Chapter 162: The Premiere of Fate/Zero Chapter Two! (4)
In the movie:
Two fighter jets pierced through the clouds, with the pilots keeping a close watch on the mist ahead. One of them loudly reported:
"According to the mission from Fuyuki City Police, the fighter squadron is en route to the scene."
"This is Command Center. Please specify the instructions. What is the situation?"
In response to the inquiry from Command Center, the pilot, with a voice that was hard to describe, replied:
"Reporting to Command Center, there's a gigantic monster emerging over the Mion River!"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Absolutely not, it's the real deal."
The Command Center fell into a brief silence before the commander finally ordered:
"Record the situation at the scene, then turn around and return immediately!"
"Understood."
With that, the two pilots promptly carried out their orders and prepared to return to base.
But at that moment, several massive tentacles suddenly shot up from the ocean's surface, engaging the two fighter jets in an intense battle.
...
The inclusion of fighter jets in the battle was undoubtedly Durin's personal touch.
To further promote the concept of Magecraft Alchemy, he deliberately designed the fighter jets and added extra scenes to showcase them to their fullest.
Although these jets were still prototypes, relying entirely on external magical power with internal mechanics that were a complete mess, the concept alone was captivating enough.
As expected, at that moment, almost every audience member was completely enthralled by the fighter jets designed based on Magecraft Alchemy principles. Their eyes were glued to the screen, unable to look away.
"What the heck?! What is that thing?"
"How is that thing flying?"
"Are the pilots mages from the Fate/Zero world?"
"That can't be. The Fate/Zero universe clearly states that magic is hidden from the eyes of ordinary people!"
"…"
A wave of discussions surged through the cinema, turning it into a buzz of excitement.
Every viewer was fixated on the Magecraft Alchemy-styled fighter jets, unable to tear their gaze away from the mesmerizing scenes unfolding on screen.
Similarly, the production team members sitting around Durin were just as stunned.
"Holy crap, what is that thing? It's freaking awesome!!"
Helena shouted, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement, as her inner chunibyo (middle-schooler syndrome) was fully awakened.
On the other side, Zat and his group were equally astonished. They never imagined that Durin would come up with something so extraordinary in the film.
"That thing can actually fly?"
Even Beldia, an undead being like the Headless Horseman, was stunned. After all, despite his own formidable abilities, he couldn't fly.
In this world, the ability to truly fly was a rare gift, reserved only for a few who possessed a wind affinity and had reached at least the level of a Grand Mage.
So, when Durin introduced the concept of fighter jets through the film, it caused an uproar among everyone, regardless of whether they were mages or not. The idea of such a machine that could defy gravity without magic and soar through the skies was utterly mind-blowing.
The entire audience, both within the world of the movie and those watching it, was thrown into a frenzy. The revolutionary concept that melded the mysticism of magic with the advanced design of fighter jets captured their imaginations in a way they had never experienced before.
....
On the other side of the cinema, Emperor Hubbard stared in shock at the scene unfolding before him. After a long pause, he finally turned to Wilhelm and asked, "Is this idea something Lord Durin came up with, or does it actually exist?"
General Wilhelm was equally baffled by the question. Since he hadn't been involved in the filming process, he could only turn to Lyra and the others who had participated in the production for answers.
Feeling the intense gaze of both the Emperor and the Imperial General, Lyra, the deputy leader of the Knights, nervously responded, "In reality, such a flying device doesn't exist. Although Director Durin mentioned that it might become possible with further advancements in Magecraft Alchemy, for now, it's just a special effect created with magic."
"I see."
Upon hearing Lyra's explanation, Emperor Hubbard exhaled deeply, though it was unclear whether he was relieved or disappointed.
Regardless, for the people of this world, the sky has always been an unattainable domain. Even the mightiest knights could only manage short bursts of flight, unable to fully break free from the pull of gravity.
While Grand Mages who reached a certain level of mastery could float for extended periods, this ability was a privilege enjoyed by only a select few.
The neighboring Orc Kingdom had a special aerial force thanks to individuals with avian traits, but the Human Empire had no such equivalent. The scarcity of mages made it unthinkable for the Empire to risk them in battle, let alone form an aerial unit with them.
Such a luxury was beyond the reach of even the current Empire.
For humans in this world, conquering the sky was something beyond even their wildest dreams.
This is why, as they watched the images Durin had crafted in the film—a glimpse of a possible "future"—everyone was filled with wonder, lost in a profound sense of romanticism rooted deep in their very beings.
....
In a secluded corner of the cinema, the Orc Prophet watched the scenes on the screen with a grim expression. In the past, the Orc Kingdom's special aerial unit had granted them significant advantages over the Human Empire during wars, serving as a formidable force. However, if humans had indeed invented a magical device capable of allowing ordinary people to fly, the implications would be far beyond anything the Orc Kingdom could have anticipated.
"We must be vigilant," the Orc Prophet thought, his anxiety growing. He couldn't help but wonder what other "surprises" this human-made film might reveal.
---
At the Imperial Mage Academy, the appearance of the fighter jets sparked heated debates among the mages.
Only a select few high-level mages, those who had reached the rank of Grand Mage, could ever hope to soar through the skies. Most mages would never witness the wonders of the heavens throughout their lives.
Thus, when Durin used the film to showcase a potential future shaped by Magecraft Alchemy, the mages were electrified.
"If this thing could really be made, I'd be the first to try it!"
"But I still doubt it's possible. Can such a fragile design really move so quickly in the air?"
"What principle allows it to float? Is it wind-based runes or anti-gravity spells?"
In the midst of these discussions, the mages found themselves utterly captivated by this near "sci-fi" display, unable to tear their thoughts away from it.
In a world governed by magic, the concept of science fiction didn't exist, but the mages had long entertained various visions of what the future might hold.
For these mages, imagining a future shaped by unimaginable magical advancements might better be described as "magical fantasy."
Even the coldest of mages couldn't resist the allure of this vision—a vision with remarkable power, grounded in a semblance of reality. They found themselves instinctively drawn in, filled with an unparalleled sense of excitement.
This was the essence of human romanticism!
....
At the pinnacle of the Mage's Tower, the Archmages were left speechless as they watched the fighter jets in the movie. The depiction of firearms and vehicles in the first part of Fate Zero had already left them bewildered and shocked. Now, Durin had introduced the concept of airplanes, leaving even these representatives of humanity's highest wisdom feeling a tinge of fear.
"What is this? Has the world changed this much already?" Warton's voice reflected the disbelief they all felt.
Dean Hohenheim, on the other hand, looked profoundly contemplative. After a moment of reflection, he murmured, "So that's what Durin meant when he kept saying, 'Magecraft Alchemy is the future of magic.' If magic is merely a display of individual power, then Magecraft Alchemy is about distributing that magical power to the masses—letting magic serve those who cannot wield it themselves. Perhaps this is the true destiny of magic."
The other archmages were visibly shaken by Hohenheim's insight, clearly having never considered this perspective.
For these powerful mages, the concept of a flying alchemical device wasn't particularly groundbreaking; after all, mages of Grand Mage caliber and above could already levitate or fly. The Alchemical Tower had explored similar theories in the past, but they had never caused much of a stir because flight was not an impossible feat for mages.
But now, the "fighter jet" Durin presented was not just a flying device—it was a flying device accessible to ordinary people. The moment this concept was introduced, everyone could see the profound implications it could have on the world, and the sweeping changes that would follow.
"If it were any previous Headmaster, hearing such ideas might have led them to expel the proposer from the Mage's Tower for violating the core principles of a mage," Hohenheim said, his tone heavy with the weight of tradition.
After a long pause, he continued, his voice filled with quiet resignation, "But now, the times have changed."
The Archmages fell silent, each of them pondering Hohenheim's deeper meaning and the astonishing future that might be looming on the horizon—one that could surpass all their imaginations.
.....
In the movie, the fighter jets prove to be no match for the giant sea monster. After a dazzling but ultimately futile battle, one jet crashes, while the other struggles to escape.
Meanwhile, in the distant sky, Gilgamesh calmly observes the battle between the heroic spirits and the monster on the water from his golden airborne vehicle.
"What a pitiful sight. Though they're mongrels, they are still renowned warriors. It's rather pathetic to see them joining forces to take down that filthy beast. Truly, a lamentable scene..."
On the other hand, Tohsaka Tokiomi's feelings are the complete opposite of Gilgamesh's tranquility—he is filled with anger and anxiety. Normally, the secrecy of magic is paramount, and it is precisely because of this principle that Tokiomi was entrusted with the role of Overseer by the Mage's Association. The devastation caused by Caster not only threatens the integrity of the Holy Grail War but also tarnishes Tokiomi's reputation.
Desperate, Tokiomi speaks up, "My King, that beast is a blight upon your garden. Please, strike it down."
"That's the gardener's job," Gilgamesh immediately retorts, dismissing Tokiomi's plea.
"Surely, Tokiomi, you don't equate my Noble Phantasms with a gardener's tools?"
"No, of course not! But as you can see, the others are barely holding on."
The colossal sea monster created by Gilles de Rais possesses terrifying regenerative abilities, rendering the combined attacks of Artoria and Iskandar utterly ineffective. With no other choice, Tokiomi bites his lip and raises his voice, "My King, this is the perfect opportunity to display the divine might of a true hero. Please, act decisively!"
Gilgamesh, clearly annoyed, casts a scornful glance at Tokiomi before suddenly flicking his right hand. In an instant, four of his Noble Phantasms appear, their dazzling lights crackling with thunderous power as they strike the writhing mass of filth below.
The impact is catastrophic, blowing away a third of the monster's body with a force akin to a mountain collapsing. However, the creature swiftly regenerates, seemingly unfazed by the assault.
"This... this is impossible," Tokiomi mutters in disbelief.
On the other side, Gilgamesh's crimson eyes burn with intense disgust as he commands, "Prepare to retreat, Tokiomi. I can no longer bear to look at that vile thing."
"Wait, King of Heroes, please!"
"Tokiomi, I have used four Noble Phantasms for your sake. Do not mistake my generosity for something cheap!"
"But you're the only one who can defeat that monster! With its regenerative abilities, the only way to destroy it is to obliterate it in one strike. The only weapon capable of such destruction is your greatest Noble Phantasm."
"What?!"
Upon hearing Tokiomi's words, Gilgamesh roars in fury, "You dare suggest that I unsheath my greatest treasure, Ea, here? Get a grip, Tokiomi! Such insolence towards the King deserves nothing less than seppuku as an apology!"
In response, Tokiomi bows his head in frustration, falling into a resentful silence.
Just as Gilgamesh is about to make his retreat, a dark figure suddenly appears on the last remaining fighter jet in the distance. It's Berserker, who had somehow managed to board the aircraft. His pitch-black armor seems to ooze like ink, gradually corrupting and consuming the jet's metallic exterior.
In the next instant, Berserker's terrifying Noble Phantasm took control of the fighter jet, transforming it into his weapon.
"Raaaahhhh!!!"
With a roar, Berserker piloted the jet, now infused with his madness, directly toward Gilgamesh.
The battlefield, shrouded in the night, was now divided into two distinct fronts. But with Tohsaka Tokiomi engaging Kariya Matou, Berserker's Master, the conflict quickly escalated into a three-way battle.
...
"This is insane!"
The audience was on the edge of their seats, their eyes wide open as they watched the relentless action unfold on screen. Every viewer was fully engrossed, their gaze fixed on the screen, not wanting to miss even a fraction of the intense battle.
And soon enough, the film continued to build tension, setting the stage for an explosive climax that would leave everyone in awe.
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