Having left the classroom Xander was beginning to think this was some cosmic joke, his plan to stop Ultimax had failed dropping him in this place, teased him with the translation ability, then the moment he tried to learn something useful he was hit with enough pain he almost didn't want to try again.

Lost in his thoughts Xander failed to notice that he had made his way to the marketplace, deciding that a distraction was in order he started browsing.

Walking between the stalls Xander found himself immersed in sounds and sights that fought for his attention, stall owners hawking their wares, customers haggling for bargains, tables of jewellery, and various foods, from sweets and pastries to pies and skewers that were mostly made from what the stall holder called Drillbits, which had a taste like rabbit but with a hint of old coins.

By the time he had seen half the stalls Xander had tried most of the foods and was looking for anymore when a slight pain in his head drew his focus to a pile of books, Xander made a beeline for the stall. Reaching the books he glanced at the top book, no headache, he pushed it aside, second book, no, but the third book in the pile was the source, a green leather cover with various symbols criss-crossing it and written in perfect english the title, "From hearth to home: A Gentlemans' guide to Ome", as for the cause of the headache in the bottom corner where one might find the authors name was a rune, finally looking up Xander found himself staring into the eyes of a wizzened old gnome.

"Come to laugh at the nonsense book have you?"

Taken by suprise Xander could only respond with a confused look, the gnome guestured at the book.

"That thing, most of the pages are faded to nothing and whats left is just a mess of symbols, just like the cover.

"I'll buy it."

"Sure you will and tomorrow you'll bring it back, I've seen it many times."

"I don't think I will, A guide to this place even in terrible quality has massive value."

As he said this Xander held out the token from Bevelgear.

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The gnome blinked rapidly as his brain tried to catch up.

"You can r...read this?"

"I should hope so, it's my native tongue after all. How much?"

"You can have it."

Xander squinted at him and waved the token.

"No no no, Lord Bevelgear is paying, so lets make sure you get a fair deal."

Watching the gnome trying to process all this brought a smile to his face.

After he'd finally pursuaded the gnome to charge a "fair" price Xander decided to do some exploring, taking out the neural pad he attached the sensor and set the pad to record his route, this done he picked one of the exits he hadn't been through yet and started walking.

Having walked down random passages for an hour or so Xander found himself in an area even more rundown than the chambers where he'd setup the classroom, only a couple of flickering lights illuminated the crumbling walls, deciding that was enough exploring he turned to head back when a cacophony from around a nearby corner caught his attention.

Turning the corner he spotted a sign barely visible in the trickle of light from the door beneath it, squinting he was able to read the gnomish script "The Miner Woes"

Xander paused for a moment debating whether he had time to indulge his curiosity before, pushing the door open and stepped into the tavern.

The Cacophony ceased, replaced with a deafening silence as roughly twenty pairs of eyes attempted to bore holes through Xander.

Before he could speak Xander jumped to one side as a tankard crashed into the door, thinking quickly he pulled out the token from Bolt.

"Next round's on Lord Bevelgear!"

Despite his best efforts he couldn't keep the distain from his voice as he called out Bolts name.

A cheer went up and Xander found himself being dragged through the tavern and into a back room that would have been more suited to the offices of a rich company than some rundown tavern, a large ornate desk flanked by two comfortablelooking chairs sat in the center of the room, thick carpet covered the floor, and dark heavy curtains hide the stone walls, Xander sat in the nearest chair and waited.

Unlike with Bevelgear, he didn't have to wait long as only a minute later he heard a door open and a bulky gnome pushed past the curtain opposite and sat down, placed his arms on the table, steepled his fingers and looked down his nose at Xander.

"So, what does our esteemed leader want? Finally got some work he needs doing?"

"Right now, he probably want me to stop spending his gold, as for work I couldn't tell you what he wants, but I have a rather time sensitive job for you."

The gnomes expression shifted to a grin.

"So work, gold, and pissing off the big guy..., what's the catch?"

"Well, I need access to all the blocked off Gizmology chambers within the next four weeks."

"I asked ya for the catch not the job."

Xander coughed awkwardly.

"At least one person will die if you can't do it."

The gnome thought about it for a moment while counting something with his fingers.

"Ay that's more what I ment, gonna need everyone to manage that."

The gnome gave a conspiratorial smirk.

"Luckily I know the pays good. Looks like we have a deal."

He held his hand out before pulling back.

"Before we shake on it though introductions, name's Scaff, what should I call you?"

"Just call me Xan, no need for formalities. Now as much as I would love to join you and your friends for some drinks I do have a prior commitment to attend to."

Scaff gave a rye chuckle.

"The lads won't accept that, not from our new Patron, I'd say three rounds should do it."

Xander sighed as he rose from his chair.

"Well I guess I have no choice then."

Scaff gave a heartly laugh before pushing Xander through to the main room.