Chapter 121: "The Garden of Sinners" Project (1)
While Durin was busy writing the script for "The Garden of Sinners" in the second-floor hall, the Archmage Rosa hurried back to her research lab to document the insights she had gained from her conversation with Durin. On her way, she bumped into Stitch, a grand mage specializing in spiritual and soul studies.
Seeing Rosa's anxious demeanor, Stitch, a towering man in a black trench coat with a perpetually stern face, asked in confusion, "Rosa, what's got you in such a hurry?"
"Oh, Stitch, it's you. Perfect timing. Help me jot down these notes immediately; they're crucial and mustn't be missed."
Without hesitation, Rosa enlisted her fellow mage and senior from the same academic circle to assist her. She began to meticulously record every word Durin had shared during their conversation. Although perplexed, Stitch quickly became astonished as he read through the notes containing concepts far beyond his comprehension.
"Where did you get these?" he asked, astonished.
"They're from my conversation with Master Durin just now. Despite his youth, that boy has insights far beyond the ordinary. I've learned so much from him."
"..."
Recognizing Durin's name, Stitch's expression turned to one of surprise as he scanned through the notes. However, before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, Rosa, now more composed, started gathering her things and said, "Alright, Master Durin is writing his script in the second-floor hall. I should go check on him."
"Uh, may I come along...?"
Despite his usual envy towards Rosa for becoming an Archmage before him, Stitch couldn't help but request to join her, eager to learn from the knowledge that could potentially revolutionize their field.
Unaware of Stitch's inner thoughts, Rosa responded nonchalantly, "Of course. But remember, Master Durin is currently writing his script, so we mustn't disturb him."
...
With his exceptional memory as a Grand Mage, Durin effortlessly wrote down the scripts for the first three chapters of "The Garden of Sinners," which he had watched multiple times in his previous life. The titles of the chapters were Overlooking View, A Study in Murder (Part 1), and Remaining Sense of Pain.
Since the story itself wasn't very long, Durin managed to complete the scripts faster than he had for "Fate/Zero." When he finally looked up, he was slightly taken aback by the sight of the two mages watching him. After a moment, he said, "Oh, Master Rosa, you're here. And this is...?"
In response to Durin's query, Rosa calmly introduced, "This is Grand Mage Stitch, who, like me, specializes in spiritual and soul studies. He's very interested in meeting you."
"I see. Nice to meet you, Master Stitch. I'm Durin Edward."
Stitch, not wanting to appear unfriendly, returned the greeting with a formal bow and said, "I've heard from Rosa that your insights have resolved many of her doubts, potentially advancing our field significantly. I came both to thank you and out of curiosity."
"Curiosity, huh? Well, I'm just an ordinary Grand Mage. But if you're curious, feel free to indulge it. By the way, you know I'm writing a script, right?"
"Yes, Rosa mentioned it."
"Great. Take a look at it."
With that, Durin handed over the completed scripts for the first three chapters to Rosa and Stitch, inviting them to read and share their thoughts.
While Rosa showed a respectful demeanor, Stitch was utterly bewildered. Initially planning to speak with Durin privately afterward, Stitch took the relatively thin script of "The Garden of Sinners" in a daze and slowly opened it.
"Overlooking View? What's this?"
Stitch had the luck of getting the actual beginning of "The Garden of Sinners," while Rosa held the script for "A Study in Murder (Part 1)," which, although it is chronologically the start, reading it first would provide more clarity but lose some of the initial mystique of the story.
Durin remembered his first encounter with "The Garden of Sinners," which he had watched in chronological order according to an online guide. He found that both reading orders had their advantages.
Stitch, who had watched "Fate/Zero," didn't refuse this new story. After some contemplation, he slowly opened the first page. And then...
"This..."
The ethereal quality of the writing captivated Stitch, making it hard for him to stop turning the pages. When the story ended on a perfect cliffhanger, he immediately took "The Garden of Sinners" second chapter from Rosa, who handed it to him. Rosa, having started with the chronological order, felt an even stronger urge to see the continuation.
Unfortunately, after "A Study in Murder (Part 1)," the next chapter in the chronological order was "Garan no Dou" (The Hollow Shrine), which was the fourth chapter. Despite reading through the other two chapters, Rosa couldn't find the continuation she sought, leaving her confused by the non-linear timeline.
"Ahem, could you return the scripts to me? I need to print them later," Durin requested.
Reluctantly, Rosa and Stitch exchanged a glance and handed back the scripts, their reluctance palpable.
"Master Durin, you truly are a remarkable director. Like 'Fate/Zero,' this 'The Garden of Sinners' is filled with incomprehensible but fantastical imagination. But with 'Fate/Zero' still unfinished, do you have time to create 'The Garden of Sinners'?"
Durin calmly replied, "The second chapter of 'Fate/Zero' is scheduled for a winter release, and its content is shorter than the first chapter, requiring a shorter production cycle. So, there's plenty of time. Originally, I planned to create a film to promote the television series. After our conversation, Master Rosa, I remembered this story and decided to use 'The Garden of Sinners' for the promotion."
"Television? What's that?" The two mages looked confused.
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Durin explained the concept of television as simply and clearly as possible.
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