Decent prototype

(Arthur POV)

In the "research room," my team and I huddled around our first completed prototype. The keyboard looked rough, a product of our simple manufacturing process, but it was functional. That's what mattered.

As for the monitor, we had a stroke of luck. Television had been invented in Empirica two years ago. It wasn't exactly popular yet, with only a handful of TV programs available, but it meant we didn't have to reinvent the wheel when it came to computer displays. The technology was there, we just had to adapt it.

"Alright," I said to my nervous computer team, "let's insert the magic core."

Drake and Josh exchanged anxious glances. I gave them an encouraging nod, and they finally slotted the magic core into what would have been the PSU socket in my previous life. In this world, magic cores were our power source, though I was already planning more efficient alternatives for the future. Not everyone could afford fresh energy like magic cores, after all.

It's worth noting that electricity in this world was a mixed bag of magic cores, coal, and oil. The fact that magic cores made up only a tiny percentage of the power grid just showed how expensive they were.

We held our breath for a few seconds. Then, the computer monitor flickered to life. Green lines of light flowed across the motherboard, emanating from the magic core. It was working exactly as we'd intended.

The screen only displayed a basic prompt, but you'd think we'd won the lottery from the team's reaction.

"Woo!"

"Hell yeah, it worked!"

Some of them looked ready to burst into tears of joy. I couldn't blame them. They'd been working around the clock to build this thing.

Of course, we still had a long way to go. The machine didn't have an operating system yet, and programming something on the level of Windows or Linux would take time. It would've been a monumental task if I was the only one who understood the hardware components and low-level programming. Thankfully, since the team had built the computer alongside me, they grasped the basics too.

I hated to be a buzzkill, but I had to remind them: "I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but our prototype isn't complete without the basic operating system we've been planning."

Their brief celebration wound down, but pride still shone in their eyes.

Drake and Josh, who had been scribbling low-level language on papers, looked up with determination. Drake spoke with confidence, "We've pretty much memorized the coding, Your Highness. Given some time, we'll be able to develop a basic operating system."

I could see why he was so sure of himself. After all, the basic operating system we had in mind was relatively simple. It would include fundamental functions like file management and a command-line interface, But what set it apart was its integration with magical elements - a spell library that could tap into the power of the magic cores.

This library would include various spells, with a focus on illusion magic, all drawing power from the magic cores.

I had to admire their enthusiasm, but I wondered if they'd maintain that confidence when it came to programming an operating system on par with Windows or Linux. That was a whole different level.

Still, the basic system we are about to develop was no walk in the park. We would be able to cast spells from the OS's spell library – a feature I was particularly excited about. My plan was to load the computer's memory with illusion spells. If we could link this computer to the VFX Studio, we could make our illusions there even more efficient and impressive.

***

Now that our first prototype computer was in the bag, I'd already briefed George about signing up for the Electronics Expo in Empirica. The dwarf had been busy tinkering with our cameras when he heard the news about the prototype. He looked up, surprise etched on his face. "Done already? Thought it'd take longer..."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Seems Drake and Josh have a knack for leading a team. They might've even surpassed you in talent."

"Aye, I doubt that," George scoffed good-naturedly. He held up a camera, pride gleaming in his eyes. "Look here. I've souped up our camera. Better resolution, improved colors, and you can even control the frame rate now."

He puffed out his chest a bit. "I ain't been twiddling my thumbs, you know. Been plenty busy myself."

"Very impressive," I nodded, stroking my chin thoughtfully. But before I could continue, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Arthur Morningstar!"

George and I turned to see Vivienne bursting into the room, Firfel hot on her heels.

I couldn't help but smile. "You're finally here, Vivienne."

Just yesterday, I'd bought out her contract from her agency. It wasn't cheap – 70 thousand dollars, to be exact.

Vivienne, however, didn't seem to share my good mood. "Don't smile like nothing happened!" she snapped, jabbing an accusatory finger at me.

Confused, I glanced at Firfel for help, but she just shrugged.

"What did I do?" I asked, genuinely perplexed.

"Why..." Vivienne paused, gathering steam. "Why didn't you contact me for Lord of the Rings? I could've been Arwen, you know!"

I stared at her, momentarily speechless. "But you're not an elf-"

"You could've made me Galadriel!" Vivienne insisted, stubborn as a mule.

She looked like a kid who'd been denied her favorite toy. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry, I'll be sure to feature you in my next film."

"Only feature me?" She fixed me with an icy glare.

"It's a cowboy film. Want in?" I offered, still amused.

Vivienne lifted her chin proudly. "Why not? I could play a beautiful cowgirl."

I looked at Vivienne in amusement — she acted like we hadn't seen each other in ages, still so familiar around me. Then it hit me: maybe a few months really was just a blink of an eye for people with the long lifespans of this world.

George, sensing the tension, cleared his throat. "Right, I'd better head to Empirica to sign us up for the Electronics Expo. I'll book a flight now." With that, he excused himself and left.

"Electronics Expo?" Firfel's ears perked up. She turned to me, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What's that about?"

Vivienne leaned in, equally intrigued. "Yeah, spill the beans, Arthur."

I ran a hand through my hair, considering how much to reveal. "Well, we've just wrapped up an electronic project. Got the prototype ready and everything. We're aiming to showcase it at the Expo in June."

"Ooh, can we see it?" Vivienne asked, practically bouncing on her toes.

Firfel nodded eagerly. "I'd love a peek too. Must be something special if you're taking it to the Expo. That place is where all the cutting-edge stuff gets unveiled."

I hesitated, then smiled slyly. "Want to see it? There's just one tiny catch — you'll need to sign an NDA first."

Their faces fell in unison. Firfel raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You don't trust us?"

"It's not about trust," I backpedaled, seeing their expressions turn frosty. "I'm just being cautious. But... oh, alright. One quick look won't hurt."

I led them to the prototype, but their reactions weren't quite what I'd hoped for.

Firfel tilted her head, brow furrowed. "So... what exactly does it do?"

"Is that a TV?" Vivienne squinted at the monitor. "And that thing... some kind of fancy typewriter? Weird combo, if you ask me."

I bit back a sigh, deciding against explaining the full capabilities. No NDA, no details.

Time for a subject change. "How about I fill you in on Hellfire's next big project instead?"

"The cowboy film you mentioned?" Firfel perked up.

"Something like that," I nodded. "It'll be a breeze to shoot with our VFX Studio. Think 'The Demonfather,' but swap out tommy guns for six-shooters and lever-action rifles."