Chapter Seventy-Nine: Simulated Dungeon

"Hello there! The newest entertainment facility at Greenleaf Amusement Park, the Simulated Dungeon, is now open! Combining the latest virtual monster technology from the Sky Research Institute, it uses cutting-edge magic to give you a whole new experience—the best place for parents and children to enjoy together, thrilling yet absolutely safe!"

A woman suddenly appeared, blocking Zhao Tianhe and Elay’s path, and handed them a flyer.

She wore an outfit seemingly made from green leaves and adorned with a floral crown, giving her a rather unusual appearance.

"P-p-please! What are you talking about? We don't have any children yet!" Elay said in a flustered panic. "Wait, we're not even a couple… just friends…"

As she spoke, Elay stole a furtive glance at Zhao Tianhe.

"That shouldn't stop us from checking it out, should it?" Zhao Tianhe replied with a smile. "Simulated dungeon? Sounds pretty interesting."

"What's interesting about it? Aren't we grinding dungeons every day anyway?" Elay asked, puzzled.

"That's exactly why it's interesting. We always see the real thing, so isn't it nice to see what the fake ones are like for a change?" Zhao Tianhe laughed. ‘And the tickets aren’t expensive, either. During the grand opening, children under sixteen are ten copper coins, adults one silver coin. But kids under ten must be accompanied by their parents. Bundling sales, huh—quite the marketing.'

Since coming to this royal capital, Zhao Tianhe had finally experienced the truest side of this world—which is, frankly… not so different from Earth after all.

Aside from heroes quietly clearing monsters every day, the ordinary people here still ate, drank, married, and raised families, just like any other living beings—not NPCs from a game.

‘Although, to be fair, small towns like Rog Town, with little change and no entertainment, really do feel like NPC settlements from games,’ Zhao Tianhe mused to himself. ‘So you can’t blame me for my lack of experience. Back in the capital, Baltan, I was cooped up in Hero Academy all day and barely ever got out.’

Saint Veil, the royal capital, was the sacred land and strongest fortress of humanity, as well as a research base. But the capitals of the allied empires also bore crucial duties—summoning and nurturing spirits in their own hero academies.

Greenleaf Amusement Park was not far from here; it was just a ten-minute walk.

However, a long line had already formed in front of the park, and many people were holding flyers for the virtual dungeon, which seemed to be quite popular.

After fifteen minutes, Zhao Tianhe and Elay finally purchased their tickets and entered the park. Fortunately, Elay was still in her warrior form, and the transformation would last a while yet.

It was Zhao Tianhe’s first time visiting such an entertainment facility in this world, and Elay had never been to a place like this at all. The two wandered and played, not even reaching the virtual dungeon before they were already having a blast.

In a pool filled with giant bubbles, Zhao Tianhe and Elay bounced inside the bubbles, bumping into each other and other people—it felt somewhat like a three-dimensional bumper car ride.

"Ah, who knew that just running around and crashing into things could be so much fun..." Elay laughed in delight, feeling relaxed. "It’s so different from flying..."

"Indeed, the attractions here are fascinating. Should we try that one?" Zhao Tianhe pointed to a strange facility spinning rapidly in the air, excitement lighting his face as he dragged Elay toward it.

An hour later, Zhao Tianhe and Elay sat in the park’s restaurant, snacking.

"We’ve been wandering for so long, there’s no time left for the virtual dungeon today. Let’s come back tomorrow," Zhao Tianhe said with a smile.

"Mm," Elay waved her hand, her figure gradually fading.

The virtual dungeon was housed inside a massive building in the park, originally occupied by another facility. Clearly, the park management had high hopes for this new attraction, allocating the largest venue to it without hesitation.

And their decision proved entirely correct.

A little boy emerged from the rear exit with his parents, shouting excitedly about wanting to go again, determined to defeat the biggest monster next time.

"Alright, alright, we’ll come back tomorrow!" the man promised with a helpless smile, muttering to himself. ‘This place is well-made—it feels almost real. Did they use some very subtle mind-affecting magic?’

The man was a hero himself, and an A-class spirit from another world who had settled down. If he found the facility "realistic," it meant the thing truly had something special.

‘Come to think of it, the dungeons lately have felt weak, and today the boss didn’t even show up. What’s going on? Is it the legendary life pulse energy decay period? Supposedly happens once every few centuries…’ The man lifted his child, feeling content. ‘No matter what, quick battles are a good thing. During the festival, I can spend more time with my family.’

"Relax! It’s just a game! I’ll go home by myself later!" a tall boy waved to his family, then rushed into the queue for the virtual dungeon.

He waited with excitement for quite a while before finally entering.

Inside, the staff handed him a finely crafted wooden short sword and a lightweight cloth armor shimmering with golden light, and briefly explained the scenario.

"Hero, take up your weapon, don your armor, and defeat the evil boss at the depths of the dungeon!"

The boy nodded eagerly and pushed open the large door.

Walking down a dark, narrow staircase, hearing distant screams, the thrill began to fade, replaced by fear.

‘Wow! Could this place be like in the "Bad Kids" novels, where an evil organization disguised as an amusement facility tricks children, turns them into ghost monsters, and tries to conquer the world?’ A drop of water landed on his head, making him shudder.

He swallowed nervously, gripped his wooden sword, and moved forward timidly, his mind filled with scenes from countless horror stories.

Soon, he heard voices—adults and children conversing behind him.

‘Oh, right, adults are allowed in here. I can’t let them see me like this!’ At that thought, the boy hurried his pace, hopping down the stairs quickly.

But at a corner, a black ghostly face suddenly appeared, scaring him so badly that he stumbled and tumbled down the steps.

Yet, as he fell, the golden light of his cloth armor intensified, enveloping him so that even after rolling down a hundred steps, he was completely unharmed.

"That scared me half to death… But this thing is amazing! With it, I could finally beat those punks in Rugal! Magic really is the greatest power!" The boy gazed at the golden glow on his hands, a sudden urge to take the equipment home rising in his heart.

"Young one, do not be afraid," a sudden, elderly voice startled him.

"Fear not, I am your guardian spirit, dwelling within this sacred armor. Call me Diboro," the aged voice continued. "Do not fear. All the monsters here have weaknesses. I will tell you how to defeat them."

It seemed this equipment not only offered some protection, but also triggered a special magic—like a "novice guide"—when activated, making the experience as user-friendly as a legendary browser game.

"Wow, awesome!" The boy licked his lips, fear gone, and raised his wooden sword, venturing deeper into the facility.

Guided by the "holy spirit," he fought his way through, defeating various magically simulated monsters and having a great time.

But happy moments are always fleeting. After he and several other visitors defeated the final demon king, Joker, the staff came to collect the game equipment.

"Can I borrow this armor for a few days?" the boy asked, reluctant to part with it.

"Haha, if you like it, you can come every day, but I still have to take it back," the staff member replied with a smile. "It’s just an auto-triggered level-two holy light shield. Work hard—you’ll learn it soon enough."

"Ah, my affinity for the light element is really low. Even if I learn it, I can’t cast it instantly," the boy said, crestfallen. "I’m just going to get bullied again…"

"If you’re getting bullied, work hard and fight back, or tell your parents," the staff member said, shaking his head helplessly. "Please cooperate. The next group is coming in."

The final challenge required a team of five heroes (kids) to enter together, so early arrivals had to wait and then team up with others. Adults couldn’t participate, and there was a time limit. Whoever landed the final blow would receive an honor badge.

Dispossessed of his gear, the boy left the exit, dispirited.

Though he hadn’t scored the final blow, he did receive a sticker and some complimentary candy.

"I’m coming back tomorrow!" The boy resolved to use his pocket money and was determined to win the honor badge next time!

Because the staff had said that ten honor badges could be exchanged for the cloth armor and wooden sword!

"Ten… so hard… But I have to come back! I must!" The boy chewed his candy, a faint, indistinct shadow flickering deep in his eyes…