Nightclown was back at his tree-trunk house. He quickly changed into his dark-blue sporty attire. It was his starting outfit before he acquired the [Toon Ninja Outfit]. He needed to wear the sporty attire for the village interaction footage. For consistency.
Cammy floated beside him. Its single lens blinked expectantly. Ready to record.
"Alright, Cammy!" Nightclown murmured. Giving the camera a light tap. "Time to switch roles. We're the noob protagonist today. Less monster slaying, more community interaction. Remember the shot focus... warmth, humor, and a sense of belonging."
Cammy whirred softly. A tiny green light illuminated its side. Signaling that it was recording.
First stop... Mr. Gorhammer's Smithy. He needed to restock his [Weakening Bone Darts]. And more friendly interactions with the local blacksmith would be perfect footage. He stepped out into the bustling village.
The road was as usual... busy in cartoonish way. Squirrels were peddling berries. Pig bakers were baking bread. A band of street-musician foxes were playing jaunty tunes. The air hummed with cheerful activity and the scent of fresh pastries.
When Nightclown reached the smithy, Mr. Gorhammer was already at his anvil. Sparks flying all around as the massive gorilla blacksmith struck a metal ingot. The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal was a comforting sound.
"Good day, Mr. Gorhammer!" Nightclown called out. His voice was bright and friendly. He made sure his movements were animated and lively. For Cammy's lens.
The gorilla looked up. His grim features softening into a tiny smile. "Little Bunny, huh? Back again? What do you need this time?" His voice was a deep, resonant rumble.
"Just need to top off my darts, if you don't mind." Nightclown replied. Gesturing towards the Projectileomatic 5000 in the smithy's side room. "And maybe a quick maintenance check for my nunchaku and spear."
"Sure!" Gorhammer boomed. Setting his hammer down. "Go ahead with the machine."
Nightclown entered the side room. Feeding the required coins, [Chomper's Teeth], and [Jelly Cubes] into the Projectileomatic 5000. The machine hummed, clunked, and efficiently spat out a fresh batch of [Weakening Bone Darts].
After some time, Nightclown stepped out of the Projectileomatic 5000 alcove. He walked over to Mr. Gorhammer. The blacksmith's forge still glowed faintly. Smoke curled towards a large exhaust vent.
"All topped off, Mr. Gorhammer!" Nightclown said. He held out his melee weapon, currently in its nunchaku form. "And maintenance for these, if you don't mind."
Mr. Gorhammer took the weapon. His large, calloused hands handled it with surprising dexterity. He spun the nunchaku briefly. Testing the chain links. They clinked together.
Next, he concentrated. The nunchaku shimmered. It elongated. Transforming into the [Lightning Spear]. Gorhammer ran a thumb along the spear's polished shaft. He checked the balance. Then, he squinted at the spearhead. It gleamed, but Gorhammer seemed to find fault.
He grabbed a sharpening stone from his workbench. With quick, precise movements, he worked the edges of the spearhead. Sparks flew. Quiet and contained. The metallic friction sound of stone on blade filled the silence.
Nightclown watched. Cammy buzzed around, capturing the process from multiple angles.
Mr. Gorhammer quickly finished what he did. He held the spear up. Inspecting it. He nodded. He then wiped the spearhead clean with a cloth. It now gleamed sharper than before.
"Good as new, Little Bunny." Gorhammer rumbled. He returned the [Lightning Spear] to Nightclown. "Keep it sharp. Toonworld's a rough place."
"Thanks, Mr. Gorhammer!" Nightclown grinned. He shifted the spear back into nunchaku form. He tucked it in his inventory. "How much?"
"Just five coins." Gorhammer said. Receiving the payment almost instantly. He picked up his own large hammer again. "Come anytime you need anything related to weapon."
Nightclown waved. He exited the smithy. Cammy zipped ahead. Ready for the next scene. The village square was bustling.
Toons moved about, engaged in their daily routines. Nightclown decided to start his movie footage gathering. He needed to show the vibrant life of Toon Forest Village.
His first stop was the grocery store. It was a brightly painted building with a large wooden sign: "Arrusa's Harvest & Hearth." The scent of fresh produce and baked goods wafted from its open door. Nightclown pushed the door open. A small bell above jingled.
Inside, shelves were stacked high with colorful cartoon fruits and vegetables. Gigantic carrots lay next to comically oversized apples. Bread loaves shaped like happy clouds sat in baskets.
Behind a counter stood a graceful female deer. She had soft brown fur and large, gentle eyes. She wore a simple green apron over a rustic dress. This should be Ms. Arrusa.
"Good day, Ma'am!" Nightclown chirped. Cammy circled, capturing the friendly interaction.
Ms. Arrusa looked up from arranging a pile of plump, smiling berries. Her ears twitched. A warm smile spread across her face.
"Why, hello there, Little Guest! It's lovely to see you. What do you need, Dear? My delicious Sunburst Oranges?" She gestured to a pyramid of glowing, cartoon-perfect oranges.
"Not today, Ma'am. I just need some carrots." Nightclown replied. Picking some red-orange carrots that looked like the magical [Growth Carrots]. They weren't as magical though. His system quickly detected...
[Red Carrot. A root vegetable useful for slightly recovering health and energy. It also temporarily enhanced senses.]
He quickly checked the other food in the grocery shop. They had pretty similar functions. Slightly recovering health and energy. And giving various temporary boosts.
"Oh, red carrots? Sure! They are fresh from the farm." She said. Her voice was soft and melodious. "A coin a piece, please."
Jester took five carrots and paid the price. "How's the business, Ma'am? Everything well?" He asked.
"Oh, business is always plentiful here." She chuckled. "The Toon Forest provides. And the villagers have hearty appetites. Especially after a long day of... well, whatever it is toons do."
"That's nice." Nightclown commented. He gave another friendly wave. "Have a good day, Ma'am!"
"You too, Little Bunny!" She called back.
Nightclown exited the grocery and continued his stroll. He needed more diverse footage. He looked around.
Further down, near the central fountain, there was an ice cream stand. It was painted in pastel blues and whites. Shaped like a giant ice cream cone, with the name 'Chilly Treats'.
Behind the counter stood a penguin lady. She wore a pristine white uniform with a small bow tie. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and undeniably calm.
"Greetings, Ma'am!" Nightclown announced. Approaching the stand.
"Polarine was the name, Little Bunny." Ms. Polarine blinked slowly. Her black eyes, like polished beads, met his.
"Hello, there." She continued. Her voice was as smooth and cool as the ice cream she sold. "A fine day for a frosty confection, wouldn't you say?"
"It certainly is, Ms. Polarine." Nightclown agreed. "Your shop always looks so... refreshing."
"We strive for that." Ms. Polarine replied. Without a hint of irony. She gestured to the rows of colorful ice cream tubs. They shimmered with cartoonish appeal. "Today's specials include Arctic Berry Swirl, Glacier Mint Chip, and our ever-popular Vanilla Blizzard. Just one coin for each."
"They all sound delicious." Nightclown said. "I'll try the Vanilla Blizzard, please. How's business, Ms. Polarine? Any new flavor on the horizon?"
"Business maintains its consistent pace." She answered calmly as she prepared the order. "Toons enjoy a moment of cool tranquility. As for new flavors, innovation is a slow process. One must consider the optimal ratio of chill to sweetness. We may introduce a 'Deep Sea Splash' next season."
Nightclown almost grimaced at the thought of salty ice cream when he heard the namr. But, he kept a polite smile. "Sounds... unique. I'm sure it'll be a hit."
"Indeed." Ms. Polarine stated. Without much expression. "Here is your Vanilla Blizzard."
"Thanks a lot." Nightclown handed a coin and took the ice cram. "Have a chill day, Ma'am!"
Ms. Polarine nodded once. "Thank you, Little Bunny. Do return when you desire a moment of chill."
Nightclown left the ice cream stand. Licking the one he just bought and enjoying its taste. It was surprisingly... delicious. It didn't provide any special effect or temporary buff though. Just a common consumable.
He moved down the cobblestone street. Next to a small not too far away, a wooden shack stood. It had a sign depicting a cheerful fish wearing a tiny hat. This was 'Mr. Rodhook's Fish & Bait'.
A faint smell of water and something slightly fishy hung in the air.
An old toon tortoise sat on a stool outside the shack. His shell was patched with various colorful materials. His skin was wrinkled. Etched with many lines. He had a long, wispy white beard. A worn fishing hat covered his head.
In his hands, he was meticulously tying a fishing lure. This was, very likely, Mr. Rodhook.
"Morning, Mr. Rodhook!" Nightclown greeted him.
Mr. Rodhook slowly lifted his head. His ancient-looking eyes blinked beneath bushy brows. "Eh? Little Bunny? What brings you to this quiet corner?" His voice was raspy. Like dry leaves rustling.
"I'm just checking for some beginner fishing equipment, Sir!" Nightclown said. He did want to try fishing in this Toonworld. Experiencing how 'crazy' it would be. "How's the fishing today?"
Mr. Rodhook sighed. "The fish are shy today, boy. Tricky critters, they are." He held up the lure he was tying. It was an intricate thing. Shaped like a tiny, sparkling beetle. "Still, a good lure can coax 'em out. You thinking of casting a line?"
"Maybe someday." Nightclown admitted. "I want to. But, I'll need to get stronger first. I'm more of a dungeon-diving type these days."
"Dungeons, eh?" Mr. Rodhook chuckled. A dry rustle. "Used to brave the Sunken Depths myself. Before my shell got too heavy, and my legs got too creaky. Found some mighty fine fish down there. Ones with glowing fins and teeth like razors."
He eyed Nightclown. "You got a good spirit, Boy. Keep it up. The fish of the world, and the monsters, they respect courage."
"I'll try my best, Sir!" Nightclown said. "So, how much was for a beginner fishing equipment?"
"A set would be 70 coins, if you want the common one." Mr. Rodhook said. "I'd suggest the upgradable set though. It's slightly more expensive, but it's worth much more for serious anglers... 120 coins."
"And what about the lure, Sir?"
"Wiggly Worms and the Sparkle Minnows are reliable. One coin will get you five of those. But for the truly adventurous like you, you should try the Glimmer-Guts. A coin for two pieces." He leaned in conspiratorially. "They attract the big ones. And the grumpy ones."
"Noted." Nightclown said. A small smile was on his face. "Thanks for the tip, Mr. Rodhook. I'll take the upgradable one, please..."