payment, since all my things are in the [Item Box], my losses only amounted to that sweet bun... though... it's definitely frustrating never the less... anyways... today is an important day, and I have a lot of stuff to do, I can't be wasting my time here...

I took one last regretful glance into the alley, and moved on...

Now that I think about it... since that sweet bun was stolen... eating one more should be fine right? right?

...

In a short while, I finally reached the local Blacksmithing Guild. Interestingly enough, by the time I got there, I only had 5 sweet buns left... I swear, someone is definitely stealing them from my [Item Box]... and if ever find out who that is, I'll make sure to make them pay for shamelessly robbing my research materials! The nerve! I lick off the remaining sweetness off my lips and fingers, and got to work...

...

Prior to the exhibit hall, I only managed to make 10 [Steel Swords] for the party this time around, as the rest of the time was allocated to making things to sell using my remaining [Iron Ingots]. Taking 10 out of the 15 ingots I had, I made 2 [Iron Daggers], 1 [Iron Sword], 1 [Iron Mace], I also made 1 [Steel Dagger] and 1 [Steel Sword] by borrowing some [Coal Ore] that I plan to take out of my quota payment.

The result of my hard work was that all iron items had a quality score of 7, and all steel items had a quality score of 6 with a few hitting 7.

With that, I completed 3 class quests and got an extra 15 [PER]!

[Creationist] Ingot Creation III

Produce 50 tier 1 ingots with at least a quality score of 9 and/or

50 tier 2 ingots with at least a quality score of 8 and/or

50 tier 3 ingots with at least a quality score of 7 and/or

50 tier 4 ingots with at least a quality score of 6 and/or

50 tier 5 ingots with at least a quality score of 3 and/or

50 tier 6 ingots with at least a quality score of 1.

Type: Continuous 2/10

Status: 21/50

Reward: 6 [PER]

[Creationist] Weapon Creation III

Produce 10 tier 1 weapons with at least a quality score of 9 and/or

10 tier 2 weapons with at least a quality score of 8 and/or

10 tier 3 weapons with at least a quality score of 7 and/or

10 tier 4 weapons with at least a quality score of 6 and/or

10 tier 5 weapons with at least a quality score of 3 and/or

10 tier 6 weapons with at least a quality score of 1.

Type: Continuous 2/10

Status: 4/10

Reward: 6 [PER]

It seems that tomorrow will finally be the day I hit my limits for making weapons... well... unless I make iron items with a quality score of 8, or can consistently get my steel items to have a quality score of 7... It also won't be long till ingots suffer the same fate as well. There is the option of making armor, but that becomes harder to sell since I have to start worrying about fit. If I had more experience with [Leatherworking] or [Tailoring], I may be able to make it a bit more adjustable via padding, but with my current ability, that would be a bit complex. There is the option of making things like belts or shields which would be more flexible... though I don't know if a shield would even count as an armor or not...

Well whatever, I'll worry about it when the time comes. Right now, it's time to make some money!

I proceed to the exhibit hall and set up shop. Once everything was prepared, I activated my [Voice Manipulation]!

"COMMISSIONED BLACKSMITH, UNLOADING SEMI-SUPERIOR QUALITY [IRON SWORD], [IRON MACE] AND TWO [IRON DAGGERS] AT AVERAGE MARKET PRICE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! I ALSO HAVE ABOVE AVERAGE [STEEL SWORD] and [STEEL DAGGER]! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!" I announced.

And before you know it, they started flooding in like moth to a fire!

Once I sold most of the weapons and the crowd reached it's peak, I then pulled out one last surprise for the day...

"NOW THEN, I HAVE A SPECIAL TREAT FOR EVERYONE! FEAST YOUR EYES ON THIS!" I declared as I put my new [Acting] skill to use.

Holy-Steel Healing Dagger

An average quality dagger made out of holy-steel

+10 STR +10 DEX +10 AGI +10 VIT +5 INT +5 WIS +250 ATK

[Healing Stream] +10 HP every minute (5 holy power is consumed per minute)

Bonus: +1 STR +1 AGI +1 DEX

Holy Power: 200/200

Restrictions:

Minimum Level:

Level 20 - Bonus: +1 STR +1 AGI +1 DEX

Level 25 - Bonus: +1 STR +2 AGI +1 DEX

[Made by Shiro]

Durability: 2000/2000

Quality 5.0016/10.0000

I made this using Angelica's cooldown which just recently came up. Though since I didn't spend too much time on it, the quality score barely managed to reach 5. Personally, I would've been fine with a quality score of 4 as well, since this place does allows it. But since it turned out to be a 5, it just means I could earn even a bigger profit!

"Yup, that's right! This is an average quality [Holy-Steel Dagger]! It has the power to heal you for 10 hp every minute for 40 minutes! Healing a total of 400 HP! That is like 2 free minor healing potions, but without the annoying diminishing returns or cooldowns! This is an opportunity you simply can't miss! Now for a low price of only 80 gold coins!" I loudly proclaimed.

Now pretty much everyone, including the dwarfs rushed up to the front to get a good look! Not surprising, since Holy-steel is pretty darn rare and can easily go for twice the price of regular enchanted items. And since I'm selling it at only the price of a regular enchanted item, it might as well be a steal! If all goes well and I manage to sell this... after paying off the guild fees, I can pocket 24 gold coins! That is like 240 sweet buns worth!

"So... who will be the lucky person to own this beauty?" I questioned as I took a look around.

"D-Do you take installments?" One person desperately asked.

"... No... everything must be paid in full..." I replied.

"What about putting a reservation deposit on it, and paying it off in a week?!" another person called out.

Only then did a realization dawn on me... no one had the money to buy it! Now that I think about it, that makes sense... Hallion is not too far from here, so anyone who is willing to buy would be better off buying there. The only reason someone would buy here is either they are clueless, too poor to afford something decent, can't travel, or need a weapon ASAP. And none of those demographics are able to afford something like this!

So now what... I could lower the price until someone is able to afford it, but that is like asking to have it sold at bargain bin prices... not to mention... it will make it look like I'm desperate to sell, which might even hurt my future sales here...

Maybe I'll try waiting till tomorrow... hopefully, one of them will be able to get the money somehow or at maybe bring someone they know who can afford it...

"I'm sorry, but I'm leaving tomorrow, so you have by then to procure the funds. All payments must be upfront, and coins only. I will not take equipment trades" I declared.

The crowd seemed pretty disheartened by my declaration, but it ain't my problem. I do want the money... but I'm not as desperate as I used to be...

At the end of the exhibit, all my other items sold out except the Holy-steel dagger, and after paying the guild its dues, I was left with a total of 4 gold and 20 silver coins!

With the exhibit, coming to a close, I waited for Harold by the entrance... but even after another hour passed... he has yet to show up... I got a bit worried, but luckily after about 20 more minutes, he finally showed himself.

"Sorry I was late, how did you do today?" Harold inquired.

"Uhm... 10..." I hesitently replied.

"That's less than last time, something happen?" Harold asked.

"Well... I was focusing more on quality this time around as I wanted to improve..." I answered, not wanting to reveal that I spent a lot of time making things to sell... then, I remembered something * evil grin *

"Though the biggest factor was that Brian refused to bring me there, even after I told him what you said! Forcing me to find my way here on my own and arriving late, if it wasn't for him, I would have been able to make more!" I tattled.

"Is that so? I'll have a talk with him when we get back" Harold assured.

Truth be told, the time I lost was maybe 30 minutes max, but he doesn't have to know that... now you'll definitely get what's coming to you, you stupid hateful dogkin!

After a few minutes walk, we finally entered the Inn and made it to our rooms.

"Brian, what's this I'm hearing about you refusing to take Shiro to the Blacksmithing Guild?" Harold inquired.

"Hmm? Not sure what you mean Boss, I asked her if she should go and she just shrugged me off" Brian explained.

My jaw hung open, not able to believe how shameless this dogkin is!

"Stop lying! You didn't want to take me even after I begged!" I yelled in disbelief.

"No need to shift the blame on me~" Brian shrugged.

If there is one thing to be shocked about, it's that his nose has yet to reach the ceiling!

"You're a freaking liar and you know it!" I bellowed in outrage!

"*sigh*... When did I sign up to babysit a bunch of children?" Harold questioned while pressing his hand against his forehead.

"Wasn't that since the beginning?" Tina interjected.

"... *sigh*, anyways, I don't have time for this nonsense. Brian, make sure to take Shiro to the Blacksmithing Guild tomorrow no matter what! There better not be any more excuses!" Harold emphasized as he left the Inn.

"Sure thing Boss, I'll drag her there even if she refuses" called out the stupid lying dogkin.

"But! He.... Guh!" I cried out in frustration, clearly displeased by this turn of events.

With Harold now gone, I gave a hateful glare to the smirking liar! Just you wait, I promise that I'll get you for this one day!