I Heard Reaching the Root Can Make You a Magician

"Because Shinji, you're quite famous here," Kariya said, pursing her lips. "I've seen countless Fate movie DVDs on the street..."

Kariya Shinji about to say, interrupted, "Take it slow. The market needs nurturing; we can't rush it."

"Fine, you decide."

Kariya shook his head, opened his notebook, glanced at it, and said, "There's also a condition: you must send them the final screening version of the film no later than mid-April. They need..."

"Review? I understand." Shinji nodded.

Films worldwide require censorship before release; the only difference lies in the methods and procedures.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the MPAA's rating system in North America is supposedly non-mandatory and voluntary. Aside from unlicensed and unregulated cinemas, which legitimate theater would screen a film that hasn't been approved by the MPAA?!

"My film will definitely be finished before March, and I'll send it over then," Shinji said to Kariya.

<Super 8> was released in Japan and North America in May, and the finished film will definitely be released in April, no matter how late it is, so there shouldn't be any major problems.

As for the review process, Shinji isn't worried at all.

Apart from HF, all his works have been within the censorship limits of the other side, never even dancing on the edge—although he has only had two films released in theaters so far.

Such problems are even less likely to occur in "Super 8". It only modified some parts of the plot and filming techniques, and the overall framework is still a standard Ultraman work.

What constitutes a standard Ultraman production?

People with sound values, a clear sense of right and wrong, and a belief that good and evil will ultimately be rewarded or punished.

Crossing the line?

Tan90°

It does not exist.

"Okay, I understand."

Kariya wrote a couple of sentences in his notebook, then asked hesitantly, "Shinji, I've almost finished my work here. I should be able to come back for the New Year, right?"

Shinji retorted, "Of course! You're spending New Year's abroad if you don't come back? Grandpa'll kill me!"

"That's good."

Kariya breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, Shinji's next words caused his heart to stop.

"Come to China on a business trip after the New Year."

"Kiri! Shin! Ni! ↓"

"Well then, Second Uncle. See you at the New Year."

Shinji ended the video call before giving Kariya a chance to refute.

Unfortunately, Shinji forgot one thing: what goes around comes around.

The result of sending my second uncle on a business trip was that after he returned home, my grandfather asked him to go on another business trip.

"Hey, my dear grandson."

Zouken said in an unquestionable tone, "You're coming with me to the Magecraft' year-end banquet tomorrow. After all, you're a leading figure among the younger generation of Mage world in Japan; it's not unreasonable for you to make an appearance regularly, is it?"

"Tomorrow? It's only the beginning of December!"

Shinji wasn't surprised that he was asked to attend the banquet; what infuriated him was why it had to be at this time.

"It's all because of you!"

Zouken snorted irritably, "Who told you to put the HF release date in the middle of the month? Those people had to move the banquet time forward so they could see it as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Shinji rubbed his temples in exasperation.

"Can't these Magecraft just focus on studying Magecraft properly?!" Shinji sighed helplessly. "What kind of future can they have watching movies and TV shows all day?"

"Look at what you're saying, grandson." Matou Zouken chuckled. "If you hadn't added so much Magecraft and mystery to your movies and TV shows, how could they be so obsessed?"

"Because of you, the quality of papers published in the Mage world has improved significantly in recent years. You've broadened their horizons... My dear grandson, it's all thanks to you."

Upon hearing Zouken's words, Shinji's face contorted into a wide, awkward expression.

"The idea that a Qing Dynasty Daoist priest could cultivate immortality by reading 'Journey to the West' actually happened to someone I know..."

Chapter 157 I heard that entering the Source can make Magus

The following evening, Matou Zouken took Shinji to the Magecraft's year-end party.

As soon as Shinji entered the banquet hall, he attracted everyone's attention. These Mage Families from all over Japan swarmed around him like sharks smelling blood.

Just as Second Master had expected, these guys were either there to seek business cooperation or to sell him their daughters.

I should have been more assertive and brought my senior along.

Shinji maintained his smile while inwardly sighing deeply.

Shinji originally planned to have Touko as his female companion and a shield.

In that case, there would be far fewer people trying to sell their daughters.

As a result, Touko declined, citing the possibility that some old fogey might also attend the banquet, leaving Shinji to go alone.

Thank you for your support of the Matou Family.

After seeing off a Magecraft who collaborated with the Matou Family, Shinji Matou complained to his grandfather, "That's why I don't like attending these kinds of banquets. Not only do I have to be mindful of etiquette, but everyone's also trying to curry favor. And then there are those who act as pimps and brothel owners for their daughters."

"Well, Shinji, you don't really need to pay attention to most people. You have the Matou Family standing behind you." Zouken patted Shinji on the shoulder and said proudly.

"But we can't let the family lose face, can we?"

"That's true." Zouken nodded. "By the way, let me introduce you to someone."

As he spoke, Zouken led his grandson to a middle-aged man. "Ryougi, this is my grandson Shinji Matou."

"Hello, Mr. Ryougi."

The Japanese pronunciation caught Shinji off guard, but he still politely shook hands with the middle-aged man.

Unlike the mercenary Magecraft from before, the middle-aged man before me was quite refined, exuding an air of nobility in every movement, and even carrying a hint of effeminacy.

[It has a bit of an aristocratic feel to it.]

Shinji Matou made a judgment immediately.

The other person's demeanor is something no nouveau riche could possess; only a noble family that has held high positions for generations could cultivate such a person.

"Oh! This must be Shinji- kun! Indeed, he's even more approachable and likable in person than in photos or movies!"

Shinji was somewhat puzzled by what the Ryougi-sensei had said.

Before Shinji could even ask a question, he beckoned to someone behind him. "Shiki, come here for a second!"

"Yes, Father."

A woman who looked to be around 25 or 26 years old walked over.

The young woman had a very neat and beautiful face, and was wearing a light blue kimono, like an elegant and graceful lily.

Like her father, this young lady exuded an air of nobility, yet she was not spoiled at all, making her very pleasant to be around.

"This is the Shinji Matou I've been telling you about. You two can address each other as brother and sister," said Mr. Ryougi.

"Hello, Shinji Matou brother!"

The other party greeted him with a graceful and generous manner.

Although she didn't smile, her demeanor didn't annoy Shinji at all.

"Hello... um... hello, Sister Shi."

Something seemed to suddenly flash through Shinji Matou's mind, but the other party's identity was so special that Shinji couldn't quite grasp it.

"Oh, I haven't introduced her yet. This is my daughter, Ryougi Shiki."

Mr. Liangyi slapped his forehead, as if he had just remembered to introduce his daughter.

"Well then, Sister Shiki... cough cough, Miss Ryougi..."

Shinji quickly corrected himself, realizing he had almost blurted out his usual form of address.

"Shinji- kun, Shiki has always admired you for skipping grades and graduating from the Clock Tower. And she really likes the movie you made... I think it's called Fate, right?"

Mr. Ryougi started to bring up some things about Shinji Matou.

Shinji could tell that he was saying this deliberately to himself and his grandfather, as if he were trying to prove something.

If it weren't for Grandpa's good interest, and my own interest in Shinji Ryougi Shiki, anyone else would have easily made an excuse to leave.

After exchanging a few words, Shinji Matou kept trying to understand the specifics of the Ryougi Family in the Nasuverse, but his grandfather Zouken deliberately avoided the topic.

Ryougi Shiki, on the other hand, was much more approachable than she was in the novel "Kara no Kyoukai," constantly asking Shinji about movies and the entertainment industry.

"So, Ms. Ryougi, who is your favorite character in the Fate movies?"

"It's Saber!" The girl's answer was relatively normal.

Is this considered mutual attraction between two goofy, tomboyish female leads?

Shinji's lips twitched slightly, and he forced a smile as he asked, "Why do you like Artoria?"

"Yes, because she has leadership qualities! And she's a gentle woman!"

Ryougi Shiki answered, her voice carrying a unique ethereal quality that was very pleasant to listen to.

[I admit she has leadership qualities... but being gentle is another story, don't kid me.]

While Shinji Matou subtly touched the cheek he had been slapped on a couple of days ago.

However, this also shows that the girl is indeed very interested in Shinji making a few movies.

[I wonder if Shiki-nee is a fan of HF.]

Shinji wanted to ask the other person about their feelings about HF, but unfortunately, that show was Restricted rating R, and it wasn't appropriate to discuss it in front of an elder.

So the Second Master could only choose other topics that the girls were interested in, such as the lives of the Heroic Spirit Actor or interesting anecdotes from filming movies.

"Oh, Shinji Matou."

After their conversation had gone on for a while, Mr. Ryougi and Zouken exchanged a glance, and Mr. Ryougi said, "My daughter has always been very interested in the entertainment industry, and I have a favor to ask of her."

"Speaking."

Despite feeling like he was being set up, Shinji nodded.

"My daughter has always wanted to experience life in the entertainment industry. Could you arrange an internship for her with you?"

Upon hearing her father's words, Ryougi Shiki said nothing, but simply stood obediently beside her father, looking at her Shinji Matou.

"Shinji, is everything alright?"

As Zouken spoke, he gave Shinji a look.

You really have to agree to it yourself first.

"If it's just an internship, I'll make some arrangements."

As a company owner, arranging individual internships is not a simple matter.

To everyone's surprise, Mr. Ryougi went even further. "Um... Shinji, I hope my daughter can intern with you and become your assistant. That way, she might be able to learn more."

"... Can."

Shinji nodded with a strange expression.

Is this really going to send him back to the source? No way! No way!

After saying goodbye to Ryougi and her father, Shinji Matou immediately pulled his grandfather aside and whispered, "Grandpa, do you owe the Ryougi Family money?"

"I owe you a damn thing! Can't you say something nice?"

The Zouken made a gesture as if to strike.

"Are you getting cocky, or has my 'Zouken' run out of crutches? Huh?"

"I'm just worried that you might fall into someone's trap, Grandpa."

Shinji smiled, then continued, "So, what exactly happened?"

With a half-smile, Zouken said, "The Ryougi Family has quite a background."