Fate/Zero has concluded.
Although Ren's comment on Weibo indeed calmed some angry readers, soon enough, the readers became agitated again. However, this time, it wasn't about Fate/Zero but about Re: Zero - Starting Life in Another World.
The story arc about fighting the White Whale was quite good, much better than the previous chapters around episode 13. Subaru still died many times, but at least his deaths led to defeating the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse Romanee-Conti.
However, there was a significant issue with the ending.
In the manga, after defeating the White Whale, Subaru left Rem to recover, but in the conclusion, it seemed like everyone except Subaru forgot about Rem. This unnerved many readers.
Rumors started spreading online that "Rem is still dead," which caused a massive uproar. Readers demanded an explanation from Ren.
Rem's character design matched most readers' tastes: lovable, dedicated, and with a charming maid outfit. Rem's unwavering belief in Subaru, even when she didn't understand his intentions, endeared her to readers. Emilia didn't trust Subaru as Rem did.
Especially in episode 18, Rem's speech about living a life with Subaru, expressing how much she liked him, made many fans fall in love with her character. It was clear that her love for Subaru was genuine, adding depth to her character and making her a fan favorite.
Many readers believed that if true love had a color, it would be blue because of Rem.
So when some fans pointed out that Rem was absent in the final battle and everyone seemed to have forgotten her, they were furious.
Ren knew the real situation. In the original series, Rem did disappear for a long time after having her name and memories eaten by the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, falling into a coma, forgotten by everyone except Subaru.
But since it was a long time ago, Ren couldn't remember all the details clearly. So, he responded to readers with silence.
This earned Ren the title of "Warrior of Love," although the fans used it sarcastically.
Soon, the fans' attention was diverted to another of Ren's works: the final episode of Kamen Rider Kuuga.
This episode was filmed at a snowy mountain location, providing a stunning and realistic backdrop. Despite the beautiful scenery, many viewers felt the episode lacked something.
This episode had almost no special effects, except for some when Godai transformed into Ultimate Kuuga. The final battle was mostly about powerful punches without flashy effects.
"Is this the final battle?" many viewers wondered.
Daniel thought the same. "What is Ren doing?" he muttered, reaching for the remote to change the channel.
A Kamen Rider show without special effects seemed unimaginable. Could it be that Picca Comics was running out of budget?
Just as Daniel was about to switch channels, a sound caught his attention. He looked back at the screen.
Still no special effects. Just Godai in a black coat and Daguba in a white one, punching each other on the snowy peak. Blood splattered with each hit. Eventually, the two exhausted fighters collapsed, buried by the falling snow.
Then…
"Godai! Godai!!" The screen echoed with Sakurako's desperate cries as she rushed to the scene.
"Did they both die?" Daniel was stunned.
Many readers felt the same. Given Ren's recent streak, this seemed entirely possible.
First, Ren promised a heartwarming ending for Fate/Zero, only to deliver a conclusion that left many readers wanting to strangle him. Then, Rem seemed to be dead or at least comatose in Re: Zero without any clear explanation.
Now, it seemed that Kuuga and Daguba might have died together.
Just as fans were ready to vent their frustration, the scene changed. Under a bright blue sky, a man walked along a distant beach. Seeing a group of kids sitting quietly, he approached them, juggling balls to entertain them. As the camera zoomed in, it revealed that the man was Godai.
This final scene brought immense relief to the viewers. Seeing Godai safe and smiling again made everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
The conclusion of Kamen Rider Kuuga caused a surge in the show's popularity.
Following the end of Kuuga, Ren's Picca Comics received a message from the creators of League of Legends. They wanted to license some characters for new skins.
For example, Diqka (Ultraman) would get a skin for Ezreal, with three different color forms. Madoka Magica characters would join the Magical Girl skin series. Kuuga's ultimate kick effect would be added to Lee Sin's skin, exciting fans.
Other characters, like King Arthur, the Conqueror King, and the Hero King from Fate/Zero, were also licensed for new skins.
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