章節 152: Stalker
(3rd Person POV)
In Horn Kingdom's New District, operatives from various factions continued their fruitless search for the Ring of Greed.
The hunt spilled into Gloomstone Forest, where locals frequently witnessed powerful figures engaged in combat. These clashes became so common that residents barely reacted anymore.
"More strange tourists fighting in the forest," they'd mutter, returning to their daily routines. The locals remained oblivious that these "tourists" were operatives searching for the ring, often clashing with rival factions pursuing the same goal.
***
Meanwhile, Arthur prepared for his trip to Japon, accompanied by Firfel, Vivienne, and his recruitment team. Steve's group had already departed for Empirica on a similar mission to hire artists.
Arthur anticipated rapid growth in his animation studio's production demands. He needed both talent and expertise to ensure his upcoming anime would successfully broadcast beyond Horn and throughout Anatolia.
His strategy was clear: the more popular the fiction, the greater his influence in the fictional realms.
While Dragon Ball manga had found its audience, Arthur knew animation would catapult it to new heights of popularity. Despite releasing four volumes, it had yet to achieve true worldwide success.
To expand his manga production, Arthur had recently launched Naruto. Though only days into publication, it still needed to meet the Creator's Realms' strict success criteria.
Once Naruto gained sufficient recognition, Arthur could visit its world and master the Shadow Clone Jutsu. With such a technique, manga production would become both more efficient and faster.
Arthur settled into the driver's seat, with Firfel and Vivienne following into his car. Before starting the engine, he caught a glimpse of a distant figure - the same presence he'd noticed shadowing him lately.
"Something wrong?" Firfel asked, noticing his hesitation.
"Nothing, let's go," Arthur replied, pulling away from the curb.
In the distance, a hooded elf adjusted her cloak before slipping into her own vehicle to continue her surveillance.
Her organization had tasked her with gathering intelligence on New District's notable figures, particularly those wearing rings. While dozens of prominent individuals in New District wore rings, Arthur Pendragon, formerly Morningstar, drew special attention.
The organization found Arthur particularly suspicious given his knowledge of ancient rings, as demonstrated in his "Lord of the Rings" film. The possibility that he either possessed or knew about their target ring warranted investigation. Hence, they dispatched their most capable operative - her.
***
Hours later, their airship touched down in Nihhon City, Japon's capital.
Maya, Arthur's business partner, greeted them warmly at the landing pad.
As Firfel and Vivienne took in the bustling cityscape, Maya handled their hotel arrangements.
The hotel's traditional architecture stirred memories of ancient Japan from Arthur's previous life. Japon's culture mirrored that world's Japan perfectly, from its aesthetics to its customs.
Local demons resembled the yokai and oni of Japanese mythology, though their features weren't drastically different from those in Horn, Morningstar, or Thorn.
With his team dispatched to scout talented artists, Arthur focused on larger plans. Maya's local connections proved invaluable as he explored purchasing an animation studio. Expanding production would require facilities beyond Horn's borders.
Days melted into each other as business progressed. Firfel and Vivienne embraced the trip as a vacation, shopping enthusiastically at every opportunity.
Throughout it all, Arthur's shadow remained. His stalker had followed him even to Japon, but he'd ignored her presence, prioritizing studio acquisitions and talent recruitment.
Now, with several deals nearly complete and promising artists identified, Arthur could finally address his persistent follower.
He deliberately chose his path through the city, leading toward a secluded alleyway in one of Nihhon City's older districts. The area stood in sharp contrast to the bustling commercial center - sparse population, deteriorating buildings, the kind of place locals avoided. Perfect for activities requiring privacy.
Arthur tracked the cloaked figure's movements in his peripheral vision as he entered the alley. The location was ideal - no witnesses, no interruptions.
He turned to face his stalker, finally ready for their confrontation.
"More perceptive than I expected. You noticed me," the figure said, approaching steadily.
Despite her mask, Arthur wasn't surprised by the feminine voice - her silhouette clearly belonged to a beautiful woman. "You must have plenty of free time, following me all the way to another kingdom."
"Oh? So you knew I was tailing you back in Horn Kingdom?" surprise colored her tone.
"I'm not exactly oblivious to my surroundings," Arthur smiled. "Any particular reason you're stalking me like a creep?"
The woman bristled. "Don't call me a creep. I'm nothing of the sort."
"Then why follow a man around?" Arthur chuckled, deliberately lightening his tone. "Though I know I'm quite irresistible—"
"Don't flatter yourself," she cut him off, pointing directly at his hand. "I'm not interested in you - just the ring you wear."
Arthur's amusement faded into wariness. "The ring on my finger caught your eye?"
The masked woman nodded. "If you'd be so kind, might I borrow it?"
"Borrow?" Arthur snorted. "Why such interest? It's just an ordinary gold ring."
The {Devourer Ring} spell made it appear unremarkable - just a simple golden band. The woman studied it carefully but saw nothing special. Still, she pressed on, "If it's so ordinary, why not let me examine it?"
"I don't even know you," Arthur eyed her, saying. "Even if it's just an ordinary ring on my finger - it's still my possession. No way I would hand it over to a stranger."
"Then you leave me with no choice." The woman's voice turned cold as she surveyed their surroundings. "It's fortunate you chose this place. Perfect for assaulting someone."
Arthur smiled, "You can try assaulting me. I wanna see you try."
The woman snorted, then flashed toward Arthur with startling speed.
Her martial arts prowess was evident in every move. Before his Dragon Ball training, she might have posed a serious threat. Now, though, Arthur easily countered her kick.
She followed with another swift strike, but Arthur evaded smoothly, landing a precise palm strike to her stomach.
That single blow sent spittle flying as she staggered back. "You... You hid yourself well, exiled one. You're actually proficient in martial arts."
Arthur smiled, pressing his advantage with a relentless series of strikes.
Though she defended skillfully, the woman gradually succumbed to his assault. Finding space, she exclaimed, "I can't defeat you with martial arts, but I don't think you can match me with magic!"
Arthur paused, taunting, "Come on, show me what you've got."
Gritting her teeth, she unleashed hundreds of ice shards. Arthur's After Image Technique left them striking nothing but air.
The woman's eyes widened in shock. "I have no choice!" She began channeling a forbidden spell, knowing one mistake in the incantation could tear her body apart.
"Øthʀíkan Vælthūm Byn'darun"
Arthur felt the atmosphere shift as mystical lines materialized, wrapping around his body. While the woman strained to maintain the powerful binding spell, the {Devourer Ring} quietly absorbed its energy.
Thanks to the Concealment Magic, the ring's absorption appeared as if Arthur's body itself was nullifying the spell.
"Oh no..." The woman's alarm grew as she watched Arthur mysteriously dispel her magic.
Seeing him advance, she hastily erected a magical barrier around herself.
Arthur's strikes met the impenetrable shield. Recognizing its strength, he leapt back to create distance.
Just as the woman began to relax, Arthur dropped into a stance and chanted, "Kamehame... Ha!"
Energy gathered in his palms, coalescing into a brilliant beam that he directed at her shield.
The barrier shattered before her eyes. Even her mask couldn't withstand the pressure wave, crumbling to pieces on the ground.
Her exposed face registered pure shock at the display of power.
Arthur's triumphant smile faltered as he studied her features. The silver hair, the delicate face - her striking resemblance to Firfel caught him off guard.
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