Similar to the chaos at the Nosrick Cinema, the conclusion of the Fate/Zero screening left the Imperial Mage Academy echoing with groans and laments.
Nearly everyone was crying out things like, "How can it just end like this?" or "I'm going to die without more Fate!". Meanwhile, a few mages who had discerned deeper meanings in the story began discussing among themselves as the movie's ending theme played.
"Do you think there'll be more? There seem to be so many unresolved plot points."
"Of course there will be! They've already built this much up. My only concern is when the next part will be released."
"Exactly! I'm really looking forward to the battles between these Servants. Personally, I think Rider will emerge victorious."
"Hah? Why would Rider win? I believe the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, has a great chance."
"To me, the Holy Grail itself seems more like a conspiracy. Still, I think someone will eventually win and obtain it."
"Speaking of that monster that appeared at the end, even if it was just a projection, could it really be summoned? The amount of magical energy needed must be astronomical!"
"..."
Amidst these discussions, the teaser for Fate/Zero Chapter Two provided a much-needed reassurance, leaving the mages of the Imperial Mage Academy buzzing with excitement. After all, for many of them, this was their first time experiencing a movie.
Confronted with this new, intriguing, and uniquely technical medium, even these learned mages couldn't contain their curiosity. Discussions about the identity of the creator quickly arose, as the extensive credits featuring Edward Durin's name made it clear who was behind the masterpiece. Though Edward might not have been widely known elsewhere, his name was legendary within the Mage Tower. Nearly every senior student was well aware of him.
News of Edward's achievements spread like wildfire across the academy's grand plaza.
<+>
Mage Tower
As the teaser ended, the Arch Mage's present breathed a collective sigh of relief. Yet, it dawned on them that they had become so invested in a fictional story—a realization that left them somewhat bewildered.
For these Arch Mages, who typically preferred spending their lives in laboratories pursuing magic, the anticipation they felt for something external was an unprecedented experience. It was difficult for them to believe that even they, paragons of logic, could be swayed by such emotional engagement.
When they reviewed the film's plot, they still couldn't pinpoint the exact source of their emotional turmoil. The only clear takeaway was that the movie had an undeniable ability to stir emotions, a fact evident in the behaviors of the mages gathered outside. Known for their calm demeanor, even the mages were behaving in an unusually unrestrained and unrefined manner—a sight bordering on absurd.
"Alas, it seems we've been thoroughly defeated."
Hohenheim's sigh drew the Arch Mages back to their senses. They quickly understood why he made such a remark.
It was painfully clear: the fact that Edward Durin, once expelled for advocating theories contrary to Arch Mage Roland's principles, had now created something as revolutionary as this movie and garnered widespread recognition among mages was a slap in the face to those who had voted for his expulsion.
Edward's expulsion from the Mage Tower wasn't a unilateral decision by the administrator; it had been a collective vote by all the Arch Mages and Grand Mages. At that time, they had declared: "Edward Durin, for forcibly promoting theories in opposition to Arch Mage Roland's doctrines, is hereby expelled from the Imperial Mage Academy and stripped of his mage credentials."
Ironically, Edward's bold defiance had delayed a meeting originally intended to discuss whether to abolish alchemical studies and alchemy magic entirely. If not for Edward's intervention, the Alchemy Tower and alchemy magic would have been consigned to history long ago, leaving behind only an unwritten tombstone in humanity's magical heritage.
"Truly... If someone had told me a few years ago that both mages and ordinary people would go wild over a technological innovation stemming from alchemy, I wouldn't have believed it, no matter what. But here we are. There's nothing I can say. You all can decide what to do next. I'm old and out of touch with the times. My only wish now is to complete my final research project."
"I found the artificial beings in the movie fascinating. But I wonder, what material could be used to create such lifelike constructs? Silicone, perhaps?"
"Your thoughts are dangerously innovative..."
"Enough! Right now, I can't focus on anything other than Fate. I'll go meditate and reflect on it later."
As one Arch Mage disappeared with a teleportation spell after voicing his thoughts, others followed suit, leaving the gathering one by one.
In the end, only the administrator and an Arch Mage specializing in soul studies remained.
The latter turned to Hohenheim and said, "Regarding the theory of origins, this film has inspired a few insights for me. I can't say whether it'll lead to any breakthroughs, but I must thank young Durin for the enlightenment. Given his profound understanding, he must have had guidance from someone extraordinary. If possible, could you arrange for me to meet him?"
"..."
Hohenheim was momentarily stunned by the request from such a solitary figure but quickly nodded.
"That boy will return to the tower soon to oversee the establishment of the new Alchemy Branch. I'll let you know when he's here and arrange a meeting."
"Much appreciated."
With that, the Arch Mage, seeming to be in a hurry, left immediately.
<+>
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