THE MOMENT
"Huh? Oh, I... uh...," Xan'thul stumbled over his answer. The question came as a surprise once he was already used to the ask & answer rhythm of the interview. "...I want to be good, of course." He nodded along with the lie and hoped it was convincing. It seemed like the right answer given the clean, almost sanitized white office. And, it wasn't just Mundo's office either. The building exterior, the waiting room, and all the halls he was led through were crisp bright white. An occasional red accent added variety.
Xan'thul wasn't inherently opposed to being good. He behaved himself accordingly as he went through the bureaucratic hoops; but, it helped that all employees he met were polite and professional. But, Mundo asked a very clear question, and whether or not he was opposed didn't factor in. The well-dressed, portly man with green hair on the other side of the desk smiled.
"Mr. 'thul, this isn't a test," he said. "Your honesty is important to help me find the right position for you. Sharp Development is quite a large company with a variety of divisions; and...," Mundo shook his head. "...not all of them are suited for 'good' people if you follow me," he said. "So, let's try this one again; I'll accept whatever answer you give and we'll move on to finding the right place for you. Going forward, would you like to be 'Good' or 'Evil'?" Mundo asked.
The entire endeavor so far had been a rather surreal experience. He felt almost supernaturally drawn to the building as soon as he woke up. It was only more confusing when someone opened the door for him with a broad smile despite his robe of rags and half-decomposed form. They all asked him questions and directed to someone else more helpful until he found himself in Mundo's office. Xan'thul felt safe and welcome enough to be honest.
"Evil, please...," he said. He had no idea what would happen next; but, for the moment at least, it felt good to be honest. The whole reason he became a lich was to be evil. To rule as a powerful overlord. He didn't want to be a jerk to people, he wanted control over the forces of darkness; and the respect that comes with that.
"Wonderful," Mundo replied. "We have a variety of positions, Evil is always in demand. "Have you raised an army yet?" he asked. Xan'thul shook his head.
"Not yet...," he said as if to apologize.
"That's alright. Would you like to raise your own, or would you like us to provide one for you?" Mundo asked. "Though, I should mention that if we provide one for you, that's only for a few select positions. If you choose that route, you'll be limiting your options."
"What about advancement?" Xan'thul asked. "If I start with an army from you, can I work my way up to a higher position once I can raise my own army?"
"Technically yes; but, not in practice," Mundo shook his head. "Sharp Development places a strong emphasis on internal hiring and they strive to give everyone in the company a chance to rise as high as they like. However, due to certain quality control measures, your only option at the higher ranks is an undead army supplied by Sharp Development. It wouldn't do to have a weak army representing the company."
"Oh...," Xan'thul was pleasantly surprised. "What kind of positions start with an army?" he asked.
"Dark Lord is one that's always in demand," Mundo chuckled. "But, there are others if that's not for you. There's -," Xan'thul shook his head before Mundo named any other ones.
"I can be a Dark Lord!?" he asked.
"Sure," Mundo nodded. "If that's what-," Again, he was interrupted.
"Yes!" Xan'thul sat up straighter, his back and knees cracking with the sudden motion. "Dark Lord please!" he said. "That's the position I want!"
"I like it when my clients are easy," Mundo chuckled as he turned and opened a drawer. He pulled out a translucent red clipboard loaded with white sheets. Xan'thul made a sound too. Mundo wasn't sure what it meant, but he assumed the undead man was laughing at his joke too.
"Well, just sign here and we'll have you set up with an army in no time, Mr. Dark Lord," Mundo chuckled, and again Xan'thul made a deep wheezing sound.
Xan'thul accepted the red pen and signed his name, making unsettling sounds the whole time. It wasn't until he moved to slide the clipboard back to Mundo that the man understood. The motion caused a black, tar-like drop of liquid to fall onto the sheet. Mundo looked at it, then back up at Xan'thul who wheezed again.
"Mr. 'thul.... are you.. are you crying?" Mundo asked.
"I"m sorry...," Xan'thul nodded, then buried his face in his hands. "...it's just that," he wheezed again. "...having all my dreams come true was the last thing I expected when I woke up this morning."