TV-Series
Description
Lord El-Melloi II, originally named Waver Velvet, is a professor at the Clock Tower, the headquarters of the Mages Association in London. He holds the prestigious title of Lord, making him one of the twelve most powerful and influential magi in that organization's hierarchy. This position is one he accepted as a temporary substitute for Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, the young heir of the El-Melloi family, until she comes of age to claim the lordship for herself. He insists on being called "the Second" out of a deep-seated feeling that he is unworthy to be compared to his predecessor and former teacher, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald.
In terms of personality, El-Melloi II is known for being a sour, irritable, and snarky individual, a demeanor that is frequently tested by those around him. Despite his grumpy exterior, he possesses a heart of gold, representing a rare conscience within the often cutthroat and amoral society of magi. He is genuinely dedicated to his students' well-being and goes to great lengths to protect them, which forms the core of his motivation. Unlike many magi who are obsessed with their own research and lineage, El-Melloi II is the only major figure at the Clock Tower who seems to care about the moral consequences of events like the Holy Grail War. He greatly dislikes the prestige and popularity his title has brought him, preferring to keep a low profile, and is often annoyed by his colleagues who are out of touch with modern technology.
His role in the story of Fate/strange Fake is primarily that of a concerned authority figure watching from afar. The narrative takes place in Snowfield, America, far from his control, but his influence is felt strongly through his students, particularly Flat Escardos. One of the most significant aggravations and concerns in his life is Flat, a genius but utterly unpredictable student who lacks the conventional "magus mindset." Despite being constantly infuriated by Flat's behavior, El-Melloi II's anger stems from genuine worry for his safety. He has taken on the role of a parental substitute for Flat, who was effectively abandoned by his own family. When El-Melloi II learns that Flat has run off to Snowfield to participate in the dangerous Fake Holy Grail War, his immediate reaction is a lengthy, furious tirade over the phone, which ultimately ends with a polite and sincere request to Flat's Servant, asking them to please keep his student safe.
Key relationships define his character. Beyond his deep connection to Iskandar, the King of Conquerors who was his Servant in a previous war and whose death he continues to mourn over a decade later, his primary relationship is with Flat Escardos. He serves as Flat's teacher, legal guardian, and moral compass; Flat himself admits that his own sense of right and wrong was essentially borrowed from his professor. Other important relationships include his bond with his other students, such as the beast-like Svin Glascheit, and his adoptive sister, Reines, who manipulates him into his position of power. Within the Clock Tower, he commands a great deal of respect and fear as a Lord, with even powerful figures like Orlando Reeve being noticeably unnerved when speaking to him.
El-Melloi II undergoes significant development from his younger days as the insecure Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero. He has transformed from a brash, self-pitying youth into a weary and responsible, if perpetually stressed, professor and Lord. His experiences in the Fourth Holy Grail War, including his near-death encounter with the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, and his profound loss of Iskandar, have shaped him into a cautious and pragmatic man. He is haunted by the past but channels that energy into ensuring his students are better prepared for the dangers of the magical world than he was.
Regarding abilities, El-Melloi II is a prime example of being weak in innate talent but exceptionally skilled in knowledge and application. He has very little natural magical potential and a mediocre Magic Crest, making him a poor combat mage. However, his great strengths lie in his hyper-awareness and observational skills, his outside-the-box thinking, and his unparalleled gift as a teacher. He has a remarkable ability to identify the hidden talents of other magi and coach them to improve, which has caused many of his students to jump up significantly in the Clock Tower's rankings. While his practical magecraft is limited, he maintains a working knowledge of modern technology like computers and smartphones, a rarity among his peers that many other magi mistake for a form of advanced magecraft.
In terms of personality, El-Melloi II is known for being a sour, irritable, and snarky individual, a demeanor that is frequently tested by those around him. Despite his grumpy exterior, he possesses a heart of gold, representing a rare conscience within the often cutthroat and amoral society of magi. He is genuinely dedicated to his students' well-being and goes to great lengths to protect them, which forms the core of his motivation. Unlike many magi who are obsessed with their own research and lineage, El-Melloi II is the only major figure at the Clock Tower who seems to care about the moral consequences of events like the Holy Grail War. He greatly dislikes the prestige and popularity his title has brought him, preferring to keep a low profile, and is often annoyed by his colleagues who are out of touch with modern technology.
His role in the story of Fate/strange Fake is primarily that of a concerned authority figure watching from afar. The narrative takes place in Snowfield, America, far from his control, but his influence is felt strongly through his students, particularly Flat Escardos. One of the most significant aggravations and concerns in his life is Flat, a genius but utterly unpredictable student who lacks the conventional "magus mindset." Despite being constantly infuriated by Flat's behavior, El-Melloi II's anger stems from genuine worry for his safety. He has taken on the role of a parental substitute for Flat, who was effectively abandoned by his own family. When El-Melloi II learns that Flat has run off to Snowfield to participate in the dangerous Fake Holy Grail War, his immediate reaction is a lengthy, furious tirade over the phone, which ultimately ends with a polite and sincere request to Flat's Servant, asking them to please keep his student safe.
Key relationships define his character. Beyond his deep connection to Iskandar, the King of Conquerors who was his Servant in a previous war and whose death he continues to mourn over a decade later, his primary relationship is with Flat Escardos. He serves as Flat's teacher, legal guardian, and moral compass; Flat himself admits that his own sense of right and wrong was essentially borrowed from his professor. Other important relationships include his bond with his other students, such as the beast-like Svin Glascheit, and his adoptive sister, Reines, who manipulates him into his position of power. Within the Clock Tower, he commands a great deal of respect and fear as a Lord, with even powerful figures like Orlando Reeve being noticeably unnerved when speaking to him.
El-Melloi II undergoes significant development from his younger days as the insecure Waver Velvet in Fate/Zero. He has transformed from a brash, self-pitying youth into a weary and responsible, if perpetually stressed, professor and Lord. His experiences in the Fourth Holy Grail War, including his near-death encounter with the King of Heroes, Gilgamesh, and his profound loss of Iskandar, have shaped him into a cautious and pragmatic man. He is haunted by the past but channels that energy into ensuring his students are better prepared for the dangers of the magical world than he was.
Regarding abilities, El-Melloi II is a prime example of being weak in innate talent but exceptionally skilled in knowledge and application. He has very little natural magical potential and a mediocre Magic Crest, making him a poor combat mage. However, his great strengths lie in his hyper-awareness and observational skills, his outside-the-box thinking, and his unparalleled gift as a teacher. He has a remarkable ability to identify the hidden talents of other magi and coach them to improve, which has caused many of his students to jump up significantly in the Clock Tower's rankings. While his practical magecraft is limited, he maintains a working knowledge of modern technology like computers and smartphones, a rarity among his peers that many other magi mistake for a form of advanced magecraft.