I really like how you've filled out the world since I first played the demo! I like the pulp-y touches like finding who needs which item.
I do think I'm soft locked now unfortunately. Even with the gold fruit I can't defeat the boss I found (which is also the only lead I have on what to do next), and all the other caves have locked doors. I don't have any items to give anyone and I can't buy any more candy. The encounter rate is also brutal; I'm often walking more in the inventory screen to get a bandage than I am in the world between battles!
All that said, I do really like the world and I want to see the rest of the story. Should I maybe start over and respec to focus more on attack, or do you have some pointers?