Lucas stood just behind the newly laid compass design in the center of Explorer's Landing. The wind carried the scent of sawdust, fresh paint, and something new—hope.
Workers from the system's silent crew moved like clockwork, tightening bolts, cleaning paving stones, and adjusting the decorative lighting fixtures. The new buildings around him—including Globe & Griddle, the park's flagship F&B point—were practically finished. Timber frames, glowing lanterns, and banners with old maps and explorer emblems gave the entrance a distinct identity. Not flashy. Just right.
And today, someone besides him was finally going to see it.
He checked the time again. Right on schedule.
> System Notification: Preview Group Arrival — ETA 3 minutes.
Activate Guest Tour Mode?
"Yes," Lucas whispered.
Immediately, system-operated screens across the plaza lit up with a looping preview: before-and-after comparisons, soft music, and concept art showcasing what the park aimed to become. Above the entrance gates, a new sign gleamed in the light:
Elysion Park.
The name had finally come to life.
---
The invited group arrived shortly after—six people in total. Two former passholders, three curious locals, and his parents, who had driven in from Breda after Lucas finally revealed that he wasn't selling the park.
His mom hugged him tightly the moment she stepped into the entrance plaza. "I can't believe this is the same place," she said, glancing around. "You really did this?"
"Not alone," Lucas said, smiling. "But yeah. This is the start."
He led them on a short walk through the finished section of Explorer's Landing. The difference was striking. The cracked tiles were gone, replaced with decorative pavers and sculpted planters. The old snack bar had been rebuilt with an explorer's lodge look. A new seating area surrounded by trees now sat where the rusted kiosk used to be. And the freshly renovated carousel played gentle music as its golden horses slowly turned under the afternoon sun.
Then came the haunted house.
Its exterior had been completely reimagined, now standing like an ancient, overgrown temple with glowing torches, eerie carvings, and moss-covered stone. A new nameplate hung above the entrance:
Elysion Expedition: Cursed Ruins.
"A haunted temple?" his dad asked, intrigued.
Lucas nodded. "Jungle expedition meets cursed crypt. Think… Indiana Jones, but spookier."
They walked further until the Wild Mouse came into view.
It was hard to believe it was the same ride.
The support structure had been cleaned and painted deep blue, with brass trims that shimmered in the light. The entrance area had been transformed into a whimsical "travel station" for a cartoon explorer mouse named Max. Murals showed him flying around the world in different vintage settings: the jungle, the desert, snowy mountains, even a steampunk city in the clouds.
> System Status: Wild Mouse – Theming 61%
Safety: Certified. Test run ready.
New Theme: Max Around the World
Lucas turned to the group. "Want to see it run?"
They nodded eagerly.
The lift motor whirred to life, and the first test train—a train designed like old leather suitcases—clicked up the hill. As it crested the top and raced down the track, it passed scenic props of miniature world landmarks: pyramids, jungle temples, snowy peaks, and more.
"No riders yet," Lucas said. "Just testing. But she's smooth now."
His father raised an eyebrow. "You fixed her up properly."
"Had to," Lucas said. "Safety first. And a bit of charm helps too."
---
The rest of the visit went by quickly.
The guests took photos, asked questions, and even recorded a few short clips for their own social media. Lucas offered brochures with the new branding and thanked them all personally.
By the time the sun began to dip below the treetops, he stood alone again beneath the plaza compass.
> System Notification: Preview Complete
Guest Sentiment: +76%
Projected Opening Interest: +28%
Not bad. But it wasn't enough.
Lucas exhaled, eyes scanning the park's still-closed paths beyond the entrance area. He had just over €3.7 million in system funds left. He wanted something that could be ready by spring, something exciting—but not another roller coaster.
Something for families.
Something unforgettable.
He opened his tablet and muttered, "Let's see what we've got."
> System Response: Processing…
Displaying potential ride proposals within current budget…
Lucas sat beneath the compass-shaped plaza emblem, eyes fixed on the freshly painted façade of Globe & Griddle. Explorer's Landing now felt like a proper entrance—clean, themed, and inviting. But the rest of the park still lacked something.
Something that would pull people in.
> System: Displaying attraction proposals based on available system funds…
The interface opened in his mind, filtering ride suggestions within budget. He skimmed through each one until two options stood out.
---
Primary Proposal: "Jungle Splash Adventure" – Outdoor Log Flume
Type: Family Water Ride (Outdoor Only)
Manufacturer: Mack Rides
Capacity: 1,000 riders/hour
Footprint: Medium–Large
Theme: Jungle expedition trail with waterfalls, ruins, and themed props
Ride Cost: €2,000,000
In-House Theming: €300,000
Total Cost: €2,300,000
Estimated Construction Time: 3–4 months (after manufacturer confirmation)
---
Secondary Proposal: "Tiny Rails" – Miniature Train Ride
Type: Children's Ride / Family Filler
Manufacturer: Severn-Lamb
Footprint: Small
Theme: Global exploration mini-train
Ride Cost: €200,000
Delivery Time: 5–8 weeks (after confirmation)
---
Lucas exhaled through his nose. The log flume hit the perfect balance—broad appeal, strong visuals, and something that looked impressive even from a distance. Plus, the theming could be handled in-house, with the system's renovation crew using prepared templates and designs.
> System Prompt: Would you like to initiate contact with suppliers for ride orders?
"Yes," Lucas said aloud. "Send a request to Mack Rides. Include the concept art, footprint, and preferred timeline."
He paused, then added, "Also contact Severn-Lamb for the Tiny Rails ride. Keep it standard—no custom work."
> Requests sent.
Waiting for manufacturer responses (ETA: 3–7 business days).
Note: Orders not finalized until suppliers confirm production.
Lucas nodded. The system wasn't placing orders directly—it was just sending proposals. That part had to come from the real world, and that's exactly how he wanted it.
> System Prompt: Begin in-house theming prep for Jungle Splash Adventure?
A window opened showing the elements included:
Carved stone ruins and archways
Jungle crates, barrels, and travel signage
Custom soundscape with wildlife and ambient drums
Misting effects and tropical foliage setups
"Yes. Start it," Lucas confirmed.
> Theming Package Activated
Cost: €300,000 (deducted from system funds)
Remaining System Funds: €2,000,000
---
He leaned back on the bench. The real construction would begin once Mack confirmed, but even just preparing this made it feel more real.
The log flume would take time to build, sure. But once it opened, it would be the headliner. And with the train ride as a bonus, the park wouldn't just be a walkthrough anymore.
Things were finally beginning to move.
Lucas sat at a small desk in the back office behind Globe & Griddle, sipping lukewarm coffee as his laptop screen refreshed for the third time in a row.
No reply from Mack yet.
> System Status: Awaiting Manufacturer Response – Mack Rides (Log Flume)
Estimated Response Window: 1–3 business days remaining
At least Severn-Lamb had answered quickly.
> Severn-Lamb Proposal – Miniature Train Ride "Tiny Rails"
Standard model with 4-carriage layout
Delivery time: 7 weeks from contract signing
Cost: €200,000
Optional custom paintwork: €12,000
Lucas accepted the offer without the extra paint. It wasn't a massive investment, but it added charm—and a touch of kinetic motion—to the expanding family area near the carousel. He sketched out a layout near a tree-lined path behind the plaza, imagining where the station and tracks would run.
That left the log flume. The big one.
Just as he started closing his laptop, a notification appeared in his mind—and on the screen.
> Incoming System Relay – Mack Rides Response (Preliminary Quote)
He opened it immediately.
---
📨 Mack Rides – Log Flume Proposal: Jungle Splash Adventure
Dear Mr. Vandalen,
Thank you for your interest in our log flume attractions. We are pleased to inform you that a pre-engineered outdoor model matching your concept is available for production. This model features multiple drops, a themed jungle structure, and fits medium park footprints.
Estimated timeline from contract signing:
• Design Finalization & Engineering: 3–4 weeks
• Manufacturing & Delivery: 7–9 weeks
• On-Site Assembly: 4–5 weeks
Total estimated timeline: 3.5 to 4.5 months
> Base Ride Cost: €2,000,000
Optional Add-on: On-site Mack Supervisor – €60,000
Confirmation required within 10 days to reserve production slot
We look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KG
Europa-Park-Straße 2, 77977 Rust, Germany
---
Lucas stared at the quote for a moment.
It was a huge step. The park was already changing—cleaner, brighter, and more structured—but this ride would be the first new one. A real addition. Something no one had seen before in Löwenpark.
No—Elysion Park.
He clicked confirm and gave the system permission to forward the necessary paperwork to Mack Rides.
> Log Flume Ride Order Confirmed
Ride Model: Jungle Splash Adventure (Outdoor)
Construction Prep Begins: In 3 Days
Expected Delivery: Early March
Theming Cost: €300,000 (Handled by in-house team)
---
Lucas exhaled slowly, then opened his budgeting tool.
---
🧾 Project Breakdown – System Fund Investments So Far:
Project Cost
Explorer's Landing (Template B) €1,500,000
Haunted House Retheme ("Cursed Ruins") €400,000
Carousel Renovation €150,000
General Park Cleanup (non-themed) €850,000
Wild Mouse Coaster Refurbishment + Theming €500,000
Tiny Rails (Severn-Lamb) €200,000
Log Flume – Ride Only (Mack Rides) €2,000,000
Log Flume – In-house Theming €300,000
> Total System Spending: €5,900,000
Remaining System Funds: €1,100,000
Personal Funds: Untouched
---
The money was holding up. Barely. But with the big investments done, Lucas had a bit of breathing room—and enough to potentially do something extra. A shop, a flat ride, or even hire staff.
He shut his laptop and leaned back in the chair. Outside, workers continued leveling the ground near the future flume site. The park was changing, fast. And this time, it wasn't falling apart—it was coming together.
> System Status: Major Investments Secured
Awaiting delivery, installation, and grand opening.
Lucas stood, stretched, and allowed himself a tired grin.
They were building something real now.