Arch-Magos Winter

THE QUEST FOR ALCOHOL POISONING CONTINUES.

Again, take a shot for every ... in the chapter.

Only 105 this time, which is still 18 liters of booze.

ANYWAY REVIEW TIME!

The chapter starts with Kiritsugu tapping into Archers memories through what I assume to be the magic moonbeams from earlier. This is very well written actually, and if this had been the style used in the visions in the first chapter, I probably would have liked it a lot more. It also serves as a kick to Kiritsugu's balls when he realizes what he had a chance of creating just through a single conversation, and the fact that he's not sure whether or not to feel happy at his ideals inspiring his son, or horrified at what he created is also something I think was perfectly in character for Kerry.

Oh, and he also see's Shirou getting it on with Saber/Rin/Sakura through his visions. That would be an awkward fucking thing to see.

And minor nitpick, its EMIYA'S version of UBW with the gears, not Shirou's. Then again EMIYA is Shirou, so I'll let that slide.

Anyway, moving on.

Kiritsugu uses the powers the magic moonbeams gave him for good, training Shirou in a bunch of shit, instead of putting 50 grand down on Santa's Little Helper. Also some GB level infodumps, the only thing that really detracts from the chapter. Show, don't tell us Third.

And oh, look at this! An actual comment on the sniper rifle dilemma thing with Kotomine.

Originally Posted by Thirdfang

Kiritsugu knew that making a move against either one of the two before the war was the equivalent to suicide. Even if he had a sniper rifle and a clear view of the church, the man had no doubt that the priest would either be protected by some church devised bounded field or by the servant himself.

Though I'd still argue that Gil wouldn't always be around to protect Kirei and Kirei wouldn't always be inside the Church, it DOES explain why it didn't happen even though I don't like the reasons given why. Props Third. Nit officially unpicked.

More talking later, and Kiritsugu decides to head off to Jolly Old England, looking to do something. Nice cliffhanger.

OVERALL OPINION

Really, this is a chapter I like. While there are infodumps, such things are occasionally unavoidable. The opening sequence was well done, and while the dialog fumbled at times, there was serious effort given to it. I can't find anything glaringly wrong with it, and it silenced one of my major issues with the last chapter. Credit where credit is due. Overall: Good. This is a solid second chapter, building upon the concept of the first and expanding it. I liked it, and it made me want to continue reading. Well done.

AFTERNOTE:

For all you expecting some rage...

Originally Posted by Thirdfang

Be relieved that Shirou won't be a complete pussy in this series!

>Implying Shirou was a pussy in F/SN
>Implying your version of Shirou will not have a total pussout moment later on
>Implying implications