Achilles

Achilles^WP (アキレウス^WP, Akireusu^?), Class Name Rider of "Red" ("赤"のライダー, "Aka" no Raidā^?), is the Rider-class Servant of Cabik Pentel of the Red Faction in the Great Holy Grail War of Fate/Apocrypha. Shirou Kotomine assumes command over him before he even meets his Master, and through his machinations he later officially becomes Rider's Master.^[7] He is one of the Servants summoned by Ritsuka Fujimaru in the Grand Orders of Fate/Grand Order.

Profile

Identity

One of the famous heroes in the Trojan War. Born from the sea goddess Thetis and the hero Peleus, Achilles was blessed by the gods from birth. Thetis, who loved her son dearly, had warmed him within holy flames in order to try and make him immortal. But Peleus had opposed it, arguing it would make their son no longer human. In the end, his mother's plan worked as his body was blessed by the gods with invincibility, safe for his heel, and incredible swiftness. Peleus' fears did not fully come to pass, as Achilles retained part of his humanity.

While Achilles was young, Thetis returned to her home at the bottom of the sea, due to discord with Peleus. Chiron, who had raised many heroes, was an old friend of Peleus, who requested him to train his son. Chiron happily accepted the role of mentoring Achilles for nine years.

When the Trojan War broke out between Troy^WP and Achaea^WP, Achilles was asked by Thetis if he wished to live a long and forgettable life or the short life of a hero filled with brilliant achievements in battle. Achilles easily chose the latter and departed for the war to join the Achaean army. While Thetis felt pride over her son's decision, it also broke her heart knowing Achilles would not live long.

Thanks to the blessings granted to him early in life, Achilles performed many great feats. The spear his father had given to him and his chariot led by three steeds, consisting of two divine horses given to him as a gift from the sea god Poseidon and a famous horse he stole while assaulting a certain city, Achilles was essentially invincible, with no one able to catch up to him.

During the war, Achilles suffered a great loss, losing his friend Patroclus at the hands of Hector, the champion of Troy who rivaled him in strength even without his heel exposed. Enraged by his friend's death, Achilles challenged Hector in a duel. Even after killing Hector, the way Achilles insulted him by dragging his corpse around with his chariot, which was considered a foolish and intolerable act. As a result, he incurred the displeasure of the sun god Apollo. Sometime after slaying Hector, Achilles was challenged by Penthesilea, the Amazon queen, whom he easily defeated. After unmasking her, he was smitten by the queen's beauty which only enraged the queen, who cursed him and his spear.

Despite being repeatedly warned to restrain himself, Achilles continued slaughtering the Trojan army. So the enraged Apollo aided the Trojan army's bow expert Paris, and guided him to shoot Achilles' weak spot, his heel, before having him fire many arrows into his heart. Despite being mortally wounded and surrounded by the Trojan army, Achilles continued to slaughter many enemy soldiers before finally falling in battle. As predicted, he died an early death but became a renowned and famous hero. After his death, his companions competed to see who would own his armor.

Appearance

From appearances alone, one can judge Achilles to be a great hero. While handsome, his facial features are not like the knights of old, whose courteousness softened the hearts of noble ladies. His eyes are described as those of a raptor, and he possesses a firm build and spiky green hair that stands up except for a single bang, which hangs over the left side of his face. He lacks any crudeness in his appearance.

Achilles wears silver chest piece, pouldrons, gauntlets, and greaves, with an orange cloth is wrapped loosely around his body.

In Fate/Grand Order, his first stage lacks the pouldrons, cloth, greaves, and gauntlets, having a simple pair of gloves and boots instead. His second stage has the same appearance featured in Fate/Apocrypha. In his third stage, the silver armor has been replaced with an angular golden one with turquoise decorations.

His Fearless Driver Spiritron Dress features a sportive black and orange outfit with black goggles with orange lenses, and orange gauntlets with black patterns. He carries a tiny Tarasque on his shoulder.

Rider of "Red" in Fate/Apocrypha, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. A-1 PicturesWP character sheet of Rider of Red in Fate/Apocrypha, illustrated by Yūkei Yamada. A-1 PicturesWP character illustration of Rider of Red in Fate/Apocrypha - Epilogue Event A-1 PicturesWP Wallpaper Illustration of Rider of Red in Fate/Apocrypha, illustrated by Yūkei Yamada. Achilles Stage 1 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. Achilles Stage 2 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. Achilles Stage 3 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. Achilles Stage 4 in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. April Fools' Day portrait of Achilles in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Riyo. Fearless Diver (フィアレス・ダイバー?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. The Purpose of Learning and Teaching (教えること、学ぶこと?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Mitsuro Sakuma. Holy Maiden's Teaching (聖女の教示?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Hino Hinako. Argonauts (アルゴノーツ, Arugonōtsu?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Kodama. My Student Council (俺様生徒会, Oresama Seito-kai?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by TCB. Heroic Spirit Festive Wear: Achilles (英霊祭装：アキレウス, Eirei Matsuri Sō: Akireusu?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. Climbing Battle (クライミング・バトル, Kuraimingu Batoru?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Natsuo. Heroic Spirit Event Attire: Achilles (英霊催装：アキレウス, Eirei Cuī Sō : Akireusu?) in Fate/Grand Order, illustrated by Yuuichirou Higashide. Achilles and Chiron on the cover of Fate/Apocrypha manga Volume 12, illustrated by Akira Ishida. Achilles and other members of the Red Team in the Fate/Apocrypha manga, illustrated by Akira Ishida. Achilles in Chibichuki!, illustrated by Hanabana Tsubomi. Achilles in Fate/Grail League, illustrated by Ororo. Achilles in Fate/Dream Striker, illustrated by Aono Shimo. Illustration of Achilles by Ototsugu Konoe. Illustration of Achilles and Chiron by Ototsugu Konoe.

Personality

Achilles is described as being broad-minded and audacious, often displaying a carefree smile on his face. He does not outright rebel against authority nor does he blindly obey his superiors either. Even if ordered by his Master, he is a Servant who will not accept tasks he does not wish to complete, showcasing his idea of what a 'hero' is supposed to be. As an extension of this uncaring regard for authority, he thinks little of kings, so he has "fatal lack of compatibility" with those who value their political power like Semiramis. The only exception would be the Amazon Queen Penthesilea, as he had an awful amount of regret when he killed her, making him hesitate when faced with female opponents. In such a way, he once openly ignored orders from Agamemnon, only taking up arms for the sake of Patroculus. While he stands stern against those he views as his enemies, he becomes soft when faced with those whom he has already believes to be "good people" when they cease to be his ally. He wishes to fulfill the vow he made with his mother to live and die like a hero.

He has striven to live his life in such a way that he is constantly the target of murderous intent and animosity, and he has become accustomed to it. He stood out even among other heroes, displaying confidence in any battle and a great will to fight. His bloodthirsty is so great that normal humans have their spirits crumble before him. He freely boasts to and severely mocks his opponents, even when outnumbered and not fighting at full strength. He was one whose one true friend and the women who loved him meant all the world, so such things are nothing to him. In regards to his enemies, he makes no distinction among them beyond the weapons and armor they wielded used, beyond that they are all the same and there to be cut down by him.

As a Heroic Spirit, Achilles desires to have a rematch with Hector, Chiron, and Penthesilea.

Relationships

Role

Fate/Apocrypha

The Beginning Stages of the War

Rider, on his own judgment, follows Archer of Red as she chases the marching Berserker of Red to the Black Faction's base in Trifas, later officially asked by Shirou to provide backup after he decides that Rider would not willingly accept the task of killing Ruler. Rider attempts to make an advance on Archer when she asks his reason for being there, but her lack of any reaction leaves him only able to cough and get back to his mission. Curious about only having interacted with Shirou Kotomine instead of his Master, he asks Archer if it has been the same for her, which she affirms. As they speculate on the reasoning for them not showing themselves, they think it to be a possible magi eccentricity or plan for future battle, but find Shirou and Assassin of Red to be suspicious.

Berserker soon encounters his first enemy resistance from the Black Faction, but the two observe the battle because they are not enemy Servants. Unwilling to show his true power to the enemy, Rider only takes up his spear rather than his rightful weapon, his mount, and Archer takes to the woods to provide support from the rear. Preparing for battle, he engages Berserker of Black and Saber of Black, taunting the other side in underestimating him with just two Servants and that their entire force would be needed against him. Rider shows his superiority over Saber and Berserker by exceeding them both in skill and ability, as well as demonstrating the nigh invincibility granted to him by his Noble Phantasm, Andreias Amarantos. Due to Saber possessing no Divinity to match Rider's, he is unable to injury Rider, which prompts his Master, Gordes Musik Yggdmillennia, to use one of his Command Spells to force Saber into using his Noble Phantasm, Balmung. However, before Saber can utilize Balmung, which would reveal his True Name, Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia intervenes and forces Gordes to use another Command Seal to stop the attack. Rider is disappointed and slightly confused over Saber not using his Noble Phantasm, but to his shock, he suddenly struck by an arrow that manages to injure him. This arrow was shot by the Archer of Black, who, possessing Divinity of Rank C, is capable of wounding Rider. As more arrows are shot, Rider attempts to avoid them, only to notice that the attacker is capable of predicting his movements. Knowing that he is at a disadvantage, Rider retreats, though not before claiming that he will face Archer of Black again. Archer of Red also retreats alongside him.^[10]

Battle At Castle Yggdmillennia

Rider, along with the rest of the Red Faction Servants, aside from Saber of Red and Berserker of Red, later attack Fortress of Millennia onboard Assassin of Red's Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Demonstrating the power of his mount, Troias Tragōidia, he easily tramples the Black Faction's homunculi. But his mount is stopped by Caster of Black's golems, which does little to stop him as Rider continues to kill and destroy both golem and homunculi alike until he blocks an arrow fired by Archer of Black. Rider then goes off to engage Archer of Black in the woods, deflecting all arrows fired at him as closes the distances between them. However, he hesitates to strike Archer when he sees that Archer is his former friend and mentor, Chiron. Archer uses this opportunity to attack Rider, stating to him that although they were friends in life, it has no relevance in the Grail War. Although somewhat hesitant, Rider continues battling Archer, until both retreat when Berserker of Red unleashes his Noble Phantasm, Crying Warmonger.^[11]

Confronting Lancer of Black and Shirou's True Identity

After the Red Faction uses the Hanging Gardens to steal the Greater Grail, Rider again faces off against Archer of Black, who came to retrieve the Grail along with Caster of Black and Lancer of Black. However, their fight is interrupted when Darnic suddenly appears and uses a Command Spell to force Lancer of Black to activate his Noble Phantasm, Legend of Dracula, turning Lancer in a vampire and combines himself with him. The Servants temporarily unite to battle the Nameless Vampire, with the recently arrived Ruler also empowering them. However, the Servants of Red suddenly fall down due to their contracts being switched to Shirou Kotomine, who also destroys the Nameless Vampire. Shirou then invites all of the Servants to join him, claiming that there is no point for the Black Faction to continue. Rider of Red and Archer of Red are suspicious of him, but Lancer of Red agrees to listen to Shirou, not allowing the others to damage him. Caster of Black also decides to ally with Shirou, while Ruler and Archer of Black flee the Hanging Gardens.^[12]

Joining Amakusa Shirou's Camp

When the Red Servants later negotiate the terms of between their new Master, Shirou, Rider agrees to help Shirou, wanting to battle Archer of Black again, although he is skeptical of him. Rider later questions Shirou of his goals, with Shirou saying that he only wants to gain salvation for humanity and has no other mischievous intentions.

The Final Battle

When the Black Faction launches their attack on the Hanging Gardens, flying on top of airplanes, Rider rides his chariot and destroys many of the airplanes while also avoiding attacks from Archer of Black. Rider of Red eventually lands down, confronting Archer on top of an airplane. He activates his Noble Phantasm's Diatrekhōn Astēr Lonkhē's ability, that creates a Duelfield, that no one else can enter, where Rider and Archer battle each other in unarmed combat. Although being closely equal, Rider manages to beat Archer, who is left unable to move. Before his death though, Archer manages to hit Rider's heel with his Noble Phantasm, Antares Snipe, neutralizing his immortality. He also asks Rider to loan one of his Noble Phantasms to the Black Faction, before finally dying. Rider of Red later meets the wounded Rider of Black, giving his Akhilleus Kosmos to him, out of respect for his teacher. Rider also shows up during Ruler's battle against Archer of Red, who had succumbed to madness due to her Noble Phantasm, Agrius Metamorphosis. Rider tells Ruler to leave, while facing Archer himself. He manages to defeat her, although he is mortally wounded in the process. During Archer's final moments, Rider comforts her, saying that her dream was wonderful. He also fades away afterward.

The original Light Novel has a different scene in regards of the final battle of Rider. Before finally confronting Archer, he recalled his past and why he liked her so much, namely because his father Peleus used to tell him the stories of his past, participating in the Hunt for the Golden Fleece with the Argonauts and the Hunt for Calydonian Boar, where he met a beautiful swift-footed huntress that took center stage of both events and even defeated him in a ceremonial wrestling match. Rider was inspired by the stories and considered her his idol, which hurt him when he saw her succumbing to madness and decided that he had to set her straight to preserve her image. In his victory, he was reminded with his final battle against Penthesilea, whereas after he expressed regret to kill a beautiful person, she went into rage and cursed that he would use his spear to slay a beloved person before she died, a curse that was fulfilled in the time he impaled Archer. To further comfort Archer, he's then shown crying over her own sorrow and despair over her unrewarding but beautiful dream that she kept pursuing, which was enough to grant peace to her mind, and they faded together in the same time, knowing that a journey to Hell would be all right when they're together.

Fate/Grand Order

Achilles appears in Alexander's interlude, having trained many sailors and pirates. He doesn't fight Alexander directly, but suggests the two may meet again some day.^[13]

Event: Inheritance of Glory

Following the conclusion of the Great Holy Grail War, Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia, still fused with Vlad III, remained in the Greater Grail. Stilling wishing to acquire the Grail, he manifested mindless replicas of the war’s participating Servants (except the Rulers) to fight endlessly in a recreation of the war inside a recreation of Trifas.^[14][15]

Injured by Balmung, Sieg uses his influence as the Greater Grail's caretaker to convert at least two replica Servants into proper Servants.^[16][15] Those two just happen to be Chiron and Achilles. At Chiron's behest, who's already escaping with Ritsuka, Achilles helps Sieg escape.^[16] He brings him to Millenia Fortress, where Ritsuka and Chiron went, and puts him in the garden. He informs Chiron and Ritsuka of this, encouraging the latter to check on Sieg. After Ritsuka returns with Sieg, Chiron tells everyone they have no chance of winning with their current numbers. At his suggestion, the group discusses how to defeat the twelve Servants. Ritsuka suggests defeating at least three Servants. Chiron says he and Achilles can fight nine, while Ritsuka and Sieg take on three. He then trains the others on how to detect and dodge the Noble Phantasms of the replica Servants by nightfall. Afterward, he has Achilles help him set up Bounded Field traps to separate the nine Servants.^[15]

Later that night, the group observe from the fortress wall that the Servants are approaching the fortress. Chiron and Achilles jump down from the fortress and activate the traps they set up earlier to separate the Servants. They then fend off nine Servants, while Ritsuka and Sieg fight replicas of Avicebron, William Shakespeare, and Jack the Ripper.^[15] Eventually, the sun rises, prompting all replica Servants to disappear. Chiron tells everyone to rest for today, though he has Achilles help him reset the traps.^[17]

That night, joined by now joined by the rematerialized Avicebron, Shakespeare, and Jack, Chiron says they'll use the same tactics as last night, except this time he wants Achilles to help Ritsuka and Sieg. He also orders Avicebron to support everyone with his golems, and  Shakespeare to buff whichever party he finds interesting. After Jack agrees not to aid Ritsuka, the group jumps down from the wall to defeat Spartacus, Atalanta, and Frankenstein.^[17] After the Servants disappear with the rising sun, Achilles discusses with Sieg on how it's possible for all the replica Servants, even those with divinity, to be able to harm him. Chiron then tells everyone to return to the fortress quickly upon suspecting the absent replica Shakespeare infiltrated the fortress to kill Shakespeare.^[18]

Fortunately, the group finds Shakespeare safe and sound. Achilles later asks the rematerialized Atalanta if she is the same one his father always spoke of. Atlanta realizes he is Peleus' son and recalls Pelesus as the man she threw during a wrestling match. Chiron then enters the room and asks for her help in making traps. Atalanta accepts, but she wonders what their duty is since they're are all inside the Grail. Chiron replies it is to protect the Grail and says they were enemies in reality. Atalanta finds it normal for enemies to become allies; Achilles says they were allies as Servants of Red. Atalanta is glad to have him as an ally but points out the enemy has Divinity to negate his immortality. She finds the prospect of potentially fighting herself later unpleasant. Thus, she asks Achilles to not drag her body around. Achilles replies he wouldn't do that unless he was a Berserker, to which Atalanta confesses she was joking. Despite lacking memories of the Great Grail War, Atalanta feels like she and Achilles spoke often. Achilles confesses he always wanted to meet her ever since his father spoke fondly of her. Atalanta pleads with him to stop out of embarrassment.^[18]

That night, at Chiron's behest, Atalanta launches Phoebus Catastrophe, but replica Astolfo uses Hippogriff to avoid it. In response, she, Chiron, and Achilles go to engage the enemy directly, but Chiron finds the enemy is using his tactics.^[18]

The next day, the group is joined by the re-materialized Astolfo, Siegfried, and Mordred. Achilles and Mordred nearly get into a fight but Frankenstein stops them by smacking them both, not wanting the flowers to be destroyed. It is then determined that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon is the enemy base. While agreeing with a direct assault, Chiron warns their chances of success will be low since twelve Servants will be guarding the Gardens. Avicebron advises against attacking the Gardens during the day like Atalanta proposed, as a flying golem he sent there on Chiron’s order was forcibly transported outside when night arrived. Chiron asks Sieg if he can move his main body, Fafnir, now. Sieg answers he can fly at a minimum but warns he’ll fall if hit by a Noble Phantasm, especially Balmung. Achilles and Astolfo, therefore, decide to fly alongside him to back him up. He agees to let Chiron ride in his chariot^[19] The next day, before the asssault, everyone eats strawberry sandwiches out in the garden. Achilles exaggerates Chiron’s abilities during this time.^[20]

Later that night, the group flies towards the Gardens. Xanthus (one of Achilles' horses) suspects that the enemy has summoned Achilles and Chiron, having been unable to until now. Chiron heeds the horse's words and tells Achilles for each of them to counter their respective enemy counterparts. Achilles remains skeptical, though, until he sees his enemy counterpart. Eventually, the group breaks through the enemy and enters the Gardens.^[20] Inside they defeat Semiramis and Karna, who rematerializes with a sense of will come morning. They are then guided by Semiramis to where the enemy resides, the Grail’s chamber.^[14]

At the Grail’s chamber, the group meets Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia, the mastermind behind the recreated Great Grail War. Sieg explains who and what Darnic is. He tries to convince him to surrender, saying a broken Grail cannot reach the Root nor activate the Third Magic. Darnic refuses and reminds the group that he already controls 87% of the Grail. He declares that as long as he possesses the Grail, none of them will ever disappear, but they will once he’s gone. He then proposes using the Grail to incarnate them if they agree to join him. But they all refuse his proposal on their own principles as heroes. Expecting that to be their answer, Darnic connects to a replica of the Grail that emerges from within the Grail to Sieg’s shock. He then fights the group by having the replica Grail continually spawn replica Servants.^[14] The group struggle at first since the replica Grail is using their class affinities against them, so they decide to do the same.^[21]

After the replica Grail is destroyed, Darnic refuses to give up when he’s struck by Kazikli Bey from the supposedly sealed Vlad III. Unlike the others though, he retained his memories of the Great Grail War due to Darnic fusing with him during it. He eventually convinces Darnic to accept that his broken dream can never be recovered. After Darnic and Vlad disappear, Semiramis teleports the group back to the ground.^[22]

On the ground, Achilles recounts that while he was alive, he could never relax after winning a battle because he knew the next battle was never far off. He is, therefore, glad that he doesn't have to worry about that. It also pleases him that there were no citizens to be caught in the crossfire, and Hector wasn't present. He then disappears, promising Ritsuka that he'll come when called if they find themselves in trouble in Greece.^[22]

Atlantis: Ancient Ocean of the Dreadnought Gods

Achilles is summoned into the Atlantic Lostbelt as one of hundreds of Heroic Spirits assigned to protect Proper Human History. He is one of few to survive against Kirschtaria Wodime and the forces of the Twelve Machine Gods, led by the Lostbelt versions of his allies in life, Odysseus and Chiron. Before the arrival of Chaldea, Achilles fought with Chiron and was struck by an arrow in his heel, thus costing him his invulnerability and reducing his speed by seventy percent with the loss of Andreias Amarantos.^[23] Achilles is an ally during the Lostbelt, though he chafes with fellow ally Paris for having killed him in life, while the latter bears a grudge against him for having killed his brother Hector.

During the climax, Achilles sacrifices his armor, a Divine Construct, as one of the requirements to use Super Orion’s third Noble Phantasm, Ortygia Amore Mio. After this, he sacrificed his life to give Super Orion time to shoot down the Lostbelt version of Artemis.^[24][25]

Wandjina World Tour

^[26]

Other appearances

Non in-universe appearances

Abilities

Having once been a powerful and exceptional hero whose level was exceedingly close to that of the gods,^[10][11] Achilles is known as one of the greatest heroes in history, with numerous legends befitting his fame.^[10] Even among the heroes of the Trojan War who were regarded as having power comparable to the Gods,^[27] Achilles stands above them as the strongest.^[28] As such Achilles is without a doubt, a first-rate Servant,^[7] as he is not only as top rank as a Heroic Spirit can conceivably be, but he also boasts of worldwide‐class fame. After all, his name is attached to one of the vital points of the human body.^[7] There are likely less than ten heroes, including him, whose names are known on that scale.^[11] He is a hero who boasts outstanding popularity and strength in Greek mythology,^[5] which equals that of fellow Greek hero Heracles,^[7][11] with Jason, the leader of Argonauts, once stating that Achilles is the second strongest hero in all of Greece.^[23] Due to Achilles' power, the Subcategory Holy Grail War in Greece simply turned into a competition for his Catalyst, just like the previous one was a competition for a catalyst for Heracles before he was banned.^[29]

Being regarded by Chiron as an extremely overpowered Rider,^[30] Achilles' parameters are quite excellent.^[10] During the Great Holy Grail War, Achilles was the undisputed strongest alongside Karna, with both Jeanne d'Arc and Shirou Kotomine having estimated that Achilles possesses power and ability that rivals Karna.^[10][31] Compared to the other servants of the Red Faction - putting aside Mordred, who was operating independently - Karna and Achilles were truly unparalleled.^[32] As such, it is truly a case of two star players in a single team.^[33] With Kotomine additionally confirming that he possesses the strength and fame necessary to oppose Vlad III, even within Romania.^[32] Even so, it was later noted that if the two were to fight, Vlad III would still have some degree of advantage over him.^[11] When Mordred heard Kotomine's words, she considered the possibility of Artoria Pendragon being the servant he was talking about.^[32] Achilles' combat strength is noted to be great enough face Avicebron's Adam, head-on and achieve victory with ease. Something that took a team comprised of Mordred, Sieg, Chiron, Jeanne d'Arc, and Astolfo perfectly following a coordinated tactic to defeat.^[34]

Additionally, besides the Rider class, Achilles possesses the qualifications to be summoned as a Lancer, Berserker and, quite unusually, a Shielder. His complement of Noble Phantasms is slightly different in each of the other classes. For instance, as a Lancer, he would lose his chariot, but instead, his spear would gain the secondary effect of causing HP reduction. Naturally, due to Achilles' abnormally abundant number of Noble Phantasms, he is a Servant who would instantly run out of Magical Energy if he used them in a normal Holy Grail War. In particular, the mana consumption of his chariot is uncommonly harsh, and only a first-rate Master could fully utilize him.^[7] In the worst case, it is estimated that it can consume enough mana to summon another Servant besides Achilles.^[35]

In the Atlantic Lostbelt, Achilles had access to his Divine Construct armor which was forged by Hephaestus at the request of Achilles' mother Thetis but gave it to Hephaestus to reforged into Orion's Aegis Eclipse and two arrows so he can shoot down Artemis.^[24][25] It is believed by the Dioscuri that Achilles' armour, along with their shield, were made from the Divine Steel Adamant, the most durable material in Greek Mythology and which is said to be invincible.^[36] In a normal Holy Grail War, if he was summoned in his home country of Greece, he would possess this golden cloth-like armour due to the geographical boost.^[37]

Combat

Being a natural-born warrior, Achilles grew up becoming tall and powerful.^[7] Like a freed horse, he was unstoppable and untameable, galloping across the fields and surpassing all obstacles with his swift feet. He was also extremely knowledgeable. In the wild, he could find edible plants and fruits with a single glance, and he knew the ways to treat injuries. The way he behaved and held himself, both as a hero and in a royal court, was perfect. Most surprising of all, Achilles was barely ten years old when he had accomplished all of this. He was such a figure, that by this age he was told by Chiron that there was already nothing left for him to teach him.^[38]

Although his physical prowess is abnormal, it is not an impossible standard for a Servant.^[11] Even taking that into account, his speed still greatly stands out,^[11] as he has been recorded in history as the fastest hero among all humanity, lauded for his great valor and prowess in the Trojan War.^[7] During that war, Achilles found a worthy adversary in Hector, who was his equal in strength and skill.^[11] Achilles usually fights his opponents using basic techniques and trying to overwhelm them with his overwhelming speed. But Achilles is not beyond adapting on the fly. In order to temporarily corner Chiron, Achilles was forced to change up his fighting-style with tricky moves in the middle of their fight.^[11]

Achilles' speed is so great that by detecting the swirl of Magical Energy and slight disturbance in the air, he was able to react to Chiron's arrows by allowing him to swiftly turn his head to face the incoming attacks. Leaving even Chiron speechless, Achilles was able to catch and crush one of his arrows between his teeth by predicting that it was aimed for his forehead and, instead of avoiding it, stopping it head-on.^[39]

Achilles' skill with the spear is so great that he would have no trouble being summoned as a Lancer.^[11] In his battle against Siegfried and Frankenstein, he felt no disadvantage at all. Their combined assault, aiming both high and low, was splendidly deflected by Achilles. Although the Greek hero seemed invincible, thanks to Achilles not fighting them seriously, Armor of Fafnir was capable of nullifying all damage Siegfried took, allowing him to keep the fight balanced for the time being.^[10] One thrust from Achilles' spear is strong enough to pierce the scales of Semiramis's divine fish scales with ease. Although Semiramis managed to stop the thrust, Achilles claimed that if he wanted to, he could have put his spear through her scales, her arm and Shirou Kotomine's head, to which Kotomine agreed^[34] Even while heavily injured and weakened at 30% of his speed, Achilles was able to fight Atalanta in her Agrius Metamorphosis form. He was able to deflect five of her arrows at once, all of which had destructive power comparable to a Noble Phantasm.^[40] Despite suffering lethal damage and even having his spiritual core crushed by her attacks, he was eventually able to fatally wound her with a charging spear thrust, thus freeing her from the pelt.^[31][41]

Furthermore, Achilles has a sword that he can use in conjunction with his spear to fight hordes of enemies.^[11] During the Atlantic Lostbelt, Orion made a contest with Achilles to see who could kill more Demonic Beasts, the fastest. Since Achilles was at 30% of his full speed due to his heel having been pierced, and thus, also lost his immortality. With the backing of Ritsuka Fujimaru Orion reached a draw in numbers and won in terms of speed, though Achilles did kill more enemies in a quicker succession and said he could have won if he formulated a better plan.^[42]

Achilles can also throw his spear fast enough to surpass the sound barrier^WP. Although it is said that it is close to impossible to evade this attack, Vlad III in his Legend of Dracula form was able to stop it with just one hand. That said his hand's flesh was torn to shreds, his nerves were snapped apart, and his bones were smashed loudly as a result.^[12]

Due to being trained by Chiron in the world's oldest mixed martial art, Pankration, Achilles is very skilled in unarmed combat, utilizing powerful punches, elbows, and kicks to overwhelm his opponent with his sheer power and speed. A single kick was able to crush Chiron's eye and another was able to send him flying. He can perform throws and locks as well, to slam an opponent to the ground or break their neck. During his barehanded duel against Chiron, his final punch went through his chest and was stated to be equal to a Noble Phantasm.^[31]

Cú Chulainn is capable of fighting Achilles to a draw.^[26]

Skills

Class Skills

• Magic Resistance (C Rank): Cancels spells with a chant below two verses. Cannot defend against Magecraft on the level of greater magecraft and Greater Rituals.^[2][5]
• Riding (A+ Rank): The ability for riding.^[5] Creatures on the level of Phantasmal Beast and Divine Beast can be used as mounts. However, that does not apply to members of the Dragon Kind.^[2][5]

Personal Skills

• Battle Continuation (A Rank): Achilles is able to fight even when given grievous injuries. Compared to Siegfried's weak point that can allow even the weakest of Servants to kill him, Rider, who "doesn't know when to give up", can continue fighting for a time even after either of his weak-points, his heel and heart, are struck.^[2] During the Atlantic Lostbelt, despite having his heel pierced and spiritual core destroyed by Lostbelt Chiron's Antares Snipe, Achilles was able to stall Chiron for a long period of time while destroying his Atlantis guard.^[43]
• Valor (A+ Rank): Thanks to this ability, Achilles is able to nullify mental interference such as coercion, confusion, and glamours. Damage in hand-to-hand combat is also increased.^[2][5]
• Divinity (C Rank): Achilles is the child of Sea Goddess Thetis and the human hero Peleus.^[2][5]
• Affection of the Goddess (B Rank): A skill that represents the affection is from his mother, Thetis. Other than Mana and Luck, all parameters are increased by one rank.^[2][5]

Noble Phantasms

• Troias Tragōidia: As a Rider-class servant, Achilles possesses an A Rank chariot driven by three steeds. The horses consist of the two divine horses bestowed by the sea god Poseidon and the famous horse which Achilles stole from a city.^[2][35][4] The great acceleration of this Noble Phantasm pierces the Sound barrier^WP in a mere instant,^[39] and allows Achilles to trample down the battlefield with godspeed, and the faster it goes, the more damage it is able to deal.^[2] Although Achilles' chariot can close in on Chiron faster than his arrow could reach him, Chiron's Mind's Eye (True) and Clairvoyance allowed him to predict the coordinates it would pass through. By doing so, he could fire arrows before Achilles moved, allowing him to successfully kill one of the three steeds with a single headshot. Knowing that he'd eventually be at a disadvantage if the fight continued, Achilles left his chariot and engaged Chiron in close-range combat.^[39]
• Dromeus Komētēs: In his legend, Achilles is recorded as the fastest hero in human history. This is embodied in his Noble Phantasm Dromeus Komētēs, a continuously invoked Noble Phantasm that is activated by stepping out of his chariot. He can run through a giant battlefield in one breath and obstacles on the field will not slow him down.^[2][4] In the Great Holy Grail War there was no Servant who could beat him in terms of speed, even when he wasn't mounted on his chariot. Even before he was born and after his death, Achilles' speed was unmatched. Even inside the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, where the fame of all servants besides Semiramis is reduced to zero, Karna, who is also quick-witted and agile, is noted to be one step slower than Achilles.^[12] Achilles' speed is equated to instantaneous movement, and he is able to strike anything that enters into his field of vision, as he can close the distance instantly.^[44] Although he must expose his weak point, his speed is so overwhelming that not many Heroic Spirits can keep up with him. Even if an enemy, such as Chiron, can see through all his attacks, they may not necessarily be able to completely avoid or block all of them.^[45] In terms of running speed, Achilles is one of the few people who possess speed equal to Atalanta, who is confident that the swiftness of her feet wouldn't lose to even him.^[46]
• Andreias Amarantos: Achilles' entire body, excluding his heel, boasts the blessing of immortality, which negates all attacks.^[2] Additionally if the Skill's rank isn't equal or higher than Achilles', the damage won't go through completely, reduced to 75% of the damage for D rank and to 50% for E rank. Achilles is susceptible to those with Divinity and Divine Constructs, however. In that case, the damage he receives depends on the rank of the attacker's Divinity.^[47] Should his heel ever be pierced, and injured, Achilles would be severely weakened as his overall grade as a heroic spirit would lowered, he would lose his Dromeus Komētēs Noble Phantasm and have his running speed reduced by 70%.^[48] Furthermore, he would no longer be able to make use of Andreias Amarantos either.^[7] Despite having these drawbacks, Achilles was still able to fight on par with Atalanta in her Agrius Metamorphosis form, who was unable to see his figure and was forced to track his heat.^[41]
• Diatrekhōn Astēr Lonkhē: Achilles' lance, a Noble Phantasm that becomes usable when he steps out his chariot.^[2] It creates an arena cut off from all of the surrounding environment and time, which isn't released until one of the combatants is defeated. It also negates 'flukes' caused by things like divine blessings or luck, allowing fellow Heroic Spirits to engage with Achilles in a one-on-one match, where outside help is impossible. Achilles can only use this Noble Phantasm against male opponents he wishes to fight and who have enough courage and skill to respond to his challenge.^[4][49]
• Akhilleus Kosmos: Achilles' ultimate trump card is his shield, a Divine Construct said to be constructed by the god of smithing, Hephaestus. The shield protects the wielder by deploying a miniature world and can block nearly any attack, whether it be from an Anti-Unit, Anti-Army, Anti-Fortress, Anti-Country, or even Anti-Divine Noble Phantasm.^[2][4] However, due to this Noble Phantasm's nature, it is weak against Anti-World Noble Phantasms.^[50] Achilles boasts that once the shield is activated, it can fend off any manner of attack be it from a man, army, castle, or even god. Its defensive power was high enough to completely block Karna's Vasavi Shakti although it shattered afterward.^[51] Achilles is also able to use this shield to “attack” as well. After deploying the Noble Phantasm, he would aim to crush the enemy with that miniature world by continuously pushing forward. Most likely, Hephaestus never thought of such a method of using it. It doesn't require considerable skill and power to invoke its true name.^[50]

Development

Creation and Conception

He was not part of the designs for the original canceled online game project. Since Georgios was discarded and left an empty Rider slot, Yuuichirou Higashide thought it should be someone really famous who wouldn’t be too intertwined with the main plot of the story and the candidate that came to his mind was Achilles.^[52]

Achilles was designed by Ototsugu Konoe in Fate/Apocrypha.

Achilles was illustrated by Ototsugu Konoe in Fate/Grand Order. His scenario writer is Yuuichirou Higashide in Fate/Grand Order. ^[5]

Notes

References