บท 202: Truth
(3rd Person POV)
The scaled demon, Qing, knelt before the High Arbiter. "Your suspicions about Arthur's heritage are correct, High Arbiter. The exiled prince is not the son of Morningstar Kingdom's Demon King."
The High Arbiter nodded slowly. His investigation into Arthur hadn't been random - a week ago, he'd discovered an old newspaper questioning Arthur's lineage, suggesting the prince wasn't King Luke's son. The article had piqued his interest enough to launch a deeper inquiry.
"So Arthur is the Queen's child by another man?" he mused, taking another sip of wine, recalling the old newspaper's allegations about Arthur's heritage.
He sleeps for decades at a time, finding life dull and uneventful. But when he awakens, he takes a keen interest in the gossip and drama among the world's elite. To him, it's like watching ants scramble over meaningless conflicts—small, predictable, and oddly entertaining.
Qing's head shake cut through his musings. "No. Arthur is neither the king's nor queen's child, despite what the public believes."
The High Arbiter's eyes widened with genuine interest. "Fascinating. If he's not their son, how did the Morningstar family present him as their youngest prince?"
"Though not the king and queen's child, Arthur carries Morningstar blood," Qing replied with a knowing smile.
"So not adopted. Continue," the High Arbiter leaned forward slightly.
"My investigation revealed that Arthur is actually the son of King Luke's deceased younger sister."
"Ah," the High Arbiter nodded. "That would explain the royal family's apparent disdain. Continue."
Qing straightened slightly. "King Luke and his sister, Thyone Morningstar, reportedly shared a typical sibling relationship. Nothing remarkable - until Thyone's sudden, unexpected pregnancy."
"Did you uncover the father's identity?" the High Arbiter asked.
Qing shook his head. "Thyone maintained she was a virgin, claiming the pregnancy was mysterious. The royal family found it preposterous - a scandal brewing if word spread that their talented, renowned Princess Thyone carried a child with no known father."
"The family attempted to keep it secret," he continued. "King Luke urged abortion, but Thyone refused. She died giving birth to Arthur."
"A virgin birth..." the High Arbiter mused. "Where have I heard such a tale before?"
Qing observed his master's contemplation silently, aware that the High Arbiter's age - four or five hundred years - far exceeded the normal lifespan of 200-300 years.
The High Arbiter drummed his fingers on the table. "Thank you for your service, Qing."
"I apologize that a week's investigation yielded only this much," Qing replied. "Though I wonder - you could simply demand answers directly from King Luke."
The High Arbiter smiled. "Oh, I can certainly do that," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "But where's the fun in that? I wanted suspense—the thrill of waiting for the answers I desire, the curiosity that keeps me on edge. It would be far too dull if everything I sought came to me so easily."
He turned his gaze to Qing and continued, "That's why you're here—to gather answers for me. Even if they're incomplete, it doesn't matter. I've never expected the full picture—just enough to keep the intrigue alive."
Qing fell silent, understanding his master's peculiar approach to gathering intelligence.
***
{Horn Kingdom, Horn City}
Arthur's firm refusal of Dwalric Corporation's offer hadn't deterred Thorvald in the slightest.
The next day, Thorvald stormed into Arthur's office with a bold proposition. "Eight billion dollars. That's my new offer," he declared, his voice brimming with confidence.
It was an astronomical sum, one Thorvald believed no one in their right mind could reject. Yet, Arthur didn't even blink.
"Still no," Arthur replied curtly, his tone as cold and unyielding as stone.
Thorvald's composure faltered, his face darkening with anger. The rejection stung his pride, and as he left the office, his thoughts churned with malice.
By evening, Thorvald had retaliated by unleashing a media storm. Headlines blazed across every outlet:
"Arthur Pendragon Rejects $8 Billion Offer from Dwalric Corporation – A Missed Opportunity to Join the World's Top Ten Richest!"
The news spread like wildfire, sparking shock and debate among the public.
At the newsstand, strangers couldn't help but strike up conversations with one another as they read the news.
"Eight billion dollars! That's insane!" exclaimed a fiend demon, his fiery red eyes wide with disbelief. "Arthur isn't even a century old, and he's already making waves like this."
A monkey demon in a sharp suit shook his head and sighed. "He's too young to grasp what that kind of money means. If it were me, I'd have taken the deal in the blink of an eye."
Another demon snorted, crossing his arms. "Arthur's just arrogant. He probably thinks he can earn that kind of money over time with his films. He's in for a rude awakening."
Nearby, a skeptical demon frowned at the headlines. "I don't get it. All that money over some black-and-white stripes? Anyone could slap random stripes and numbers together."
A gruff voice interrupted him—a dwarf, broad and stocky, with a bushy carrot-colored beard. He lowered his newspaper and snorted in disdain. "Those 'stripes' you're mocking represent complex technology far beyond your little demon brain. It's not just random lines and numbers. It's math, algorithms, and precision. Arthur's invention, the computer, generates unique codes tied to products, and the barcode scanner communicates with the computer to decode them instantly. It's revolutionized commerce."
The skeptical demon flushed, offended by the dwarf's bluntness, but he kept his mouth shut, unwilling to embarrass himself further in front of the growing crowd.
As the chatter continued, one thing was clear—Arthur's decision had set tongues wagging across the Horn Kingdom, with opinions as divided as ever.
***
The media frenzy over the 8 billion dollar offer barely registered with Arthur, though his friends - Firfel, Vivienne, Rocky, and others - expressed amazement at his rejection of such wealth.
It was an enormous sum, no doubt—a fortune that few could turn down.
Yet, Arthur had no regrets about his decision. His vision extended far beyond barcodes. Computers and the internet were gradually making their presence felt in the Horn Kingdom. While these technologies hadn't yet reached the point of mass adoption, the groundwork was being laid. Companies were beginning to invest in computers and subscribe to the Hellfire Communication Network's services. It was a modest start, but a significant one, signaling the dawn of a new era in technology.
Even previous opponents like Spell Count System, whose calculator artifacts and accounting spells faced obsolescence, began adapting. They recognized the inevitable shift and sought new opportunities in the computer age rather than fighting it.
Yet some corporations, like Magic Script Enterprises, remained stubbornly resistant. They continued their smear campaigns against computers while watching their market share erode. Their enchanted typewriters and automated spell-scrolls still commanded significant sales, but computer adoption steadily chipped away at their dominance.
Magic Script's bitter attacks on computer technology revealed their fear of change. But their resistance was futile - they were fighting a battle already lost, unable to see that their traditional magical tools would soon be relics of the past.
The Horn Kingdom government's adoption of computers and the Hellfire Communication Network marked a crucial turning point. Their influence helped legitimize the technology, while the systems dramatically reduced operational costs. Government documents and files, now digitized, could be accessed and printed instantly.
Though security concerns limited casual communication, Hellfire Messenger revolutionized internal government correspondence. The efficiency gains were undeniable.
By late May, as Arthur celebrated another birthday, he could see his innovations transforming Horn Kingdom's economy. The kingdom's technological advantage hadn't gone unnoticed - governments and royal families worldwide observed with growing interest.
Other kingdoms' representatives prepared to negotiate for these innovations, eager to implement computers and barcodes in their own territories. Each wanted their slice of this technological revolution.
Yet for many citizens, Arthur's technological achievements paled beside anticipation for his newest film. The horror movie's trailer sparked intense speculation - could it actually frighten demon audiences? While media outlets predicted failure, such negative headlines had become routine. Arthur's track record suggested otherwise.
The public watched the kingdom's modernization with distant interest, but they watched trailers for Arthur's horror film with rapt attention. Whether he'd succeed in scaring demons proved more compelling than debates about economic transformation.
บท 203: Viewing
(3rd Person POV)
The line outside Hellfire Theatre wrapped around the block, demons and other creatures chatting excitedly as they waited for Horn City's exclusive screening of "Child's Play."
Unlike Arthur's usual kingdom-wide premieres, tonight's showing was a test screening at just this one theater. If anything, the limited release had only made people more curious.
The theater's entrance featured a massive poster of what looked like an ordinary children's doll, except for its unsettling smile. Groups of friends pointed and debated whether it was creepy or just trying too hard.
"No way this actually scares anyone," Thorak said, leaning against the wall next to his girlfriend. "I mean, come on - we're demons. My little sister summons spirits for fun."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "You always say stuff like this before Arthur's films. Remember Harry Potter? 'Oh, it's just for kids,'" she mimicked his deeper voice. "Then you wouldn't stop talking about it for a month."
"That was different," Thorak defended himself. "But horror? For demons? My old apartment was literally haunted and the ghost just kept reorganizing my furniture to mess with me. More annoying than scary."
Lyra had to laugh at that. "Okay, fair point. My cousin's an exorcist and half the stuff she deals with is just bored spirits causing trouble."
"Exactly! And look - Arthur's never done a test screening before. Even he must know this is a stretch."
Around them, other demons shared similar doubts. After all, most of them had grown up with ghosts in their homes. While the wealthy could afford artifacts to ward off spirits or hire Solarus exorcists, most demons just learned to live with the supernatural nuisances, treating them more like annoying roommates than actual threats. Making something that could genuinely frighten demons was like trying to impress a dragon with a campfire.
Still, as the doors finally opened and everyone filed in, there was an edge of excitement in the air. Arthur had a way of surprising people, and everyone wanted to see what he'd come up with this time - even if they didn't think it would actually scare them.
The theatre hummed with anticipation as the audience found their seats. Demons, elves, dwarves, and humans of all ages filled the rows - children bouncing excitedly while their parents tried to keep them settled, elderly couples leaning close to whisper observations, teenagers jostling each other as they argued about what to expect.
The lights dimmed gradually until darkness enveloped the theater. The familiar logos of Righteous Film Studio and Hellfire Studio appeared on screen, then faded to black.
In the darkness, an unfamiliar melody began to play - haunting piano notes that seemed to creep through the air like frost spreading across glass.
What they didn't know was that the eerie theme was no ordinary composition—it was "Tubular Bells," a chilling remnant from Arthur's previous life, its haunting tones now repurposed to twist the atmosphere with dread.
The opening credits emerged from the darkness, each name materializing in blood-red letters that seemed to drip down the screen.
"Child's Play by Arthur Pendragon" appeared first, followed by the cast: "Firfel Evergreen as Karen Barclay," "Vivienne Westwood as Maggie Peterson," "George Pendragon as Mike Morris," and "Johnny Devilkin as Charles Lee Ray."
Thunder cracked as the scene opened on a storm-drenched night. Police sirens wailed through the downpour as patrol cars pursued a battered vehicle weaving dangerously through the streets.
Behind the wheel sat Johnny Devilkin - instantly recognizable to the audience as Tom Hagen from the Demonfather films.
His face was twisted with desperation as he fought to control the skidding car. The chase ended abruptly when his vehicle slammed into a tree, the impact sending him lurching forward. Blood trickled from his mouth as he stumbled out into the rain.
"Hold on," a demon whispered to his elf companion, "isn't that Tom Hagen? Did Michael finally turn on him? Is this some kind of Demonfather spin-off?"
The elf chuckled softly. "Different movie entirely. Look at the credits - he's playing someone named Charles. Though I have to admit, seeing him on the run from police does feel familiar."
The audience watched intently as Johnny, drenched and desperate, scanned his surroundings. His eyes locked onto a toy store's neon sign flickering through the rain.
Without hesitation, he stumbled toward it. Magic crackled around his hands - raw and uncontrolled - before the locked door exploded inward with a spray of splinters.
The scene cut to police officers discovering the abandoned car, led by George in his role as Detective Mike Morris. Rain pelted their uniforms as they examined the wreck.
"Listen up," George's voice carried the weight of experience. "Charles isn't your average criminal. He's mastered mid-level magic - one wrong move and we'll be scraping ourselves off the pavement." His fellow officers exchanged grim looks before nodding.
"Over here!" An officer's shout drew their attention. "The toy store's been breached!"
Inside the store, Johnny frantically searched for escape routes as flashlight beams cut through the darkness. The audience held their breath, many silently hoping Tom Hagen's alter-ego would somehow slip away again.
Instead, Johnny began an incantation - words that seemed to slice through the air itself. The audience leaned forward, expecting some dramatic escape spell. Lightning suddenly blazed through the store windows, striking Johnny directly. His body convulsed once before crumpling to the floor.
Shocked murmurs rippled through the theater as police discovered Johnny's scorched remains. But as they filed out of the store, the camera lingered on a "Good Guys" doll box. The doll's vacant plastic eyes suddenly flickered with intelligence, its painted smile taking on a sinister edge.
Blood-red text splashed across the screen: "Diddy/Puffy/Daddy as Chucky"
The doll's grin widened impossibly, and understanding dawned across the audience.
In the front row, Professor Ambrose adjusted his spectacles. "A soul transfer spell," he mused, professional interest piqued. "Highly forbidden, of course, but the magical theory is fascinating. I've only read about such things in ancient texts..."
His academic analysis was cut short as the doll's eyes seemed to stare directly into the audience, that innocent smile promising something far from childish entertainment.
The doll's eerie stare prompted varied reactions throughout the theater. While humans, elves, and dwarves shifted uncomfortably in their seats, most demons remained unimpressed.
"A living doll?" a human whispered, pulling his jacket tighter. "That's terrifying."
A demon next to him let out an amused snort. "Really? That's what scares you? It's just a possessed toy."
"Exactly," another demon chimed in, lounging casually in his seat. "If he'd turned into a ghost, sure, that might be annoying - can't even punch those. But a doll?" He chuckled. "Just toss it in a box and be done with it."
Their self-assured commentary died down as the scene shifted from the stormy night to a bright, cheerful morning.
Firfel appeared on screen as Karen, stepping into the toy store. The audience's reaction was immediate - she had that effect on people, whether playing Kay Adams-Corleone in Demonfather or Arwen in Lord of the Rings.
More than a few male demons sat up straighter, earning sharp elbows from their partners. One particularly mesmerized boyfriend yelped at his girlfriend's jab, catching her frown. 'Great,' he thought. 'I'll be hearing about this later.'
Other attached males suddenly found the ceiling fascinating or became intensely interested in their snacks, trying to avoid similar relationship complications.
The audience was so distracted by Firfel's presence that the significance of her shopping almost slipped past them.
"Oh damn," a young demon muttered, realization hitting. "She's buying that cursed doll, isn't she?"
"Obviously," his neighbor sighed. "It's a horror film - what else would she buy?"
The predictability didn't seem to bother anyone though. After all, the real question wasn't what would happen, but how Arthur would make it interesting - especially for an audience of demons who considered possessed dolls about as threatening as a misbehaving pet.
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