Chapter 88: Come Work at My Company!
"You just mentioned 'Can't it be faster?'" Durin smiled as if he had foreseen the response. "Actually, I have an opportunity to expedite the production process, but it requires a little assistance from you."
"..."
Surprised to find the human waiting for it, the lich slowly settled back into its seat. The flickering soul fire in the center of its skull occasionally glanced at the crystal on the table. It tried to remain composed as it spoke, "Go on, human. What do you want from me?"
Clearly, the lich assumed Durin intended to negotiate terms, trying to trade something in exchange for the novelty of movies. It could be power, the secret of immortality, or perhaps the lich's innate abilities...
But none of that mattered. Even before Durin and the others arrived, the lich had been so bored that it verged on self-destruction and eternal slumber. Now, finally encountering something to pique its interest, it found it difficult to remain composed.
Indeed, since watching the beginning of "Fate Zero," the lich had lost its usual calm. The mere thought that it might not see the rest of the story without Durin's help had dispelled any notion of bargaining.
Aware of the lich's desires, Durin carefully chose his words. "What I need is simple. I want you to come work at our Edward Studios."
"???"
Confused, the lich listened as Durin enthusiastically explained about Edward Studios and the job. In summary: "Come work at our company. We offer meals, accommodations, insurance, and a salary that will surely satisfy you!"
Because of his tendency to ramble when nervous, Durin ended up overwhelming the lich with his explanations.
"Cough, in short, I want you to use your powers to help us create amazing movie effects! During this time, I won't restrict your personal freedom, nor will I ask you to do anything unrelated to movies. Is that acceptable?"
Despite his attempt to simplify, Durin still felt a bit uneasy. After all, he was negotiating with a being scarier than the Headless Knight. If the lich became displeased, it could easily end him. But even knowing the danger, Durin expressed his terms, revealing just how much he desired the lich's assistance.
"Movies? Effects?"
Finally, in the midst of Durin's verbose speech, the lich seized upon the crucial phrase. Lifting its eerie skull slowly, it inquired, "Are you soliciting my aid for the movies we just watched?"
"Precisely. I've been contemplating this for some time. 'Fate Zero' demands intricate special effects. While I, as a grand mage, could handle most of the setup for the previous two movies, this one presents a real challenge. With your assistance, I believe we can break through. We might even wrap up the entire plot within a month, clearing the path for shooting the sequels of 'Fate Zero' directly!"
Special effects had always been Durin's primary concern. Unlike the other two films, "Fate Zero" was a nightmare for special effects artists. He doubted he could manage all the effects alone. And for special effects, what better choice than a lich with extraordinary abilities?
"Wait, did you mention the second and third parts of 'Fate Zero'? This movie has multiple parts?"
"Yes, what you saw was merely the opening of the first part. In my plan, 'Fate Zero' is an extensive, long-term project."
As Durin spoke, the lich, realizing the daunting journey ahead, almost wished for death. Nonetheless, it reluctantly agreed, "Very well. While I can assist you for the sake of the movie, I must clarify: I am undead. Even if you, this eccentric individual, are willing to converse with me as equals, I doubt other humans would accept me."
Indeed, the lich's willingness to converse with Durin stemmed from his initial lack of fear and his egalitarian stance. Otherwise, anyone else might have been drained of their soul as a sacrifice.
Ultimately, it was because the undead had long been portrayed as evil creatures akin to demons in the church's propaganda. For an undead to integrate into human society, they had to either hide like Beldia or conceal their identity like the former Saiki...
"I understand. I'm aware of how humans perceive the undead. But rest assured, even Beldia now runs a thriving tavern with us. With time, even a fearsome skeleton like you will likely assimilate. Of course, the condition is that you refrain from using your powers recklessly or harming humans. If you do, you'll forfeit the privilege of enjoying movies. Even if you kill me, it won't work, as the soul manipulation spell is ineffective against beings above grand mage – it's common knowledge in the mage world."
With a genuine smile, Durin spoke, blending confidence with facts.
In response, the lich, also smiling, silently opened its bone-like hand, revealing something no lich could ignore: its phylactery, equivalent to its life.
"Take it."
Observing the lich's casual attitude towards its own existence left Durin bewildered. He glanced at the phylactery emitting soul fire in his hand before returning his gaze to the lich, struggling to comprehend why it would sacrifice its life just to watch a movie.
The lich's skeletal face displayed a faint hint of amusement as it responded, "Didn't you mention that I needed to restrain myself to watch the movie? To be honest, self-restraint is not my strong suit as an undead. That Beldia over there knows that well. So, this is more of an insurance policy to prevent myself from losing control."
"Um, wouldn't a soul contract be more suitable in this situation?"
"Forget that I'm illiterate?!"
"Heh, true. So, how did you become a lich anyway? Lae... Laetitia?"
As Durin uttered the name that surfaced from the soul fire in the phylactery, he froze, staring blankly at the feminine name, then back at the skeletal figure before him, his expression stiffening.
In response to the familiar yet distant name, the lich's soul fire flickered momentarily before it suddenly replied in annoyance, "You ask me, who should I ask?!"
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