Fifth Singularity

« The stage is set in the barren land of dust. Before the dawn of modern America, begins a battle out of legend. »

(Mash Kyrielight)

Chaldea Security Organization
Locations
Technology
Grand Orders
Human Order Incineration Incident
Singularity F
First Singularity
Second Singularity
Third Singularity
Fourth Singularity
Fifth Singularity
Sixth Singularity
Seventh Singularity
Final Singularity
Micro Singularities and others
Remnant Order
Human Order Revision Incident
Ordeal Call
Human Order Annihilation (Arcade)
v

The Fifth Singularity (第五特異点, Daigo tokuiten^?) is one of the seven singularities manifested by Beast I during the Human Order Incineration Incident. Located in 1783 AD North America, its Humanity Foundation Value is A+ and Halphas is the Demon God designated to it. It was the fifth of the seven singularites visited by Chaldea Security Organization in the undertaking of the Grand Order to restore Earth and the Human Order.

The events of Chaldea's visit to this Singularity are covered in the fifth chapter of Observer on Timeless Temple, North American Myth War: E Pluribus Unum (北米神話大戦 イ・プルーリバス・ウナム, Hokubei Shinwa Taisen - I Purūribasu Unamu^?). It has the subtitle Steel Robe (鋼鉄の白衣, Kōtetsu no Hakui^?).

Setting

The Singularity was located in North America^WP in the year 1783 A.D. Using the power of the Holy Grail, Medb created a twisted version of Cú Chulainn as her wish for him to rule alongside her as her king.^[1] Leading an army of warriors that she can endlessly produce, Medb and her Servants began to conquer America to create a new Celtic nation; killing everyone who isn't Celtic.^[2] The Americans attempted to repel the Celts, but they were easily overwhelmed by the Celts.^[3]

Thomas Edison took control of the broken American armies, becoming their President-King. With the aid of Edison's robots, the Americans were able to hold their ground against the Celts, yet they were still unable to completely defeat them.^[3] However, his mind affected by the accumulated thoughts of the presidents, Edison became so obsessed with winning the war that he turned into a despot.^[4] He had the army force civilians to work in his robot factories.^[5]

Due to the actions of both the Celts and Edison, Geronimo formed a resistance against both of them. His resistance eventually got into a skirmish with Cú Chulainn, who easily wiped out the resistance soldiers and gravely injured Rama (a member of the resistance) with Gaé Bolg.^[2] By the time Chaldea arrives, the Celts have conquered the eastern half of America while the Americans remain in control the western half.^[6]

History

Prelude

Within the Singularity, 1783 AD, North America, a young swordsman Servant is fighting a losing duel with a monstrous spearman Servant. The swordsman is astonished that with such strength, the spearman should have been able to transcend good and evil, and not fall to brutality and slaughtering the weak. The spearman is unfazed, caring nothing for what he believes are trivial matters.^[2]

The swordsman, a Saber, unleashes his Noble Phantasm, Brahmastra, at full power, to no avail. The spearman unleashes his own, Gáe Bolg, destroying 80% of the Saber's heart. To the spearman's surprise, the Saber survives, clinging on to life for the sake of seeing a loved one named Sita.^[2]

Suddenly, soldiers and mechanized infantry arrive, led by another Servant, the Apache leader, Geronimo. Geronimo's men sacrifice themselves to hold off the spearman while Geronimo himself rescues the Saber and escapes.^[2]

In the aftermath of the battle, the spearman, revealed to be a distorted manifestion of the Hound of Culann, Cú Chulainn Alter, is met by his fellow Servant Medb, Celtic Queen of Connacht. Medb compliments his victories, as well as his lack of emotional impurities and stoic demeanour compared to his unaltered self.^[2]

Medb gives a rallying call to her army of Celts, calling upon them to kill and burn all in their path, tearing down the weak United States and build a new, eternal, Celtic utopia in her name from the ashes.^[2]

Elsewhere, Geronimo and his remaining men tend to the injured Saber. Geronimo is informed that the last fort to the East has fallen to the Celts, with the United Western States being forced to retreat. With the East-West Civil War being lengthened as a result of this, prospects for America's survival are grim.^[2]

Geronimo tasks his men with continuing infiltrating the mostly-human Western forces in disguise, with the Eastern Celts being home to many non-human creatures. He assures them, having seen a sign from the stars that the Mage's Association is getting serious, and hoping the sign is one to be proud of.^[2]

Meanwhile, in present-day Chaldea, Ritsuka Fujimaru once again dreams of Mash Kyrielight's past in Chaldea, kept in a sterile chamber, tended to personally by Dr. Romani Archaman. Dr. Roman visits her in her room, telling her that she will eventually be able to leave the chamber and act as a researcher in Chaldea. As a gift to her when that day comes, Roman asks if she has anything she wants to request within Roman's power to grant.^[2]

Mash expresses her desire to see the outside world with her own eyes, which a saddened Roman admits he is unable to grant, given Chaldea's remote location and Mash's fragile body. Roman assures her that he'll think of a gift for her, and get the Director's approval to have her walk freely in Chaldea. Internally, Mash admits that while she doesn't know what she truly wants, she is simply happy that anyone would care that much about her, and that she can spend another uneventful day in peace.^[2]

Ritsuka awakens in their room with Fou, realising that the dream left them in tears, filled with sorrow for Mash's situation. They seek out Dr. Roman, and find him in his room, in conversation with Mash. As her physician, Roman is concerned that Mash is fighting on the front lines too much and needs to rest, but both Ritsuka and Mash assure him that she will be fine, with Mash having grown and become far more dependable.^[2]

They are called to the Command Room for the next Rayshift, with Ritsuka left without a chance to ask Roman about their dream.^[2]

At the Command Room, Roman and Leonardo da Vinci briefs them about their next mission: The events of the London Singularity have made Chaldea aware of the true identity of their enemy - Grand Caster, Mage King Solomon - as well as the fact that Solomon will not personally attack them due to not considering them a threat.^[2]

With no way to find or track him, or the 72 Demon Gods he has scattered across time, they have no way of directly striking at Solomon. Despite having defeated 3 Demon Gods, Roman explains that the 72 Demon Gods are a single ritual, and thus all 72 will always exist around Solomon.^[2]

As such, Roman shifts focus to their current mission: resolving the Fifth Singularity, centred on the United States of North America. While a young nation, and insignificant in regards to Magecraft (though having developed their own style enabling them to summon an Elemental down to Earth), it still remains of high importance in human history, and possesses a fair share of Heroic Spirits of its own.^[2]

With a final cautionary message to be prepared, Roman sees them off, and Ritsuka and Mash embark on their next Rayshift.^[2]

Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Stars

Ritsuka, Fou and Mash successfully Rayshift into the Singularity, arriving in forested hills somewhere in the continent of North America, 1783. Mash explains the year as the end of the Revolutionary War against England in proper history, after which the nation that will be known as America will be established.^[7]

Roman detects a large-scale battle of unusual nature nearby, and they move out to assist. Outside the forests, they unexpectedly find a protracted clash between what appear to be American soldiers alongside mechanized soldiers, clad in advanced robotic armour resembling the designs of Charles Babbage, against a far more primitive-looking force of warriors.^[7]

The mechanized infantry, dubbing themselves the Mechanized Infantry Brigade, mistake Ritsuka and Mash for enemy reinforcements and attack them. They easily best the mechanized force, who recognise Mash as a Servant and quickly retreat, leaving them to the mercy of the other force.^[7]

They manage to fight off the other warriors, but before they can retreat to avoid being flanked, Ritsuka is suddenly sent flying by cannonfire, falling unconscious.^[7]

The Lady with a Lamp

The injured Ritsuka awakens in a medical tent in Riverton, tended to by a nurse clad in red. The nurse has an unusually zealous personality, attempting to amputate Ritsuka's limbs in an disproportionate way to treat their injuries, and threatening to shoot the arriving Mash for poor hygiene.^[8]

They quickly deduce that the nurse is a Servant, summoned to heal the injured, and after convincing her to back down, Mash heals Ritsuka with a Scroll of Healing. Mash explains to Ritsuka that they are in the rear base of the American Independence Army, the American force who had retreated in defeat from the previous battle. The Army had carried Ritsuka back to the base, while Mash followed along.^[8]

She notes the immediate oddities in the conflict - the differing flags, the mechanized infantry, as well as the fact that the opposing force does not appear to be the British army. They deduce that an unknown force is attempting to prevent the creation of the United States.^[8]

Mash has further deduced the nurse's True Name as the Angel of Crimea, Florence Nightingale, who has manifested as a Berserker, her unusually fervent personality and devotion to healing constituting her "madness". They convince her to ally with them by telling her that the number of casualties will simply increase eternally unless they resolve the Singularity, thus saving all her "patients" in one fell swoop.^[8]

The camp is suddenly attacked by enemy warriors, with the mechanized infantry elsewhere, unable to assist. Nightingale joins the defence alongside Ritsuka and Mash, showing proficiency in combat, leaving her patients in the hands of camp doctor Benjamin Rush.^[8]

They fight the enemy forces to a stalemate, drawing out the two enemy Lancer Servants in command - The Knights of Fianna, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, and leader Fionn mac Cumhaill. Diarmuid duels the party personally, but is beaten back. After healing Diarmuid, Fionn joins Diarmuid in battle, but both are fought to a standstill.^[8]

Suddenly, Nightingale is drawn away, realising the wounded are in danger. Fionn reveals their fight was merely a diversion to allow his Celtic soldiers, mindless monsters made only to fight, to attack the outmatched American troops.^[8]

However, a third force arrives to reinforce the American army - the Resistance, led by a Native American warrior. The Resistance surrounds and easily outflanks the simple-minded Celtic force, but Fionn is nonchalant, as new Celts can be produced indefinitely from his Queen. Fionn and Diarmuid retreat, but not before Fionn proclaims that he will take Mash as his wife when they next meet (much to Diarmuid's chagrin).^[8]

With Roman detecting a new Servant appearance, they rush to rejoin Nightingale.^[8]

Fragment of the Star

Elsewhere, two Archer Servants working with the Resistance, a young gunslinger and a green-clad outlaw fight against the Celts together in a ruined town. Hiding their True Names even from each other, they name themselves "Thunder" (after the gunslinger's gun), and "Green" respectively.^[6]

Back at the Riverton camp, Ritsuka and Mash rejoin Nightingale, who is aggressively lecturing Rush on proper patient handling at the medical tent. Nightingale immediately attempts to leave camp with Ritsuka and Mash, but is confronted by another Servant - Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, the 19th century occultist, who has mistakenly believed Nightingale is attempting to desert.^[6]

Helena explains the current situation to Mash and Ritsuka - America has been split into East and West, now embroiled in an East-West Civil War, a drastic change from the American Civil War of proper history. With the Eastern side composed of the savage warrior force hell-bent on destruction, the Western side whom they are currently fighting for is dubbed the United Western States, led by a king who Helena directly serves.^[6]

It soon emerges that the United Western States are at cross-purposes with Chaldea's goal of resolving the Singularity, and Helena sends in her Mechanised Infantry to restrain them when they attempt to leave. She learns from Chaldea that Charles Babbage was defeated in the London Singularity, but reveals that while the Infantry resemble Babbage's Noble Phantasm, they were instead mass-produced by her King, and powered by electricity instead of steam.^[6]

Ritsuka's group manage to defeat the Mechanized Infantry, only for Helena to call a new Lancer Servant to the battle via Command Spell - the son of the Sun God Surya from the Mahabharata, Karna. At Helena's command, Karna instantly subdues the group with a single use of Brahmastra, with Ritsuka being knocked out once again despite Mash's protection.^[6]

King of Presidents

Ritsuka awakens with Mash and Nightingale in the custody of Helena's entourage, travelling through an underground trail. Helena explains that she is taking them to meet with her King, a close contact of hers in life, for the purposes of persuading Ritsuka to join them, also revealing that the opposing army consists entirely of Celts.^[3]

Helena notices Dr. Roman conversing with them over comms, and believes at first that Alexander Graham Bell (whom the King apparently dislikes) is with them before he clarifies. Nightingale, in turn, quickly spots the irony of the famously democratic Americans apparently being led by a King in the Singularity. ^[3]

After some skirmishes with Celtic soldiers that Helena allows the heroes to participate in, they arrive in Denver, where the King's fortress awaits. Helena explains that the fortress was built after the destruction of the White House by the Celts. They take the party (with Karna keeping an eye on an increasingly aggressive Nightingale) inside to have an audience with the so-called "Presi-King".^[3]

Inside, they are dumbstruck to find that the "Presi-King" in control of Western America is a bombastic, musclebound man... with the head of a lion. Yet another Servant (though Roman detects his nature as unusual), he introduces himself as the great inventor and businessman, Thomas Alva Edison. Once King of Inventions, now "Presi-King" of the United Western States, his Servant form inexplicably manifests with a lion head, but (apparently) retains his human personality and intelligence. ^[3]

Edison asks for Ritsuka's help in defeating the Celtic army - the primary anachronism in the era, having been informed of Chaldea's exploits in the previous Singularities by "a certain fellow" he greatly dislikes (implied to be Nikola Tesla). ^[3]

Edison explains that after his summoning, using his skills in mass production, he managed to rally the American army under a reformed military and national structure to stand against the infinitely-multiplying Celts. However, with only three Servants at the United Western States' disposal, the Americans remain at a large disadvantage to the Celts, with other Servants summoned refusing to join them.^[3]

Nightingale questions Edison's new national structure, and it soon becomes apparent that his vision is ridiculously draconian and ignorant of human limitations - including equal national service regardless of age or gender, forced mass-production labor and conscription into the Mechanized Infantry.^[3]

It emerges that Edison has no intention of correcting the Singularity, wishing to take the Grail himself and use its power to build a new timeline for America and America only, isolated and separate, letting the other eras be destroyed instead. ^[3]

Enraged, Nightingale accuses Edison of being a single-minded patriot only caring about his own nation as opposed to fighting to save the world. Despite Roman's advice that they temporarily cooperate for the sake of defeating the Celts, Ritsuka is unable to agree with Edison's vision, and refuses to join him. ^[3]

A fight breaks out in the throne room against Edison's Mechanized Infantry, and eventually the heroes are arrested by Helena and sent to the fortress's underground jail, where Ritsuka's magical energy supply is cut off.^[3]

Cool Hand Florence

Helena asks Ritsuka why they refused their proposal, despite the pragmatically better choice to cooperate and betray Edison later. Ritsuka can respond they did so for either Nightingale's or Edison's own sake, satisfying her. She leaves, cryptically assuring them that someone will be along to rescue them soon.^[9]

Nightingale immediately begins attempting to break free, recklessly firing her gun with abandon. The sound, however, attracts their predicted rescuer: the Native American Servant leading the Resistance - the Apache hero, Geronimo, who is naturally opposed to Edison's rule. To hide from Karna, Geronimo had managed to mask his presence completely using a borrowed Noble Phantasm.^[9]

Geronimo frees the group, restoring their magical energy, and they fight their way through their Mechanized Infantry guards. He informs them that while three other Servants (two in fighting shape) have joined him, other Servants have been summoned throughout America as countermeasures to the Singularity. He asks for Chaldea's aid in fighting the Celtic army, who have been picking them off one-by-one.^[9]

Nightingale asks why Geronimo is fighting for America, a nation he opposed in life, who answers that he does not mind, as destroying the era entirely would invalidate the blood shed by him and his brothers.^[9]

Outside the fortress, they are met by Karna as the sun sets, who has detected their escape. Keeping his Mechanized Infantry away, Karna fights the team alone. However, unwilling to fight to the death, Karna holds back his full strength, and the heroes are able to push him back long enough to escape with Geronimo. ^[9]

Rama Got His Sword

The team escape south to a Resistance-controlled town in Deming, where the residents had already evacuated due to Celt attacks. After a three-hour nap, the next day, Geronimo brings the group to the third Servant in his care - a heavily injured Saber, whose heart has been partly gouged out: Rama, the great King of Kosala and hero of the Ramayana. ^[10]

As Nightingale attempts to treat Rama, he reveals that his injury came from Ireland's Child of Light, Cú Chulainn, and his lance, Gáe Bolg. After fending off a group of wyvern scouts, Nightingale states that she is unable to heal Rama. Dr. Roman's analysis reveals that Rama's wound is cursed (Rama only staying alive due to sheer willpower), with the fastest method to remove it being to defeat Cú Chulainn.^[10]

Roman proposes an alternative method: as the Singularity world is unstable, strengthening Rama's existence would allow them to remove the distortion cast on him, akin to saving Siegfried in the France Singularity. The simplest method of doing so being making contact with a Servant who knew Rama in life. ^[10]

Rama reveals that one such Servant exists in the Singularity - his wife, Sita, having fought Cú Chulainn in order to find her location. With Rama at full strength being able to match Karna himself, the team unanimously agree to find Sita and save Rama. Ritsuka taunts Roman over his single status, only for Mash to voice her belief that Roman has been married previously, due to noticing him wearing a ring previously.^[10]

Roman deduces from Fionn's earlier comments that the Celtic army is able to multiply infinitely, which is countered by Edison's talent for extreme mass production. Against this, Roman proposes an assassination plot - taking out both the Celtic Queen and Edison at the same time, cutting off both enemies at the source.^[10]

With a new plan of attack, they set out to unite the scattered Servants summoned throughout America to bolster their strength.^[10]

Young Guns

The Resistance force set out for a nearby town in Lubbock (Rama being carried in a homemade harness by Nightingale, to his extreme embarrassment), where two Archers specializing in guerrilla warfare await. Geronimo explains that while the Celts aim to massacre and lay waste to the land, Edison forces his civilians into labour, working non-stop on mass production of his army under a dictatorial rule.^[5]

They encounter a group of Celtic scouts. Nightingale engages them first, with reckless abandon (still carrying the hapless Rama), while the rest of the team join in and wipe them out. ^[5]

Roman informs them that the town ahead is surrounded by enemies, and Nightingale proceeds to rush in again (with Rama) to assist the two Archers within. Ritsuka and Mash frantically follow behind to protect her while Geronimo covers them.^[5]

Together with the Archers - Robin Hood and Billy the Kid - they defeat the enemy force of Celts and a large Soul Eater, updating them on their plan of attack afterwards.^[5]

Roman is unable to detect any new Servants nearby to recruit, but Robin reluctantly informs the group of a Saber and Lancer he met before teaming with Billy, both with problematic personalities. With little room to be picky, they set out to recruit them.^[5]

My Fair Lady

In the home palace of the Celtic armies, Fionn reports his and Diarmuid's defeat to Queen Medb. An unconcerned Cú Chulainn Alter dismisses them, stating that they are allowed to make two mistakes before being punished, with this being their first.^[11]

Medb is annoyed by his decision to let them off, wishing him to act more like an animal, but Cú Alter asserts that he is a King, and will act as such. Medb summons another Celtic Servant, the wielder of Caladbolg and once-lover of Medb, Fergus mac Róich, tasking him with killing the Rogue Servants scattered throughout America before the Resistance can recruit them.^[11]

After Fergus leaves (refusing an offer to bed Medb as a reward), Medb comments on Cú Chulainn's differing personalities - his animalistic side that craves battle, and an empty, hollow side that is aloof and indifferent to everything around him, the side his Servant manifestation shows being entirely random.^[11]

Cú Alter is revealed to be a creation of Medb, and half of Eastern America has fallen, including the current era's President George Washington. Medb muses on Edison's unexpectedly powerful resistance, wondering if he is backed by something other than the Holy Grail.^[11]

Meanwhile, the Resistance team approach a town in Dallas, led by an apprehensive Robin. Robin believes he is somehow connected to the Servants they are to meet, as they discover not only a group of Celts encroaching on the town - who are unexpectedly weaker than usual...

...but also the familiar sound of discordant singing.^[11]

The team is speechless to (once again) find the aspiring idol Servant, Elisabeth Báthory, practicing her singing in the centre of town, having mistaken her current location for Broadway, and the weakened Celts for an (unwilling) audience. A beleaguered Mash manages to convince Elisabeth, who recalls the events of the First Singularity, to join them by flattery and framing the mission as a chance to promote her (lacking) singing talents.^[11]

With Elisabeth recruited, Robin leads them through an eastern forest to a town in Alexandria, where the other Servant, a Saber, awaits (Ritsuka already predicting them to be the "red one"). They fight through bands of werewolves, who Elisabeth once again mistakes for fans.^[11]

A Star Is Born

On the other side of the forest, the team encounter a contingent of spies working for Geronimo to track the source of the Celtic soldiers.^[12]

Meanwhile, in the Alexandria town, the Saber - Emperor Nero Claudius (in a bride outfit) - is attempting to film a Western as a one-woman filming crew, with very little success. However, Fergus arrives and greets her, having already killed three other Rogue Servants.^[12]

Their standoff is quickly cut short by an ambush by a hidden Robin, followed by the rest of the heroes, arriving to assist Nero Bride (who does not recall the events of the Septem Singularity) against Fergus. Fergus summons a band of Celtic soldiers to even the playing field, but is soon defeated along with his men.^[12]

Rama demands to know if Fergus has seen Sita, and he replies that a young woman resembling Rama is imprisoned back to the west, in the Celt-controlled Alcatraz Island prison - an act by the Queen that Fergus himself mentions he found distasteful, before he disappears.^[12]

Nero Bride announces her intent to the beleaguered group to build Hollywood within the Alexandria town, and it becomes clear that Nero Bride and Elisabeth are friendly rivals competing together in the arts. As with Elisabeth, Mash manages to convince Nero Bride to join the team by claiming the war with the Celts would hamper her plans to build Hollywood, and drive away any potential audiences.^[12]

Nero Bride is swayed, and she and Elisabeth put her friendly competition on hold to fight together against the Celts. With two new Servant allies and one key enemy Servant defeated, Roman points out a strong Leyline to their west, directing Ritsuka and Mash to create a summoning circle there.^[12]

Ambivalent States

After clearing out the enemies surrounding the Leyline, Mash sets up the summoning circle. Da Vinci gives a brief monologue about the United States of America, its contradictory morals, its (lack of) magical history, as well as the possibility of a Holy Grail War happening in it, perhaps in a different world.^[13]

With the summoning circle set up and the sun setting, they make camp for the night. Nightingale informs Rama that the necrosis in his heart is spreading faster, with her only being able to keep him alive for a few days more. Rama tries to refuse painkillers, considering the pain punishment for his defeat and the lives lost trying to save him. Nightingale responds that those who died saving Rama would not have wanted him to suffer, and that recovering and fighting for their sake is the best way to honour their sacrifice, contenting him.^[13]

Ritsuka and Mash keep watch in the night, and converse in private. Mash thanks Ritsuka for helping her begin to see how humanity's efforts can transcend good and evil, the work of countless people united for a single purpose able to build entire nations. Nero Bride, at Geronimo's behest, calls the pair to talk about their plans going forward.^[13]

After defeating a band of roving monsters, the team consider their next move, with Geronimo informing them that the former capital of Washington, D.C is now the main stronghold for the Eastern Celts. With the Celts in possession of the Grail, Edison's side is ultimately unable to close the power gap even with his military advancements.^[13]

Taking into consideration the nature of their current force, Geronimo proposes an all-or-nothing gamble: to infiltrate Washington and assassinate the Celtic leaders, counting on the capital's defences being neglected owing to the Celts' haphazard nature and individualist philosophy.^[13]

However, with Rama still injured, Geronimo further proposes that their force be split into two teams: one going with Nightingale to the West in search of Sita, the other to the East to carry out the assassination plot. Due to the latter being higher risk, Geronimo assigns Ritsuka and Mash to Nightingale's team, as insurance should the Eastern team fail.^[13]

Nero Bride volunteers Elisabeth also go with Nightingale as the final Western team member, with Nero's Imperial Privilege allowing her to briefly use the abilities of an Assassin, as well as not wishing to be in the same team as Rama due to using the same personal pronouns (localised as them being "too similar").^[13]

The plan is settled, with Geronimo, Billy, Robin and Nero going East to Washington, and Nightingale, Elisabeth, Rama, Mash and Ritsuka going West to Alcatraz. Mash gives them a communication device to keep contact, and they rest for the night.^[13]

The following morning, the two teams say their farewells, and set off on their respective missions, Nero and Elisabeth promising to have their showdown upon their return. Billy briefly wonders why Geronimo is helping America as an Apache, but Geronimo assures Billy that if America falls, the Apache will fall with them, as well as finding amusement in the concept of America owing him a debt for its salvation.^[13]

Rama's condition slowly continues to deteriorate. He relates the story of how he was forced by the people to exile Sita after she was suspected of infidelity, despite testing her twice, much to Elisabeth's chagrin. He expresses self-loathing for his actions, hypothesising that he was summoned as a youth as back then, he felt nothing but love for Sita, as opposed to the vices that led to him exiling her. Nightingale encourages him to endure until they can reunite as proof of their love.^[13]

After defeating a group of Celts, they press on to Alcatraz with no stops and all haste.^[13]

The Rock

Nightingale's team arrive at the western coast of California, where Alcatraz Island awaits. They seek help from a nearby old man, who warns them that the island is now occupied by dragons and demons, but lends them his boat to get across.^[14]

As they sail, they are observed and sensed respectively by the Servant overseeing the prison, who sends his wyverns and soldiers out to deal with them, and Sita, who is imprisoned within, sensing Rama's arrival.^[14]

The team land at the shores of Alcatraz, where a trail of wyverns and Celtic soldiers await, leading to the enemy Servant waiting above as a form of challenge. Rama being emboldened by Nightingale's unwavering resolve, they fight their way up to the prison complex, where the enemy Servant - the Dragon Slayer, Beowulf - awaits.^[14]

Summoning a great dragonkin to fight alongside him, Beowulf challenges the heroes to prove themselves, and engages them in battle. They manage to force him back, defeating his dragon. Before they can clash again, however, Rama convinces Nightingale to put him down to speak with Beowulf personally.^[14]

Rama draws an initially incredulous Beowulf in with the prospect of a deal, only to spring a trap and throw Brahmastra at him point-blank. Impressed by Rama's conviction to defeat him, Beowulf challenges the team once again, but is defeated in single combat. Beowulf surrenders, allowing the team to pass, and assures them that Sita is within unharmed.^[14]

Rama rushes into the prison, but his condition rapidly deteriorates, and he collapses before meeting Sita. As Nightingale, Ritsuka and Mash follow and try to treat Rama, Sita herself joins them, and they explain Rama's condition to her.^[14]

Sita reveals that the Curse of Separation cast on Rama in life, preventing Rama and Sita from meeting, continues to affect them even as Heroic Spirits. In a conventional Holy Grail War, only one of them would be summoned in the form of Rama himself, explaining her uncanny resemblance to him, and they can never exist simultaneously. Should Rama awaken, Sita would disappear in accordance with the Curse.^[14]

Satisfied that she was able to see Rama again and hold his hand, Sita volunteers to take the curse of Gáe Bolg from Rama onto herself, as their bodies are one and the same, then disappear, taking the curse with her. With a final farewell kiss and a declaration of love, Sita transplants Rama's curse to herself with Nightingale's help, vanishing as Rama reawakens.^[14]

Fully aware of Sita's actions to save him, and with some reassurance from Nightingale, a healed Rama accepts her sacrifice and renews his oath to fight as Ritsuka's Servant to defeat Cú Chulainn Alter. The Western team's mission is complete.^[14]

Sympathy for the Soldier

Meanwhile, at Washington, the Eastern team lies in wait. Robin returns from scouting with No Face May King, reporting that the Celts will soon hold a large-scale parade through the city, only sensing two Servants in range. Geronimo concludes that the opportunity to assassinate the head is too good to pass up, even if the Celts may already be aware of the scheme, and a final plan is hatched.^[1]

The parade begins, led by Queen Medb, celebrating her nation made for Cú Alter. Concealed by No Face May King, the Eastern team sneak up to Medb and spring their trap. Nero Bride reveals herself and unleashes her Noble Phantasm, Nuptiae Domus Aurea, isolating Medb entirely within her Golden Theatre.^[1]

However, before the Eastern team can press the advantage, Cú Alter, who has also entered the Theatre, blocks their assault, chiding them for not targeting him first. It is revealed that Medb holds the Singularity's Holy Grail, and wished for Cú to become a wicked king who could stand equal to her. Medb's wish created Cú Alter, her ideal of the man who resisted her in life, and whom she came to love. ^[1]

Following Medb's philosophy of absolute strength, Cú Alter "rules" with a dispassionate fist, aiming to fight, kill and conquer all there is before returning to the void. As an emperor, Nero is disgusted, comparing his actions to a mindless beast. ^[1]

The team prepare for their final battle, but are stopped by the sudden unexpected arrival of a third enemy Servant - Medb's backup, the hero of the Mahabharata and archenemy of Karna, Arjuna. Realising they are horribly outmatched, Geronimo gives Robin the communicator, and tasks him with escaping using No Face May King. ^[1]

With no chance of victory remaining, the goal is now to buy Robin enough time to escape. The two forces clash, with Nero Bride facing off against Cú Alter personally.^[1]

Meanwhile, at Alcatraz, Ritsuka's team clear out the surviving Celts as they leave the prison complex. Outside, however, they are confronted once again by Fionn and Diarmuid. Fionn assures Mash that he will wed her after defeating them, with even Diarmuid struck by her courage. Beowulf declines to fight alongside them, deciding to return east.^[1]

Fionn and Diarmuid unleash an army of Celtic soldiers and monsters on the heroes. Bolstered by the now healed Rama, the army proves no match. Fionn and Diarmuid soon engage them personally in a final clash, and are soundly defeated. Mash rejects Fionn's proposal, who takes it in jovial stride. Impressed by Nightingale's conviction, Fionn and Diarmuid disappear, wishing to aid the heroes' cause should they meet again.^[1]

The victory revels do not last long, however, as the team receive a transmission from Robin, who reports that the Eastern team has failed, with Geronimo, Billy and Nero all likely lost (leaving Elisabeth in disbelief). With Robin heading for an abandoned Western United States base, the team rush over to rendezvous.^[1]

Over The Rainbow

At Washington, the battle goes poorly for the Eastern team. Geronimo's Noble Phantasm, Tsago Devi Naleya, is instantly repelled by Arjuna's Agni Gandiva. Billy's bullets are instantly deflected, and Billy himself is killed by Arjuna.^[15]

Geronimo is confronted by Medb, and realises that she is unaware of the other Singularities, believing only herself to have sole absolute power. He taunts her with this knowledge, pointing out that Chaldea have collected four Grails to her one. Before he is executed by Medb, Geronimo gives her a parting prediction that she will die happy, but soon.^[15]

As Medb sends Arjuna to chase after Robin, Nero Bride's strength fails, and her Bounded Field falls. Nero Bride gives Cú Alter a final condemnation of his aimlessness as a king, stating that despite living as a king, he has no interest in gaining anything as king, seeking no rewards or even a dream to fight for.^[15]

Cú Alter executes Nero Bride with Gáe Bolg, who disappears lamenting her unfulfilled promise with Elisabeth. Cú Alter tasks Medb with tracking down Robin, before suddenly being surprised by an unknown arrival.^[15]

The Western team reunite with Robin at the base in Des Moines, which is under attack from Celts. After fighting them off, Robin briefs the team fully on the Eastern team's doomed mission, leaving Elisabeth in a depressed state.^[15]

It is revealed that during his narrow escape from Arjuna, Robin was saved by the appearance of another Servant, a female spearwoman. Cú Alter and Medb arrive, warning Arjuna to not engage the spearwoman. Revealing herself to be Cú Chulainn's mentor, the spearwoman stands against her former student. In a standoff, Cú Alter reluctantly allows his mentor to escape with Robin with a shield rune, with the two promising to fight to the death at the war's end when no one is left standing. ^[15]

At the camp, the Servant formally introduces herself as Scáthach, guardian of the Land of Shadows. Despite being "alive" in proper history, due to the Incineration of Humanity destroying the Land of Shadows, she was technically considered "dead", allowing her to be summoned to the Singularity as a Heroic Spirit under special circumstances. ^[15]

Having previously considered wiping out the entire era herself, Scáthach resolves to lend the heroes her aid, stating the war must be won by human hands. However, for the same reason, she cannot formally join them, and states that she is likely unable to win against the Grail-powered Cú Alter, a Mad King far corrupted from the student she once knew.^[15]

They consider their next move, their final goal being to defeat Medb and take the Grail with Scáthach acting only as a last resort. However, a Celtic force approaches the camp, and the team head out to assist the Western forces engaging them. With Scáthach overseeing the battle, they fight off waves of Celts, wyverns, Chimeras, and other beasts.^[15]

A final wave of Shadow Servants approach, but unexpectedly, a new Lancer Servant appears, cutting them down in an instant.  Revealing himself to be the Chinese master of Bajiquan, Li Shuwen, he challenges Scáthach to a duel to sate his lust for battle. Already having a cause to fight for, Scáthach sends out Mash as her champion instead, with the reward of a proper duel with Scáthach on his victory, and immediately leaving on his defeat.^[15]

Li accepts, and after a harsh duel, Mash manages to prevail victorious. Impressed by Mash's strength, and satisfied that they can stand against the Celts, Li accepts his defeat, and requests a duel with Scáthach upon the war's end, regardless of the outcome, to which she accepts. Li declines the heroes' request for aid, but informs them that Edison is apparently possessed by something, advising them to help wake him up from his endless dream, before taking his leave.^[15]

Agreeing with Li's assessment, Nightingale proposes to meet Edison again in order to treat his apparent condition, to which Ritsuka agrees. With the rest of the team in agreement, they make for Denver once again.^[15]

The Running Man

Passing through Kearney, they discover a town under attack by Celts. Hatching a plan, Robin requests the team take a couple Celts alive. The team fend off the Celts, capturing some retreating Celts as prisoners. ^[16]

Bringing the prisoners into town, Robin poses as a United Western States Lieutenant taking captured enemy soldiers to headquarters in Denver. The Mechanized Infantry in town fall for the disguise, allowing them to pass. As they continue onwards, they muse on Edison's philosophies of automation, mass production, and collectivism as the exact opposite to the Celts. ^[16]

As they hurry to aid the town against another attack by Celts and a Bicorn, Nightingale hypothesises that Edison uses drugs on his workforce to suppress fear and doubt, worrying about their aftereffects.^[16]

The King in the High Castle

The team proceed to the capital fortress in Denver. Outside, they are accosted by Mechanized Infantry attempting to force them to enlist. Seeing no reason to maintain their disguises, they fight their way through the Infantry.^[4]

Before they can enter the fortress, however, their communications are suddenly hijacked by an infuriated Edison and Helena, who believe that they have joined the Celts after their failed assassination. After Helena is convinced they have not given in to the Celts, Nightingale concludes that Edison is ill, and resolves to treat him before forcefully ending communications.^[4]

After briefing a confused Dr. Roman of Edison's interruption, they enter the fortress, their path soon blocked by Karna. Karna refuses to surrender, remaining loyal to Edison as he was the first to seek Karna's aid, as well as the fact that he resembles a king and friend who once saved him. He challenges the party to a rematch, and they manage to hold their own. Karna retreats, receiving orders from Edison to return to the throne room, as he wishes to deal with them himself, along with his fellow Servants. ^[4]

The heroes enter the throne room, and are challenged by the still-enraged Edison, Helena and Karna at his side. Seeing no other choice but battle, the heroes engage in one last battle with the trio to return Edison to his senses, and eventually emerge victorious.^[4]

Refusing to accept his defeat, Edison attempts to consume an elixir to empower and transform himself into Thomas Mazda Edison at the cost of his body. He is stopped by Karna, who destroys the elixir for his sake, allowing Nightingale to begin lecturing Edison. ^[4]

She tells him plainly that with Medb holding the Grail and the eternal ruthlessness of the Celts, victory by attrition is nigh-impossible. Despite this, Edison stuck to his philosophy of mass production and strength in numbers out of a sense of stubborn and nationalistic pride, resulting in a bloody and futile losing stalemate.^[4]

She deduces that Edison had received power externally other than the Grail in order to build his empire and army, which he confirms. Edison reveals that he was indeed granted power by the entire collective of the Presidents of the United States of America, from past to future, to become a single "Presi-King". ^[4]

Coming to the conclusion that if summoned individually, they would lose to the Celts, the Presidents chose to concentrate their power into a single Servant with great international fame - Thomas Edison, entrusting the future of America to his hands. The "illness" Nightingale had detected was indeed this possession by the wills of the Presidents, driving him to fight solely for America's salvation, rather than the world's.^[4]

Nightingale concludes her argument by stating that as a nation made from many races - citing the motto of the United States, E pluribus unum ("out of many, one") - Edison has an obligation to save the world, and his stubbornly single-minded drive is also what led to his historic defeat by Nikola Tesla.^[4]

It is this that finally breaks Edison, and he admits his folly. With friendly encouragement from Helena and Karna, Edison regains his resolve, and with an apology and thanks, he pledges to devote his power to saving the world by Ritsuka's side (appointing them Vice-President in gratitude).^[4]

The Fellowship

With Edison convinced, the team begin brainstorming for the final battle. After they comically deny Elisabeth's requests to use her music, Edison reveals that the Celtic army plan to invade Western America on two fronts - from the north and south. Even if the Western army successfully invades, if they lose too much territory to the Celts, the era will die regardless.^[17]

After a brief virtual training simulation held by Edison, the team conclude that a two-front approach is necessary. Splitting their army into two, one army merely needs to hold its ground as a diversion, while the other, the true main army, spearheads towards the capital through the other front for a decisive strike against Medb herself.^[17]

At Elisabeth's suggestion, Ritsuka is tasked with dividing the Servants into the two teams based on their extensive Singularity and Servant experience. With a complete battle plan, they rest for the night and prepare to mobilise the next day.^[17]

While taking a night walk, Ritsuka encounters Nightingale, and they converse as they walk. Nightingale places her trust in Ritsuka, and advises them that the pressures of stopping world destruction are too great for a single person, and that they do not need to shoulder the entire burden. Making their best effort and place trust in one's comrades is paramount, but they must also accept that failures will happen. After defeating roving undead, they turn in for the night.^[17]

The following day, Nightingale and Scáthach meet and talk, the former revealing that she sees an illness in Cú Alter, the latter's student. With her immortal nature coming close to a Divine Spirit, Scáthach did not notice, illness having lost all meaning to her. Yet, despite having overcome death, she laments that she has not transcended it, at the end being nothing but a ghost left behind by life.^[17]

The two armies mobilise - the diversionary North Army, led by Elisabeth, Robin, Helena and Edison, and the main spearhead South Army, led by Karna, Rama, Nightingale, Ritsuka, Mash and Scáthach.^[17]

After a final sparring session with Scáthach, she suddenly takes her leave, placing Rama in charge of the South Army. She intends to act on her own, monitoring the actions of Medb and Cú Alter, fighting them if necessary to prevent them reaching the frontlines too early. Karna leads the vanguard himself with Ritsuka's permission, planning to face and defeat Arjuna with all his might.^[17]

Sharing their final farewells, the two armies begin their march, preparing for a simultaneous assault in three days' time.^[17]

War

In Washington, Medb informs Cú Alter of Fionn and Diarmuid's defeat, who remains apathetic. Immediately after, they are both informed by scouts of the two-front assault from the west, as well as their bolstered Servant forces. Cú Alter and an initially reluctant Medb muster their troops to meet them with two armies, with Beowulf leading the North, and Arjuna leading the South.^[18]

Cú Chulainn Alter voices his intent to join the southern army himself to wipe out enemy Servants, knowing that Arjuna will be unable to focus on them due to Karna's presence, and despite knowing that Scáthach will be there. Overjoyed at his killing intent, Medb accepts, having wished for a king like him to throw the world and all within it equally into chaos.^[18]

Meanwhile, at the Southern front in Montgomery, the battle has begun, with Karna engaging the unexpectedly large enemy vanguard. With the army behind mopping up stragglers breaking through Karna's line, they realise that the Celts have deduced that the South Army is the main force, and are focusing their strength on them.^[18]

The Killing Fields

The battle continues as the sun begins to fall, and the Celtic force led by Arjuna arrives at the battlefield. With encouragement from Ritsuka, Rama rallies the soldiers to hold off the enemy wings (using Edison-made net launchers to neutralise wyverns). With Nightingale at the rear handling wounded, the backlines face down and defeat a giant Dragon summoned by Medb, as Karna's vanguard breaks through to face Arjuna.^[19]

Karna and Arjuna meet, two heroes forever compelled to seek one another and do battle with each other, no matter the war. At Karna's request, Arjuna promises to fulfil his original duty as a Heroic Spirit, and aid humanity with his Agni Gandiva, should he defeat Karna. They begin their clash, resulting in a battle of mythic proportions.^[19]

North American Myth War (Beginning)

The South Army manage to break through the front line, receiving reports that the North Army is holding their own - victory seems within reach. Karna and Arjuna continue to clash, with Karna slowly gaining the upper hand due to Arjuna's slight disadvantage as an Archer in a close-range duel.^[20]

However, moments before Karna can seize victory, Cú Alter unexpectedly arrives, and fatally injures Karna with Gáe Bolg, interrupting the duel to Arjuna's anger. Cú Alter confronts Ritsuka, who recognises his face as the same as the Caster from Singularity F. He reveals that he has already defeated Scáthach, and engages them in battle.^[20]

The heroes barely manage to survive, Cú Alter being mildly surprised by the strength of Mash's shield. He unleashes Gáe Bolg before they can react, but the heroes are unexpectedly saved by a new arrival (and Fou) - a hooded figure wielding a staff, claiming to have arrived via a dream.^[20]

The hooded man reveals himself as the great wizard, Merlin. While normally observing passively from his tower in paradise, and despite the fact that his and Chaldea's paths are not yet set to cross, he has made a sudden quick visit to provide brief aid to the heroes. Assuring Ritsuka and Mash that they will meet again, and with a final request to take care of "Cath Palug" for him, he disappears as his real body awakens.^[20]

The diversion is enough for Cú Alter to be surprised by an attack from behind - Karna unleashing Vasavi Shakti as a final parting blow, which is narrowly defended before Karna disappears. Cú Alter, scorched from the attack, retreats as Nightingale announces that he is ill, and he challenges the heroes to face him in Washington.^[20]

Rama attempts to push the army forward in pursuit, but is stopped by Arjuna. Nightingale informs him that his "illness" is his obsession with facing Karna, a flaw that Karna overcame by choosing to side with humanity. With no other way to curb the regrets in his heart, Arjuna chooses to fight the heroes as his "treatment", despite knowing it is needless, and the heroes oblige.^[20]

After Arjuna is defeated, he relents. Despite strongly desiring to, he refuses to lend the South Army his aid, but assures them that he will make amends as he leaves. With Arjuna "cured", they charge for Washington.^[20]

North American Myth War (Middle)

Pressing on into the night, the South Army continue their march, fighting their way into Charlotte, and Mash muses on Scáthach's apparent defeat by Cú Alter.^[21]

A flashback reveals the clash between mentor and student in a forest. Cú Alter unleashes his Gáe Bolg, and Scáthach unleashes Gáe Bolg Alternative in return. The two spears, tracing identical paths, clash and cancel each other out. Scáthach realises that Cú Alter constantly destroys and reheals his own arm with rune spells as he throws his spear, resulting in excruciating pain, unlike herself, who heals after throwing.^[21]

Scáthach reveals that in the past, she once dreamed of being killed by Cú, but refuses to fall to his current self. She laments Cú Alter's apparently contradictory desire to become king for no other reason than to become king, a single-minded desire he never held in life forced upon him by Medb's wish.^[21]

Wishing to end the battle, knowing she cannot defeat him, Scáthach unleashes Gate of Skye to send Cú Alter to the Land of Shadows. However, Scáthach's refusal to kill him is her undoing. Cú Alter suddenly seals her Noble Phantasm and unleashes Curruid Coinchenn, a transformation technique he never learnt from Scáthach, taking her by surprise. He fatally injures her, bidding her farewell.^[21]

However, it is revealed that Scáthach barely survived with 90% of her organs destroyed, throwing herself into her own gates to escape outside of the world, joined by Li Shuwen. She implores Li to give aid to the North Army before assuring him they can duel at the Singularity's end, to which he agrees.^[21]

Meanwhile, the North Army continue to hold out, the Celtic assault unending despite losing over 60% of their troops through Robin's tricks. They receive news of the South Army's actions, choosing to keep news of Karna's death from Edison to keep up morale.^[21]

The North Servants are confronted by Beowulf, who is seeking the heroes who defeated him. Dissatisfied to find only Robin and Elisabeth to face him, he fights with them, slowly gaining the upper hand. Suddenly, Li Shuwen arrives to provide aid, engaging Beowulf personally in a one-on-one fistfight. The North Servants are given respite, but sense their troubles are not over.^[21]

The South Army defeat a contingent of Medb's Shadow Servants, and press onwards to Washington led by a re-emboldened Rama.^[21]

North American Myth War (Ending)

At Washington, Cú Alter fully heals from his wounds with Medb as the South Army approach. Medb offers to use an unknown asset on the heroes, but Cú Alter refuses, and orders Medb to send everything to the Northern front to end the war. Medb declares her love for Cú Alter, intending to enjoy her remaining time as queen to the fullest as the final battle approaches.^[22]

The South Army enters Washington. Medb herself emerges, confronting the heroes, and unleashes an army of monsters and Shadow Servants to meet them, staying out of range of Rama's Brahmastra. As the South Army fights their way through, Nightingale notices that they can defeat Medb's supposedly "infinite" troops faster than she can create them, and slowly they gain ground.^[22]

Medb invites them to the White House as they approach, and retreats, Nightingale deducing that she is hiding a secret weapon.^[22]

Meanwhile, back at the Northern front, Li Shuwen gains the upper hand on Beowulf with his Bajiquan. However, sensing a sudden turn, Helena advises Edison to retreat, as a sudden earthquake shakes the battlefield.^[22]

The South Army reaches the White House, transformed by the Celts into a garish fortress. Inside, they confront Cú Chulainn Alter and Queen Medb, their final enemies. Nightingale confronts Cú Alter alone, intending to "treat" him as a nurse, to Medb's anger. ^[22]

She diagnoses his "illness" as having sealed his ability to feel joy away on his quest to become King. Trapped in his own role, he simply fights automatically like an emotionless machine, in order to continue being King. She compares his condition to her own past as a nurse under a similar obsession, admitting them to be twisted ways of life.^[22]

However, she asserts that the difference between them lies in their destinations - while she fights and heals for the sake of dreams, and to bring benefit to the world, Cú Alter fights for nothing, having no goals or prospects for the future, making his rule completely superfluous and unnecessary: an illness that she must treat.^[22]

Cú Alter, rendered briefly speechless by Nightingale's fervent conviction, accepts his role as a disease that cannot be cured, and challenges Ritsuka, Mash, Rama and Nightingale to a final battle with Medb by his side. The Servants and Master battle, and ultimately victory goes to the heroes, as Rama lands a fatal blow on Medb with Brahmastra. ^[22]

Cú Alter praises the dying Medb for fulfilling her role, and she expresses gratitude that her wish came true. She taunts the heroes that she has unleashed her trump card - 28 Demon God Pillars, summoned with the power of the Grail into the framework of the "Clan Calatin", the warriors of legend she once sent to defeat Cú Chulainn - on the North Army. ^[22]

The North Army is overrun by the Clan Calatin Demon God Pillars, crushing Edison's morale and forcing Li Shuwen and Beowulf to halt their duel. Emboldened by her desire of vengeance for Nero Bride's death, Elisabeth gives Edison a pep talk, and challenges Clan Calatin herself, Robin by her side, offering to buy time for Edison to retreat.^[22]

Medb disappears, entrusting the Grail to Cú Alter. As he briefly mourns her death, elements of Cú Alter's original personality begin to return. Roman detects the magical energy around him weakening, with the one who wished Cú Alter into existence defeated. ^[22]

The era's ability to correct itself, as well as their chance of victory, has strengthened, and the heroes prepare to fight for their last chance to repair the era before the Northern front collapses.^[22]

Shielder, Master, Soldier, Nurse

Cú Alter refuses to hand over the Grail as part of his geis to Medb, and emboldens his resolve to fight for Medb's wish, challenging the heroes once again to battle. As they battle, Cú Alter, driven further by the power of the Grail, ascends his Spirit Origin to a new form, becoming stronger as a result.^[23]

Robin and Elisabeth continue to hold out to the North, Robin unleashing Yew Bow to fight the Demon God Pillars. However, they are fighting a losing battle. As they retreat, Helena encourages Edison to stand and fight. His resolve returned, Edison returns to the battle with Helena, managing to save Elisabeth in the nick of time, holding back the Clan using World Faith Domination. Despite this reinforcement, Helena realises that they need more aid to have a true edge.^[23]

The Washington battle rages on, and Cú Alter Ascends himself once again. The Northern front begins to falter once again, and Edison recklessly prepares to sacrifice himself, overloading World Faith Domination to allow the other Servants to escape. ^[23]

Suddenly, a new arrival blasts back the Demon God Pillars, boisterously announcing his presence with insults towards Edison - his great rival, Nikola Tesla himself, summoned by a "strange man" to save the era and aid Chaldea to atone for his actions in the London Singularity, much to Edison's dismay.^[23]

Knowing their electricity isn't enough to stop them, Tesla attempts to trap the Clan Calatin in an electrical cage using System Keraunos, but fails. An amused Edison attempts to do so himself, to similar results. Begrudgingly realising they must work together, Edison and Tesla combine the power of World Faith Domination and System Keraunos to trap the Demon God Pillars in a cage of lightning.^[23]

With the Pillars sealed away, the second part of Tesla's plan arrives - Arjuna, who requests the other Servants to retreat. Gathering his full power, he unleashes Pashupata on the enclosed Pillars, sacrificing himself to completely destroy Clan Calatin as atonement for Karna.^[23]

The Northern front won, Edison and Tesla waste no time in resuming their petty bickering, as Helena fondly looks on. She informs the watching Beowulf that the scholars are proof of humanity's progress - the era of strength has long since passed, and the Celts were doomed from the start as a result of it. An amused Beowulf disappears, hoping to be summoned on Chaldea's side the next time around.^[23]

In Washington, as Roman informs the team of the Northern front's victory,  the heroes finally emerge victorious over Cú Alter. However, before he can fade, Cú Alter summons forth the Demon God guarding the Grail - incarnating into the Demon of War, Halphas.^[23]

Nightingale heals and rejuvenates the exhausted heroes using Nightingale Pledge, and rallies the heroes for the final push. She vehemently denies Cú Alter's claims that the cycle of war is eternal, pledging to put an end to the cycle of conflict as her duty as a Servant.^[23]

In the last Grand Battle for the Singularity, Halphas and Cú Alter are vanquished completely, and the Grail is finally recovered by the heroes. With the Singularity resolved, the North Servants bid their farewells to each other, and disappear with grace. ^[23]

Mash and Ritsuka thank Nightingale for giving them the encouragement to keep going, and for helping heal an entire nation. As they shake hands, Nightingale admits her own wish - to see all hospitals eliminated from the world as unnecessary, still believing that even if her wish is far from reach, someday all illness will be eradicated.^[23]

Nightingale gives Mash a final piece of advice that dreams and wishes are not the same - facing and understanding reality, and fighting hard and thoroughly are what opens the path to one's wishes. She places her trust in Ritsuka to support Mash and bids them farewell as she disappears.^[23]

As the last Servant remaining, Rama feels pride in being able to rescue Sita and meet Chaldea, and voices his desire to become their Servant again as he disappears with a farewell.^[23]

Elsewhere, Li Shuwen and Scáthach meet in a forest, impressed by Chaldea's victory. With only enough time for one round before the era corrects itself, they begin their promised duel.^[23]

Ritsuka, Mash and Fou return to Chaldea victorious, Grail in hand, and with congratulations from Dr. Roman. As they return to their rooms, Mash admits to Ritsuka that even with the bad that occurred, she had fun on their journey. Even if the journey itself is erased, it will remain in their memories, and she will cherish them forever.^[23]

Before they can reach their rooms, however, Mash begins bleeding from her head, and suddenly collapses.^[23]

Interludes

Title(s)	Servant	Notes
Even If You Have Crossed Through A Thousand And One Nights (Part 6)	Scheherazade
The Seven Servants of The Wilderness	Billy the Kid
Queen's Discipline	Medb	After a frank and unnecessarily graphic explanation about why she qualifies as a Rider, Medb fights Ritsuka and Mash in the hope of getting revenge for her defeat in the Singularity.
A Certain Song of Love	Orion
Trial of Vishnu	Rama

Locations

Participants

Servants

Designation	Identity	Affiliation
Berserker	Florence NightingaleWP	Ritsuka Fujimaru
Lancer	Diarmuid Ua DuibhneWP	Medb
Lancer	Fionn mac CumhaillWP	Medb
Lancer	KarnaWP	Thomas Edison
Caster	Helena BlavatskyWP	Thomas Edison
Caster	GeronimoWP	Resistance
Archer	Billy the KidWP	Resistance
Archer	Robin HoodWP	Resistance
Lancer	Elizabeth BathoryWP	Resistance
Saber	Nero ClaudiusWP (Bride)	Resistance
Saber	Fergus Mac RoichWP	Medb
Berserker	BeowulfWP	Medb
Saber	RamaWP	Resistance
Lancer	Li ShuwenWP	None
Caster	Thomas EdisonWP	Americans
Lancer	ScáthachWP	Resistance
Berserker	Cú ChulainnWP (Alter)	Medb
Archer	ArjunaWP	Medb
Rider	MedbWP	Celts
Archer	Nikola TeslaWP	None
N/A	SitaWP

Non-Servants

Designation	Identity	Affiliation
Demon God	HalphasWP
Demon God	Clan CalatinWP (28 Demon Pillars)

References

Grand Order
Singularities
Grand Orders: Fuyuki Singularity • Orleans Singularity • Septem Singularity • Okeanos Singularity • London Singularity • North American Singularity • Camelot Singularity • Babylonia Singularity • Solomon Singularity Remnant Orders: Shinjuku Singularity • Agartha Singularity • Shimosa Singularity • Salem Singularity • SE.RA.PH. Singularity
Lostbelts
Russian Lostbelt • Norse Lostbelt • Chinese Lostbelt • Indian Lostbelt • Atlantic Lostbelt • Heian-kyō Lostbelt • British Lostbelt • South American Lostbelt
Ordeal Calls
Inner World of Paper Moon • Inescapable Gehenna • Moon Dubai • Reckoning Singularity • Presidential Singularities
Events
Garden of Order • Prison Tower Château d'If • Fate/Accel Zero Order • Heian Distortion • Prisma Causeway • Meiji Restoration Singularity • Inheritance of Glory • Murder at the Kogetsukan • Imperial Tokyo Singularity • Edo Singularity • Edo Singularity (Illusory Waxing Moon) • Patchwork London Singularity • Sengoku Singularity • Board Game Apocalypse • Yamatai-koku Singularity • Imaginary Scramble • Showa Restoration Singularity • Tunguska Special Territory • Traum Singularity