Improvising

Asami leads me over to the center of a table. The table doesn't look any different than the others. Kallen, Kagiyama, and most of the others are here already.

"Are you ready Master?" Asami asks me.

"Nope." I say as we get to our seats. She chuckles before grabbing a bell that was on the table. She takes it and starts to ring it. Everyone else in the room quiets down and turns to look.

"Attention everyone, it's time to start! Before that though, our Guild Master would like to say a few words." Asami says before turning to me. I sigh before standing straight.

"Yes, hello." I say, trying to sound confident but probably sounding awkward. "I'm Eric, the Steele Wolves Guild Master. I'm glad you all could make it today. This feast is to thank you and your Guilds for all the help with the Lich King and Devils. As well as helping me and my Guild get our feet under us. So feel free to indulge as much as you wish." I say before sitting down Asami smiles before standing up next to me.

"One more thing, for those of you participating in the tournament, or those who wish to spar after it's over. You can change into your armor and gear in the changing rooms near the entrance, or the waiting rooms at the arena." Asami adds before clapping her hands twice. All of the silver plates with the silver lids light up. The light starts to fade away, taking the lids with it. As soon as they're gone, I see others who were already sitting start to make their plates. The trays are all full of various cuts of meat, both baked and mashed potatoes, bread and biscuits, and various vegetable servings. There's a pitcher full of a red liquid between every few trays. Next to them are some wine bottles. I recognize them as the ones. The others all find seats and after a few more seconds, everyone's seated.

"That was a little awkward Eric." I hear my Gramps say. I see him sitting a seat away from me on my left. Asami's sitting in between us. Clare is sitting next to him. He's wearing a black suit with white stars dotted all over. The Starry Night Guild logo is on his chest. He has his mask with the blood-red lion face painted on it. Clare's wearing a grey faded red dress. Her fox mask is on the side of her head.

"Yeah, I know. I didn't know I'd be giving a speech though. I had to improvise." I reply while grabbing some food from the tray in front of me.

"Remember Master, you have to fight after this. Hold back on the wine this time." Asami says causing me to sigh.

"I know, I will." I reply.

"So Eric, what are your plans for your Guild now?" Kallen asks me from across the table.

"For now we'll focus on the Ruins we got. It has seven floors, so I'm sure it'll keep us busy. While we do that I'll learn how to manage the Dungeon that appears in the area. Now that the Katorg Guild is dealt with, I know you're Guilds will be returning soon. So I'll need to learn how." I reply.

"That's good. But we won't be leaving soon." Sugano says from my right.

"Right, we've decided to stay here for a while longer. There are no pressing matters we need to go back for. Our other Guildhalls can handle themselves. Besides, Myla and Hino still need to finish school. It's a bit late in the school year to transfer them." Kagiyama adds. I'm glad they're not leaving soon. That'll give me more time to learn about how to deal with Dungeons. I'll need to figure out how to harvest monsters too. I wonder if I can learn a Skill for that? I think while eating.

"Who am I fighting first in the tournament?" Luna asks Asami.

"I'm not telling. Aside from the first round, I drew names to make sure it was random. I did change a few of them though. For example, one round had Kallen here fighting Abigail. Since he's clearly stronger, not that Abigail weak, it'd be a bit unfair for her. So I changed that so they're facing someone more on their skill level." Asami replies.

"I get why you did that, but won't that make the second round harder for her?" Kallen asks.

"Yes, but she and most of our new members are dropping out after the first match, even if they win. Since this is their first time in a Guild, they wanted a chance to show off to your Guilds." Asami says causing him to nod. "Besides, a tournament like this isn't good for Lyna who have just joined a Guild. They don't have much experience or mana so they'll tire themselves out in the first or second round."

"True, but what was that about the first round?" Sugano asks causing Asami to smile.

"I decided that it'd be good for Eric to start the matches. This way he could show that the others wouldn't have to hold back. But I just thought it'd be fitting."

"Who's he against?" Kallen asks.

"It's a surprise. But look forward to it." Asami says with a smile. We continue talking while eating. Kallen and Kagiyama mainly ask me about my plans. They're happy to hear I've started working on making a dormitory. Aside from that, they ask me what I've been up too. I tell them I made gifts for my new members and start telling them about them.

"How much mana do the rings give them? They have Runes and a Magic Gem. Even if they were made with Magic Iron, I'm sure it'll still be good." Myla asks me as I describe how I made the gifts.

"Not much. They'll be helpful now, but once they improve their mana, it won't do much." I say trying to avoid giving an exact number.

"Master, how much mana does it give exactly?" Asami asks, sensing my hesitation.

"Three hundred." I reply causing her to nod.

"And how much mana do Irene and Abigail have? And are the two Rings the same or is Abigail's weaker?"

"Irene has 1,750, and Abigail has 400. The Rings are exactly the same." I reply, knowing what's about to happen.

"So, to get this straight, you gave Abigail a Ring that will increase her maximum mana by seventy-five percent?" Asami asks causing me to sigh.

"Yes, I made Irenes Ring first. I then decided to make the same for Abigail since she said she needed to work on raising her mana. But I forgot to take into account the difference between their stats." I say causing Asami to sigh.

"You didn't think to make her a new one before this?"

"No, I only realized this after I gave it to her. She asked how much it would increase her mana. But at that point, it was too late. I wasn't going to be a dick and say 'Sorry Abigail, this Ring is too good. I need you to give it back so I can make a weaker one.'" I say causing her to sigh.

"I know, I'd be more mad if you did do that. But what's done is done. I'll just have to accept this." Asami says with a sigh.