Orochimaru had set his path.
In truth…
He had no choice.
No suitable body was nearby for Living Corpse Reincarnation. Once Shen Mo left, he couldn't survive five seconds. Becoming a lich was his only option.
"Mr. Shen Mo," Orochimaru said, adopting a respectful address, looking at him. "What should I be mindful of in the lich transformation process?"
"Quite clever…" Shen Mo glanced at him.
The title "Mr." carried a hint of teacherly respect.
Knowing Shen Mo saw potential in him, Orochimaru boldly sought more information.
A word or two could make a huge difference.
Even alter the outcome.
Like during his earlier lapse, when Shen Mo's words had guided him.
Shen Mo didn't mind.
He purchased a lich transformation guide from the system, reviewed it.
Then flicked his finger.
The small box above the coffin floated over.
"Though liches have a vessel body, they're fundamentally undead," Shen Mo said, using telekinesis to open the box, revealing a green vial. "So, you must die once."
"…"
Kabuto, nearby, swallowed hard.
That last sentence alone…
Conveyed the process's peril.
"What is it?"
Orochimaru's expression remained steady, curiously eyeing the vial.
Having opened five hundred Level 2 cans, he knew the Necromancy Series' nature.
It was tied to death, born from it.
"Poison."
Shen Mo tossed the vial lightly, its viscous liquid gleaming.
"Specially crafted poison. This vial… could probably kill everyone in your world."
"Kill… the entire world?" Orochimaru was stunned.
How many people was that?
Tens of millions, a hundred million?
With just this small vial?
"No need to worry," Shen Mo said, as if reading Orochimaru's thoughts. "You'll drink it all, not a drop left. Best to lick it clean."
Orochimaru: "…(⊙＿⊙;)…"
"This coffin is engraved with the lich transformation ritual," Shen Mo said, tossing the vial to him. "Lie in it, drink the poison, and bury it somewhere. If you die, no need to buy another coffin—convenient, right?"
"Indeed…" Orochimaru looked at the coffin, nodding. "Very convenient."
He now understood why it was coffin-shaped.
The transformation required accepting the possibility of never waking, buried as a true grave if it failed.
"And this box." Shen Mo handed over the box.
He said nothing more.
But as Orochimaru took it, his gaze shifted.
The box was covered in intricate, arcane magical runes, exuding a dark, cursed aura.
This box was likely crucial too.
He gave Shen Mo a final deep look, then turned to the remaining three cans. "Let's finish opening these first."
He began.
Unfortunately…
Among the last three items, the only notable one was a staff with a crystal skull.
Howling Staff.
It aided necromantic rituals, reducing energy costs, and had a "Ghost Scream" skill.
Decent equipment, but not a Grand Prize, nor helpful for the transformation.
Orochimaru hesitated.
Should he buy more cans before transforming?
"If you succeed, you can access exclusive lich series cans," Shen Mo said simply.
"Then…" Orochimaru replied with unexpected calm. "Let's begin."
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto couldn't help but call out.
"Kabuto," Orochimaru said, smiling at him. "If I fail, all my legacy is yours. You can use it to pursue your own destiny with Mr. Shen Mo."
"My destiny…" Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "My destiny is to follow you, Lord Orochimaru. If you die, I have no reason to live."
For Kabuto, killing the orphanage director, Nonō Yakushi, had stripped his life of meaning and purpose.
Even his existence.
Only by Orochimaru's side did he find purpose.
"Everyone has times of uncertainty," Orochimaru said, his smile widening, voice hoarse. "Living for others is tragic. I can't guarantee success—that's undeniable. But if I fail, I hope someone inherits my legacy."
Unlike Tsunade or Hiruzen Sarutobi, Orochimaru faced transformation differently.
He didn't claim certain success.
He acknowledged failure, accepted it, and prepared.
After all…
He'd just faced death once.
Kabuto stared, then nodded softly. "I understand, Lord Orochimaru."
His voice was faint, tinged with confusion.
But Orochimaru was content.
He'd planted a seed.
Shen Mo watched, slightly moved.
Between Orochimaru and Kabuto, there was genuine sincerity, no deceit.
No wonder Orochimaru inspired such devoted followers, willing to give everything.
Sincerity outshines deception.
"Let's start." Orochimaru gripped the box and vial, resolute.
He lay in the coffin.
Drank the poison.
Licked it clean.
Then closed his eyes, as if dead.
Throughout, Shen Mo said nothing, and Orochimaru asked no more. Like mages choosing lichdom at death's door, he embraced this final hope not with reluctance, but with longing.
Kabuto heavily sealed the coffin.
Now, only he and Shen Mo remained.
"Sir," Kabuto asked cautiously, "how long does this transformation take?"
"Maybe tomorrow, maybe ten years, a hundred, or never," Shen Mo said, eyeing Kabuto with interest. "The right move is to bury it and assume he's dead until he emerges."
Kabuto's expression froze.
Should he wait…
Or, per Orochimaru's will, inherit everything and seek his own destiny?