Alan hastily glanced about, and saw that everyone else was wearing their emblem on their chest. The whole Revenant thing might explain some of the not so-subtle glances he was getting as well, and why no one had approached him, even shying away a bit. Alan took the emblem off his shoulder and placed it on his chest where a nametag would go, then turned his level and name visible.

“Um, sorry, I didn’t know. No one has really explained any of this to me, if there’s any other things you think I should know I’d appreciate the help.”

Smirking, the boy, whose name was apparently Sidestep, said, “I’d advise you to leave here and maybe spend a few years learning about basic manners. People here,” he gestured about, “have been preparing for guild trials like this one all their lives. You don’t stand a chance. Or at least, you normally wouldn’t, but undoubtedly you’ve been handed a series of rare items because you were born on a backwater.”

Trying to be amicable, Alan said, “Look, I understand your concerns, but don’t you think maybe this special treatment is to counteract the fact that I haven’t been prepared all my life to enter the Game? I didn’t even know how important it was until about a month ago.”

Shaking his head, Sidestep answered, “Whatever. We’ll see during the assessments whether you really belong here. Until then, you should go stand in a corner and not make a scene. Or, better yet, not waste the guild’s time and leave.” Then, with a single step, he shimmered, reappearing at Aurora’s side.

Wait, was that teleportation?

No, simply a psionic movement skill of some sort, somehow using the energy built into his suit, I believe. Still, it seems quite powerful.

Yeah… Also, why didn’t you tell me those things?

What things?

The etiquette or manner things.

Why should I have told you those things?

Well, so I wouldn’t piss off half the people here by wearing the armor of their enemy faction or whatever.

At this point I see no great benefit to explaining or following such customs. As players in the Game come from a wide variety of worlds and backgrounds, such things are largely ignored, especially in large gatherings. Most recruits probably have only seen clips of Revenant attacks, and thus while they may be surprised to see you wearing their armor, they probably take no great offense. Additionally, Revenant armor is far superior to most other faction’s in terms of stealth. I don’t see why ruffling a few people’s sensibilities matter. If you haven’t noticed, none of the actual guild members like the arms-master or guards gave your armor a second look.

Oh, so I shouldn’t have revealed my level and name?

Alan felt Eve give a mental shrug.

Once more, I simply see no great benefit to acting in either way.

Um, right. Well, if that’s the case, I’m gonna stand against the wall and review a few of your lessons on communication skills.