Chapter 132: Release of "The Garden Of Sinners"(6)
But knowing the potential danger of the topic, everyone quickly moved on, much like the abrupt end of discussions about the relationship between souls and the seventh tier when they were previously discussing "Fate Zero." The archmages present were all old enough to have experienced, or at least heard of, the chaos that once swept through the academy. They understood deeply how such ideas could distort current social order. Even if it meant that human mages would forever be cut off from the seventh tier, it was still better than forcibly pursuing it, leading to the possible destruction of their entire race.
As their conversation fell into silence, the credits on the distant television also came to an end. One of the archmages, thinking the film viewing was over, was about to stand up, but Scar quickly stopped him, drawing everyone's attention.
Feeling the immense pressure of all the archmages' focus, Scar hurriedly explained, "Te... television is different from movies; it doesn't end after the credits... Just wait a bit longer..."
Hearing this, all the archmages, including the surprised Dean Hohenheim, showed astonished expressions, except for Rosa who had already anticipated it. Sure enough, after the first chapter's post-credits scene of "The Garden of Sinners," the screen changed, displaying the words, "Coming up next: The Garden of Sinners Chapter 2 - Murder Speculation (Part 1). Stay tuned after the ads for more excitement."
At the same time, Scar, knowing his time had come, nervously adjusted his attire and, following the instructions of a directing student, walked towards a stage with a live "camera."
This moment brought looks of surprise not only to the students in the academy's hall but to all the mages. They were bewildered by the concept of "ads," and even some new students from the Southern Region showed puzzled expressions. Everyone's attention was immediately captured by the words, "The Garden of Sinners Chapter 2 - Murder Speculation (Part 1)."
"Holy crap, there's more? A double feature?"
"Double feature? This is amazing! I declare Senior Durin as my most admired mage!"
"Look at you getting excited. If they show a third episode, you'll probably kneel down and call him 'Dad.'"
"Hey, if there's a third episode, I'll be the first to call him 'Dad!'"
"I've noted that. Don't back out later."
"..."
In short, the students' excitement mirrored the atmosphere throughout Norsrick and the Imperial Mage Academy. The audience, who had just finished the thrilling first chapter of "The Garden of Sinners," felt like a bunch of hungry lambs now presented with a lake of milk. The news of a second episode sent them into a frenzy, eagerly sharing the news and feeling as if it were a grand festival.
However, when they discovered that the commercials were half an hour long, many of them sighed in disappointment, joking that even future versions of Durin couldn't be more inhumane than this.
Still, a large group of students found the extended commercials quite intriguing. After all, for these bored-to-death individuals, whether it was advertisements or the main feature, as long as it helped pass the time, it was all good.
In this scenario, as Scar took the stage and began introducing the so-called television, the mages were shocked. They hadn't expected this device to actually be produced by the Magical Alchemy Department, and it seemed they were treating it like a commodity for promotion.
As expected, on the television screen, although Scar's initial performance was poor, he quickly caught on with the help of two students nearby. Quietly, he pulled out a script written by Durin himself and began reading aloud, "Earlier, I introduced our Magical Alchemy Department's new product—the television. Now, I'm sure you're all eager to know when it will be available. Well, don't rush just yet. Due to our ongoing technological developments, we've only produced a total of one hundred televisions. Fifty of them are already in use at various taverns in the Imperial Mage Academy and Norsrick, making you the first batch of users to experience television in the entire Empire."
"As for the remaining fifty units, here's the good news: we will auction them off. The auction will take place in the square next to the headquarters of the Norsrick Cinema. Anyone interested in movies can participate, and even those who aren't can join in. We will randomly select a lucky audience member to receive a television at the event. Additionally, we will be seeking advertisers here. Any interested advertisers can sign agreements with Viscount Banil, the manager of the Norsrick Cinema, to play their commercials. Of course, the content of the advertisements will be up to you to create, and the pricing for the auction will be based on the duration of the advertisements."
"So, that concludes my announcement."
As Scar finished speaking, he checked the time—it was precisely fifteen minutes, perfectly timed. The remaining time could be used for the Magical Alchemy Department's promotional advertisement as mentioned by Durin earlier, along with a trailer for "Fate Zero." Currently, without advertisers on board, there were only a few slots available for commercials. However, once keen-eyed merchants joined in the future, this advertising time slot would easily fetch a high price, serving as a way to fill the gap left by ticket sales in certain circumstances.
In the end, it's all about making a living, isn't it? Television may not seem profitable at first glance, but in a market that has yet to be fully explored and where the cake hasn't even been divided, the money that can eventually be made far exceeds what movies can earn. After all, movies only make money from ordinary people's ticket sales, while television can attract wealthy and influential businessmen. The nature of the two is completely different. Of course, even without Durin venturing into the television market, relying solely on movies could still sustain a living, perhaps even more so than television. However, as he mentioned before, what he wants to change is this era. Simply bringing movies from memory to this world isn't enough. What he truly wants to change is the fundamental way entertainment itself is perceived in this world!
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