The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Entry Point for the Fate Series

Kinoko Nasu and his team at Type-Moon achieved tremendous success with works like Tsukihime and Fate/Stay Night, the latter of which has become a highly lucrative franchise. With numerous animated adaptations of the Fate series, it can be overwhelming for fans to decide where to begin. However, the ideal starting point may not be "Fate" itself, but a simpler story called Witch on the Holy Night.

Witch on the Holy Night, also known as Mahoyo, is a visual novel that was initially released for Windows in Japan in 2012. Serving as a prequel to Tsukihime, which was published in 2000, it gained international acclaim and was released worldwide in December 2022. This marked a significant milestone as it became the first major Type-Moon visual novel to be made available in the Western market. Additionally, an animated film adaptation of Mahoyo is currently in the works by Ufotable.

Mahoyo's Place in the Nasuverse

Mahoyo is a prequel to Tsukihime, taking place in the 1980s. It follows the story of Aoko Aozaki, a young witch who reluctantly assumes the role of overseer of Misaki Town after inheriting it from her grandfather. Despite her lack of interest in magic, Aoko accepts the responsibility out of her refusal to back down from any challenge.

The narrative centers around Aoko's daily life in the hilltop mansion, where she resides with her fellow witch and rival, Alice Kuonji. However, their world is turned upside down when a chance encounter with Soujyurou Sizuki, a transfer student, complicates things. Soujyurou inadvertently witnesses something he was not meant to see, becoming entangled in the lives of these two witches. Meanwhile, Aoko and Alice must also contend with a mysterious intruder who seeks to take control of their territory.

The World Beyond Fate

At first glance, the premise of Fate may not appear crucial for new readers to comprehend. There is no mention of the Holy Grail War, the Masters, or the Servants. In fact, one might even argue that it would be more logical to consider it essential reading before Tsukihime, especially since the remake is scheduled to arrive in North America in 2024. However, it should be noted that Mahoyo is undeniably invaluable in this regard.

While Fate/Stay Night is undoubtedly a grand tale, magnified even further by Ufotable's impressive adaptations, it is crucial to recognize that the Holy Grail War merely constitutes a tiny fraction within an expansive universe. To enlighten oneself on the fundamental principles of Fate's lore, delving into Mahoyo is highly recommended, as it surpasses the anime adaptations in its ability to provide comprehensive explanations.

The exposition in Fate/Zero and Unlimited Blade Works only delves into the essential concepts of the Holy Grail War. However, it fails to explore the mechanics of Magecraft, the politics of magical society, the significance of the Root, or the distinction between Magecraft and "True Magic". While it may be sufficient to write articles explaining these concepts to confused fans, incorporating them into the main text would greatly enhance the understanding of Magecraft complexities. Thus, a story that revolves around these fundamental elements would greatly contribute to the overall narrative.

To their credit, the Fate Series entries do an impressive job of presenting a solid case for themselves through skillful directing that compensates for the required exposition. Certain aspects lacking explanation contribute to the enigmatic aura surrounding the series, but it could be contended that these elements become even more gratifying when one possesses prior knowledge.

The Strengths of Mahoyo's Worldbuilding

Mahoyo efficiently delivers what fans like me used to have to comb through various articles and wiki pages to comprehend and admire. Thanks to characters such as Soujyurou, who lacks understanding of Magecraft, Aoko is able to enlighten him - and consequently, the audience - about everything they need to grasp about the world (even if Soujyurou may not fully absorb it).

Mahoyo is a story that focuses solely on magi and Magecraft, giving them prominent importance unlike other media where they are usually relegated to the background. The narrative is straightforward yet captivating, with well-developed characters that add depth to the story. In a way, the setup feels reminiscent of classic fantasy, while still incorporating modern elements. The plot follows a young man who discovers a fantastical world hidden within his own, embarking on a larger-than-life adventure alongside two witches. Surprisingly, he also uncovers hidden depths within himself. Although this description may seem cliché, Mahoyo delivers an engaging and seamless exploration of its rich lore.

Not only does it serve as a precursor to Tsukihime, but it also fulfills the same purpose for nearly every aspect of the Nasuverse. Aoko Aozaki takes on a significant role in Tsukihime, while her sister, Touko, emerges as one of the central characters in Garden of Sinners. Moreover, Fate/Stay Night incorporates various elements of worldbuilding.

So, what makes it so effective, and why did it take until 2012 for a narrative like this to come to fruition? The answer lies in the fact that it is technically the first piece ever written by Kinoko Nasu in 1996, predating even the initial chapters of Garden of Sinners published online in 1998. It truly serves as the ultimate foundation for one of the most captivating contemporary fantasy universes.

Witch on the Holy Night leans more towards being a "kinetic novel" rather than a visual novel, as it lacks player choices except in the later included bonus chapter. With a duration of approximately 25 hours, it may not appeal to everyone, but it serves as an excellent starting point. Hopefully, the film adaptation will successfully introduce new viewers to this fantastic franchise.