(3rd Person POV)
Arthur decided to give Naruto space to process the revelation. With a thought, he teleported the overwhelmed ninja to a remote area of the Great Southern Land.
'Better to let him absorb this alone,' Arthur mused, feeling a pang of sympathy. 'Learning your entire existence is fictional entertainment for others... that would devastate anyone.'
He took a steadying breath, grateful for his own reality. 'At least my life is genuine. I may have a system like those web novels, but this existence is absolutely real.'
His Hellphone chimed with an incoming call. The display showed "Billy Dark."
"Hello, Billy. How are things progressing?"
"Quite well, actually," Billy's voice crackled through the speaker. "I'm currently in the Aztec Empire, and the nobles are very interested in the Hellphone. They're calling it a revolutionary invention and want to implement it throughout their territories."
Arthur's eyebrows rose with interest. "Excellent work. They could be the second nation after Horn Kingdom to adopt it fully."
"Actually, multiple countries have expressed willingness to adopt the technology," Billy corrected quickly.
Arthur smiled faintly. 'Having Billy handle the legwork certainly makes this less troublesome.'
He could have asked Kaiser for assistance—the God of Wealth certainly possessed global influence—but Kaiser had been clear about his limitations. 'I can't openly favor your businesses, Arthur. If Solarus's loyalists notice preferential treatment, they'll grow suspicious of my true loyalties.'
So Kaiser remained useful in theory but constrained in practice. The United States of Empirica offered some potential through Arthur's control over the president, but constitutional limitations restricted even presidential power.
"There is one complication," Billy continued. "Local media outlets are spreading suspicion about the Hellphone. Some experts claim it could enable government surveillance or allow Hellfire to spy on private conversations—similar to telephone wiretapping concerns."
Arthur chuckled softly. 'They're not entirely wrong about the surveillance capabilities.' The rumors had likely spread from Horn Kingdom's media coverage. "What kind of impact are you seeing?"
"It could significantly damage sales before we even begin distribution."
"Don't worry," Arthur said with quiet confidence. "I already have a solution in mind."
He ended the call and began formulating his strategy.
"Joseph Jackson has been gaining popularity in the Aztec Empire," he murmured thoughtfully. "And with the FIFA World Cup scheduled there in one week, a live performance during game breaks would be perfect timing."
The plan had solid foundations. Arthur had founded FIFA himself and maintained ultimate control despite appointing others to visible leadership roles. Football's global popularity had even reached the Aztec Empire, making them eager to host the World Cup.
"Joseph's recorded music already demonstrates his «Musical Magic» talent through Walkmans and VHS music videos," Arthur reasoned aloud. "But live performance amplifies those effects exponentially."
He envisioned a modern concert spectacular—choreography, lighting, and stage presence that would rival Michael Jackson's legendary performances from his previous life. The combination of Joseph's supernatural charisma with cutting-edge production values would create an unforgettable experience.
And naturally, the Hellphone would play a prominent role in the performance, demonstrating its capabilities to millions of viewers while Joseph's magnetic presence overcame any lingering suspicions about the technology.
One week to orchestrate everything, but the payoff would be worth the effort.
---
One week passed in the blink of an eye. In Titan City, capital of the Aztec Empire, crowds filled every street and plaza. Today marked the event football fans worldwide had awaited—the Football World Cup.
Arthur walked through the bustling crowds with Firfel, both wearing caps and coats as disguises. At least, Firfel believed their clothing concealed their identities, unaware that Arthur's power rendered them truly invisible to recognition.
Observing the sea of people in team jerseys clutching footballs, Firfel shook her head in amazement. "I never imagined this game would grow so popular. Just a few years ago, football was barely noticed in Evros."
Arthur's arm settled around her waist as he smiled. "That's my influence at work."
Firfel blushed slightly at his touch. "You're so modest," she teased. "But yes, it's definitely your doing. You have this talent for turning everything into a global phenomenon."
"Guilty as charged," Arthur chuckled.
"So," Firfel said as they settled into their seats in the stadium, "Joseph is finally performing live in this country for the first time… and you've spent millions preparing him for it?"
Arthur nodded seriously. "Every credit will be worth it."
"His career is barely a year old. Why focus so much attention on him now?" Firfel asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.
"Because Joseph will be promoting the Hellphone during his performance."
Firfel rolled her eyes. "I should have known. Everything comes back to business expansion with you." She unwrapped her popcorn with mock exasperation. "You have enough wealth to last millennia, yet you're still obsessed with making more money."
Arthur's expression softened. "It's not just about money, babe. It's about advancing civilization—creating jobs, improving lives, pushing society forward."
Firfel considered this, unable to argue with his logic. "I suppose you have a point."
"After the concert, I have a surprise prepared for you," Arthur said mysteriously.
Firfel's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What kind of surprise?"
Arthur's smile turned teasing. "You'll find out soon enough."
"Knowing you, it's probably some expensive jewelry," Firfel said, feigning disinterest while internally speculating about possibilities.
Arthur simply smiled, thinking of the Divine Ship waiting to take them among the stars themselves.
The game began with explosive intensity. Players demonstrated incredible skill, blending martial arts with magical techniques focused through their feet.
Jericho, Aztec's star player, unleashed his signature move—"Storming Tornado"—summoning fierce winds around his kick that sent the ball hurtling toward the goal like a miniature hurricane.
The opposing goalkeeper responded with "Giant Claw," his hands expanding and hardening to catch the magically-enhanced shot.
Football in this world had evolved far beyond simple physical competition. Magic and advanced martial arts had transformed it into a spectacular display of supernatural athleticism that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The game reached halftime with the score deadlocked, and anticipation shifted toward the promised entertainment. The stadium's energy transformed as thousands of voices rose in excitement.
"Finally! Joseph Jackson's performance!"
"I've been waiting for this all week!"
The crowd's murmur built to a roar as the massive screens flickered to life, revealing Joseph Jackson positioned center stage. He wore a sleek black military-style jacket adorned with silver buckles and intricate embroidery, paired with fitted black trousers that caught the stage lights. A single sequined glove gleamed on his right hand, while dark sunglasses concealed his eyes.
The opening beats pulsed through the stadium speakers, and the audience erupted into deafening cheers.
Even Firfel found herself caught off guard by the intensity. 'Last year he was so shy during that theater performance in Ferland City. Now look at him—commanding an entire stadium in a foreign kingdom.'
Joseph stood motionless, head tilted downward, body coiled with potential energy like a predator preparing to strike.
Suddenly, a sharp ringing sound cut through the music. Joseph smoothly withdrew a gleaming Hellphone from his jacket, his amplified voice carrying across the stadium as he answered: "Hello?"
"Joseph," a deep, ominous voice resonated through the speakers, audible to every spectator. "You have been cursed by ancient powers."
Joseph's posture remained perfectly controlled. "Cursed? How do I break free?"
"Simple," the voice replied with dark amusement. "You must sing and dance!"
Joseph's lips curved into a knowing smirk. He hurled the Hellphone aside with theatrical flair, then released a signature vocal flourish—a sharp, rhythmic exclamation that sent electricity through the crowd.
The cheers intensified to an almost painful volume. While most spectators had noticed the Hellphone's prominent appearance, their attention was completely captured by the unfolding performance.
"It's close to midnight, something evil's lurking in the dark," Joseph sang, his voice carrying supernatural resonance.
Musical Magic erupted from his being like visible waves of colored light—invisible to most spectators but clear to those with enhanced perception. The ethereal energy flowed directly into the hearts of the audience, amplifying their emotional connection to the music exponentially.
Among the crowd, Scarlet observed with growing concern. "That magical energy he's channeling—it has purifying properties and directly influences emotions. How is that possible?"
Kaiser nodded thoughtfully. "Musical Magic of that caliber is extraordinarily rare."
"But how can a demon possess such abilities?" Scarlet frowned deeply. "Musical Magic should only manifest in humans or elves."
She continued watching with suspicion, unaware of the deeper mysteries surrounding Joseph's talents.
Kaiser studied Scarlet's reaction with satisfaction. 'Arthur's memory modification worked perfectly. She has no recollection of the unusual events surrounding him and Keanu. This maintains her usefulness for introducing Hellfire entertainment to Altair Station—which will only strengthen Arthur's dominion over entertainment if angels become influenced by his films.'
The performance continued building toward its crescendo, Joseph's supernatural charisma weaving through the stadium like a living force, while the Hellphone's strategic placement ensured millions of viewers worldwide witnessed its capabilities firsthand.