Since there was a Homu Pirate Ship, naturally there would also be a hidden treasure belonging to the Homu pirates.
The Homu Pirate King Maze was the treasure site designed for children by the one and only architect of the spiral labyrinth—Conductor Vill-V.
Although she had originally planned to construct a massive maze of up to one hundred floors, budget constraints and concerns over children's safety ultimately limited it to just three levels.
The first level, the Dread Deck, served as a transitional stage before entering the maze proper. Its purpose was to help children acclimate to the atmosphere and quickly immerse themselves in the experience. The deck primarily consisted of a maze formed by stacked cargo, where children could encounter many small stories related to seafaring.
The second level, the Dread Sailor's Quarters, was a toned-down version of a haunted house. Inside, visitors could encounter many experiences that seemed to defy common physical laws. Of course, they did not truly violate physics—only the children's perception was being cleverly deceived.
The third level, the Dread Treasure Chamber, was filled entirely with treasures. You needed to solve puzzles or find specific keys to open the chamber's grand door. Naturally, there were also mimic treasure chests hidden within.
With such a vast area, it was impossible to explore everything in a single visit.
Conductor's design was exceptionally ingenious. No player would traverse the entire maze in one go. Each time someone entered, the route was randomized, and each path only allowed access to part of the maze.
Only the first level was guaranteed. After that, visitors might enter the Dread Sailor's Quarters—or, if lucky, go straight into the Treasure Chamber.
This not only reduced the grind of the maze but also ensured that returning visitors would always discover something new each time they entered.
"Friendly reminder: Homu Park does not have a haunted house. If you accidentally enter one, please contact Homu Park security immediately."
Tap tap tap.
Carman Vanida and his group walked across the deck, the wooden planks beneath their feet letting out eerie creaking sounds.
The most unsettling part was the loudspeaker. The 3D surround sound blared directly into their ears, sending chills down their spines. Yet the chibi-cute voice made it oddly comical and lighthearted.
Soon, the owner of the voice appeared. It was a classic pirate-style Homu wearing a tricorn hat, complete with eyepatch and hook hand.
A parrot perched on Homu's shoulder, and the voice was coming from its beak.
"New sailors, I am Captain of the Homu Pirate Ship—Rum! Rum rum—"
"Hello, I'm doing great, even though I've already been dead for a year!"
The soul of Captain Rum of the Homu Pirate Ship floated upward.
Carman Vanida and the others had no interest in interacting with this NPC projection and simply walked straight through the pirate captain.
The cargo piled on the deck posed no obstacle to adults, but the fog severely obstructed their vision.
Carman Vanida waved his hand irritably. "What's going on? The fog is so thick I can't see a thing."
Soon, an explanation came from the nearby Captain Rum:
"Rum rum—during long-distance ocean travel, according to weather satellite data, this vessel has entered frontal weather conditions due to the persistent influence of a northern temperate cyclone. The dense fog is caused by condensation from the meeting of cold and warm air currents. All crew members, please follow the fog into the crew cabin level—the Dread Sailor's Quarters."
Within the thick fog, even someone as skilled as Morch found himself powerless. Even if he jumped onto the cargo stacks, all he could see was a sea of mist—unless he could somehow blow away the entire fog-filled area.
Thus, Morch could only lead Carman Vanida and his bodyguards obediently along with the moving fog into the second level.
Vill-V would never design a maze that forced children to grope around blindly. That would defeat the purpose of a children's maze.
The fog was not stationary. It constantly drifted forward, guiding visitors toward the next level.
The fog was both an obstacle and a guide, subtly leading children into the maze's second level.
This was a form of suggestive guidance. Of course, there was also overt guidance—that being Captain Rum of the Homu Pirate Ship.
With this dual-guidance mechanism in place, even a fool would not get lost.
Naturally, the fog's subtle guidance provided hints from the beginning. As for Captain Rum, one had to endure his rambling nonsense before receiving a clue.
After experiencing a series of adventures that Carman Vanida found ridiculous and laughable, they finally arrived at the treasure level.
Blocking their path was a massive mechanical door adorned with a huge smiling face. A considerate notice stated that one must solve the riddle to pass.
However, when Carman Vanida read the riddle, he was genuinely stunned. What kind of question was this?
Does the Pirate King's treasure exist?
What kind of question is that?
"Rum rum, I seem to recall something about this mechanism door. You want the password? Ah, I'm old—I can't remember clearly. After all, I've already been a ghost for a year... Perhaps you can search for clues. There's the mark left behind by Steel Homu, the master of mechanisms from back then."
Carman Vanida, who prided himself on receiving a royal education from Islaria, naturally knew pirate history.
"Pirates are desperate outlaws who live by the motto of drink today and worry tomorrow. They wouldn't bother hiding treasure. But this place is called the Treasure Chamber..."
"Wait. Why am I even answering this ridiculous question? Just break the door down!"
A black-clad bodyguard stepped forward and struck the door with a steel baton. Unexpectedly, the door was astonishingly thick. The baton produced only a dull thud, and the shock left the man's hands trembling so badly he could barely grip it.
Morch, who had been standing aside coldly observing, frowned slightly. He clenched his fist, gathered strength, and then unleashed a powerful punch toward the door. A thunderous boom echoed as the door shook violently—then nothing more happened. Only a shallow fist imprint remained on its surface.
How is that possible? I used eighty percent of my strength and still couldn't break through a civilian installation?
Morch's eighty percent was no trivial force. Having undergone bodily modification, his punch carried the power of more than ten tons. A normal thick steel plate would have been blasted through.
Just as Carman Vanida and his group stood at a loss before the door, a young boy entered holding a Homu Hero Sword (plastic). "Uncles, what are you doing? Make way for the Homu Hero!"
Then the child stood before the door, raised the Homu Hero Sword (plastic), and loudly declared, "The Pirate King's treasure is right here!"
"Homu, correct answer!" The one-eyed black Homu-faced door slowly opened. "Your wisdom qualifies you to claim Captain Homu's treasure."
"Homu Hero! Fearless and bold..."
Carman Vanida and the others watched as the child, head held high, marched through the door singing with his Homu Hero Sword (plastic) raised proudly.
The first door's question was, of course, simple. In fact, the children's maze stages and mechanisms were never meant to stump anyone. Even without parental accompaniment, children could pass easily.
In truth, whether one answered that the treasure existed or not, the one-eyed Homu would still open the door.
If someone answered that the treasure did not exist, the one-eyed Homu would immediately put on an exasperated expression and say something like, "Fine! I'll let you see the Pirate King's treasure—just one look!" before foolishly opening the door itself.
Even if you were mute and unable to answer its question, as long as you discovered the "passcode" nearby, it would still open the door.
That, too, was not difficult. The passcode was placed in a very conspicuous location, with various hints nearby all pointing directly toward it.
Being made a laughingstock in front of a child infuriated Carman Vanida. What angered him even more was that when he tried to follow the boy through the doorway, the door suddenly slammed shut.
The one-eyed Homu captain glowed red-eyed and arrogantly declared, "Beep beep—the Captain's greatest secret treasure may only be claimed by a hero bearing Homu's command. Please answer..."
"Damn it... The Pirate King's treasure is right here!"
"Beep beep, correct answer! Your wisdom qualifies you to claim Captain Homu's treasure."
The clearance voice sounded like repeated mockery, each line landing like a slap across Carman Vanida's face, turning it crimson.
He breathed heavily, finally understanding what true humiliation felt like.
He had once believed himself to be the wealthiest man in the world, yet now he had been toyed with by a child and a door.
His face burned so hot it nearly smoked. His fists clenched tightly, and in the eyes of his bodyguards, his furious figure appeared even more terrifying.
Meanwhile, on Vill-V's side, they had already obtained the "Homu Secret Treasure" and exited the Homu maze.
Judging by their relaxed expressions, they clearly did not feel as though anyone was chasing them.
"Whew, it's still fun even the second time. Especially that octopus."
Lele nodded and gratefully said to Zofia, CEO of HoMu Company, "I didn't expect HoMu Company to provide such expensive attractions. Thank you so much."
Just that mechanical octopus alone would serve as the centerpiece attraction in other entertainment venues. Yet here, it was merely a component of one signature attraction in Homu Park.
It was evident how much effort and funding HoMu Company had invested into renovating the amusement park.
What Lele did not know was that the mechanical octopus had once been a discarded war machine of the Mad Hatter Party.
As an organization dedicated to combating Honkai, the Mad Hatter Party naturally lacked no machinery capable of dealing with gigantic creatures.
After all, starting from the Knight-class Honkai Beast, the monsters became absurdly massive.
Even when not engaging in direct combat, someone had to hold back rampaging Honkai Beasts during evacuation efforts.
Thus, the mechanical octopus had come into being.
The one sent to Homu Park by Zofia was precisely a unit that had been damaged by a Honkai Beast and deemed beyond repair.
Well, one could call it recycling waste.
"By the way, that fellow Carman Vanida..."
The moment Zofia mentioned the name of that royal heir, Lele's heart immediately leapt into her throat.
After all, businessmen pursued profit above all else. Upon learning that her partner had offended such a powerful figure, it would only be natural to terminate the agreement early and withdraw to avoid trouble.
Lele had investigated the Carman Vanida Group. It was indeed a mid-sized financial conglomerate. Do not underestimate the word mid-sized—in certain smaller nations, such a conglomerate could dominate the entire country's finances and legal system.
And HoMu Company was clearly still far from reaching that level.
Lele knew Miss Zofia was a good person, but there was no reason for her to tie HoMu Company to Lele's amusement park. A philanthropist could not serve as a company's CEO.
In a sense, Lele had even deceived Zofia.
Her fingers tightened nervously around the hem of her skirt as she braced herself for the CEO's declaration.
To her surprise, Zofia's next sentence left her completely baffled:
"He's very rich, isn't he?"
"Huh? He is rich, but what does that have to do with you, Miss Zofia?"
Could it be that Miss Zofia has taken a fancy to him and plans some kind of commercial marriage alliance?
No, her expression clearly suggested otherwise.
Vill-V had already understood. "Flashy with money everywhere—what a plump sheep. He probably still doesn't understand what it means when Pardo goes shopping."
The vast war funds required by the Mad Hatter Party to respond to the Fourth Honkai Eruption still had no source.
Magician was already rubbing her hands together, prepared to drag the Vill-Vs out to earn money by debuting if necessary...
Now that a willing sucker had practically delivered himself to solve Vill-V's financial worries, wasn't this like someone handing over a pillow just as sleepiness struck?
No sooner thought than done. Zofia and Vill-V exchanged a glance before placing a call to Pardo.
"Pardo, there's a big deal waiting..."