Chapter 41: Solution

Chapter 41: Solution (Arthur POV) I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I tried to ward off an impending headache. Planning this next film was proving to be more challenging than I'd anticipated. "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" needed a specific kind of backdrop - something reminiscent of Empirica's Frontier Age. We needed vast, dusty plains, craggy mountains, and sun-baked towns that looked like they'd sprouted from the very earth. The kind of place where you could almost taste the lawlessness in the air, where the line between hero and outlaw blurred like a mirage on the horizon. I'd thought about using the Ashen Plains again, but... no. It wasn't even close to what we needed. My team had been working tirelessly, going through the proper channels to get permission to film in Empirica itself. But after days of back-and-forth, mountains of paperwork, and enough ass-kissing to make my jaw ache, we got our answer: a resounding "no." I sighed, the weight of rejection settling on my shoulders. Deep down, I'd known this would happen. The government of Empirica, steeped in their Solarus faith, hated me. The success of "The Demonfather" had only made things worse. Speaking of which, I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly as I recalled the latest batch of magazines and newspapers I'd read. The headlines were getting more hysterical by the day: "'Demonfather' Popularity in Empirica Alarming - Government Considers Ban" "Solarus Faith Leaders Condemn 'Blasphemous' Demon Film" "Is 'The Demonfather' Corrupting Our Youth?" I shook my head, remembering some of the more... creative criticism. One particularly spiteful article had declared, "The Demonfather is surely Arthur Morningstar's first and last success. A one-hit wonder if ever there was one." Even some demon newspapers and magazines were jumping on the bandwagon, eager to predict my downfall. Part of me wanted to laugh. Another part wanted to scream. But mostly, I felt a deep, burning determination. They thought "The Demonfather" was a fluke? They thought I couldn't do it again? I'd show them. We'd find a way to make this film, with or without Empirica's blessing. I paced back and forth, my mind racing. How could we create the perfect backdrop for our project? The Ashen Plains were close, but not quite there. We needed something more... controllable. Riding the wave of enthusiasm, I decided to strike while the iron was hot. "Alright," I said, clapping my hands together. "Time to put this plan into action. I need you all to scout for a massive building we can convert. Think big - maybe a grand theatre that's fallen on hard times, or better yet, an unused arena." I could see confusion on some faces, so I elaborated. "You know, one of those big arenas they use for those flashy martial arts tournaments or magical duels." A chorus of "Ohhs" rippled through the group as understanding dawned. "You mean like the Crimson Colosseum?" Lilith piped up. "Where they host the Annual Sword and Sorcery Spectacular?" I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "That's right! Those kinds of places." For those who didn't grow up in this world, these arenas were a big deal. They hosted everything from knightly sword-fighting tournaments to high-stakes magical duels. It's like a cross between a Roman gladiator arena and a modern-day sports stadium, but with more fireballs and flying swords. In these events, knights would clash in spectacular sword fights, their enchanted blades ringing out as they connected. Mages would face off in spell-slinging competitions, trying to outdo each other with increasingly potent and flashy magic. It was a spectacle of skill, strength, and arcane power that never failed to draw massive crowds. "These events are hugely popular," I continued, "but there might be some older arenas out there that have fallen out of use. Maybe they're too small for the big leagues now, or they're in need of repairs. That's what we're looking for - something with good bones that we can reshape to fit our needs." I could see the wheels turning in my team's heads. They were starting to envision the possibilities. "Now, I know it sounds like a tall order," I admitted, "but think about it. These places are already designed to accommodate large crowds and host spectacular events. With some renovations, we could turn one into the perfect film studio." George scratched his beard thoughtfully. "We'd need to build sets, install lighting rigs..." "Exactly," I nodded. "But we'd have the space to do it all. We could create our own little world inside those walls." Klein's eyes lit up. "We could even use some of the existing structures! Like, if there's a VIP box, we could turn that into a saloon for our frontier town!" I pointed at him, grinning. "Now you're getting it! That's the kind of creative thinking we need." The excitement in the room was palpable now. Everyone was chattering, throwing out ideas and suggestions. I held up my hands for quiet. "Alright, alright. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First things first - we need to find this place. So, I want you all to start scouting. Check out every unused building, every old arena, every structure that might fit the bill. Talk to real estate agents, chat up locals, follow every lead you can find."