In late March, following the broadcast of Episode 12, promotion for the 'Fate' series game fully ramped up.
Dimensional Pictures' official website launched a full lineup of 'Fate' merchandise—
But even so—
Within just three days, the overwhelming demand from Artoria fans in Xia Nation and overseas completely wiped out inventory.
Even with Su Yan's own factories running overtime—
They couldn't keep up with the exponential surge in orders.
Although 'Fate/stay night' had only reached a 6.57% rating, not much higher than 'Kimi ni Todoke'—
Its commercial value and revenue potential were several times greater.
The entire Xia Nation entertainment industry now waited eagerly—
For the final episode at the end of March.
Hudu TV went all out in promotion during the final week.
Even in Tokyo, Su Yan could see massive billboards in busy districts advertising the finale of 'Fate/stay night'.
As for inland cities—
The exposure was overwhelming.
Zhuang Yuxin's popularity skyrocketed to an astonishing level.
Before 'Fate/stay night' aired—
She, Shen Liqian, and Gu Qingyuan had all rotated within the top three actresses in TV dramas.
But now—
Thanks to Artoria—
She had completely pulled ahead this quarter.
Outside Dimensional Pictures' Tokyo branch—
Fans gathered daily, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.
For the past few days, Zhuang Yuxin had to go to work fully disguised—
Mask, scarf, coat—
Surrounded by security and assistants.
Su Yan and Shen Liqian found the scene amusing.
But at the same time—
He couldn't help but marvel at the power of battle-fantasy genres.
Romance works like 'Kimi ni Todoke' might move viewers—
But they didn't inspire this level of fanaticism.
Only shows like 'Fate/stay night' could.
Looking at the massive amount of emotional energy accumulating again in his system—
Su Yan felt eager.
This year's production schedule was already packed:
July: 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' Season 1
Late July: 'Weathering With You'
October: 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' Season 2
Next Spring Festival: 'Howl's Moving Castle'
Possibly also: 'Rurouni Kenshin' Part 3
Once these projects are released—
He would have enough resources to target globally renowned works from his previous life.
"Perfect," he thought.
"The company's sitting on a mountain of cash anyway."
In his previous life, many long-running franchises had live-action adaptations—
But most failed for one simple reason:
They didn't invest enough.
Low-quality CGI.
Cheap production design.
Only hardcore fans cared.
But for Su Yan—
That wasn't a problem.
The Xia Nation market was huge.
And he was steadily expanding overseas.
Even with massive investments—
He was confident he wouldn't lose money.
Days passed.
Sunday arrived.
From morning onward—
Fan groups across the Xia Nation were buzzing.
Forums were flooded with discussions about Artoria and Gilgamesh.
At this point—
Most mysteries had been revealed.
Character arcs had developed.
Everyone knew—
The final episode would be a showdown.
But—
How would it play out?
Artoria had managed to hold off Gilgamesh using Avalon—
But he clearly hadn't gone all out.
If they fought seriously again—
Could she win?
And—
Could Shirou defeat Kotomine Kirei?
In 'Fate/stay night', Kirei hadn't shown his full strength.
But in 'Fate/Zero'—
He was arguably the strongest Master.
Even Kiritsugu's victory had relied on circumstance.
So—
How would they turn the tables?
And even if they won—
What about Artoria?
She had already fallen in love with Shirou.
But—
She was a figure from the past.
Even if they loved each other—
What future could they have?
A quiet sense of tragedy began to spread among viewers.
Lu Sihan—
A seven-year loyal fan of Su Yan and a hardcore 'Fate' fan—
Was especially restless.
His girlfriend invited him out that Sunday
Even dropped obvious hints
But he refused, claiming illness.
What a joke.
If he went out
How could he watch Artoria's ending live at 8 PM?
At 7 PM
He ordered takeout.
By the time the episode started, it would arrive.
He switched the TV to Hudu TV.
As expected
A pre-finale interview program was airing.
In it a pre-recorded message from Su Yan confirmed:
'Fate' would not end with 'Fate/stay night'.
"That figures," Lu Sihan muttered, clenching his fist.
"No way they'd abandon such a profitable IP."
Still—
Hearing it confirmed made him feel relieved.
Time passed.
At 7:50—
His food arrived.
As he ate—
The interview ended.
The familiar opening theme of 'Fate/stay night' began.
The episode started—
With a heavy scene.
Shirou's home had been attacked.
Rin was gravely injured.
Illya had been captured.
The culprit—
Kotomine Kirei.
Before losing consciousness, Rin told Shirou three things:
Illya would be used as the Grail vessel
The ritual would take place at Ryūdō Temple
And finally—
A command:
"Come back alive."
"A command?" Lu Sihan chuckled.
"That sounds like a Command Seal…"
"Shirou isn't even Archer…"
Suddenly—
He froze.
Shirou… isn't Archer?
Why did I just think that?
Wait—
Wasn't there a "plot hole" earlier?
Rin used a gem to save Shirou.
The gem lost its power and was left behind.
Later—
Archer returned it to her.
But in Episode 2—
Shirou still had that same gem.
Which meant—
Two identical gems existed at the same time.
That shouldn't be possible.
Unless—
One didn't belong to that timeline.
And Archer—
Was a summoned Heroic Spirit.
So—
The gem he returned—
Came from another time.
And who else—
Would carry that gem all along?
"…No way."
Lu Sihan's pupils shrank.
Shirou—
Was Archer?
But how?!
He was just a normal human!
Not some legendary figure!
How could he possibly become a Heroic Spirit?