Chapter 60: Hellfire VFX Studio

Chapter 60: Hellfire VFX Studio

(Arthur POV)

It's been a few days since I brought the orcs on board, and I've got to say, they're exceeding expectations. Even the team and cast seem impressed by their acting chops.

Ugo, Oguga, and the others have really thrown themselves into their roles. Right now, I can hear them chatting with some of the cast about the script.

Oguga's booming voice carries across the set. "Sauron is a very powerful lord, yet he was defeated in one slash?"

Gerald Matthew, our Gandalf, patiently explains, "Because he was exhausted when he fought with Elendil and Gil-galad."

Oguga nods, then asks, "Who played Sauron? Is it the boss Arthur?"

Hearing my name, I wander over to join the conversation. "No, no one's played Sauron yet. We haven't filmed the flashback fight scenes because we were short on orc actors." I look at Oguga and the others, grinning. "But now that you guys are here, we're about to change that."

Oguga's eyes light up. "Oh! Can I play Sauron?" he asks eagerly.

I chuckle at his enthusiasm, but before I can reply, Ugo cuts in. "No, Oguga. I'll play Sauron. I match his height and appearance better."

Oguga's face falls, and we all share a laugh. "Well, looks like you're out of luck, Oguga," I say, patting him on the shoulder. "You should just be satisfied with your role."

Oguga sighs dramatically. "But father already took the role of playing Lurtz, Saruman's chief Uruk-hai."

I burst out laughing. "Well, your father really matches the looks of the characters I had in mind." Oguga just sighs again, the picture of dejection.

After spending some more time with the cast, we dive back into filming. A few more days fly by in a blur of takes and retakes.

Then, out of the blue, George pulls me aside with news that sends a jolt of energy through my tired bones. The arena we've been converting into a full-on studio is finally complete.

Suddenly, I'm wide awake, despite the exhaustion of daily filming. I clap my hands, calling for everyone's attention. "Guys, listen up! We're going to continue filming the overall scenes at the studio that's just been completed. We're heading back to the capital today."

The cast looks confused - this is the first they're hearing of it. But my crew? They erupt into cheers. No more roughing it in the wild. No more battling the elements. We're going back to civilization, baby!

"Pack it up, people!" I shout, unable to keep the grin off my face. "We're taking this show on the road!"

As everyone scrambles to gather their things, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. A real studio, with all the bells and whistles. This is it. This is where "The Lord of the Rings" is really going to come to life.

***

After a day's journey, we're back in the heart of civilization. The city sprawls before us, a stark contrast to the wild forests we've called home for weeks.

"I missed the air here in the city," one of the crew members says, his voice thick with emotion. You'd think he'd been exiled for years instead of a few weeks of filming.

Oguga, ever the contrarian, wrinkles his nose. "The air is not fresh at all," he grumbles, not bothering to hide his disdain.

The other orcs, though, are wide-eyed with wonder. "So this is the city," they murmur, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of urban demon life. Some even look a bit misty-eyed. It's probably their first time seeing anything like this.

As we make our way down the street, the locals can't help but stare. Whispers follow in our wake:

I turn back to the orcs, who look thoroughly confused. "Let's just say I made a little film that did pretty well. This studio? It's just the beginning."

Ugo scratches his head. "A film that makes millions? Now that I'd like to see."

"Stick around," I say with a wink. "You might just end up in the sequel."

I turn to Gerald and the others, suddenly realizing that Firfel and some of the cast and crew are still probably back in Green Forest.

As if on cue, George enters the studio with Firfel, Imkrag, Kurt, and the rest trailing behind him. Their jaws drop as they take in the place.

Firfel's eyes sparkle with wonder. "I feel like I've traveled back to the ancient times."

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow. "You've been living since ancient times?"

She laughs, a musical sound that echoes through the studio. "You think I'm some ancient elf that lives for thousands of years?"

"Oh," I mumble, feeling a bit foolish.

Firfel's still chuckling as she explains, "It's just that this place, filled with runes and magical artifacts, reminds me of pictures and paintings I've seen of the ancient world."

"Like the ancient dungeons?" I offer, trying to save face.

"Yes, exactly," she nods, her smile warm.

I can't help but grin back. "Well, if we're going for ancient dungeon chic, I'd say we nailed it. Though hopefully with fewer traps and more craft services."

Firfel laughs again, and I feel a flutter in my chest that has nothing to do with the magical energy surrounding us. I quickly turn to address the rest of the group, hoping no one noticed my momentary distraction.

"Alright, we'll film the rest of the scenes in this studio," I announce, and predictably, the orcs have questions.

Gugu, one of the elder orcs, frowns. "We'll be filming in this place? It doesn't match the backdrop for the scenes at all."

I can't help but chuckle. "Well, you're in for a surprise."

I gesture to the demon operators, who approach eagerly. I hand them the architectural drawings of Mount Doom, carefully sketched from various important angles. With a nod, they set to work.

The operators begin their spell, directing it towards the drawings. The papers dissolve into glowing ash, absorbed by the illusion artifacts lining the walls.

Suddenly, the world around us shifts. The orcs' jaws drop in unison. Even my team and Firfel, who knew about the illusion effects, gasp in astonishment.

The bare studio transforms into the hellish landscape of Mount Doom. The ground beneath our feet trembles and shifts, causing everyone to stumble as if caught in an earthquake. When the rumbling subsides, we're standing at the base of a towering volcano, complete with rivers of molten lava.

"Anu ul!?" Oguga breathes, his eyes wide as saucers.

Firfel reaches out tentatively, her fingers brushing against a nearby rock formation. "It feels... real," she marvels.

I can't keep the grin off my face. "Welcome to Mount Doom. Pretty impressive for a dungeon, eh?"