บท 105: Noble Demon?
(Arthur POV)
As I exited the office, my crew's eyes widened at the sight of my shredded clothes.
"What happened to you, boss?!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Haha, don't worry about it," I said, trying to sound casual. "Just a small... accident."
Embarrassment bubbled up inside me as I made my way to the male hot tub. I quickly stripped, grabbed a towel, and sunk into the warm water.
For ten minutes, I relaxed, my mind racing with thoughts of my new ability to transform, fly, and who knows what else. Eventually, I stood up and quietly borrowed some clothes hanging nearby.
Just as I finished dressing, a demon exited the hot tub. "Bo-boss! Those are my clothes!"
"Oh, these?" I said nonchalantly. "I'll repay you. For now, I need to borrow them."
"But..."
One look from me was enough. He nodded in understanding.
As I left the hot tub area, I found Klein waiting outside. "Oh right, you had something to report?"
"It's about our talents, boss..." Klein said, his tone uncharacteristically solemn.
Hmm? This didn't sound good.
"Tell me," I said, bracing myself for whatever news was coming.
***
(3rd Person POV)
A few hours before Arthur's transformation, Clint and Benny had decided to celebrate the huge success of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."
Though Clint and Benny had only been living in Horn City for a few weeks, they'd wasted no time exploring the local nightlife. Among the handful of bars they'd discovered, one stood out: "Hidden Bar."
As Clint and Benny entered the Hidden Bar, the reality of their newfound fame was still sinking in.
"I still can't believe this is happening to me," Clint said, a mix of excitement and disbelief in his voice. "Suddenly becoming so famous... My manager even said Empirican major studios want me in their films."
Benny sighed, a rueful smile on his face. "Me too. I'm just a sixty-year-old man. Never imagined I'd become famous at this age."
Their conversation was interrupted by an excited voice. "Hey, aren't you Blondie and Tuco from that western film?"
Clint chuckled, "Yeah, that's us. But I'm Clint, and he's Benny."
"Wow. Can I have an autograph?"
Everything was happening so fast. Just weeks ago, they could walk into a bar unnoticed. Now, they were surrounded like... well, celebrities. Which, they realized with a start, they actually were now.
As more people approached, asking for autographs, Clint and Benny exchanged a look. This was their new reality, and while exciting, it was also a bit overwhelming.
Clint and Benny had come to Hidden Bar to celebrate, but they couldn't get a moment to themselves. Fans kept approaching, getting too touchy and demanding their attention, making it impossible for the actors to enjoy their evening.
Fortunately, the bar manager, a succubus named Alissa, noticed their predicament and swooped in to rescue them. "Follow me," she said, leading them to the VIP room.
"Thank you, Alissa," Clint said, gratitude evident in his voice. He and Alissa had grown close over the past few weeks, even before his sudden rise to fame. She'd always treated him and Benny well, and Clint had found himself drawn to her.
Alissa smiled warmly. "Come on, I'm the bar manager here. Looking after my customers is the least I can do."
Benny, never one to miss an opportunity for playful jabs, interjected, "Haha! Suddenly all concerned about customers, are we?" He grinned mischievously. "Just a few days ago, I saw you beat down some young troublemakers and kick out the folks cheering them on!"
Alissa chuckled, unfazed. "That was different."
Clint nudged Benny as they settled into their seats, a silent request to ease up on the teasing.
Benny noticed the growing closeness between Clint and Alissa. He shook his head, thinking, 'Who would've thought this guy would find a love life so quickly in a foreign city?'
Indeed, just a few weeks ago, Horn City had been completely alien to them.
The jovial atmosphere shattered as trouble barged in. Alissa's eyes widened in recognition and fear. A group entered their VIP room, led by none other than Caleb Diamond - a music star famous throughout Horn Kingdom and beyond.
"What are you doing here?" Alissa's voice trembled.
Clint, sensing her distress, asked, "Who are they, Alissa?"
Caleb chuckled darkly, hands in his pockets as he eyed Clint and Benny through fancy sunglasses. "Just checking out who you've been... associating with lately."
"Leave!" Alissa demanded, pointing at the door.
Caleb's gaze turned icy as it settled on Clint. "You... What's your relationship with Alissa?"
"My relationships are none of your damn business, Caleb!" Alissa shouted.
"Quiet!" Caleb snapped, but Alissa, fueled by anger and fear, hurled a liquor bottle at him. Caleb gestured to his men, who moved to restrain her.
Clint jumped up, eyes wide. "What the hell? Don't touch her!"
"Just run, Clint!" Alissa pleaded, clearly more concerned for his safety than her own.
Caleb's voice dripped with venom. "So he's your new boy? Trying to replace me? That's not happening."
Benny watched helplessly as the situation spiraled. Clint, unable to stand by, fought back but was quickly overwhelmed by Caleb and his group.
As fists flew and bottles shattered, the celebratory night had devolved into chaos. The VIP room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a cage, with Clint and Benny trapped in a confrontation they never saw coming.
***
(Arthur POV)
I listened intently as Klein recounted what happened to Clint and Benny, my eyes growing cold. "How are they? Are Clint and Benny okay?"
Klein sighed heavily. "They're in the hospital, boss. But... they're not in good shape." He hesitated before adding, "They could recover quickly with some high-grade healing potions and a skilled healer, but that'll cost tens of thousands."
I nodded decisively. "Hire the most reputable healer in the city. And get those medical potions. They're my talent - their appearance and health are paramount."
Klein asked hesitantly, "You'll cover the costs, boss?"
"What kind of question is that?" I shook my head, slightly annoyed. "Of course I'll cover it." Then, my tone sharpening, I asked, "You mentioned the culprit is Caleb Diamond?"
Klein nodded. "We've already got the legal team working on filing charges against him."
"Good," I said, "but it won't be easy. The guy's popular and influential." My eyes narrowed. "But I'll make sure Clint and Benny get justice, one way or another."
"What are you planning, boss?" Klein asked, concern evident in his voice.
I just smiled, offering no answer. My mind was already racing with possibilities, some of which Klein was probably better off not knowing.
As Klein left, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. No one messes with my talent and gets away with it. Caleb Diamond was about to learn that the hard way.
***
(3rd Person POV)
A day after Clint and Benny's beating, Caleb lounged in his penthouse, attempting to soothe his panicked manager.
"Relax, Veret. We've got nothing to worry about," Caleb said, exuding confidence.
Veret's voice cracked with anxiety. "Nothing to worry about?! Those guys you beat up aren't nobodies! They're rising stars! The media will be all over this!"
Caleb chuckled, waving off the concern. "Come on. Dad will handle it. He's got connections with politicians and newspaper bigwigs. We're covered."
Veret visibly relaxed at this assurance.
Seeing his manager calm down, Caleb's smirk widened. He felt invincible, his mind wandering to dangerous territory. 'No one can have Alissa but me,' he thought, then mused, 'Maybe I should pay those two a visit in the hospital, teach them a lasting lesson.'
Just as this cruel thought crossed his mind, the window exploded in a shower of glass.
"What the hell—" Veret's shout was cut short as a tall, imposing demon appeared in the shattered window frame.
Caleb's face contorted with rage. "Who the fuck are you? What do you think you're doing?!"
Instead of answering, the demon unfurled massive bat-like wings. Caleb and Veret's eyes widened in shock and fear.
The atmosphere in the penthouse shifted dramatically. The once-cocky Caleb found himself face-to-face with a being that radiated power and danger.
The unfurled wings left no doubt - this was a 'noble demon.' A higher ranking one at that.
Caleb and Veret stood transfixed, having never seen one in the flesh before. Such demons were exceedingly rare.
With a single flap of his wings, the demon sent a gust of wind that made Caleb and Veret stumble.
Caleb's demeanor changed instantly, his voice dripping with forced politeness. "I apologize for my earlier language. I didn't realize we were in the presence of a noble demon." He gestured at the broken window. "Please, don't worry about that. We can easily replace it."
Veret nodded frantically, like a bobblehead caught in an earthquake. "Absolutely! We're just... curious why a noble demon such as yourself would honor us with a visit?"
Caleb's ego couldn't resist chiming in. "Did you come to see me?" he asked, puffing up with pride. "I know I'm quite popular. My fame reaches far and wide. I can see why even a noble demon such as yourself were so excited to meet me that you didn't think twice about breaking a window to get in."
He continued, oblivious to the growing danger. "Would you like an autograph? I could even perform a song for you-"
His words were cut short as the demon suddenly appeared before him, fist connecting with Caleb's face. The impact sent him flying across the room.
Veret's eyes bulged in shock. "Wha-what?!" he sputtered, his earlier composure shattered.
The noble demon stood silently, his scarlet eyes burning with barely contained rage. It was clear that this was no social call, and Caleb's assumption of admiration couldn't have been further from the truth.
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บท 106: Unknown Assailant
(Arthur POV)
The sight of this Horn superstar, Caleb, filled me with disgust. His face showed no hint of remorse for what he'd done to Clint and Benny. The audacity of him bragging about his fame to me... Without hesitation, I closed the distance between us and planted my fist squarely in his face.
Boom!
Caleb crashed into the nearby wall, crumpling to the floor.
"Wh-what?!" The demon beside Caleb sputtered, pointing a shaky finger at me. "Why did you hurt my client?!"
I fixed him with a cold stare. "And you are?"
"I-I'm his mana-manager, Veret!" he stammered, trying to sound brave.
"You'd better leave before I decide to do something to you too," I warned.
Veret gulped, glancing at the unconscious Caleb before locking eyes with me once more. He didn't need telling twice - he bolted, panic written all over his face.
I knew he'd probably go for help, but I didn't care. I wasn't done with Caleb just yet.
I approached Caleb's limp form and roused him with a light punch. "Gah!" He jolted awake, pain etched across his features.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead. We're not done yet," I chuckled darkly.
"Why are you doing this?!" Caleb's voice trembled with fear and anger. "What did I do to you?!"
I flashed my vampire teeth in a cold smile. "Nothing. I just felt like beating someone today. Lucky you."
"Veret! Save me-" Caleb's cry died in his throat as he realized his manager had abandoned him.
"He left you to me," I informed him, my smile never wavering.
As Caleb's eyes widened in terror, I began the beating in earnest.
"Don't do it!"
"Please stop, I beg you!"
But his pleas fell on deaf ears. His shrieks of pain and agony filled the room as I exacted my revenge.
A few minutes later, I left Caleb battered on the ground. I made sure to leave him alive - I'm not a killer, after all. But I made damn sure he'd remember this lesson for a long, long time.
***
(3rd Person POV)
The next day, shocking headlines splashed across daily newspapers:
"Horn Superstar Caleb Diamond Found Battered in Penthouse! Manager Claims Noble Demon Assault!"
At news stalls, people buzzed with disbelief. "A Noble Demon attacking Caleb? Can we trust this?"
A nearby dwarf chimed in, "I'm skeptical of news lately. They've spread so much misinformation about the exiled prince's new film."
The newspapers' credibility had indeed taken a hit after their unfounded criticism of "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." However, as more reputable sources corroborated the story, doubt began to waver.
At the hospital, journalists crowded around Caleb's battered form and his father, Police Commissioner Raff Diamond.
"Any leads on who might have done this, Commissioner?" a reporter probed.
Raff's eyes turned to ice as he spoke, "One thing's certain. I'll find that demon, noble or not, and see him behind bars."
His cold tone sent chills through the room. It was clear Raff was already plotting his revenge.
After fielding questions, Raff had his officers escort the press out.
He hoped the culprit would read the papers and quake in fear. Raff Diamond was on the hunt, and he wouldn't rest until he found his prey.
In the wake of Caleb Diamond's assault, news broke about his earlier attack on Clint and Benny, the rising stars from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." The public was in uproar, struggling to reconcile the image of their beloved superstar with these violent acts.
Media coverage was split. Some newspapers dismissed the allegations against Caleb as unreliable, while others reported them as fact. The Hellfire Agency's decision to press charges lent credibility to the accusations.
Fans found themselves torn. Caleb's devoted followers refused to believe their idol could be so cruel, clinging to supportive news outlets. Meanwhile, Clint and Benny's new admirers felt vindicated by Caleb's current predicament, seeing it as karmic justice.
At the Central Police Station, investigators briefed Commissioner Raff Diamond on their findings.
"From what we've gathered, your son did indeed assault those two rising stars-"
Raff cut in sharply, "Make sure this doesn't get out."
"Of course, Commissioner."
"Continue. What else?"
The investigator cleared his throat. "We believe there's a connection between the attacks. Shortly after Caleb beat those two, a demon infiltrated his penthouse and assaulted him."
Raff's brow furrowed. "Are you suggesting those rising stars took revenge on my son?"
"It's a possibility," the investigator nodded. "But there's more. Your son is involved in various... activities that could land him in serious trouble."
Raff nodded solemnly. He knew all too well the challenges of investigating his own son, whose shady dealings threatened to unravel everything.
"What about the demon assailant... Is it really a noble demon?" Raff asked, his voice tinged with concern.
The investigator nodded grimly. "I'm afraid so, sir."
Raff's frown deepened. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, Commissioner. The evidence supports it. He flew straight through your son's penthouse windows. The broken glass and marks on the damaged floor corroborate Veret's account. Our investigation confirms it was indeed a high ranking demon."
Raff sighed heavily, his hopes of an easier resolution dashed. Exacting revenge on a noble demon would be... complicated.
"If it is a noble demon, we're in for a real challenge," Raff mused. "And I doubt those rising stars have the connections to sic a noble demon on my son."
The investigator hesitated before speaking. "But sir, what about the exiled prince, Arthur Morningstar? Maybe he-"
Raff's laughter cut him off. "Impossible. It couldn't be the exiled prince."
"But he is a Morningstar, sir."
Raff chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Indeed he is, but that ex-prince reportedly can't even conjure a fireball, let alone fly."
The investigator nodded, chastened.
"Keep digging," Raff ordered. "Noble demon or not, we need to find him and understand why he attacked my son. And of course," his eyes hardened, "he must be punished for his actions."
As the investigator left, Raff turned to the window, his mind racing. A noble demon assailant complicated matters significantly. But he was determined to see justice - or was it vengeance? - served, no matter the obstacles.
***
In the Hellfire Headquarters office, Klein approached Arthur, who was overseeing auditions for their next project.
"Boss, did you hear about Caleb getting beaten in his penthouse?" Klein asked cautiously.
Arthur chuckled, not looking up from his work. "Yeah... Guess karma works faster than we thought."
Klein nodded, eyeing Arthur doubtfully. He recalled Arthur's earlier words: 'I'll make sure Clint and Benny get justice, one way or another.' He couldn't shake the suspicion that Arthur was involved, but quickly dismissed the thought. After all, the attacker was reportedly a noble demon who could fly - surely beyond Arthur's capabilities.
"Caleb's concert's been postponed because of the incident," Klein continued. "Serves him right, though."
This caught Arthur's attention. "He has a concert?"
"Yes," Klein confirmed. "Ticket sales haven't even started, and it's already delayed."
"When's it supposed to be?" Arthur asked, his interest piqued.
Confused by Arthur's sudden curiosity, Klein explained, "In a few weeks." he added, "The concert was originally scheduled for two weeks from now, but it's been postponed. Even though Caleb will fully recover in a few days, he won't be able to perform then—the police are still investigating who assaulted him."
Arthur nodded, his expression unreadable. "When tickets do go on sale, buy them all. Speak with my financial advisors to arrange it."
Klein's jaw dropped. "What? Why? You want to support that scumbag, boss?"
"Of course not," Arthur's smile turned cruel. "I want him to perform to an empty house."
Klein was speechless.
Arthur laughed, clearly pleased with his plan. "Imagine the headlines: 'No One Attends Caleb's Concert.' It'll be epic."
"That's... that's cruel, boss," Klein said, a note of fear in his voice.
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