Most of those weapons were appealing for Nightclown. But the one that truly caught his attention was the [Lightning Spear].
Spears offered reach. A significant advantage. And lightning? That was raw power.
Plus, as a rogue, he was already focusing on speed and precision. A spear might not be a traditional rogue weapon. But it could be wielded with incredible agility.
It broke the mold. It was unexpected. He could be a fast, precise combatant. With a long-reaching, electrified weapon. Added with his [Stretch!]... that seemed like a rather unique and effective combination.
He quickly decided. A rogue with a spear could be deadly. Especially one that crackled with electricity.
He pointed to the [Lightning Spear] entry. "This one, Sir. The Lightning Spear."
Mr. Gorhammer nodded. Grunting approvingly. "Good choice. A spear has reach. And lightning… that'll zap 'em good."
He then read off the requirements. "Alright, for the Lightning Spear... you'll need your Weapon Upgrade Token, which you've got. Then, four Ironwood Branches, two Mystic Iron Ores, two Mystic Silver Ores, and one Lightning Crystal."
Nightclown quickly mentally checked his inventory. He definitely had the upgrade token. He had exactly four Ironwood Branches, the left-over from when he searched for the materials to make his nunchaku.
Mystic Iron and Mystic Silver Ores... He also had them. From the BOSSes' drops in the dungeon. But the Lightning Crystal? That was a new one.
"A Lightning Crystal?" Nightclown repeated. Testing the words. "Where would I find something like that, Mr. Gorhammer?"
The gorilla tapped a thick finger on the manual. "Lightning Crystal? Not something you dig up in the ground, kid. That's a magical component. You'll need to hit up the Spell Store. Old Croaker usually has that kind of stuff in stock. If anyone does."
"The Spell Store?" Nightclown frowned. Trying to recall seeing it.
"Yeah. Down by the east gate, in that corner. Small place. Hard to miss if you're looking." Mr. Gorhammer waved a hand vaguely towards the eastern side of the village. "Looks like a big mushroom, kinda. And got a hexagram on the sign."
"Thanks, Mr. Gorhammer. I'll go check it out." Nightclown nodded. Then turned to leave the fiery smithy.
The cool air outside was a welcome relief. Even if it was still Toonworld's peculiar brand of warmth.
Cammy followed him. A silent, floating observer. And video recorder.
Nightclown made his way through the bustling village streets. He saw the Toon Deer Farmer milked Toon Cows; a Toon Bear purchased honey from gigantic Toon Beehive; and a Toon Fox tried to sell dubious 'authentic dungeon maps' to gullible Toon Tortoise.
Cammy recorded them all.
He navigated past stalls selling oversized berries and cartoonish, plump loaves of bread. He remembered the general layout of the village. He never explored the eastern zone though.
But, the Eastern Gate should be where the path led out towards the Marsh. He recalled quickly. The south of the village was the South Forest. West was the West Mine and the Hills. North was the North Dungeon and the North Mountain.
Mr. Gorhammer said that the Spell Store should be near the Eastern Gate...
Sure enough, as he neared the edge of the residential area, and approached the path leading out of the village, he spotted it. Tucked away in a quiet corner. Almost hidden between a giant Toon Oak and a babbling brook. There it was... the Spell Store.
It was exactly as Mr. Gorhammer had described. A small, strange building that looked uncannily like a giant polka-dotted mushroom. In vibrant red and white colors.
Its cap served as the roof. And the stalk formed the main body of the shop. The single wooden door was set into the stalk. Made of twisted roots.
Above it, a crudely painted wooden sign depicted a glowing hexagram circle. Rendered in a simplistic, yet effective, cartoon style.
Wisps of mysterious, purple smoke curled. From tiny vents near the mushroom's cap. Disappearing into the Toonworld sky.
Nightclown knocked a few times. And pushed open the root-door. A tiny bell jingled merrily above his head.
The interior of the Spell Store was very different to the smithy. It was cool and damp. And it smelled strange. Faintly like the mixture of moss, old parchment, and something vaguely metallic.
Shelves, carved directly into the mushroom's interior walls, were crammed with an assortment of peculiar items.
Glowing vials. Shimmering dusts in corked bottles. Strange amulets. Dried herbs. Small, pulsating crystals... They, and many other things filled every available space.
Soft, shimmering light emanated from various magical artifacts. Casting dancing shadows on the curved walls.
Behind a counter made of a single, gnarled tree stump, sat the store owner. Mr. Croaker. He was an anthropomorphic frog. Green and somewhat portly. Wearing a flowing, deep-purple robe adorned with silver moon and star designs.
A tall, conical wizard hat sat askew on his head. Nearly obscuring his large, unblinking eyes. He seemed to be deep in thought. Polishing a small, glowing sphere with a cloth. His webbed fingers moved with surprising delicacy.
"Ribbit!" Mr. Croaker croaked. Without looking up. His voice was surprisingly smooth. A deep baritone. One that didn't really match his appearance.
"Welcome, Visitor. What grand mysteries or mundane enchantments bring you to my humble abode today?"
Nightclown approached the counter. "Hello, Mr. Croaker. I'm looking for a Lightning Crystal."
Mr. Croaker finally lifted his head. His large, golden eyes were fixed on Nightclown. A slow smile spread across his wide mouth. Revealing a flash of grey tongue.
"Ah, a connoisseur of elemental power, I see. For crafting a weapon? A fine choice, Young Hare. A very fine choice indeed. Wait!"
He reached under the counter. Pulling out a rolled-up scroll. He unfurled it with a dramatic flourish. Laying it flat on the counter.
"Here, you'll find all of my wares and their price in this parchment. In case you want to purchase more than just a Lightning Crystal."
The scroll was titled, in ornate, squiggly script. 'Mr. Croaker's Merchandise – Potions, Charms, & Wonders Beyond Compare!'
It was a handwritten list. Detailing a dizzying array of magical items. Nightclown's eyes widened as he scanned it.
o Toonworld Avatar Token: Mysterious legendary object. Price: 3,000,000 coins.
o Toon Evolution Pill: Legendary evolutionary medicine. Price: 2,700,000 coins.
o Ultima Magic Tome: Legendary magic book. Price: 2,660,000 coins.
Nightclown took a sharp breath when he saw those items. Amazing items. With amazing price too. Definitely not purchasable in short time.
He looked much further down. At the more affordable merchandises.
o Amulet of Toon Luck: Increases absurd coincidences in your favor. Price: 5,500 coins.
o Fireball Tome: Decent magic book for basic spell. Price: 5,000 coins.
o Ice Arrow Tome: Decent magic book for basic spell. Price: 5,000 coins.
o Lightning Charge Tome: Decent magic book for basic spell. Price: 5,000 coins.
o Essence of Imagination: Very rare material component for high-tier enchantments. Price: 5,000 coins.
o Ring of Minor Arcane Resistance: Increased resistance to magical damage. Price: 3,200 coins.
The list went on. Each item was fantastic, but still too expensive. Nightclown felt a familiar pang of desire. So many incredible things. All were just out of his reach. Further lower...
o Wand of Firebolts (5 charges/day): Shoots small fireballs. Price: 1,500 coins.
o Wand of Icebursts (5 charges/day): Shoots small freezing wind. Price: 1,500 coins.
o Scroll of Invisibility (Single Use): Become unseen for 10 minutes. Price: 750 coins.
o Potion of Greater Healing (x5): Restores significant health. Price: 450 coins.
A [Potion of Greater Healing] would be incredibly useful. A [Scroll of Invisibility] sounded nice for certain situation. But he had a specific goal. Further down...
o Moonpetal Essence: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Shadow Stone: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Lightning Crystal: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Cyclone Gem: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Magma Core: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Heavy Steel Core: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
o Glacier Crystal: Elemental component. Price: 300 coins.
He quickly located the [Lightning Crystal] from the cluster of the elemental component list. Price: 300 coins. It was a significant sum. Especially since his coins so far were just... 1,778.
But it was essential for his upgrade. Enough for purchasing some more essential objects. Well, later. His weapon upgrade was more important now.
"I'll take the Lightning Crystal, Mr. Croaker." Nightclown stated. Pushing three hundred clinking coins across the counter.
Mr. Croaker's smile widened. "An excellent choice, young Nightclown. A wise investment in your future endeavors, indeed."
He expertly counted the coins. His webbed fingers were surprisingly adept. When he reached 300, he nodded. A satisfied expression on his face.
Then, he reached under the counter again. This time he retrieved a small, jagged crystal. It glowed with a faint, internal electric blue light. Crackling almost perceptibly with miniature static charges.
"Here you are!" Mr. Croaker said. Handing it over. "May it serve you well in your adventures. And do return, Young Hare. My wares are ever-changing. And the truly powerful items often find their way to those who are destined for greatness."
Nightclown took the crystal. It felt cool and smooth to the touch. Despite its appearance. He put the crystal inside his system inventory.
[ITEM ACQUIRED: Lightning Crystal]
[Raw Materials] updated.
He had the last piece of the puzzle. Now, back to Mr. Gorhammer...