(Arthur's POV)
I might not have won the "Pure Flame Award," but I've won something far more valuable - attention. And boy, am I capitalizing on it.
Right now, I'm in the midst of striking a deal with "Bryan Brothers," a major human film studio. They initially lowballed me with 3 million and a 10% box office cut. But I've been playing this game long enough now. After some back-and-forth, we've settled on 1.5 million upfront and a 32% box office share. Not too shabby for screening "The Demonfather" across Empirica.
But that's just the beginning. Over in the Evros region, "Rebecca Films" is offering 500 thousand dollars and a 35% box office share to distribute in the Sumeria Kingdom. Done deal.
Then there's "Icy Pictures" from the Winter Kingdom - 300 thousand and a 25% share. It's the best offer from that neck of the woods, so I'm taking it.
The list goes on - "Moonshine Entertainment Pictures" from the Elven Kingdom, "Stonecraft Pictures" from the Dwarven Kingdom... I've spent weeks negotiating, but it's paying off big time.
All told, I'm looking at about 7.5 million dollars in upfront payments for the film.
And that's not even counting the camera technology deals George and I struck. We've pocketed about 80 thousand from minimum guarantees and milestone payments. It might seem like chump change compared to the film profits, but it's just the beginning.
Once those colored cameras hit the market? The royalties will start rolling in. George and I might never have to work another day in our lives.
But I'm not stopping here. This is just the foundation. With the Entertainment System at my disposal and these resources at my fingertips, I'm poised to revolutionize not just demon cinema, but the entire entertainment industry across all races.
Movies, cameras, computers, video games - it's all coming together.
Riding high on my recent successes, I head back to the studio, eager to surprise my loyal crew with news of a well-deserved raise. But as I approach, I'm met with an unexpected scene: my team facing off against a group of intimidating, yet professionally dressed demons.
Klein spots me first, relief washing over his face. "Boss, we have visitors from Ferland Bank. They're here about the loan."
One of the suit-clad demons turns to me, his expression stern. "Mr. Morningstar, we're here on behalf of Ferland Bank. We're requesting immediate and full repayment of your outstanding loan."
I blink, caught off guard. "Excuse me? I was under the impression that I had a six-month grace period before repayment was due. It's only been about two months."
The demon clears his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Yes, well, there's been a change in policy due to... recent events. The bank has decided to call in all high-risk loans effective immediately."
My mind races. This is a problem. Sure, I've negotiated deals worth millions, but it's all still on paper. The money's coming, but it's going to different banks, and what I have received isn't in my Ferland Bank account yet.
I take a deep breath, maintaining my composure. "I see. I'll need a day or two to arrange the transfer of funds, but you can assure Ferland Bank that they'll receive full repayment, including all accrued interest."
The bank representatives exchange glances, clearly not expecting such a calm and assured response.
"Very well, Mr. Morningstar," the lead demon says, his tone a mix of surprise and respect. "We'll inform the bank of your commitment. They'll expect the full amount within 48 hours."
As they turn to leave, I can't help but wonder about the timing of this. Is it just a coincidence, or is someone trying to put pressure on me?
Once they're gone, I turn to my bewildered crew. "Well, looks like we've got some financial juggling to do. But don't worry - we've faced bigger challenges than this."
Klein steps forward, concern etched on his face. "Boss, are we... are we in trouble?"
I smile, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Not at all, Klein. In fact, we're doing better than ever. This is just a small hiccup. And speaking of our success, how about we discuss those raises I promised?"
As my team's worried expressions turn to smiles, I can't help but feel a surge of determination. Someone might be trying to throw a wrench in my plans, but they've underestimated me.
I've come too far to let a little thing like a suddenly-due bank loan slow me down. If anything, this is just another challenge to overcome on my way to revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
***
(Bobby Morningstar's POV)
Two weeks have passed since I clinched the "Pure Flame Award" for my second masterpiece, "Rising Demon: Bobby". It's an action-packed tour de force, if I do say so myself. All about yours truly - showcasing my coolness, my intimidating demeanor, my noble spirit. In short, it's irrefutable proof that I'm worthy of the Morningstar name.
After my well-deserved win, I was ready for the praise to start rolling in. I could almost hear it: "Bobby Morningstar's film is simply remarkable. He's as cool and powerful on screen as he is in real life. Truly a credit to demonkind!"
But no. That's not what happened at all.
Instead, these ungrateful wretches have the audacity to question my victory. Can you believe it?
One demon rag had the gall to print: "The Demonfather loses to Rising Demon: Bobby. Experts say it was rigged."
Rigged? Please. It's called recognizing true talent.
Another one chirped: "The rivalry between brothers resulted in cheating."
As if I'd need to cheat to beat Arthur's little home movie.
But the one that really gets my goat? Some no-name critic actually wrote: "Bobby Morningstar - his first film was full of propaganda about how cool he is. I ignored it last year. But this year, his second film is even more full of it. He centered the film all about himself. Everyone is dumb but him. It's so one-dimensional that I want to puke. Yet it won the 'Pure Flame Award'. It was nothing short of a robbery from the true winner 'The Demonfather'."
I crumple the newspaper in my fist, fighting the urge to incinerate it with hellfire. How dare they? I'm Bobby Morningstar, for evil lord's sake! I'm the cool one, the talented one, the one who was supposed to bring glory to the family name.
And what do I get instead? Accusations of cheating, claims of propaganda, comparisons to my exile failure of a brother.
I storm over to the window, glaring out at the city below. This isn't how it was supposed to go. I was meant to be celebrated, admired, feared.
Instead, I'm a laughingstock. All because of Arthur and his stupid colored film.
I didn't even bother wasting my time watching that so-called "masterpiece" The Demonfather. I don't need to see it to know it's trash. It's obviously just the novelty of color that has everyone raving.
Gritting my teeth, I storm off to the training grounds to vent my anger. "Infernus Globus!" I roar, summoning a massive fireball that hovers above my palm. I direct it towards the metallic dummy, watching with grim satisfaction as it melts under the intense heat.
Fucking Arthur.
I summon another fireball, larger this time, and unleash it with a primal scream.
As the smoke clears, a plan begins to form in my mind. I need to get my hands on that colored camera technology. And fast.
Several electronics companies have already assured me they can provide one - for a price. I don't care how much it costs. Once I have it, I'll make a colored film that will truly be worthy of admiration.
I smirk to myself. Arthur may have won this round, but he won't win the war.
After all, what good is a fancy camera to someone who can't even summon a simple fireball?