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.

"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.