Chapter 159: The Premiere of Fate/Zero Chapter Two! (1)
"Quick, quick, quick! The movie is about to start!"
"I overslept a bit, damn it!"
"No matter what, we can't miss a single moment of the plot!"
"I haven't even had a sip of water yet, and I've already been to the bathroom several times. This time, I absolutely won't leave midway!"
"You guys are way too intense…"
"What right do you have to say that? Your dark circles under your eyes haven't even faded!"
Amidst the bustling crowd, even with winter's chill settling in, a large number of people in Norsrick were rushing to the cinema.
Compared to the aired Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World and Fate/Zero on television, many seemed far more excited for today's premiere of Fate/Zero.
After all, at the end of the last episode, the various Masters and Servants in Fate/Zero had already sensed changes on the sea and were preparing for battle.
Now, everyone was eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story, yearning to witness the intense clashes between the Masters and their Servants.
In addition to the common folk, the Norsrick cinema was also welcoming some special guests.
When Durin, along with the large crew from the Edward Studio, arrived at the cinema, he saw familiar faces: General Wilhelm, Knight Commander Wilcliff, Rhyne, and a host of knights who participated in Fate/Zero.
Beside these old acquaintances, a kind-looking elderly man stood next to Wilhelm—none other than the current Emperor Hubbard, along with his young daughter.
"Ha ha, Sir Durin, it's good to see you again."
Upon hearing His Majesty the King's seemingly casual greeting, which felt like a neighborly chat, Durin couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy, but he did his best to respond politely without revealing his discomfort:
"It's only been a few months since we last met. Have you come specifically for Fate/Zero?"
"It's not just Fate/Zero; it's also all the new films you've been making. After all, my daughter Amy has been demanding to see the latest movies every day. Ever since we watched the last film, even the Frost Festival banquet at the palace can't hold her interest anymore."
At the mention of her name, the little princess, Amy, immediately blushed and shrank behind her father, clearly embarrassed by his words.
Such enthusiasm from an imperial princess was undeniably against etiquette norms.
However, those present seemed to overlook the young princess's shyness; instead, they found her pure enthusiasm endearing, explaining why His Majesty never seemed to tire of having her by his side.
Of course, Durin couldn't help but speculate that with the impending transition of power in the Empire and the silent onset of the struggle for the throne, the old emperor's behavior could very well attract scrutiny from those with ulterior motives.
But since the old king himself didn't seem to care, Durin decided not to dwell on it further.
Meanwhile, the other crew members from the production studio behind him had no idea that this kind-looking elderly man was the Emperor; they were joking around, thinking he was just a big businessman collaborating with Durin.
.....
At the other end of the cinema, Juno sat down with the orc prophet, who had disguised himself as an ordinary old man.
Seeing the lively atmosphere around them, the orc prophet, clearly unaccustomed to such a spectacle, murmured in surprise, "So many ordinary people are here to watch a movie?"
In response to the prophet's words, Juno hesitated but nodded, saying, "Prophet, I mentioned in my letter that humans regard this thing called a movie as a form of entertainment, and it is immensely popular among most ordinary people."
"I can't believe it…"
As he took in the scene before him, the orc prophet marveled at the flourishing human culture while quietly observing the audience.
Suddenly, when his gaze fell upon the headless horseman, Wiz, Laetitia, and Saiki—the infamous undead quartet huddled in a corner—his pupils constricted, and he instinctively lowered his head in a panic.
"…"
Juno, sitting next to him, clearly didn't understand the sudden fear displayed by the prophet. Although puzzled, he didn't dwell on it too much.
Meanwhile, the orc prophet couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile.
Although he had prepared for the fact that this journey would involve significant figures, the overwhelming pressure emanating from the undead quartet truly made him, the most powerful magician of the Orc Kingdom, feel an innate sense of panic.
If he, who was just a step away from being an archmage, felt incapable of contending with such opponents, it was obvious that they were beings of a completely different caliber.
Quickly, the orc prophet glanced past the undead quartet and spotted Durin, Emperor Hubbard, and many other knights, including Wilhelm.
In an instant, he felt cold sweat pouring down uncontrollably, and his heart skipped a beat.
"If I'm not mistaken, that's General Wilhelm of the Empire? Most of the people around him are elite members of the knight order. And that old man sitting next to the young grand mage? Could it possibly be…?"
Images from his memories flashed in his mind, and an indescribable sense of dread surged within him. The orc prophet, struggling to maintain his composure and keep himself from revealing his identity, muttered to himself, determined:
"To attract the attention of such significant figures, it seems this movie is indeed something extraordinary. It's just a facade of entertainment on the surface. I can see now that my coming here was not in vain. I must uncover the true trump card of the human Empire!"
....
As the major cinemas in the southern region began their preparations, a massive movie screen had also been set up in the grand plaza of the Imperial Mage Academy.
Since the screening was scheduled for daytime, the mages had cast a special night-conjuring spell that enveloped the entire area in a simulated darkness.
Clearly, after the previous experience, most of the mages no longer needed Durin to guide them. One by one, they eagerly gathered in the plaza, waiting in anticipation.
Picor and Dylan stood among the crowd, feeling a deep sense of emotion wash over them.
Just a short while ago, they had been ordinary freshmen, but now they had become members of the magical alchemy department. They had even joined the Alchemy Tower and become assistants to Tower Master Scar.
As they marveled at the rapid changes in their lives, they quickly pushed aside their nostalgic reflections and joined the other mages in their excitement for the upcoming screening of Fate/Zero.
With all the spectators gathered before the movie screen brimming with anticipation, the second chapter of Fate/Zero finally unfolded before everyone's eyes…
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