(3rd Person POV)
Billy studied Arthur intently. Despite being a billionaire with considerably more wealth than the young man before him, he recognized it was only a matter of time before Arthur would surpass him entirely.
"I understand your motivation," Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "But what makes you think I'd be interested? My company is performing exceptionally well on its own. I don't see any compelling reason to partner with another corporation right now."
His assessment was accurate. Apart from his long-standing collaborations with HOLLOW and Waves—which had proven highly successful over the years—Hellfire operated independently. The TV production partnership with HOLLOW and the signal tower project with Waves were both proceeding smoothly without complications.
Billy's smile widened with confidence. "I own Dark Corporation, and if Hellfire collaborated with us, we could significantly enhance computer production capabilities."
"Computer production?" Arthur asked with genuine curiosity. "Do your engineers even understand how my computers function? The technology is quite sophisticated."
Billy's eyes gleamed with unmistakable confidence. "You might be surprised, but yes—my engineers have managed to comprehend your computer systems to a considerable degree." He leaned forward conspiratorially. "This is proprietary information, but I'll share it with you: our company has successfully developed a prototype computer, though admittedly it's not quite as advanced as yours."
"Is that so?" Arthur's interest was genuinely piqued. He had created his computers by reverse-engineering advanced technology he'd acquired from the Dragon Ball world. For Dark Corporation's research and development team to achieve similar results through conventional means was genuinely impressive.
Recognizing that he'd captured Arthur's attention, Billy continued, "It cost approximately two billion dollars and considerable time to research and understand your innovations, but we've made significant discoveries in the process."
He pressed his advantage. "Moreover, we have employees who are remarkably knowledgeable in what you call 'computer programming languages.' One of them has even managed to create a basic website."
"Really?" Arthur raised an eyebrow with interest.
"Absolutely," Billy confirmed. "I understand that currently only Hellfire possesses the capability to create websites, and that you control the entire internet infrastructure. Your websites are the only ones operational right now—you have no competitors in this space."
Billy's expression grew more serious. "I'm also aware of how much revenue your company generates from website advertising and marketing partnerships with other corporations. That's precisely why I invested heavily in hiring the most talented individuals who understand computer communication protocols. We've finally managed to create a functional website, though it's not yet connected to the internet."
The implication hung in the air—Dark Corporation had developed the technical capability to compete with Hellfire's internet dominance, but lacked the infrastructure to implement it.
Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So you're positioning yourself as a competitor, yet you expect me to help you become my rival?"
He wasn't genuinely concerned—even with full infrastructure, Dark Corporation posed no real threat. Arthur controlled the internet itself as the master of the ancient tree that made global connectivity possible.
"Because I know that someone as remarkable as you, Arthur Pendragon, must be bored having no competitors in the internet space," Billy smiled knowingly. "Isn't that right?"
Arthur chuckled inwardly, impressed despite himself.
'He's more perceptive than I gave him credit for. It is boring having only my websites online—nothing like the internet from my previous life.' He felt a touch of nostalgia remembering the billions of websites and endless information exchanges that had characterized his old world's digital landscape.
"Moreover, competition drives innovation and growth," Billy continued. "Despite computers being remarkable tools, only millions of people use them currently. With mass production, lower costs, and competitive websites, we could expand the market to billions of users. Greater profits for everyone, and computers would become truly mainstream."
Arthur considered this carefully. 'His logic is sound. I do want computers to spread like they did in my previous life. More websites mean more users, which would make future projects like The Matrix film seem less unusual.' The limited number of websites under Hellfire's control had indeed made computers less appealing to many potential users.
"You raise compelling points," Arthur acknowledged.
Seeing Arthur's genuine interest, Billy pressed his advantage. "Additionally, your Hellphone faces distribution challenges in other countries—that's why it's currently limited to Horn Kingdom. With my international network, we could resolve those obstacles smoothly."
Billy was undeniably powerful—holding military contracts with over twenty nations was no small achievement.
Arthur studied the dwarf more carefully, chuckling inwardly. 'Partnership with him wouldn't hurt my company. However,' his smile sharpened, 'he still needs to pay for sending spies to infiltrate my operations. I haven't forgotten that transgression.'
He could see the smugness lurking behind Billy's eyes. Time to teach this old dwarf not to underestimate him.
"I may agree to the partnership, however..." Arthur paused deliberately.
Billy forced himself not to celebrate prematurely, but when he heard "however," dread crept into his expression.
"If you want to establish trust between us, I believe you should confess your wrongdoings and compensate my company with five billion dollars. Only then can I seriously consider your proposal."
Billy and his security detail recoiled in shock. "Five billion dollars?!" Billy exclaimed. "What wrongdoing could possibly warrant such compensation?"
Arthur tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I believe you sent two spies to my company. Lapis and Zyro, if I recall correctly."
Billy's eyes widened involuntarily.
"Those names ring a bell?" Arthur asked pleasantly.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about—"
"No need to deny it. Those two revealed everything," Arthur interrupted smoothly. "Despite their magical contracts, I have methods to make them talk and render such bindings useless."
Billy gritted his teeth. 'Damn it! Everything was going so well. How could past mistakes come back to haunt me now?'
"So you have two options," Arthur said firmly. "Confess and compensate my company with five billion dollars for the partnership, or we forget this conversation ever happened and you abandon any future proposals."
Arthur left no escape route. Even for someone of Billy's wealth, five billion dollars was an enormous sum.
More importantly, this move established Arthur's dominance in their potential partnership while putting the ambitious dwarf firmly in his place.
The powerful dwarf weighed his options carefully.
'I've invested so much in this venture. Billions spent trying to understand computer technology I initially underestimated—even hiring those eccentric programmers to work for my company!'
He thought specifically of the Corleone Gang members he'd recruited. Despite being a dangerous criminal organization, they possessed remarkably talented individuals who understood programming languages.
'I can't succeed alone without Hellfire's partnership! This is my only chance to recoup my investments and risks!' Billy glanced hesitantly at Arthur.
He swallowed hard. 'I completely underestimated this young man...'
Strangely, he felt no urge to use the powerful artifacts he carried. His enchanted belt was tightening around his waist—a warning that it sensed imminent danger. Making any aggressive move against Arthur would be catastrophically unwise.
Left with no alternative, Billy straightened and spoke with humble sincerity: "Arthur, I confess—I did send Lapis and Zyro to infiltrate your company. It was a grave error in judgment born from my own insecurity about your rapid success. I underestimated both your capabilities and your integrity. I humbly apologize for this transgression and any damage it may have caused."
Arthur chuckled at the unexpected humility. Billy's security detail stared in shock—they had never witnessed their typically aloof boss bow so respectfully to another person.
"Very well," Arthur said with satisfaction. "The five billion dollar compensation will be transferred to Hellfire within the week. Are we in agreement?"
"Yes," Billy replied through gritted teeth. "You'll have your compensation, and we can proceed with partnership negotiations."
Arthur nodded approvingly as Billy departed with a distinctly deflated expression.
---
The following day brought the highly anticipated John Wick auditions. Scripts had been distributed the previous evening, and numerous actors had eagerly accepted the opportunity to audition.
Among those waiting in line was Scarlet, the angel who had been observing mortal entertainment with growing fascination since Titanic's release. Having nothing pressing to occupy her time, she had infiltrated the casting process, disguising herself as an aspiring actress hoping to audition for the mysterious new project.
Standing among the other hopefuls, she fought the urge to use her divine abilities. 'This line is incredibly long. Should I use my powers to move ahead?' But she quickly dismissed the thought.
The High Arbiter was monitoring her activities. Any inappropriate use of angelic powers would result in severe consequences from the higher-ranking angels at Altair Station.
She simply wanted to experience what it felt like to be an actress. As someone who had been deeply moved by Titanic, the desire to participate in Arthur's creative process had become irresistible.
Meanwhile, Arthur observed the casting process from the director's booth when he sensed a familiar aura. Using his clairvoyance, he was pleasantly surprised to identify the angel among the crowd.
He couldn't suppress a knowing smile. 'I wondered if I'd actually encounter her, or if my Director of Life skill wasn't functioning as intended. It appears events are still unfolding according to what I wrote in the diary. I'll indeed get the chance to meet her and potentially influence her path.'