Chapter 38: Adventurer's Guild
In the following days, the word-of-mouth for "Konosuba God's Blessings on This Wonderful World" skyrocketed in Norsrick, becoming widely known in a very short time.
Almost every corner of the streets was filled with discussions about the story of "Konosuba God's Blessings on This Wonderful World", and the novel form of entertainment, movies, spread like wildfire, making everyone in Norsrick aware that the Norsrick Grand Theater was showcasing this new form of entertainment.
At the same time, flyers produced by the Norsrick Grand Theater were circulating in the streets. Whether it was at tavern doorways or in plaza alleys, the presence of these flyers was evident.
In Norsrick, there was hardly a moment when people weren't talking about "Konosuba God's Blessings on This Wonderful World" and the movie. Watching the movie had even become a status symbol in social circles. Often, those who had the opportunity to see the movie at the Norsrick Grand Theater would be surrounded by a group of people in taverns, asking about the movie.
Meanwhile, those who hadn't seen the movie were eagerly awaiting the release of tickets from the Norsrick Grand Theater, even going as far as camping out at the ticket booth overnight, waiting in long queues from day to night.
Luckily, no one had yet thought of exploiting the ticket-selling industry like scalpers, or it would have caused quite a stir in the city.
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Norsrick, Adventurer's Guild.
Sitting in the lounge on the second floor of the Adventurer's Guild, Durin accepted the cup of tea passed to him by the Guildmaster of the Southern Region Adventurer's Guild and glanced out the window at the bustling scene. He couldn't help but remark, "This is quite impressive. The registration desk at the Adventurer's Guild has almost been overwhelmed in the past few days. And this is just the beginning. The number of adventurers in the Southern Region is likely to skyrocket at an unimaginable rate."
Hearing Durin's words, the Guildmaster just smiled and replied, "This is all thanks to the movie and advertisements you created, Lord Durin. Although I anticipated this situation the moment I saw that movie, the reality has far exceeded my expectations. The impact of the movie on people is beyond imagination. I've heard that even some hidden mages in the Southern Region have joined the Adventurer's Guild. I never thought even extraordinary mages couldn't resist the charm of the movie..."
"Haha, after all, mages are still human, and no human can resist the charm of movies. I believe that if 'Konosuba God's Blessings on This Wonderful World' spreads to the Imperial Capital, the Adventurer's Guild will see a surge in the number of mages who used to enjoy staying at home. And I bet there will be more cases of chuunibyou, waving around their staves and casting fireballs," Durin remarked, though his expression remained serious.
The Guildmaster, understanding Durin's jest, chuckled before shifting the topic. "Viscount Banil's side has already grown accustomed to the series of procedures introduced with this new form of entertainment. However, even so, the demand still outstrips supply. With only a theater that can accommodate around fifty people in a town of over ten thousand, it's hardly enough."
Hearing this, Durin responded calmly, "I've already prepared the replicated imaging crystals. They'll be ready for use once Banil's expansion of the theater is completed. The schedule for screenings is also set. At least for the short term, we won't have to worry about people being unable to get tickets."
Durin had already taught a few apprentice mages under Banil how to project images using the imaging crystals. This task, requiring only magical energy, was suitable for novice mages who hadn't even reached the first level of proficiency. Nevertheless, Durin had also begun working on making imaging crystal switches that ordinary people could operate. After all, he hadn't given up on his plan to sell DVDs.
Upon hearing Durin's response, the Guildmaster, who had already heard about this, simply said, "That's good to hear. By the way, Viscount Banil mentioned that you plan to collaborate with him to establish a dedicated industry chain?"
"Yes, I've already submitted the business registration application to Norsrick. Although it's a nascent industry, it received approval with Viscount Banil's endorsement. You can now officially address me as Director Durin. And the company I'm establishing will be named the Edward Film Studio. By the way, the Norsrick Grand Theater has now officially been renamed the Norsrick Cinema!" Durin said with a broad smile.
The Guildmaster, not wanting to be disrespectful, promptly congratulated him. "Congratulations, Director Durin. With that said, I imagine we'll be hearing news about a new movie soon. If there's an opportunity, I'd like to try for a role as well."
"Viscount Banil also mentioned something similar to me before. However, now that Edward Film Studio has become a formal industry, the recruitment of actors will follow standard auditions. If you manage to pass the audition, Guildmaster, I wouldn't mind you playing a role," Durin's response was official yet politely declining. The Guildmaster of the Southern Region Adventurer's Guild didn't seem to mind much, merely saying, "In any case, the future development of the Southern Region Adventurer's Guild owes much to your assistance, Director Durin."
"Just mutual benefit," Dulin replied casually.
The Guildmaster, noting Durin's understated demeanor, suddenly added, "Oh, there's something I need to tell you, Director Durin. I submitted the investment report for your directed film to the Imperial Adventurer's Guild headquarters. I thought it was just a formality, as most people wouldn't be interested in movies. But surprisingly, someone actually contacted me after seeing my report. It seems they're quite interested in movies."
"That someone?"
Upon hearing Durin's question, the Guildmaster looked embarrassed and replied, "It's the Guildmaster who controls the entire Northern Region Adventurer's Guild, just like me. Unlike in the South, where even slightly wealthy merchants can become Guildmasters, in the North, it's survival of the fittest. To rise to the position of Guildmaster there, she must be quite powerful and influential."
Yes, unlike the South, the North bordered the yet unexplored Dark Territories, where adventurers battled various monsters, beasts, and undead every day. Thus, compared to the relatively lower-ranked adventurers in the South, the North had stricter divisions among its adventurers. To become a Guildmaster in such an environment required being one of the Empire's elite.
Though Durin wasn't sure why someone of such stature would be interested in a movie directed by him, he didn't refuse, considering the person's interest.
"When should we meet?" Durun inquired.
The Guildmaster, somewhat helpless, replied, "Well, as soon as she heard about it, she came over immediately. She's probably at the theater watching the movie now. She'll likely come to find you afterward."
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