(3rd Person POV)
The Hellfire Got Talent auditions continued, with several performers catching Arthur's attention.
Some dancers stood out for their exceptional skill, their routines enhanced by basic magic sparks that transformed simple movements into captivating displays.
The comedians also impressed, drawing genuine laughter from the judges. Arthur considered signing them, seeing potential in establishing comedy clubs - an entertainment form yet to gain popularity in this world. This untapped market presented a perfect opportunity for expansion.
Two days later, the first episode of Hellfire Got Talent aired.
The show immediately boosted Hellfire channel's already dominant ratings across Horn, Morningstar, and Thorn. Viewers found the talent search format fresh and engaging, unlike anything they'd seen before.
Meanwhile, competing channels offering only telenovelas and news segments watched their audiences drift away to Hellfire.
The next evening brought another episode. In Morningstar, Hellfire's ratings soared to 86 percent, leaving other channels far behind.
The show's popularity transformed nightlife across the kingdoms. Bars and restaurants saw crowds surge during broadcast hours as people gathered to watch together.
Even in Ferland City's hospital lobby, despite the late hour, patients, nurses, and doctors stayed awake, eyes fixed on the TV screen.
A dance group took the stage, their performance elevated by magic that created sparking, glowing effects around their movements.
"Wow... They dance well!!!" a patient exclaimed, leaning forward in excitement.
"They must be professional," another nodded, impressed.
As more performers showcased their abilities, the audience watched intently. Some acts drew laughs for their earnest but unpolished attempts, while others commanded attention with genuine talent.
Then Frederick appeared. His tight clothing, long hair, and eye-catching mustache immediately set him apart. His flamboyant presence sparked mixed reactions among viewers - some intrigued, others uncertain what to make of this distinctive performer.
***
Television transformed Hellfire's telenovela stars into cultural icons across Horn, Morningstar, and Thorn.
Many actors reached levels of fame surpassing even Caleb Diamond's previous dominance of entertainment news.
Josephine, once a struggling actress, now found herself mobbed by fans who recognized her as Kassandra.
Even simple grocery shopping became an event, with crowds calling out, "Kassandra! Kassandra!" across store aisles. The sudden fame forced her to employ personal guards for any public appearance.
Similar scenes played out for other Hellfire telenovela stars, their faces now instantly recognizable throughout the kingdoms.
The television boom elevated James Blaze and Nirvana as well. Their music reached new audiences, building passionate followings in Morningstar and Thorn.
When Hellfire channel expanded into Choson, Japon, and parts of South East Anatolia, it faced established local networks.
Yet the combination of "Hellfire Got Talent," premium telenovelas, and music segments featuring James Blaze and Hellfire Records' jazz artists quickly dominated ratings in these new markets.
Due to how expansive Hellfire channel had become, each nation received its own programming schedule and content lineup.
In Morningstar, the channel operated with a distinct programming grid, complete with region-specific news coverage.
Broadcasting telenovelas and entertainment shows according to local viewing habits proved crucial in outperforming domestic channels.
Across Choson, Japon, and parts of South East Anatolia, Hellfire channel launched with tailored programming blocks. The channel started fresh, airing telenovelas from their first episodes alongside "Hellfire Got Talent" and locally focused news segments. This regionalized scheduling approach helped Hellfire quickly capture audiences in these new markets.
***
After a week of broadcasts, "Hellfire Got Talent" had surpassed even news segments and telenovelas in popularity.
When Hellfire Daily announced the show would soon transition from auditions to the main stage, offering audience tickets for live tapings, excitement spread quickly. The chance to watch episodes before they aired and participate in voting - all for just 2 dollars - sparked immediate interest.
During break time at various workplaces, the topic dominated conversations.
"Did you see the news? We can actually watch Hellfire Got Talent live!" an excited employee announced to his colleagues.
"Yeah, but we need tickets," a behemoth demon reminded them.
"It's only 2 dollars," an imp chimed in. "Plus, we get to vote alongside the judges. We could help our favorites advance to the next round!"
"You mean I could vote for sexy Jasmine?" an incubus demon perked up.
"Exactly!" The imp giggled. "I'm voting for her too! She's gorgeous!"
"I'm buying tickets just for the chance to be on TV!" another added enthusiastically.
"Hehehehe..."
The modest ticket price drew crowds hoping either to support their favorite performers or catch a glimpse of themselves on screen when the cameras panned across the audience.
***
(Arthur POV)
The live shows were about to begin in a few days, and I had plans for Frederick. Not to win necessarily - just to stand out enough to catch the public's attention. Then I could sign him to my label and develop his talent, much like I'd done with James Blaze.
The competition results would still depend on how well he impressed the audience and judges. I'd simply give him the right opportunity to shine.
In the training room, I watched Frederick practicing the song I'd chosen for him. His voice carried through the space:
"Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time," he began, then continued with growing confidence, "I feel alive, and the world, I'll turn it inside out, Yeah! I'm floating around in ecstasy, so don't stop me now, don't stop me—"
A smile crept across my face as memories from my previous life surfaced. Queen's iconic song brought back waves of nostalgia.
"'Cause I'm having a good time, having a good time," Frederick sang on, unknowingly channeling Freddie Mercury's spirit.
"That's it for now," I told Frederick as he finished the song.
Sweat glistened on his brow as he set down the guitar. He pressed his palms together and bowed deeply. "Thank you for coaching me. This is an incredible opportunity."
"Don't worry about it," I waved off his thanks, chatting briefly before showing him out.
Watching Frederick's retreating figure, I sighed thoughtfully. 'First James Blaze, now Frederick. Two talents paralleling the legends from my previous life... But there are still more to find - the equivalents of Elvis, Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra...'
I smiled at the thought of collecting this world's versions of music legends like Pokémon.
Returning to my office, I found Firfel and Vivienne waiting. "Here for tea again?"
They both blushed adorably, causing me to shake my head with a sigh.
"I'm here for my amulet," Firfel offered quickly.
I chuckled. Our little dance had become routine - I'd borrow her amulet for research, return it days later, then either borrow it again or have her voluntarily offer it back. The cycle repeated every few days.
"I'm here about the animation voice acting schedule," Vivienne cleared her throat, providing her own excuse.
Still amused, I served them their favorite Ti Kuan Yin with light sandwiches.
"Maybe I should start an official 'Tea Party' since you two visit so often for tea," I joked.
"Or you could just share your tea supply with us," Vivienne suggested shamelessly.
"Or at least tell us where you source these tea leaves," Firfel chimed in.
"That's my secret," I replied bluntly. "Besides, even if you had the same Imperial Grade tea leaves, it wouldn't taste this refreshing unless I prepared it."
The girls exchanged skeptical sneers, clearly doubting me.
But it was true - without my {Rose Magic} enhancing the taste and effects, the tea wouldn't have its addictive quality.
Not that I minded their visits. Especially Firfel's. Using the tea as an excuse to spend time with her was all part of my strategy. That is my ninja way.
"Speaking of projects," Vivienne shifted topics, "when are you planning to broadcast that 'anime' you mentioned?"
"That'll take some time," I admitted, then seeing their disappointment, added, "I'm actually planning a trip to Japon to recruit animators. Maya tells me there are plenty of talented artists there - some unemployed, others looking to escape overwork at their current studios."
"Really?" Firfel's eyes lit up. "Can I come along?"
"We should join you, since we're part of the anime project!" Vivienne quickly added.
Looking at their eager expressions, I knew they were more interested in a vacation than animation production.