บท 218: Careers
(3rd Person POV)
While "Cuckoo's Nest" began filming, life continued as usual in Celestine Heights - the prestigious district of Angel City where mansions housed society's elite. Among these stood the Strauss family manor, its Victorian architecture and manicured grounds a testament to old money and refined taste.
In the manor's dining room, beneath a crystal chandelier that cast warm light over the mahogany table, sat the Strauss family. Edgar Strauss, the family head, dominated one end while his wife Katherine graced the other. Between them sat their children - all successful except their second son, Levi.
"The expansion into Thorne Kingdom is proceeding smoothly," Edgar nodded approvingly at his eldest son. "And Sarah's boutique chain has opened three new locations this quarter."
Katherine beamed at their youngest daughter. "The society pages can't stop praising your fashion sense, dear."
The conversation flowed around Levi like water around a stone, his presence barely acknowledged.
"I'll take my leave," Levi said quietly, dabbing his mouth with a napkin as he stood.
His father's slight nod was automatic, his attention never wavering from his other children's achievements. The family's conversation continued uninterrupted, as if Levi had never spoken.
Outside the dining room, Levi's fists clenched briefly. They didn't even notice I'm not wearing glasses anymore, he thought, then deliberately relaxed his hands. The familiar bitterness felt different now - less sharp, less consuming.
The difference lay in the scroll tucked safely in his pocket.
He pulled it out once he'd left the house, watching his status shimmer into view. His choice of the Filmmaker career path and investment of 10 Faith Points into the Drama subclass had opened new possibilities.
The struggling film studio he'd purchased in the Halo District had automatically aligned him with the business branch of his path.
His status now read clearly: {Filmmaker - Drama: Business Path}.
He had found his path - one his family knew nothing about. Under Dionysus's blessing, he would become more than just the disappointing second son. He would be a filmmaker who moved people's hearts.
Yesterday, he'd explored the follower shop's filmmaker section, spending his remaining Faith Points on "drama movie idea."
After the purchase, he'd offered a prayer of gratitude, and that's when the divine inspiration had struck.
The words still echoed in his mind, rich with meaning: "A man's spirit cannot be broken by prison walls or cruel authority. Through defiance comes dignity, through struggle comes strength. One brave soul can ignite hope in others, teaching them to embrace life even in chains. Victory lies not in escape, but in refusing to let them break your smile."
The poetic message resonated deeply within him. Thanks to his new talent "Cinematic Emotion" - gained from choosing the Drama subclass - he could translate those feelings into vivid mental images. Scene compositions formed in his mind: sun-bleached prison yards, tense confrontations, moments of quiet rebellion.
Inspired by this divine guidance, Levi had sold his collection of rare magical artifacts to purchase the struggling film studio.
The investment didn't worry him - fellow followers of Dionysus had already volunteered to act and crew for his project, asking only for meals in return.
His family might see him as a failure, but Levi knew better. Under Dionysus's guidance, he would create something meaningful - a film that spoke to the unbreakable nature of the human spirit.
---
The struggling studio in Halo District buzzed with activity as fellow followers of Dionysus welcomed Levi.
Their participation went deeper than mere religious solidarity - each member had chosen career paths that aligned perfectly with film production.
Lupus, who'd chosen the "Storyteller: Writer" path, sat with Levi developing the script, his insights shaped by divine inspiration.
Musicians who'd pledged themselves to Dionysus worked on the film's score, while actors practiced their scenes. Each follower's unique career path complemented the others, creating an unexpectedly professional team.
Though they worked without traditional salaries, the Divine Revelry System provided for their needs.
Every Faith Point earned through their dedicated work could be exchanged for 100 dollars through prayer.
Most followers earned at least 2-5 FP daily, ensuring they could support themselves while pursuing their artistic passions.
The system maintained perfect balance - while followers could convert money to Faith Points, the exchange rate of 200 dollars per FP prevented any exploitation. No one could simply buy their way to divine favor; true dedication to art was required.
"The script's second act needs work," Lupus said, pushing his notes across the table to Levi.
His commitment stemmed not just from fellowship, but from knowing this project would earn him valuable Faith Points while honing his blessed writing skills.
Around them, other followers moved with similar purpose - each action earning Faith Points while contributing to a greater artistic vision.
***
~Two Weeks Later~
The "Cuckoo's Nest" production at Elder Bane Asylum progressed steadily. Arthur sat in his director's chair, reviewing footage of John's interactions with the other actors with growing satisfaction.
Something about John's performance felt remarkably genuine - perhaps even surpassing Jack Nicholson's portrayal from Arthur's previous life.
Firfel stood beside him, her silver hair catching the dim asylum light. As Vivienne's close friend, she often visited the set to show support and check on the project's progress. "Where did you find him, Arthur?" She gestured toward John on the monitor. "He seems to have appeared from nowhere."
They watched as John and Vivienne played out their scene - his Randle McMurphy cleverly sparring with her stern Nurse Ratched.
"He's handling scenes with Vivienne brilliantly," Firfel added, genuine admiration in her voice.
"Would you believe I found him begging on the street?" Arthur kept his expression perfectly neutral, the lie containing just enough truth to be convincing. "Spotted his potential right away."
Though the reality was more complex - John had indeed been nearly destitute in Angel City when he became Arthur's first follower as Dionysus.
Firfel's eyes widened. "A former beggar? You have quite an eye for talent."
Arthur just smiled, letting her draw her own conclusions.
After wrapping the day's shoot, the three of them - Arthur, Firfel, and Vivienne - left together as usual.
Their frequent public appearances had sparked endless speculation about Arthur's relationships with both women, though he had yet to voice his growing feelings for Firfel. The press had dubbed them "the triplets," a nickname that amused Vivienne to no end.
***
By late June 1274, "Cuckoo's Nest" had been filming for two and a half weeks at Elder Bane Asylum and other locations. Beyond the film production, Hellfire's entertainment empire continued expanding rapidly across multiple fronts.
The animation division flourished particularly well. "Dragon Ball" had captivated audiences for eleven months with its 44 episodes, while "Naruto" followed closely behind with 43 episodes.
The newest addition, "Supernatural Investigations(Yu Yu Hakusho)" had already aired 20 episodes in just five months, building its own dedicated following.
These anime series, alongside Western cartoons, drove television sales to unprecedented heights worldwide.
HOLLOW had sold 66 million units, earning three billion dollars, while Waves Corporation profited handsomely from constructing signal towers and selling VHS players.
Arthur's royalty earnings from color television patents reached four hundred million dollars - a deliberately modest sum.
This came from his strategic deal with HOLLOW: in exchange for favorable licensing terms on color TV technology, Arthur had secured the crucial patent rights to computer monitors.
While others might view the low royalties as a missed opportunity, Arthur saw the long-term value in controlling monitor technology for the coming computer age.
Now, in Horn Kingdom's central district, Arthur stood surveying his newest project - an eighty-acre plot that would house Hellfire's new headquarters.
His vision for Hellfire HQ took shape on the drafting table - a massive ring-shaped structure of glass and steel that would blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
The four-story building would curve gracefully around a central park, its walls alternating between clear glass and living gardens that would climb toward the sky.
But Arthur knew flashy architecture meant nothing without practical foundations. He'd seen too many beautiful buildings become maintenance nightmares in his previous life. Every detail of the infrastructure had to be perfect - from the magical sewage treatment system that would purify waste water for the gardens, to the enchanted ventilation that would keep the massive space comfortable year-round.
The building would be more than just a workplace. Gardens would spiral up the outer walls, while the massive inner courtyard would feature walking paths winding through native trees and flowers.
Rooftop spaces would combine recreational areas with herb gardens to supply the staff cafeterias. Magical purification crystals integrated throughout the structure would work alongside traditional filtration systems.
---
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Author's Note: I sincerely apologize for the delays in my recent uploads and the slower progression of the plot. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. I promise to do my best to update more frequently and provide more chapters as soon as I'm able. Thank you for your continued support!
บท 219: Mission
(3rd Person POV)
Between overseeing Hellfire HQ's construction, Arthur monitored his growing cult through his divine domain.
The Divine Revelry System had proven remarkably effective - in mere weeks, his follower count had reached 20,000.
"This deserves celebration," Arthur smiled, activating his divine computer.
The upgrade to his domain had granted him this powerful tool - far more sophisticated than ordinary computers.
It tracked each follower's progress and automatically generated appropriate tasks based on their chosen paths. A stage actor might receive a mission to join a specific theater production, while a musician could be tasked with composing for a festival.
The reward structure proved elegantly simple: side-missions earned 10-15 Faith Points, while main missions could grant 20-25 FP.
Followers could also gain smaller amounts through traditional offerings - six goats or seven sheep converted to 1 FP. However, most preferred completing missions for their higher returns.
Tonight, Arthur had special plans. His fingers moved across the divine keyboard, assigning a celebration mission to his festival organizers and senior members.
He invested 100 Divine Points into the event, marking the milestone of reaching 20,000 followers.
The sudden shower of Faith Points galvanized his followers in Angel City. Festival organizers immediately began coordinating, pooling their divine-granted talents for one massive celebration.
Within an hour, a thousand senior members gathered to celebrate their growing numbers. Their combined revelry would generate even more divine energy, creating a perfect cycle of celebration and growth.
Arthur watched with satisfaction as a thousand followers celebrated in the underground sanctuary of Dionysus HQ. This celebration served multiple purposes - rewarding his dedicated senior members while subtly encouraging them to expand the cult's influence further.
***
The vast chamber pulsed with festive energy. Followers danced and sang while others gathered around the stage, watching actors perform divine-inspired plays. Wine flowed freely, its sweet aroma mixing with incense and laughter.
Elena sat with Crystal near the central fountain, both enjoying the unexpected celebration.
The promise of 25 Faith Points had drawn Elena here, though she found herself genuinely enjoying the festivities.
"A celebration in the middle of the afternoon?" Crystal sipped her water, young face glowing with excitement as she moved to the music. "Our Lord's ways are mysterious indeed."
Elena smiled fondly at the girl. "We mortals can hardly fathom the depth of his divine planning, Crystal." She smoothed the girl's hair affectionately.
Near them, a bard struck up his lute, his voice rising clear and strong: "From sacred vine and joyous heart, Our Lord brings light to mortal art. Where false gods chain with iron decree, Dionysus sets the spirit free! His mercy flows like sweetest wine, His grace makes mortal life divine!"
The bard stretched his arms skyward, imagining Dionysus seated upon clouds of golden light, bestowing blessings upon his faithful. "Through dance and song we praise his name, Through joy and art we spread his fame. The old gods fade like morning mist, While Dionysus leads us to bliss!"
Elena and Crystal swayed to the music, their smiles reflecting the room's jubilant mood.
Around them, the celebration continued unabated - dancers whirled, actors performed, and wine flowed so abundantly that some followers lapped it from the floor, lost in divine ecstasy.
Sudden gasps filled the chamber as golden scrolls materialized before each follower. Shimmering text appeared, outlining a new divine reward system:
{Basic Contribution (Daily performances, minor recruitment): 5-10 FP
Minor Contribution (Successful productions, active recruitment): 50-100 FP
Major Contribution (Large-scale events, significant recruitment): 200-500 FP
Outstanding Contribution (Revolutionary projects, mass conversion): Up to 1,000 FP!}
The celebration, already joyous, erupted into pure ecstasy. Dancers linked arms, forming circles that spun with wild abandon. A chorus of bards lifted their voices in harmony:
"Great Dionysus, who sees our chains,
Grants us freedom from mortal pains!
Through his grace our talents soar,
His sweet wine makes spirits pour!
From his mercy flows our art,
His divine gifts set us apart!
Under his reign our souls run free,
Through him we'll shape this world to be!"
Elena swept Crystal into her arms, both spinning with delight. Their laughter echoed through the underground chambers, faint traces reaching the streets above where oblivious citizens passed by.
***
From his divine domain, Arthur watched with satisfaction. His followers' dedication pleased him deeply.
A notification on his divine computer caught his attention - John had received an important mission.
Opening the details, Arthur saw the task: pray for the mentally ill patients at Elder Bane Asylum.
The reward was substantial - 500 Faith Points for healing half the patients, though it would cost John 60-80 FP of his own power.
"A fair exchange," Arthur mused, knowing the healing would require significant divine energy.
The situation had changed dramatically since "Cuckoo's Nest" began filming. Back then, Arthur's mere 10 Divine Points - depleted from purchasing the Divine Revelry System - had made healing the asylum patients impossible.
Now he'd accumulated 300 Divine Points. Even after spending 100 on the celebration, he retained enough power to heal the patients himself. Yet Arthur chose a different path, pressing 'confirm' on John's mission instead. Sometimes the greatest divine lessons came through enabling others to help.
***
In his apartment, John stirred as his scroll pulsed with golden light. Reading the mission, his eyes widened. "Pray for the patients at Elder Bane Asylum?"
The faces of those troubled souls flashed through his memory. If he'd known he'd meet them, he might have saved some of the 3,000 Faith Points Lord Arthur had gifted him. But regret served no purpose now.
The mission required 60-80 Faith Points to heal the patients. John rose without hesitation, moving to his wall safe. Inside lay thousands of dollars - his earnings from recent acting work.
He counted out $16,000 methodically, knowing it would convert to the needed 80 Faith Points. The money's loss meant nothing to him. Faith Points, direct connection to his lord's power, held value far beyond mere currency.
One didn't measure devotion in dollars, after all.
***
The next morning, John arrived at the asylum set as usual, settling into his role as Randle for the film's final scenes. The mission to heal the patients weighed on his mind, but with a week's deadline, he chose to wait. These prayers needed to come from John himself, not his character Randle.
As early July arrived, they filmed the final scenes. The ending struck deep into everyone's hearts - Randle's tragic fate after the lobotomy, and Chief Bromden's mercy killing with a pillow.
Even Vivienne, despite playing the stern Nurse Ratched, couldn't hold back her tears.
Firfel, though only a visitor to the set, wept openly. The entire cast struggled with their emotions as they watched Chief Bromden escape to freedom, carrying hope to the outside world - hope born from Randle's sacrifice.
Arthur approached John, placing a steady hand on his shoulder. "You did well, John."
John's smile carried the weight of Randle's tragedy as he nodded respectfully. The role had changed him - perhaps more than he'd expected.
He could feel pieces of Randle's spirit lingering in his consciousness, that fierce desire to fight against oppressive systems, to bring freedom to trapped souls.
His gaze drifted to the real patients shuffling through the asylum corridors, then to the head nurse, a feline demoness who managed the facility. Something of Randle's determination flickered in his eyes as a plan began forming in his mind.
***
Moonlight cast long shadows through Elder Bane Asylum's windows as John slipped inside. A coiled rope hung at his belt - an escape route if needed.
He moved silently through the familiar corridors, now eerily quiet without the usual daytime chaos. Each door he passed held sleeping patients behind it, while distant footsteps marked the night nurses' rounds.
Finding a central position in the ward, John knelt and began his prayer, channeling his 80 Faith Points into healing energy. Divine power flowed through him as he whispered words of healing.
In their beds, patients stirred uneasily at first, their faces tightening with brief discomfort. Then something remarkable happened - warmth bloomed in their minds, spreading like gentle sunlight through their bodies. Decades of mental fog began lifting, replaced by a clarity many had forgotten could exist.
Golden light, visible only to John's divinely blessed eyes, pulsed through the ward as Arthur's power worked its miracle.
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