The guild office was separated into three floors. The first floor seemed to be a tavern/market area and the second looked like the business section, but the third floor was concealed, so I had no way of knowing what was going on up there. I walked up to the second floor and popped a language pill. 95 SP left. I blinked a couple of times as the language seeped into my mind. I had been wondering whether the language would convert to English or if I would just naturally understand all of it. To me, it felt like I suddenly remembered what I had always known, without any hassle. This was truly incredible. In the space of a few seconds I learned what would have taken years of study to learn otherwise.

"Hello, sir! I don't believe I've seen you here before. Are you here to register with our guild?"

I turned to see who was talking,, and a stunning beauty looked back at me from behind the counter. Long black hair complemented her striking green eyes and pale skin. Thank the gods for Processing speed up, I only needed a second for my brain to kick start itself.

"I actually came from somewhere very far away, and this is the first city I've stumbled across in the Argonian Empire. If you could tell do how to register and point me to a home inn, that would help me out immensely."

Why the far off land excuse? There may be a skill that detects deceit, and this is technically true. Also, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

"As this is your first time registering, the fee is one gold. If you cannot pay the fee right now, we can also take 10% of all rewards earned in the dungeon for a period of six months."

By the way she said that, it appeared one gold was a hefty sum. I had 1000 gold, so wasn't I rich? Leaving that for later, I tried to use the inventory for the first time. I was surprised how easy it was. I simply thought of something I had in my inventory and willed it to my person, and it appeared. I placed the coin I just summoned on the counter, and carefully watched the receptionist's eyes for her reaction. While her words were nothing but warm, I could sense a bit of ice in her inflections. When the coin clinked onto the counter, her gaze softened a bit.

"Very well. I'll let the guild master know to expect two ranking tests tomorrow. Be here at noon, and use the time until then to prepare. As for an inn, I would recommend The Morning Dew"

I thanked her for her help, and headed outside. Wait a minute... I didn't even need that language pill!

"Years of academy training, wasted!"

Master is as melodramatic as ever.

"Thank you, thank you. You are much too kind."

I believe master may have misunderstood what I was trying to say.

"I understood perfectly. It's just more fun to ignore it."

I would say it's less fun and more of a necessity on my part.

"Did you say something, Tryst?"

I asked how you were going to pass the time until tomorrow.

"Easy, daddy's gonna get him some new toys!"

Why does that glint in your eyes scare me?

The weapons shop was the first stop. Located near the center of the town, it had a signboard in the shape of swords crossed in front of a shield.. It seemed swinging doors were the norm for businesses around here, as most of them sported the same wild west style as the guild.

"Welcome, welcome! If you're looking for weapons, you've come to the right place."

A burly man wearing a work apron called out to me. However, the long red beard and the fact that he only came up to my waist screamed dwarf. I didn't want to make a mistake, though, so I used Analyze to double check. Yep, definitely a dwarf.

"What type of weapon do you use? I have pretty much anything you can think of that's not enchanted, and plenty of things that are."

"Thank you. I'm looking for some gauntlets and armor, preferably enchanted."

The dwarve's eyes lit up at my words.

"I had all but given up on selling another pair of gauntlets in this town. All anyone wants these days are fancy swords so they can show off their skills to the ladies."

"I care more about functionality than looks. Who cares how good something looks if it doesn't work?"

The dwarf nodded enthusiastically.

"Finally, a brother in arms! The name's Mido Bronzebeard, and you are welcome in my shop any time!"

"Gabriel Bloodbourne, but just call me Gabe. How long has it been since you've sold a pair?"

"It's been at least 5 years. But because of that, you can have your pick of the best. I'll be right back."

He rushed into the back and returned with a cart of gauntlets. I was trembling with anticipation, but that fell rapidly as I used Analyze. They were all ranked D at the highest. The best one there gave all stats +100, but even with my skill it was mediocre. I bought it out of pity, but Mido almost burst into tears of joy.

I also bought some leather armor, but I immediately stowed the gauntlets in inventory. I'm sorry Mido, but I know a better store! I searched through the store until I found a suitable pair of gauntlets:

Herme's Gauntlets

+20% DEX

+10% STR

It was simple but effective. I went ahead and equipped them to see the difference.

STR 1440

DEX 1680

Looking good! There's still a bit of time, so let's train. I have some good ideas I have to try out.

Master has that glint again.

"No one asked you, Tryst."