บท 33: Demon Mob
(Arthur's POV)
With my loyal crew now enjoying their well-deserved raises, I head to a place I can finally call home - or at least, rent.
As an exiled prince, "home" has been a fluid concept lately. But this spacious apartment in the cheap district? It's a start. At 1,000 dollars a month, it's not exactly cheap, but it's close to the center district.
A month ago, this would have been an impossible dream. Now? It's just another bill I can confidently pay.
As I unlock the door to my new place, my mind is already racing ahead. Why stop at renting? This whole district is ripe for the picking. Land here is dirt cheap compared to other areas. With some smart investments, I could turn this into my own little empire.
I chuckle to myself as I imagine it. "Hellfire District" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? But that's a plan for the future.
For now, I've got more pressing matters to attend to.
After a long day of negotiations and strategic planning, I treat myself to a relaxing soak in the bathtub. It's a simple pleasure, but one that feels downright luxurious after the chaos of the past few weeks.
Following a quiet dinner for one - a far cry from the royal feasts of my past, but satisfying in its own way - I notice a newspaper peeking out of my mailbox. Curiosity piqued, I snatch it up.
My eyes immediately lock onto the bold headline on the front page: "The Demonfather, secured by Lava Brothers, will screen nationwide soon".
I can't help but chuckle. The buzz around my film is real, and it's growing.
While not everyone in Ferland City has caught the fever yet, the well-to-do folks in the center district and other affluent areas near the Crimson Theatre can't stop gabbing about it. It's like wildfire, spreading from one social circle to the next.
Shaking my head in amused disbelief, I set the paper aside. It's late, and even revolutionary filmmakers need their beauty sleep.
Before I hit the hay, I can't resist checking my Entertainment Points. The system flashes the number before my eyes: 2,307 points.
It might not seem like much now, but I know it's just the beginning. Once "The Demonfather" starts screening across the country - hell, across the world, thanks to those distribution deals I've secured - these points are going to skyrocket.
As I lie in bed, my mind wanders to the possibilities my Entertainment Points offer. The Power Shop is a treasure trove of potential - magic spells, martial arts techniques, even methods to increase my magic or physical power.
It's like a video game character upgrade system, but for real life.
The power-boosting methods are tempting, but at 100,000 points for the cheapest one, they're still way out of my reach. For now, at least.
But the real gold mine? The Entertainment Shop. It's stocked with a wealth of content from my previous life - films, novels, manga, anime, comics, games, music. It's like having the collective creativity of an entire world at my fingertips.
Films, novels, and music seem like the low-hanging fruit. I've got the know-how to produce those without much additional skill. But manga, anime, and comics? That's a different beast altogether.
I could theoretically buy drawing skills from the Skill Shop, but it's frustratingly still locked. And while I could hire artists, they'd need guidelines only I could provide. It's a classic catch-22.
As I mull over my options, a plan starts to form. Start with what I know - films and music. Use those to rack up more points. Then, once I've built up a sufficient reserve, I can unlock more skills and branch out into other media.
It's a long-term strategy, but hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. And neither was a multi-media entertainment empire.
As for games? Well, that's the real prize at the end of this particular rainbow. Once "The Demonfather" becomes a box office hit, I'll unlock computer technologies. It's like leveling up in the most high-stakes game I've ever played.
But even with my knowledge from my previous life, I know computers are no joke. This world is still trudging through the second industrial revolution. We're decades, if not centuries, away from anything resembling modern computing.
Sure, I've got the knowledge, but turning that into reality? That's a whole other ballgame. I'm looking at building something with the power of an 80s or 90s computer, but without any of the infrastructure or components that made those machines possible.
I'd need to source materials that might not even exist here, figure out how to create circuit boards from scratch, and don't even get me started on programming languages. It's like trying to build a spaceship with stone tools.
But then again, this world has a few tricks up its sleeve that my old one didn't. Magic, for one. And who knows what other mysterious powers are just waiting to be discovered?
What if I could use mana crystals as a power source? Or enchant circuit boards to boost their processing power? Hell, maybe I could even use some kind of divination magic to help with coding. The possibilities are mind-boggling.
And let's not forget my ace in the hole - George. That crazy dwarf might just be the key to making this work. Between his knack for invention and my knowledge from another world, we could be an unstoppable team.
The more I think about it, the more excited I get. This isn't just about recreating Earth's technology. It's about forging something entirely new - a fusion of science and magic that could revolutionize this world in ways I can barely imagine.
***
(Anus Hades' POV)
I've been a mob guy all my life, serving Don Leviathan in Apple City, Empirica.
Being a demon mafia?
It's like being at the bottom of the bottom of the food chain.
You think demons have it rough? Try being a demon mobster.
We're lower than goblins in most folks' eyes. Sure, there are elf, dwarf, and even human mobsters - heck, the humans practically run the show - but us demon mobsters? We're the scum of the scum, as far as society's concerned.
It's almost funny, in a sick way. Don Leviathan's got a stricter moral code than most "respectable" folks.
No drugs, no hurting civilians unless it's self-defense, and if possible, don't fight back at all. We even help out the poor and discriminated, no matter their race.
Our racket? Gambling, selling old forbidden magic spells on the black market, peddling magic cores at discount prices. Hardly the stuff of nightmares. But does that matter to the general public? Not a chance.
But hey, I get used to it. It's just another day in the life of a demon mobster.
I spot a demon kid hawking newspapers and decide to do my bit for the community.
I toss him a few coins and grab a paper. As I'm walking, I unfold the Moon Daily - straight from the Moon Kingdom, no less.
The headline catches my eye: "The Demonfather".
Well, well, well. A demon film about the mob? Now that's something you don't see every day. But what really gets me is the review underneath.
Dianne James - that elf critic who's harder to please than a dragon with a toothache - gave it five stars. Five! This is the same critic who can't even bring herself to give human flicks a solid four.
I have to read it twice to make sure I'm not seeing things. A demon film, not just good, but good enough to earn top marks from the toughest critic in the business?
บท 34: Obsessed fan
(Anus Hades POV)
Reading the review about the demon film was full of praise from such a picky critic. I find myself curious about this so-called film "The Demonfather".
I haven't watched the film yet, and I don't know if Dianne was telling the truth or not, but it has certainly piqued my curiosity. After all, it's a film about my kind.
I just closed the newspaper when I saw a billboard in the distance that boldly displayed — "The Demonfather" showing on October 10, 1271.
The colorful billboard has the Bryan Brothers label on it, and the design of the picture evokes a powerful feeling within me.
It's a picture of an old vampire demon, wearing a black suit with a blood-red rose pinned to his lapel. He's dressed in a finely tailored, pinstriped suit with wide lapels, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. He sits regally in a high-backed leather chair, exuding an air of authority.
Looking at the picture, it reminds me of Don Leviathan — his style is similar to that, but somehow, the old demon on the billboard picture conveys a sense of authority and power that somehow exceeds my view of Don Leviathan.
"Is this the film that infamous critic is raving about?" I mutter to myself as I glance at the closed newspaper in my hand.
October 10 is just around the corner. I quickly make my way to the local theater box office. I don't mind using some of my savings to secure a ticket for the October 10 showing. This is one film I simply must see for myself.
***
(Arthur POV)
My film is set to premiere nationwide in the Morningstar Kingdom in about a week, on October 3, 1271. In the few weeks since finalizing the agreement with the Lava Brothers, LB has been aggressively advertising the film through billboards, newspapers, and their own magazines.
My team and I, along with the cast, have been exceptionally busy. I've hired workers to plaster posters and distribute lobby cards in public spaces like bus stops and theater lobbies. We've also been making the rounds on radio channels partnered with Lava Brothers, discussing the film.
I suggested a publicity stunt to the Lava Brothers for additional marketing. Today, we've organized an unusual event where most attendees have already seen "The Demonfather." We're facing journalists invited by Lava Brothers, fielding questions about the film. At my insistence, we're also taking questions from the general public.
A dwarf approaches the microphone, his voice tinged with skepticism. "My friend told me that The Demonfather was a masterpiece. I've never watched the film, so I don't believe it. So, prince director, is my friend telling the truth?"
The term "prince director" elicits chuckles from the crowd.
I lean into the microphone, a wry smile playing on my lips. "Are you seriously asking me that? If I said yes, would you believe me, considering I made the film and might be biased?"
Laughter ripples through the audience. The dwarf, undeterred, continues, "Maybe. After all, The Demonfather didn't even win the festival's main award."
I chuckle inwardly, wondering if this dwarf was planted by someone with a grudge or if he simply dislikes me. Either way, I can only respond diplomatically. "I couldn't say how good it really is, but one thing is certain — you'll only know when you've watched it for yourself. Thank you."
As I step back from the microphone, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and anticipation. Regardless of the skeptics, I know the film speaks for itself. The real test will come when it hits theaters across the kingdom.
***
(Anubis Flameworth POV)
I've been relentlessly checking for updates on "The Demonfather's" nationwide premiere lately. It's a film my cousin recommended after he watched it at the film festival.
Initially, I thought my cousin was overly excited about a worthless film. I felt it would be a waste of my time, especially considering the illegal operations of my gang around Ferland city that demand my attention.
I assumed my cousin was exaggerating, particularly when he kept rewatching it. But only after experiencing the full film did I understand why his enthusiasm was justified.
After watching it, I became even more obsessed than my cousin.
Why?
As the head of a gang in the city, I relate deeply to the film - the story, the power dynamics, the use of magical firearms, the deaths. It portrays how dangerous gang life can be, while simultaneously making the life of a powerful mob boss seem alluring and glamorous.
The film captures the duality of our world - the grit and the glory, the danger and the allure. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, yet it paints our lifestyle with a seductive brush that's hard to resist.
I find myself drawn to the character of Don Corleone, the aging demon patriarch. His struggle to maintain power, to protect his family while navigating the treacherous waters of the underworld - it's like looking into a mirror of my own life.
The scenes of strategic planning, of deals made, of loyalty tested and betrayal punished - they resonate with me on a visceral level. It's as if the director have peered into the soul of our world and laid it bare on the screen.
And yet, despite its unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption, there's a strange beauty to it all. The cinematography, the music, the performances - they elevate our often brutal reality into something almost... poetic.
I've lost count of how many times I've rewatched it since the festival. Each viewing reveals new layers, new details I missed before. It's become more than just a film to me - it's a reflection, a guide, a warning, and a celebration all at once.
"Boss, this is all the latest newspapers featuring The Demonfather topic."
Lost in thought, I heard my men entering, presenting me with a dozen newspapers.
"Good work," I said with a nod, leaning back in my chair, one hand resting on the armrest while the other gently stroked my chin. My gaze was steady, almost piercing as I regarded my subordinate.
This simple action revealed how deeply The Demonfather had influenced me. I'd begun to incorporate Michael's demeanor and facial expressions lately, and I'd noticed my men starting to respect me more for it.
I checked each newspaper, scanning for the latest topics about the film. It had become my perfect way to unwind from mob life, immersing myself in anything related to The Demonfather.
"Boss, I've been meaning to ask..." my subordinate hesitated, "Is there any important reason why you're so interested in The Demonfather? Are you planning something big, inspired by the film?"
Inwardly, I felt uncomfortable. There was no important reason at all for my obsession with The Demonfather. But, maintaining a composed posture and an indifferent face, I crafted an excuse:
"The Demonfather isn't just entertainment, it's a study in power dynamics and strategy. Every scene, every dialogue holds lessons we can apply to our operations. I'm analyzing it to stay ahead of our rivals and strengthen our position in Ferland. In our world, knowledge is power, and this film is a goldmine of insights."
I paused, fixing my subordinate with a stern look. "Never underestimate the value of learning from others' experiences, even if they're fictional. Now, is there anything else you need to report?"
My response seemed to satisfy him, and I could see a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. As he shook his head and left, I turned back to the newspapers, silently thankful that my quick thinking had turned a potential moment of weakness into an opportunity to reinforce my authority.
As I read through each newspaper, I noticed several were criticizing "The Demonfather". I chuckled inwardly — despite being a mob boss, I understood the real reason behind these negative reviews.
These newspapers had connections to major demon studios that failed to secure the license rights for "The Demonfather". Now, they were attempting to tarnish the film's image out of spite and competition.
Besides the Lava Brothers, who had acquired the rights, studios like Demon Pictures and Underground Films were using every resource at their disposal to downplay this masterpiece.
It wasn't just demon studios either. Human major studios that missed out on the rights were also leveraging their connections to paint a negative picture of the film in the press.
As I pondered this, a dangerous thought crossed my mind. Perhaps I could use my gang to... persuade these newspaper companies to reconsider their dishonest reviews. As a fan, it was infuriating to see a masterpiece unfairly maligned.
I caught myself, realizing the extent of my obsession. Was I really considering intimidating journalists over a film review? Part of me knew it was absurd, yet another part felt it would be justified.
I set the newspapers aside, deciding to focus on more pressing matters. But the thought lingered — in a world of power and influence, how far would I go to protect something I believed in, even if it was just a film?
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NewComer714
NewComer714
I'll post another chapter later, just continue supporting. ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
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