Understanding the Leakage of Magic in the Fate Series: A Discussion on the Nasuverse’s Magecraft System

Within the intricate and multifaceted world of the Fate series, particularly in Fate/stay night and related works, magic and supernatural events often remain hidden from the general public. This article explores the underlying themes of secrecy and revelation as they pertain to the Nasuverse's magecraft system. We will delve into the significance of 'Mystery' in the power of magic, the historical context of True Magic, and the dynamics of modern magecraft in our globally interconnected world.

The Secrecy of Magic in the Nasuverse

In the Fate series, the world generally remains unaware of the existence of magic and magical events. Magic and magecraft are primarily known by magicians and those directly involved in magical affairs. The average person is largely ignorant of the magical undercurrents shaping their lives, a phenomenon that is both a driving force and a key theme in the series.

The Core Concept: Mystery and the Power of Magic

The Nasuverse's magecraft system is intricately tied to the concept of 'Mystery'. The more a mage understands and knows about magic, the less powerful their abilities become. This is because 'Mystery'—the mysterious, unknown, and awe-inspiring aspects of magic—plays a crucial role in amplifying its power. True Magic, which was achievable during the ancient ages of gods and legends, was far more powerful compared to modern magecraft. In the contemporary world, where knowledge has spread and interconnectedness is high, Mystery has significantly faded, making modern magecraft less potent.

Historical Context: The Power of True Magic

Consider the Caster Servant in Fate/stay night, Medea. As an Ancient Greek figure and a witch from the Age of Gods, Medea's magecraft is on par with True Magic. Her immense power is such that she can single-handedly dominate the Grail War. In contrast, modern magicians often keep their arts and research secret, sharing them only within their families to preserve the principles of Mystery. The modern magecraft system operates under the belief that keeping magic a secret and maintaining Mystery are crucial for its continued potency.

Secrecy as a Preservation Mechanism

The Nasuverse's system of magecraft is deeply rooted in the preservation of secrecy. Magicians are bound by a duty to keep their arts and knowledge hidden from the outside world. The exposure of the world of magicians to the common people would render all magical practices obsolete, as the awe and mystique that drive the power of magic would be lost. This theme is further explored in the arc where the villainous plan aims to expose the mystical realm to the public, potentially destroying all magecraft and the heroic spirit summoning system.

El Melloi II’s Strategy: Leveraging Modern Magecraft for Advantage

El Melloi II, also known as Waver Velvet, is a unique example in the Nasuverse. Despite being a subpar mage, Waver's greatest strength lies in his comprehensive knowledge and understanding of modern magecraft and mysteries. His ability to deconstruct and explain magical spells reduces their effectiveness, thereby utilizing modern magecraft's understanding to undermine the power of traditional magic. This strategy underscores the importance of knowledge in the Nasuverse and the dynamic interplay between ancient and modern magical practices.

Conclusion

The Nasuverse's magecraft system is a captivating exploration of the interplay between Mystery, knowledge, and power. The Fate series' portrayal of magic and its hidden nature highlights the significance of secrecy in maintaining the awe and potency of magecraft. As we explore the complexities of the Nasuverse, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate principles that govern the power of magic in a contemporary, interconnected world.