Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 173: World Council

Chapter 173: World Council

(3rd Person POV)

The staggering eight hundred million dollar box office of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" drew envious stares across the industry. Even wealthy nobles found themselves shaking their heads at such unprecedented profits, their eyes fixed on Arthur and Hellfire Studio's meteoric rise.

Financial publications estimated Arthur Pendragon's net worth had crossed the billion-dollar threshold, potentially placing him among the world's top 30 wealthiest individuals. At just eighteen, he'd shatter the record for youngest billionaire.

His transformation from exiled prince to entertainment tycoon in mere years had shocked everyone. Two years ago, no one could have predicted this - yet here he stood, reshaping the industry with each new venture.

The doubters had fallen silent. Arthur's consistent achievements proved his success wasn't mere luck, leaving his former partners to wrestle with their regrets about distancing themselves from Hellfire Studio.

None felt this more keenly than the Lava Brothers in Morningstar Kingdom. In their office, Fart and Ray could only stare at Harry Potter's box office numbers.

"I knew this film would be special," Fart shook his head. "The trailers alone showed its potential. We should have trusted our instincts..."

Ray sighed. "It's not just the film itself. Arthur's television network amplified everything."

"Exactly," Fart agreed. "TV's widespread adoption, combined with those compelling movie trailers and that dramatic narration - he's revolutionized film promotion entirely."

Ray nodded silently. Arthur hadn't just changed the entertainment industry. He'd transformed their entire world.

***

While the world marveled at Harry Potter's eight hundred million dollar earnings, a secret emergency meeting convened in a place hidden from ordinary eyes.

At the world's equator lay the Eternal Citadel, a grand city-state concealed from the outside world. Here, in this island-sized secret realm, all four races coexisted within its borders.

At its heart stood the World Council headquarters - a massive structure of stone and metal, its foundations carved with intricate histories of all races. Ancient pillars of copper and bronze supported its weight, while statues of legendary figures from each race lined its entrance.

Inside the council chamber, beneath a magical dome that displayed a shimmering globe of their world, representatives from all races gathered. The chamber buzzed with tension as they took their seats around the grand table.

A human representative spoke first. "High Arbiter," he addressed the figure at the head of the table. "The four races requested this audience because of this demon, Arthur Pendragon-"

"Arthur Morningstar," a demon representative cut in sharply.

The human barely spared the demons' section a glance. "His name matters little. What matters is the threat he poses to the global currency our World Council established four hundred years ago."

Before the High Arbiter lay a newspaper announcing Harry Potter's unprecedented earnings.

"Arthur's earnings mock the concept of fair wealth distribution," the human representative continued. "This level of profit from mere entertainment is unprecedented."

The dwarf slammed his fist on the table. "How can we accept this? Our people break their backs mining rare materials, creating technological marvels - yet a simple film earns more than our most ambitious projects!"

"This obsession with entertainment and quick profits goes against everything we value," the elf added, her voice tight with frustration. "Where is the sustainability in this system? The respect for tradition?"

The High Arbiter looked at everyone, expression hidden behind a magic veil that obscured every feature. When speaking, the Arbiter's voice carried such perfect neutrality that none could determine gender with certainty, though most assumed male from subtle mannerisms. "What could be done?"

The representatives exchanged meaningful glances before the demon leaned forward. "We want to establish our own currencies."

"Keep the dollar as the global standard," the human quickly added, "but let each race create their own currency. This way, we maintain better control over wealth distribution."

The dwarf's eyes gleamed as he spoke. "Arthur may earn millions, but where is the value in that? Our goods, our resources, our craftsmanship have been devalued by a currency that does not reflect true worth. We demand the right to create our own currency, one backed by the precious metals and craftsmanship we trade. Only then will our contributions to this world be properly valued."

Murmurs filled the council chamber as the High Arbiter turned toward the elders. They rose from their seats, pointing accusatory fingers at the four races' representatives.

"We disagree!" one elder's voice shook with anger. "The global currency has stood for four hundred years under the World Council! A single currency provides stability that all regions rely on, reducing economic volatility and uncertainty!"

"Introducing new currencies," another elder warned, "would destabilize exchange rates! Multiple currencies and speculative trading would throw our economy into chaos!"

The human and other representatives bristled at the elders' proclamations, their disagreement plain on their faces.

The fierce-looking demon representative leaned forward, his eyes blazing. "What you elders fail to understand is that wealth isn't just about money - it's about power. The current situation, where wealth is controlled by a select few, demonstrates weakness. Arthur's films are only the tip of the iceberg; we see a pattern where those with influence control the system for their own benefit."

"Silence." The High Arbiter's single word carried absolute authority.

The council chamber fell still.

"In this council," the High Arbiter continued, "representatives cannot disrespect anyone. Especially the elders."

The representatives sat quietly, enduring the elders' arrogant stares.

"I apologize," the demon bowed his head.

The council quickly acknowledged his apology, eager to move forward.

"With all respect, High Arbiter," the human representative ventured, "we implore the council to think further! A film earning such vast sums compared to vital industries threatens our world economy. Only with our own currencies can we better manage this situation!"

The High Arbiter remained silent, knowing full well the representatives used Arthur merely as an excuse to push for independent currencies.

Yet their concerns weren't entirely baseless. "I know little of this Arthur - I have just awakened from a long dream," the High Arbiter said. "But I will examine this matter closely. I must understand who this Arthur is and how his films command such wealth."

The representatives and elders fell silent at the High Arbiter's revelation of his recent awakening.

His reputation preceded him - one of the legendary heroes who defeated the demon tyrant four hundred years ago. His strength remained unmatched, even after sleeping for years, sometimes decades, between periods of activity.

The High Arbiter had created the World Council to unite the four races, using the organization to shape global politics and economics. His establishment of the dollar as world currency had transformed commerce across all kingdoms.

After the representatives departed, he turned to the anxious elders. "I'm going to observe the outside world. Do not interfere."

"High Arbiter, please reconsider!" the elders protested. "You've only just awakened. The world has grown uncertain - let your subordinates investigate before you reveal yourself-"

"Silence." His raised hand carried more weight than a shout. "Few in the outside world could pose any threat to me. I will be fine."

The elders' mouths opened and closed helplessly, the Arbiter's pressure rendering them speechless.

In a blur of movement, the High Arbiter vanished, reappearing atop the grand dome. His gaze pierced reality itself, opening a swirling portal that he stepped through without hesitation.

The elders could only stare up at the dome, shaking their heads.

"Still insists on handling everything personally."

"Nothing we can do about it."

The island is invisible to the outside world, concealed for centuries by powerful enchantments. Only the representatives of the four races can enter, yet even they remain unaware that the island lies precisely at the equator.

Their passage to this hidden sanctuary is possible only through the World Spire Portal.