Chapter 201: Ridiculous offer

    (Arthur POV)

    Two weeks into the barcode rollout, Hellfire Standard''s revenue hit 91 million dollars just from companies purchasing bulk orders of unique barcodes - thousands of dollars per million codes.

    Each financial report brought a smile to my face. The profit margins exceeded my wildest expectations.

    Originally, barcodes were meant to showcase computer utility. Instead, they''d become a revenue stream generating millions weekly.

    The EPA government deserved partial credit - their support accelerated barcode adoption throughout Horn Kingdom.

    The economics made sense for everyone. Barcodes reduced production costs significantly compared to Rune-based patterns, lowering consumer prices while simultaneously cutting company expenses on the Runestring Engraving System. A true win-win situation.

    Public opinion had shifted markedly in favor of barcodes. My discussions with Valerie about making barcodes legally required on products would only accelerate this trend - and my profits.

    If we can expand beyond Horn Kingdom''s borders, billions in revenue becomes inevitable.

    Though such success would certainly attract government attention. I''d already seen it with TV and films - when profits reach a certain threshold, regulations, laws, and taxes inevitably follow.

    The thought didn''t worry me. I''d navigate those challenges just as I had in entertainment. For now, I''d focus on cementing barcode dominance while the market remained relatively unrestricted.

    At the same time, the EPA''s full support accelerated my plans for digital infrastructure. Construction crews worked around the clock installing network towers and laying communication cables throughout Horn City. Several towers already stood operational, connecting dozens of subscribed companies to the Hellfire Communication Network, from small businesses to major corporations.

    For 29 dollars monthly, companies gained access to something revolutionary - computers connected through the network. The "Hellfire Messenger" application allowed instant communication between connected systems, while businesses could share documents and files with partners instantly, provided both were network subscribers.

    This offered a stark contrast to traditional magical communication scrolls, which cost significantly more per message. Though the network currently only served Horn City, watching businesses embrace this technology confirmed I was pushing this world in the right direction.

    A distinctive "Ding!" from my desktop computer interrupted my thoughts on expansion plans.

    The receptionist''s message appeared on screen: "Boss, a dwarf representative from Dwalric Corporation is here - Thorvald. He''s requesting an immediate meeting."

    "Dwalric Corporation?" I raised an eyebrow, then remembered the company whose Rune-based pattern monopoly I''d disrupted. "Ah, of course."

    Their timing is predictable.

    It was only a matter of time before they''d come calling. Watching their Horn Kingdom market share vanish to barcodes must have finally gotten their attention.

    I sent a quick reply: "Let him in."

    This meeting should prove enlightening - no doubt they''d come with either threats or offers. Most likely both.

    Minutes later, the dwarf Thorvald entered my office, led by my receptionist. "Here''s your visitor, boss."

    I gave her an appreciative nod as she departed, then rose to greet our guest. "Welcome to my humble office. Please, have a seat."

    "Thanks," Thorvald replied, settling into the chair before my desk.

    His eyes lingered on the nearby computer with poorly concealed interest before he turned to me. "I apologize for my lack of manners. I''m Thorvald, executive of the—"

    "Five billion dollars and you refuse?" His fist crashed onto my desk. "Are you mad?"

    My expression hardened. "Control yourself in my office," I warned coldly. "If you can''t accept my answer, there''s the door."

    I activated the sharingan, my newly acquired Uchiha ability. Watching Thorvald recoil as my eyes transformed brought grim satisfaction.

    He bared his teeth in frustration but backed away, storming out of my office without another word.

    I watched Thorvald''s retreat with a derisive snort. The barcode system''s ownership wasn''t for sale - not for two billion, not for twenty billion. My decision was final.

    ***

    (3rd Person POV)

    {Morningstar Kingdom, Ferland City}

    While barcodes revolutionized Horn Kingdom''s retail landscape, the High Arbiter sat unnoticed in a crowded tavern, his presence masked by powerful magic. He studied a newspaper headline: "Exiled Prince''s Computer and Barcode Innovations Reshape Horn Kingdom''s Economic Landscape."

    Around him, patrons discussed the kingdom''s infamous exile.

    "Hard to believe that weak prince could change so much," an elderly demon mused over his drink. "From filmmaker to technological pioneer."

    His companions nodded in agreement. "Weak in magic, perhaps, but clearly gifted in mechanics and innovation."

    "The royal family may regret their decision," another added. "The boy''s earning hundreds of millions, possibly billions. Could''ve been a valuable asset to crown and kingdom."

    A horned demon slammed his beer down. "Enough about the exile. I only care that he makes my favorite films. Let''s talk about something else."

    Throughout their discussion, the High Arbiter remained silent, though his hidden gaze never left the newspaper''s headline.

    The High Arbiter''s observation of Arthur extended beyond entertainment. Initially focused on how Arthur''s films influenced the Four Representatives'' currency plans, he now watched the exiled prince reshape technology itself.

    His personal investigation of Horn City proved enlightening. The arcade machines at Hellscape Center had captured even his interest, their simple screen-based games surprisingly engaging. Yesterday''s computer purchase revealed even more - the ability to browse other computer users and connect through Hellfire Messenger without magical communication spells.

    Traditional communication methods showed clear limitations. Telephone calls carried hefty per-conversation costs, spell communication drained significant mana, and scroll messages demanded premium prices. Yet computers enabled unlimited messaging within Horn City for just 29 dollars monthly - a remarkably efficient system.

    As he contemplated this over his wine, a figure materialized beside him. The newcomer''s scaled skin gleamed beneath elegant robes of silk and jade, his serpentine tail curled carefully beneath his chair. Like the High Arbiter, he remained unnoticed by other patrons.

    "What have you uncovered about Arthur''s background?" the High Arbiter asked without looking up.

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