“Actually, on second thought, I’d like to observe some more of what Young Master can do before I reveal anything to you.” Hou Fei wiped his mouth after the sumptuous meal. Perhaps it was the hunger that was talking previously and now that he was filled with a full stomach, he was able to think more rationally.
“Huh. I knew it was not going to be that easy. Oh well, in stories, both old and new ones, the elders would also want to see and test the protagonist to see if he was worthy.” Jin shrugged as he chewed the last bit of his Tonkatsu curry rice.
“Hahaha, you think you are a protagonist of a story?” Hou Fei placed his arms on the back of the chair as he laid back.
“Nah, I doubt it. I might have a System which might make me seem like a protagonist, but in actual fact, I am just a tiny little person with slightly more powers than the average crowd. There are other worlds out there where there are heroes a hundred times stronger than me. I can consider myself lucky, that we live in a modern world, otherwise I’d probably explore the world, only for enemies to always appear, who just so happen to be right at my power level. But this is reality, if I had encountered that Assassin anywhere but in my dungeon, I’d most likely be dead.” Jin sniggered, before he got serious towards the end.
“Hmm hmm. It’s good to see that Young Master is somewhat humble as he acknowledges the power he wields.” Hou Fei wanted to smoke a cigarette, but subsequently remembered he was in the presence of Jin. “Is it okay if I..erm?” Hou Fei asked but Jin shook his head.
“I’d rather you not. Sorry and thank you.” Jin wanted to be still respectful to his senior even though Hou Fei called him the young master. Hou Fei did acknowledge his young master’s wish, put the cigarette back into the box and continued to talk.
“While I continue to observe you, do not hesitate to call me if you need any help. And by the way, I was serious about you conducting the exercises for the military. This will give me a perfect excuse to give you access to records for military equipment, maybe I can even manage to reveal some of our experimental stuff. I believe the System and you might find this very useful in the long run.” Hou Fei said as he asked the penguin waiter for a cup of coffee to temporarily curb his addiction for tobacco.
“I see, if I run some military exercises, I’ll get money and access to military equipment which might be vital for fighting against King Baal in the dungeon world,” Jin pondered, but Hou Fei who overheard his mumbling wondered what the hell he was talking about.
“King Baal? Wait…a minute. Yun and you are serious about other worlds existing?” Hou Fei furrowed his eyebrows and became serious as he leaned forward to look at Jin.
“Oh oops…should I not have said it?” Jin asked the System.
“Negative. It is better for him to know about your plans. Transparency with your clan members is vital for communication.” The System replied, and Jin rolled his eyes as if he could not believe what the System said after what it did to him. After which he sighed.
He had to admit that in retrospect, it was partially his fault for not taking the initiative, too.
Then he turned to Hou Fei and Jin explained to in detail how he got the Dungeon City Fortress. And the more Hou Fei learned about it, the more he was thoroughly amazed by Jin’s actions. It would appear, that Yun had deliberately left out some parts when she had informed him prior.
“You know, you seriously don’t need to compete with the twelve zodiacs. I mean if you can own a city in that foreign world, is there even still the need for that? From the looks of it, if you can bring our modern technology into that city, you might very well become the most profitable and famous person in that world if done correctly.” Hou Fei voiced his thoughts as the were going wild with all the possibilities.
“In that case, all the more reason for your dungeon shop to allow the military exercise. With the favourable debt of the Zodiac Tigers under your belt, you can never know what kind of resources you can get. Play the cards right and you might have people and resources on your side!” Hou Fei was extremely excited about how this would go.
“I have done plenty of military administration and organisation. I do not mind chipping in as an advisor. Who knows? Maybe I can get the title of Defence Minister.” Hou Fei laughed for a while before he continued. “It’s a jest… although part of me was serious about it.”
“That might actually be a good idea. If Qiu Yue can look after the civilian building aspect of the city, you could take care of the military organisation and defences and Moloch can deal with the politics. Oh yea there’s Wolte too…Honestly, I am not too sure what to think of him. Hmm. What do you think about this, System?” Jin folded his arms and started to think of the possibility.
“Does User not intend to take revenge against the Banned Emperor, who killed your parents? Does User not wish to follow the mission of his ancestors, to revive the Panda Clan in China and claim its rightful place? What about being the Number One Dungeon Supplier in this World? The Dungeon City Fortress was meant to be a backup as we do not know how strong that King Baal is in reality. User might not be well equipped to fight the Supreme Being in another world. What if he is untouchable and manages to raze all the work User did? Will it all be for nought?” The System questioned.
“Erm to the Banned Emperor question, No. Too troublesome. I just got Kraft to get information out of him because I think he likes this kind of stuff. Also can’t hurt to see if we can find anything useful to protect ourselves or buy a favor or two if the information would be good enough. In any case, might as well make him be happy once in a while.” Jin answered and suddenly he felt a chill down his spine, but it was not as cold as the usual ones.
“Revival of Panda Clan question. Also a no. No matter how I thought about it, I find it too crazy. You basically wish for the upheaval of the twelve zodiac clans. It might have worked in your time, or some centuries before this time, but currently they are too deeply rooted in the society. Not to mention how hard it would be, even if I somehow manage to do it, this would basically put me above all others powerwise in China and unless I eradicate everyone against us, the survivors would try to take me down. I do not wish for that kind of future, too troublesome.”
“Number One Dungeon Supplier? Why affect only this world? If the Remote Portal can really work. I am not aiming for just this world. I am aiming to incorporate the other worlds in other universes too. Of course, there are kinks that need to be ironed out. For example if we are introducing it to other worlds that do not have resurrection in place like ours or the Dungeon World. However using our city as a base for resupplies and the town itself will be a fantastic way to provide a whole new experience to our customers.”
“And for your last question…I do not have confidence but I wish to try. If we really can defeat King Baal, it might bring even more glory and trade to our city. Not to mention, we have monsters from other worlds. With their powers combined, I do not believe we cannot do it. Besides, Moloch did say that I am a supreme summoner h-hahaha.” Jin proudly answered. The System quietly listened and analysed it for quite some time.
“I guess you are thoroughly beaten by Jin for the first time System,” Kraft commented as he appeared in front of Hou Fei which shocked the latter.
“Sir Kraft?! …You are alive?!” Hou Fei sounded very surprised, his lips trembling with trepidation, but Kraft ignored him for a moment as he was waiting for the System’s reply.
“Indeed, User provided feedback which the System did not consider due to its adamant attitude towards its past goal of having revenge against the Zodiacs. System did not realise that the original goal of reviving the Panda Clan’ glory was well assimilated into the revenge goal, that it long became the primary objective of the System. System will need to spend more time to reevaluate its priorities. However, the long term mission still stands. The Ruby Rat Triad poses a threat to Jin’s business in the long run. It will be best to eliminate this particular pest problem.” The System replied which Jin acknowledged.
“I could never forgive how they tried to manipulate Lynn. For the safety of my colleagues. Yes, that will not change.” Jin nodded his head, yet he also started to be disturbed by Hou Fei’s 180 degree change in behaviour towards Kraft.
“Kraft, did you scare him when the assassin struck in the morning?” Jin asked as he could not remember Kraft staying too long aside from his foxes stopping the ritual.
“Nope didn’t do anything to him this morning. However I did tell you how Ming and I kind of bullied a Royal Zodiac Snake fellow, didn’t I?” Kraft pointed at him with his thumb and smiled a bit too innocently.
