Chapter 285: Soul Slave Mark

[Chapter 285: Soul Slave Mark]

"As per your request, we proactively communicated with the Academy. They've invited the crews of Step Up 2 and Happy Death Day to participate in the Oscars ceremony. Along with Speed receiving three Oscar nominations, all three films we produced last year have crews attending the Oscars. I've already notified everyone attending to prepare; they're thrilled."

Linton had actually learned this a few days ago since Jennifer, Cristiana, and Monica all received their invitations for attending the Oscars and walking the red carpet. They were busy with preparations.

At this year's Oscars, among Linton's circle in Hollywood's inner circle, Winona secured a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Naomi starred in Sleepless in Seattle, which received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song. Catherine starred as the leading lady in Speed.

Madonna, Sophie Marceau, and Cameron Diaz attended as guests. Jennifer, Cristiana, and Monica represented their crews as special guests.

All nine women were attending and walking the red carpet, fulfilling last year's promise. They had been working hard these past days, choosing hairstyles, gowns, jewelry, and bags, all aiming to present the most perfect image at the Oscars.

Additionally, Linton, Naomi, and Madonna were invited by the Academy as presenters.

"Does Universal think Speed has a chance at winning?" Linton asked.

"Not likely. Looking at previous awards, the three nominated categories -- Best Visual Effects and Best Sound -- will probably go to Jurassic Park. Best Editing might go to Schindler's List."

"Forget it. Speed was always a summer popcorn flick. Getting three nominations is already good enough. Besides, the Oscars have long discriminated against commercial films, not just recently."

"Boss, I think next year we can push harder. Pulp Fiction, The Fault in Our Stars, and Get Out all seem to fit the tastes of those old men at the Academy."

"Alright, get ready."

Robert was indeed quite capable, with good taste in movies and solid management skills. The company operated smoothly during Linton's vacation over the past twenty days.

With that, Linton felt confident about spending the next few months on a treasure hunt to refine his signature sword.

...

After seeing Robert off, Linton had his assistant call Harvey Weinstein over.

Having reached Celestial Presence, Linton had grasped a new curse technique: the "Soul Slave Mark."

This technique was rather sinister. As its name implies, it allowed the caster to imprint a slave mark on the soul of the target.

Once marked, the target unknowingly became a lifelong loyal servant, bound to obey absolutely without betrayal. All their actions would prioritize the master's interests and commands; even if Linton ordered them to die, they would obey without hesitation.

However, the target's other thoughts remained normal; their intelligence and physical abilities were unaffected. Outsiders would not detect anything unusual.

Even more impressive, if the caster died unexpectedly, the slave mark in the person's mind would lose control, instantly destroying their mind beyond salvation.

The technique had its limits -- it could not be cast endlessly. In the early Celestial Presence stage, at most five slave marks could be formed. Mid stage allowed two more, and late stage added another two, for a maximum of nine.

If a marked person died, the slot would reopen.

Frankly, the technique was dark and evil, but for some reason, Linton liked it very much. He learned it immediately after entering the Celestial Presence stage.

Since Harvey was a wolf that couldn't be tamed, always scheming for independence and plotting to stay as Clintons' white glove, Linton decided it was time to cut him down. Better to be his own slave than Clintons' dog.

...

"Boss, the marketing and promotion for The Rock is going smoothly..." Harvey thought Linton summoned him to check on it.

"That's not urgent. Harvey, watch me first."

Harvey couldn't help but stare into Linton's eyes, feeling as if he was drifting into a vast starry sky, his consciousness soon fading.

Linton moved his hands and chanted a spell. An invisible slave mark was generated and, following his hand gesture, landed on Harvey's forehead. Harvey immediately fell asleep.

Linton watched as the slave mark expanded, enveloping Harvey's mind. After ten minutes, the mark fully covered Harvey's mind.

The spell succeeded. His first loyal servant was created.

Snapping his fingers, Harvey opened his eyes. The first thing he did was kneel before Linton. "Harvey pays respects to Master."

"Stand up."

"Yes, Master."

"Don't call me Master anymore. Call me Boss."

"Okay, Boss."

"Tell me, what have Bill and Hillary Clinton requested of you?"

"Boss, Bill Clinton once valued my company's potential and hoped I could increase his influence in Hollywood, help him with election campaigning, and launder money for his funds.

However, since your company acquired mine, I've been marginalized by him and haven't contacted him for a long time. But recently, Hillary Clinton arranged personnel to contact me to collect information on you and report back."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her about your usual filmmaking, novel writing, company profits, and information about your girlfriends."

"When did I have girlfriends?"

"Ah, Naomi, Cameron, Jennifer, Sophie Marceau, Cristiana, Monica, Heidi Klum, and Charlize aren't your girlfriends?"

"How do you know they're my girlfriends?"

"If not girlfriends, why are you so nice to them? And you wouldn't even allow rumors about them with others."

Damn, no matter how good the secrecy is, it seems attentive people will always find out.

"Anything else?"

"No, nothing more. But a while ago, when you were on vacation, Hillary Clinton personally called me and asked me to gather info about your assets outside the film company -- farms, charity foundations, and security forces specifically."

"How's the collection going?"

"I haven't had time yet."

"Alright, don't bother with them anymore. Focus on your job."

"Understood, Boss. But I think they might be out to get you. I can keep in contact, play along with them, learn their moves, and report back to you."

"That's fine. Meanwhile, I've got my own plans..."

"Don't worry, Boss, I won't pry recklessly. I'll just casually play along."

"Alright, go ahead. Make sure to do a good job on promoting The Rock and Pulp Fiction."

After sending Harvey off, Linton marveled again at the power of the Soul Slave Mark. Such a simple way to turn an enemy into a loyal servant with no flaws was simply amazing.

The only pity was the limited number of marks available. Those five spots had to be chosen carefully, not wasted on insignificant players. After all, Linton wasn't a ruthless villain who killed without blinking.

*****

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