The readers who had come for Gogyo Ruri's novel applauded as well. Although they couldn't really understand the plot of the promotional PV, they could still feel the sincerity poured into its visuals.
The atmosphere and presentation surpassed not only Japan's own animation but even major animated productions from Europe and America. Moreover, the entire sequence had been produced with 2D animation. Anyone seeing it for the first time would immediately be struck by the sheer quality of the artwork.
Clap, clap.
A male office worker who had come to buy Gogyo Ruri's novel applauded as he smiled at his companion and commented,
"This promotional PV for the novel is pretty good. Looking at it this way, the light novel being released alongside Miss Gogyo Ruri's work might be worth reading too."
His companion shook his head and watched the PV's closing sequence on the projection screen.
"Inoue, that's too harsh. Even an animation novice like me can tell that the visual effects in this 2D animation are incredible. Calling it merely 'pretty good' doesn't do it justice."
"I never expected Japanese animation to display this kind of grandeur. That desert army scene just now was truly overwhelming. How should I describe it? It felt like one of those epic war films made in America."
"Heh. Then after the launch event ends, let's go back to the book sales section and buy this light novel too."
Amid the discussions, some readers who weren't interested in the 'Fate/Zero' series quickly formed their own conclusions.
"So it's a novel with a heroine based on the ancient English ruler King Arthur. Making King Arthur a woman is rather off-putting, though. It feels like they're pandering too much to NEETs."
His flippant remark immediately earned furious glares from several 'Fate/Zero' readers.
"I can't pretend I didn't hear that. Mr. Kamiyā Yuu shows great respect for the history and legends of King Arthur. Making the character female doesn't mean there is a problem with the novel's quality."
"Rather, Mr. Kamiyā's decision to make King Arthur a woman gives the entire story far more drama and charm."
"If you haven't read 'Twilight of the Knights,' please don't jump to conclusions so casually!"
"Besides, this is a promotional PV for the 'Fate/Zero' novel, not 'Twilight of the Knights.'"
"Exactly. You clearly don't understand Mr. Kamiyā Yuu's works at all."
"I don't watch anime myself, but Mr. Kamiyā Yuu's 'Fate/Zero' novel truly is excellent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a classic of orthodox Japanese fantasy."
"If you have doubts about making King Arthur female, then please read the novel first. It is absolutely not a shallow setting created merely to please the audience."
In truth, the original work's decision to make King Arthur female had indeed been influenced to some extent by the desire to appeal to players.
The original 'Fate/stay night' was, after all, an adult visual novel. In terms of the game's story, quite a few players even believed the adult scenes were unnecessary.
Kamiyā Yuu, however, had directly written a character-focused side story for Saber. Therefore, his decision to make King Arthur female truly had been made for the sake of the story itself rather than to pander to a segment of the audience.
The difference was that the former made the story more dramatic and compelling, while the latter was like a fly dropped into a bowl of porridge, easily disrupting the reader's immersion.
The man froze.
Noticing the strange looks being directed at him from all around, he hurriedly apologized.
"Uh... sorry. My comment was too careless."
Other audience members, interested in the animation effects shown in the PV, also offered their opinions.
"Will the anime include these scenes too? In that case, I might give it a try. When did Japan's animation industry become this impressive? The footage just now looked even more detailed than American animation."
"One is 2D animation and the other is 3D animation, so there isn't much point comparing them. Still, it's hard to imagine that desert scene being done in 3D."
...
"Calling it a PV is a bit of a stretch. It's more like an MAD edited from unreleased animation footage. Still, as long as the response is good, that's enough."
Watching the enthusiastic reaction from backstage, Kamiyā Yuu smiled with satisfaction.
The effort he'd put into creating the PV—effort that had even delayed his novel for a time—hadn't gone to waste.
Besides promoting the novel, the video also served as a preview for the anime.
Editor-in-Chief Akiyama Gojō walked over to Kamiyā Yuu, folded his arms, and shook his head with a light laugh.
"Thanks to the effect of your promotional PV, Mr. Kamiyā, the atmosphere here is finally no longer so cold."
Kamiyā Yuu smiled.
"It's a pity we didn't have time to prepare a PV for Miss Gogyo Ruri's novel. I believe most of the audience here is more interested in her work."
Akiyama Gojō chuckled.
"When it comes to novels, you certainly aren't as famous as Miss Gogyo Ruri. However, the influence of the anime you created is by no means inferior."
"'Fate/Zero' is performing extremely well right now. By the time it finishes airing, it may become yet another miracle in the anime industry under your name."
The influence of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' had shown no sign of fading since its conclusion. Its reach and recognition were undoubtedly greater than those of Gogyo Ruri's novels.
However, novels and anime were entirely different forms of media.
Readers almost always knew who the author of a novel was. Anime viewers, on the other hand, rarely went out of their way to learn about the people behind a production.
Many didn't know which studio had created the anime or who had directed it.
A novel could be created by a single person.
An anime required the support of a massive production company.
"Thank you for the praise. It's about time for me to go onstage. I shouldn't keep the audience waiting."
Kamiyā Yuu waved his hand, straightened his clothes, and walked from behind the curtain onto the stage.
Watching him step forward, Akiyama Gojō muttered with an amused smile,
"Should that be called pride or humility? At least for now, the difference between the two novels isn't very large."
The primary purpose of this joint book launch was to make the audience aware of the existence of the Type-Moon World setting, explain the relationship between 'The Mysterious Gate,' 'Fate/Zero,' and the Type-Moon World, and formally introduce the Type-Moon World IP to the ACG industry.
After taking the stage, Kamiyā Yuu showed no trace of nervousness beneath the concentrated gaze of the crowd.
Holding the microphone, he gave a small, polite bow and smiled.
"I am Kamiyā Yuu, the creator of the 'Fate/Zero' novel."
"Thank you all very much for coming to Chiyo Bookstore today to support the new works by Miss Gogyo Ruri and me."
"Mm... perhaps I'm simply benefiting from Miss Gogyo Ruri's popularity. Otherwise, today's launch event probably wouldn't be nearly this lively."
A stir passed through the readers who recognized Kamiyā Yuu.
Andō Shū's older sister looked extremely surprised and tugged at her brother's sleeve.
"Mr. Kamiyā Yuu is that young? He doesn't look much older than my classmates."
Andō Shū rolled his eyes at her.
"Of course he's young. Mr. Kamiyā Yuu is only twenty-three."
Andō Yuri's eyes widened.
"Twenty-three?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down."
Onstage, Kamiyā Yuu began the formal introduction.
"Many readers already know why the 'Fate/Zero' series is being jointly released with Miss Gogyo Ruri's new work, 'The Mysterious Gate.'"
"Yosuganosora Animation Studio commissioned Miss Gogyo Ruri to create this new novel."
"In that sense, 'The Mysterious Gate' can be considered a collaborative work between Yosuganosora Animation Studio and Miss Gogyo Ruri."
"It was also created in preparation for a major project."