The shopkeeper tilted his head in thought. “It’s hard to explain. When I greeted you at the door, you were standing beside a blade soldier woman, yes?”

  “Serena,” I said.

  “Lovely name,” said the Muumuu. “Well, I’m guessing you’ve seen her fight if she’s in a party with you. Well, have you ever noticed she’s primarily a physical fighter, yet occasionally when she deals her sword blows there’s a flaming blue energy in her strikes?”

  “Yeah I’ve noticed and sometimes my brawler teammate gets red flames around his fists.”

  “Exactly. Those are the natural elements and energies surrounding all of us, but harnessed into their attacks. Some of them are simply built into one’s abilities and the person isn’t even aware of them. These claws, however, would be adding such elemental harnesses deliberately.”

  “Sounds cool,” chimed in Chip. “Which one do you think Gryph would like?”

  The shopkeeper blinked at Chip’s statement. “ ‘Gryph’ you say? You’ve given the legendary winged spirit a nickname?”

  I shrugged. “Easier than saying gryphon all the time. It also felt kind of rude, like I wouldn’t acknowledge or start a conversation with you by saying, ‘Hey, Muumuu,’”

  The shopkeeper laughed nervously and scratched the back of his furry head. “Very true, I suppose you wouldn’t.”

  “Still, I’m not familiar with either emerald, gold, or shadow elements really? What benefit would they bring to Gryph’s physical attacks.”

  “From what I’ve heard of your triumphs, I believe you may have encountered at least one out of the three.”

  I guess news of the Horizon’s Dream’s exploits in the cloud ocean was gaining notoriety even whole continents away from where I originally spawned. I still wasn’t sure what he meant.

  “Are you referring to the shadow wraith magitech used by Arethkar to enslave The Chosen?”

  “Precisely. The wispy black shadows of the magitechnology was an example of the shadow elements being manipulated. With this feather, you add such shadow damage to your spirit’s attacks.”

  “And other than looking intense, what does shadow magic do to your opponents?”

  “Shadow moves have the ability to attack both one’s HP and MP.”

  I raised my eyebrows. Attacking one’s MP in a tournament against other summoners would be absolutely deadly.

  “Say, Chip’s higher level moves have a shadow moniker attached. Will they be able to drain MP too.”

  The shopkeeper grinned and nodded his head. “It’s true and such an amazing discovery. Summoners through the ages have clearly overlooked the power of the level 1 elemental spirit. It’s marvelous. By the end of this tournament, I believe you will be written of by scholars across the different mages guilds and universities of Illyria.”

  I smiled. “Okay, don’t flatter me too much. What do the gold and emerald claws do?”

  “Gold element chips away at an opponent’s toughness, diminishing their internal defenses. It’s a very powerful team PvP ability to take out an opponent team’s tank. Emerald works in a similar way but diminishes one’s magic attack power over time. Again, it works at proactively diminishing your enemy’s DPS.”

  By the way our conversation went I was definitely not taking the orichalclum or hard steel claw. It was definitely a choice between the emerald, gold, and shadow claws. While the hypothetical future suggested any of these claws would be supremely useful, I had to think about what would help me the most now with regards to the summoner tournament. That eliminated gold from the running. Most of the summoners would have a low toughness already, so attacking them there would be redundant. Whereas the ability to attack their magic attack power or their MP was incredible. Part of me was uncomfortable with the shadow element as I associated it so closely with our enemy, Arethkar, but it was super handy. The tournament was going to set a limit for the amount of MP potions a player was allowed to use—so being able to attack an opponent’s MP would be invaluable. Yes, other summoners would have access to mana flow and would take from their spirits BUT it would also deplete their spirits MP, so it was a win-win. The move trapped them into a corner. While the emerald claw’s ability to slowly negate one’s magic attack power – destroying one’s mana pool would effectively do the same. Plus, emerald was inefficient as it would only diminish the magic attack power of whoever Gryph attacked; by attacking an opponent’s MP though, I’d effectively be draining both the summoner and their bound spirits’ overall mana pool. I was coming to a decision when a question occurred to me.

  “How do I know you’re not selling all of us summoners these types of accessories? If everyone’s buying the same thing, I actually need items to counter the abilities presented in these items.”

  The shopkeeper looked taken aback. “I won’t say what I’ve sold to other summoners. It’s part of the value proposition of this entire secluded and secretive exchange. However, I can say the accessories for a bound spirit are based on the spirit’s specific traits. Not all spirit’s have the affinity or strength to wield shadow or emerald elements. Sometimes they have other, more unique proficiencies. These claws are specifically designed for winged spirits. Now at the qualifying round, did you notice any of the other winning contestants using a winged spirit?”

  I smiled. “Okay, sorry, I was just covering my bases. I didn’t mean to cause offense.” I paused and looked down at the claws. I imagined riding on the back of Gryph, descending on evil creatures and letting Gryph’s talons slice through them, wisps of shadow trailing his attack. It was totally kick-ass.

  “I’m going with the shadow claw and—” I turned back to the feathers and made a decision. “Dreadron’s Feather.”

  If I was increasing my ability to attack someone’s MP, I should improve Gryph’s ability to hurt their HP at the same time. Increase the damage on all fronts.

  “Excellent,” said the fox man, rubbing his hands together excitedly. “We’ve covered the accessories for your bound spirits. We can negotiate other items if you bring me any more bound spirits in your arsenal, but until then, I think we’re done with the accessories. Now: let’s talk about you. May I analyze your gear?”

  He tilted his head to me.

  “You want to know the stats of my items?” I asked.

  “Yes, these spectacles actually allow me to scan whatever items I like and see their descriptions and properties. Even items equipped by others. It would be rude to investigate your things without asking, however.”

  “Yes, go ahead,” I said. “I’d be curious to hear your assessment.”

  The shopkeeper came around from his display case and stepped closer to me until he was inches away. He was like a tailor taking my measurements; slowly investigating each piece of gear I was wearing. He even hopped up onto his display case to investigate my light chest and shoulder armor. He rubbed his chin and adjusted his glasses as he performed his inspection, hmming and hahing to himself, muttering under his breath.

  “Is everything okay, mister?” asked Chip. “You’re talking to yourself.”

  “It’s just,” the shopkeeper was lost for words. Finally, he burst out and said, “Your gear is very very bad.”

  “Well, I figured it would improve as I got access to higher levels and therefore better gear.”

  “Even for your level, it’s pretty underwhelming, but no matter! I can sort you out with very impressive armor perfect for a summoner.”

  I shrugged. “Alright, let’s see it then.”

  The fox man hurried to the back. Shuffling boxes and commotion came from behind the open door as the shopkeeper rummaged through his stock. He came back with dark burgundy robes.

  “Ooh fancy wizard clothes,” said Chip.

  The shopkeeper held them up to me and I inspected their stats in my HUD.

  Champion Summoner Cloak (DEF: 50 +55 MP +25 MTKP)

  Champion Summoner Pants (DEF: 30 +5 MP +5 MTKP)

  Champion Summoner Gloves (DEF: 18 +5 MP +5 MTKP)

  Champion Summoner Boots (DEF: 20 +5 MP +5 MTKP)

  I nodded my head, grinning. “Champion Summoner gear,” I said. “Presumptuous, maybe?”

  “Well,” smiled the shopkeeper. “I have to bet on someone.”

  “I bet you say similar words to everyone who steps through here.”

  “I promise you, you will not step into the arena for your final battle and find yourself face to face with any of the same gear I’ve presented you here today. I’m sure you’ll be surprised by whatever you face, but you won’t be tricked. At least not by me.”

  I gave in to the shopkeeper’s persuasions and equipped the new champion summoner gear. It was a sleek burgundy cover with pointed arched shoulder blades which made the top of my chest look like a pagoda. The pants and boots were a matching set. It was the most impressive gear I’d ever worn.

  “Whoah! Clay you LOOK like yourself, but ten times stronger and cooler; like you evolved and leveled-up, but obviously, you’ve only increased your style.”

  “Um, thanks Chip.”

  “No problem. You ever need a compliment just ask, I got thousands!”

  “So I got new gear, I got new accessories for my summons,” I said. “I guess, that’s it?”

  The shopkeeper raised one finger. “Almost.” He went back into his back stall and came out holding in both his arms the most majestic wooden staff I’d ever seen.

  “The staff you wield is good,” he said. “Or rather, it was good; it’s powerful for an early level staff, but you’re level 31 now Clay. You got a tier-2 class. The staff I’m showing you represents your new level of power.”

  I picked up the staff from his hands and took in its stats in my HUD.

  Champion Summoner’s Staff (ATKP: 50-70, MTKP: 80-120, +50 MP. All summoned spirits gain +25 ATKP and MTKP)

  Damn. This was a nice staff.

  “Wow, okay, yeah, I want this too, but mister, we haven’t even discussed price yet. I don’t know if I can afford this.”

  I had around 20,000 gold sitting in my personal coffers; money I’d rather spend on the Horizon’s Dream. I’d have to talk him down if he went as high as that.

  “I think now we can discuss price. My price is,” he paused dramatically. Then in the quietest voice he said, “One hundred thousand gold coins.”

  My jaw almost fell to the floor. I wanted to yell, “Are you freaking kidding me!?” but I kept my composure. I was still in negotiation with this little fox man and so I had to act accordingly. I straightened my shoulders and said the same thing I was thinking but in much more diplomatic terms. “I’m sorry, but we’ve clearly had a miscommunication. I’m not willing to pay so high.”

  Your bartering skill increased by 0.05

  The shopkeeper smirked. “I would be willing to trade for something other than gold.”

  Barter success! Your bartering skills have increased by 0.5.

  Barter Level Up (Level 4)

  “Such as?”

  “You wish to purchase a feather from me. A rare feather dropped by one of the most legendary creatures. In exchange for it and all of the other powerful equipment you wish to purchase, all I’d ask for in return is one feather of your legendary winged spirit.”

  My eyebrows narrowed.

  “So if one of Gryph’s feathers is worth one hundred thousand gold, that means he must be worth millions considering how furry he is,” proclaimed Chip.

  “What do you think Chip? Do you think Gryph would go with the plan? I mean, on the face of it, I don’t see why not, but Gryph can be quite prickly, can’t he?”

  “Gryph! Prickly!?” said Chip, horrified. “Never!” He shook his head adamantly.

  “Is he being sarcastic?” said the shopkeeper, looking to me.

  I chuckled. “No, he isn’t. Just Chip being Chip. Alright, let’s get Gryph in here and see what he says. Do you mind if I summon the gryphon?”

  The shopkeeper blinked and his bushy tail wagged. “It would be my honor.”

  I walked over to one of the more open spaces of the arcane shop and prepared to cast summon bound spirit. My arms crisscrossed, my fingers flicked in and out, snapped, did an arcane dance I intuitively knew but was unable consciously to mimic outside of actually triggering the spell. White silvery light beamed out of my palms and the silhouette of a creature emerged in the center of the room. The silhouette took the shape of a winged bird-like creature, until the silver silhouette materialized and Gryph was standing proud in the middle of the shop. He turned his head to get his bearings and knocked his head. He ruffled his feathers and knocked over a potted plant. His eyes winced and he let out a frustrated breath through his nose, the wind of which blew back my hair.

  “Hey Gryph!” said Chip, floating over to him. “We’re in a secret summoner shop getting ready to kick butt! Wanna join us?”

  Gryph turned his head and narrowed his eyes at me.

  Why have you summoned me into this uncomfortable place? Also, why are you wearing those outlandish robes?

  Sorry, I said, speaking through our psy-link. I have an odd request too. The Muumuu shopkeeper here, he’s a seller of weapons, armors, and accessories specifically designed to empower summoners and their spirits, such as yourself.

  I am not yours, interjected Gryph.

  I sighed. I already knew Gryph was going to be a tough customer on this trade.

  Stop thinking as if you don’t remember I can hear your thoughts.

  Argh. Okay, sorry, I continued speaking through the psy-link. I know you’re not mine, you’re my teammate and we have the potential to get really awesome gear that’s going to make us both more powerful.

  And? What’s the catch? I feel the catch in the pulse of your heartbeat right now.

  The catch is, we can get all of these items, but only for a certain peculiar price. He wants one of your feathers.

  The gryphon kicked up its feet and cried out, deafening all of our ears.

  “What’s going on?” said the shopkeeper.

  “Clay and Gryph have a really cool connection,” explained Chip. “They can speak with each other’s head.”

  “Of course, the psy-link,” murmured the shopkeeper.

  Absolutely not Clay. I can’t believe you’d even consider, giving one of my feathers. Pah! So this little fox man can collect and rub his hands over. It’s a dishonor.

  I paused and thought for a second. What if we found out what he’d use it for?

  No, out of the question. You must find another way to gather this stuff you crave so badly.

  But it’s for you as well. Then I paused. I hadn’t even told Gryph the accessories I wanted to get him.

  Gryph, how would you feel about getting a shadow claw?

  The bird growled. I have been tamed and defeated by pesky magical beasts and wizards before. The ability to attack their source of magic does sound appealing. I’m still not convinced though.

  The bird lifted up its beak, proudly.

  Also, he was willing to give us the feather of another legendary winged spirit. Have you heard of Dreadron’s Feather?

  The bird shook its feathers and glared at me. I was seriously worried Gryph was about to claw my face off.

  The shopkeeper smirked. “I’m guessing you told him about Dreadron’s feathers.”

  My eyebrows furrowed at the shopkeeper. Was he expecting such a reaction from Gryph?

  The great Skyhawk Dreadron, said to be bigger than any of the Muumuu Isles to the east, was one of the great birds of the Illyrian skies. A legend. A myth. For me to equip one of his feathers onto my mane—it would be of the greatest honor. A feather for a feather would be a fair trade.

  Plus, there’s a whole lot of other stuff.

  Trinkets in comparison.

  I don’t even think the Dreadron Feather was even the best item statistically.

  Some things are greater than your precious stats.

  Fair, fair. Can we make the trade then? Will you let me pluck a feather?

  The gryphon brought his wings together and stood proudly in front of me. He puffed up his chest and I reached up and pulled a feather from him. I had to yank at one point and I checked to see if Gryph was in any pain, but he stood with stoic patience, hiding any discomfort he may have been feeling.

  I held the long gryphon feather in my hand. It was intricately weaved and full of arcane magic. I turned to the shopkeeper.

  “Won’t the feather disappear when I unsummon Gryph?”

  “Once it’s removed, no,” said the shopkeeper, eagerly taking the feather out of my hands. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Hopewell. I imagine you can see yourself out.”

  I thanked him and turned to leave.

  Now that you’re done all of your trading and bartering—with the use of my feathers no less!—can you please remove me from this cramped and awful place.

  Sure, I grinned. I snapped my fingers and unsummoned Gryph. He faded away, disappearing until I needed him again.

  “Do you want to go too?” I said to Chip.

  “No way,” said Chip. “I like being out and about.”

  “Alright, fair,” I said. “Let’s go.”

  I thanked Mooney and we left the shop.

  23

  We returned to find the rest of the party lounging around near the wall.

  Shade was picking at his nails, his ears perking up when we stepped outside. “Finally,” he said. “I’ve been soooo bored. Also, Serena’s not talking to me, because I said, while she may be first mate of the Horizon’s Dream, you were going to pick me to be your partner in the next challenge.”

  “It was a good twenty minutes of bickering,” sighed Kari.

  “Which was avoidable had you told us already who you wanted to take with you on the next trial,” said Jackson.

  “So who’s it going to be?” shouted Serena. “Me or this maverick cat man over here.”

  “Whoah,” I said. “Why is everyone so tense?”

  “It’s the heat, Clay,” said Kari, fanning herself with her arm. “It’s getting the better of us.”

 

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