Chapitre 52: Potential project

Lucas's phone buzzed with a message from Vincent, his agent. A tinge of excitement sparked within him, quickly replaced by a flicker of hesitation as he read the contents. Vincent was offering him a potential audition for a project named "Twilight," a franchise that Lucas knew all too well.

Having witnessed the series' meteoric rise to fame in his previous life, Lucas was aware of its complex legacy. "Twilight" was undeniably successful, a box office juggernaut despite its share of criticism and even reports of dissatisfaction among some cast members. The 2008 film had cemented its place in popular culture, and the franchise was riding a wave of momentum in 2009.

While the role Vincent mentioned was a minor one, a part of Lucas couldn't help but balk at the prospect. He was familiar with the criticisms leveled at the series, the passionate (and sometimes negative) fan base, and the potential impact on his career trajectory. While the initial popularity was undeniable, Lucas was also aware of the franchise's future trajectory, one that he wasn't entirely comfortable aligning himself with.

Despite Vincent's evident enthusiasm and belief in the opportunity, Lucas ultimately declined to pursue the audition. The potential drawbacks weighed heavier in his mind than the immediate allure of the project.

"Twilight's been generating a lot of buzz, that's for sure," Vincent acknowledged, a tinge of curiosity in his voice. "Are you absolutely certain about passing on this opportunity? It could be a real career launcher."

Lucas hesitated, weighing his words. "I appreciate the offer, Vincent, truly. But I've considered it carefully, and I have my reasons," he said, a slight tremor in his voice.

Vincent remained silent for a moment, letting Lucas's decision hang in the air. Finally, he spoke, his tone understanding. "Alright, I respect your choice. If you're looking for other projects, you're always welcome to come by the office and browse through what we have."

While Vincent respected Lucas's decision to decline "Twilight," he couldn't help but feel a pang of missed opportunity. He believed it held immense potential to launch Lucas's career further. However, instead of dwelling on the "what-ifs," Vincent poured his energy into supporting Lucas, presenting him with a diverse array of new projects to consider.

Lucas didn't waste any time. The next day, he found himself at Vincent's office, the familiar cityscape bustling outside the window. Vincent greeted him with a warm smile and a genuine clap on the shoulder.

"Great to see you, Lucas," he said, his eyes twinkling with friendly encouragement. "Are you prepared to explore additional potential projects?"

Lucas nodded eagerly, the prospect of new projects stirring a spark of anticipation in his chest. "Absolutely," he replied. "I'm open to hearing about anything that catches my eye."

Vincent's smile widened. He gestured towards a stack of scripts neatly arranged on his desk. "Well, then, let's get started. We have a diverse range of films and TV series projects here, each with its own unique appeal. I've already highlighted a few that I think might be a good fit for you, but feel free to explore them all and see what speaks to you."

Lucas eagerly pored over the scripts and proposals sent by Vincent, each one a potential path forward. One particular project caught his eye, instantly sparking his interest and creative fire.

Meanwhile, Vincent also received an expected call from the producers of "Modern Family" a few days ago. They called him to reprise Lucas role in a guest appearance, a testament to the positive impression Lucas made during Lucas earlier stint on the show.

"Actually, Lucas," Vincent began, a hint of excitement in his voice, "your song 'Perfect' has been generating quite a buzz online. Several record labels have contacted me, expressing interest in signing you for that track."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, surprised. "They contacted you? How'd they know you're my agent?"

Vincent chuckled. "After you signed with IAA, your IMDb profile was updated. I added my contact information as your agent, of course. Now, production companies and labels can see you're represented." He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Your song has already gained some traction, particularly among Modern Family viewers who heard it in the episode."

Lucas fell silent for a moment, processing the news. Suddenly, he remembered Samantha. "Well," he started, "I already promised my friend I'd record the song together with her."

Vincent's surprised expression softened as he caught the word "her." "A woman, then?" he queried.

"Yeah," Lucas confirmed, eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Why does that matter?"

Vincent waved his hand dismissively. "It doesn't, not really. Just remember, as your agent, my main concern is your career trajectory. Relationships can be...distracting, especially at this stage."

Lucas chuckled wryly. "Don't worry, Vincent. We're just friends, nothing more."

With that, Lucas picked up a script that had caught his eye from the pile on Vincent's desk and headed towards the door. Vincent watched him go, a flicker of surprise still lingering in his eyes. "Inception, huh?" he muttered, intrigued by Lucas's unexpected choice.

---

Lucas had indeed snagged the script for Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller, his fingers tracing the title etched on the cover.

The lead role, Dom Cobb, was practically destined for Leonardo DiCaprio, who'd likely been in talks for months with Christopher. But Lucas wasn't aiming for the protagonist. His gaze landed on the character of Arthur.

This wasn't just any project. It was one Lucas had admired in his previous life. The chance to be a part of Nolan's vision, even in a supporting role, was a dream he couldn't ignore. It felt like a chance to connect with a past passion, a way to bridge the gap between his two lives.

He took a deep breath, excitement and nervousness battling within him. "Inception," he murmured to himself, the word tasting foreign yet familiar on his tongue.

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Chapitre 53: New Discovery in Ability

Lucas devoured the script, his eyes tracing the intricate details of Arthur's character. Described as sharp as a razor and quick on his feet, Arthur wasn't just another member of Cobb's dream-heist team – he was the lynchpin. Beyond his intellectual prowess, the synopsis emphasized Arthur's unwavering loyalty and trustworthiness, qualities crucial for navigating the treacherous terrain of the subconscious.

He delved deeper, his heart quickening as he landed on the section detailing Arthur's specific role. As the "point man," he would be the architect of the dream world, crafting a seamless illusion for Cobb and his partners to operate within. He'd be the guardian, the silent conductor orchestrating the flow of dreams, shielding the team from unforeseen threats and ensuring their safe passage through the labyrinthine layers of another's mind.

A wry chuckle escaped Lucas's lips as he closed the script. While he harbored an ability strangely akin to the characters in Inception, he was keenly aware of its limitations. It helped him delve deeper into roles, but the comparison ended there.

He knew of no one else with such a talent. Perhaps it was a quirk of his own mind, a gift from his previous life. He sighed, the weight of his ambition settling on his shoulders. He closed his eyes, visualizing himself as Arthur, the young and ambitious point man from Inception. He recalled the character's every nuance, the loyalty in his eyes, the quiet strength beneath his youthful facade.

Minutes ticked by, the Mind Workshop, his internal training ground, refusing to activate. Frustration gnawed at him. "Maybe this role isn't enough," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He forced himself to calm down, recognizing the futility of pushing. Instead, he shifted his focus. Instead of solely inhabiting Arthur, he sought to immerse himself in the world of Inception itself.

This was another reason he'd chosen the project. Beyond his love for the film, he harbored a hidden hope. Could his "Inception" ability, this elusive Mind Workshop, be honed by fully stepping into the dream-bending universe? He had felt its faintest flicker during his first attempt, a tantalizing glimpse of what might be possible.

So, Lucas did away with the pressure of embodying Arthur. He focused on the intricate architecture of dreamscapes, the dizzying layers of the subconscious, the thrill of navigating a world sculpted by the human mind. He let the film's imagery wash over him, the score a haunting melody guiding his descent into the depths of Inception.

Despite persistent attempts, the doors to the Mind Workshop remained firmly shut. Frustration gnawed at Lucas. He hadn't encountered such resistance since he tackled the grueling role of Aron Ralston in "127 Hours." He'd poured every ounce of emotion and physicality into that performance, the "Mind Workshop" readily yielding to his passionate immersion. But Arthur, from Inception, presented a different kind of challenge. A complex character, yes, but perhaps not one that ignited the same level of raw intensity.

The character of Arthur, unlike Ralston, didn't require the same depths of emotional and physical intensity. Lucas suspected that this lack of challenge was hindering his ability to tap into the Mind Workshop. "Is it only demanding characters that trigger it?" he wondered aloud, a hint of doubt creeping into his voice.

But then a different thought struck him. "If my ability helps with acting in general," he reasoned, "why wouldn't it work for simpler roles too?" He knew that overthinking things could be counterproductive, so he decided to approach Arthur with a fresh perspective.

Instead of forcing his way into the Mind Workshop, Lucas focused on embodying Arthur organically, without overcomplicating the process. He delved into the character's motivations, his loyalty to Cobb, his quiet strength beneath the youthful facade. He envisioned Arthur's movements, his voice, his presence within the dream world of Inception.

Minutes ticked by, filled with a deliberate yet relaxed immersion. Then, a subtle shift. The world around him seemed to blur, the edges of reality softening. And as Lucas focused on the intent of activating the Mind Workshop, a familiar sensation washed over him – a gentle descent into the depths of his own consciousness.

---

Moonlight draped across the traditional Japanese garden, filtering through the woven branches of bonsai trees and casting long, skeletal shadows. The air hummed with the faint chirping of cicadas, a melodic counterpoint to the steady rhythm of rain tapping on the tiled roof. Inside the serene mansion, Lucas found himself with an unfamiliar man beside him.

Lucas's eyes darted around the dimly lit room, taking in the intricate details of the Japanese-style office. A figure, shrouded in stillness, sat across from a flamboyantly dressed man. Their hushed conversation, punctuated by the scent of incense, felt distant, dreamlike. Then, the blonde man's voice broke through the haze. "Saito-san," he said, his words heavy with assurance, "your concerns are unfounded. We are professionals..."

A strange sense of familiarity washed over Lucas. He looked around again, and a jolt of realization hit him. He wasn't in the sterile white room anymore; he was standing within the Mind Workshop, the intricate architecture of his consciousness mirroring the scene from Inception.

"It worked!" a silent scream echoed in his mind. His ability, the Mind Workshop, had not only transported him into this imagined space but also conjured characters from the film. The blonde man, his bearing unmistakably DiCaprio's, was Dominick Cobb, his eyes gleaming with the same predatory intensity. And across from him, the Japanese man, exuding an air of quiet power, was Saito, the cunning businessman.

Lucas took a moment to marvel at the space, its ethereal architecture bathed in a soft, dreamlike glow. This wasn't just a training ground; it was a testament to his unique ability, a testament to the possibilities that lay hidden within himself.

But as his initial excitement subsided, a new discovery dawned on him. His ability, the "Mind Workshop," wasn't just about internal exploration. It seemed to possess a curious mirroring effect, mirroring the world of Inception itself.

As Cobb and Saito continued their tense dialogue, Lucas found himself mesmerized. He observed the subtle shifts in their expressions, the way Cobb's hand rested reassuringly on his shoulder. He felt a spark of pride when Cobb introduced him, the casual "Arthur" a welcome confirmation of his presence in this dreamlike world.

Saito, his gaze sharp as obsidian, noticed Lucas's silence. "What's the matter with your friend?" he asked, his voice raspy with suspicion.

Cobb chuckled, a familiar warmth in his voice. "Haha, Saito, no need to worry. Arthur's my partner, as trustworthy as they come." He winked at Lucas, a silent message of camaraderie passing between them.

Saito, studying Lucas for a moment longer, finally gave a curt nod. "Arthur, huh," he said, a hint of intrigue lingering in his voice.

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