Creating Anime In A Fantasy World

One month ahead of the Emperor’s birthday celebration, Ska decided, after a discussion with Edward, that because the alchemical knowledge left behind by this tower was disorganized, they would postpone planning the gift for the Emperor. Instead, they would first organize this knowledge, and then revisit the discussion.

Edward, having agreed, quickly returned to Nosrick. Since he was already planning to shoot a promotional film for the magic and alchemy academy’s admissions, he wasted no time. Upon arriving in Nosrick, he went straight to Baniel, who was working hard to expand the Northern market for films at the Nosrick Cinema.

When Edward entered the room, Baniel was entertaining Daphne, who had been staying there. Ever since she starred in a movie, it seemed like she had lost interest in travel and spent her time idling in Nosrick.

As soon as he saw Edward enter, Baniel eagerly approached him. Edward, noticing Baniel’s enthusiastic demeanor, smiled and said, “Baniel, you’ve hosted many theater troupes before, right? Do you know any who are still active? I need actors for my new movie, and the more people come to audition, the better!”

Baniel, initially stunned by the request, soon became excited and stood up, exclaiming, “Actors for a movie? Director Edward, you’re filming a new movie?!”

“Yes, this time it’s a major production. The shooting schedule might be a bit long, but we need to finish the first chapter before the summer admissions for the Mage Tower.”

“Understood, leave it to me!”

Seeing Baniel’s eagerness, Edward nodded and took a seat at the table, ignoring Daphne’s curious gaze. He then began to quickly outline the script, which he had already prepared.

Baniel, realizing that Edward was deep in thought, suppressed his curiosity about the new movie and quickly left to contact old theater connections.

Although many theater troupes had fallen on hard times due to the rise of cinema, some had remained steadfast in the South.

With theater audiences dwindling rapidly, most troupes were barely scraping by, and Baniel figured that many wouldn’t turn down an invitation like this.

Meanwhile, Edward had already started writing the script for his new movie, which was none other than Fate/Zero from another world, an anime that had profoundly impacted the animation industry.

The reason for choosing Fate/Zero was simple: its worldview matched Edward’s vision of magic and alchemy. Although it wasn’t strictly a magical world, it fit his needs for the promotion of Alchemy.

The summoning rituals, the magical tools, the ultimate goal of the Holy Grail—Edward could explain it all as products of Alchemy.

As for why he didn’t choose Fullmetal Alchemist, which also centers on alchemy, the reason was simple: he couldn’t yet recreate the complex world of Fullmetal Alchemist in its full depth.

Although Fate/Zero takes place in a modern setting, its core theme—a battle between seven mages vying for the Holy Grail—could be adapted to any era or place without losing its essence.

As Edward wrote the script, this became more evident. Many of the unique elements from the other world could be substituted with alternatives from his world. Even if he couldn’t find a replacement, he could simply remove that part without affecting the overall story.

Whether it was the distinction between magic and sorcery or the idea that secrecy makes magic stronger—these wouldn’t need much discussion unless he intended to build the entire Type-Moon universe.

Even audiences unfamiliar with Type-Moon lore could enjoy Fate/Zero. Its story was compelling enough on its own.

While the changes might have some impact, as long as Edward put in the effort, these differences wouldn’t matter to the audience in his world. As for the special effects, a common issue with anime adaptations, this wasn’t a problem in his world.

After all, magical weapons and Noble Phantasms could easily be recreated with alchemy or magic. Even Gilgamesh’s overpowered attacks could be simulated with spatial magic. The only real challenge was Caster’s giant sea monster—there might not be a creature of that size in this world.

Though it wouldn’t be a faithful adaptation of Fate/Zero, Edward believed he could create an isekai version that stayed true to the essence of the story.

He was confident that this revised Fate/Zero would meet his expectations and inspire future students of the Mage Tower.

As Edward’s pen flew across the paper, the script for Fate/Zero took shape.

Meanwhile, Daphne, who had been inching closer in silence, finally couldn’t resist and asked, “Edward, what story are you writing this time?”

“A story about mages.”

“Mages?”

Daphne, who didn’t have any magical talent or aspirations to become a mage, looked intrigued. Edward, noticing her curiosity, smiled and asked, “Have you ever tested your magical aptitude?”

“No, because my brothers are all so talented, my father didn’t have high hopes for me.”

“Uh…”

Edward felt a bit awkward upon hearing that.

After all, it wasn’t normal in this world to neglect testing for magical talent.

Nobles usually ensured their children were tested immediately, even if they had to bankrupt themselves to send a talented child to the Mage Tower.

Realizing Daphne’s unusual situation, Edward continued writing the first chapter of Fate/Zero before asking, “Daphne, would you like to find out if you have magical talent?”

Like most mages, Edward had the habit of testing people around him for magical aptitude.

Caught off guard at first, Daphne quickly became excited and nodded eagerly. After all, she knew that the boy before her was the most gifted mage in the empire.

…

At the entrance of Nosrick Cinema.

“Here’s your ticket for Goblin Slayer, please enjoy.”

Chase took his ticket and entered the cinema, heading straight for the screening room with practiced ease, as though he’d done this countless times.

In fact, this wasn’t Chase’s first visit to the cinema.

With his theater troupe’s work dwindling, he had been coming to Nosrick Cinema almost daily.

Despite knowing that cinema was the reason his troupe was struggling, he couldn’t stop himself.

Just a month ago, Chase’s theater troupe Snow Flower had been well-known throughout the South. But after the rise of cinema, everything changed.

Movies, with their modern allure, caused theater attendance to plummet, and most troupes either left the South or disbanded.

Despite his frustration, Chase found himself mesmerized by the art of cinema, watching every new film that came out.

Today’s new release, Goblin Slayer, was no different, and he rushed to the theater to secure his ticket.

After the movie ended, satisfied with what he’d seen, Chase prepared to leave when he noticed a long line forming at a nearby tavern. Many familiar faces from theater troupes were waiting there.

Curious, Chase asked around and found out that Edward Durin, the mysterious film director, was casting actors for his next movie.

For Chase, this was an opportunity like no other. Having been waiting for a chance to break into the film industry, he left his troupe’s name and contact information with Baniel, who was busy registering potential actors at the counter.