[71] Recruitment of Actors for "Fate/Zero"
Chapter 71: Recruitment of Actors for "Fate/Zero"
Due to the chaotic and unorganized nature of the knowledge left behind in the Alchemy Tower, Scar and Durin eventually agreed to discuss what gift to present to the Emperor a month later after Scar had spent a few days organizing this knowledge.
With the agreement in place, Durin quickly returned to Norsrick. Since he had decided to start filming a promotional video for alchemy studies, he didn't want to waste any time. Upon arriving in Norsrick, he immediately sought out Banil, who was working hard to expand the film market in the North.
When Durin entered the room, Banil was entertaining Daphne, who seemed to have become lazy and stayed in Norsrick all the time after filming the movie.
Seeing him come in, Banil immediately greeted him.
Observing Banil's increasingly spirited demeanor, Durin couldn't help but smile. "Banil, you've hosted many theater groups before, right? Do you know any theater groups we can contact? I need actors for my new movie, and the more people who audition, the better!"
Taken aback by Durin's sudden request, Banil paused for a moment before excitedly standing up. "Actors for a movie? Director Durin, are you making a new movie?!!!"
"Yes, it's going to be a big production this time. The filming period might be a bit long, but we need to complete the first chapter before the Mage Tower's summer enrollment."
"Got it, leave it to me!"
Seeing Banil's willingness, Durin nodded and sat down at the nearby table, ignoring Daphne's curious gaze. He swiftly began sketching out the contents of the new script on the paper and pen he had prepared in advance.
Meanwhile, from afar, Banil understood that this wasn't the time to disturb Durin. Suppressing his curiosity about the new movie's content, he immediately went out to try to contact his contacts from his previous theater groups.
Although many theater groups in the South had struggled lately, with some even leaving due to the impact of movies, there were still some that remained steadfast. However, given the declining audience numbers for musicals, their perseverance would soon become unsustainable. Therefore, most of them would likely not refuse Banil's invitation at this time.
On the other hand, after Banil left, Durin began writing the script for his new movie, which was none other than the anime "Fate/Zero," which had a significant influence on the animation industry.
The reason for choosing "Fate/Zero" was simple: its worldbuilding aligned well with Durin's vision of alchemy. While it wasn't a conventional magical world by any means, it met Durin's requirements for alchemy propaganda.
Whether it was the summoning circles, the various magical tools and weapons used by the mages, or the ultimate goal of the Holy Grail, with a little improvisation from Durin, they could all become plausible products of alchemical studies.
As for why he didn't choose the more orthodox "Fullmetal Alchemist," the reason was straightforward: Durin couldn't faithfully recreate the world of "Fullmetal Alchemist" yet. Even if he could, its core essence would likely be lost.
In contrast, while "Fate/Zero" was set in modern times, its core story of seven mages competing for the Holy Grail, driven by their differing ideologies, remained unchanged. As long as this aspect was highlighted, regardless of the setting, viewers could still experience the essence of "Fate/Zero."
This became particularly evident to Durin as he wrote the script. Most of the elements unique to that world could be substituted or removed without significantly affecting the story.
What's the difference between magic and magecraft, and why does it matter if the mystery is more hidden? In reality, these questions wouldn't need to be discussed unless one were trying to construct the entire Type-Moon universe.
The evidence lies in the fact that even viewers from Earth, who may have little knowledge of Type-Moon's settings, can still thoroughly enjoy watching "Fate/Zero."
The main reason "Fate/Zero" is "Fate/Zero" is simply because its story is captivating on its own.
Of course, making so many modifications will inevitably have some impact, but as long as Durin is willing to put in the time to refine it, it won't be a big deal for the audience of this world.
As for the common problem with most adaptations of manga and anime into films, namely special effects, it's actually not an issue in this world.
After all, the most special effects-heavy Noble Phantasms in this world are not something that can't be handled. Even absurd throws like Gilgamesh's can be resolved using spatial magecraft. The only problem might be the sea monster summoned by C-rank Gilgamesh, as it's hard to say if there's anything similar in this world...
In summary, while Durin may not be able to produce an authentic "Fate/Zero" in this era, he can at least create an alternate version while retaining the essence of "Fate/Zero."
He believes that this modified version of "Fate/Zero" will surely meet his expectations and sow the seeds of alchemy studies among the new students of the Mage Tower in the next enrollment.
Soon, with Durin's swift writing, the script for "Fate/Zero" that had been in his mind began to take shape on paper.
Meanwhile, a certain young lady who had been quietly edging closer couldn't resist speaking up, "Durin, what kind of story are you planning to write this time?"
"A story about mages."
"Mages?"
Daphne, who lacked magical talent herself and never considered becoming a mage, displayed a curious expression. Seeing her natural demeanor, Durin couldn't help but smile. "Haven't you ever had your magical talent tested?"
"No, because my brothers are all so talented, Father doesn't seem to have many expectations for me."
"Um..."
Realizing the situation, Durin couldn't help but show a subtle expression, as Daphne's circumstances were not quite normal. You see, in this world where extraordinary powers exist, even though the noble class is primarily hereditary and relatively fixed, due to the existence of extraordinary powers, maintaining this fixed class without finding a way to change it can be difficult.
Therefore, most nobles have their children tested for magical talent as soon as they are born, ensuring that their offspring can also enjoy extraordinary powers. Talented individuals like Durin, with exceptionally high innate talent, are sent to the Mage Tower for further study, even if it means the family sacrificing everything they have.
As for ordinary citizens with magical talent, they are even more carefully nurtured. While limited by resources and unlikely to achieve great success, they can at least become apprentice mages. For ordinary citizens, even being an apprentice mage symbolizes a lifetime of job security, as the treatment of apprentice mages is far better than that of civil servants.
Therefore, for the people of this world, magic can be said to be both the most unfair and the most fair talent. It's unfair because some are born with it while others will never be able to develop it, no matter how hard they try. But it's fair because whether noble or commoner, anyone with magical talent has the opportunity for great success.
In this world where class is fixed and hereditary nobility prevails, mages have become almost the only profession that promotes social mobility.
As for being a swordsman or knight? Just like on Earth where being poor in academics but skilled in martial arts leads to a career in the military, the same is true here. Even if commoners have some talent in swordsmanship, their best chance at advancement is to become accomplished adventurers, as climbing the ranks in the military is almost as difficult as becoming a great sage.
That's why there are so many sword saints and swordmasters among Northern adventurers, while the Imperial Army is mostly comprised of second or third-tier swordsmen. Simply put, the balance between ability and reward is skewed, and for these individuals, they'd rather be mercenaries earning extra income than soldiers receiving a meager military stipend.
Of course, in the end, in such a Western fantasy world, fixed class structures are the norm. Therefore, most nobles don't care about climbing the social ladder. As long as they can inherit their titles and estates, that's enough.
But for a duke's daughter like Daphne, not pursuing extraordinary powers is clearly abnormal, because even if Daphne only had the lowest level of magical talent, if she were to show even a hint of talent, she would have access to vast resources unimaginable to other mages.
Ultimately, Durin, unable to comprehend the Duke's intentions, slowly spoke up after finishing the first chapter of the "Fate Zero" script: "So, Daphne, would you like to find out if you have magical talent?"
Yes, Durin, like most mages, had a professional habit — almost instinctively testing the magical talents of those around him.
Upon hearing his question, the young girl, who had initially appeared puzzled, suddenly seemed somewhat at a loss. But after realizing what he was asking, she immediately nodded excitedly. After all, she was well aware that the young man in front of her was the most magically talented individual in the history of the Empire!
.....
Norsrick Cinema, at the main entrance.
"Hello, here's your ticket for 'Goblin Slayer.' Please keep it safe."
Accepting the movie ticket from the receptionist, Chase stepped into the lobby of the cinema and headed straight for the screening hall, moving with a practiced ease, as if he had done this countless times before.
And indeed, this wasn't Chase's first time at this Norsrick cinema. Ever since his theater troupe began receiving fewer and fewer gigs, he had been coming to this place almost every day to watch movies. His frequency was so high, almost exaggerated, and though he was somewhat aware of it, it was as if he couldn't control himself anymore!
Despite knowing that movies were the root cause of his troupe's declining fortunes, and that their existence threatened to make stage plays a dying art form, he found himself mesmerized, arriving punctually at the Norsrick cinema every day.
This time, upon hearing about a new movie release, he rushed to the theater's entrance, eager to experience something completely new. However, due to the large number of people clamoring for tickets, he had to wait until late to finally secure his own.
Surprisingly, Chase didn't feel repulsed by his own humble behavior at this moment. His heart was completely absorbed by the art of cinema, which seemed to transcend time. Even the moments of self-loathing were absent.
Just a month ago, Chase's theater troupe, Snowflake, was a renowned presence in the South, performing in towns across the region. But since the advent of movies, everything had changed...
With the emergence of this new form of entertainment, the entire artistic community in the South had been hit hard. Chase still remembered, just a month ago, when movies were being promoted across the South. The last performance organized by him barely had a double-digit audience turnout.
Just thinking about that scene filled him with an indescribable sense of sadness. And the reality was that his troupe was not alone in this. Most theater troupes in the South were facing similar challenges.
Almost everyone could see that on this southern land, the art of stage plays was declining visibly.
As a result, most theater managers made the determined decision to take their troupes away from the lands of the South. Only a few opportunists like Chase chose to stay.
Chase's decision wasn't driven by any love for the land or preference for movies. It was simply because he saw things more clearly than those who chose to flee. He understood that temporary escape was just a slow death. If he didn't want to be left behind by the times, he had to do his utmost to keep pace with them.
So, he stayed in Norsrick, watching the 'culprit' responsible for it all over and over again. Eventually, while deeply impressed by this new technology of cinema, a glimmer of hope began to emerge in his heart, imperceptibly.
After two hours of watching, the newly released movie "Goblin Slayer" turned out to be as thrilling as expected. The progress made by the filmmakers was evident, with both the pacing of the plot and the characterization of the protagonist meeting the standards expected of a film.
In comparison, the previous movie, "Konosuba God Blessings on this Wonderful World," felt rushed, despite its abundance of humor. It just didn't feel like a work of art.
With these thoughts in mind, just as Chase was feeling satisfied after watching the new movie and about to leave, he suddenly noticed a long queue forming at the tavern across from the Norsrick cinema.
Many of the people inside were former members of troupes Chase was familiar with. Like Chase, they obviously couldn't bear to leave the South and had a deep attachment to the art of cinema, which is why they had all come to watch the latest movie today.
But why were they queuing up here?
Curious, Chase approached someone to inquire and learned that the mysterious film director Durin Edward was openly recruiting actors for his new movie. And from the looks of it, members of theater troupes with acting talent were given priority in the auditions!
For Chase, this was an unprecedented opportunity. Having long planned to participate in this emerging industry, he wasted no time in leaving the name of his troupe, Snowflake, and his contact information with Viscount Banil, who was busy issuing permits behind the counter.