บท 165: Filming Resumes in Horn Kingdom
(Arthur POV)
The moment I stepped off the airship onto Horn Airport's tarmac, I took a deep breath. Two weeks away had made me appreciate the demon realm's familiar air.
My contentment contrasted sharply with the Harry Potter cast members' obvious discomfort. Their unease was understandable - for most, this was their first time setting foot in demon territory.
"Demons don't bite," I joked, but Abigail and the other child actors only looked more frightened.
My smile faded into something more reassuring. "You're completely safe here. Demons are just like anyone else." The older actors joined in calming the children, which I appreciated.
I couldn't help wondering what stories circulated in Wales and other human nations to make these kids so terrified. Probably similar to the demon tales from my previous life, except here demons actually existed. The irony was that demons were just another race, neither wholly good nor evil. Those human realm stories were nothing but racist propaganda.
A line of cars waited for us, the head driver waving as he spotted me. I nodded in acknowledgment before sliding into the lead vehicle, the cast following suit in the cars behind.
As we drove toward the studio, I found myself missing Firfel. It had been too long since I'd seen her.
Beside me, Sylwen stared vigilantly through the window, still on edge. I understood her caution - those Skull Organization operatives had shadowed us for weeks in Wales.
Though they'd eventually given up the pursuit, neither of us was ready to lower our guard. In our line of work, paranoia often proved prudent.
***
(3rd Person POV)
The convoy reached Hellfire Studio after a brief drive through the city. Arthur led his Harry Potter cast through the entrance, where staff immediately called out warm greetings.
"Welcome back, boss!"
Arthur acknowledged them with a nod before gesturing to the nervous cast behind him. "Get our guests settled in the city. Make sure they're well taken care of."
The staff's eyes swept over the newcomers. "We'll handle it, boss."
The child actors visibly tensed when a massive behemoth demon stepped forward, his attempts at a friendly smile only making him appear more intimidating.
"I'll be looking after you all," the demon said gently, though his tusked grin had the children shrinking back. Even the adult actors, new to the demon realm, looked uncertain.
Their anxiety proved unnecessary - the demon led them to private suites within the Hellfire building, each room spacious and luxuriously appointed. These would be their homes during Harry Potter's filming schedule.
Meanwhile, Arthur settled into his office, reviewing progress reports on the computer division and operating system development. Hellfire Electronics stood on the brink of approval, preparing to launch their ambitious product line - personal computers, gaming consoles with controllers.
The computer development proceeded smoothly, but the gaming console presented more complex challenges. Even with Arthur's knowledge from reverse-engineering the Dragon Ball world's console design, progress remained slower than hoped.
While the 8-bit console development looked promising, the 16-bit system posed greater technical hurdles. The 32 and 64-bit consoles remained distant goals, their complexity requiring significantly more research and development time.
After reading through the electronics division's progress reports, Arthur received a VHS tape from a staff member, containing the latest Dragon Ball episodes with completed voice work.
He immediately headed to the screening room to review it. Though the sound effects were still missing, the voice acting showed promise, bringing the characters to life in ways that exceeded his expectations.
Arthur settled in to watch the completed Dragon Ball episodes, satisfied that the anime was nearly ready for broadcast.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Using his Ki sense to identify the visitors, he opened the door with a casual wave of magic.
Firfel and Vivienne burst in, their faces lighting up at the sight of him.
"Finally back!" Vivienne exclaimed. "I've been dying for your tea!"
Beside her, Firfel's eyes sparkled with warmth. "Welcome back."
Arthur shook his head with mock exasperation. "Aren't you two supposed to be filming your telenovela?"
"What, we can't take a break?" Vivienne retorted playfully.
Smiling, Arthur prepared their tea before discussing the anime's progress.
"I've been keeping an eye on the animation studio while you were away," Vivienne reported. "Your mass hiring strategy paid off - production speed has increased significantly."
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. He'd need to inspect the studio himself soon.
After the girls left, he finally made his way to his penthouse. The moment he saw his bed, exhaustion caught up with him. He collapsed onto the familiar mattress, letting weeks of tension melt away.
***
The Cursed Chicken's morning screech jolted Arthur awake. To others, the sound was unbearable, but to him, it felt like home.
Going through his morning routine - brushing teeth, showering, dressing - Arthur paused at the mirror with a self-satisfied smirk. "You are such a handsome demon, Arthur."
Meanwhile, in the private suites, the Welsh actors experienced their first demon realm wake-up call. Abigail clutched her pillow in terror until her mother explained the source.
"That's a chicken?" Abigail's voice cracked with disbelief. "It sounds absolutely horrendous!"
Her mother couldn't help but laugh at her daughter's shock.
The other child actors reacted similarly. Rowan Bramble (Ron Weasley) and Fayra Emberhill (Ginny Weasley) huddled together, wide-eyed. Their first morning in the demon realm was proving quite the culture shock.
Venturing outside later, they goggled at the strange sights - exotic plants with peculiar patterns, cats with extra tails, dogs with glowing eyes. At the studio, they met their demon and elven co-stars for the first time.
Lucian Raven, cast as Draco Malfoy, immediately caught their attention. His mischievous grin and demon features had the human children keeping their distance at first. But as the day progressed, they discovered his kindness belied his intimidating appearance.
The day's filming began on demon realm streets, where the Welsh actors mingled with their demon and elven co-stars. The children's faces lit up when they spotted a familiar figure.
"Imkrag!" Their excitement was palpable - they'd admired his portrayal of Gollum in Lord of the Rings, never imagining they'd work alongside him. Now here he stood in an elegant suit and top hat, his success evident in his refined appearance.
"I'll be playing Dobby," Imkrag announced to his starstruck co-stars, clearly enjoying his continued rise in the industry.
After the street scenes wrapped, Arthur led everyone to the VFX Studio. The cast gasped collectively as they entered - where empty space had been moments before, Hogwarts now towered magnificently.
The real surprise came when filming resumed. The Welsh actors hadn't expected the ghosts to do more than operate cameras - yet here they were, taking speaking roles.
Abigail, having devoured the Harry Potter book, took it in stride. "There are supposed to be ghosts at Hogwarts," she explained to her amazed castmates.
The veteran actors exchanged worried glances. Using actual ghosts as actors? They couldn't help wondering how audiences would react to such an unconventional casting choice.
Filming continued amid the magical setting. The actors marveled at Hogwarts' moving staircases and intricate architecture, their performances enhanced by the VFX Studio's incredible illusions.
Several cast members finally understood why the VFX Studios had earned such a formidable reputation in the industry.
As production progressed, Arthur simultaneously expanded his football venture. The Horn Football Association fell under his control, giving him authority over all league tournaments in the demon realm.
His vision was taking shape - with only the Evros Football Association and Anatolia Football Association remaining as acquisition targets. Once secured, he would have complete control over the sport's development across multiple kingdoms.
The prospect energized him. Soon he could implement his planned reforms: new rules, modern playing styles, and innovations that would transform football into something this world had never seen. The path to making the sport truly popular lay clear before him.
บท 166: First Live Broadcast!
(3rd Person POV)
Following his acquisition of the Horn Football Association, Arthur launched sweeping changes. He bought several clubs and initiated talks with owners and coaches across the kingdom.
His "Football Reforms" program caught the football community off guard. As HFA chairman, he began systematically retraining players in modern techniques and implementing new rules. Referees underwent intensive education on the updated regulations that would govern the upcoming Horn Premiere.
These radical changes captured attention throughout the kingdom. Football enthusiasts watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern as their sport transformed before their eyes.
Media coverage turned critical. Headlines questioned Arthur's choices, with fans expressing disappointment over his focus on a new fantasy film instead of a Lord of the Rings sequel, while "wasting" resources on an unprofitable sport.
Arthur ignored the bad press, focusing instead on his film production. During his free time, he worked on developing football's future popularity, while also eyeing other interesting sports.
Basketball in Empirica existed as merely a simple ball-shooting game - Arthur knew he could vastly improve it.
If he made enough significant changes to this world's sports, perhaps he could develop an influential event like the Olympics where all nations would participate.
The idea of developing this world's sports wasn't solely about accumulating system entertainment points. Arthur believed these entertaining sports could somehow foster peace.
After all, this world faced tensions similar to his previous life - powerful mages and knights in various nations stood ready to wage war against their neighbors.
Perhaps sports could serve as a perfect distraction.
Indeed, the films from Hellfire and other major studios, along with TV developments and Hellfire Got Talent's growing popularity, had already helped ease tensions across the world.
If Arthur could establish an Olympics where every nation participated, competing for gold medals and prize rewards, perhaps these nations would redirect their focus from warfare to sports development.
Meanwhile, Firfel and Vivienne couldn't quite understand Arthur's sudden interest in football.
After watching a few matches of people simply kicking balls around, they lost interest and turned their attention back to the "Harry Potter" production.
The VFX Studio's recreation of Hogwarts captivated them. Moving paintings, shifting staircases - the technical achievements were remarkable. The advanced VFX technology had outdone itself.
Watching the rough cuts of various scenes, they sensed this film's potential to match Lord of the Rings in scope and impact. They eagerly anticipated the final product.
As weeks passed, filming wrapped on "Harry Potter." The editing process moved swiftly thanks to their newly completed computers with editing programs. The VHS reader technology integrated into the computers allowed direct tape access, streamlining post-production significantly.
***
(Genesis POV)
For weeks now, I've trained with Wales Dragon FC. The sessions never grow dull, despite my initial ulterior motive of convincing Arthur to become my martial arts instructor.
Something unexpected happened - I fell in love with football.
Though I've improved considerably, I still can't match Rhys's natural talent. Yet I find myself caring less about that gap and more about the game itself.
My newfound passion has consequences. I've neglected both my Whitlock Network dueling program and my studies at the Royal Academy. My parents confronted me, demanding I quit football - they'd abandoned any interest in Arthur training me.
They just wanted me focused on my studies, but I refused without hesitation. My defiance enraged them.
"Your studies are more important. Abandon that stupid game and focus on what matters!" Father's face reddened with anger.
Mother stood beside him, her glare equally intense.
"Football isn't stupid, Father," I countered, standing my ground. "I've grown to love this game. While I understand studies are important, football means just as much to me now."
Father's fist crashed down, splitting his desk in half. "You don't understand what you're saying!"
But my mind was made up. I turned and left his study, my resolve unwavering.
"Don't come back until you abandon that game!" His words echoed through the halls as I walked away.
I sighed heavily, conflicting emotions churning inside me.
I understood my family's opposition to football. Most viewed it as a profitless endeavor, a relic of past glory with no future. The game garnered little respect in today's society.
But I believed differently now.
Through conversations with Rhys, Aidan, and other players, I'd learned of Arthur's vision to revolutionize the sport. The team believed in his plans wholeheartedly, and I shared their faith. Arthur would restore football to its rightful place.
***
(3rd Person POV)
In Horn Kingdom, Arthur had spent weeks training his newly acquired football clubs. Among them, "Darkflame FC" showed exceptional promise, absorbing his new techniques faster than the others.
Recognizing their potential, Arthur made them his flagship team, rebranding them as "Hellfire FC."
While Arthur's clubs embraced his innovations, other football clubs throughout Horn Kingdom continued training under traditional methods. Many club owners dismissed Arthur's reforms, stubbornly clinging to original rules and playing styles.
They remained blind to the coming revolution. And when it arrived, they would find themselves woefully unprepared.
A week later, on April 20, 1272, Arthur launched a nationwide TV program called "Horn Football Premiere League." His announcement echoed across the kingdom: "I'm proud to announce that April 27 will mark the debut of new football. Witness the first match between Hellfire FC and Horns FC, featuring revolutionary play styles, rules, and special events! Don't miss the pre-game performances by Nirvana's James and Queen's Frederick!"
The announcement sparked diverse reactions among viewers. Many expressed disappointment, having expected news about Hellfire Got Talent's second season instead. "What's this football league supposed to be?" they wondered dismissively.
***
On April 27, 1273, media predictions proved completely wrong - the Horn Football Premiere League's opening match sold out. Thirty thousand people had purchased tickets at four dollars each!
The media grudgingly acknowledged the turnout, though they credited the attendance not to football but to Arthur's clever inclusion of popular bands.
James Blaze of Nirvana, known across nations as "The Grunge Star," "The True Demon," and "Devil Spokesperson," commanded a massive following. His band's music had spread like wildfire through Empirica.
Alongside him, Frederick's band Queen was rapidly ascending to similar heights. His unique style and extraordinary songs drew frequent comparisons to Nirvana, sparking heated debates between rival fan clubs.
Throughout the stadium, excited chatter focused entirely on the upcoming performances:
"When is Nirvana taking the stage?"
"I hope they play my favorite song!"
"These four-dollar tickets are a steal - Queen's concerts usually cost seven dollars!"
"Right? Getting this close to Nirvana normally costs nine dollars!"
Their animated conversations made one thing clear - the actual football match was the last thing on their minds.
The moment arrived for Nirvana to take the stage.
Floating cameras swept across the stadium, capturing every angle. While the audience assumed wizards controlled them through magic, the truth remained hidden - invisible ghosts carried these cameras, a secret Arthur kept carefully guarded.
"You guys came so early today!" James called out through the microphone. The crowd's response was deafening, their cheers making the stadium vibrate with energy.
Thankfully, Arthur's recent renovations had reinforced the structure to handle such enthusiasm.
James performed while floating cameras circled the stadium, capturing both band and audience. Local reporters watched impressed, but the real shock came to those watching at home and in TV network offices - the football league was broadcasting live!
Arthur had achieved what seemed impossible: live transmission across multiple kingdoms and nations.
Viewers stared in amazement at their screens, the Hellfire Channel logo prominently displaying "LIVE" with a red dot.
Rival networks scrambled to understand how Arthur managed such powerful signal distribution. They remained unaware of his secret weapon - the "Ancient Tree" that made such broadcasts possible.
Back at the stadium, James finished his set with an announcement: "Stay in your seats for the match, everyone! We'll perform again at halftime, along with Queen. Plus, we've got a special ending performance after the game!"
The Nirvana fans who'd been ready to leave quickly settled back into their seats, cheering at the promise of more music.
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