The reason the 'Fate' series became popular in the first place—
It was because 'Fate/stay night' itself had outstanding storytelling.
Only then did it lead to later works like 'Fate/Zero', along with dozens of spin-offs, games, anime, and adaptations.
Even in the Xia Nation—
Where 'Fate/Zero' aired first—
There was no way it could overshadow 'Fate/stay night'.
The two works had completely different tones—
But they were equally compelling in their own ways.
Even those viewers who had initially been captivated by Artoria in 'Fate/Zero'—
And disliked her portrayal in 'Fate/stay night'—
Began to change their stance.
["She was amazing in 'Fate/Zero' as a king obsessed with restoring her country… but her falling in love with Shirou is also incredibly charming!"]
["This feels completely different from 'Kimi ni Todoke'. How does Su Yan even write romance? One is pure and shy, the other feels heavy and profound."]
["I don't know, but that line—'you are my scabbard'—I'm in love. In 'Fate/Zero', my favorite was Iskandar, and in 'Fate/stay night' it was Rin… but this episode's Artoria is just too cute!"]
["Did Su Yan plan this all the way back when 'Fate/Zero' aired? Avalon was foreshadowed from then to now. That's insane."]
["From today onward, I'm a die-hard Artoria fan. I apologize for not appreciating her enough in 'Fate/Zero'."]
["Those two little strands of her blonde hair—so cute! I heard Su Yan specifically insisted on that design."]
["Guys! Dimensional Pictures just released life-size Avalon and Excalibur replicas on their website. Both together cost under 5000 and include shipping! I already ordered—these will sell out fast!"]
["That cheap?"]
["Su Yan invested in his own merchandise factories—no middlemen, so costs are lower."]
["I'm more excited for the 'Fate/stay night' game. It launches right after the final episode!"]
["And it's under 100!"]
["Under 100 is cheap?"]
["It's not a massive game. Probably around 10+ hours. From the trailers, it looks solid. For that price, it's worth it."]
["It's their first game—no gimmicks. If they want AAA-level stuff, it'll take years. I heard the 'Rurouni Kenshin' game has been in development for over a year already."]
["Yeah, and supposedly the game has way more story than the movie. Tons of new characters. If adapted, it could fill multiple seasons."]
["So Su Yan writes scripts, directs films, composes music, runs a company, and develops games? Is he even human?"]
["That question answers itself. If he were normal, he wouldn't be where he is now."]
With fan hype and Dimensional Pictures' aggressive promotion—
The 'Fate' franchise reached its peak momentum with just two weeks left before 'Fate/stay night' concluded.
Even if 'Fate/stay night' didn't surpass 'Fate/Zero' in narrative impact—
Su Yan's growing influence ensured its overall reach exceeded that of its predecessor.
This momentum continued for an entire week.
During that time—
Su Yan paused filming in Tokyo and appeared on variety shows at Hudu TV.
In interviews, he revealed plans for the 'Fate' franchise.
Just 'Fate/stay night' alone had three routes to adapt.
And beyond that—
There were countless additional entries in the 'Fate' universe.
His goal was clear:
To turn 'Fate' and 'Rurouni Kenshin' into long-term flagship IPs for the next decade.
After all—
Long-running franchises held far greater commercial value than short seasonal hits.
Late March.
Sunday.
Episode 12 of 'Fate/stay night' aired.
At this point—
There was little suspense left.
In the original game, Kotomine Kirei, being the mastermind and the killer of Tokiomi Tohsaka, was revealed only at the final battle.
But in the Xia Nation—
Everyone already knew.
The final confrontation had been set:
Shirou & Artoria
vs.
Kotomine Kirei & Gilgamesh
But the true highlight of this episode—
Was Artoria's transformation.
Under Kotomine Kirei's temptation—
And through Shirou's support—
She finally broke free from her inner obsession.
"I remember now… I swore to fulfill my duty as king. That's why I drew the sword. I abandoned many things and fought for my people. I have no regrets."
"If a life is something to be proud of, then even if it ends in ruin, there is no need to wish for a redo. The king protected the nation—but the nation did not protect the king. That is all."
Faced with the Grail's temptation—
Artoria stood firm.
"I desire the Holy Grail—but I will not kill Shirou. Compared to the Grail… Shirou is more important to me."
"If the Grail would corrupt me, then I do not need it."
"What I truly want… is right in front of me."
At the end of Episode 12—
Holding the severely injured Shirou—
Declaring war against Kotomine—
Artoria's expression was calm.
Without regret.
Without hesitation.
The path she had clung to since 'Fate/Zero'—
Her obsession with restoring her kingdom—
Her inner demon
It was finally broken.
Through loving someone
She rediscovered her humanity.
She saw her life not as a king
But as a person.
And came to understand:
Her country's tragic fate—
It was still the result of her chosen path.
And on that path—
She had fulfilled every duty as king.
She did not need regret.
She did not need to seek the Grail.
She did not need to tarnish her honor.
Meanwhile—
Lancer's final act of defiance against Kotomine—
And Shirou and Artoria escaping under his cover—
Became one of the most unforgettable scenes of the episode.
After this episode—
Artoria's popularity reached its absolute peak.
Even higher than during 'Fate/Zero'.
In Su Yan's previous life—
Because 'Fate/Zero' came later—
Artoria's key character moments had already been established in 'Fate/Stay Night'.
So 'Fate/Zero' focused more on characters like Gilgamesh and Iskandar.
But here—
In 'Fate/stay night'—
At the climax of the Saber route—
Her breakthrough—
Her realization—
Moved countless fans to tears.
Because as a king—
She could never understand these truths.
But as someone who had fallen in love—
She rediscovered the "human heart" her knights once said she lacked.
And from that perspective—
She finally reached her answer:
Her life—
Her choices—
Her kingdom—
Even its tragic end—
We're all hers.
And she needed no regrets.
The previous episode moved viewers through love.
This episode—
Moved them through growth.
And for the first time—
Everyone realized:
Artoria's greatest moment—
Was not in 'Fate/Zero'.
But here.
In 'Fate/stay night'.