January 2016
The winter air was sharp but dry as Lucas stood near the central plaza, hands buried deep in his coat pockets. The park felt… different now. Not just cleaner or more modern—but alive. Like something real was finally taking shape.
Most of the major renovations were complete. Explorer's Landing gleamed like a proper gateway. The haunted house had become a moody jungle ruin. Max's coaster had fresh paint and energy. Even the carousel spun again beneath twinkling lights, accompanied by cheerful music.
Only two major projects remained: the log flume and the miniature train.
System Status:Jungle Splash Adventure (Log Flume) – In Manufacturing (Mack Rides)Estimated Completion: Early March
Tiny Rails (Miniature Train) – Production in Progress (Severn-Lamb)Delivery Window: 5 Weeks
Lucas exhaled slowly, watching his breath swirl away in the cold air. The entrance zone was nearly flawless. The themed food outlet Globe & Griddle was stocked and ready. The paths were clean. Signage and lighting had been installed across the park.
System Prompt:Would you like to review possible additions for Phase 2 expansion?Status: Optional – Not required for March reopening
He hesitated.
"Not yet," he muttered.
It wasn't that he didn't want more attractions. He just needed to see how the public would respond first. Opening day would be the real test. But still… something small. Something immersive. Something that could be done before March.
Lucas opened the system manually and browsed the creative planning module. Under Medium-Scale Attractions, a new category stood out:
Themed Walkthrough Experiences.
One concept caught his attention instantly.
Proposed Attraction:Secrets of the Silk RoadType: Walkthrough – Historical AdventureTheme: Ancient trade routes, lost cities, and cross-cultural explorationSize: Compact-to-MediumEstimated Build Time: 6–8 weeksTheming Level: High (handled by park's in-house theming team)
Description:Guests wander through a winding path of merchant tents, ancient ruins, and treasure-filled chambers. Each area reflects a culture along the Silk Road—from Persia to Central Asia to China—complete with immersive audio, lighting effects, props, and educational panels.
Exit Location: Near the Jungle Splash Adventure entranceOptional Route: Guests can skip the walkthrough or use it as an immersive lead-in to the log flume
Lucas tapped the approval button.
Attraction Confirmed – System Funds Reserved: €400,000Construction Begins: TomorrowProjected Completion: Late February
He smiled.
It wasn't flashy. It didn't require a ride system or extra operators. But it was clever. Atmospheric. Thematic. Educational. And it gave guests a new path to discover—literally—leading them right into the future jungle area.
He glanced at the empty construction space across from the entrance to the jungle-themed zone. For now it was just dirt and concrete. But in a few weeks, it would be something special.
Secrets of the Silk Road.
A final surprise before the gates opened.
Lucas stood near the winding path behind the Wild Mouse coaster, reviewing the latest site updates on his tablet. The area surrounding Max Around the World had been freshly paved and bordered with young trees and custom signage. It already felt like its own corner of the park—distinct, adventurous, and full of potential.
System Note: Playground structure on site flagged as outdated.Status: Low visitor satisfaction, low capacity, weak theming.
Lucas frowned. The existing playground had been there for decades. It was little more than a wooden fort and a few fading animal spring riders. It didn't fit the new vision anymore.
"Let's replace it," he murmured.
Replacement Options AvailableSuggested Upgrade: Max's Mini World AdventureType: Themed PlaygroundTheme: Global Landmarks, World Travel, Interactive PlayCost: €150,000Status: Eligible for direct system purchase
He tapped confirm.
A visual popped up—kids climbing a stylized mini Eiffel Tower, crawling through Petra's ruins, zipping down a jungle slide shaped like a toucan's beak. Bright colors, soft surfaces, and shade structures. It was playful, immersive, and matched the tone of the Wild Mouse perfectly.
But the system wasn't done.
Additional Family Ride Suggestions – Budget Range: €100,000–€150,000Recommended Option: Balloon QuestType: Rotating Balloon RideManufacturer: Zamperla (Italy)Cost Estimate: €100,000Status: Request for Quote required
Lucas studied the concept art. A small circular ride with colorful balloons, a perfect fit for the Explorer Zone's travel theme. It wouldn't take up much space but would round out the offering nicely.
Action Required: Send proposal request to manufacturer?
He tapped "yes."
System Action: Drafting email to Zamperla representative...Subject: Inquiry – Balloon Quest Ride for Elysion ParkMessage: Includes requested specs, delivery timeline estimate, and theming notesStatus: Sent
Now it was a waiting game. He couldn't commit until Zamperla responded, just like he had with Mack Rides. But it felt good to keep pushing forward.
The Explorer Zone would soon offer:
A thrilling family coaster
A world-themed playground
And, hopefully, a balloon ride that tied it all together
Lucas exhaled and looked around.
From here, he could just see the construction markers for Secrets of the Silk Road, the immersive walkthrough that would guide guests toward the future jungle-themed area. The path forward was taking shape.
Bit by bit, zone by zone, Elysion Park was becoming real.