Chapter 41: Ellie’s Kidnap (1)

Chapter 41: Ellie’s Kidnap (1) "Wow, you look hot," Ellie commented, standing next to a modest carriage. Arthur glanced at his clothes. It was simple commoner wear: a large shirt and slightly baggy trousers, with a sword hanging from his waist and a black facemask. But it seemed everything suited him. "Yeah, so where are we going?" Ellie nodded several times. "I got permission from the director. We’ll leave the school and head to the modeling guild." It had been three days since Ellie gave him that proposal. After he told Nathira and the other girls, they gave him permission to help her. And that was how it led to today. Ellie channeled mana into the dimension ring Arthur had given her, then pulled out a piece of paper. "The company says they’ll pay about 10 coins per session, and I’ll have to snap five photos in each session." Arthur nodded as he skimmed through the document. "It looks legit. But did you research them?" "Yes, they’re an average company and there has been no complaints from any models." "Is that so...?" Arthur paused in thought. ’Seraph, can you go ahead and search the guild?’ Seraph responded immediately. ’Yes, Master.’ Arthur’s shadow flickered subtly as Seraph slipped away. The test week was nearly over. That meant Arthur had to settle the stalker incident that had happened to Ellie before real classes started. In total, he had picked six classes: magic tech, magic science and analysis, summoning and taming magic, general studies, runes and ancient civilization, swordsmanship, and his elective course, Noble Etiquette Through Generations. He and Ellie were taking most classes together, so they were both completely free this first week. "Uhmm, Arthur," Ellie called out as the carriage began moving. Arthur, who had been looking at the academy landscape, turned to her. "Yes...?" She hesitated, as if unsure whether to speak. "You have four wives... and one stalker wife." Arthur nearly choked. "What? How did you know that?" She turned away from his gaze. "The history teacher, Miss Syr’Nathira Val Archaian, threatened me. She said if I get too close to you, not just her, but the rest of your wives will kill me." ’Seriously? She gives me permission and then goes around threatening people.’ Arthur sighed. "Don’t worry. She won’t do anything..." He added, "I hope..." Ellie swallowed hard. "You know what? I’m starting to regret talking to you. What if she pours acid on my face?" "That would be diabolical," he responded. Ellie chuckled softly. "It’s been a while since I had a real friend." Arthur raised a hand to stop her. "No, don’t say it." "Don’t say what?" she asked, her head tilting. Arthur lowered his hand. "Don’t you know a boy and a girl can hardly be just friends?" He closed his eyes like a sage. "I’m saying this from experience, but most guys won’t marry a lady who has a male best friend, especially if you guys are ’best friends’." "Why did you repeat it twice?" Arthur looked into her eyes, then turned away. "Retain your innocence." The side quest the system gave him was to become Ellie’s assistant, and since he agreed, he was able to complete it easily the next day. The reward was more than he could have hoped for. A gem that could merge the Rune of Life with the Phoenix Rune Selena had given him without any energy loss. The first ability granted by his Authority already gave him considerable defense. But the new Rune of Life was different. It could revive him three times. "We’re here." Arthur snapped out of his thoughts as the carriage came to a halt. The street was alive with noise, and in front of them stood a high-rise building made of shimmering crystal. From a distance, one might mistake it for a skyscraper, but up close it felt much more grandiose. According to Arthur’s memories, Ellie started her modeling career here. It was going well at first, but after a strange number contacted her, she got caught up in an incident with a psycho. "Ellie, can you stay close to me at all times?" Ellie’s expression turned serious. "Did you sense something?" Arthur shook his head. "No, but it’s never bad to be cautious." Ellie’s gaze lingered for a moment before she nodded. "Okay, I’ll stay close..." Arthur adjusted his facemask and stepped inside the building. His eyes widened at the sight. Shocked wasn’t even close to what he felt. It was like being back on Earth. Cameras built with metal and light magic, decor straight out of a modern studio. It was fascinating and strangely nostalgic. ’The developers really went all out.’ "HEY! YOU FOOLS! WATCH WHERE YOU’RE FUCKING GOING!" And yes, it resembled Earth in more ways than one. Arthur had never held a regular job in his life; his work was mostly streaming and tutoring rich kids. But he’d heard enough to know that the entertainment industry could be a living hell. ’What have I gotten myself into?’ The man who had screamed earlier—the director of the modeling guild—turned to Arthur, studied him for a second, then yelled, "FOOL! WHO ARE YOU STARING AT!" Arthur stepped in front of Ellie and bowed. "I’m sorry, sir. I’m her assistant, and she was late because of my stupidity." The man scoffed. "Fools everywhere!" Arthur smiled at Ellie. "Go and get changed. I’ll handle things here." Her expression darkened, but she still nodded and left. Arthur sighed. ’It could’ve been bad if I hadn’t sent Seraph ahead.’ Though Seraph hadn’t gathered much, she managed to get some info. Someone was tailing them using a high-level stealth technique. She also found the director’s name, and Arthur recognized it instantly. One of the many NPCs in Magic Academy’s Genius Scholars: Kev. Just Kev. A former military officer who was dismissed when one of his subordinates rose to command. Why? Because he was a ruthless perfectionist, punishing anyone who didn’t meet his standards. His subordinates hated him for it. But the modeling world seemed to need exactly that kind of person. ’At least I know nothing will go wrong with him around.’ Arthur rolled up his sleeves. ’Time to work.’ Kev wasn’t the only perfectionist Arthur had known—he had his own: Isabella. So as her husband, he’d learned a thing or two about pleasing their kind. "Where’s the damn light mage? I said boost the damn light box!" The crew started backing away. "We better stay clear." "Yeah, he might just terminate our contracts." Arthur glanced at them, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. "I can do it, sir." Kev turned to him, skeptical. "You bastard, are you playing games with me?" Without hesitation, Arthur grabbed the light box. He couldn’t use conventional light spells like most mages, but he had something just as bright. By casting a light spell through it, he could easily control the intensity. Yellow. Arthur channeled the color into the box. Instantly, it lit up brilliantly. Kev gritted his teeth. "That’s too bright, you idiot!" "Yes, sir." Instantly, the brightness dimmed. Kev kept telling Arthur to increase and decrease the light, and every time, the onlookers’ eyes widened. "Wow, is he a mage?" "He came with Ellie, so probably." "But why is someone that skilled here? Think he’s her boyfriend?" "Maybe... but why’s he hiding his face?" Arthur ignored the chatter as a smile crept across Kev’s face. "Perfect!" Arthur sighed. ’Scratch that. He’s worse than Isabella. Does he think any regular mage could do this?’ Once the light was just right, the actual light mage from the crowd finally stepped forward to take over. Arthur didn’t mind giving up the role. Today he had two goals: stop the stalker, and get the crazy director to like Ellie enough to give her an exclusive contract. If he succeeded, the mission would be a breeze. Kev’s smile faded when he noticed Arthur was replaced. But then he shouted, "Where’s the third costume, you—" Arthur was already on it. Seraph had told him today’s schedule and Kev’s habits. He was a step ahead. "The third costume is here!" Arthur called out, handing it to a senior staff member. "I need three carpets, you morons!" "Here!" The errands only got harder with time, but Kev’s way of speaking changed too. He stopped shouting at the crew and started directing everything at Arthur. Even the crew noticed the shift—and the constant use of a single name. Whenever someone else helped, Kev would yell. Some were pleased, while others were visibly annoyed. ’Don’t glare at me. If you worked harder, this wouldn’t be happening.’ "Arthur, my boy!" Kev called out. "Yes, sir." Kev sized him up. "Why are you hiding your looks?" "What?" Arthur blinked. "I’ve seen a lot of faces, but no guy I’ve met is as good-looking as you. Are you wearing that because of your girlfriend?" "Sir, she’s not my—" Kev waved dismissively. "No need to lie. But since you’ve done this much and worked so hard, I’ll give her an exclusive contract." "What? Really?" He nodded. "As long as you show up once in a while." ’That was easier than I expected.’ Kev cleared his throat. "Anyway, isn’t it about time she came out?" Arthur turned to the dressing room. "Yeah, she’s taking a while." "It’s already four," Kev sighed. "Don’t tell me she’s shy because her boyfriend’s here. Haaa, young love is adorable." Arthur’s mind reeled. ’Four? How is it already four o’clock?’ A cold weight sank into his gut. For a moment, the light around him dimmed, not from magic, but dread. He turned to the dressing room, then to Kev. "Sir, is there a back door from the dressing room?" ’Please... please let there not be one.’ Kev rubbed his chin. "I think there’s an escape door there." He looked at Arthur, who was visibly tense. "Why? Do you think she ran off?" ’No way... Did the stalker already get in? My senses were fully active.’ Arthur took a breath. "Sir, can I postpone the shoot to another day? I’ll make sure to come again." Kev’s face darkened. "You know I hate cancellations..." Arthur shut his eyes. ’Looks like I got too—’ "However..." Kev continued. "If you agree to join the shoot, I might reconsider." Arthur’s eyes lit up. "Thank you, sir! I completely agree." "Then..." Before Kev could pull out a contract, Arthur dashed off. "Wait! The contract—" Arthur was already gone. He flung the door open, ignoring the screams of other girls inside. His eyes locked on the escape door—and just as he feared, it was open. ’Seraph, can you detect any trace?’ Seraph slid from his shadow. "Yes. I’ve sensed this presence before." Arthur’s eyes lit with urgency. "Where?" Seraph hesitated. "The academy." ─── ✦ End of Chapter ✦ ───