(Arthur POV)
The reward notification gave me pause: [You may grant your first subordinate one of the following abilities as a unique skill. Choose carefully, as each will enhance your team in different ways.]
[Select an Ability:
1. Silent Step
Description: Grants the power of soundless movement, perfect for stealth operations or surprise attacks. Mastery unlocks advanced techniques like Phase Step or Ghostly Echo.
2. False Visage
Description: Enables complete transformation of appearance, voice, and scent. Ideal for infiltration or deception. Mastery permits upgrades to Perfect Guise and Charmed Image.
3. Arcane Overload
Description: Amplifies magical power by 200%, though overuse carries risks. Future enhancements include Mana Shield and Controlled Surge.]
[Please select an ability to grant your subordinate. Choice is permanent.]
Each ability held tremendous potential. Like choosing between perfect women, I wished I could have them all - but life rarely offers that luxury.
Given Sylwen's situation, {False Visage} seemed most practical. With her organization hunting her, the ability to alter her appearance completely would prove invaluable for evading detection.
The moment I confirmed my choice, Sylwen's eyes glazed over, her consciousness clearly processing the new ability.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Information suddenly flooded Sylwen's mind. Through her initial confusion, understanding of {False Visage} crystallized with startling clarity.
"It seems you've received my organization's ability," Arthur observed casually.
Sylwen whirled to face him, shock evident in her expression. "That ability I just inherited... it came from you?"
Arthur nodded, offering a mysterious smile. "That's right," he lied smoothly. "Every new member receives a suitable ability when joining our ranks."
He savored the hint of shock and admiration in Sylwen's expression.
"You are entirely different from the rumors, Arthur Morningstar..." She spoke with genuine disbelief. "You are far more capable than your reputation suggests. People know you as weak and magically incompetent, talented only in entertainment, but it seems everyone was wrong."
Arthur smiled as he dissolved the ropes binding her with a casual wave. "They merely judged the book by its cover." A confident gleam flickered in his eyes. "I am skilled in combat and possess many abilities. After all, how could I aspire to become king if entertainment was my only talent?"
Sylwen's eyes widened at his words. Without hesitation, she dropped to one knee before him. "Now that I am part of your organization, I pledge to follow your commands without question. I will help you claim your rightful place as demon king!"
Arthur hadn't expected such earnest dedication to his casual remark, but played along. "Use the ability I granted you to avoid detection from your pursuers."
Sylwen nodded, her form shifting until she resembled a local fox demon of Nihhon City.
Arthur thoughtfully stroked his chin as he guided her transformation, drawing from memories of his previous life. Soon, she mirrored the appearance of a famous actress.
He led her to meet Firfel and Vivienne, introducing her as "Megan Fox," his newest talent.
The two women exchanged suspicious glances.
"Are you certain she isn't..." Vivienne whispered, careful to keep 'Megan' from hearing, "a courtesan you've taken a fancy to?"
Firfel blushed at the suggestion, eyeing Arthur questioningly.
"Show some respect," Arthur frowned. "Megan is a skilled performer."
"My apologies," Vivienne said contritely. "It's just rather common in this city."
Arthur smoothed over the situation with additional explanations while Sylwen, masquerading as Megan, attempted polite conversation with Firfel and Vivienne.
Despite her efforts at friendliness, her discomfort around Firfel remained obvious.
Arthur noticed her strained demeanor and reached out telepathically. "Act more naturally with Firfel. Your hatred toward your parents shouldn't extend to her - she genuinely cares about you as her half-sister."
Following his guidance, Sylwen forced herself to interact with Firfel more warmly.
Firfel returned her smiles, sensing something oddly familiar about Megan. "I'd love to see some of your previous work... Which films have you been in?"
Before Sylwen could flounder, Arthur interjected smoothly, "She's worked mainly as an extra so far, still waiting for her breakthrough role."
Firfel and Vivienne nodded sympathetically, knowing extras often ended up cut from final productions.
"I actually admire both of you," Sylwen offered, carefully repeating Arthur's telepathic prompts.
She turned to Firfel first. "Your performances in Demonfather and Lord of the Rings were incredible."
"What about me?" Vivienne asked playfully.
"Um..." Sylwen waited for Arthur's mental cue before continuing, "I know you from Demonfather and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
"Hmm." Vivienne's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why do I get the feeling you're not sure what you're talking about?"
"I..." Sylwen struggled to respond.
Vivienne's face broke into a grin. "Just teasing you!"
Sylwen managed an awkward laugh while Arthur shook his head at her obvious difficulties navigating the conversation.
***
A few days into his Japon stay, while recruiting artists for his animation studio, Arthur began contemplating a film project inspired by Nihhon City itself.
The city's architecture and atmosphere reminded him of Japan before its economic boom - the contrast between wealthy districts and poor quarters sparked his creativity. The setting seemed perfect for filming "Seven Samurai."
Local politicians had welcomed Arthur and Hellfire Studio warmly during meetings two days prior, even arranging an audience with Japon's royal prince - Akuma Yasushi.
Hours later, in one of the city's most prestigious restaurants, Arthur found himself face-to-face with the third prince of the royal Akuma family.
Yasushi lounged in his seat with casual elegance, one leg crossed over the other, his single bull-like horn on his forehead catching the light. His posture projected both royal authority and modern sophistication.
Arthur bowed with precise respect. "It's an honor to meet the prince of Japon. I deeply appreciate you taking time for this meeting."
From his relaxed position, Yasushi regarded Arthur with measured interest. "Your reputation precedes you. Beyond being Morningstar Kingdom's infamous prince, you've made quite a name in entertainment."
Arthur smiled diplomatically. "That I have."
"Please, sit," Yasushi gestured.
As Arthur took his seat, the prince's guards tensed visibly, their cold eyes fixed on him until Yasushi calmed them with a subtle hand motion.
"I hear you're planning a film about Japon samurai. This interests me greatly," Yasushi leaned forward slightly. "I appreciate you seeking our people's consent before depicting samurai culture. We're protective of how our history is interpreted."
"It's only proper," Arthur responded. "Understanding samurai culture requires insight from those who truly know their legacy."
Yasushi nodded thoughtfully. "I know many samurai you could consult." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Though I wonder - why film in our kingdom when your VFX Studio could recreate any setting?"
"VFX Studio has its limitations," Arthur replied candidly. "More importantly..." He met Yasushi's gaze directly. "I aim to establish connections within your kingdom."
A glint of understanding flashed in Yasushi's eyes.
"I see," he said simply.
"Consider the tourism benefits," Arthur continued. "Once people see the film, they'll want to visit the actual locations."
"Valid point." Yasushi's tone grew measured. "But I sense your interests in my kingdom run deeper..."
Arthur's smile turned appreciative. "Perceptive."
"So my instincts were correct. You harbor other motives," Yasushi stated, his eyes sharp.
Arthur nodded, his thoughts running beyond mere artist recruitment. His vision included establishing manufacturing operations in Japon - specifically for Hellfire Electronics.
The kingdom's lower labor costs compared to Horn made it ideal for his future production needs. He was eyeing similar opportunities in Thorn and other Anatolian nations.
His planned product line - Hellfire Console, Hellfire Computer, Hellfire VHS, Hellfire TV, and more - would need efficient, cost-effective manufacturing bases. Nations like Japon and Thorn, with their competitive labor markets, could make these ambitious production goals achievable.
Japon's workforce particularly appealed to him - their combination of skill and reasonable wages could streamline his electronics production significantly.
Arthur laid out his plans openly to the prince - and Yasushi visibly appreciated his straightforward approach.
While the prince seemed receptive to supporting Arthur's ambitions, he'd need to navigate the proper channels through the king and royal advisors.
During his two weeks in Japon, Arthur had cultivated relationships with local politicians and major studio heads. Now he departed with his expanded group - Firfel, Vivienne, and their newest addition, Sylwen disguised as Megan.