100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 562 - Grand Opening

Before their departure, Lucien personally met with the representatives of the allied factions.

They all appeared weary, humbled, and simultaneously excited.

A hint of indignation also flickered across their faces regarding the facility's closure.

Lucien stood before them, Clara by his side.

"I trust the Echo Crucible proved beneficial."

The representatives exchanged glances, the word "useful" feeling woefully inadequate for the impact on their pride.

One Elder stepped forward, offering a deep bow.

"Representative Luc, to call it useful would be a vast understatement."

Another added, "Our disciples gained more from their defeats within that facility than from victories in three regular tournaments."

A third representative grimaced slightly.

"Our faction’s established combat training methodologies are in dire need of revision."

Lucien offered a gentle smile.

"Such an insight is a valuable discovery indeed."

He continued, "This initial trial period was offered without charge as we sought crucial external feedback. Once the Middle branch officially commences operations, the Echo Crucible will become accessible under a regulated system. It will not be free of charge."

No one displayed surprise at this announcement.

In fact, several seemed relieved.

Had something of such immense value remained free, they might have harbored suspicions of hidden costs elsewhere.

Lucien further stated, "Our early allied associates will be granted priority booking slots during the initial opening phase."

This assurance immediately uplifted their spirits.

Clara then interjected softly.

"Your performance records will be retained. Should you wish to contest them, you are welcome to return once we officially open."

That statement resonated more profoundly than any conventional sales pitch.

Several representatives visibly straightened their postures.

One delegate clenched his fist with renewed determination.

Another murmured to himself, "I shall reclaim the top position."

Lucien observed their reactions with immense satisfaction.

Excellent.

They were already becoming his most effective advertisers.

Finally, Lucien presented them with a direct request.

"When you return to your respective factions, I urge you to convey your experiences with honesty. Refrain from exaggeration."

A few representatives regarded him with a strange expression.

Lucien smiled.

"The unvarnished truth is sufficient."

This remark effectively silenced them.

Then, one Elder nodded deeply in agreement.

"Yes. It truly is."

•••

The representatives departed the Middle branch fundamentally changed.

They had arrived with mere curiosity.

They left consumed by obsession.

Upon their return, their factions greeted them with eager questions.

Their replies were filled with vivid accounts.

They spoke of the Echo Crucible's transformative power.

Of adversaries that swiftly punished arrogance.

Of detailed reports that fearlessly exposed critical mistakes.

Of leaderboards capable of elevating a disciple's renown across all factions.

Of training chambers where defeat served as a teacher, not an end.

Of simulated scenarios where sheer power proved inadequate.

Of a facility where one's standing could be earned through merit, beyond the reach of any old family's influence or bribe.

This last point spread with unprecedented speed.

For within the Middle Continent, reputation was the ultimate form of currency.

And Lootwell had just unveiled a device capable of minting it in abundance.

•••

Later, Lucien found himself standing within the now-tranquil confines of the Echo Crucible.

The atmosphere within the halls had quieted considerably after the representatives' exit.

The prominent scoreboard remained illuminated, a testament to the initial records set.

He gazed at the names displayed for a moment.

The trial had been a resounding success.

Exceeding all expectations, in fact.

The facility had profoundly impacted his own people.

It had left its mark on external visitors.

And perhaps most crucially, it had challenged the entrenched pride of the Middle Continent itself.

Eirene approached him from behind.

"Their reports have already begun circulating widely."

Lucien nodded in acknowledgment.

"Excellent."

"Some factions are already inquiring about the possibility of applying for trial access prior to the public grand opening."

"Negative."

Seran entered from an adjacent corridor, a smile gracing his features.

"Denying them now will only intensify their desire."

Lucien let out a laugh.

The Middle branch's completion was imminent.

The Echo Crucible had been thoroughly tested and validated.

The allied factions were thoroughly captivated.

While the overtly hostile factions remained silent, they were undoubtedly observing.

The friendly factions were actively spreading the word.

And the neutral factions were experiencing growing restlessness.

Across the entirety of the Middle Continent, a palpable sense of anticipation began to coalesce, much like the potent energy gathering before a storm.

•••

Lucien did not prolong the Middle Continent's wait.

Another month elapsed.

By the conclusion of that period, the Middle branch was officially finished.

Or at the very least, completed to a degree sufficient for its inauguration.

In reality, a territory of this magnitude could never be considered truly 'finished.' Lootwell's own development had starkly illustrated this principle. Every time Lucien perceived a district reaching its culmination, Lilith would invariably conceive of ways to enhance a structure by disregarding established natural laws.

However, for the purpose of welcoming the world, the branch was deemed ready.

•••

The final month was not solely dedicated to cosmetic enhancements like polishing walls and arranging flora.

It was crucially spent facilitating necessary movement and logistical arrangements.

Lucien requested that a significant number of his people relocate to the Middle branch.

This was not intended as a permanent transfer.

He had learned long ago that compelling individuals to choose between their home and their responsibilities invariably fostered a quiet undercurrent of bitterness. Instead, he implemented a system of well-managed rotations.

Families were permitted temporary relocation. Guards could be cycled through shifts. Chapel staff could serve both locations concurrently. Craftsmen could contribute to construction efforts before returning to their original posts. Administrators could transition based on a set schedule, rather than facing an effective exile.

To enable such seamless transitions, Lucien undertook further improvements to the instant-teleportation network.

This crucial enhancement stemmed from insights gained during his time in the unique sanctuary of the elemental women.

Teleportation was now conditional.

The older transport arrays facilitated movement for anyone, but the newer ones verified an individual's authorization before enabling travel.

Lucien, accompanied by Eirene, Vivian, the elemental women, and several array masters, stood within the main territory's transport hall as the enhanced formation hummed to life beneath them.

Marina's eyes lit up.

Lucien gestured towards a specific pathway. "The residents of your Water District in the main territory can utilize this array for direct transit to the Water District in the Middle Continent branch, provided they bear your mark."

Marina blinked, then slowly turned her gaze towards him. "My mark?"

"Indeed," Lucien confirmed, glancing at the others. "Each district will possess a designated, conditional route. The leader of that district holds the authority to mark approved individuals. The array will read this mark, verify identity, confirm travel permission, and only then will the path be opened."

A collective glow appeared in everyone's eyes.

A group of workers stepped onto the array in the main territory. A moment later, they materialized within the corresponding district of the Middle Branch.

The two territories no longer felt distinct; they felt interconnected.

Moreover, because the districts were intentionally designed to mirror the main territory, the inhabitants would experience a sense of familiarity upon arrival.

The Water District retained its characteristic canals and mist-laden gardens.

The other districts were exact replicas.

The Market District preserved its spirited, organized chaos.

The transit halls remained pristine and heavily secured.

Lucien's decision to replicate the districts stemmed not from a lack of imagination, but from a desire to ensure his people felt at home.

Multiple locations could serve as 'home' if the passage between them was made sufficiently seamless.

•••

The administrative structure of the Middle Branch also began to take shape.

Lucien vested authority in the three true Liberators of his territory: Tavian, Mirelle, and Auren.

"The three of you shall serve as the primary representatives here," he declared. "You will also be responsible for managing rotation schedules and the movement of personnel between the branch and the main territory."

The three Liberators accepted their new responsibilities with an eagerness that barely concealed their disciplined composure.

•••

Seren also arrived with her contingent of Serpentile people.

Moltsage accompanied her, still appearing as an elder trapped within a child's form.

Lucien met them personally.

Seren offered a slight bow. "Brother Luc, I wish to stay at the Middle Branch for a period."

Lucien regarded her. "Is this for Senior Moltsage?"

Her expression softened. "Yes. The Middle Continent might aid his memory. This location is closer to many things connected to his past. Perhaps the Echo Crucible, the academy, or the Liberator records could offer something beneficial."

Moltsage looked up at Lucien. "I am told I was once impressive."

Lucien smiled. "You still are."

The childlike old man let out a snort. "Flatterer."

Seran arrived shortly thereafter.

Upon seeing Moltsage, his usual demeanor shifted perceptibly.

The smile remained, yet a certain softness emanated from behind it.

"Old friend," Seran greeted.

Moltsage regarded him silently. For a brief moment, nothing happened.

Then, his brow furrowed. "You are annoying."

Seran chuckled immediately. "That suggests a part of you remembers me."

Moltsage studied him. "I don't know why, but looking at you makes me want to refuse cooperation."

Seran placed a hand over his chest. "Beautiful. Our friendship endures."

Seren covered her face with one hand.

Lucien let out a laugh. He still felt indebted to Moltsage, and thus readily agreed.

If there was any possibility of helping Moltsage recover his memories, Lucien was determined to pursue it.

Some debts are not repaid with mere thanks, but by continuing to show care.

•••

Through his early allies, the name 'Lootwell' had already gained considerable recognition across the Middle Continent.

Consequently, when Lucien announced that the grand opening would take place in one month, the Middle Continent buzzed with anticipation.

The allied factions were the first to respond.

Starveil Observatory dispatched a delegation of diviners, scholars, and gift-bearers.

Mirror-Sun Hall sent representatives accompanied by ceremonial mirrors, carefully wrapped in silk and guarded by stoic practitioners.

Jade Horizon Pavilion dispatched disciples who seemed particularly eager to revisit the Echo Crucible.

Ninefold Ledger House sent merchants, accountants, negotiators, and an ample supply of sealed chests, eliciting an almost spiritual smile from Kael.

Clearwater Meridian Sect sent healers and practitioners skilled in water-based techniques, many of whom immediately sought permission to observe the Celestial healing complex.

Each allied faction treated the invitation as both a significant honor and a valuable opportunity.

They activated their most potent defensive mechanisms before departing their strongholds.

Mountainous shields ascended. Ancestral formations were engaged. Hidden elders were roused from slumber. Contract beasts were positioned at their gates.

Rival factions exploiting their absence was a concern nobody wanted. That wariness proved sensible, but unfortunately for maintaining a low profile, such troop movements couldn't be kept secret. The instant the allied factions began mobilizing, the remainder of the Middle Continent took notice. Powers on good terms prepared offerings, while neutral parties dispatched observers. Those inclined towards mischief began crafting their justifications. Factions that had previously engaged in covert espionage debated whether a public appearance would signify weakness or prudent foresight. Some opted for prudence; others chose pride.

• • •

The final month dissolved into a whirlwind of preparations. Lucien managed his time with an almost ostentatious degree of efficiency. When early guests arrived, Clara gracefully attended to them. For reviewing alliance accords, Eirene conducted the initial examination, with Lucien affixing his signature to the final drafts. Sorting out suppliers fell to Kael, who charmed them with a smile until they inexplicably agreed to reasonable terms, feeling thankful for the experience. Lilith and Anvil-Horn resolved construction-related issues by simply making the problems cease to exist. When transit logistics became overly complex, Tavian, Mirelle, and Auren began integrating rotation offices into a functional system. Vivian addressed the need for spiritual calm by traversing the districts, conversing with laborers, bestowing blessings upon anxious children, and fostering a sense of belonging for the inhabitants within the territory. When disturbances arose in the main territory, Lucien would return. Then return again. He then employed Split Body and Parallel Thoughts, resulting in multiple versions of himself appearing in various offices, construction zones, chapel halls, and transit areas across both territories. At one point, Marina witnessed three miniature Luciens reviewing documents alongside the primary one and exclaimed, "My prince, you have become paperwork mitosis." One of the miniature Luciens looked up and stated, "That is not a term." Marina retorted, "It is now." And just like that, time either accelerated or was forcefully subdued by Lucien's efforts. Regardless, the preparations were completed before the month's end.

• • •

On the inaugural morning, the roads of the Middle Continent transformed into vast rivers of people. They had been camping outside the secure zone for several days. Lucien stood within the enclosed central gate chamber, meticulously reviewing the final guest list. Vivian stood faithfully beside him, with Eirene positioned on his other flank. Clara waited near the chapel entrance, her demeanor as serene as ever. Seran, standing with the Liberator representatives, beamed as if he had personally invited pandemonium for afternoon tea. Virel and Aniel were present as esteemed partners from the Celestial Dominion. Lilith stood alongside Anvil-Horn and the construction division. Marie, Kaia, Sylra, and Marina were strategically placed near Lucien. Astraea and the other ancient beasts were also in attendance, positioned thoughtfully throughout the opening grounds. Their imposing presence gave the impression that the very mountains had developed sentience, influencing the powerful visitors. Luke and Cienna were there, as was Cielius, his magnificent beard as impressive as ever. Sebas and Elunara calmly mingled among the honored guests. Kael appeared exceptionally delighted. Elias looked weary yet proud, clearly eager for the day's organized proceedings. The three true Liberators, Tavian, Mirelle, and Auren, occupied their official posts. Lucien surveyed them all. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to absorb the significance of it all. What began as a single, small territory had now blossomed into this: a vital hub in the heart of the Big World, established to unite powers that had previously remained divided. Vivian gazed at him with a gentle expression and asked, "Are you ready?" Lucien exhaled slowly and replied, "No." She smiled and affirmed, "Good. That means you understand what this represents." He looked back at her, then let out a quiet laugh. "Fair enough." Eirene consulted the temporal array and announced, "It is time." Lucien nodded in acknowledgment. The signal was transmitted. Across the entire branch, relay towers began to activate, and communication devices illuminated. The chapel bells chimed first, their resonant sound permeating the territory and extending beyond its outer borders like light refracted through crystal. The surrounding barriers shimmered, and for the very first time, the outer veil was lowered. The Lootwell Middle Continent Branch revealed its full splendor. The assembled crowd outside fell into a stunned silence, which lasted only a heartbeat before awe surged through them. Vivian stepped forward, her voice amplified through every public projection system. "Welcome to Lootwell."