บท 221: New Entertainment Product
(Elena POV)
"We have no choice. We must seek the help of at least one champion, along with several sacred knights. This cult must be eliminated." The words cut through the chamber like a blade.
My hands froze mid-polish, heart skipping a beat before I forced myself to continue cleaning. Inside, I prayed desperately that the other high-ranking members would reject such an extreme measure.
Champions and sacred knights - the mere thought of such powerful figures targeting our faith filled me with terror.
In my years serving the Solarus Temple, I'd always regarded champions with awe and admiration. Their power was legendary - a single champion could level entire city blocks if they wished. The stories of their feats had once thrilled me. Now, hearing them discussed as weapons against our faith, that same power turned my blood to ice.
"I believe that is our only choice." High Inquisitor Thaddeus's agreement confirmed my worst fears.
"While we're mobilizing such forces," High Priest Eryndor added, "perhaps we could request the champion's aid in dealing with the other troublesome cults in our city as well."
Thaddeus shifted in his seat. "We must be cautious in how we approach this. Champions are proud, easily offended. Still..." he paused thoughtfully, "I will make the request and see what can be arranged."
The other priests and templar elders murmured their gratitude, praising Thaddeus's wisdom and dedication to purging heresy.
The moment I could slip away, I rushed to my chambers, hands trembling as I summoned my sacred scroll.
Kneeling before it, I clasped my hands in urgent prayer, spending 3 Faith Points to send warnings through the divine network to all scroll-bearing followers.
After confirming the message had sent, I collapsed against my bed, heart racing. "Please," I whispered to the empty room, "let our brothers and sisters escape before the champion arrives."
The church's dungeons held many dark secrets - I'd heard enough whispered stories during my years as a sister to know what fate awaited cultists who fell into Solarus's hands. The thought of our followers facing such torments made me sick with worry.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Two days after the Elder Bane Asylum incident, Horn City's initial panic had begun to subside. With no signs of the feared patient rampage, citizens gradually returned to their normal routines.
Meanwhile, Arthur's divine power had surged dramatically - 528 new Divine Points flowing into his reserves. The Faith Point reward system had proven remarkably effective, motivating followers to not only expand their numbers but deepen their own devotion. Even recent converts were showing stronger faith after experiencing the sacred scrolls' benefits firsthand.
In his office, Arthur browsed the Divine Shop's extensive catalog, considering his next investment carefully.
[Divine Shop
Foundational Divine Items:
Soul Collection Vase (2,000 DP)
- Stores excess divine energy
- Preserves follower prayers
- Emergency power source
Mind Link Mirror (3,000 DP)
-Connects to multiple followers simultaneously
- Shows follower locations
- Enables mass communication]
[Divine Tools:
Authority Crown (4,000 DP)
-Strengthens divine commands
-Increases follower loyalty
-Improves blessing effectiveness
Domain Crystal (5,000 DP)
- Establishes divine territory
- Creates worship zones
- Strengthens local influence
Sanctuary Sphere (8,000 DP)
- Creates undetectable safe zones for followers
-Doubles divine point generation during prayer
-Shields against Lesser Exalted Mortal detection
-Automatically conceals divine energy signatures
-Generates basic sustenance for inhabitants]
Arthur leaned back in his chair, considering his options. With 528 Divine Points currently available, he couldn't afford any of these items yet. However, the rate of point generation suggested he might reach the required amount sooner than expected.
"I need that Sanctuary Sphere before the champion arrives," Arthur muttered, closing the divine shop interface. Elena's warning about an incoming champion had complicated matters significantly.
Based on the information, this champion is approximately at the 'Exalted Mortal' level, a ranking Arthur had only learned about a few weeks ago.
According to Elena's reports, champions who reached this level could devastate entire city blocks with their power. While their exact capabilities remained uncertain, the threat was serious enough that Arthur believed the Sanctuary Sphere could provide crucial protection - at least against champion at the lesser stage of this level.
Arthur had already ordered his followers to evacuate Angel City where possible. While hundreds had departed, many remained bound to the city.
Levi Strauss couldn't abandon "Levi Pictures" in the middle of producing "Cool Hand Jake." Others were equally tied down - established careers, ongoing missions, and stable Faith Point income kept them rooted in place.
Shaking these concerns from his mind, Arthur focused on tomorrow's milestone. July 7, 1274 would mark the launch of his company's first video game console.
The Hellfire Entertainment System - H.E.S. for short - had been teased just a week ago. The commercial on Hellfire Network had given viewers only tantalizing glimpses of what was to come.
His game team had completed their flagship title, "Music Legends Quest."
They'd also enhanced several Hellscape Center arcade favorites - "Tetris," "Space Invader," and "Ping Pong" now featured improved graphics beyond their arcade versions.
***
At 11 AM, the Hellfire press conference began. Camera flashes illuminated Arthur as he stood on stage beside a sleek black console and television set.
"Today, we launch an entertainment product that will revolutionize how people experience their TVs," Arthur announced, gesturing to the H.E.S. on the presentation table. "Think of it as a specialized computer, though more focused in scope. While it can't match a computer's versatility, it offers something entirely unique."
Major network cameras tracked his every movement as he lifted a small rectangular cartridge from the table. "This may look simple," he said, holding it up for all to see, "but inside lies an entire world—"
"What do you mean?" a journalist called out, pen poised over notepad.
Arthur's smile held a hint of mystery. "Let me show you." He slid the cartridge into the H.E.S. with a satisfying click.
The television screen flickered to life. First came the Hellfire logo, drawing curious murmurs from the assembled press.
The words "New Game" appeared as a familiar melody filled the air - a stripped-down version of Queen's "We Are The Champions," its notes transformed into simple electronic tones that somehow retained the original's triumphant spirit.
The assembled journalists stared at the screen with a mix of confusion and skepticism. The technology might be novel, but its purpose remained unclear.
"What exactly are we looking at? Seems like a low-quality cartoon," one journalist called out, adjusting his glasses dismissively.
"Those familiar with our arcade machines will recognize this," Arthur explained, lifting the controller. "This isn't just animation - it's a video game. You control what happens on screen."
To demonstrate, he pressed start and selected James as his character. The simple electronic melody of a transformed Nirvana song filled the room as James wielded his guitar against approaching enemies, the colorful pixels dancing across the screen with each attack.
The press corps fell silent, their earlier skepticism giving way to curiosity as they watched the character respond to Arthur's commands. The home viewers, visible through the live broadcast monitors, leaned closer to their screens.
"Entertaining, isn't it?" Arthur asked, met only with contemplative silence. He chuckled, recognizing their struggle to process this new form of entertainment.
"You, sir," he pointed to a journalist in the third row. "Why don't you try it yourself? Tell us what you think."
The chosen reporter approached cautiously, accepting the controller with visible uncertainty. "What do I do with this?"
Arthur guided him through the basics - which buttons made James jump, attack, move. After a minute of fumbling, something clicked. The journalist's posture changed, his initial stiffness melting away as he became absorbed in the game.
When his character finally fell to an enemy, Arthur reached for the controller. "Your thoughts?"
The journalist hesitated, his professional detachment warring with unexpected enthusiasm. "I... well... it's quite..." He cleared his throat. "I had... more fun than I expected."
His fingers lingered on the controller as Arthur tried to take it back. "Actually, how much does this device cost?"
Arthur suppressed a knowing smile. The first conversion to video games had begun.
---
---
---
For advanced chapters, go check p@treon.com/NewComer714.
บท 222: Overprice
Anticipation filled the press room as Arthur noted the growing curiosity about pricing. Camera flashes punctuated the silence while reporters leaned forward in their seats.
"The Hellfire Entertainment System will retail for 45 dollars," Arthur announced simply.
The silence lasted precisely three seconds before the room erupted.
"45 dollars? For a toy?" A voice cut through the chaos, dripping with derision.
"That's TV pricing territory!" another shouted.
"Actually," someone countered, "basic TV models are down to 40-42 dollars now."
The skepticism spread like wildfire through the crowd. "Who would spend that much on controlling cartoon characters?"
"What's the point of this device anyway?"
Arthur raised his hands for quiet, waiting until the clamor subsided. "Before we continue with questions, let's hear from someone who's actually experienced it." He turned to the journalist still hovering near the console. "You've played it. What are your thoughts on the price point?"
The journalist found himself under the scrutiny of every camera and notebook in the room. He glanced at the screen, still displaying "Game Over" in vibrant pixels, then back at his colleagues' expectant faces.
"The price is... substantial," he began carefully, weighing each word. "But the concept is interesting. The level of engagement, the way it pulls you in..." He paused, visibly struggling between professional detachment and genuine enthusiasm. "I found it genuinely entertaining."
"How much did Hellfire pay for that endorsement?" The cynical shout from the back triggered scattered laughter throughout the press room.
Despite the mockery, another journalist raised a crucial question: "Given the console's price point, will 'games' copies be included?"
The television audience leaned forward, hoping for some consolation. Arthur's simple "No" dashed those hopes immediately. "Games will be sold separately."
"What? Why?" The incredulous response echoed through the room.
Arthur maintained his composed smile. "As you can see, this games, stored in a cartridge, is a groundbreaking new technology. It's unlike anything the world has seen before, and creating something this advanced comes at a significant cost."
The room filled with mutters and whispers until someone finally asked about pricing. The response - 10 dollars for "Music Legends Quest" and 8 dollars for games like "Tetris" - sent another wave of disbelief through the crowd.
"So not only do we pay for the console," a voice called out, "but we keep paying for every game?"
"The pricing reflects the reality of creating new entertainment technology," Arthur replied evenly. "Each cartridge is a sophisticated piece of equipment, not simply a recording or a toy."
The murmurs among the journalists grew louder, skepticism rippling through the room.
"I believe we'll conclude here," Arthur cut in smoothly. "The H.E.S. launches today at all Hellscape locations. Experience it yourselves before passing judgment." His smile carried a hint of knowing confidence. "Thank you for your time."
---
Outside the Hellfire building, journalists and cameramen clustered in small groups, their initial politeness giving way to open skepticism.
"Disappointing," a senior reporter shook his head. "After the computer, I expected something revolutionary from our 'exiled prince.' Seems we set our hopes too high."
"That teaser on Hellfire Network had us all fooled," another added, packing away his notepad. "Made it sound like another computer-level breakthrough. Instead, we get an expensive toy."
A cameraman lowered his equipment, joining the conversation. "Speaking of computers, heard Dark Electronics might buy the patent rights. Big money involved."
"Wouldn't surprise me," his journalist companion nodded. "Dark Electronics doesn't throw billions around unless something's worth it. And lately, every major company wants computer technology."
"Computer sales already hit 1.5 billion," someone chimed in. "Production costs aside, Hellfire must be swimming in hundreds of millions."
"The computer and barcode systems - those are his real golden geese," a veteran reporter observed. "He could abandon entertainment entirely, focus on technology. Instead, he's pricing children's toys like luxury items."
A younger journalist grinned, already drafting his headline in the air with dramatic flair. "'Exiled Prince's Latest Venture: 45 Dollar Toy Promises New Worlds, Delivers Expensive Headache.' How's that sound?"
Laughter rippled through the group. None of them noticed the solitary figure still clutching a controller inside the building, sneaking in another game before security cleared the room.
***
The live broadcast of Hellfire's conference rippled through Horn City, triggering immediate reactions in homes across the kingdom.
"Forty-five dollars for a toy?" A mother of three shook her head at her television. "He lost his mind. Only the wealthy can afford such luxuries!"
In a cramped apartment, a lone demon clicked off his TV in disappointment. "All that hype for this?"
At the Corner Cup Café, where Saturday regulars gathered for their weekly meetup, the announcement played on the wall-mounted TV. A bull-demon nursed his coffee, grimacing at the price. "Maybe with my Winter Day bonus, I could get one for my kid..."
"Why waste good money?" his friend countered. "It's just a fancy toy."
Yet despite the widespread criticism, thousands flooded into Hellscape Centers across the city. Whether driven by curiosity or genuine interest, they packed the Hellfire Electronics sections by noon.
At the main Hellscape Center, a succubus saleswoman fielded endless questions about the console. Her rehearsed smile never wavered, even as skeptics challenged her.
"How can you justify this price for a child's plaything?" a customer demanded.
The saleswoman's crimson lips curved into a practiced smile. "While it might appear simple, the H.E.S. contains technology rivaling our computers. We're talking integrated circuits, picture processing units, audio processing units - components so advanced most people wouldn't grasp their complexity." Her tone carried just enough condescension to sting.
Several customers bristled at her implied insult, but their indignation couldn't mask their confusion at the technical terms.
"Can't you explain it in plain language?" a demon growled, tail lashing in annoyance.
"Of course," she replied smoothly. "Think of it as a simplified computer, designed purely for entertainment. All the complex technology, made user-friendly enough for anyone to enjoy."
"Could I try it myself?" A voice cut through the murmuring crowd.
The group parted to reveal a monkey demon in simple but immaculate clothing. While others might have missed the subtle signs, the saleswoman's experienced eye caught them all - the perfect posture, the quiet confidence, the way his clothes, though plain, were perfectly tailored. This was wealth that didn't need to announce itself.
"Certainly," the succubus's tone shifted to silk-smooth professionalism. "We encourage customers to experience our products firsthand." She gestured toward a demonstration setup nearby. "We have everything ready for testing - both the H.E.S. and a television display."
The monkey demon offered a gracious smile as he took his seat. "Most kind of you."
"Please, take all the time you need," she said, her earlier condescension replaced with genuine warmth.
"If this proves impressive," he mused, settling into position, "my son might find one under the Winter Day tree."
The saleswoman beamed. "Children find such joy in these games." The watching crowd noted her dramatic shift in demeanor, several rolling their eyes at her obvious attention to a promising customer.
As the succubus guided him through starting the game, selecting Frederick as his character, something unexpected happened. The monkey demon's expression changed. His initial polite interest transformed into genuine absorption as Frederick moved across the screen, responding to each press of the controller buttons. The magical attacks, the moving platforms, the advancing enemies - all of it pulled him deeper into this new form of entertainment.
The music swelled as Frederick approached the first mini-boss in stage 1-1. The watching crowd, initially skeptical, found themselves drawn closer to the screen. Their earlier dismissiveness faded as they watched the battle unfold in vibrant colors and fluid movement.
The broadcast hadn't done it justice. In person, the bright displays and dynamic action created something genuinely captivating. Even customers who'd come for computers or the Hellfire OS 1.5 drifted over to watch, while salespeople balanced their duties with curious glances at the gameplay.
Ten minutes slipped by unnoticed. The monkey demon remained focused on his character's journey until a final miscalculation led to his game over. Before he could even rise from his seat, another customer stepped forward.
"May I try it?"
The monkey demon nodded, surrendering his position with surprising reluctance.
The succubus saleswoman materialized beside him, her professional smile firmly in place. "Your thoughts, sir? Did it change your perspective on television entertainment?"
"Indeed it did," he replied without hesitation. "I'll take three units."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly at the unexpected quantity.
"And the game I just played," he added firmly.
The saleswoman's smile widened as she guided him toward the display of "Music Legends Quest" cartridges. "Excellent choice, sir. You might also enjoy 'Tetris' - it's another of our popular titles." She gestured toward a row of additional game options, sensing a significant sale in progress.
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