บท 142: Losing control
(Raff Diamond POV)
Weeks have passed without a trace of that damn noble demon.
It's been nothing but headaches - my men have investigated every shady connection around my son, Caleb, with no results to show for it.
Even the drug trafficker involved with my son confirmed he hadn't ordered any hit on Caleb over unpaid narcotics.
"Commissioner." A police officer entered my office clutching documents.
"Any progress with my son's case? Has Arthur agreed to settle out of court?" I demanded.
"Unfortunately, Arthur remains uncooperative," the officer shook his head. "We tried negotiating with him - and even the thugs we sent to teach that uppity filmmaker a lesson ended up beaten senseless."
"Arthur's martial arts skills were unexpected," I said, irritation creeping into my voice. "I suppose while he's weak in magic, he makes up for it in combat ability."
"Indeed," the officer agreed, then added, "Though we can't stop Arthur, we've successfully intimidated most potential witnesses against Caleb, sir."
"That's something at least," I nodded.
"But one witness won't back down, sir," the police officer said, looking uneasy.
"Who?"
The officer hesitated before answering, "The succubus named Alissa - the woman your son Caleb was obsessed with."
"That damned woman," I growled through clenched teeth.
"The Horn Kingdom Court hearing is approaching. We must silence that woman!" I slammed my fist on the desk.
"..." The police officer fell quiet, then said, "I apologize, sir, but... she's missing. We can't locate her."
"Useless!" I shouted. "Then find her!"
"Yes, sir!" The officer saluted and hurried out.
Damn it...
Arthur must be the one hiding her from us!
***
(3rd Person POV)
In Arthur's penthouse, Alissa paced nervously. She'd been living here for quite some time now.
With the Horn Kingdom Court hearing only days away, she couldn't shake her concerns despite Arthur's assurances of safety.
Though determined to testify against Caleb's crimes, she knew all too well the power of his connections.
The Diamond family wielded considerable influence in Horn Kingdom - especially Caleb's father, Commissioner Raff, who posed the greatest threat.
Around noon, footsteps echoed from the penthouse entrance. Alissa's heart raced - her paranoia instantly assuming police had found her location.
She ducked into hiding, then breathed a sigh of relief when Arthur's voice reached her ears.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Clint and Benny beside him.
"Clint! Benny!" Alissa exclaimed. She hadn't seen them in weeks, not since visiting them in the hospital.
"Alissa!" Relief and joy flooded Clint's face.
Benny hung back awkwardly as Clint and Alissa embraced.
Arthur shook his head at the display, though he couldn't help but smile. It was good to see Alissa happy again after days of watching her live in fear.
"I thought you might be getting lonely here, so I brought these two along," Arthur explained.
"Thank you so much!" Alissa's gratitude was genuine.
"I should be thanking you," Arthur replied, "for standing firm against Caleb and agreeing to testify."
Alissa smiled warmly as Clint squeezed her hand. "I'm just glad you're safe," he said softly.
She nodded, fighting back tears.
"She's been quite paranoid lately - hiding at the slightest noise. The police harassment has taken its toll," Arthur told Clint and Benny. "Take good care of her."
"I'll protect her with my life, boss," Clint promised, his smile determined.
***
October 17, 1272 marked the beginning of Horn Kingdom's most anticipated and controversial court case.
The courthouse steps teemed with reporters and divided crowds - supporters split between Caleb and the duo of Clint and Benny.
It had become the kingdom's biggest scandal to date.
"Caleb is innocent! Caleb is innocent!" chanted a group of his supporters gathered nearby.
Most were paid actors - hired by Commissioner Diamond to inflate the numbers and overshadow the genuine fans supporting Clint and Benny.
"Do you believe Caleb capable of such violence?" a reporter asked Clint and Benny's supporters, who stood defiantly near Caleb's group.
"Absolutely!" declared a demon dressed as Blondie from 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' - clearly a Clint fan. "I know someone who's seen Caleb at drug dens! He's notorious for harassing women too!"
"That's right!" added a dwarf wearing Benny's signature style. "Everyone knows about Caleb's reputation with women!"
"But isn't that natural for someone part incubus?" the reporter pressed.
"Doesn't matter," the dwarf shot back. "Caleb's going to prison where he belongs!"
"Maybe he'll finally get an audience there - unlike his empty concerts!" another fan quipped.
Laughter rippled through the crowd, even drawing chuckles from reporters. Nearby, Caleb's few genuine supporters seethed with anger.
The tension between groups was palpable.
A sleek car pulled up to the courthouse steps. Caleb emerged with his legal team, immediately swarmed by reporters.
"I-I'm innocent... I don't understand why Clint and Benny are doing this to me..." Caleb stammered, playing the victim.
After fielding questions and waving to his supporters, he disappeared into the courthouse.
Moments later, another car arrived. Clint and Benny stepped out with their lawyers, faced the barrage of questions, then made their way inside.
***
Inside the courtroom, tension hung thick in the air. Raff sat close to his son Caleb's side, radiating quiet confidence.
He glanced at Alissa across the aisle. One witness didn't concern him.
After all, without substantial evidence, he expected the case would be dismissed.
The court proceedings began with opening statements.
While Caleb's attorney proclaimed his client's innocence, Clint and Benny's legal team presented compelling medical evidence of their injuries. Hospital records, photographs, and expert testimony painted a clear picture of the assault. But the turning point came when Alissa took the witness stand.
Caleb glared at her, betrayal and anger evident in his expression. 'Why, Alissa...' His fists clenched beneath the table.
As Alissa testified, reporters scribbled frantically, shocked by her graphic description of events. She detailed Caleb's persistent harassment, her voice steady and clear.
Caleb's lawyer tried to find holes in her testimony, but Alissa had prepared well, referring to her written statement to ensure precision.
Just as the judge and jury seemed unconvinced by her testimony alone, Alissa revealed her trump card.
She disclosed her months-long relationship with Caleb, producing evidence that left no room for denial.
This blindsided even Raff.
Alissa presented gifts from Caleb, including personal items of deep significance to him.
While Raff knew such evidence could still be contested, his son's composure cracked.
Caleb leaped to his feet, pointing accusingly at Alissa. "Why! Why would you do this to me?!"
Before anyone could intervene, he continued his outburst: "Why would you betray me and side with those bastards?!"
Arthur watched from his seat, having anticipated this very reaction. He'd helped Alissa craft her testimony to provoke exactly this response.
She knew Caleb's tendency to lose control when cornered.
The strategy had worked perfectly. Alissa caught Arthur's eye, and they exchanged subtle nods of understanding.
"I don't want you, Caleb! You're a deranged demon! The one I love is Clint Foster!" Alissa's declaration rang through the courtroom.
"Wh-what did you say?!" Caleb lunged forward, barely restrained by his lawyers. "You worthless witch! You'd choose a lowly actor over me?!"
"Control yourself, Caleb!" Raff's command fell on deaf ears.
Raff glanced desperately at the judge, who remained seated, secretly engrossed in the unfolding drama.
"You're obsessed! Is that why you beat them so brutally?!" Alissa challenged.
"That's right!" Caleb snarled, forgetting himself entirely. "No one can have you but me! I'll kill anyone who tries!"
His confession echoed through the court's recording system - a devastating slip.
Reporters' pens flew across their notepads, capturing every damning word.
Arthur concealed a satisfied smile. His gambit had worked perfectly - without provoking Caleb through Alissa, securing a conviction would have been nearly impossible.
The case had shifted dramatically in his actors' favor.
Even if Caleb's lawyers managed to argue their way out of an immediate guilty verdict, the foundation was laid. One more push would be all it took for Caleb to completely incriminate himself.
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บท 143: Surprise after surprise
(3rd Person POV)
Days after Caleb's unconscious confession, the verdict arrived - guilty. He faced heavy fines for assault and several months of imprisonment.
The news sent shockwaves through Horn Kingdom and neighboring realms where Caleb had held influence.
Meanwhile, Clint, Benny, and their supporters celebrated justice being served.
Arthur hosted a victory celebration for his actors - the atmosphere electric with relief and joy. Clint and Benny lost themselves in drink, Alissa joining in their revelry.
Beside Arthur, Firfel watched Alissa. "She seems to be recovering well from her ordeal with Caleb."
"I still see worry in her eyes," Vivienne observed.
"Understandable. Caleb's sentence is only months long, and his father Raff still holds power. Alissa has reason to be concerned," Arthur said, sipping his drink.
"Poor girl," Firfel sighed. "Can you keep protecting her?"
"Yes, Arthur," Vivienne's usually playful tone turned serious. "I hope you'll continue supporting her, even though she's finished testifying."
Arthur smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I'll look after her," he promised.
"You should be careful too, Arthur," Firfel cautioned. "The commissioner won't take his son's imprisonment lightly. His reputation suggests he holds grudges."
Arthur's grin held an edge of steel. "Don't worry. That commissioner is a small fry."
"Big words," Vivienne chuckled.
Firfel smiled, assuming Arthur was merely putting on a brave face to ease their concerns.
Arthur remained quiet. He knew Raff would cause trouble eventually.
But he felt no fear. His training in the Dragon Ball world had strengthened both his martial arts and his body beyond anything the commissioner could imagine.
***
The next day in the Dragon Ball world, Arthur faced Goku as the tournament crowd watched in awe.
Roshi adjusted his glasses, studying the fight with growing amazement. 'Fascinating... Previously, Arthur couldn't have dominated Goku like this - but now...' He leaned forward. 'Now Goku is struggling against him.'
On stage, Arthur's punch caught Goku squarely in the face, sending him flying. Goku managed to right himself mid-air.
Rubbing the bruise on his cheek, Goku grinned. "Hehe, you're the strongest opponent I've ever met!"
Arthur smiled, handling Goku with apparent ease.
This mastery came from countless battles with Goku - Arthur had exploited his "save file" ability repeatedly, loading back to before each fight started.
Through these iterations, Arthur had memorized Goku's patterns, movements, and fighting style.
Though Goku held a slight edge in raw power, Arthur countered him like a seasoned veteran.
Yet Goku himself wasn't the real challenge. Arthur's numerous attempts stemmed from preparing for Goku's "Great Ape" transformation.
Even knowing Goku's moves, victory proved difficult. The young Saiyan's stubborn nature and natural durability let him weather tremendous punishment.
Despite his exhaustion, Goku's eyes blazed with determination.
Then the moment arrived - Goku's Great Ape transformation began.
As the crowd scattered, Arthur muttered, "This is it..." He'd prepared extensively for this moment.
The Great Ape's roar shook the arena. Arthur dodged its massive stomp, weaving through devastating attacks until he found his opening - severing Goku's tail with precise timing.
Goku crashed to the ground, reverting to human form.
As the audience cautiously returned, Bulma, Yamcha, Roshi, and Krillin stared in shock at Goku's prone form.
"You monster! You killed him!" Bulma screamed, misunderstanding the situation.
"Goku!" Puar and Oolong cried out in concern.
"Don't worry, he's fine!" Arthur assured them.
Moments later, Goku stirred, confused about his missing tail and sudden nudity.
Relief washed over his friends' faces.
The battle resumed, but with his stamina depleted and tail gone, Goku finally succumbed to exhaustion.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 21st Martial Arts Tournament - Arthur Pendragon!" The announcer's voice boomed as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Roshi and the others helped Goku to his feet.
"That was an amazing fight, hehe..." Goku said, leaning on Krillin for support. He looked at Arthur with bright eyes. "I hope to fight you again..."
Arthur smiled at their exchange when system notifications appeared before him.
[You have successfully completed your mission and become the winner of the 21st martial arts tournament without using magic!]
[Reward: +2 Senzu Beans. 10 percent proficiency of Creator's Realms ability. 10 percent proficiency of Primal Morningstar ability. +1 divine point.]
Arthur examined the rewards, particularly intrigued by the "divine points." This new system function had unlocked a divine store, offering fictional skills, items, and artifacts from worlds he'd visited.
Surprisingly, the store also allowed him to reward potential worshippers - though Arthur wondered who would ever worship him.
***
Back in reality, Arthur finalized his agreement with HOLLOW and Waves Corporation.
Both companies, excited by the revolutionary products, readily accepted Arthur's terms. Their eagerness for the technology gave him considerable leverage in negotiations.
Production lines started immediately for color TVs and VHS players.
Waves Corporation also agreed to distribute Arthur's films and James Blaze's music on VHS tapes.
Meanwhile, Hellfire Studio heavily promoted their new film, "Enter the Dragon" throughout the kingdom.
Public opinion remained skeptical. Even loyal Hellfire fans expressed doubts.
"It wasn't directed by Arthur - doubt it'll be any good," an imp demon remarked, studying the film's poster.
"Yeah. I'd have more faith if the exiled prince made it..." a dwarf shook his head.
"I know the director - Amon Oblivion from Morningstar. He might surprise us," offered someone familiar with the industry.
Despite widespread skepticism and media outlets fueling doubts, advance tickets sold well. Though Arthur hadn't directed it, his name as writer drew his dedicated fans.
***
"Enter the Dragon" premiered in Horn Kingdom, then swept across continents the next day - screening simultaneously in Morningstar, Thorn Kingdom, Japon, Choson, Bharat Kingdom, and Empirica.
The film's success was immediate - earning 8 million dollars on opening day, then surging to 29 million on its second day.
As days passed, the box office numbers continued climbing, outperforming even VFX-heavy blockbusters from industry giants like Science Pictures and Loop Records.
The film resonated particularly strongly across Anatolia - dominating markets in Morningstar, Thorn, Japon, Choson, and Bharat.
Empirica's response proved more modest, yet the film sparked an unexpected cultural shift - igniting widespread interest in martial arts.
In Angels City, Empirica, martial arts academies found themselves flooded with new enrollments.
Similar waves swept through Morningstar, Horn, Thorn, Japon, and Choson.
"I want to be Bruce Lee!" became a common cry among eager teenagers.
Even adults could be caught mimicking Bruce Lee's signature moves.
The name "Bruce Lee" spread rapidly through the kingdoms. His prominence in "Enter the Dragon" was undeniable, his name featured boldly on posters alongside Arthur and Amon's.
His impact reached far beyond box office numbers. He inspired countless admirers to pursue martial arts - though one young student, Jackie Chan, took a different path.
Mesmerized by the film, Jackie abandoned his martial arts school - infuriating the Chan family.
Yet he remained determined to follow Bruce Lee's footsteps, not as a martial artist, but as an actor who could bring martial arts to the screen.
***
Weeks passed since "Enter the Dragon's" debut. By November 28, 1272, as the film's popularity naturally declined, HOLLOW and Waves Corporation hosted a joint conference that would change entertainment forever.
The gathered reporters fell silent as the companies revealed their groundbreaking products - a color television and VHS player.
"This is extraordinary!" a reporter exclaimed.
"The picture quality is incredible - films playing on TV in perfect color!" another journalist marveled, studying the display.
"Unlike projectors with their dim images and complicated setup, our TV delivers crystal-clear, colored pictures at the touch of a button," the HOLLOW executive explained.
The reporters watched, transfixed.
The Waves Corporation executive stepped forward. "The VHS player makes it all possible. These compact tapes store entire films, ready to play in perfect color whenever you wish!"
"The Demonfather" continued playing on screen, demonstrating the system's capabilities.
When asked about the initial release location, the announcement surprised the press corps - Horn Kingdom would receive the technology first.
"Horn Kingdom? Why not Empirica or the Mech Nation?" a reporter questioned.
Una, HOLLOW's CEO, smiled. "Because we owe this innovation to Arthur Morningstar, a Horn citizen. This color TV and VHS player are his creations. It's only fitting to launch in the inventor's homeland."
The revelation sent a ripple of astonishment through the assembled press.
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