The prospect of transforming the broken remnants of Bam and Boo into a Living Weapon was tantalizing, but the implications of dealing with the World of Living Weapon Enforcers loomed ominously over him.
"So, the only way to truly utilise Bam and Boo without attracting unwanted attention is to either have them repaired by Hephaestus or to become an Honorary Enforcer in the World of Living Weapons," he questioned in hopes that his direction for the weapons if given the chance, would be correct. But as he said it, he glanced at Claire as if she had something at the tip of her tongue, who appeared deep in thought. "What if we tried both paths simultaneously?" Claire suggested, her eyes lighting up with the spark of an idea.
"We could seek out Hephaestus for the repairs while also attempting to gain favour with the Living Weapons. If we play our cards right, we might be able to establish a foothold in both realms." Jin nodded, appreciating her strategic mindset. "That could work, but how do we begin to show our worth to the Living Weapons? They're not known for being particularly forgiving or easily swayed."
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"The System could provide guidance, right?" Claire interjected, her voice steady.
"The System wanted to utilise the Celestial's acceptance of Jin's expansion store as a promising avenue to seek Celestial Smith Hepharestus, but it came with its own set of complications." The System commented as it knew that it had to tread carefully, particularly given the delicate nature of the Living Weapons—their purity, their potential for chaos, and the implications they carried in the universes teeming with conflict and uncertainty. "Therefore, the System continue to reinforce that despite it being a set of broken weapons, it was a weapon set that should not be look down at and thus should not be reinforced with unpure weapons."
As Jin mulled over his options, he couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. "The Bloodied Sword is an unpure weapon? Lol. And here I thought it was a good substitute for Bam and Boo when I didn't have them." His audacious humour was a defence mechanism, masking the swirling doubts in his mind. He placed a high value on his weapons, not just as tools but as extensions of his very identity.
The System, ever the pragmatic entity, responded with a cold efficiency that bordered on the clinical. "Then the System recommends that you continue to keep the Bloodied Weapon obtained from Atopia as a backup weapon in case you do not have access to Bam and Boo." The suggestion sounded reasonable enough, but Jin could sense the underlying tension in the System's tone. It wasn't merely about practicality; it was about control—an unsettling realization that gnawed at him. A flicker of understanding crossed Jin's mind. "Now I understand that despite the fact Bam and Boo are not in my belongings, even though I brought my storage ring with me, it is because of this… You surely took hold of a tight leash on that set of weapons."
The pieces of the puzzle began to align, and the implications struck him like a bolt of lightning. The System had its own agenda, and his autonomy as usual was a mere illusion.
"Ignorance is Bliss. The System can only warn you as such." The response was curt, devoid of empathy, yet laden with an ominous undertone that sent shivers down Jin's spine.The realization that the System was watching, judging, and guiding him in ways he could scarcely comprehend was both fascinating and terrifying regardless of the partnership that they had. "But I am curious," Jin continued, his curiosity piqued, "are you assuming that I will do the same to the World of Living Weapons as I plan to do in the Mecha Universe, to gain their trust through chaos?" The question hung in the air, a challenge not just to the System but to the very nature of his quest.
The System's silence was deafening, an acknowledgment of the dangerous game Jin was playing. He was a variable in an equation that could lead to unforeseen consequences.
"No," echoed the unyielding voice of the System, firm yet almost reassuring in its insistence. "The System recommends that you explore the Dungeon World route we discussed previously but instead putting the portals in the Dungeon World, put it into the World of Living Weapons instead. It no doubt be a path lined with challenges, but one that ultimately promises greater rewards."
Jin furrowed his brow, contemplating the implications of this advice. Yet, the thought of delving into the complexities of dungeon dimension summoning caused a ripple of doubt to pass through him. "So, you're saying that the Living Weapons won't be as easily accessible through my current path?" he asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.
"Correct," the System affirmed, its digital presence unwavering. "Acquiring the Living Weapons will require significant effort and strategy with a lot of luck to not let the Enforcers know. However, should you opt for the Dungeon World route in the World of Living Weapons, you would eventually harness the ability to summon them with greater ease because you would then have the approval to do so."
"Imagine establishing a Dungeon Supplier Store-like experience where you could utilise dungeon dimension skills to cultivate the Living Weapons, allowing them to potentially gain experience through your encounters."
Jin's curiosity began to spark. The idea of a Dungeon Supplier Store but in a less obvious manner in the World of Living Weapons was intriguing. It painted a picture of a bustling hub where adventurers could gather, trade, and share tales of valour. "So, all of this just to wield Bam and Boo more effectively?" He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
Despite his initial resistance, he couldn't help but see the potential in this new venture. The System nodded, its logic undeniable. "Indeed. While Bam and Boo serve you well in their current form, their full potential remains untapped without the necessary evolution. Embracing this challenge could elevate your abilities and expand your arsenal." Jin leaned back, contemplating the merits of the System's proposal. ꭆàNօBƐṢ
"Honestly, I'm pretty comfortable with Bam and Boo as they are. They're tough companions, and I feel no real need to push for evolution right now. Plus, with the bellators at my side, I'm not exactly in a position where I have to be on the front lines all the time." He cast a playful glance at Peppers, who stood nearby, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Ehh…you're not entirely wrong," Peppers replied, a laugh escaping her lips. "But if you aim to evade the enforcers, you may want to reconsider your stance. They can be quite relentless." Jin chuckled, realising that Peppers had a point. The enforcers seemed to be notorious for their tenacity, and avoiding their wrath seemed like a wise strategy. He shifted gears, sensing an opportunity for distraction. "So, are you still eager to show me that peppery slime in action?" He gestured toward the Bloodied sword and the stack of dungeon dollars he held tightly in his grasp. Peppers' eyes gleamed with excitement as she extended her hand, ready to take the sword. "Just wait until you see what my magic can do!"
It was abundantly clear that Peppers had her eyes set on a slice of the cash pie for herself, but Yun quickly cleared her throat, sensing the Mage Bellator's greed bubbling to the surface. "Fine. I will be getting some commission from you using my peppery black slime anyways,"
Yun declared, trying to maintain her authority. "Who the heck names their slime after themselves? And did you change its name again?" the Mage Bellator scoffed, her scepticism palpable. "No, I'm serious! Get close to it, and if you dare, taste it. It's exactly like black pepper! Besides, its my choice to call my slime however I want!" Peppers said, her tone earnest as she defended her beloved creation. The black slime seemed to resonate with her enthusiasm, displaying a surprising level of emotion at its soon-to-be boss.
With a hint of urgency, the Mage Bellator reached for the sword and the stack of Dungeon Dollars, inserting them into the belly of the Peppery Slime. Almost instantly, an intricate display lit up, revealing a rolling number mechanism whirring inside. The numbers spun wildly before finally settling at 59. In a dramatic fashion, the slime ejected the bloodied sword, and Peppers swiftly grasped it by the hilt, eager to showcase the results of the slime's enhancement.
To their astonishment, the sword's durability appeared restored to its prime, and its once dark red hue transformed into a striking black-red. Peppers, utilising a quick scan, watched as the System displayed the notable improvements in attack strength and various other enhanced attributes for all to see. "It turned into a Rank AA Weapon—something like Grade 14 to 16?" Peppers exclaimed, her excitement infectious as she detailed the weapon's newfound capabilities. This was no ordinary weapon; the transformation spoke volumes about the potential they had stumbled upon.
"Looks good to me! It sounds like a viable idea if we place it in Dungeon World, maybe in Pandapolis? Adventurers have been grumbling that while there are plenty of activities, they lack ways to spend money beyond their standard relaxing styles. That way we could also earn and start to match against the Church of the Afterlife. After all, if they were to fight in Pandapolis, we can entice people to use our services instead." Claire suggested, her voice filled with optimism. The others nodded in agreement, the gears in their minds turning as the idea took root.
"Why not scatter it across some random location when we can entice people with the allure of a new miniature dungeon just popping up in Pandapolis?" Peppers chimed in, her enthusiasm echoing the group's sentiments. This strategy held promise; it would eliminate the need to explain why the dungeon lacked a core. Instead, they could seamlessly integrate it into the thriving economy of Pandapolis, offering adventurers an opportunity to earn and engage with the new challenges presented by the dungeon.
As they began mapping out their plans, the air was charged with excitement and anticipation. The idea of creating a new dungeon in Pandapolis wasn't just a business move; it was a chance to invigorate the entire adventuring community and get Pandapolis more visitors to try their things, with them knowing that there would be a new 'attraction' available for everyone. They envisioned bustling marketplaces where adventurers would flock to trade their newfound treasures, eager to earn their keep and status in this cut throat world of dungeons.
And with Peppers' Peppery Slime set to become the cornerstone of their endeavour, the group was ready to breathe life into this new venture.
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