Two days passed in a flash. While nothing much has changed for Otta, many things have changed when the government announced that they were providing grants for aspiring dungeon designers. There were no prerequisite requirements except a registration process and a compulsory training that all new dungeon designers must attend. This news reached Otta and she couldn't quite believe her ears.
"Now of all times? This must be fate! How do I register?"
The news came up in her social media feed and Otta was doubtful at first. She decided to call Grace about it.
"Hello, Grace speaking!"
"Grace! It's been a while, Otta here."
"Otta!" the woman chirped. "It has been a while. How are you doing?"
Otta grinned. She absolutely loved this woman. Her easy-going attitude was likeable. "I'm doing great. I was actually considering starting a dungeon business when I saw the news that the government is encouraging dungeon designers. I thought I might ask you about it since you're an active adventurer."
Grace hummed. "Well, I've heard about the news but I'm not too sure about designing dungeons. From what the guild master mentioned, this is the government's reply to the petition submitted by adventurers a few months back. You know how the dungeon business is monopolizing the pay rates of adventurers with their party rules. There are only a few big players backed by respectable research institutes. This also means that many adventurers are unable to apply for a dungeon run with them. The shadier dungeons often do not pay adventurers because scientists won't buy incomplete information. Dungeons aren't easy to manage after all."
"I knew that dungeons were difficult to manage. If it is true, how will the government ensure quality dungeons with the mass recruitment of dungeon designers?"
"About that, I've only heard rumours about it. Apparently, they've created an easy to use dungeon software with the help of programmers. You no longer need to manage the huge and complicated dungeon creator rooms to run a dungeon. In fact, this will change the way adventurers work. You can access a dungeon from the comfort of your home. The best part is how there isn't a limit to the number of adventurers each dungeon can take. I don't know the specifics but they are moving into running dungeon simulations. Of course, it is still in the trial stages so it could take some time before things smooth out. However, the possibilities are now limitless. Think about the types of dungeons you can create now!"
"A software dungeon simulation? Doesn't that mean the physically weaker adventurers are now able to play on the same level as a physically stronger adventurer?"
"Well, there's that too..." Grace admitted. "However, I believe it is a good thing. To measure a person's skill without the difference in physical limitations. I'm looking forward to being able to fight against a melee type adventurer in the new dungeon type on equal grounds!"
Otta laughed. Grace was a ranged type of adventurer who focussed on speed and tactics more than power. She made it this far with her brains more than brawns but her rival was a melee adventurer who climbed the ranks quickly simply by using his overpowering strength. Naturally, these two didn't see eye to eye. It was a great opportunity for Grace and Otta was happy for her friend.
"It's great to hear that you're finally going to be able to fight on a more even ground. If I make it, I will definitely invite you to test out my dungeons. Any requests?"
Grace thought over it. "There is one. However, I'm not sure if it is possible to make such a dungeon using the new technology..."
That got Otta's interest. What could Grace possibly want from a dungeon that cannot be simulated?
"If it is possible, I would like to have a dungeon that allows the user to experience flight."
"As in to fly with wings?"
Grace chuckled. "Without is fine too. I just want to be able to experience a flying battle. It wasn't quite possible before but I think it would be interesting seeing as I'm a ranged class adventurer. Imagine the endless number of possibilities I could assassinate someone with the power of flight!"
Otta nodded weakly at her friend's enthusiasm. While she wasn't an adventurer, Otta knew a thing or two about combat styles. Grace would certainly make a frightening adventurer if she was given air combat means. The woman had never missed an opportunity to kill when she could. She'd take the enemy out in the most efficient manner before they'd even see it coming. Stealth was a huge factor whenever Grace was on the field.
"I'll see if I can make it possible for you. But first, I should register my business and apply for the government fundings."
"Sounds like you have a plan," Grace sighed. "Do let me know when you make your first dungeon, I want to be your tester."
Otta giggled. "I have something in mind but I'm not sure if it's something that people would like..."
"Now that sounds fun. You always manage to come up with things that surprise me so I'm really curious. Then again, why did you suddenly decide to go into the dungeon making business? Weren't you going to live your honeymoon life with Neru-Neru? Were you short on money?"
Otta flinched. "Well, I was working up to save for Neru-Neru's concert... I actually had the money too! However, there was something I wanted more than a simple life with Neru-Neru. Remember the last time Michelle won the lottery? I couldn't stop thinking about that delicious first-class fried chicken... it's been haunting me since!"
"How has fried chicken got to do with your dungeon business?"
"Grace, you don't understand... in order to be qualified to eat fried chicken, one must have sufficient wealth and contributions to the society. I have neither of those. What better way than to introduce a new form of entertainment that nobody can resist? I know how those dungeon owners lack creativity and with the monopoly of dungeons by the big five scientist guilds... it's only natural adventurers become bored of it. They don't bother to change it up since battle dungeons bring in the most money."
"I get what you mean now, Otta. However, must you really go into the dungeon business? You're good at drawing, I've seen it back in school. You could become a graphic designer or something... it doesn't have to be a dungeon business."
Otta hummed. "Well, the thought crossed my mind. However, I don't think there is anything that will allow me to eat fried chicken faster than becoming successful in the dungeon business. There is an opportunity now and the market is still relatively untouched. It'll be too late if I miss out on this chance to strike my pot of gold."
"Oh well... if you're this determined, I guess I won't stop you. Also, you should register soon. I heard that there is a cut-off date and only a limited number of people can apply for it."
"Damn! You're right. I have to go now, Grace. Will let you know the good news soon... hopefully."
"Don't worry too much, Otta. If all else fails, you can always become an adventurer!"
"Don't tease me," Otta whined. "You know I'll never be a good adventurer. Jokes aside, I'm serious about the fried chicken."
Grace grinned on the other side of the line. "Well then, you had better get going. It was nice to hear from you."
"Same here. Thanks, Grace."
"Anytime!" Grace chirped and ended the call swiftly.
Otta was left to stare at her phone blankly. After hearing it from Grace, the fog in her mind cleared up. There was no way out now. With determination, Otta logged on to her computer. The website was fairly easy to find and Otta was pleasantly surprised with how smooth the online registration process was.
After filling in her particulars and paying a small fee for the application, there was nothing much Otta could do. The administrative team would inform her by mail within the week if her application was successful.
"Might as well start thinking about the dungeon design while we wait," Otta decided. With nobody to stop her, she grabbed her sketchbook and sat beside Neru-Neru, discussing all her ideas with him.