Chapter 3: Decision to Film "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World"
Having already decided to film anime in this world, Durin had been tirelessly jotting down the anime from his memory almost day and night. Among the numerous anime from Earth, he quickly locked onto two targets.
The first one was "Fullmetal Alchemist," a masterpiece-level anime. Durin believed it held an unshakeable position in the hearts of every anime enthusiast who had watched it.
With its classic and exhilarating scenes perfectly suited for this otherworldly setting, Durin harbored a strong desire to bring it to life. After all, it was "Fullmetal Alchemist" that led him into the world of anime, marking the beginning of his anime journey.
Due to Durin's current lack of knowledge on how to design mechanical arms and alchemy effects, coupled with the presence of many steampunk scenes in the anime, considering various technical challenges and limitations in filming props, he realized that he currently lacked the ability to film his top-tier masterpiece, "Fullmetal Alchemist."
In contrast, another anime, "Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World," had no overly grand scenes, and the story mainly focused on an ordinary town. Durin also had some ideas for casting the characters. So, considering all factors, he decided to film "Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World" as his first anime project.
"Live-action anime? Proposal? Lord Edward, what are these?! Even if the debts are overwhelming, you don't have to worry so much..."
"Let's not talk about that for now."
In response to Winry's questioning, Durin simply smiled, set aside the manuscript of "Fullmetal Alchemist," and then laid out the relatively thin script of "Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World" before the girl. "Take a look at this first, and then tell me what you think."
"This? This is something called 'Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World'?"
Despite her renowned decisiveness, Winry felt puzzled but promptly followed her master's order to peruse the live-action adaptation script penned by Durin himself.
"Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World." From the title, it sounded like a messy and disorganized story. However, in reality, this anime was incredibly popular in Durin's former world, not only because of its entertaining plot but also due to its distinctive characters.
The anime tells the story of a gaming enthusiast shut-in boy, Kazuma, who dies in an accident and, with the help of a goddess, finds himself transported to another world to embark on adventures. The main characters include:
- Kazuma, the weakest adventurer who appears strong at times but is mostly cowardly and lazy.
- Aqua, a goddess who seems high-class but is actually arrogant, foolish, and adept at stirring up trouble.
- Megumin, a crimson demon girl with exceptional talent in magic, specializing in explosive magic.
- Darkness, a noble's daughter who is actually a masochistic female knight.
Their adventures are a mix of hilarious and occasionally touching encounters, making up the story of "Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World."
"What a strange combination..."
As expected, Winry immediately voiced her skepticism upon seeing the synopsis, prompting Durin to smile and gesture for her to continue reading.
"Ha ha ha!!!"
Even the usually serious and composed Winry couldn't hold back her laughter when she saw the characters' absurd antics in the story, despite the script not being localized yet.
Watching Winry burst into laughter, unable to maintain her dignity in front of her master, Durin couldn't help but smile, feeling relieved inwardly.
Although Durin himself loved this anime, he wasn't entirely confident in bringing these wildly popular stories from his past world, which were amusing but culturally different, to this new world.
Many of the jokes in "Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World" were only understandable to modern people, and in a world like this, much of the story might seem incomprehensible.
However, seeing Winry laugh heartily at the unedited script, Durin felt reassured and determined to bring this anime to this world.
"Even though the story feels strange to read, it's so entertaining! Lord Edward, did you know you have the talent to be a novelist? Oh, Durin-sama, are you planning to become a novelist to repay the debt? I think this story would be popular as a novel! If you could get royalties, it might alleviate the family's urgent situation..."
Seeing Winry wipe away her tears of laughter and express her sentiments, Durin simply shook his head silently. "I'm not cut out to be a novelist, but I'll find a way to present this story to save the Edward family."
"Present it? But I thought you didn't plan on writing a novel?"
Clearly, Winry was unaware of any other way to present a story besides writing it down. It couldn't possibly be told orally, could it?
With a smile, Durin, who wasn't keen on providing too many explanations at the moment, said, "Anyway, Winry, could you assist me in drafting a letter?"
"A letter? Where is it headed?"
"The Mage Tower."
"What?!"
Surprised by Durin mentioning that place, Winry was momentarily stunned and looked somewhat bewildered. Eventually, under Durin's persistent urging, she reluctantly went to the study and retrieved the draft letter.
After sitting in silence for a while, Durin finally organized his thoughts and picked up his pen, slowly beginning to write:
--- A Salutation to Helen Helena,
It's been a while, Miss Helena. I hope you're doing well these days? I heard you've made new breakthroughs in the study of Fire Elemental Magic, which is truly commendable. By now, you must be nearing graduation. How envy-inducing!
But Miss Helena, have you successfully fulfilled all the graduation credits for Elemental Magic Studies? Have you paid off the hefty debts you incurred from your lavish spending on magic crystals? Are you still getting thrown into solitary confinement in the 'Black Room' for recklessly casting Fireball, Firestorm, and Exploding Fireball spells during class?
Haha, regardless, as former truants and comrades in mischief, I sincerely wish you happiness.
Do you remember our oath back then at the barbecue joint two blocks away from the Mage Tower? We vowed to change the current state of blind adherence to authority in the magical world, to illuminate this world with the brilliance of flames and alchemy. Thinking back, I still feel the blood boiling in my veins.
However, it seems you still haven't paid back the money you owed me for that barbecue. It's a pity.
Of course, I understand that with your limited skills in using only Fireball, Firestorm, and Exploding Fireball spells, you probably won't find a decent job to repay me. So, I have no intention of pursuing legal action against you. Instead, I'd like to offer you an opportunity.
During the unified vacation period at the Mage Tower, why not visit my family's estate in the South Border? There's a lucrative opportunity waiting for you here. The base salary is five gold coins per month, with full benefits, and the possibility of a raise based on your performance. I hope you can consider it.
May the light of magic spread throughout the world.
Your former classmate who was kicked out of the Mage's Tower, Baron Durin Edward.