"Boss, Miss Helena, you're here!"
Joseph greeted them with an enthusiastic smile, clearly pleased to see them arrive.
"Thank you for your hard work, Joseph. Is the opening plan finalized?"
Alto glanced around the shop interior and felt clearly satisfied with what he saw.
"Boss, all preparations are complete. The equipment is up to our standards, and the staff have been properly trained. We're ready to open at any time."
"As per your instructions, the first three days will be a free experience to attract traffic and build our reputation."
"After that, we'll introduce a membership system to stabilize our customer base, and we'll also provide purchase services for those who want their own equipment."
Alto nodded in approval.
That's right. He had directly copied the grand opening strategy of internet cafes back on Earth.
Three days of free experience to hook customers.
He still remembered when a new cafe opened back then, offering free access for the first few days. He had practically lived there during that promotion period, barely going home.
The joy was incomparable, something only fellow freeloaders could truly appreciate.
"Then proceed with the plan. Arrange the official opening as soon as possible."
"Understood! Everything will be handled properly!"
There were two integral reasons for his voyage to Solaria. One was to personally experience the scenery of the Imperial Capital and see the heart of the empire.
The other was to conduct an on-site inspection of their first major expansion.
Aside from employees of the Guild of Commerce, they had also brought along a group of capable guards from Lunaria for security.
After all, this expansion was closely tied to the Temple and its interests. It had been many years since Lunaria last spread the Goddess's Dream World to the outside world, so the Temple took this matter very seriously.
Soon, everyone checked into a luxurious hotel that had been prepared in advance by Joseph's team.
This was a critical moment for their business, so everything still felt a bit rushed, even despite the planning.
The next morning, the DreamNet cafe officially opened its doors to the public.
In front of the entrance, a magical projection display had been set up in advance, broadcasting dazzling scenes that caught the eye.
Dave's Garden from Plants vs. Zombies, with its colorful lawn defense.
Pelican Town from Stardew Valley, with its peaceful farmland.
The neon streets of Liberty City, alive with their urban energy.
The primeval forests of Ark: Survival Evolved, filled with dinosaurs.
And various other games that showcased the diversity available.
At the door stood a large sign with bold lettering that read: "DreamNet Cafe Now Open! First Three Days Free Experience!"
At first, there wasn't the expected commotion Alto had hoped for. Only a few passing elves stopped to look curiously.
"DreamNet cafe? I saw this place under renovation before. So it's open now?"
One elf paused in his stride, staring at the word "Free" on the sign with obvious interest.
Two companions joined him, whispering to each other while peering at the mysterious devices through the glass door.
Then they glanced at the magical projection on the wall and grew even more intrigued by the moving images.
"Look at that scene. It's beautiful. What is it for?"
"No idea whatsoever. Three days free, though? Since it doesn't cost anything, why not check it out?"
One of them suggested with a shrug.
The other two exchanged looks and nodded in agreement.
They pushed the door open together, becoming the first customers of the DreamNet cafe.
"Welcome!"
Joseph immediately stepped forward from his position, greeting them warmly.
"Welcome! The experience is completely free during this period. We also provide complimentary snacks. I'll have our staff guide you through the operation."
As for Alto, he was sitting at the manager's desk in the back.
That's right. This trip was also about fulfilling his old dream of being a cafe manager, something he'd always wanted to be.
Running an internet cafe in another world felt oddly satisfying.
After listening to Joseph's detailed explanation, the three elves finally understood what the shop was actually about.
They had vaguely heard of the Dream World before, though never experienced it personally.
Soon, their devices were set up efficiently, and in a somewhat dazed state, they were guided to their assigned seats.
Following the staff's instructions carefully, they put on the helmet login devices.
"Huh?"
A dwarf wearing a horned helmet happened to pass by outside at that moment.
Olaf had been on his way to a tavern for a mug of ale when the strange shop caught his attention.
Dwarves were known for forging and combat, and also for being heavy drinkers who could outpace anyone.
In Solaria, only a small number of dwarves actually lived there permanently, most of them just worked in blacksmith workshops across the outer district.
At first, the "three days free" promotion didn't interest him much.
If it wasn't free ale and roast meat pies, what was the point of stopping?
But then the projection showed figures wielding firearms and riding dinosaurs through a dense primeval forest.
That instantly grabbed his attention and wouldn't let go.
The weapon in their hands looked similar to a dwarven musket in design, but not quite the same.
"What kind of strange contraption is that? And what is that creature they're riding?"
Curiosity got the better of him, and he walked in to investigate.
At that moment, Alto was lounging in the manager's chair behind the counter.
"Boss! Get me a machine!"
Alto heard the gruff voice but saw no one in front of him.
He blinked in confusion. Joseph also stepped over to look.
"Who said that?"
Alto was momentarily baffled by the invisible customer.
A pair of horns slowly rose above the counter edge.
Olaf stood on his tiptoes with his face slightly flushed from the effort.
"Damn it!"
A calloused hand slammed heavily onto the desk.
Only then did Alto realize what was happening.
He stood up and looked down over the counter.
Oh! A dwarf.
The dwarf wore a horned helmet and had a thick beard, looking just like a raider from the northern seas.
Staring at this unique customer, Alto stroked his chin thoughtfully while ideas drifted through his mind.
Maybe he could release an Ark DLC collaboration with How to Train Your Dragon someday in the future?
"Ahem... right away!"
Seeing the dwarf growing visibly impatient, he quickly set up a machine for him.
Olaf muttered under his breath as he went to sit down at his assigned station.
An employee immediately stepped forward and patiently guided him through the device operation carefully.
For now, the staff was sufficient in number, and since the elves of the Imperial Capital were unfamiliar with such devices, dedicated employees provided assistance to everyone.
When Olaf's consciousness drifted away, and the fantastical game world unfolded before his eyes, his eyes widened instantly in shock.
He couldn't help but let out a quiet gasp of amazement.
As time passed steadily throughout the day, more and more customers filled the shop.
Some were attracted by the three-day free promotion that seemed too good to pass up, while others were simply curious about the newly opened store.
Half a day later, the first batch of customers walked out into the street, still brimming with excitement about what they'd experienced.
Some even began recommending it enthusiastically to acquaintances they encountered.
"Hurry and check out Starry Sky DreamNet Cafe! The games inside are amazing, and it's free for the first three days!"
By evening, the shop was already lively with constant foot traffic.
As the first step in opening commercial routes in the Imperial Capital, this store occupied a massive area compared to typical shops.
Three hundred devices had been installed initially, divided strategically across two floors.
There was a designated experience area on the first floor and a separate purchasing section on the second.
However, due to high taxes in the Imperial Capital, Moonstones and login devices were considerably expensive.
A single login device costs around five to six thousand Bailey, while Moonstones started at several hundred and could go up to a thousand depending on quality.
If someone didn't want to travel to the experience store every time and had enough money saved, they could purchase their own set to play at home.
In addition, the shop's interior decoration was extremely luxurious compared to neighboring establishments.
At the moment, the atmosphere in the cafe was relatively calm overall.
But from time to time, excited players began calling out during intense moments.
"Damn it, stop chasing me!"
"Hit him!"
"I dodge! I dodge!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Hey guys, hope you have a nice day, and I wish you all Happy Easter :)