Anticipation filled the press room as Arthur noted the growing curiosity about pricing. Camera flashes punctuated the silence while reporters leaned forward in their seats. Read full story at novelFɪre.net
"The Hellfire Entertainment System will retail for 45 dollars," Arthur announced simply.
The silence lasted precisely three seconds before the room erupted.
"45 dollars? For a toy?" A voice cut through the chaos, dripping with derision.
"That's TV pricing territory!" another shouted.
"Actually," someone countered, "basic TV models are down to 40-42 dollars now."
The skepticism spread like wildfire through the crowd. "Who would spend that much on controlling cartoon characters?"
"What's the point of this device anyway?"
Arthur raised his hands for quiet, waiting until the clamor subsided. "Before we continue with questions, let's hear from someone who's actually experienced it." He turned to the journalist still hovering near the console. "You've played it. What are your thoughts on the price point?"
The journalist found himself under the scrutiny of every camera and notebook in the room. He glanced at the screen, still displaying "Game Over" in vibrant pixels, then back at his colleagues' expectant faces.
"The price is... substantial," he began carefully, weighing each word. "But the concept is interesting. The level of engagement, the way it pulls you in..." He paused, visibly struggling between professional detachment and genuine enthusiasm. "I found it genuinely entertaining."
"How much did Hellfire pay for that endorsement?" The cynical shout from the back triggered scattered laughter throughout the press room.
Despite the mockery, another journalist raised a crucial question: "Given the console's price point, will 'games' copies be included?"
The television audience leaned forward, hoping for some consolation. Arthur's simple "No" dashed those hopes immediately. "Games will be sold separately."
"What? Why?" The incredulous response echoed through the room.
Arthur maintained his composed smile. "As you can see, this games, stored in a cartridge, is a groundbreaking new technology. It's unlike anything the world has seen before, and creating something this advanced comes at a significant cost."
The room filled with mutters and whispers until someone finally asked about pricing. The response - 10 dollars for "Music Legends Quest" and 8 dollars for games like "Tetris" - sent another wave of disbelief through the crowd.
"So not only do we pay for the console," a voice called out, "but we keep paying for every game?"
"The pricing reflects the reality of creating new entertainment technology," Arthur replied evenly. "Each cartridge is a sophisticated piece of equipment, not simply a recording or a toy."
The murmurs among the journalists grew louder, skepticism rippling through the room.
"I believe we'll conclude here," Arthur cut in smoothly. "The H.E.S. launches today at all Hellscape locations. Experience it yourselves before passing judgment." His smile carried a hint of knowing confidence. "Thank you for your time."
Outside the Hellfire building, journalists and cameramen clustered in small groups, their initial politeness giving way to open skepticism.
"Disappointing," a senior reporter shook his head. "After the computer, I expected something revolutionary from our 'exiled prince.' Seems we set our hopes too high."
"That teaser on Hellfire Network had us all fooled," another added, packing away his notepad. "Made it sound like another computer-level breakthrough. Instead, we get an expensive toy."
A cameraman lowered his equipment, joining the conversation. "Speaking of computers, heard Dark Electronics might buy the patent rights. Big money involved."
"Wouldn't surprise me," his journalist companion nodded. "Dark Electronics doesn't throw billions around unless something's worth it. And lately, every major company wants computer technology."
"Computer sales already hit 1.5 billion," someone chimed in. "Production costs aside, Hellfire must be swimming in hundreds of millions."
"The computer and barcode systems - those are his real golden geese," a veteran reporter observed. "He could abandon entertainment entirely, focus on technology. Instead, he's pricing children's toys like luxury items."
A younger journalist grinned, already drafting his headline in the air with dramatic flair. "'Exiled Prince's Latest Venture: 45 Dollar Toy Promises New Worlds, Delivers Expensive Headache.' How's that sound?"
Laughter rippled through the group. None of them noticed the solitary figure still clutching a controller inside the building, sneaking in another game before security cleared the room.
The live broadcast of Hellfire's conference rippled through Horn City, triggering immediate reactions in homes across the kingdom.
"Forty-five dollars for a toy?" A mother of three shook her head at her television. "He lost his mind. Only the wealthy can afford such luxuries!"
In a cramped apartment, a lone demon clicked off his TV in disappointment. "All that hype for this?"
At the Corner Cup Café, where Saturday regulars gathered for their weekly meetup, the announcement played on the wall-mounted TV. A bull-demon nursed his coffee, grimacing at the price. "Maybe with my Winter Day bonus, I could get one for my kid..."
"Why waste good money?" his friend countered. "It's just a fancy toy."
Yet despite the widespread criticism, thousands flooded into Hellscape Centers across the city. Whether driven by curiosity or genuine interest, they packed the Hellfire Electronics sections by noon.
At the main Hellscape Center, a succubus saleswoman fielded endless questions about the console. Her rehearsed smile never wavered, even as skeptics challenged her.
"How can you justify this price for a child's plaything?" a customer demanded.
The saleswoman's crimson lips curved into a practiced smile. "While it might appear simple, the H.E.S. contains technology rivaling our computers. We're talking integrated circuits, picture processing units, audio processing units - components so advanced most people wouldn't grasp their complexity." Her tone carried just enough condescension to sting.
Several customers bristled at her implied insult, but their indignation couldn't mask their confusion at the technical terms.
"Can't you explain it in plain language?" a demon growled, tail lashing in annoyance.
"Of course," she replied smoothly. "Think of it as a simplified computer, designed purely for entertainment. All the complex technology, made user-friendly enough for anyone to enjoy."
"Could I try it myself?" A voice cut through the murmuring crowd.
The group parted to reveal a monkey demon in simple but immaculate clothing. While others might have missed the subtle signs, the saleswoman's experienced eye caught them all - the perfect posture, the quiet confidence, the way his clothes, though plain, were perfectly tailored. This was wealth that didn't need to announce itself.
"Certainly," the succubus's tone shifted to silk-smooth professionalism. "We encourage customers to experience our products firsthand." She gestured toward a demonstration setup nearby. "We have everything ready for testing - both the H.E.S. and a television display."
The monkey demon offered a gracious smile as he took his seat. "Most kind of you."
"Please, take all the time you need," she said, her earlier condescension replaced with genuine warmth.
"If this proves impressive," he mused, settling into position, "my son might find one under the Winter Day tree."
The saleswoman beamed. "Children find such joy in these games." The watching crowd noted her dramatic shift in demeanor, several rolling their eyes at her obvious attention to a promising customer.
As the succubus guided him through starting the game, selecting Frederick as his character, something unexpected happened. The monkey demon's expression changed. His initial polite interest transformed into genuine absorption as Frederick moved across the screen, responding to each press of the controller buttons. The magical attacks, the moving platforms, the advancing enemies - all of it pulled him deeper into this new form of entertainment.
The music swelled as Frederick approached the first mini-boss in stage 1-1. The watching crowd, initially skeptical, found themselves drawn closer to the screen. Their earlier dismissiveness faded as they watched the battle unfold in vibrant colors and fluid movement.
The broadcast hadn't done it justice. In person, the bright displays and dynamic action created something genuinely captivating. Even customers who'd come for computers or the Hellfire OS 1.5 drifted over to watch, while salespeople balanced their duties with curious glances at the gameplay.
Ten minutes slipped by unnoticed. The monkey demon remained focused on his character's journey until a final miscalculation led to his game over. Before he could even rise from his seat, another customer stepped forward.
The monkey demon nodded, surrendering his position with surprising reluctance.
The succubus saleswoman materialized beside him, her professional smile firmly in place. "Your thoughts, sir? Did it change your perspective on television entertainment?"
"Indeed it did," he replied without hesitation. "I'll take three units."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly at the unexpected quantity.
"And the game I just played," he added firmly.
The saleswoman's smile widened as she guided him toward the display of "Music Legends Quest" cartridges. "Excellent choice, sir. You might also enjoy 'Tetris' - it's another of our popular titles." She gestured toward a row of additional game options, sensing a significant sale in progress.