บท 154: My Organization
(3rd Person POV)
Several masked figures converged on the rooftop where Arthur and Sylwen's trail ended.
"The footprints stop here," the man in the dog mask observed, studying the roof's surface.
"Our investigation shows the elf operative codenamed Lala wasn't alone," another figure reported as they landed.
"Evidence suggests Lala was taken against her will," a third masked operative added.
The dog-masked man straightened. "With no traces leading down or across other rooftops, her captor must possess flight capabilities." He paused thoughtfully. "To subdue Lala, one of our most competent operatives, and possess the power of flight... This individual cannot be taken lightly."
The other masked figures nodded in agreement.
Flying techniques, after all, belonged to the realm of ancient magic - a rare and powerful art few could master.
***
Arthur descended onto the hotel rooftop with Sylwen, his wings dissolving as he slipped through his room's window with practiced ease.
He set Sylwen down unceremoniously, like placing a lightweight package.
"What do you plan to do with me?" Sylwen's eyes darted around the room, her imagination clearly spiraling toward darker possibilities.
She feared Arthur intended to... take advantage of her position!
Reading her expression, Arthur decided to tease her. He lifted her suddenly and tossed her onto the king-sized bed.
Sylwen swallowed hard, watching Arthur's intense gaze. "You'll regret this..." she muttered.
"Regret what?" Arthur asked innocently.
"For... for taking advantage of me!" Sylwen burst out. "Now I understand why a demon - a royal demon no less - would act so caring! Your true intentions are clear! You're despicable!"
Arthur's smile widened. "What are you talking about? What intentions?" He shook his head. "I simply thought you could use some rest. Are you perhaps misunderstanding something?"
"You're not... not going to take advantage of me? My body?" Sylwen's disbelief was palpable.
Arthur studied her for a moment. "Take advantage of your body?" He paused thoughtfully. "Hehe, I'll admit you're beautiful with a stunning figure. But I'll pass."
His tone softened. "I have a beautiful girlfriend, remember? She's more beautiful than you."
Sylwen's face tightened at the mention of his girlfriend. She bit her lower lip, defiance flashing in her eyes. "No way she's more beautiful than me!"
"Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder," Arthur shrugged casually. "Perhaps you are more beautiful objectively, but I find Firfel more attractive." Then, with deliberate gentleness, he added, "Sorry."
That simple 'sorry' sent color flooding to Sylwen's cheeks. The casual dismissal stung more than she expected.
"Here, so you don't bite your tongue," Arthur said, securing a handkerchief around her mouth.
"Hmm!" Sylwen's protests became muffled.
"I'll be back." Arthur left her to stew in her thoughts.
In the hotel's dining area, he spotted Firfel and Vivienne at their usual table.
"Where have you been?" Firfel asked as he approached. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
Arthur settled into his chair with an easy smile. "Just handling some business."
The women accepted this with quiet nods. Arthur ordered from the menu, enjoying a peaceful meal with them before carefully broaching the subject.
"Firfel, does the name Sylwen mean anything to you?"
The question visibly startled her. "Where did you hear that name?"
"Met an elf woman earlier," Arthur explained. "She introduced herself as Sylwen. Asked quite a bit about you."
"Really?" Firfel stood abruptly. "Where is she? Can you tell me?"
Arthur sighed softly. "She left. Asked specifically that you not look for her."
Firfel sank back into her chair reluctantly. Vivienne watched the exchange with quiet interest.
"What did she want to know about me?" Firfel's voice carried an edge of tension.
"Simple things," Arthur kept his tone casual. "How you've been lately, if you're doing well. That sort of thing." He added carefully, "I answered her questions. She seemed satisfied with what she heard."
Firfel released a weighted sigh, her expression a complex mix of emotions.
"You know her, Firf?" Vivienne probed gently.
'Perfect timing, Vivienne!' Arthur silently approved, turning his full attention to Firfel.
Firfel's shoulders sagged with a heavy sigh. "Sylwen is my half-sister." Her voice softened. "Mother's firstborn... from another man..." The words seemed to catch in her throat.
Vivienne nodded encouragingly, sensing the weight of the revelation.
"Father accepted mother despite everything, but Sylwen..." Firfel's expression darkened with old pain. "She received nothing but cold treatment from both of them." Her voice carried years of guilt. "When I turned thirteen, she finally left. Said she'd make her own way in the world."
"That's heartbreaking," Vivienne murmured, genuine sympathy in her tone.
Firfel nodded slowly, memories clearly playing behind her eyes. The casual cruelty her parents showed Sylwen, their utter indifference when she left - they hadn't even attempted to search for their eldest daughter.
Arthur absorbed this information with growing discomfort. 'So the sharp-tongued woman has her own wounds,' he reflected. The pieces of Sylwen's personality began falling into place.
"Well, I'm full," he announced, rising from his chair. "See you later, girls."
Both women nodded, barely registering his departure as they remained deep in conversation about Sylwen.
As Arthur walked away, fragments of their continued discussion drifted after him, painting an ever more complex picture of his captive's past.
***
(Arthur POV)
Returning to my hotel room, I found Sylwen still on the bed, the handkerchief across her mouth. Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling, tears streaming silently down her face.
I sighed softly, settling beside her. Gently, I wiped the tears from her cheeks.
She barely reacted to my presence. I continued dabbing at her tears with careful movements. "Everything will be fine. Don't worry too much about your organization. They pose no threat to me."
Sylwen shook her head at my attempt at reassurance.
She struggled to speak against the cloth, "Hmph-"
I quickly removed the handkerchief.
"I have nowhere to go," she said, voice raw with emotion. "The organization I served for years will hunt me down. I'm completely alone."
My heart tightened at her words. "What are you talking about? Nowhere to go?" I challenged gently. "That's not true at all. After all, I'm here."
Sylwen shot me a skeptical look that clearly said 'you?'
"Don't look at me like I'm unreliable," I protested. "Didn't you witness my power firsthand? I'm more capable than you think."
"Sure," Sylwen chuckled, clearly humoring me.
"You still don't believe in me?" I asked, noting her continued doubt despite our earlier confrontation.
Sylwen just gave me that same skeptical look.
"I'm being completely honest," I insisted. "I have my own organization. If you want, it could become your new home."
"Really?" Sylwen's tone remained playfully doubtful. "What's the name of this organization of yours?"
"Name?" My mind raced frantically - I hadn't expected to invent an organization on the spot.
Hellfire Organization was out of the question - far too obvious.
A secret organization needed proper distance from my public ventures. Any clear connection to my companies would instantly expose my bluff.
"My organization is called 'Hellsing Organization'," I heard myself say within seconds.
Not bad at all. It had the right mysterious ring to it.
Sylwen's thoughtful expression suggested she was buying it. "Hellsing Organization... Never heard of it..."
"Naturally," I cleared my throat with practiced confidence. "We operate in absolute secrecy. Our members are exceptionally powerful, all masters of advanced martial arts. They command techniques like the one I used to shatter your mask's barrier."
Sylwen fell into contemplative silence. My fabrication seemed to be taking root.
"So joining your organization means learning these martial arts and secret techniques?" She asked, genuine interest creeping into her voice. "The ones capable of breaking through powerful shields?"
I nodded firmly. "Absolutely. I'll personally oversee your training if you wish."
Sylwen weighed her options before speaking. "Alright. I'll join your organization... I hope this isn't a decision I'll regret."
"You won't," I assured her, internally sighing with relief.
At least I'd given her something to live for.
[Hidden Quest: You successfully created a secret organization and recruited one member!]
'Well,' I thought, eyeing the notification. 'This just got interesting.'
บท 155: Intentions for Japon
(Arthur POV)
The reward notification gave me pause: [You may grant your first subordinate one of the following abilities as a unique skill. Choose carefully, as each will enhance your team in different ways.]
[Select an Ability:
1. Silent Step
Description: Grants the power of soundless movement, perfect for stealth operations or surprise attacks. Mastery unlocks advanced techniques like Phase Step or Ghostly Echo.
2. False Visage
Description: Enables complete transformation of appearance, voice, and scent. Ideal for infiltration or deception. Mastery permits upgrades to Perfect Guise and Charmed Image.
3. Arcane Overload
Description: Amplifies magical power by 200%, though overuse carries risks. Future enhancements include Mana Shield and Controlled Surge.]
[Please select an ability to grant your subordinate. Choice is permanent.]
Each ability held tremendous potential. Like choosing between perfect women, I wished I could have them all - but life rarely offers that luxury.
Given Sylwen's situation, {False Visage} seemed most practical. With her organization hunting her, the ability to alter her appearance completely would prove invaluable for evading detection.
The moment I confirmed my choice, Sylwen's eyes glazed over, her consciousness clearly processing the new ability.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Information suddenly flooded Sylwen's mind. Through her initial confusion, understanding of {False Visage} crystallized with startling clarity.
"It seems you've received my organization's ability," Arthur observed casually.
Sylwen whirled to face him, shock evident in her expression. "That ability I just inherited... it came from you?"
Arthur nodded, offering a mysterious smile. "That's right," he lied smoothly. "Every new member receives a suitable ability when joining our ranks."
He savored the hint of shock and admiration in Sylwen's expression.
"You are entirely different from the rumors, Arthur Morningstar..." She spoke with genuine disbelief. "You are far more capable than your reputation suggests. People know you as weak and magically incompetent, talented only in entertainment, but it seems everyone was wrong."
Arthur smiled as he dissolved the ropes binding her with a casual wave. "They merely judged the book by its cover." A confident gleam flickered in his eyes. "I am skilled in combat and possess many abilities. After all, how could I aspire to become king if entertainment was my only talent?"
Sylwen's eyes widened at his words. Without hesitation, she dropped to one knee before him. "Now that I am part of your organization, I pledge to follow your commands without question. I will help you claim your rightful place as demon king!"
Arthur hadn't expected such earnest dedication to his casual remark, but played along. "Use the ability I granted you to avoid detection from your pursuers."
Sylwen nodded, her form shifting until she resembled a local fox demon of Nihhon City.
Arthur thoughtfully stroked his chin as he guided her transformation, drawing from memories of his previous life. Soon, she mirrored the appearance of a famous actress.
He led her to meet Firfel and Vivienne, introducing her as "Megan Fox," his newest talent.
The two women exchanged suspicious glances.
"Are you certain she isn't..." Vivienne whispered, careful to keep 'Megan' from hearing, "a courtesan you've taken a fancy to?"
Firfel blushed at the suggestion, eyeing Arthur questioningly.
"Show some respect," Arthur frowned. "Megan is a skilled performer."
"My apologies," Vivienne said contritely. "It's just rather common in this city."
Arthur smoothed over the situation with additional explanations while Sylwen, masquerading as Megan, attempted polite conversation with Firfel and Vivienne.
Despite her efforts at friendliness, her discomfort around Firfel remained obvious.
Arthur noticed her strained demeanor and reached out telepathically. "Act more naturally with Firfel. Your hatred toward your parents shouldn't extend to her - she genuinely cares about you as her half-sister."
Following his guidance, Sylwen forced herself to interact with Firfel more warmly.
Firfel returned her smiles, sensing something oddly familiar about Megan. "I'd love to see some of your previous work... Which films have you been in?"
Before Sylwen could flounder, Arthur interjected smoothly, "She's worked mainly as an extra so far, still waiting for her breakthrough role."
Firfel and Vivienne nodded sympathetically, knowing extras often ended up cut from final productions.
"I actually admire both of you," Sylwen offered, carefully repeating Arthur's telepathic prompts.
She turned to Firfel first. "Your performances in Demonfather and Lord of the Rings were incredible."
"What about me?" Vivienne asked playfully.
"Um..." Sylwen waited for Arthur's mental cue before continuing, "I know you from Demonfather and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
"Hmm." Vivienne's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why do I get the feeling you're not sure what you're talking about?"
"I..." Sylwen struggled to respond.
Vivienne's face broke into a grin. "Just teasing you!"
Sylwen managed an awkward laugh while Arthur shook his head at her obvious difficulties navigating the conversation.
***
A few days into his Japon stay, while recruiting artists for his animation studio, Arthur began contemplating a film project inspired by Nihhon City itself.
The city's architecture and atmosphere reminded him of Japan before its economic boom - the contrast between wealthy districts and poor quarters sparked his creativity. The setting seemed perfect for filming "Seven Samurai."
Local politicians had welcomed Arthur and Hellfire Studio warmly during meetings two days prior, even arranging an audience with Japon's royal prince - Akuma Yasushi.
Hours later, in one of the city's most prestigious restaurants, Arthur found himself face-to-face with the third prince of the royal Akuma family.
Yasushi lounged in his seat with casual elegance, one leg crossed over the other, his single bull-like horn on his forehead catching the light. His posture projected both royal authority and modern sophistication.
Arthur bowed with precise respect. "It's an honor to meet the prince of Japon. I deeply appreciate you taking time for this meeting."
From his relaxed position, Yasushi regarded Arthur with measured interest. "Your reputation precedes you. Beyond being Morningstar Kingdom's infamous prince, you've made quite a name in entertainment."
Arthur smiled diplomatically. "That I have."
"Please, sit," Yasushi gestured.
As Arthur took his seat, the prince's guards tensed visibly, their cold eyes fixed on him until Yasushi calmed them with a subtle hand motion.
"I hear you're planning a film about Japon samurai. This interests me greatly," Yasushi leaned forward slightly. "I appreciate you seeking our people's consent before depicting samurai culture. We're protective of how our history is interpreted."
"It's only proper," Arthur responded. "Understanding samurai culture requires insight from those who truly know their legacy."
Yasushi nodded thoughtfully. "I know many samurai you could consult." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Though I wonder - why film in our kingdom when your VFX Studio could recreate any setting?"
"VFX Studio has its limitations," Arthur replied candidly. "More importantly..." He met Yasushi's gaze directly. "I aim to establish connections within your kingdom."
A glint of understanding flashed in Yasushi's eyes.
"I see," he said simply.
"Consider the tourism benefits," Arthur continued. "Once people see the film, they'll want to visit the actual locations."
"Valid point." Yasushi's tone grew measured. "But I sense your interests in my kingdom run deeper..."
Arthur's smile turned appreciative. "Perceptive."
"So my instincts were correct. You harbor other motives," Yasushi stated, his eyes sharp.
Arthur nodded, his thoughts running beyond mere artist recruitment. His vision included establishing manufacturing operations in Japon - specifically for Hellfire Electronics.
The kingdom's lower labor costs compared to Horn made it ideal for his future production needs. He was eyeing similar opportunities in Thorn and other Anatolian nations.
His planned product line - Hellfire Console, Hellfire Computer, Hellfire VHS, Hellfire TV, and more - would need efficient, cost-effective manufacturing bases. Nations like Japon and Thorn, with their competitive labor markets, could make these ambitious production goals achievable.
Japon's workforce particularly appealed to him - their combination of skill and reasonable wages could streamline his electronics production significantly.
Arthur laid out his plans openly to the prince - and Yasushi visibly appreciated his straightforward approach.
While the prince seemed receptive to supporting Arthur's ambitions, he'd need to navigate the proper channels through the king and royal advisors.
During his two weeks in Japon, Arthur had cultivated relationships with local politicians and major studio heads. Now he departed with his expanded group - Firfel, Vivienne, and their newest addition, Sylwen disguised as Megan.
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