The actors playing Saber and Lancer were elite talents from the Imperial Knights Order.
While they lacked the real combat experience and flashy techniques of seasoned adventurers, their deliberate and composed fighting style exuded an aura of heroism that seemed to transcend time.
This was thanks in no small part to the discipline instilled by the current commander of the Knights Order, who ensured that his subordinates never slacked in their training.
As a result, when suddenly cast into a movie production, they adapted seamlessly.
The intense sounds of battle, even during the quiet night, inevitably drew the attention of nearby citizens of Arkans.
Since news of the film had yet to spread widely in the Eastern Territories, most onlookers were unaware this was merely a shoot.
Thinking a real skirmish had broken out, they gathered, curious to watch the commotion.
"Alright, everyone, let's take a break. I'll handle clearing out the crowd," Edward called out.
At his words, Saber and Lancer immediately halted their fierce fight.
The abrupt pause after such heated choreography left the actors feeling slightly disoriented.
Meanwhile, Chase, having finished striking his poses, joined Edward in dispersing the crowd while discussing the next steps of filming.
Thanks to the exceptional performances of the cast, the production of Fate/Zero had been far smoother than expected.
The Snow Flower Troupe's actors were seasoned veterans, and even Chase's youngest daughter, raised in the troupe's artistic environment, displayed commendable acting skills.
Her portrayal of Illya was natural and unflinching.
This marked Edward's third film, yet it was the first time he found directing so effortless.
He only needed to convey the desired tone or imagery, and the cast, under Chase's guidance, delved into the performances themselves, crafting their roles with precision.
The stark difference between professional actors and adventurers was evident even from the early scenes.
With the spectators dispersed and some hired on-site to maintain order, the shooting resumed without further interruptions.
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A month prior, Edward had commissioned Arkans' workers to construct a row of arches on the city's only bridge spanning both banks.
Though puzzled, the workers followed his instructions, creating what could vaguely be called arch structures.
Now, as the crew arrived at the bridge to film Rider Iskandar and Waver's scene, the howling sea winds left most of the team hesitant to approach the perilous site.
Although Edward had set up a zero-gravity barrier for safety, the sheer height deterred all but the two actors involved and a few others, including Edward and the lich Latisha.
As Latisha marveled at the expansive sea view, her reverie was interrupted by the sight of the two actors trembling visibly.
Even with Edward's magic ensuring their safety, the height was daunting. Rider's actor, a Knight Order member, retained some composure, but Waver's actor—a mere civilian—was overwhelmed, feeling as though a misstep could send him plummeting to his death.
Rather than becoming upset, Edward seized the moment. In the roaring wind, he shouted instructions, "Yes! That's exactly the expression I want! Keep it just like that!"
Waver's actor, too stunned to argue, complied without question.
This obedience was a testament to Chase's leadership as troupe manager, instilling discipline in his performers to follow the director's vision unhesitatingly.
With the shoot back in motion, Fate/Zero's story unfolded further.
As Saber and Lancer's fight reached a fever pitch, with Saber beginning to lose ground, Rider Iskandar exclaimed, "...This is bad. extremely bad.."
Standing abruptly, he caught Waver's attention.
"What—What is?" Waver asked, clinging tightly to a pillar for dear life, unable to see the battlefield.
"Lancer has begun his ultimate attack. He intends to end the battle here...."
"Isn't that better for us?"
"Idiot! What are you talking about?!"
Ignoring Waver's protests, Rider stomped on the bridge, the sound echoing sharply. Over the gusting winds, he declared, "I wanted to sit back and watch until we saw a few more Masters. But at this rate, Saber may fall. Then it will be too late!"
"To–Too late for what??! The plan was to attack once they'd weakened each other!?"
"Little Master," Rider said with a frown, sounding almost disappointed. "I admit, I had hoped another Servant would answer Lancer's challenge. Of course It would be faster to fight them together than to find them one by one."
Waver froze, stunned by the chasm between his own timid understanding and Rider's bold ambition.
"Together?"
"Yes. Rarely does one have the chance to exchange blows with heroes from another time. And with the chance to fight as many as six, I'd hate to miss out on a single one. Observe Saber and Lancer! Both are valiant warriors whom I would dearly love to duel. I cannot let either die."
"But isn't that the point? The Grail war's objective is to kill one another!?"
"To win, but not destroy. To subjugate, but not humiliate. That is true conquest! '" Rider proclaimed.
At that moment, he drew his sword, cleaving the air and tearing open space itself.
Off-camera, Latisha summoned a tempest of lightning and clouds, her overwhelming magical power creating a display of sheer grandeur.
This was Edward's solution to depicting Rider's chariot in a world where mythical beasts like the divine oxen or chariot wheels of Zeus were unavailable.
The skeletal steeds summoned by Latisha captured the mythical aura needed for the scene.
As the skeletal horses—undead creatures from another realm—emerged, the swirling energies left cast and crew alike in awe.
Even Edward, despite witnessing this spectacle in a prior rehearsal, found himself awestruck again.
"We watch no longer! We shall join the fray, boy!" Rider declared.
Leaping onto the chariot, he hoisted the petrified Waver aboard before commanding, "Now, let's go, Gordius Wheel!"
Thunder roared as the Noble Phantasm burst forward, racing toward the battlefield where Saber and Lancer continued their duel.
Edward, casting his own gravity spell, followed with his camera, capturing an epic tracking shot.
As Rider's chariot crashed into the fray and the scene cut to Saber and Lancer facing off, Rider's bold voice rang out:
"Both of you, sheathe your blades. You are in the presence of the king! I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors! In this Grail war, I am of the Rider class!"
Thus, the first chaotic battle of Fate/Zero began in earnest.
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