There were all sorts of puppets ranging from a better version of the one he just broke to differently designed ones who were obviously from the same collection as the pawn.
"That collection is from Geppeto's Chess set, it's a good collection to start with if you're a puppeteer that's just starting out. I'd say go for the Rook and Knight pieces because they are direct upgrades from the pawn.
There's also the 12 Zodiacs, and the Seasonal Collections. I have a few that I upgraded myself but these are the industry standard. "
He was drawn to the puppets in the Chess collection which is why he asked for the overall price.
"For the whole set that'll be 110 silver, the pawn costs 5 silver, the rook and knight pieces are 12 silver each. The Bishop and the queen are the real kickers, the Bishop is 30 silver while the Queen is priced at 50.
If you're just starting out the Bishop and Queen shouldn't be a priority. They are spellcasting puppets that cost a lot of mana to maintain. "
"I see I'll be taking a pawn for now then"
"All right, is there anything else?"
"Pricing on a short sword."
"2 Silver for the basic ones"
"I'd like to take one of those then"
He placed the short sword on a scabbard by his left hip.
He still had 3 silver coins along with 3 copper coins from the goblin.
A night's stay at the inn costs around 50 copper, he chose to simply buy some skewered meat for 3 copper and leave.
"I have camping gear for a reason, saving up for one of those better puppets seems like the key here."
He went over to a bookstore, inquiring about books relating to puppetry.
"Mag's Guide to Puppetry" and "Geppeto's Puppets: A Guide" were the only two books available. He spent most of his remaining money on these books, each costing a silver coin. Leaving him with only 1 silver left in his inventory.
He learned quite a few number of things from the books. Geppeto is apparently a renowned puppet maker who died about a decade ago, while Mag is his student, Mag is far more talented at puppeteering but his master is considered the best puppet maker in recent history.
Geppeto has multiple mass-produced puppets like the ones sold in the shop, but around 10 of his creations are considered Legendary equipment. The book detailed that only direct students and descendants of Geppeto have access to these master pieces so Matthew decided to leave it there for now.
He was interested in the higher tier equivalents of the puppet collection that he wanted, along with a few of Geppeto's other works. For now his goal is to collect at least 1 of each part of the mass-produced chess set puppets.
He chose to camp around 10 minutes away from the main entrance of the town. There he read through "Mag's Guide to Puppetry". A book that taught him all of the basics, basics that he will soon apply to his small arsenal.
"So I need to make the first circle of mana to double or maybe triple my mana capacity, got it."
He had to skip the first two chapters because he already had the [Puppeteering] and [Mana Threads] skills. The third chapter involved opening up the first circle and controlling a second puppet.
He was pretty sure that he was safe since he is relatively close to the town.
The next morning he ate some rations for breakfast and promptly packed up. He had a long day ahead.
He hasn't tested his new puppet after all.
Aside from this he also needed to get enough money for both the new puppets and the tools needed for creating a magic circle.
"So I need exactly 15 pieces of silver. I have 1 left from yesterday, so it's just 14 more. Two of those bastards huh?"
He remembered his encounter with the Gnoll, if it noticed him first, he would be dead in seconds. His first win against one had a lot of factors going in his favor, the first being stealth. He noticed it first meaning that he could hide while letting the puppet do the heavy lifting.
"One of them should suffice, I'll prioritize the materials for the 1st circle before anything else"
He knew what he needed the most right now, which is an upgrade to his source of power. Mana. Doubling or tripling the amount of mana he had was the priority because this way he could outlast his opponents. If they only fought the puppet then as long as he had mana, he could draw out their stamina and eventually attrition them out.
"All right, pawny 2.0 you better not disappoint!"
It stood at a similar height to the one he had, the day prior. It just so happens that it is far more nimble and durable.
With this and his new short sword, he was confident that taking down a Gnoll would be a bit easier.
What he didn't account for is the lack of said Gnolls, Gnolls call the mountains their home. The town is at the foot of one, meaning that Gnolls are usually hard to encounter. This is the reason why a lot of the town's people call for the bounty of such creatures when they come near the area.
Taking the heads and leaving the body behind as a sign. "Don't go anywhere near our town or we will wipe you out"
Fear is a powerful deterrent.
"It's been what pawny? 2 hours right? Do I have to go back to that shitty mercenary's place? "
The puppet did not say anything, because it is a puppet.
"Yeah you're right, let's head back. Ask them if there's some shit to kill elsewhere"
He moved the puppet and made it walk with him.
"Yeah, you're right pawny. If they try anything you can probably slice their throats!"
His merry attitude changed and he stopped speaking to the puppet as he reached the entrance to the town.
"Hello there guard!"
"Welcome traveler!"
He headed back to the mercenary's association to look for more stuff to kill.
"Are there anymore Gnolls? "
"None at all, a few other parties have taken down the last of them. The bastards are probably hiding in the mountains by now."
"Tskk... are there any other monsters that pay the same amount?"
"A few that's similar, there are orcs down south but they travel in groups of 4 or 5. So I can't suggest that unless you're courting death little merc."
"I see, what's the best thing to hunt then? I'm saving up to have my first magic circle you see."
"Hahah well if it's just that we can provide that for free. You already showed that you can hunt a Gnoll so you're more than qualified for it."
"Free you say?"
"Well free in the sense that we only do it for those that are good enough to at least help in protecting the town. That's our main job after all. Anyways come, follow me lad."
The mercenary's base in the town has a training grounds in the back. Used by mercenaries to keep themselves in shape during times where the need for them is low.
"Come, we have all of the items prepared for you here. If it's your first circle then this should be quick. It took me a few hours to make mine, for most people it's less than a day. You should be fine after a few hours"
Creating your first mana-circle can be done in only 1 of 3 spots. Due to their higher capacity to store and regain mana.
For most people what matters most is safety, which is why their first magic circle is either in the lungs or in the brain. If a person is more daring, they can use the heart.
The implications of which is obvious, putting strain in such an organ is dangerous. Usually this is where the third circle is placed further circles are placed in astral parts of the body but that is for another time.
"If I want to triple it then I just have to go for the heart right?"
"Hahahah you've got spunk kid I like that. Go for it, If you die I'll sell your shit back at the smithy"
"Sure"
In one of the backrooms he can be seen sitting on the floor where a magic circle drawn out with chalk has been created. On different smaller circles within it materials of all kinds were present for the ritual. He clasped his hands together.
He focused on his heartbeat, a blue glow began to emanate from the chalk below him as a sharp pain engraved itself onto his heart.
"Three hours kid, unlike the other spots. It takes just 3 hours to etch it on your heart. Endure the pain until then. Good luck"
The clerk left the room.