The screening of Fate/Zero concluded flawlessly. After delegating all subsequent arrangements to Baniel, Edward immediately returned to the second floor of the tavern, planning to take a two-day break to relax and brainstorm the filming plans for Fate/Zero Chapter Two.
Though many events unfolded during this period, they could be summarized simply:
First, the impact of Fate/Zero's screening. While the story of Fate/Zero was undeniably groundbreaking, for ordinary viewers, it was merely an engaging tale about mages and heroic spirits.
However, the announcement that the continuation wouldn't arrive until winter left many viewers scratching their heads in frustration. Still, this frustration quickly turned into anticipation. Comparatively, as Edward had anticipated, the film's primary impact was most evident among the mages at the Imperial Mage Academy.
For both new and senior students, Fate/Zero became the hottest topic of discussion. Surprisingly, its popularity didn't decline over time—it only grew. The reason was simple: many of the magical techniques featured in Fate/Zero were proven to be feasible in reality.
It was akin to watching an anime and discovering that you could recreate the action figures from the show yourself.
As the buzz around "recreating the magic from Fate/Zero"—an initiative started by who-knows-who—spread, mages of all ranks enthusiastically joined in.
In just a few days, they recreated various magical phenomena from the movie: the Invisible Air, Volumen Hydrargyrum, Irisviel's Angel's Poem, a downgraded version of Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon, Berserker's black armor, and even the Matou family's worm magic...
With the incredible creativity of the community, almost everything in the movie—except for a few genuinely impossible feats—was replicated by students and instructors alike. It led to a surge of cosplayers, transforming the once solemn halls of the Imperial Mage Academy into what resembled a massive comic convention, brimming with joyous energy.
Beyond this, word spread—though it was unclear who leaked it—that a new Alchemy Branch was being established, with Fate/Zero's director, Edward Durin, serving as its Head. As this news swept through the academy, it left many people resolving to act on this revelation.
<+>
"Enrolling in the Alchemy Branch? Picole, have you lost your mind?"
In the dormitory for freshmen at the Imperial Mage Academy, Dillon looked at his roommate in shock upon hearing Picole's decision. He hurriedly said, "The Imperial Mage Academy enrolls less than 3,000 students each year, and of these, fewer than ten graduate with distinction and join the Mage Tower. According to the upperclassmen, no student from the Alchemy Branch has ever entered the Mage Tower. Though this is due to the grading system being unfavorable to alchemy magic, what can we ordinary mages possibly complain about? Compared to that, fields like Elemental Studies, Soul Studies, Mana Conversion, or Military Magic are all far more popular. With talent and hard work, anyone can secure their place!"
Picole, unfazed, replied calmly, "Of course I know all this. But I also know I don't have the talent for those fields. My affinity is limited to just wind elements, my mana capacity is average, and the rest is even worse. My entire enrollment here is a gamble on my future. Since I'm already betting, why not go all in? I think alchemy has potential—or maybe I just really admire the films made by Edward. I'm willing to stake everything on this uncertain future. And what's wrong with that?"
"You..."
"Besides, even without the Mage Tower, there's still the Alchemy Tower, isn't there? The entry requirements for the Alchemy Tower aren't as high. For me, as long as I have a reason to stay at the Imperial Mage Academy, that's enough."
"But the Alchemy Tower is..."
Seeing his roommate's hesitation, Picole added nonchalantly, "And worst case, I can always go back and inherit my family's estate. Live fast or die trying—either way, I'd rather take this gamble! Who knows? I might just win!"
"Pfft, I forgot you're a noble..."
Though envious of Picole's aristocratic background, Dillon knew this was simply fate. The only thing they shared in common was their magical talent, nothing more.
He had the confidence to make whatever choice he desired, but Dillon didn't.
His family was counting on him to achieve something as a mage. For Dillon, the only path was to become a proper and disciplined mage, return to his hometown, and secure a decent job. Only then could he ensure a better life for his family.
Although becoming a mage was one of the few paths that allowed for upward social mobility, how many truly managed to change their fate? Perhaps only someone like Edward Durin, with unparalleled talent, or those blessed with enough luck to follow their whims, could achieve that.
"..."
Letting out a sigh, Dillon gave up trying to convince Picole. He knew that his earlier words were merely the result of a fleeting emotional outburst. In truth, he wished he could be like Picole—free to make choices without restraint.
Just as Dillon was about to return to his desk and ponder which field of magic he should pursue, Picole, who had not yet left, suddenly spoke:
"Hey, come with me, Dillon."
"??"
Dillon froze in place, stunned by the unexpected invitation.
Seeing Dillon's reaction, Picole smiled and began, "I know dragging someone into a 'pit' like this isn't a good thing, but let me ask you one thing: did you enjoy Fate/Zero?"
"Of course... I loved it..."
Indeed, almost everyone at the Imperial Mage Academy would agree that Fate/Zero was fascinating.
"If you loved it, doesn't that mean Fate/Zero is interesting? By the same logic, can't I say that alchemy magic—the discipline behind creating Fate/Zero—is also interesting?"
"If the movie is interesting, then yes... it's reasonable to say that the alchemy magic behind it could also be interesting..."
Hearing Dillon's reluctant agreement, Picole grinned.
"Then isn't that enough? Interesting things are bound to be loved by people. Things that people love will definitely gain support. And things that gain support are sure to achieve greatness! My belief is simple: never live a dull life. I want to achieve something in my lifetime. If I were to give up now and go back to inherit some so-called family estate, I'd spend the rest of my life miserable and unfulfilled.
What about you, Dillon? Do you want to live a life of mediocrity, or do you want to take a gamble and see if you can achieve something? To borrow what Senior Edward once said at the Mage Tower: 'Dillon, do you have a dream?'"
"I..."
Though Picole's reasoning was somewhat illogical, his words stirred something deep within Dillon.
Before he realized it, Dillon found himself instinctively reaching out and grasping Picole's hand.
Yes, perhaps it was an illogical appeal. But as Picole said, everyone has dreams they would risk everything to pursue.
At least at this moment, Dillon, who had long believed that "dreams" were irrelevant to someone like him, found himself discovering the faintest glimmer of one. And with Picole's prompting, he took the first tentative step toward it.
<+>
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