Claire leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, as she mulled on the discussion about the latest proposal that was set to change their boss' plan of action. The air in the room was thick with anticipation until she opened her mouth "I understand your proposal, but I am not going to allow one portion of the plan you are executing," she stated firmly after considerable thought.
Jin, taken aback, raised an eyebrow. "Which portion?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern.
Claire's gaze was unwavering as she replied, "The portion where you get the Pandarens to go in and have 'fun' by becoming the mercenaries. I do not recommend that at all. Instead, just continue with all the dungeon instances that you have been making for your customers. The Deep Dungeon Series is quite the seller despite having only one dungeon right now."
Jin's brow furrowed in confusion. "You mean…?" he trailed off, struggling to grasp the implications of her statement.
Claire nodded, elaborating, "The raid instances, although they seem popular, do not maintain that momentum. After the initial two weeks, the number of players who want to join dwindles significantly. Most cultivators prefer to watch the raids unfold on Pandaflix instead, catching the replays and highlights of those initial runs. Those videos have attracted far more views than the actual participation in the raids." Jin scratched his head, absorbing her points.
"The System concurred with your Finance Lead," The big guy in the room acknowledged. "The Raid Instance might seem profitable at the start, but even the redemptions and gifts for playing such instances have lost their appeal. Instead of making things bigger, the System suggested continue focusing on the Deep Dungeon Series."
Claire nodded, pleased that even the System was beginning to see her perspective. "If I might add, the Raid Instances are not something achievable with a small group of people. It requires a full roster, and players often have to wait for those slots to fill before they can even join the action. Even with the inclusion of NPCs and minions to bolster the numbers, there's still an invisible barrier that prevents them from fully immersing in the experience."
Jin sighed, realizing the truth in her words. "So, what you're saying is that we should invest our resources in developing the Deep Dungeon Series further instead of branching out into the less profitable raid instances?"
"Exactly," Claire affirmed. "Let's capitalize on what already works. We can enhance the dungeons with new challenges, better rewards, and perhaps even seasonal events to keep the players engaged and coming back. If we give them what they enjoy, we can build a loyal player base that will sustain our growth in the long run. Just settle the Mecha Universe with your own abilities and minions. Do not involve them any more. Bottom line is that it's not that great for the Pandarens." The room fell quiet as the team members processed Claire's insights. Jin nodded slowly, a newfound clarity dawning upon him.
"You're right. Focusing on the Deep Dungeon Series could not only retain our current players but also attract new ones. Let's brainstorm some ideas to revitalize it and make it even more enticing." As the discussion shifted gears, Claire felt a wave of relief wash over her. The decision to steer clear of the mercenary concept had not only aligned with the data but had also reinforced the team's commitment to delivering quality experiences to their players.As they continued their discussion in the dimly lit office like dungeon instance, tension hung in the air like the barely visible holographic screens flickering around them. Yun, with her steadfast gaze, leaned forward, her fingers steepled as she articulated her thoughts with precision.
"Instead, I suggest that you should the Raid Instance cater all of these to the Royal Zodiacs, Security Forces, Private Military Companies, or the Self Defence Force," she suggested. Yun's voice was firm, yet it carried an undertone of concern for the direction they were heading. Jin, still processing the gravity of Yun's advice, couldn't help but reminisce about the days when their operations ran smoothly.
"Still, I honestly do not remember it to be that bad…when I was around," he attempted to defend his previous leadership, but the words felt hollow. Claire, ever the realist, couldn't let that slip.
"Yes, but do you remember that you weren't around for some time? The Synthesis World fiasco, hmm?" She crossed her arms, giving Jin a look that combined frustration with an almost sisterly concern. Her reminder cut through the nostalgia, forcing him to confront the reality of his absence.
"Things changed because there was a lack of activity. While there were still quite a lot of people joining and riding the hype, it became painfully obvious when the main pillar of the company disappeared without explanation. If this was a listed company, you would have been in big trouble facing the investors the moment you returned." The truth of Claire's words hit Jin hard, and he nodded slowly, the weight of their implications sinking in.
"I…understand," he murmured, acknowledging the consequences of his choices during that turbulent period.
Claire continued, her voice softer yet resolute. "Of course, things are starting to pick up again, but the fact is, the raid instances are not getting the love they deserve. People might potentially want smaller interaction , and the only way I can think of to rekindle that interest for raid instances is to revisit those old raid instances with possible replayed events." Her vision was clear, driven by a desire to elevate their efforts.
Jin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "At this rate, you sound like a game developer…" he confessed, half-smiling at the thought. Claire's expression shifted slightly, becoming more serious.
"Your dungeon instances are a game to those people out there. It has always been this way. It's just that you have mixed reality with their perception of games, and you might have forgotten that these are really just a well made games to your Pandarens." She sighed, shaking her head as if trying to shake off the weight of nostalgia that clouded their judgment. The implications of her statement loomed large.
The blend of reality and virtual escapism had created a unique landscape for their audience, but at what cost? As the three of them sat in a circle of digital screens and flickering holograms, it became evident that a strategy needed to shift—one that embraced the gaming nature of their work while also harnessing the evolving expectations of their community. "Hmm, I guess… we need to take a step back and reevaluate our priorities?" Jin finally said.
"Come on, Boss. Continue the excitement of those Deep Dungeon Series back." Yun and Claire exchanged glances, a spark igniting in their eyes in hopes that their customers feel the same way as they previously did.
"It's time to rekindle the hype that once engulfed our audience. The Mecha Universe can certainly play a part in this, but let's be honest—Mechas aren't everyone's favourite." Claire added and Jin nodded thoughtfully, a hand resting on his chin, deep in contemplation.
The challenge before him was complex; he needed to strike a balance that would appeal to both fans of the Mecha genre and those who preferred other themes especially when he is now knee deep into this Mecha Universe.
"Alright," he said, his mind racing with ideas. "If I scrap the mercenaries aspect, we can focus on our familiar minions and the manufactured Mechas. Maybe we could incorporate those zombie brain-infused Mechas too. They could command alongside the minions so that the inhabitants of the Mecha Universe are able to tackle the chaos we've unleashed."
Claire raised an eyebrow cautiously. "That's a start, but remember, Jin, you need to ensure that the manufacturing costs are covered and still yield at least a 40% profit margin. It's not just about the visuals or the lore since the Mecha Universe will be fighting to survive from this onslaught you unleash upon them; And truly, it's all about the numbers too." Her analytical mind was always focused on the financial implications, and for good reason.
The last expense report had left her reeling after Jin conquered the Southern Kingdom Alliance, generating costs she hadn't anticipated. As she reviewed the figures, she felt a mix of astonishment and unease.
The sheer scale of Jin's ambitions was staggering.
"You have the entire world's population dedicated to war preparations," she remarked, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's a sunk cost I didn't see coming." Yet, after absorbing Jin's vision, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was potential. The direction he was heading could indeed be feasible, albeit risky.
However, Claire couldn't help but feel a nagging suspicion about the dungeon supplier. "You know," she started slowly, "there's something off about how these dungeons are being handled. Instead of simply allowing adventurers to seek them out, it seems like you're orchestrating these dungeons to erupt uncontrollably." Her eyes narrowed in contemplation. "It's almost as if you're forcing people to rely on your services."
Jin paused, the weight of her words settling in. The idea of creating dungeons as a way to generate demand felt underhanded, but he was willing to do what it took to make their vision a success. "Maybe there's a way to twist this," he mused.
"Ehhhhh… Actually, I understand the rationale for wanting to lure this mysterious third party out in a more attention-seeking way by instigating dungeon outbreaks. But have you considered using your dungeons as a lure for the people in this world? Maybe even for the Dungeon World, where dungeons are a part of everyday life?" Her voice was calm yet insistent, challenging the assumptions that had led them to their current predicament.
Yun, always the voice of reason, nodded in agreement. "Claire is right again, you know. Your perception has changed since the first time you entered the Dungeon World." Her words were cautiously delivered, aware that they might unearth old wounds that had kept them at a distance for too long.
"Instead of relying solely on soul energy, we can set it up in a way that strips them of their items and experience points. I believe that would still allow the System to grow, right? I mean we are jumping topics here and there, but this is to ensure that there is profit coming in when we tackle the Mecha Universe issue" At Yun's suggestion, Jin's eyes brightened with realization.
"...You are right! Why didn't I think about this? Experience points! What does that do for you, System?" His enthusiasm surged as he grasped the opportunity that had been right in front of him all along. The pieces of the puzzle began to click into place, igniting a spark of hope until the System replied.
"Their experience points are somewhat similar to soul energy. However, since User forbade the System from using their soul energy, the existence of experience points had been overlooked," the System replied.
An awkward silence enveloped the room as the trio processed this unexpected revelation. Claire broke the stillness, her eyes narrowing as she considered the implications. "Wait a minute, so if we can draw in adventurers with the promise of experience points and valuable loot, we can create a scenario where we have control. We lure them in and they won't know what hit them."
Yun's face lit up at the idea. "Technically speaking, the System can design challenges that seem enticing. Maybe special monsters that grant higher rewards. If we make it appealing enough, we can attract not only seasoned adventurers but also those looking to make a name for themselves in the Dungeon World. They would willingly walk into our trap."
Jin's mind raced as he envisioned the possibilities. "Lol. Then is this like Dungeon Instance, but with a real dungeon instead. But developing a narrative around the said dungeon might be difficult but crafting legends will surely draw people in. What if we spread rumours…ehh promote the dungeon of untold riches and powerful artifacts hidden within? The allure of experience points and treasure should be irresistible."
The atmosphere in the room shifted, a palpable excitement taking hold as they plotted their course. They began brainstorming ideas to expand their dungeons, weaving together tales that would captivate the potential adventurers. "Let's think about the mechanics. We can design puzzles, mini-bosses, and traps that challenge them while ensuring their items and experience points become ours," Claire suggested, her mind racing with creativity.
"The more they invest, the more we gain." Jin said but the itch to scold the System became even more apparent when they listed out all the possibilities for Jin to do creating a dungeon in the Dungeon World to generate more profit.
Why O Why did the System gave such a stupid reply to an answer most obvious when it comes to complying the User's previous demands. If anything, Jin wanted to throw a wrench into the System's servers and pick at it until the System apologised profusely for not giving such a solution to their problems early in their course of business. He was so perplexed that the such an scheming System acted such a way.
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