[152] The Influence of Kara no Kyokai (1)

Chapter 152: The Influence of Kara no Kyokai (1)

In the Southern Region.

The popularity of Kara no Kyokai had exploded, igniting an unstoppable frenzy. Every day, countless people flooded into the taverns with televisions, staying for the entire afternoon.

Even after leaving the taverns, they lingered around, still buzzing with excitement as they discussed the movie's content with those nearby.

"This Kara no Kyokai is even harder to understand than the previous ones."

"Yeah, Fate/Zero had all sorts of confusing settings, but the main storyline was about the battles between the Heroic Spirits. But with Kara no Kyokai, we still can't figure out who the protagonists are actually fighting against."

"Still, even so, Kara no Kyokai is amazing. The battle scenes are incredibly spectacular, and the relationship between Mikiya Kokuto and Shiki Ryougi is really intriguing."

"Yeah, but in the end, it's still hard to understand."

"Hmph, if you can't understand it, it just means your level is limited. The enemies in Kara no Kyokai have been clear from the start—they are monsters, beings outside of society. The story of Kara no Kyokai takes place in a world without supernatural powers. In such a world, those with extraordinary abilities become anomalies, unable to integrate into society. No matter what they do, they can never be accepted by normal society. The more they try to resist, the closer they come to destruction. The main storyline of Kara no Kyokai is about the struggles of these people, and the protagonist Shiki Ryougi is one of them."

"Oh wow, you explained that so well. That's impressive."

"Hmph, of course!"

"Haha, don't fall for his bragging. Everyone knows that Edward Studio recently published an initial Kara no Kyokai guidebook. A lot of what he said is written in there."

"So that's how it is."

While these people were talking, a small hand reached out toward the clerk at the edge of the tavern.

"Please give me a copy of the guidebook."

Hearing Juno's request, the clerk had just taken out the item when he saw her drop a few silver coins on the counter before darting away like the wind.

Back at Edward's Tavern, Wiz was just about to greet her when the girl dashed up to the second floor in a hurry.

Pulling out paper and pen, Juno immediately began drafting a letter to the prophet of the Orc Kingdom, writing down everything she could remember about Kara no Kyokai.

....

Gebrun was a fourth-year student in the Imperial Mage Academy Department of Mind and Soul, yet he had been stuck at this level for five long years, earning himself the title of a super senior.

When he first set foot in the Imperial Mage Academy, he probably never imagined that he would end up staying in this secluded place for so long, with the possibility of an even longer stay ahead.

The reason for his repeated failures to advance was not a lack of dedication to magic studies; in fact, it was quite the opposite. His passion for magic was so intense that others found it nearly impossible to comprehend.

In the Department of Mind and Soul, most students focused on concepts related to the human mind and soul, studying magic related to mental manipulation and control. However, Gebrun had completed all the courses related to the mind and soul in his first year and had since dedicated himself to researching deeper theoretical aspects of these subjects.

His commitment was so profound that he even applied to become the assistant to Professor Stitch, the department's leading expert in Mind and Soul studies, and he excelled in every aspect, earning a reputation as a particularly outstanding mage.

However, his excessive enthusiasm led him to disregard the basics, including course credits, to the point where he outright despised them. In class, he would even go as far as to openly challenge his professors' viewpoints, causing chaos in the classroom.

Within the Department of Mind and Soul, he was nearly as troublesome as Durin, and he was a constant headache for all the professors.

Fortunately, the department's most esteemed archmage, Archmage Rosa, saw great potential in him and repeatedly spared him from expulsion. Otherwise, he would have been expelled from the academy long ago, just like Durin.

Yet, despite not being expelled, Gebrun never gained entry to the Mage's Tower. Even though he was a high-ranking mage whose papers were often recognized for their practicality, he was still not well-regarded by most senior scholars.

This outcome was not much different from Durin's own past experiences.

At this moment, Durin watched as Gebrun was practically dragged into the student council office by a junior student. With a smile, he greeted him:

"You must be Senior Gebrun, right? I've heard so much about you."

"Uh...?"

Gebrun, clearly not expecting such a polite and sincere greeting, was momentarily stunned before quickly responding:

"It's nothing, really. But you, Durin Edward, I've heard your name countless times here at the Imperial Mage Academy."

As Gebrun spoke in his usual formal manner, the red-haired girl beside him promptly kicked him and coldly remarked:

"Is that any way to talk to someone? Even if you're older, Senior Gebrun, Durin is still a Grand Mage, and his rank is higher than yours!"

"You've got it all wrong, Clatilis the Thirty-Fourth. While I may seem like just an ordinary super senior in this academy, I am, in reality, a master of the Dark Dimension..."

"If you dare spout that ridiculous title again, I swear I'll use Mid-Level Mental Magic to scramble your brain right now!"

"Please, have mercy!"

Watching their interaction, Durin couldn't help but smile.

Sensing Durin's gaze, the red-haired girl quickly spoke up:

"Hello, Senior Durin. I'm Chris, a third-year student in the Department of Mind and Soul. I've brought this idiot here for the audition. As you know, he's fallen behind on too many credits. If he doesn't catch up, he'll be in the same year as me next term."

"Falling behind? What's the big deal?"

"Give me a break! Do you plan to stay in this academy forever, just freeloading?"

"Why not?"

"You—"

Seeing the two about to start arguing, Durin said nothing and simply handed them the completed script for the magic version of Steins;Gate.

For previous auditions, he had only asked participants to recite a few lines, but with Gebrun and Chris, he directly handed them the script, a script that no one else had seen yet. This gesture showed just how much he expected from these two.

At first, Gebrun was reluctant to take the script, but under Chris's insistence, he reluctantly skimmed through it.

However, as soon as he started reading, he was completely captivated, unable to tear his eyes away.

Chris, noticing his reaction, glanced over at the script herself. Within moments, she too was engrossed, utterly absorbed by the contents.

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