NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Scene That Everyone Know Of
In the clear and serene moonlight of Fuyuki City during winter, tranquility and harmony filled the air. However, the events unfolding under the moon's glow were far from the picturesque scene.
Thud!
Clang!
"Grr—"
Emiya Shirou scrambled into the warehouse, using both his hands and feet. He anxiously scanned his surroundings, searching for anything he could use as a weapon.
Yet, the man chasing him wouldn't allow such an opportunity.
"Is it over?"
A streak of crimson light flashed by.
With a crimson lance exuding a murderous intent, Lancer thrust his blood red spear toward Shirou.
"This—guy—!"
In a critical moment, Shirou unfolded a poster from his hand, its metallic sheen forming into a makeshift shield.
Clang!
"Ah—!"
A cry of pain escaped Shirou.
The poster was pierced by the lance, reverting to its original state of ordinary paper.
The force of the lance's thrust remained unabated, even piercing through a corner's spotlight.
Crack.
As the spotlight went out, the warehouse dimmed noticeably.
"Ah—!"
The impact of the lance's thrust sent Shirou flying, crashing into the wall.
"Huff. huff."
Seated on the floor, Shirou clutched his chest tightly with his right hand.
Just as he was about to reach for anything that could serve as a weapon and raise his head...
"It's over. You really startled me just now, kid."
Standing before him was the man he had been evading, dressed in a tight blue suit and holding a red lance. The tip of the lance was precisely aimed at Shirou's heart.
"..."
Shirou knew he had lost.
His gaze remained fixed on the lance's tip, not registering anything the man said.
"Well then, let's end it here."
The man's hand moved.
A glimmering silver streak raced forth, its target Shirou's heart.
"Don't joke around–! How could I possibly—"
At this life-and-death juncture, Shirou let out a desperate yell.
"—meaninglessly die here!"
Miraculously, Shirou's cry received a response. A radiant magic circle appeared beneath him.
"Huh? Could it be?"
Amidst the dazzling light, a blue-armored girl appeared in front of Shirou.
Clang!
The girl seemed to be holding something in her hand, deflecting the lance that was intended to pierce Shirou. Without hesitation, she charged toward the man.
"Is it really the Seventh servant?" he exclaimed.
As the man, who was holding the now-deflected lance, clashed with the girl wielding the "certain item," sparks flew once more!
"Tsk."
Taking a hit from the girl who had just appeared, the man realized the warehouse wasn't a favorable battleground for him. He stepped back a few paces and swiftly exited.
The girl didn't pursue, instead standing still and slowly turning around.
Silver moonlight streamed into the warehouse, illuminating the girl dressed in knightly attire, radiating an aura of sanctity and nobility.
"..."
Shirou was left speechless.
The sheer beauty of the girl before him robbed him of his words.
"..."
With gem-like pupils, the girl stared at Shirou emotionlessly.
"..."
"..."
After a prolonged gaze between them, the girl tilted her head to the side and spoke with a resolute tone:
"Ano—Master. Lancer burst the light bulb. Can we still shoot this scene?"
Not far away, a blue-haired youth sitting on a director's chair furrowed his brow upon hearing these words.
"Cut! This scene definitely won't work."
The youth waved the director's cue in his hand, signaling the other crew members to pause their work.
"Everyone, let's set up again and start over later."
Having said that, Shinji stood up from his chair and walked to the center of the set, extending his hand to help Shirou up from the ground.
"Thanks, Shinji."
Shirou brushed off the debris from his clothes and smiled.
"Sure thing, Shirou. You better change your clothes quickly; it'll be a while before we start again."
Shinji, the name of the youth, propped his chin with his hand. His eyes were fixed on Arturia as he spoke.
"OK."
Shirou nodded.
He knew Shinji had something to discuss with the knightly girl, so he promptly left.
"Master, did you need something from me?"
Arturia directly confirmed with Shinji, her stern demeanor reminiscent of a disciplined soldier.
Shinji nodded and said, "Yeah, your expression is good, and the camera angle works well. When we redo the scene later, make sure to maintain this level of performance."
"Is that so? Thank you for your praise."
Arturia nodded slightly, her demeanor unchanged even in the face of compliments.
Seeing his Servant so serious, Shinji, who had only intended to offer some advice, decided to play a little prank on her.
"Saber, come over here."
"What is it?"
Expressionless, Arturia walked over to Shinji.
The Saber that Shinji summoned was the classic version with the ahoge hair. This version of Arturia's spirit origin was just 154 centimeters tall, reaching around Shinji's shoulder—a rather petite girl.
However, as the girl burdened with the responsibility of an entire nation, her small stature was an essential part of Arturia's character design.
Yet, Shinji had a broader vision. He hoped Saber could show more diverse expressions, even if she couldn't become a little angel like Saber Lily—she should at least have a touch of femininity.
'Otherwise, it'll be difficult to handle promotional events for the actors in the future.'
Shinji sighed, raised the director's cue in his hand, and "booped" Arturia's head in response to her expectant gaze.
"Master, do you have a tendency to hit people randomly?"
Arturia looked at Shinji with confusion, her expression puzzled.
"Saber, I must have told you this before!"
Shinji placed the director's cue against Arturia's head and twirled it around.
"Until I, as the director, call 'Cut,' you need to continue following the script unless it would actually cause harm!"
Arturia nodded slightly. "So, it seems that's the case—I apologize, Master, I was mistaken."
"..."
Shinji's mouth twitched.
Arturia's overly indifferent tone made it difficult to feel the sincerity of her apology.
'I have no other choice, I have to use my secret weapon.'
Shinji moved the director's cue away and gently caressed Arturia's cheek, giving her a mischievous smile.
"I believe the famed King Arthur will remember every word the Master director said and execute it diligently, right?"
Before Arturia could reply, Shinji's expression changed, and he whispered threateningly.
"If you can't do it, I'll use a Command Seal to forbid you from snacking on set!"
Upon hearing this, Arturia involuntarily took a step back.
"Why resort to such... low tactics, Master."
Seeing Arturia's gaze shift from her usually serene and aloof demeanor to a hint of panic, even if only a little, Shinji felt quite satisfied.
'Indeed, compared to ordinary girls, conquering a girl with such a dignified aura is much more satisfying. Especially when you peel away their cold exterior and expose their hidden feminine side. That's the best part.'
"Well then, Saber, what's your answer?"
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Shinji's lips.
"I—I understand."
Although reluctant, Arturia succumbed to Shinji's domineering might, all for the sake of snacks.
"Saber, you better give it your all~ For more delicious treats."
Shinji playfully patted Arturia's head, demonstrating a thoroughly masterful portrayal of the dark side he learned from his adorable little sister.
"Hmph, what a cunning Master, to actually threaten me like this."
Arturia frowned, swatting Shinji's hand away, and walked to the resting area, immediately opening a pack of snacks and eating them in a show of defiance.
"Indeed, the gluttonous trait is deeply ingrained in Arturia's character," Shinji chuckled.
Suddenly, Lancer Cu Chulainn placed his hand heavily on Shinji's shoulder, giving him a teasing look that likely meant, "Haha, Master, you're really bullying the girls."
"And you're still laughing!" Irritated, Shinji kicked Cu Chulainn's rear end, saying, "When you spar with Shirou, make sure to hold back, especially so you don't burst light bulbs! Keep this up, and I might just deduct your pay!"
"Understood~."
Seeing Cu Chulainn's carefree demeanor, Shinji wasn't entirely sure if this easygoing fellow had truly taken his words to heart.
These heroic spirits were truly exceptional in fight scenes, their actions were delightful to watch. Shinji had repeatedly felt that his decision to have summoned heroic spirits for the movie was absolutely correct.
"However, many of them lack the basic acting skills."
Shinji sighed helplessly.
From shooting until now, this group of individuals had caused quite a few incidents, more than just once or twice.
"Hopefully, they'll change for the better in the future."
Shinji waved his hand, instructing Arturia and Cu Chulainn to prepare for the reshoot. He himself went to reinspect the warehouse's set.
Details determined success or failure. As Shinji's first film, and one likely to be screened worldwide, he had to make it flawless.
"What a bunch of troublesome folks. Heroic spirits really are problem children."
Shinji tapped his shoulder with the director's cue, his face filled with resignation.
"Haha, Shinji, your role as a director is quite tough."
Shirou, now wearing the exact same costume, walked over with a smile.
"Shirou, stop being so pleased with yourself. I won't go easy on you during filming just because I pity you."
"Haha~ You're really strict, huh?"
Shirou looked at his childhood friend and friend's sister, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, I anticipated hardships. I wouldn't have chosen to make a movie if I couldn't handle such matters."
Watching the busy set, Shinji rhythmically tapped his director's cue.
"Do you have confidence?"
"Of course, this is the beginning of a great project that will change the magi's destiny."
Shirou glanced at Shinji with a hint of envy. "You're always so confident, Shinji. Sometimes, I really wonder where you get that much self-assurance."
"Perhaps... it's because I'm a genius."
Shinji gave a mysterious smile and walked over to the camera dolly behind the director's chair.
"We'll redo the previous shot. All departments, get ready quickly!"
Shinji made routine inquiries into the microphone.
"Props?"
"OK!"
"Set design?"
"OK!"
"Lighting?"
"OK!"
...
"All departments ready..."
Taking a red duckbill cap from Sakura, Shinji put it on backward, "Fate/stay night, Act Four, Scene Thirty-Five—Action!"
Clap
With the clapperboard's sound, one of the most iconic scenes from the Nasuverse world began to unfold before Shinji's lens.
The radiant moonlight, the sacred knight maiden, and the phrase etched into the DNA of every Type-Moon fan:
"I am Saber, your servant, I have come in response to your summons."
"I ask thee, art thou my Master?"