Chapter 7:
The Receptionist Doesn’t Believe Me!
GAMON WAS HIGH LEVEL, and his skills were combat-oriented. I didn’t stand much of a chance against him in a head-on conflict.
Nevertheless, I had a plan. I lowered my guard and started to talk. “So, the thing about me is I’ve always had a talent for guessing people’s personalities just from looking at their faces.”
“……”
Gamon tentatively gave me his attention, still holding his polearm at the ready—just what I was hoping for.
“I’m so good, in fact, that I can even guess your job. For example, you, Mr. Gamon, look like you have a side job in addition to adventuring. Let’s see…”
I paused to make more of a show of things. I brought my hand to my forehead, as though I was really thinking. Gamon snorted, looking confident.
Well, time to prove him wrong, I thought. “Aha. You work at a brothel…cleaning… No…you’re up front. The bouncer.”
“Nmph?!”
His eyes went wide and he almost made a sound, but quickly clapped his hand over his mouth.
Damn! All I needed was one little sound and I would’ve passed! But I didn’t have time to mope. I kept talking. “How do you think I know?”
“……”
“I can see everything about a person, and I mean everything. Like, for example, I know that you, Mr. Gamon Chocotiff are 32-years-old, Level 82, and your skills are Grade-B Polearms, Lunge, and Soil Shield. I can read your past like a book too.”
“……”
At that, his expression shifted, just a little.
Time to press my advantage. I sighed. “Won’t you give me just a little sound? I won’t keep going if you cooperate. I promise. I’ll never, ever reveal your embarrassing past mistakes, Mr. Gamon.”
“……”
That was my cue to turn toward the receptionist, who was standing off to one side.
“Just remember, you made me do this. I’ll make sure I say it loud enough so everyone can hear! Back when Mr. Gamon was a kid, he—”
“Ngh!”
Gamon rushed over and grabbed me by the shoulders, thinking I was about to expose him. Just what I was waiting for. I grinned and punched him in the crotch.
“Ngah?!”
I didn’t even hit him that hard, but I guess it’s a pretty sensitive area. The unexpected attack made him yelp.
“Looks like you defeated him, Mr. Noir. You pass.” The receptionist smiled.
I wanted to celebrate, but I had to apologize to Mr. Gamon first. “I’m so sorry for using underhanded tactics! I knew I couldn’t beat you head-on, and I didn’t think a hit to the stomach would be enough.”
“I-It’s fine. You did well. And you were right, about everything you said. You startled me and made me approach you with my guard down.”
“Well, you can rest easy. I can’t actually see your past.”
“But if you have Discerning Eye… Actually, never mind. Congratulations. I’m sure you’ll become a great adventurer.”
Apparently, it was pretty rude to question people about their skills if you didn’t know them well, even if they were in your guild. That made sense. There were plenty of people who preferred to keep quiet about that sort of thing.
“Why don’t you come back inside and let me walk you through the registration process?” the receptionist asked.
“Thank you.”
I returned to the guild hall, feeling triumphant. But a great force grabbed my shoulder—it was Gamon, eyeing me with terrifying intensity. Maybe I really did piss him off?
“I forgot to tell you to drop by my shop, Funbag Forest. We have a nice introductory rate for first-timers. I’ll show you the ropes!” Gamon thumped me twice on the shoulder.
I mumbled something about trying to stop by if I had time and slipped inside.
Maybe joining this guild wasn’t the best idea?