Chapter 60: The Founder's Festival Prospectus
"Revenge has a terrible ROI, Lady Hinata," I say, my voice smooth and clinical as I watch the Saint depart. "But a stable market? That is an investment worth making."
I turn back toward the sprawling city of Tempest. The smoke from the battlefield is clearing, but the scent of victory is already being replaced by the smell of grilled meat and expensive ale. The citizens are pivoting from defense to celebration with a speed that would make a Wall Street trader blush.
Notice. [Analytical Appraisal] indicates a 15% increase in domestic morale following the settlement. Localized magicule density is stabilizing. Current Objective: The Tempest Founder's Festival.
A festival, I think, my internal persona mentally opening a new spreadsheet. Rimuru sees it as a party. I see it as a massive IPO. We have the attention of the Western Nations, the Octagram, and the Sorcerous Dynasty. Now, we just need a product that keeps them coming back.
[Spatial Motion]
I appear in the central planning office. Rigurd and the High Orc managers are buried under architectural blueprints. Rimuru is at the center, looking at a map of the newly excavated cavern beneath the city.
"Shinji! Perfect timing," Rimuru grins, pointing at the map. "Veldora and Ramiris are already moved in. We're building the Dungeon. It's going to be the main attraction for the festival."
"A dungeon," I state, my sea-grey eyes scanning the structural integrity of the plans. "An enclosed environment where we can control the variables, harvest magicule-saturated materials from 'adventurers' who fail to manage their risks, and charge an entry fee for the privilege of losing. It's a brilliant recurring revenue model, Rimuru."
"Uh... I was thinking of it as a fun challenge," Rimuru says, sweating slightly. "But sure, revenue model works too."
"It needs more than 'fun', Rimuru. It needs marketability," I respond. I walk to the table and point to the lower floors. "We need to integrate the [Transaction Domain] logic into the environment. If we can manipulate the 'cost' of survival on each floor, we can ensure that only the most high-value parties reach the bottom. We also need to monetize the 'Resurrection' aspect. Dying in the dungeon shouldn't be a loss; it should be a 'service' they pay for."
"Kufufu," Diablo's voice ripples from the corner. "Master Satou's vision of a profitable meat-grinder is truly inspiring. I shall ensure the 'floor guardians' understand that their primary duty is the protection of our profit margins."
"Keep the demons away from the lower floors for now, Diablo," I say, adjusting my obsidian gloves. "We want to encourage growth, not total liquidation of our customer base."
I look at Rimuru. "I'll handle the marketing and the VIP invitations. I want the Hero Masayuki to hear about this. A 'Hero' entering our dungeon is the ultimate celebrity endorsement. If he survives, our stock triples. If he fails... well, his gear is high-quality collateral."
Notice. [Universal Perception] has detected a group of individuals with high-luck magicule signatures entering the Blumund border. Identification: The 'Lightspeed' Masayuki and his party.
The 'Hero', I think. A high-luck variable. That's a risk factor we need to audit immediately.
"Rimuru, prepare the welcome committee," I say, my expression a mask of cold anticipation. "The 'Hero' is coming. Let's see if his 'luck' can handle my interest rates."
Current Magicule Reserves: Infinite (Linked). Location: Planning Office, Tempest. Status: Festival Preparations: Active. Target: Dungeon Monetization. Soul Capacity: 38%.
Chapter End.