Chapter 2264: Dungeon Summoning in Pandapolis
The meeting had barely concluded when he found himself immersed in the vibrant landscapes of the Dungeon World, determined to find the perfect location for his dimension summoning portal.
His mind started eliminating the possibilities that the System presented to him, but he understood that this endeavour required not just a strategic location, but also an element of spectacle that would captivate the citizens of Pandapolis.
The decision-making process turned into a spirited debate among the System's algorithms, each presenting its logic for various locations. They weighed factors such as ease of access, visibility, and the potential crowd size. After much deliberation, Jin and the System reached a consensus: the centre of Pandapolis, where the iconic Panda Statue stood tall, would be the perfect place for the portal.
The irony of the choice was not lost on Jin. The city was already anchored by a massive statue of a yawning panda, which he had purposely requested to serve as a whimsical focal point. It was a playful nod to the city's identity, the panda was supposed a symbol of relaxation and fun but it was in stark contrast to the serious business of Pandapolis businesses.
Yet, the juxtaposition of diligent commerce and the lightheartedness of the panda statue encapsulated the spirit of Pandapolis which enabled hard work and playful aesthetics to coexist beautifully. Meanwhile, to create the Dungeon World portal, Jin needed to make a statement that would cause a dramatic entrance.
Harnessing the powers of the Dungeon Core, the System initiated a light tremor that rippled through the city, sending vibrations underfoot and drawing the attention of every citizen. This was no ordinary portal; it was an event, a moment that required an audience.
By strategically placing the portal above the gaping mouth of the yawning panda, it ensured that all eyes would gravitate toward this striking visual. As the portal materialised, shimmering with an ethereal glow, the System sprang into action.
A city-wide alert was dispatched to every inhabitant of Pandapolis, along with a broad announcement that echoed through neighbouring Seven Cities and Demopolis connected to Jin's burgeoning reputation in the Dungeon World. The message was clear: something crazy, out of the norm was occurring, and the citizens that were in their daily grind stopped to gather and witness it. To them, being in danger was inscribed into their old habits so the alert was actually an attraction rather than a warning to tell them to get away from it.
It did not take long for people to rush to the centre, curiosity and excitement igniting their steps. What was this new dimension that had opened up? Was it a new adventure, a fresh opportunity for wealth and glory? Jin stood back, watching the crowds gather, their faces filled with wonder and anticipation.
"Warning! A mysterious dungeon has emerged in the heart of Pandapolis," The System's voice echoed, raising the alert level to Tier One despite the swarming of curious bystanders.
Adventurer security teams swiftly mobilized, forming a perimeter around the enigmatic entrance. Their mission was clear: protect the citizens from potential danger and deter any eager dungeon raiders craving adventure—or misfortune—within those dark, foreboding walls. And as the dust settled and the initial chaos abated, the Pandapolis Security Teams managed to contain the situation. Hushed whispers circulated among the crowd, a mix of emotions were bubbling beneath the surface all trying to theorise an answer before the official announcement. T
So, while they mused themselves with such possible theories, Jin, their beloved Lord of Pandapolis, arrived with bated breath. Known for his tactical prowess and calm demeanour against the Demopolis Army, Jin was someone they trusted to navigate even the most critical of crises.
And to make it true, maybe even add on to his fabled tales, Jin made his entrance fashionably late, allowing the thrumming tension in the air to reach a fever pitch. Once he arrived, Jin found himself surrounded by a throng of reporters and inquisitive onlookers, all eager to decipher the unfolding drama.
Briefed by the current operation head of security, Jin assessed the situation to realise that a few members of the Nine Foxes—his loyal companions and Kraft's step-siblings had come to check on the situation as well. He knew they needed to be discreet, especially with so many prying eyes.
Utilising an encrypted channel, he gathered the Foxes to explain the situation. "This is ehhh one of the newest way to earn money from my citizens."
Pei, one of the Nine Foxes, glanced at the portal, initially attuned to its ominous energy immediately lowered her alert when she heard about what Jin was doing. "Oh…so this is just another new gimmick of yours… but heh, it seems like the monsters in there would not be an easy opponent for your adventurers," she remarked, her eyes narrowing with interest.
"Yeah, it feels like this isn't just any ordinary dungeon; it's something more. Not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry could waltz in here and expect a stroll in the park… even if we are in one." Ixel said as he could feel the danger emnanted out from the dungeon and he felt that going in would provide him some decent experiences. Or at the very least, a pretty good warm up. The air was thick with a blend of apprehension and excitement as Jin added more explanation as to why he did this before concluded the briefing.
After which, he stepped forward, ready to address the sea of cameras and anxious reporters. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice resonating with authority, "The Pandapolis Security, along with our esteemed Ministers of Demopolis, have informed me of this disheartening news unfolding right before us." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in.
The atmosphere was charged; questions hovered like fireflies, waiting for the right moment to ignite a spark. "We concluded that this could be a possible anomaly created by the accumulation of the dungeon cores after the recent merger and reallocation with the Seven Cities as well as Demopolis," Jin announced, his voice steady yet tinged with an undercurrent of urgency.
"There are high-level monsters lurking inside, based on the energy signatures that our Pandapolis Security Investigation Team has scanned." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. The reporters leaned in, pens poised over notepads, thirsting for more information. They were aware of the danger that the dungeon represented, not only to the surrounding areas but to the very core of their society.
As he continued, Jin was acutely aware that the questions being hurled at him were mostly predictable, each one probing deeper into the nature of the threat. Yet, he remained steadfast, strategically weaving in half-truths and deflections to maintain control of the narrative. He had one goal in mind: to steer the conversation toward the question that would allow him to pivot into action.
The seconds ticked by as he navigated the minefield of inquiries, each answer carefully crafted to keep the reporters engaged while leaving them wanting more. Finally, the moment came. Jin's eyes flickered toward a reporter with an eager expression, knowing that this was the person who would ask the pivotal question.
"Lord Jin! Are you going to send your own men into the dungeon portal, or are you going to let dungeon raiders try it out?" The reporter's voice rang out, cutting through the tension like a blade.
It was a question that elicited murmurs of disbelief among the gathered crowd, many questioning the intelligence behind it. After all, the rules of engagement were clear; Pandapolis did not allow reckless infighting, and their strict regulations ensured that the city remained a haven amidst chaos. In Pandapolis, the only arenas for conflict were the taverns—specific establishments licensed to host brawls and settle scores. Jin had implemented these measures to maintain order, reinforcing a sense of civility among the denizens of his domain.
It was his way of ensuring that even in a world rife with danger, there was a semblance of normalcy, a peace of mind that allowed people to coexist without fear of random violence.
Yet, beneath this veneer of tranquillity, a restless yearning simmered among its residents—the itch for battle and the thrill of adventure still pulsed in their veins. Jin understood this fundamental aspect of human nature. He recognised that while settling into a peaceful life was desirable, the constant craving for excitement and challenge could not be ignored.
Adventurers who had embraced the city found themselves facing a dilemma: once a Pandapolitan, the rules dictated that they could not engage in combat with other nations unless sanctioned by the Lord himself.
This restriction left many feeling confined, yearning for the adrenaline rush that only combat could provide. To address this incongruity, Jin devised this new plan that would not only satisfy the restlessness of the adventurers but also bolster the city's reputation and economy. The answer came in the form of a newly discovered dungeon, a dimension ripe with challenges and dangers.
It presented an opportunity—an avenue for adventurers to unleash their pent-up energy without violating the stringent rules of Pandapolis. By establishing the "Pandapolis Dungeon Expedition," Jin was determined to create a win-win situation that would rejuvenate the spirits of the city's inhabitants.
As he gathered the citizens and reporters for the continuation of the answer, anticipation filled the air. Jin stood confidently before the crowd, his voice carrying authority and excitement. "We do not know how difficult this dungeon will be, but we are prepared to make an exception regarding our expedition rules. This is a chance for our adventurers to step beyond the confines of routine life and enter an unknown unexplored area where their skills can shine." The crowd erupted with murmurs of approval and excitement.
Jin continued, "This Pandapolis Dungeon Expedition includes access to a particularly mysterious portal. For those who may face peril, discounts will be provided for resurrection under the Pandapolis Temple Sect. So, be sure to sign up if you haven't already." His sly grin hinted at the deeper implications of his words—this was not merely a venture into the unknown; it was a calculated move that would elevate the status of the Temple Sect while simultaneously keeping adventurers engaged.
As the news spread throughout the city, it became evident that Jin's announcement was more than just an invitation to adventure; it was a strategic manoeuvre playing on the tension between the adventurers and the Church of the Afterlife.
By offering a chance to engage in combat within the safety of a dungeon, he was challenging the church's authority and redefining the terms of bravery and sacrifice within the community. If anything, it was a shrewd political and business move against the Church of the Afterlife which had been a thorn for him ever since he stepped into the Dungeon World.