Lord of Entertainment C13 Rockwell

The next day, I returned to the square.

However, I quickly realized that while my electric guitar was drawing attention, my voice was being drowned out by the instrument's amplified sound.

People were noticing me, but not necessarily hearing the full extent of my performance.

Fortunately, I had a new trick up my sleeve. Yesterday's interaction with the environmental elves had unexpectedly rewarded me with a new magical skill: {Voice Amplifier}. It was a side task reward from the system, a small but potentially game-changing ability.

With a subtle gesture and a whispered incantation, I activated the {Voice Amplifier} magic. Suddenly, my voice carried across the square, perfectly balanced with the sound of my guitar. The effect was immediate - more heads turned, more people stopped to listen.

Throughout the day, kind-hearted passersby tossed coins my way.

The most generous, unsurprisingly, were the elves I had befriended yesterday. Firfel and her friends each contributed 50 cents, total of five dollar.

By the end of the day, I had earned nine dollars - a modest sum, but a significant improvement from yesterday.

I made my way to a bank to exchange the various coins for paper currency, the weight in my pocket a tangible reminder of my progress.

My next stop was the adventurer building, where I purchased a magical core to power my speaker. The lowest grade, an {F Grade} core, cost me five dollars. It wasn't the most efficient or powerful source, but it would do for now, lasting at least a few days.

As I examined the new core, I reflected on the complexities of this world's magical technology. The core currently in my speaker wasn't fully depleted, but having a spare was prudent. The lowest grade cores were known for their fluctuations in energy output. Their power wasn't as "clean" as higher-grade cores, and they could run out faster than expected.

Walking back to my lodgings, the new core safely tucked away and my earnings for the day securely in my pocket, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

***

The next day, I returned to the square with a new strategy. This time, I unveiled my advanced piano, setting it up alongside my electric guitar. The regular passersby, now accustomed to my presence, paused with renewed interest at the sight of this unfamiliar instrument.

As I began to play, the piano's initial sound was familiar – similar to a traditional piano but with a clarity and richness that hinted at its more advanced nature.

My fingers danced across the keys as I sang, the {Voice Amplifier} magic ensuring my voice carried perfectly over the music.

Then, with a simple press of a button, I changed the piano's tune. New, unprecedented sounds rang out across the square, drawing even more attention.

Passersby stopped in their tracks, captivated by the unexpected transformation of the instrument.

As I performed, I noticed a notification from the system: my fan count had increased to 13 out of the required 1,000.

Ten of these were the elves I'd befriended, who occasionally stopped by to listen. The other three were newcomers: two college students who had become regular audience members, and a white-haired middle-aged man in surprisingly old-fashioned, classy attire.

By the end of the day, I'd earned 13 dollars – a decent sum, but as I counted my earnings, a realization settled over me. At this rate, it would take an eternity to reach 1,000 fans. While people seemed to enjoy my performances, most were just passing through, tossing coins before hurrying on their way.

The square, I realized, wasn't an ideal venue for gaining dedicated fans. People here were focused on their daily routines, too busy to fully immerse themselves in the music.

They might admire my talent, but true fandom required more time and attention than a quick stop in the square could provide.

If I wanted to truly "farm" fans, I needed to find a different venue. A place where people went specifically for entertainment, where they had the time and inclination to really lose themselves in the music. Only in such an environment could I hope to mesmerize an audience and turn casual listeners into devoted fans.

As I packed up my instruments, my mind raced with possibilities. Where in Saint Angeles could I find such a venue? A nightclub? A concert hall? Or perhaps I needed to think bigger – could I organize my own events?

As I was about to head to the Moonleaf Café for some much-needed coffee, a middle-aged man stepped into my path. I recognized him immediately as the fan I'd gained today – his old-fashioned, classy outfit making him stand out from the crowd.

"Good day to you, young sir," he said, tipping his hat in a gesture of respect. "I'm Rockwell Dorothy, but please, call me Rocky."

I nodded, curiosity piqued by his approach. "Nice to meet you, Rocky. I'm Arthur."

Rocky's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he spoke, his voice carrying the refined cadence of a bygone era. "I couldn't help but be utterly captivated by your performance earlier. In all my years, I dare say I've never heard such a mesmerizing blend of melody and innovation. Your music, my boy, is truly something extraordinary."

His flowery praise caught me off guard, but I managed a smile. "Thanks, that really means a lot to me."

With a flourish, Rocky produced a business card from his breast pocket, offering it to me with both hands. "If I may be so bold, I'd like to extend an invitation. Would you consider gracing my theatre with your remarkable talent? It's just a stone's throw from here."

"Theatre?" I echoed, interest definitely piqued now. The wheels in my mind started turning – a theatre could be exactly the kind of venue I needed to expand my audience.

"Why not?" I said, trying to keep my excitement in check. "I'd love to check out your theatre."

Rocky's eyes lit up, his composure briefly giving way to boyish enthusiasm. "Truly? Oh, this is splendid news indeed!"

Seeing an opportunity, I pressed on. "Actually, if you're free now, why don't we head over there? I'd love to see the place."

Rocky seemed momentarily taken aback by my eagerness, but quickly regained his polished demeanor. "But of course! I'd be delighted to show you my humble establishment right away. Shall we, then?"

As Rocky and I approached his theatre, I was struck by its classic, vintage appearance. The facade exuded a nostalgic charm that seemed almost out of place in the bustling modernity of Saint Angeles. Faded posters clung to the walls, telling stories of performances long past.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by a spacious interior. Rows of seats stretched before us, leading to a wide, inviting stage. The place had a certain grandeur, but it was clear that time had taken its toll.

"This place looks as if it hasn't been used for years," I said, unable to hide my honest impression.

Rocky's cheeks colored slightly, embarrassment evident in his refined features. "Well... I assure you, it's still very much in use," he said, his tone defensive yet tinged with worry. "I still have performers in my employ, and there are indeed patrons who grace us with their presence, but..."

He trailed off, eyeing me cautiously. "Go on," I encouraged, curious to hear more.

Rocky straightened his posture, as if bracing himself. "To be frank, my dear boy, our audience numbers have dwindled considerably. In fact, this establishment... well, it's not far from having to shutter its doors permanently."

I nodded, taking in this information. Truthfully, I wasn't overly concerned with the theatre's financial struggles. From what I could see, the place still had good bones – it just needed the right attraction to bring in the crowds.

"So what happened?" I asked. "Why the decline?"

Rocky's expression darkened, a hint of bitterness creeping into his usually polished tone. "Isn't it painfully obvious? It's those confounded cinemas sprouting up like weeds! People have forsaken the art of live performance for those soulless black and white films!"

As I listened to Rocky's impassioned speech, I quickly realized I was dealing with a man stubbornly clinging to the past, resistant to the changing tides of entertainment. But where he saw a threat, I saw opportunity. This good theatre, coupled with Rocky's desperation to save it, could be exactly what I needed to further my own goals.