Alexandre inspected the weapon in question.
╔════════Aurora Nexus: Inspection Mode═══════╕
╟─╼[Weapon][Set][Hunter][Boxer][Common]
╟─╼[Name] Reinforced Brass Knuckles
╟─╼[Price] $25,000
╠═══════════════╡
╟─[STATISTICS]
║╰╼[Strength: Handle]: -0.5
║╰╼[Resistance: Handle]: 2
╠═══════════════╡
╟─[EFFECT]
║╰╼[Protects the user's hands while striking.]
╠═══════════════╡
╟─[SUMMARY]
║"An American fist weapon forged with Zombie bone powder. Perfectly suited for Hunters with close combat styles. Prevents damage to the user's fist."
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Alexandre was disappointed. This wasn't what he was looking for at all. He realized that he needed to be a bit more specific about his needs if he was going to get anywhere.
"Look," he said, "I have a lot of physical resistance already. I'm not worried about protecting my hands in combat, especially one that makes my attacks a little weaker. I want a weapon that focuses solely on enhancing my strength and agility."
Owen frowned. "Hmm. That's a complicated request. Unfortunately, our equipment is produced according to the standard needs of Hunters. For example, Riflemen almost seek to enhance their sniping abilities, while Boxers almost always try to minimize damage to their bodies. It's very unusual for a Boxer to ask for a weapon that would put a greater strain than usual on the body."
He thought for a moment before continuing, "In Hunter jargon, what you're asking for is known as 'cursed' weaponry—"
Alexandre interrupted, "Why 'cursed'?"
Owen replied, "'Cursed' means risky or random, equipment that increases the risk to your own body in some way. Some cursed weapons are even so volatile that they risk killing the user! We'd never produce something like that, of course. If you're looking for cursed equipment, I'd advise you to visit the bazaar. It's held every day!"
Alexandre nodded slowly. "Well, since it doesn't seem like I'll find any armor or weapons that'll suit me here, show me the experience potion aisle again!"
A few minutes later, Owen and Alexandre once more stood in front of the display which Alexandre had started out investigating in the first place.
Owen was beginning to become annoyed with Alexandre's lack of decisions. "I assume you know what you're looking for this time, sir?"
Alexandre did indeed know what he wanted. His first thought had been to buy three Tier 1 experience potions, so he could get to Level 4 and increase [Steel Bones] to 3 points out of 5, but he could afford to get more now that he had a heavier bank account.
Of course, it'd be a poor idea to spend everything on experience potions right away. They'd let him level up a good amount, but he'd end up with no money to buy equipment, and he'd probably learn more about how to best guide his evolution as he went on as a student anyway.
So Alexandre settled on one potion in particular.
╔═════════ Aurora Nexus: Inspection Mode ═══════╕
╟─╼[Potion][Hunter][Single use][Rare]
╟─╼[Name] Liquid Experience Bottle (Tier 2)
╟─╼[Price] $135,000 (10% member discount applied)
╠════════════════╡
╟─[SUMMARY]
║"Gives 1,500 experience."
╟─[Tip.1] Don't drink! Inject, instead.
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════╛
It was, admittedly, very expensive. However, this would allow Alexandre to start literally six levels ahead of the other new students, plus maximize [Steel Bones] right away!
After Alexandre picked out this potion, Owen gave a huge smile of relief. "Excellent choice, sir! Yes, absolutely! And of course, your 10% discount applies… that's quite a savings, sir! I'm glad we were able to arrange a loan. In addition, we offer professional injection on-site as a complimentary service to our customers. Would you like to take advantage of that today?"
Alexandre replied, "Sure, why not."