A bit of an update, I'm level 21 now. I managed to make it through 3 dungeons this weekend to advance my story line quest. I did notice some of my armor seems to have slots for materia, but I haven't found any materia yet at this point. I'm curious as to exactly where I would find some materia. I'm also curious of what the soul link to my armor does. At least, that's what I think it was called.