(3rd Person POV)
In their hotel room, High Arbiter Kaiser and Scarlet sat across from each other at a small table, sharing afternoon tea in comfortable privacy.
"I didn't expect your involvement in this film production would actually bear fruit, but it has," Kaiser said with genuine admiration. "Which is quite impressive, I must admit."
"I told you—I didn't pursue this movie role just because I wanted to be an actress," Scarlet replied, sipping her tea delicately. "I wanted to investigate the «Monetary Faith» theft. And now we have solid leads. That man Keanu definitely knows something about it. I'm certain of it."
Kaiser nodded thoughtfully. "I share your assessment. I've been observing Keanu as well, and something about him feels fundamentally wrong. There's an aura of danger surrounding him that no ordinary actor should possess."
"I'm relieved I'm not the only one sensing it," Scarlet's expression grew serious. "That man is definitely not what he appears to be."
"Agreed," Kaiser said. "Additionally, this entire film production strikes me as highly unusual. Keanu is genuinely fighting real criminals and dismantling actual criminal operations throughout the city."
He leaned forward slightly. "No ordinary actor could accomplish such feats. Many scenes in this production aren't acting or staged at all—they're completely authentic. I'm puzzled by how that young demon Arthur is orchestrating something so elaborate."
Scarlet considered this carefully. "Perhaps Keanu is the one controlling Arthur, rather than the other way around?"
"That's an astute theory," Kaiser nodded approvingly. "However, we must proceed with extreme caution. I suspect Keanu has already detected my surveillance. I don't want to risk direct confrontation, so everything depends on you now. Follow them to the Persian Empire and maintain your observation."
Scarlet nodded firmly. "I'm also quite curious about this 'airplane' they mentioned. I've never heard of such a vehicle before."
Kaiser's interest was equally piqued. "An aerial vehicle that supposedly travels faster and more efficiently than traditional airships? I'm eager to see this innovation for myself."
---
The next day at the airport, the production crew and cast gathered around the airplane, eagerly anticipating their first experience with the aerial vehicle promised to surpass traditional airships.
Beyond the production team, Hellfire engineers, George, and Billy had also assembled to witness this historic moment.
Billy studied the "airplane" with keen anticipation. He'd heard Arthur and George discuss this vehicle extensively. 'If it truly performs as Arthur claims, this could revolutionize air travel—making it convenient and affordable for everyone,' he thought.
This was significant. Current airship travel was prohibitively expensive and notoriously inefficient, restricting air transportation to the wealthy and well-connected. For decades, mage scientists had attempted to improve airship efficiency and reduce costs, but their modifications yielded only marginal improvements that barely impacted accessibility.
But this airplane represented something entirely different.
"This is Hellfire Airways 69-01—Hellfire's first airplane model ever," Arthur announced, facing the assembled crowd. "Today, the John Wick production will be the first passengers to board and experience flight aboard this revolutionary aircraft."
He could see that while crew and cast members were eager to fly, some appeared uncertain and genuinely frightened by the prospect.
"I understand some of you may feel apprehensive about flying in an untested vehicle," Arthur said with reassuring confidence. "But I want you to know that this airplane has undergone extensive testing and safety protocols. The engineering behind it is far superior to anything currently available. I wouldn't risk any of your lives on something I wasn't completely confident in. Trust me—this will be the smoothest, fastest flight you've ever experienced."
His words visibly relaxed several nervous faces in the crowd.
After the speech, Billy approached Arthur privately. "I've examined the engines of this vehicle, and they're far more sophisticated and complex than anything used in airships. But I have to ask—how can you guarantee this level of performance is sustainable and safe for regular operation?"
Arthur smiled with quiet confidence. "The engines operate on principles that eliminate the fundamental inefficiencies of airship design. Instead of fighting gravity with gas bags, we work with aerodynamics and controlled propulsion. It's not just better than airships—it's a completely different category of transportation."
Billy could only nod, though doubt lingered in his expression. He wanted to witness the airplane's flight capabilities firsthand, but from a safe distance.
"How about joining us for this inaugural flight? I'm sure you'd enjoy the experience," Arthur invited with an encouraging smile.
"Uh, maybe next time," Billy flinched, speaking hesitantly. He certainly wasn't about to risk his life in an experimental vehicle that might explode mid-flight.
"Are you certain?" Arthur pressed gently.
"Absolutely. I'm quite busy handling preparations for our upcoming collaboration," Billy nodded firmly, fabricating reasons to avoid boarding the aircraft.
While Arthur's claims about the airplane impressed him, Billy wasn't willing to stake his life on those promises.
"What about me, Arthur? I'd love to board with you," George interjected eagerly.
Arthur turned to his friend and shook his head. "Next time. You're still handling important business here."
George's face fell with disappointment. "Right."
"Have you spoken with Isaac about the Batman production?" Arthur asked. Isaac was one of Hellfire's contracted directors.
"Yes, actually. We've already begun planning casting and script development," George replied, his disappointment immediately forgotten.
Arthur conversed with George and Billy briefly before signaling the engineers and mechanics to conduct final inspections. They checked the airplane's engines and verified the energy input from the Nether Cores—a revolutionary power source replacing the traditional magic cores used in most vehicles.
As the production team prepared to board, Scarlet approached. Keanu immediately noticed her presence.
"What are you doing here?" he asked suspiciously.
Scarlet paused, feigning enthusiasm. "I'm excited to experience this airplane too! This will be my first flight in such a vehicle. May I join?"
Keanu and the others looked puzzled, but Arthur intervened. "Let her board. There's sufficient space for everyone."
They proceeded into the aircraft's spacious interior. Arthur's clone served as pilot, assisted by one of Hellfire's trainee aviators.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Hellfire Airways," the pilot announced. "Please secure your seatbelts as we prepare for departure. We'll be taxiing momentarily before takeoff."
The airplane began rolling down the lengthy runway, engines building power.
Billy and George watched from the terminal as the aircraft gained speed along the asphalt strip before lifting gracefully into the air.
"Unlike airships that simply inflate their gas chambers and rise vertically, this airplane requires a completely different approach," Billy observed with fascination. "It needs that extended runway to achieve flight?"
"Exactly," a Hellfire engineer explained. "The airplane generates lift through forward motion and wing design, rather than buoyancy. It needs sufficient speed to become airborne, and similarly requires that long runway for safe landings."
"I see," Billy nodded with growing understanding. "That explains why Arthur had the Persian airstrip prepared with extended runways for landing."
Meanwhile, the production team gazed through windows from their first-class seats, eyes filled with wonder as they experienced this revolutionary form of air travel.
Though many had flown in airships before, this airplane felt entirely different. The sensation of acceleration, the runway takeoff, the smooth ascent—everything distinguished it from the slow, floating experience of traditional air travel.
Through the windows, Horn Kingdom's landscape spread below them in unprecedented clarity, the airplane's speed carrying them swiftly toward their Persian Empire destination.
Inside the airplane, three elegantly dressed flight attendants in crisp navy uniforms with gold accents moved gracefully through the cabin. Their attire was unlike anything seen in traditional airship travel—professional, modern, and distinctly Hellfire-branded.
"Welcome aboard Hellfire Airways," the lead attendant announced warmly. "We're here to ensure your comfort during this historic flight. Please don't hesitate to request anything you need."
"Could I get a coffee?" Shafel asked, still wearing her Ms. Perkins costume from filming.
"Of course, miss. How would you like it prepared?" the flight attendant smiled professionally.
"I'd like one as well, please," Clint requested from across the aisle.
"Certainly, sir. I'll have that ready immediately," another attendant responded with practiced efficiency.
Within minutes, both actors were sipping steaming coffee from elegant ceramic cups—a level of service that surpassed even luxury airship travel.
Observing this seamless service, other passengers who had initially hesitated began making their own requests. Soon, attendants were distributing beverages, snacks, and demonstrating the revolutionary entertainment system.
Each seat featured a small television screen with multiple viewing options—an innovation that left everyone marveling at the technological advancement.
"This is incredible," Lilith murmured, cycling through channels on her personal screen. "Individual entertainment systems for every passenger?"
Arthur watched the delighted reactions with quiet satisfaction, pleased that his investment in passenger comfort was exceeding expectations.
---
Meanwhile, outside the John Wick production, media outlets were generating intense excitement around the long-awaited Harry Potter sequel—the second installment that fans had anticipated for years.
"Finally! This is the movie I've been waiting for since the first one ended!" a fan exclaimed excitedly after watching the television trailer.
"I've been reading the books religiously," declared a patron at a Horn City tavern. "I just hope they portray Ron Weasley properly this time!"
The enthusiasm was widespread, though many fans harbored concerns about the director.
Damien Darkflame—while accomplished as both actor and director with proven success in television dramas and critically acclaimed films—didn't have the same established reputation as Hellfire's other prominent director, Amon Oblivion.
Amon had built his reputation through successful Wild West films like "Once Upon A Time In The West" and "The Magnificent Seven," often collaborating with Clint Foster. His recent work as assistant director on Titanic had further solidified his standing within Hellfire.
Many fans would have felt more assured if Amon had been chosen to helm the Harry Potter sequel rather than Damien. However, Amon was currently occupied with an experimental project adapting a comic book superhero property called "Spider-Man."
Ultimately, most fans preferred Arthur himself as director, given his legendary status and his masterful direction of the first Harry Potter film. However, since the sequel was already completed under Damien's direction, they could only hope the final product would meet their expectations.
The Harry Potter cast had embarked on a promotional tour, starting within Horn Kingdom. With Arthur's absence as director, the sequel lacked the automatic anticipation his name generated, making aggressive marketing essential.
Talk shows, interviews, and promotional events filled their schedules throughout Horn Kingdom as they worked to generate enthusiasm before expanding their promotional tour to other kingdoms.