章 197: All in one
(Dorian Arcanum POV)
The executives gathered in my conference room, their faces reflecting various degrees of concern over my decision to purchase a hundred computers.
"Chief, ordering such a large quantity of these unproven devices poses considerable risk," one of them spoke up, adjusting his tie nervously. "We're venturing into unknown territory here."
"The media attention is already affecting us," another added, spreading financial reports across the polished table. "Being the first major corporation to embrace these computers has made us a target. Our stock value dropped three points since the announcement."
I gazed at their doubtful expressions, remembering my own initial skepticism before testing the computer. "Gentlemen, I've personally evaluated this technology. The ability to consolidate multiple business functions into a single device isn't just fascinating - it's revolutionary. While I may not understand every technical aspect, I recognize transformative innovation when I used it."
"But sir, the cost-"
"I built this company from nothing thirty years ago," I interrupted firmly, "growing it into a 1.1 billion dollar enterprise. Trust that I know what I'm doing."
"This investment, even for 100 units, represents a fraction of our operating capital," I continued, meeting each worried gaze. "We'll evaluate the computers' performance against Arthur's claims. If they prove reliable, we'll have gained a significant advantage over our competitors."
The executives exchanged uneasy glances but finally nodded, accepting my judgment if not sharing my conviction.
Back in my office, I reviewed the initial implementation reports. Employee productivity had declined as staff wrestled with the new technology. Simple tasks took longer as workers navigated unfamiliar features, and error rates had increased across departments.
Yet these temporary setbacks didn't shake my confidence. I'd seen how quickly the computer handled complex calculations, how efficiently it stored and retrieved information. Once our employees mastered these machines, their productivity would soar beyond anything possible with traditional magical methods.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Arcane Processing Solution's employees struggled to adapt to their new computers. The transition from familiar enchanted typewriters, calculator artifacts, information retrieval spells, and crystal data storage proved challenging.
While the computer appeared simple, its complexity lay in its versatility. The device could cast basic information retrieval spells, organize files in folders, and run applications like Hellfire Word, Hellfire Calc, and other office tools - all entirely different from traditional magical methods.
"This is impossible!" An employee threw up his hands in frustration, glaring at the screen. "Why are we forced to use this contraption?"
"We're just the lucky test department," his colleague replied drily. "Better get used to it."
"I don't understand," another grumbled, pecking hesitantly at keys. "Everyone says these things are unreliable. Why are we bothering?"
"CEO's orders. Dorian himself wanted this implemented."
While complaints echoed through the office, Andy sat quietly at his desk, absorbed in the computer manual. He'd spent hours learning the system, and his growing expertise showed in his efficient handling of tasks.
"You just need patience," Andy called over to his frustrated coworkers. "Read the manual properly - this device isn't what the critics claim."
Several heads turned his way. "You've figured it out?"
Andy smiled, beckoning them over. "Watch this - I'll show you what it can really do." His fingers moved confidently across the keyboard. "See how I can write a document in Hellfire Word while calculating quarterly figures in Hellfire Calc? Switch between them instantly, save everything in organized folders, even send the files to other departments through the communication network."
His colleagues gathered around, watching in growing amazement as Andy demonstrated rapid calculations, document formatting, and file organization - tasks that would have required multiple magical tools and significantly more time.
"That's... actually impressive," one admitted, leaning closer. "How did you learn all this?"
"The manual explains everything," Andy replied, pulling up another feature. "Look - I can even create charts from our sales data. Try doing that with traditional methods."
Andy's colleagues watched with a mix of admiration and envy as he effortlessly navigated the computer's features.
"I had no idea it could work like that," one muttered, watching Andy process multiple documents simultaneously.
"Wait, the computer can do that?" another exclaimed as Andy demonstrated Hellfire Chant's capabilities. He typed a simple organizational spell, and the computer's magic core pulsed with soft blue light, automatically sorting hundreds of files according to specified parameters - a task that usually required hours of manual spell-casting.
"Andy, you've got to teach us!" A colleague pleaded. "That manual might as well be written in ancient runes for all I understand it."
Andy's smile widened at their enthusiasm. "Happy to help."
***
Within a week, Arcane Processing Solution's computer-equipped departments underwent a remarkable transformation. The executives who'd been flooding Dorian's office with complaints about productivity loss fell silent as efficiency metrics told a different story.
The company's core business - magical data processing - accelerated dramatically. Tasks that once required multiple mages casting information retrieval spells could now be handled by a single employee with a computer. The Hellfire Communication Network allowed instant data sharing between departments, eliminating the need for crystal transfer protocols that often took hours.
Customer data processing time dropped from days to hours. Filing systems that previously filled entire rooms of crystal storage now fit on a handful of computer storage devices. Even better, the computer's spell-checking capabilities reduced error rates by 60%, saving countless hours of verification work.
The real breakthrough came in simultaneous data access - multiple departments could now view and work with the same information without creating magical duplicates or waiting for crystal transfers. What had seemed like an expensive gamble was quickly becoming an essential business tool.
Arcane Processing Solution's investors and stockholders, who initially condemned Dorian's computer initiative, began changing their stance as positive results emerged. During the latest board meeting, they unanimously approved ordering additional units from Hellfire Electronics, dismissing the critical media coverage.
This second, larger order triggered immediate backlash from threatened industries. Headlines screamed across financial papers:
"Dorian Arcanum Doubles Down on Risky Computer Venture - Orders 1,000 Units from Hellfire Electronics!"
"As Cautious Companies Test Waters with Computer Purchases, Arcane Processing Stakes Quarter-Million on Untested Technology" another business daily proclaimed.
Though computer sales showed steady growth, established companies poured money into media campaigns attacking both the technology and Arthur himself.
News outlets emphasized Hellfire Electronics' modest first-day sales - just thousands in revenue compared to the millions his films regularly earned on opening day.
Yet beneath the orchestrated criticism, these same companies noticed troubling trends in their own numbers. Sales of traditional magical business tools had begun to slip. Crystal storage providers and enchanted typewriter manufacturers saw their first decline in decades.
Their response was aggressive - marketing budgets doubled overnight as they flooded media channels with advertisements promoting their "proven, reliable" magical solutions while questioning computer reliability. But their desperate attempts to discredit the new technology only highlighted their growing fear of its potential.
***
~Two Days Later~
International financial media outlets that maintained their independence began publishing detailed analyses of early computer adoption. Their reports focused heavily on Arcane Processing Solution's remarkable transformation after implementing the technology.
Dorian had granted these financial reporters unprecedented access, allowing them to document exactly how computers had revolutionized their operations. The resulting data painted a compelling picture.
"A single computer terminal consolidates tasks previously requiring five to seven specialized magical tools and multiple operators," reported The Global Finance Review. "Early adopters report 40-60% increase in operational efficiency after initial adjustment periods."
This caught the attention of ambitious small business owners. While industry giants dismissed computers, these entrepreneurs saw opportunity. The math was simple: one computer and operator could replace multiple specialized workers and magical tools, significantly reducing operational costs.
"The computer's versatility is its greatest asset," noted Business Insights Weekly. "A single unit handles document creation, calculations, data storage, and basic spell functions - tasks that traditionally required separate departments and specialists. For small businesses looking to expand while controlling costs, this consolidation of functions presents an attractive solution."
Small business owners, eager to compete with larger corporations, recognized the potential competitive advantage. If one computer operator could match the output of several traditional workers while eliminating the need for expensive magical equipment, the initial investment of 249 dollars suddenly seemed modest compared to potential savings.
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Advance chapters on P@treon.com/NewComer714
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