Chapter 254 - Hellphone and low profile confession
(Firfel POV)
This little device can actually do all those things at once?! Listening to Arthur explain everything about this "Hellphone," I couldn't help but question the purpose of expensive scroll communication if such a device existed.
Still feeling skeptical, I looked at Arthur, my brows furrowed. "Are you sure this device can handle all that? It's so small..."
Arthur nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Of course. I assure you, it can." Then, with a proud smile, he added, "You've seen what my team and I achieved with the computer that allowed long-distance messaging. You should know what I'm capable of."
I crossed my arms, my doubt still lingering. "I know you invented that computer, but it's huge, complicated, and needs wires to function. This Hellphone is tiny compared to that..."
Arthur chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "There's a saying: small but terrible."
I glanced at the small screen on the device. It displayed a simple menu: Messages, Contacts, Games, Settings, and Clock. It seemed straightforward, yet my mind struggled to grasp how something so small could achieve what he claimed.
"If this device really does everything you say," I began, "does it use incredible magical power? Communication scrolls cost hundreds of dollars because they rely on magic to send messages over long distances. Does this consume magic, too?"
To my surprise, Arthur shook his head. "No, it doesn't use magic."
I gasped. "Then how is it powered?"
Arthur pointed to a small port on the device. "You recharge it by plugging in this charger." He pulled out a slender object attached to a wire, and I examined it curiously.
"Electricity? That's all it uses?" I asked, still trying to wrap my mind around it.
Arthur nodded again. "It's that simple."
I stared at the Hellphone in my hand, amazed. A device that didn't require magic yet could send messages and make calls without wires—it was nothing short of revolutionary. Arthur's confidence in his creation wasn't misplaced.
As he continued explaining its functions, I learned it wasn't just for communication. The Hellphone also came with mini-games, including Snakes, Space Invader, Ping Pong, and even a simplified version of Tetris.
While the graphics were rudimentary compared to the visuals of the H.E.S. (Hellfire Entertainment System) and arcade machines—also Arthur's creations—it was astonishing that such a small device could handle games at all.
As Arthur patiently introduced me to the Hellphone, I began noticing the curious glances from the cast and crew around us. They were drawn to the device, their eyes filled with wonder.
Arthur seemed aware of their interest but didn't let it distract him. In fact, he reached into his pocket and pulled out another Hellphone. "I'll demonstrate something," he announced, holding the second device up for everyone to see. "This is also a Hellphone. I'll send a message to Firfel's device. Watch closely."
I shook my head, partly amused but also intrigued. Could it really work as flawlessly as he claimed?
Arthur typed something into his Hellphone, his fingers moving deftly over the keypad. Moments later, the device in my hand emitted a soft "Ding!"
Startled, I glanced at Arthur. "That sound... does it mean I received the message?" I could clearly hear the notification chime from the Hellphone in my hand.
He smiled and nodded. "Exactly. Check your Hellphone."
Following his instructions, I navigated the keypad to access the message. On the screen, it read: Message 1 from (69)6XXXX.
I selected the message, and as the contents appeared, my cheeks flushed uncontrollably. The message read: I like you.
Heat rose to my face and neck as I quickly lowered the device. My heart fluttered unexpectedly, and I struggled to maintain my composure.
"Did it work? Was the message sent?" Klein, one of the crew members, asked curiously.
Still flustered, I nodded. "Yes. Arthur's message was sent."
A collective gasp of astonishment rippled through the crowd. "Amazing!"
"What did the message say?"
"Where can we get one?"
The murmurs and exclamations grew louder, blending into an excited buzz. I couldn't make out individual voices as everyone clamored for a closer look at the Hellphone.
Meanwhile, I tried to calm the warmth on my cheeks, avoiding Arthur's knowing gaze. This device wasn't just revolutionary—it was trouble for my heart.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Arthur knew exactly what he was doing when he sent that message. Giving the advanced Hellphone to Firfel wasn't just a gesture of generosity—it was a calculated move. He wanted to stay connected to her anytime, anywhere, and the Hellphone was the perfect tool for that.
Beyond personal reasons, Arthur had another motive. He aimed to impress his crew and cast with the groundbreaking device.
Demonstrating the call function, he and Firfel talked over the Hellphone while the audience watched in awe. Even the two celebrating dragons, who had been stealing the spotlight earlier, couldn't help but notice the shift in attention and grew curious about the mysterious device.
The party buzzed with excitement, as the cast and crew became unexpectedly fixated on the Hellphone. Questions flew at Arthur: when would it be available, and could they get one? But Arthur, ever elusive, avoided giving a direct answer, keeping the intrigue alive.
When the festivities finally wound down, Arthur said his goodbyes, exchanging a warm, lingering hug with Firfel before everyone left. Alone in the now-quiet garden, Arthur let out a small sigh, reflecting on the night.
Suddenly, the shadows in the garden rippled, and Sylwen emerged, her presence as quiet and enigmatic as ever.
"Was it wise to reveal Hellfire Electronics' secret device so casually?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with concern as she approached him. "Especially giving it to that... girl. Aren't you worried she'll be reckless and brag about it? What if it gets leaked?"
Arthur turned slightly, his expression calm, almost dismissive. "I'm not worried about that," he said. "Even if she tries to flaunt it, no company at this stage could replicate the technology behind the Hellphone." His tone carried a quiet certainty as he added, "Anyone who tries would be wasting their time. Cracking the secrets of my invention is a fool's errand."
He recalled spending an immense amount of time and effort to acquire knowledge from the Harry Potter world.
His visit to that world wasn't to study magic, but to uncover the secrets behind Nokia phone technology. Despite his determination, he only managed to learn about the older models. The process was grueling, and it was only possible because his intelligence had significantly increased after leveling up his status through Divine Points.
Divine Items purchased from the Divine Shop had also played a significant role, not just in advancing his knowledge, but in strengthening his overall abilities.
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"If that's the case, I guess we have nothing to worry about with potential spies infiltrating the Hellfire Electronics research department," Sylwen said, her words catching Arthur off guard.
"Potential spies?" Arthur echoed, his tone more intrigued than alarmed.
Sylwen studied his calm expression and continued, "Yes. I just received this information from Lance, one of the senior members. I'm not sure how they uncovered it, but they have reason to believe that spies have already infiltrated your company."
Arthur's demeanor remained steady, his lack of panic evident. "Not surprising," he said simply. "Do we know who these spies are?"
Sylwen hesitated for a moment before replying, "No. They're being very careful, and we're still in the process of investigating."
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. With a casual wave, he said, "If that's all, you're dismissed."
Sylwen nodded but didn't leave.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"
After a brief moment of hesitation, Sylwen spoke. "Are you really serious about my sister?"
Arthur blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. Then, with unwavering conviction, he replied, "Of course I am."
Sylwen stood in silence for a few seconds before responding, "I see... Well, I'll take my leave, boss."
Arthur watched her retreat into the shadows, his thoughts lingering on her question. It seems that despite her cold attitude toward Firfel, she's still worried about her...
Shaking his head, Arthur turned and made his way back into the mansion. Once inside his room, he activated his divine skill, Divine Eyes. Still at level 1, the ability allowed him to peer into specific places within a 1,000-kilometer range.
Not only could he observe these locations in precise detail, but he could also rewind time within them, replaying events from the past week like a video.
Arthur directed his focus to the Hellfire Electronics research department.
His vision sharpened as the ability revealed every intricate detail—the faint scurrying of insects across the floors and walls, the movements of rats hidden within the sewage system, and, most importantly, the activities of the people present.
Rewinding three days, Arthur scrutinized the events that unfolded. Among the countless scenes, two employees caught his attention. Both were dwarves, their names identified as Porta and Nebia.
Thanks to Divine Eyes, which not only allowed him to see but also hear, Arthur listened to their conversations. In a hushed exchange held secretly in the restroom, their intentions became unmistakable.
From just those brief interactions, Arthur confirmed their identities. They were the spies.