Jester exited the store, the 'Oakhaven's Gadgets'. The heavy bag containing the video camera recorder was bumping against his leg.
The next destination was already in sight. The computer store sat just two doors down. Labeled simply as 'Jack's Computer Store'. Its display windows showing various monitor sizes and sleek keyboards. He walked directly toward it.
Inside, the store was quiet. No one milled about. The air smelled of new plastic and ozone. A balding shopkeeper, wearing glasses perched on his nose, looked up from a repair bench. He eyed Jester. Then at the bag in his hand.
"Looking for anything specific, Lad?" The shopkeeper asked.
"A computer set." Jester replied. Getting straight to the point. "Desktop. Something decent for video work."
The shopkeeper nodded. A knowing look was on his face. "Know that bag. From Bill's place, eh? Alright, Lad... For video editing, you'll want something with a bit of punch."
He gestured toward a display unit. "This one here. It's got a fast processor, plenty of RAM for video rendering, and a good hard drive. Comes with a mid-sized monitor, keyboard, mouse, and all the necessary cables. And pre-installed operating system and basic programs."
He paused. Then added, "I can even throw in a connecting cable for that video recorder you just bought. And a pre-installed video editing program. Saves you the hassle of finding one."
Jester looked at the details and considered the offer. It was nowhere as good as the specs of the computer he had in his past life.
But it was exactly what he needed at present. And it was convenient. "How much for the whole package?"
"With the software and the camera cable, I can do it for 6500 zeons." The shopkeeper stated.
Jester mentally calculated. 3000 for the camera. 6500 for the computer. That was 9500 zeons. A significant chunk of cash. His impending reward of 500,000 zeons made it less of a burden. But it was still a big investment. This was crucial for his plans, though. He wouldn't skimp.
"Alright." Jester said. Pulling out his wallet. "I'll take it. Can you arrange for delivery to my home tomorrow? Late afternoon would be best."
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up. "Consider it done. We'll have it over to you by 4 PM. Just need your address and payment."
Jester provided the details. Paid the sum. And received a receipt.
With his immediate technological needs handled, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He thanked the shopkeeper and left. Heading straight home. His mind was already on the next step.
Back in his room, the first thing Jester did was... Placing the new video camera recorder on his desk. He then pulled out the [Toon Gear] from his system inventory. It was the object he got for defeating his first BOSS monster.
It was a bright blue gear. Cartoonish, large and vibrantly colored. It seemed to be imbued with the whimsical energy of Toonworld.
"Alright, let's see if this works." Jester murmured.
He held the [Toon Gear] next to the camera recorder. He focused. Channeling his will. Mentally instructing them to fuse together.
A soft, cartoonish glow emanated from the gear. Enveloping both objects. The light intensified. Swirling around the bulky camera and the spinning gear.
The two objects shimmered. Then they began to distort. The camera's hard edges softened. Its black casing took on a slightly more vibrant, almost animated sheen.
The [Toon Gear] dissolved completely. Flowing like liquid color into the camera. There was a faint 'pop' sound. Like a drawn sound effect. And the light faded.
Where the camera and cogwheel had been, a single object now floated a few centimeters above the desk.
It was still recognizable as a video camera recorder. But it was subtly different. Its lens seemed to wink. And a small, almost imperceptible antenna-like sprout had formed on its top.
Its surface rippled with a faint, internal energy. Giving it a playful, almost alive appearance.
A system notification flashed in Jester's vision...
[Toon Gear has fused with an ordinary Video Camera Recorder!]
[ITEM REMOVED: Toon Gear]
[ITEM ACQUIRED: Toon Camera Recorder]
[Utility Tool] updated.
He quickly brought up his status panel. Scrolling down to the [Utility Tool] section to examine his new acquisition.
[Utility Tool: Toon Camera Recorder]
[Tier Quality: ✪✪]
[Characteristics: Indestructible; Upgradeable (2/9)]
[Abilities: Fly!; Record!]
[Description: A device born from the fusion of a standard video camera recorder and pure Toonworld essence. This sentient piece of equipment can fly on its own, record events while identifying optimal camera angles, and dynamically frame shots. Its unique properties allow it to seamlessly operate within both Sherra and Toonworld.]
Jester reached out and touched it. The texture was smooth. Yet somehow felt less solid. More fluid.
He focused a mental order. 'Fly!'
The camera bobbed slightly. Then it levitated higher. Drifting lazily around his head.
"Woah!" Jester breathed excitedly. This was better than he'd hoped.
He tested it further. 'Record!' He commanded mentally.
The lens whirred. And a tiny red light blinked on its side. He mentally pointed at a textbook on the shelf.
The camera moved. Angling itself perfectly. Automatically zooming in on the title. It seemed to understand the intent. Finding an aesthetically pleasing view that Jester hadn't even consciously considered.
"Nice!" Jester muttered. It was like having an invisible, highly skilled cameraman. Rather than a simple recording device. It wasn't just recording. It was directing.
The partial sentience was evident. It wasn't answering questions. But it was responsive and interpreted mental commands with surprising nuance.
Jester stopped the recording. And deactivated it. With a touch, it was automatically stored in his system inventory.
This one was the key. Jester exhaled a relieved breath. A grin was spreading across his face. This was it. He could bring it to Toonworld. This was the necessary tool for the start of his entertainment venture.
...
Night came. Jester completed his evening routine. Physical exercise. Homework. Bath. Dinner...
Once he was ready for bed, he lay down. Took a deep breath. And activated his Toonworld Watch.
The familiar sensation of being pulled through a cartoon vortex enveloped him. When it subsided, Nightclown was back in Toonworld. The North Dungeon.
He made a mental command. The [Toon Camera Recorder] materialized from his inventory. Floating alongside him. Its lens blinked expectantly.
"Alright, let's get some footage!" Nightclown said to the camera. Which seemed to bob in agreement. It was immediately activated. And started recording
He began exploring the dungeon again. And quickly encountered his first enemies. A pair of Bowling Bouncers. They looked precisely as he remembered. Oversized bowling balls with glossy black surface reflecting the ambient light.
Their tiny, beady eyes seemed to glow with a dull, red light. They were rolling and bouncing towards him. Aiming for a cartoonish strike.
Nightclown drew his [Wild Nunchaku]. He engaged them. The fight was familiar. He spun the nunchaku. Jumping easily to evade their charges. Delivering solid, thudding blows that sent them crashing to the wall.
The [Toon Camera Recorder] zipped around. Capturing every potential angle. Every bounce. Every impact... It captured every required footage with surprising artistry.
After a short skirmish, the Bowling Bouncers exploded in a puff of smoke and scattered coins. Nightclown checked his status panel. No EXP. Just as he'd suspected. Level 10 seemed to be the cap for these low-tier dungeon enemies.
"No experience. But still a good practice." Nightclown muttered.
He continued further into the dungeon. Seeking out more Bouncers. He wasn't here for level-ups anymore. Not from these specific foes. He was here to train his skills. And, more importantly, to gather content.
He spotted another group of three Bowling Bouncers. This time, he decided to focus on his new active skills.
As they rolled towards him, he activated [Shrink!]. His body immediately compressed. Reducing his size to that of a small rabbit in a blink. The Bouncers overshot him. Their momentum carried them past his new, smaller form.
Nightclown, now tiny, darted between their legs. His speed dramatically increased. But his reach was dramatically reduced.
The [Toon Camera Recorder] adjusted instantly. Zooming in. Then pulling back for a wide shot of the small, agile hare avoiding the rolling monster.
Nightclown used his now-oversized nunchaku. Still full-sized relative to him. He used it to strike and redirect one of the Bowling Bouncers. Sending it crashing. Against another Bouncer.
"Now for speed." He mumbled. And activated [Sprint!].
He burst into motion. A blur of grey fur and blue clothes. Leaving cartoonish motion lines in his wake.
He circled the Bouncers at an incredible pace. Delivering rapid, low-sweeping strikes with his nunchaku. Knocking their body away. Crashing against each other. And finally burst in a loud POP! in quick succession.
He deactivated [Shrink!] and [Sprint!]. Returning to his normal size. He felt a satisfying burn in his muscles. The combination of speed and evasion was potent. He could use this.
The [Toon Camera Recorder] gently floated closer. Seemingly capturing his triumphant expression.
He continued deeper. Moving through corridors that seemed to stretch and warp in a delightfully unsettling way. The dungeon aesthetic was consistent, at least.
He fought a few more groups of Bowling Bouncers. Perfecting his skill usage. Trying new combinations of moves.
Each time, the [Toon Camera Recorder] was there. A silent, omniscient observer. Capturing every moment.
Eventually, he came across a wide, circular chamber. In the center, a gaping maw in the floor revealed a spiraling staircase downward. A wooden sign, rendered in a cheerful, cartoonish font, read... "DOWNSTAIRS! NORTH DUNGEON - FLOOR 2!"