Everyone immediately recognised that the panda in a traditional red costume was their Master. He had been ‘Panda Claus’ on Christmas, and now he had become the ‘Panda’ of Fortune which lugged around two golden sycee ingots on his two paws, and a few red packets stuck on top of it.
The monsters were immediately looking forward to yet another wondrous giveaway when sounds of drums and horns were played in the background.
“Happy Chinese New Year to all my fellow colleagues! While I am up here, please allow me to share what is to come for this new year. I think it’s important to update each and every one of you about the current direction this particular small shop is taking.” Jin started his speech, and everyone especially the older minions, were already holding in their laughter.
Small shop? More like an Empire in the making! From the budding Adventurer Town to the epic proportion of the soon to be opened Pandapolis… Calling it a ‘small shop’ was nothing but an understatement.
“He reminds me of my former big wig bosses giving a pep talk to all his workers. Thankfully, his is one I would like to stand behind.” Qiu Yue whispered to Lynn wholeheartedly agreed as they watched the Panda of Fortune talk from backstage.
“First, let me thank all of you once more for your efforts in the Pandapolis Defence Raid and let us also welcome the new comrades who joined after the war. Thank you, and Welcome!” Jin bowed a little, which signalled for a round of cheers and applause from everyone around the indoor stadium.
Even Mr Derpy was giving out a long wail to show its appreciation for Jin.
“I too know that we had encountered the rats way earlier than expected. For them to ambush us even though we set up sufficient surveillance shows that we have much room to improve and should warn us not to underestimate their shrewd leaders.”
“However, we prevailed, and I like to thank Moloch in particular for acting as the overseer for not just the Pandapolis Defence but the defence against the Rat’s ambush!”
Suddenly a lonely shout came from the crowd asking when they were going to counter-attack to show the Demon rats what Jim’s army of misfits was made of.
“Hahha, that’s a very good question… so I shall answer that immediately! Your leaders and I will be meeting after this event to plan an all-out attack against those rats. The details will be shared with you after that!” Jin replied, and the crowd cheered madly.
The Orcs beat their chest with pride, the goblins were clapping, and the Tiefling Demons howled their approval. Even the Proud Dark Elves smiled with satisfaction. As for the Farming World Inhabitants, they couldn’t wait for Jin to help them have the chance to gain back their land and were ready to everything in their power to make it happen.
“But make no mistake, it will be a tough fight! It will be unlike any of the wars we have ever fought! The Demon Rats are a cowardly bunch of fighters. And yet we should never underestimate their cowardice. It had enabled them to be cautious and prepare for various scenarios. For example, the near-simultaneous overground and underground attack. It is something that could have entirely overpowered any normal army.”
“But not us!” Jin shouted, and the defenders who took part in the fight cheered with elation.
“Since when is he able to come out with such rousing speeches?” Moloch asked Kraft as he was slurping on a large ice slushie with his fake human puppet.
“Don’t look at me. I am just as surprised as you are. Maybe he just never had the courage or audacity to do so until now.” Kraft shrugged his shoulders.
“At the very least, he is quite honest in his speeches and even acknowledges his shortcomings,” Rex commented, but his reply was drowned in the series of cheers.
“So, if you have any ideas on how to fight with these kinds of enemies, do not hesitate to send your opinion and feedback to the System. We will collate your replies and have our leaders take a look at it. Rest assured that the System values efficiency in battle and so if you think you have what it takes to win the war, any information you provided is much appreciated!”
“Now, THAT’s the Jin I know.” Kraft pointed out snickering, as he felt that part of the speech to be somewhat of a downer.
“In any case, let’s get on to our main event! Today, as part of a long term tradition I plan to establish, assuming our business does not suffer any major groundbreaking setbacks, I shall be giving out System points as part of the lottery draw to every single minion here in this Instance. Don’t worry, those who are absent, or come in late due to their reunion will have their chance to spin the wheel.” Jin said as the stage lights shifted to the inconspicuous lottery ball draw machine which would decide the fate of the 8000 over minions that Jin housed. (Except for a few certain beings like Maeve who were locked for safe handling.)
“Now let’s see which will be the first group gaining the chance to have a go at the lottery!” Jin said as he called out the System to randomly pull the race of monster that would first get their pick. Even the Ant Wyrms like Mr Hot and Miss Cold were considered as one race itself. So, it was down to computer-generated picking.
The screen behind him shook drastically like a casino jackpot machine where the names rolled down continuously until it stopped.
‘Valgs’.
Immediately, Jin raised his eyebrows and did not know how to proceed. Fortunately for him, a somewhat familiar silhouette raised his hands. “We Valgs do not have any proper representatives other than Maeve, who is understandably uncontrollable at this particular point of time, I will be taking the honour to roll for the entire group.”
“Ah, Salamander K– ahem, Dorian.” Jin ‘corrected’ himself just in time, as he did not wish to offend the Salamander Clan that had come into his service as well.
“Master, you do not have to worry about them. I have made peace with my family, and they know my desire to repent by serving the Valgs. You may call me just Dorian. Or if you prefer, please call by my System’s appointed title, Elder Valg Dorian.” With the power of Valgs, he had returned into his human form and was dressed in a formal Victorian gentleman style, yet with a bowler hat instead of a top hat.
There were still some scales left on his neck as if it was a reminder of his past. Jin just watched him walk towards the lottery ball draw machine.
“So does that mean each leader pulls for all of their people. Will we watch Dorian turn the lottery over hundreds of times?” Lynn asked Qiu Yue, and surely all others who were watching were thinking the same, including the Elder Valg, who stood in front of the lottery ball draw machine’s console.
