The Wisp Ghosts were cleaning.
This was the Lich Laboratory.
The white-based interior was more tidy than expected, giving the impression of a "modern lab" rather than the image of an "old sorcery workshop."
On the neatly lined desks sat well-placed instruments, and the walls were filled edge to edge with built-in bookshelves.
"We turned the documents into Mana Essence and compiled them into Arcane Tablets so they wouldn't weather with age. The originals that remain are on the shelves. As for the instruments, since a long time has passed, the ones you actually used are in a museum. We updated them every time technology advanced, so they are always ready."
He clenched his fists and couldn't say a word.
He was trembling with emotion.
Here lay the oldest, deepest knowledge, and the newest, most advanced technology.
Small, white, half-transparent Wisp Ghosts the size of children greeted him in cute, high voices: "Welcome baaack!" "We waited for youuu!" "I grew biiig!"
Demonkin, wonderful.
Therefore humans, trash.
"Um, perhaps it would be best if you greeted the Demon King-sama first..."
The voluptuous, pale-skinned, translucent woman spoke timidly.
The Six Demon Generals were troublesome foes on the battlefield, but now one was bowing humbly to him.
Lich was amazing.
He could imagine that even the Demon King would treat him with weight...
"I want you to say that the Lich has not revived."
After thinking it over, that was his decision.
He wanted to do research.
But humans and Demonkin were at war.
And as the origin of necromancy, the Lich would surely be expected to fight.
Yet—battle was empty.
It wounded.
Things that should be preserved for the future were destroyed.
Only death spread in that foolish act.
Research, on the other hand, was wonderful.
No one got hurt.
Results remained for the future.
And death spread anyway. (Since it was necromancy research.)
Clearly, it was better for the future to pour energy into research than into war.
Also, he wanted to avoid the risk that the Demon King might see through him with, "You're a Lich but not really a Lich!"
He was a Lich, but not really a Lich.
If anything, a fake Lich.
"Still, if you revived, Demon King-sama would be so pleased..."
"To please Demon King-sama is what I too... I (watashi) too... I (ore) too... Lich too desires."
After fumbling with pronouns, he chose "Lich" as his first-person.
Referring to yourself by name—like a little girl.
"But, Lich has thought. It is better if no one knows of Lich's existence. Even the Demon King-sama."
"Why is that?"
"To keep the humans from learning of Lich's revival, first we must keep it secret on the Demonkin side. If word spreads that Lich is back, troublesome things will happen. ...No, they will."
Like the Hero noticing, "Isn't that the Necromancer who fought with us?"
That would be a problem—Lich was Demonkin in body and heart now.
Being treated as a comrade by that normie Hero was the worst.
But he couldn't just say that, so—
"Lich believes research is most important. Through research, discoveries may be made to aid in this war. To avoid interference, Lich thinks it best to keep Lich's revival secret until the last moment."
"I see. To strike a greater blow against humanity. As expected of Lich-sama."
"Mm. Lich thinks many things."
At times like this, smooth lies just flowed from him.
He lied so fluently that in the Hero's Party he was often told, "Shut up."
"So, Lich's revival is to be known only to you and these Wisp Ghosts. That's what Lich thinks."
"I think so too."
"Good. Then Lich has things to do. Reading research notes."
"By the way, you just revived—do you know how to use the Arcane Tablet?"
"Lich already foresaw the Arcane Tablet. Lich thought that, surely in the future, such tools would appear."
"Truly!?"
"Mm. Lich had predicted much of today's technology. So no need to fuss. If Lich doesn't know, Lich will ask. That sort of thing."
"Ah, yes, that sort of thing."
"Also, Lich just revived and has forgotten Lich's character, so if Lich acts weird, laugh and let it slide."
"At present, I don't think you seem different from before."
"For real?"
"...Is there something surprising?"
"Was Lich always this sketchy?"
"Well... kind of."
"I see. Then fine. Sorry to take your time. Good luck with the Six Demon Generals."
"Yes, I shall devote myself sincerely to destroying humans!"
"Yeah. Cheering you on."
"Yes!"
The voluptuous blue-skinned Ghost woman walked out—without opening the door.
Around him, the Wisp Ghosts gathered, waiting for orders.
"Lich will read the notes. Until then, keep doing what you usually do."
"Yeees," they chorused, and returned to work.
The Lich sank into a reclining chair with a backrest, took an Arcane Tablet in hand.
And began to read the research notes left by the Lich who was not him.