Devil’s Music

A week later.

Arthur managed to produce the prototype much earlier than the originally promised time. With the help of a professional designer, the watch passed the test of Alisher Usmanov.

In fact, Alisher Usmanov had already made up his mind at the same time Geon's investment was confirmed, so he wasn't particularly concerned about the quality of Arthur's prototype.

On the day the investment was decided, Arthur's parents, who were worried about him, came all the way to London and waited outside the office where the investment decision was being made. Seeing Arthur's bright smile as he left the office, his parents cheered.

That evening, Arthur, slightly tipsy, fiddled with his mobile phone after guiding his parents to their hotel room and having a toast with them.

He remembered the conversation he had with Alisher Usmanov during the investment decision meeting.

In the huge, luxurious conference room, where blinds blocked out the sunlight, and sitting alone at the end of the long table with a nervous expression, Arthur faced Alisher Usmanov, who was sitting at the opposite end of the table and smiled.

"The investment has been decided. It will be the same amount as Kay's, and we will talk about the investment share negotiation later."

A secretary quickly approached and handed over the investment decision contract, a simple document that didn't need much reading as it outlined the amount and the part about shares being determined later through additional contracts. Arthur signed it immediately, his tension relieved as he leaned back in his chair and sighed.

Soon, Alisher Usmanov, who had approached him, tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Now, we must do this properly, right? The prototype is just that, a prototype. You know it can't be commercialized as it is, right?"

Arthur stood up, resolute, and replied, "Of course, I understand. I will work hard so that you won't regret investing in us."

"Ha-ha, I hope that determination doesn't change."

"Thank you very much for this opportunity, Mr. Alisher Usmanov."

"Hmm... It would be more appropriate to thank Kay, actually."

"Ah, yes! I am indeed very thankful to Kay."

"Hmm... Actually, the decisive reason for investing in you was because of Kay. Once his investment was confirmed, all the directors of Arsenal Holdings had no reason to oppose it. It's rare to decide on an investment unanimously, even if it's a small amount."

"Is that so?"

"Do you not know what it means for Kay to invest?"

Arthur, taken aback by the unexpected question, stuttered.

"That... I know that celebrities also engage in personal business or investments... wasn't this part of that?"

Alisher Usmanov crossed his arms and laughed.

"That's true, but you're slightly off the mark. Kay is a global star. That he has invested means he might become a major shareholder, right? That implies we can receive marketing support from Kay. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Ah... yes, like getting help with advertising."

Alisher Usmanov smirked and continued.

"You still don't quite grasp it, do you? Kay has only done three commercials so far. First, he signed with Korea's SJT Group for $15 million, then with Germany's Merced Benz for $34 million, and he got $70 million from a contract with the US government."

Being widely reported news, Arthur nodded, aware of it.

"It was impressive."

Alisher Usmanov smiled with his eyes and said, "You created the brand, and Kay invested in it. That essentially gives you a free pass to request unlimited commercials from The Lake. We estimate its value to exceed $200 million."

Arthur stood up, shocked.

"2... $200 million?"

"Yes, and that's why there was a strong argument in the Arsenal Holdings board to invest more than Kay, to secure more shares."

Realizing only now that the investment could have been higher, Arthur asked with a puzzled look, "Then why is the investment the same?"

Alisher Usmanov placed a hand on his shoulder and explained.

"It was Kay's decision. During the investment decision meeting, we had a call with Kay."

"Ka... Kay opposed raising the investment?"

Seeing Arthur's disappointed expression, Alisher Usmanov chuckled.

"You're new to business, Mr. Arthur Hodgeson. A higher investment means the company takes more shares.

Since you have no initial investment funds, that means Arsenal Holdings would have a greater influence over your brand, The Lake, especially if it succeeds, which could eventually hold you back."

Arthur's eyes widened with ignorance, and Alisher Usmanov continued with a smile.

"Kay was worried about that. The investment you received is enough to start the company. Any more could actually be harmful later.

He requested to keep the investment moderate, and that's why we dismissed the directors' opinions

 to increase it."

Arthur, who had felt momentarily disappointed in Kay, reproached himself.

"Ah... Kay did it for me..."

"Ha-ha, yes."

"Ah... It's really something to be thankful for. I was unaware..."

"Enough self-reproach. Now is the time to work hard. If you really want to thank Kay, then fulfill the conditions he asked for. That's the only way you can repay him."

"Conditions...? Oh, it was about learning to play the drums, right?"

"Yes, exactly."

Arthur furrowed his brow and asked.

"Did you hear why he asked me to learn the drums?"

Alisher Usmanov, recalling the vision shown by Pyemon, shook his head.

"No, I haven't heard anything about that."

Arthur slumped back into his seat and said.

"Phew... drums... I've never been interested before, so I'm worried."

"He-he, don't think of it just as a hobby. Try your best."

"Yes... I must."

Sitting on the hotel room bed, Arthur fiddled with his phone and searched for a number. He stared at Geon's number on the display for a while before nervously pressing the call button. After a few rings, Geon answered the phone with a slightly bright voice.

"Hello, Arthur?"

Arthur swallowed and stuttered.

"Is... is this Kay's phone?"

"Ha-ha, yes."

"Ke, Kay... It's Arthur."

"Ha-ha, I said that as soon as I picked up."

"Oh, did you? Tha... the investment has been decided."

"I know, congratulations, Arthur."

"Th, thank you so much. I don't know how I can repay you..."

"I didn't do much, just work hard and repay me with success."

"Yes, yes! Of course! An... and."

"Yes, go ahead."

"I'm going to a drum school starting tomorrow morning. I'll try my best to repay Kay."

"Ha-ha, good."

"But... may I know why I need to learn drums?"

"He-he, you might find out tomorrow."

"What? To, tomorrow?"

"Ha-ha, don't get so absorbed in drumming that you neglect your watch brand, okay?"

"Th, that won't happen. That's my main job."

"He-he, we'll see about that. Anyway, work hard and keep in touch."

"Ye, yes... I will!"

"Yes, then I'll talk to you later."

"Ye, yes! Th, thank you!"

Arthur continued to bend over in the empty hotel room until the call ended.

He then saw himself in the mirror, startled, and straightened up. Still not quite believing it, he looked down at his phone and burst into a broad smile, lying sprawled on the bed. Looking up at the ceiling, which seemed exceptionally beautiful today, Arthur punched the air and shouted.

"Yes!! Let's do everything, whether it's drums or launching the brand!"

* * *

The next day, after a quick lunch at the hotel, Arthur headed to the drum school that Alisher Usmanov had mentioned. The drum school, just five minutes from the Arsenal Holdings building, taught not only drums but also seemed to offer guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocal lessons as well.

Seeing many students, apparently majoring in practical music, carrying their instruments around the academy, Arthur, older than most students, hesitated before tentatively opening the glass door of the academy with a careful touch.

Two men at a small desk in the academy's lobby stood up as he entered.

"How can I help you?"

Arthur, still not fully inside, said from the doorway,

"I'm here to start learning drums today."

One of the men approached and asked,

"Ah, is that so? Please come in. What's your name?"

"Ah, Arthur Hodgeson."

"Ah, the person Arsenal Holdings called about. Please have a seat over here."

"Th... thank you."

He led Arthur to a small meeting room. As Arthur admired the wooden interior decor alone, a man brought in coffee and sat opposite him.

"I'm Wayne Shelton, the drum instructor here at SNMA Academy."

Arthur accepted the coffee and introduced himself.

"Yes, nice to meet you. I'm Arthur Hodgeson."

"Ha-ha, and how are you related to Arsenal Holdings?"

"Ah... should I say business partners?"

"Business partners?"

"Yes, they are investors in my business."

Wayne tilted his head and asked,

"They got you a drum lesson unlimited pass as a business partner?"

Arthur, slightly startled, asked,

"What's an unlimited pass?"

"Normally, the academy offers one hour of lesson per week, and the rest is for personal practice. But you have a free pass, which means you can take lessons whenever you want, even up to eight hours a day, seven days a week."

"Ah... I see."

"It seems hospitality towards business partners is beyond

 my understanding, ha-ha. Since you're busy, we'll just take a tour of the academy today and do some basic training. Come this way."

"Ah, yes, yes."

Following Wayne through a soundproof door opposite the lobby entrance to the practice rooms, Arthur grimaced. Wayne noticed his expression as they passed rooms filled with music from various instruments.

"It's noisy, isn't it? But don't worry, you won't hear this noise once you're in a private practice room."

Arthur grimaced as he heard drumming from a closed private practice room. After passing several rooms, he frowned more deeply at one door and pointed.

"The person in this room must be quite new to drumming."

Wayne looked at the door and shook his head slightly.

"Um, no. They've been practicing for about a year."

Seeing Arthur's face scrunch up even more, Wayne asked with a puzzled look,

"Why do you say that?"

Arthur waved his hands as if to say it was nothing.

"Ah, it's nothing. Let's go."

Shrugging, Wayne turned away, and Arthur, unseen, covered his ears and grimaced, thinking to himself,

'What kind of rhythm is this? It's completely off! More than three hundredths of a second off!'

 Wayne finished showing around the tutorial center, including the bathroom and smoking area, and then opened the door to a slightly secluded practice room.

"Here we are. This is the private practice room provided for Mr. Hodgson, complete with a nine-cylinder drum set from YAMAHA. All expenses have been paid for by Arsenal Holdings."

Arthur passed by Wayne, who was waiting by the door, and entered the practice room. He was slightly taken aback by the enormous orange drum set in the cramped space, barely over two square meters.

"These drums are so big, it's the first time I've seen them up close; it's quite intimidating."

Wayne laughed as he pulled out a new pair of drum sticks tied with a sticker from his back pocket and handed them over.

"Most people are overwhelmed by the imposing presence of the instrument when they first face the drums. The size and the sound can be frightening for beginners. But don't worry, once the door is closed, it becomes a private space where no one can see you. So, shall we start with some theory and basics for today?"

Contrary to Arthur's expectation of sitting at the drum set immediately, Wayne pulled out two folding chairs and offered a seat.

As Arthur sat down, Wayne pulled out a pad that seemed to be made from a cut-up car tire and tapped it with a slightly worn drum stick.

"The first thing you need to learn is to hit this pad in the correct tempo. Even if you manage to keep the right beat, it's hard to maintain it for long, so the key is to try to keep it as long as possible. Watch this."

Wayne demonstrated a variety of rhythms on the pad, each moving so fast that they left a blur, changing the tempo as he showed.

"Always start with your right hand, you can practice this at home. You should practice for at least 30 minutes a day to get used to the correct rhythm."

After giving Arthur the pad, Wayne handed him a small square device and headphones.

"This is a metronome. When you operate it while wearing the headphones, you can hear the desired beat. Try it out. Press this button here and you'll hear the basic beat of 4/4 time."

As instructed by Wayne, Arthur put on the headphones and listened to the beat, then scrunched up his face. Wayne stopped the device and asked,

"What's wrong?"

Arthur, trying not to come off as arrogant, carefully replied,

"Uh... Mr. Wayne, the metronome is off."

"Really? Let me see."

Wayne put on the headphones and played the beat. After listening for about 30 seconds, his face contorted. Wayne Shelton, a graduate of Berklee College of Music with excellent grades, recognized the slightly off beat and stood up.

"Oh, I apologize. The beat is indeed slightly off. Just a moment, I'll get a new one from the office."

"Oh, okay, sir."

Leaving Arthur alone, Wayne stepped out of the practice room, then suddenly turned back with a look of horror.

"A beginner who has never even held an instrument before detected a subtle offbeat that took me 30 seconds to notice in just a few seconds?"

Wayne glanced down at the defective metronome in his hand.

"How is that possible?"

Fiddling with the metronome for a while, Wayne looked up at the practice room where Arthur was.

"Could he be a genius?"

He gripped the metronome tightly, and it made a crunching sound as if breaking.

"Let's see if teaching him will reveal more."

Back in the office, Wayne threw the metronome at an employee and shouted,

"This metronome was just unboxed, and it's defective! Call the company and complain, ask for a replacement!"

Wayne took a new metronome from the display, unpacked it, connected the headphones, and concentrated.

After more than a minute of verification, Wayne returned to Arthur and taught him the simplest beat of 4/4 time before handing back the sticks.

Arthur, seated on a round stool in front of the drum set, looked nervously down at the drums.

The snare drum, slightly darkened in the middle as if someone's hands had stained it, a high-hat cymbal that, despite a few dents, shone with a well-maintained glow, and the crash and ride cymbals that appeared newly replaced caught his eye. As he was about to hit the rhythm taught by Wayne, Arthur was interrupted by Wayne's hand.

"Let me show you how to hold the sticks first. Give me the stick."

Receiving the stick from Arthur, Wayne held it at two-thirds of its length.

"The grip most rock musicians use is called the matched grip. You hold the stick with your thumb and index finger, and the other fingers lightly touch it. You should grip it at the first segment from the bottom."

After learning how to hold the stick from Wayne

, Arthur awkwardly held the stick and attempted the 4/4 beat, but his first try wasn't close to proper rhythm.

Wayne, smiling, made a few corrections, and soon Arthur could somewhat play the beat. Wayne stood up and said as he opened the door,

"I'll be back in 20 minutes, continue practicing by yourself."

Left alone, Arthur practiced several times, then irritably stomped on the bass pedal of the shining drum set.

"Darn it! This isn't the right beat! It's all wrong!"

To an observer, it might seem like a reasonably talented beginner's 4/4 beat, but Arthur, who had a precise sense of rhythm, couldn't be satisfied with the sound he produced.

After repeatedly pulling his hair and throwing his drum sticks, he remembered the appreciated Kay and picked up the sticks again.

Wayne, who had given a one-point lesson to another student in a different classroom, nodded as he heard the sound from Arthur's room.

"Hmm, he's learning fast. Maybe it's time to teach him a new rhythm."

Entering the practice room, Wayne saw Arthur with his eyes closed, absorbed in his playing.

"Arthur? Playing the same beat can get boring, right? Shall we try a different one?"

Arthur stopped playing and grimaced.

"Um... Mr. Wayne. The beat still isn't right."

Wayne, approaching the drum set, paused.

"Really? Ah... It will take a long time to get the beat completely right. Isn't it boring to play just one beat? Learning a simple flam or rough might be less tedious."

Arthur shook his head.

"I can't even get the basic beat right, it would be presumptuous to learn something else. I'll master this first, sir."

Wayne, seeing the mindset Arthur possessed, which even music students lacked, laughed heartily.

"Is that so? Ha, okay. Practice as much as you need and come to the office when you're satisfied. I'll tell you about the next curriculum then."

Wayne, satisfied, closed the door and left the practice room. Glancing back, he nodded.

"Hmm, he looked a bit old, so I thought he was just a hobbyist... Maybe there was a reason Arsenal Holdings requested him?"

After a moment, Wayne opened the door to another student's practice room. A few hours later, having finished guiding other students, an office employee informed Wayne that a sales representative for the new instruments had requested a meeting.

Wayne went to a nearby café for the meeting. After about an hour, he returned to the office and asked an employee,

"Did the students who were in earlier finish their lessons? Let's look at the curriculum for the afternoon students."

While reviewing the curriculum sheet handed to him by the employee, Wayne suddenly looked up as if he remembered something.

"When did Mr. Arthur Hodgson from Studio Z leave?"

The employee turned to look at the monitor in the hallway showing the CCTV and said,

"He hasn't left yet, the light shows he's still using Studio Z."

"What?"

Wayne peered at the monitor the employee was watching.

"Four hours of practicing the same beat?"

The employee, unaware of the situation, merely shrugged. As Wayne walked down the corridor to the practice rooms, the sound of Arthur's playing reached his ears. The astonishingly precise timing of the beats made Wayne freeze.

"Only four hours to reach this level?"

Speeding up his steps, Wayne opened the door to Arthur's practice room just as Arthur paused his playing to drink some water. Wayne clapped his hands in amazement.

"I've never seen a student practice so persistently! It's truly remarkable, you've developed such a level of rhythm in just four hours!"

Grateful, Arthur bowed slightly, and Wayne approached the drum set and offered his hand.

"Give me the stick, I'll teach you the next rhythm. You've practiced for a long time today, just get a rough idea now, and we'll continue tomorrow."

Arthur looked at Wayne's hand, then pulled back the drum stick, shaking his head.

"Why is that?"

Arthur, wiping the sweat from his brow, said,

"The beat is still not perfect, sir."

"Really? It seems fine to me, almost perfectly in 4/4 time."

"No, not yet."

Frowning, Wayne put on the metronome headphones and said,

"Would you play again?"

Following his instruction, Arthur played the 4/4 beat. His expression was still not pleased, but as Wayne confirmed the beat matched the metronome exactly, he removed the headphones and beamed.

"Perfect, if you just keep this feel, that's a perfect 4/4 beat, Arthur! Truly impressive!"

Arthur still frowned as he tousled his short hair. The sweat droplets sprayed as he spoke earnestly,

"Not yet, not yet."

At that moment, Wayne didn't realize that Arthur's sense of rhythm surpassed his own.