Chapter 205: Late-night program

    (3rd Person POV)

    The revelation that Hellfire Studio employed ghost workers sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, drawing immediate skepticism.

    A studio executive at Underground Films looked up from the reports, shaking his head. "Ghosts as workers? How is this even possible? Those little troublemakers wouldn''t let anyone order them around."

    "Yeah, I doubt Hellfire Studio really has ghost workers. It''s just not possible," another executive chimed in.

    "That exiled prince must be hiding the truth - he''s either using forbidden voodoo spells or hired a criminal voodoo mentor," a third demon executive suggested.

    The studio head nodded from his seat at the table. "That has to be the explanation. Otherwise, how could the horror film have such impact?" He paused thoughtfully. "I doubt the exiled prince could manage voodoo spells himself, so he probably paid a substantial sum to a voodoo mentor who agreed to be filmed as the doll."

    The other executives nodded in agreement. They couldn''t believe "Child''s Play" could terrify demon audiences without employing genuine forbidden voodoo magic.

    The idea of ghosts possessing dolls for acting seemed particularly far-fetched. Not only did the concept of ghost employees strain credibility, but spirits capable of possession were exceptionally rare.

    The mischievous ghosts that typically haunted the demon realm lacked such abilities - they couldn''t possess objects or people. Ghosts with that power were ancient beings, practically extinct in modern times, known only from historical accounts.

    Not only Underground Films, a major studio from Morningstar Kingdom, but critics and renowned directors worldwide expressed deep skepticism about Hellfire Studio''s ability to employ ghosts as workers.

    The idea that Arthur could somehow tame ghosts - entities known for their chaotic and uncontrollable nature - struck most industry veterans as preposterous.

    A small minority of industry insiders who''d witnessed Hellfire''s production process defended Arthur''s claims about ghost employees. However, their voices were quickly drowned out by the overwhelming chorus of doubts from major studios and prominent critics.

    The controversy reached such intensity that media outlets began camping outside Hellfire Studio''s headquarters, desperate to question Arthur about his alleged ghost workforce. When reporters finally cornered him, his response was characteristically cryptic.

    "If you want to know the truth behind Child''s Play''s success, tune into Hellfire Network tonight," Arthur stated calmly. "I''ll present evidence that we never employed forbidden voodoo mentors or whatever else the rumors suggest. That''s all."

    The reporters pressed him about the widespread skepticism, but Arthur merely repeated his instruction to watch Hellfire Network''s new program starting at 10:00 PM.

    Arthur chuckled. "We have more potential viewers than you think. Plenty of people stay up around this time."

    "Yeah, right," Rocky countered. "Maybe a handful of Horn Kingdom night owls, or some vampire demons back in Morningstar Kingdom. And they''re only awake now because they''re curious about your ghost worker claims and this mysterious new program."

    "If this high-budget experiment of yours flops, don''t blame me, kid," he added with a warning tone.

    "Of course," Arthur smiled, understanding Rocky''s doubts. After all, this world had no real reason for people to stay awake past 10 PM. Everyone had their routines - work, school, daily obligations - and television had only recently given them a reason to stay up until that hour. Beyond that, when broadcasts ended, people simply went to sleep.

    A late-night show was completely uncharted territory. No TV network had even considered programming for those dark hours, making Arthur''s venture all the more revolutionary.

    The clock struck ten, and the show began broadcasting live. Rocky sat confidently behind his desk, his vampire features striking under the studio lights.

    "Good evening, Horn Kingdom!" Rocky''s rich voice filled the studio. "I''m Rocky Montclair, and welcome to the very first episode of what I''m told will be a nightly conversation with interesting people - assuming I don''t stake myself from exhaustion first." He flashed his fangs in a grin as the small audience chuckled.

    "Tonight''s guest is someone you all know - the exiled prince himself, though to me he''s just the bratty kid who somehow convinced me to host this ridiculous late-night show." The audience''s laughter grew. "Please welcome the mastermind behind both this show and my current sleep deprivation - Arthur Pendragon!"

    Arthur emerged, waving to the cameras as applause filled the studio. He settled into the guest chair with easy confidence. "Thanks for having me here, Don Vito."

    The audience erupted in laughter - Rocky''s portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in Demonfather had become legendary.

    Rocky''s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, you can thank yourself for that one, Michael. After all, who else would you book as your first guest but yourself?"

    More laughter followed - Arthur''s own role as Michael Corleone was equally iconic. The chemistry between the two actors, forged during their Demonfather days, was already making the show feel natural and engaging.

    ---

    ---

    ---

    For advanced Chapters, go check my [email protected]/NewComer714.