BXBX NOVEL Chapter 143: Surprise after surprise
Chapter 143: Surprise after surprise
The news sent shockwaves through Horn Kingdom and neighboring realms where Caleb had held influence.
Meanwhile, Clint, Benny, and their supporters celebrated justice being served.
Arthur hosted a victory celebration for his actors - the atmosphere electric with relief and joy. Clint and Benny lost themselves in drink, Alissa joining in their revelry.
Beside Arthur, Firfel watched Alissa. "She seems to be recovering well from her ordeal with Caleb."
"I still see worry in her eyes," Vivienne observed.
"Understandable. Caleb's sentence is only months long, and his father Raff still holds power. Alissa has reason to be concerned," Arthur said, sipping his drink.
"Poor girl," Firfel sighed. "Can you keep protecting her?"
"Yes, Arthur," Vivienne's usually playful tone turned serious. "I hope you'll continue supporting her, even though she's finished testifying."
Arthur smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I'll look after her," he promised.
"You should be careful too, Arthur," Firfel cautioned. "The commissioner won't take his son's imprisonment lightly. His reputation suggests he holds grudges."
Arthur's grin held an edge of steel. "Don't worry. That commissioner is a small fry."
"Big words," Vivienne chuckled.
Firfel smiled, assuming Arthur was merely putting on a brave face to ease their concerns.
Arthur remained quiet. He knew Raff would cause trouble eventually.
But he felt no fear. His training in the Dragon Ball world had strengthened both his martial arts and his body beyond anything the commissioner could imagine.
***
The next day in the Dragon Ball world, Arthur faced Goku as the tournament crowd watched in awe.
Roshi adjusted his glasses, studying the fight with growing amazement. 'Fascinating... Previously, Arthur couldn't have dominated Goku like this - but now...' He leaned forward. 'Now Goku is struggling against him.'
On stage, Arthur's punch caught Goku squarely in the face, sending him flying. Goku managed to right himself mid-air.
Rubbing the bruise on his cheek, Goku grinned. "Hehe, you're the strongest opponent I've ever met!"
Arthur smiled, handling Goku with apparent ease.
This mastery came from countless battles with Goku - Arthur had exploited his "save file" ability repeatedly, loading back to before each fight started.
Through these iterations, Arthur had memorized Goku's patterns, movements, and fighting style.
Though Goku held a slight edge in raw power, Arthur countered him like a seasoned veteran.
Yet Goku himself wasn't the real challenge. Arthur's numerous attempts stemmed from preparing for Goku's "Great Ape" transformation.
Even knowing Goku's moves, victory proved difficult. The young Saiyan's stubborn nature and natural durability let him weather tremendous punishment.
Despite his exhaustion, Goku's eyes blazed with determination.
Then the moment arrived - Goku's Great Ape transformation began.
As the crowd scattered, Arthur muttered, "This is it..." He'd prepared extensively for this moment.
The Great Ape's roar shook the arena. Arthur dodged its massive stomp, weaving through devastating attacks until he found his opening - severing Goku's tail with precise timing.
Goku crashed to the ground, reverting to human form.
As the audience cautiously returned, Bulma, Yamcha, Roshi, and Krillin stared in shock at Goku's prone form.
"You monster! You killed him!" Bulma screamed, misunderstanding the situation.
"Goku!" Puar and Oolong cried out in concern.
"Don't worry, he's fine!" Arthur assured them.
Moments later, Goku stirred, confused about his missing tail and sudden nudity.
Relief washed over his friends' faces.
The battle resumed, but with his stamina depleted and tail gone, Goku finally succumbed to exhaustion.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 21st Martial Arts Tournament - Arthur Pendragon!" The announcer's voice boomed as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Roshi and the others helped Goku to his feet.
"That was an amazing fight, hehe..." Goku said, leaning on Krillin for support. He looked at Arthur with bright eyes. "I hope to fight you again..."
Arthur smiled at their exchange when system notifications appeared before him.
[You have successfully completed your mission and become the winner of the 21st martial arts tournament without using magic!]
[Reward: +2 Senzu Beans. 10 percent proficiency of Creator's Realms ability. 10 percent proficiency of Primal Morningstar ability. +1 divine point.]
Arthur examined the rewards, particularly intrigued by the "divine points." This new system function had unlocked a divine store, offering fictional skills, items, and artifacts from worlds he'd visited.
Surprisingly, the store also allowed him to reward potential worshippers - though Arthur wondered who would ever worship him.
***
Back in reality, Arthur finalized his agreement with HOLLOW and Waves Corporation.
Both companies, excited by the revolutionary products, readily accepted Arthur's terms. Their eagerness for the technology gave him considerable leverage in negotiations.
Production lines started immediately for color TVs and VHS players.
Waves Corporation also agreed to distribute Arthur's films and James Blaze's music on VHS tapes.
Meanwhile, Hellfire Studio heavily promoted their new film, "Enter the Dragon" throughout the kingdom.
Public opinion remained skeptical. Even loyal Hellfire fans expressed doubts.
"It wasn't directed by Arthur - doubt it'll be any good," an imp demon remarked, studying the film's poster.
"Yeah. I'd have more faith if the exiled prince made it..." a dwarf shook his head.
"I know the director - Amon Oblivion from Morningstar. He might surprise us," offered someone familiar with the industry.
Despite widespread skepticism and media outlets fueling doubts, advance tickets sold well. Though Arthur hadn't directed it, his name as writer drew his dedicated fans.
***
"Enter the Dragon" premiered in Horn Kingdom, then swept across continents the next day - screening simultaneously in Morningstar, Thorn Kingdom, Japon, Choson, Bharat Kingdom, and Empirica.
The film's success was immediate - earning 8 million dollars on opening day, then surging to 29 million on its second day.
As days passed, the box office numbers continued climbing, outperforming even VFX-heavy blockbusters from industry giants like Science Pictures and Loop Records.
The film resonated particularly strongly across Anatolia - dominating markets in Morningstar, Thorn, Japon, Choson, and Bharat.
Empirica's response proved more modest, yet the film sparked an unexpected cultural shift - igniting widespread interest in martial arts.
In Angels City, Empirica, martial arts academies found themselves flooded with new enrollments.
Similar waves swept through Morningstar, Horn, Thorn, Japon, and Choson.
"I want to be Bruce Lee!" became a common cry among eager teenagers.
Even adults could be caught mimicking Bruce Lee's signature moves.
The name "Bruce Lee" spread rapidly through the kingdoms. His prominence in "Enter the Dragon" was undeniable, his name featured boldly on posters alongside Arthur and Amon's.
His impact reached far beyond box office numbers. He inspired countless admirers to pursue martial arts - though one young student, Jackie Chan, took a different path.
Mesmerized by the film, Jackie abandoned his martial arts school - infuriating the Chan family.
Yet he remained determined to follow Bruce Lee's footsteps, not as a martial artist, but as an actor who could bring martial arts to the screen.
***
Weeks passed since "Enter the Dragon's" debut. By November 28, 1272, as the film's popularity naturally declined, HOLLOW and Waves Corporation hosted a joint conference that would change entertainment forever.
The gathered reporters fell silent as the companies revealed their groundbreaking products - a color television and VHS player.
"This is extraordinary!" a reporter exclaimed.
"The picture quality is incredible - films playing on TV in perfect color!" another journalist marveled, studying the display.
"Unlike projectors with their dim images and complicated setup, our TV delivers crystal-clear, colored pictures at the touch of a button," the HOLLOW executive explained.
The reporters watched, transfixed.
The Waves Corporation executive stepped forward. "The VHS player makes it all possible. These compact tapes store entire films, ready to play in perfect color whenever you wish!"
"The Demonfather" continued playing on screen, demonstrating the system's capabilities.
When asked about the initial release location, the announcement surprised the press corps - Horn Kingdom would receive the technology first.
"Horn Kingdom? Why not Empirica or the Mech Nation?" a reporter questioned.
Una, HOLLOW's CEO, smiled. "Because we owe this innovation to Arthur Morningstar, a Horn citizen. This color TV and VHS player are his creations. It's only fitting to launch in the inventor's homeland."
The revelation sent a ripple of astonishment through the assembled press.