Chapter 200: Cheaper and more efficient system

    (Arthur POV)

    I watched satisfaction spread across the business owners'' faces as they grasped the implications. Unlike Dwalric''s system, where companies paid for individual Rune-based patterns and ongoing royalties, my solution offered independence. They could purchase the equipment - printers, computers, scanners - and produce their own barcodes without additional fees.

    Their interest peaked during the factory demonstration, watching the printer rapidly apply barcodes to sample products.

    "This is far simpler than I imagined!" a business owner exclaimed, examining a freshly printed barcode.

    "The computer software generates unique barcodes for each product," I explained, gesturing to the connected system. "Once the code is created, the printer applies it directly to products on your production line."

    The freedom from Dwalric''s restrictive system clearly appealed to them. Each nod and thoughtful expression told me they were already calculating potential savings and increased efficiency.

    "This is remarkable," Harry mused, stroking his chin. His eyes narrowed as he studied the barcode pattern. "But there''s more to these barcodes than you''re letting on. The arrangement, the layout - it''s far too sophisticated to be simple stripes."

    I smiled, impressed by his perception. Wave''s representative had caught something others missed.

    "Arthur, our previous dealings taught me you''re quite shrewd," Harry continued. "You wouldn''t give away barcode production capabilities without ensuring profit somewhere."

    Other business owners nodded in agreement. "No entrepreneur surrenders such valuable technology without hidden benefits," another added.

    My smile widened. "Well," I shrugged, "you''ve caught me. Some explanation is in order."

    "I''ve patented what I call the Universal Product Code - that''s where my profit comes from."

    Harry and others raised their eyebrows, while Dulo from HOLLOW frowned. "So we''ll still pay fees for each code, like with Dwalric''s runes?"

    "Not exactly," I shook my head.

    Their confusion was evident, so I elaborated. "As I said, you won''t pay for individual barcodes on products."

    "Then how do you profit at all?" Harry pressed, leaning forward with interest.

    I revealed my plan with a measured smile. "Each barcode requires unique identification for different companies. Hellfire Standard, my regulatory company, assigns Universal Product Code prefixes to ensure this uniqueness."

    "Companies must register their UPC prefix and select their preferred prefix size. There''s an initial registration fee, plus an annual renewal fee to maintain their registration with Hellfire Standard."

    Chuckling at their concerned expressions, I added, "Don''t worry - the annual fee is quite reasonable. Far cheaper than what Dwalric charges for their runes."

    The business owners exchanged uncertain glances. "I''m lost," one admitted. "Why do we need Hellfire Standard registration for these UPC prefixes? And what''s this about prefix sizes?"

    "Yes, this seems rather... complex," another added hesitantly.

    I explained patiently, "Only registered company prefixes will work in our system. As for prefix size - think of it this way: A 6-digit prefix allows for more unique barcodes, ideal for large businesses. A 10-digit prefix generates fewer unique codes, better suited for smaller operations."

    I''d simplified the explanation considerably, making it digestible for non-technical minds.

    Stores without barcode scanners and computers soon faced operational challenges. As barcode-labeled products flooded in, their Runescriber Decoders sat useless, forcing time-consuming manual calculations.

    Arthur''s television networks amplified the shift through strategic advertising, showcasing the speed and convenience of barcode scanning.

    Meanwhile, Hellfire Standard''s campaign highlighting cost savings over Rune-based patterns caught investors'' and business owners'' attention.

    The transition sparked predictable resistance. Store owners who''d invested heavily in Runescriber Decoders protested loudly. Cashiers at holdout stores struggled with manual pricing, their frustration making headlines.

    Yet customer experience proved more powerful than negative press. Shoppers, witnessing the dramatic speed difference between scanning and traditional methods, overwhelmingly favored stores with the new system. Retailers clinging to Runescriber Decoders watched their customer traffic dwindle.

    Even hostile media outlets couldn''t dampen public enthusiasm for barcode efficiency. Business publications began running headlines like "Revolutionary Price-checking Method Challenges Dwalric''s Century-old Monopoly: Cheaper, Faster, Better."

    HOLLOW and Waves Corporation dangled substantial offers to purchase Arthur''s UPC, computer, and barcode patents. But Arthur recognized the long-term value of these innovations - only a fool would sell technology poised to generate billions.

    These corporations, undeterred by his refusal to sell, pursued licensing rights to manufacture Hellfire Electronics'' products. Though tempting, Arthur declined. Allowing others to produce his computers risked losing control of distribution and diluting his reputation as the technology''s inventor.

    ***

    At Dwalric Corporation''s headquarters in Craft Kingdom, profit reports from Horn Kingdom triggered immediate alarm. Television had spread news of their market share erosion quickly - all thanks to the exiled prince''s "barcode" innovation.

    Inside a marble-columned conference room, beneath crystal chandeliers powered by ancient runes, Dwalric Ironcipher faced his assembled executives and board members. The normally imposing dwarf''s face betrayed unusual tension.

    "I trust everyone understands why this emergency meeting was called," Dwalric''s gravelly voice carried across the polished table.

    The assembled leaders nodded grimly. Their century-old dominance of retail identification systems faced its first serious challenge.

    "These barcodes are the issue," a board member stated with careful poise. "Reports indicate they''re more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable. I suggest we acquire this system immediately."

    Dwalric stroked his silver-streaked beard. "My thoughts exactly. The question is price."

    "Two billion should open negotiations," an executive offered. "We could go to five if needed."

    "Five billion?" A board member''s exclamation echoed off the chamber walls. "That''s excessive!"

    "The potential return justifies the investment," Dwalric countered, his weathered fingers drumming the table. "We could offer up to eight billion if necessary. If these barcodes spread beyond Horn Kingdom to the global market, our entire corporation faces existential risk."

    The room fell silent as board members calculated the implications. Their Runestring Engraving System''s global monopoly, built over a century, could crumble in months if barcode adoption continued at its current pace.

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