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« What can you possibly accomplish in the furthest depths of your journey for tomorrow? |
| (Edmond Dantès) |
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| Chaldea Security Organization |
|---|
| Locations |
| Technology |
| Grand Orders |
| Human Order Incineration Incident |
| Remnant Order |
| Human Order Revision Incident |
| Ordeal Call |
| Inner World of Paper Moon (OCI) |
| Edo Singularity |
| Inescapable Gehenna (OCII) |
| Moon Dubai (OCIII) |
| Reckoning Singularity (OCIV) |
| Ordeal Call V |
| Presidential Singularities |
| Singularity F |
| Human Order Annihilation (Arcade) |
Inescapable Gehenna, IdWP (不可逆廃棄孔 イドWP, Fukyagaku Haiki Kō Ido?)[1] is a Wastehole within the mind of Ritsuka Fujimaru of Chaldea Security Organization, a space resulting from contracting with numerous Servants. Upon the start of the Ordeal Call, Edmond Dantès, the main figure in charge of managing the Wastehole, decides to utilize it as the space for the Ordeal Call of the Avenger Class and to trap and defeat Apostle of the Alien World Alessandro di Cagliostro, manifesting Pseudo-Tokyo (疑似東京?), acting as Ordeal Call II (奏章Ⅱ?) of the Ordeal Call operation.
Setting
Prior to Ordeal Call
During Ordeal Call
In order to help Fujimaru truly understand the meaning of the Avenger class, Edmond Dantés creates a world out of Fujimaru's memories based on their home in Tokyo in the year 2015. Servants are used to represent their friends and family:
- Father: Edmond Dantès
- Mother: Leonardo da Vinci
- Younger sister: Leonardo da Vinci (Rider)
- Aunt: Scáthach
- Neighbor, childhood friend, school kouhai: Mash Kyrielight
- Classmates: Jeanne d'Arc (Alter), Mandricardo, and Osakabehime
- School senpai: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Homeroom teacher: Boudica
- Music teacher: Antonio Salieri
In addition, Taira-no-Kagekiyo and Hassan of the Shining Star insert themselves into the world under the guise of transfer students, and Alessandro di Cagliostro and Marie Antoinette Alter do so as the vice principal and student council president respectively.[2]
For the duration of the Ordeal Call, the Wastehole is a Singularity.[3]
After Ordeal Call
When the Avenger Servants decide to leave Chaldea, Edmond Dantès entrusts Abigail Williams with managing the Wastehole and protecting Fujimaru's mind.
History
Journey of Blood
Images of a street, a school, a house, an intersection, and a cityscape are shown. A narration states they’re all things someone has nostalgic memories of. They cannot forget them, even when far away.[4]
They see familiar and friendly faces, but they’re confident it is all a dream or an illusion. Their uncertain hunch soon warps reality, and that fleeting experience comes to an end.[4]
A pitch-black cloak appears before them in a back alley. It tells them to open their eyes and adorn their Mystic Code. They nod in agreement.[4]
The narration implores them to forge ahead and surpass the flames of vengeance. It implores them to remember for what reason they came here. A trail of flaming footprints in the sand is shown.[4]
Tokyo/Ordeal Call Case II
In the Storm Border’s cafeteria, Ritsuka, Mash, Leonardo da Vinci, Jeanne d’Arc Alter, Jeanne d’Arc, and Marie Antoinette just listened to an audio recording of the Count to narrow down his identity.[5]
Marie finds his voice nostalgic. Mash presumes that means the Count is possibly connected to 18th century French royal family. Da Vinci warns the Count may not be that straightforward, but it’s possible since he is a court. His title could just be an alias, but it’s more than likely he was someone who held such a title in the past.[5]
Mash lists three major counts who could be potential Heroic Spirits: Count Dracula, a fictional vampire modelled after Vlad III, the Count of Monte Cristo, one of the pseudonyms ascribed to Edmond Dantés, and Count Cagliostro, the person related to the affair that caused Marie so much trouble. Da Vinci singles out Cagliostro as a possible candidate for the Count and asks Marie if she remembers him.[5]
Marie is hesitant to answer when Jeanne Alter asks if the trouble Cagliostro caused her was him plotting to overthrow the royal family. Marie doesn’t give her a straight answer.[5]
Mash explains the Affair of the Diamond NecklaceWP was a major cause of fraud surrounding a necklace of enormous wealth. The perpetrators used Marie’s name to misapproiate it, prompting much rebuke toward the queen, even though the rumors were baseless. The people were tired of daily life and politics, so the Affair of the Diamond Necklace served in a way as impetus for an outburst of emotion.[5]
The suspected mastermind of the scandal was Alessandro di Cagliostro, an immensely popular adventurer among the people. Marie only met him once, but she recalls he debuted in Parisian social circles under the pretense he was a practitioner of spirit evocation and alchemy and a doctor and philanthropist. There were even rumors he was the exiled prince of an eastern kingdom. He was also said to heal the sick and poor and gave them alms. [5]
He was never officially charged for the scandal, so it is unknown if he truly was the mastermind, but he was forced to leave Paris in the end. However, as the Affair of the Diamond Necklace was meant to discredit the royal family, it is agreed that Cagliostro had laid the groundwork for the French Revolution.[5]
Ritsuka asks Marie if she remembers her impression of Cagliostro. Marie remembers him being very polite, but his smile being fake and slippery. Ritsuka, Mash, and Jeanne Alter all agree that is the impression they got from his voice. Jeanne Alter even compares it to Limbo. A voice comments, “it is more than likely.”[5]
Edmond materializes before the group, having listened in on their conversation. Everything he has heard of the Count fits Cagliostro’s character. He advises Ritsuka to take care of him, warning Cagliostro will pursue his prey no matter how far. He confesses the two of them have a history.[5]
Massh recalls Cagliostro was released for the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, but died in 1795 in prison in Rome. Edmond reveals he first met Cagliostro in 1838, the latter having presumably obtained eternal youth. He then dematerializes.[5]
Da Vinci realizes it would be possible for Cagliostro to extend hiss lifespan if he was a magus. She says most magi in the Common Era tend to avoid leaving a mark on history, which Jeanne Alter finds ironic coming from her. Da Vinci boasts how her previous self was a genius.[5]
Her being a genius then brings up of attending school. Jeanne Alter, recalling Ritsuka was a student before Chaldea, asks them if there were any child prodigies like Da Vinci. Ritsuka replies their school was normal.[5]
Meanwhile, Edmond materializes in the hallway, coughing up blood for some reason. He states thanks to the talk earlier, his Spirit Origin and his flames now have a set destination. Remarking on the Ordeal Call, he decides to fulfill his role in a way most suited to him.[5]
Later in the cafeteria, Ritsuka tells Kadoc Zemlupus how the Count is possibly Cagliostro. While he does think it’s plausible, the only “Count” that comes to mind for him is Chaldea’s own Edmond. He will nevertheless let Ritsuka decide the best course of action.[5]
The emergency alarm then suddenly sounds off. Sion Eltnam Sokaris over the intercom apologizes it was meant to be a yellow alert, not a red alert. She urges Ritsuka to come to the control room as quickly as possible. Ritsuka and Kadoc head over there immediately.[5]
In the control room, they learn the summoning system activated on its own and fully summoned a Servant not among the registered Spirit Origins despite all the system’s safeguards. Everyone, particularly Captain Nemo and the Nemo Series for whom the Storm Border is akin to their own body, is baffled how this could happen. They, Da Vinci, and Sion start looking into the cause.[5]
Ritsuka asks about the Servant that was summoned. Mash tells them the Servant is acquainted with them. She tries to explain what she means when said Servant barges in.[5]
He introduces himself as Hassan of the Shining Star and is pleased to meet Ritsuka again. Ritsuka does not remember him, even though Hassan says they fought together in Tokyo. Hassan quickly realizes his summoning was shifted to occur prematurely, shocking everyone that he met Ritsuka in a future Singularity.[5]
Edmond materializes; Hassan looks ready to fight him. Ritsuka steps in between them, wanting to talk things out first when they suddenly begin to consciousness. Mash realizes it is a precursor to REM REM sleep and tells everyone to prepare to maintain vital. Ritsuka loses consciousness.[5]
Seemingly speaking to Ritsuka, Edmond states all distortions are to be cleared. Borrowing his words, he tells Ritsuka the “distortion” is far removed from a Singularity. This Singularity isn’t one of human history and presently the only Singularity worth fearing are the Elements. Thus, the location of the distortions are all nonstandard.[5]
Ritsuka finds themselves in Tokyo in their old hometown as if they had rayshifted there.[5]
This Looks Like Someplace I Know
Ritsuka walks to the downtown area. They find Tokyo nostalgic, but they’re unsure if it’s because it’s the past or because it is their home. Their memories are too hazy to remember and they can’t call the others to verify anything.[6]
They hear a voice, but it didn’t come from any of the people on the street. They follow it to an alleyway, only to find nothing when they’re attacked by a hand made of blue flames.[6]
The enemy is defeated thanks to Ritsuka’s on the spot summoning, but it felt more taxing than usual.[6]
A shadow shaped like Edmon then suddenly emerges in front of him. The shadow doesn’t seem to speak until Ritsuka presumes he is indeed Edmond. He denies he is Edmond and calls himself Ritsuka’s shadow before vanishing.[6]
Ritsuka is left confused when they’re found by a high schoolgirl who seems to know them and is curious as to why they’re in such a dangerous. They leave the alleyway with her and see she looks exactly like Jeanne Alter, whose name they say outward. The girl corrects them that her name is Oruta.[6]
Oruta notes this is the first time Ritsuka called her by her name. But ignoring that, she informs them Ricardo and Himeko were looking for them and suggests checking in on them. She leaves, telling Ritsuka she’ll see them tomorrow.[6]
Two high school students then approach Ritsuka, curious about what they’re doing downtown. Ritsuka confusedly calls them by their names, Ricardo and Himeko, noticing they look like Mandricardo and Osakabehime, respectively.[6]
Himeko assumes Ritsuka has amnesia, so she reminds them that her and Ricardo’s full names are Ricardo Andou and Himeko Osakabe, and the year is 2015. Ricardo tells them Kyrie has been looking for them and suggests they hurry home for dinner. Himeko reveals Kyrie is Ritsuka’ next-door childhood friend. She and Ricardo then try to leave when Ritsuka asks where they live.[6]
Following Himeko's and Ricardo’s instructions, Ritsuka finds their house. They see a high school girl who looks like Mash standing in front of the door and presumes she is Kyrie.[6]
You Look Like Someone I Know
In the Storm Border’s infirmary, Paracelsus von Hohenheim talks with Edmond about how people hold many different phantoms; those they love, those they resent, those who live, those who are dead. These phantoms accumulate as people continue to meet new people and part with them. At times, the different phantoms overlap with one another. It could thus be said a person’s mind is a microcosm in which many different personalities.[7]
Edmond agrees with Paracelsus’ assessment, comparing the microcosm to an unending prison. Paracelsus notes, unlike the macrocosm, the microcosm is untethered from space and time. He suspects it is something both Edmond and Ritsuka possess, which Edmond confirms.[7]
Kyrie tells Ritsuka she just got back herself, having bought mild curry roux on the way since they were out and it is curry day today. She is here to help their mom tonight.[7]
The two of them enter Ritsuka’s house and are welcomed back by Ritsuka’s little sister, who looks like Da Vinci. She stops Ritsuka from going into their dad’s study. The three of them then proceed to the living room, where Ritsuka sees their mom looks like the former Da Vinci. They remember how Grigori Rasputin killed her.[7]
Ritsuka's room
At their mom’s behest, Ritsuka goes to their room to change out of their school uniform. They try to think about how to deal with this bizarre situation by themselves when Mash comes in. She tells them she had a dream where everything turned completely white.[7]
The next morning after breakfast, Ritsuka, their little sister, and Kyrie walk to school together. They meet Ricardo and Himeko at the intersection, which is where Ritsuka’s little sister splits off and continues to her elementary school by herself. Ritsuka and the others hurry to school after Himeko sees they’re going to be to late.[7]
Ritsuka's high school
They barely make it, which Mr. Salieri scolds them for; Ritsuka sees he looks like Antonio Salieri. They also meet 3rd year student Amatsuka, who looks like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Everyone then heads for their respective classroom at Mr. Salieri’s behest.[7]
Ritsuka and the others run into Oruta in the hallway. Ritsuka thanks her for yesterday, to which she reminds to stop going into downtown back alleys. Kyrie, Ricardo, and Himeko are all surprised Ritsuka would go to such a dangerous place.[7]
Fuuka Katsume, who looks like Boudica, yells for everyone to get to class already and for Kyrie to get downstairs since she is a first-year student. Everyone gets to their respective classrooms.[7]
In Ritsuka’s classroom, Fuuka announces the arrival of a new transfer student. Said student turns out to be Hassan.[7]
Later, during the lunch break on the roof, Himeko questions why Fuuka had selected Ritsuka to shepherd Hassan. Ricardo and Kyrie offer to help Ritsuka.[7]
Lead by Ricardo, Ritsuka and the others give Hassan a tour of the school. They run into Marie, the student council president, who looks like the Marie Ritsuka knows, during the tour. But Ricardo soon leaves Ritsuka to do the final part of the tour by themself when Himeko asks him to help her and Kyrie move a movie projector for first year geography class.[7]
With it now just him and Ritsuka, Hassan can now sense what place Tokyo is, calling it a dark place of crude worksmanship. Ritsuka tries to ask what he means when they’re attacked by a pack of supposed wolves led a hand made of blue flames. Hassan switches over to his Servant attire to help RItsuka fight the enemy.[7]
After the enemy is defeated, Ritsuka again feels their on-the-spot summoning felt more taxing than usual. Hassan calls their technique and confirms he is indeed a Servant. He then asks them what they think the flames could be, feeling as if they clawed at the depths of his Spirit Origin.[7]
Ritsuka thinks back to their encounter with the shadow in the downtown back alley and tells Hassan there isn’t information yet. Hassan decides to go along with them and leaves, advising they be quicker to defend themselves next time. Ritsuka walks home alone, thinking about how this Tokyo cannot be their home.[7]
Fortress of Lamentation (1/2)
Ritsuka hears the sound of an instrument. The shadow appears before them and tells them it’s time. Seven times a trumpet will blow and for each a Trial—a Servant—will appear. Ritsuka finds this similar to their situation in the recreated Château d’If, where they first met Edmond. The shadow continues that if Ritsuka wants to see tomorrow, then they must overcome the Seven Trials and break the Seven Vengeances. He says it is up to them whether the Seven Trumpets are the Trumpets of Armageddon.[3]
Tokyo Station
Meanwhile, Tokyo Station is surprisingly deserted when Britomart Alter appears. She declares she is the depths of a heart weeping for stolen love. Her lamentation cannot cease, filling her with anger, for her virtues were all lost upon the shores of Britain.[3]
At the same time, in an office somewhere, a man covered with cracks comments the First Trial has appeared and reveals Britomart Alter is not the second but the first. He questions how Ritsuka can overcome her, doubting they will barely last more than two seconds.[3]
A flickering shadow insists Ritsuka will persist onto the end, for they already know the battle. They will never lose their way, no matter how much the man covered with cracks tries to lead them astray. The flickering shadow reminds the man covered with cracks that Ritsuka already ran the gauntlet of Seven Sins in the prison. The man covered with cracks is well aware, calling the Seven Vengeances fragments of his and the flickering shadow’s soul.[3]
Meanwhile, in the Storm Border’s control room, the Chaldeans detect a Singularity and, to their shock, its location is Ritsuka. Abigail Williams, accompanied by Ashiya Douman, simultaneously informs Jeanne Alter and Salieri of this fact in the cafeteria.[3]
Jeanne Alter questions where Edmond has gone as situations like this are his forte. Salieri answers nobody has seen him since he last materialized before her. Not even Florence Nightingale can sense him now and there isn’t a trace of him in Ritsuka’s shadow.[3]
Ritsuka decides their journey can’t end yet, prompting them to be warped to Tokyo Station and before Britomart Alter. They try to talk to her, only to be met with silence. The shadow’s voice tells them their voice cannot reach her, saying she is the First Trial. She is one whose very homeland and love were robbed—the Fortress of Lamentation. She lost everything upon the shores of Britain.[3]
Reiterating her introduction, Britomart Alter proclaims herself an Avenger and attacks Ritsuka, challenging them to defy her if they wish to see tomorrow.[3]
None of Ritsuka’s Servants are able to pierce Britomart Alter’s armor and their summoning exertion still isn’t fading. They run with one of their Servants backing them and fortunately, Britomart Alter’s armor slows her down. But as they’re running and decide to head for the back alley, they see a confused Kyrie. They grab her hand and continue running with her.[3]
The two of them stop at a back alley where they discuss how empty Tokyo Station is. Kyrie recalls she was out shopping at the bookstore near the Marunochi exit when she heard the sound of an instrument coming from somewhere. It was in that moment everyone around her disappeared.[3]
Ritsuka and Kyrie are then found by Oruta and Mr. Salieri. Mr. Salieri recalls he came from Ginza where he was shopping for sheet music when he heard a wind instrument sound off and suddenly everyone around him disappeared. He wandered the deserted city when he came upon Oruta before ending up in Marunochi. It was around here he spotted a group of western knights near the Marunochi exit and quickly hid himself.[3]
Oruta tries to be vague about what she was doing, but Mr. Salieri reveals she was out shopping for “cute merch” much to her embarrassment.[3]
Mr. Salieri suggests they go somewhere where there are people. It would also be best for them to avoid the knights, but with public transit currently unavailable, they will need to proceed on foot. Ritsuka decides they will hold off the knights while the others get away despite Kyrie arguing against it.[3]
The moment they make their decision, a hand made of blue flames followed by a group of black knights—Death Knights. Ritsuka surmises Britomart Alter had sent them. The knights decided they will kill all four, even though Ritsuka is their target. Ritsuka leaves Kyrie and Oruta to Mr. Salieri and proceeds to summon Shadow Servants to fight the knights.[3]
The knights are defeated, but Ritsuka notes the summoning exertion is still harsh. Kyrie remembers they did the same back at the station. Ritsuka promises to explain everything, but first they need the others to escape. Oruta is incredulous about their decision and refuses to leave without them. Mr. Salieri meanwhile agrees to their plan even though he knows as a teacher he should be against it.[3]
He pulls out his cellphone and sees the time is still 17:26, the time that instrument sounded off. Even his mechanical pocket watch is stuck at 17:26. In fact, all clocks in the city have stopped working. Mr. Salieri recognizes they’re in a truly anomalous situation, which is why he has chosen to believe Ritsuka for now.[3]
Relieved to hear that, Ritsuka says they’ll act as bait so the others may escape as quickly as possible. Kyrie and Oruta are very much against it, but Ritsuka remains adamant and leaves them to Mr. Salieri before running off to the station alone.[3]
They see innumerous Death Knights there and contemplate how lost they can survive before the others can escape. But just as they get ready to fight, Oruta comes running in, screaming for them, with Mr. Salieri trying to stop her. The knights decide to kill all three.
In that moment, the shadow does something, allowing Jeanne Alter and Salieri to possess their counterparts. They also inherited their counterparts’ memories, so there is no need for Ritsuka to explain the situation to them. They then proceed to eliminate the Death Knights.[3]
Fortress of Lamentation (2/2)
Ritsuka is surprised Saleri’s attacks are actually effective as their on-the-spot summons are still ineffective, but the exertion is gone at least.[8]
Salieri confesses he felt some sort of magical energy disperse through his Spirit Origin as he manifested, so he and Jeanne Alter are stronger. It isn’t dramatic, but it seems to have increased the effectiveness of Ritsuka’s magical energy transferring to the two of them. Ritsuka presumes the shadow did something, promising to explain everything after the battle.[8]
Hands made of blue flames manifest and more Death Knights show up. Jeanne Alter calls out to Britomart Alter, who is behind the knights. Britomart Alter is amused by Jeanne Alter and Salieri and wishes to see what they’re capable of. The knights attack the heroes on her command, intending to whittle them down slowly with numbers.[8]
The heroes quickly find themselves severely outnumbered, with Britomart Alter slowly approaching. They cannot retreat, however, as that could potentially endanger Kyrie, who is still hiding in the back alley. As such, they decide to continue fighting and target Britomart Alter.[8]
Neither Jeanne Alter’s nor Salieri’s attack can penetrate Britomart Alter’s defenses. Salieri realizes the issue is Lore Defense. Britomart Alter calls it the blessing of the earth—the concept of absolute defense. The heroes decide to retreat, but they’re completely surrounded. Ritsuka therefore orders they carry Kyrie and escape by going up.[8]
Going with Ritsuka’s plan, the heroes jump to the back alley. Kyrie is confused by what “Oruta” is wearing and where the three of them came from. Jeanne Alter carries her while Salieri carries Ritsuka and together they leap to the rooftop of a nearby building to create some distance from the enemy.[8]
The heroes take a break and discuss how to deal with Britomart Alter. Ritsuka recounts the shadow said defeating her was one of the Seven Trials. The shadow appears the moment they say that. Both Jeanne Alter and Salieri find it strange for “Edmond” to be so quiet and note he barely has a presence and magical energy.[8]
The shadow warns “it’s coming”; the heroes realize it is Britomart Alter and prepare themselves for combat. But then they hear what sounds like a jet and realize Britomart Alter is capable of high velocity flight despite her heavy armor. She tries to dive bomb them, but Jeanne Alter and Salieri stop her.[8]
Azamaru bursts from within the shaodw signifying that Taira-no-Kagekiyo has manifested.
They again try to fight, but like before, they cannot penetrate her Lore Defense. Desperate, Ritsuka calls out to the shadow and reaches into him after using a Command Spell. The twin blades of Azamaru burst from within the shadow, prompting Ritsuka to utter the True Name of their wielder who has now manifested――Taira-no-Kagekiyo. [8]
Taira-no-Kagekiyo vs Britomart Alter.
Kagekiyo immediately attacks Britomart Alter after appearing so suddenly, but their attacks are ineffective. Jeanne Alter, though baffled by Kagekiyo’s sudden appearance, tells them normal attacks are useless against Lore Defensse. Kagekiyo unleashes their flames in that case, which Jeanne Alter assumes won’t work since hers didn’t. But Kagekiyo’s flames work in that they push Britomart Alter back. Jeanne Alter follows Kagekiyo’s lead and uses her flames to push Britomart Alter off the roof.[8]
The heroes pursue her to the ground. Britomart Alter questions if Ritsuka is doing what “he” says and walks the path of flame. Jeanne Alter assumes she means the mastermind, but Britomart Alter doesn’t say anymore on that subject and fights the heroes once.[8]
Britomart Alter’s Lore Defense remains impenetrable, but thinking back about what happened on the rooftop, the heroes now know what the blessing of the earth entails. Kagekiyo therefore launches Britomart Alter high into the air, where the latter’s Lore Defense is rendered inert, and unleashes All Things Must Pass - To Flourish Is to Fall on her, cracking her armor. Jeanne Alter follows up by sticking her hand into the crack and unleashing La Grondement Du Haine point-blank, utterly destroying Britomart Alter.[8]
Kagekiyo and Jeanne Alter return to the ground, though the latter injured herself with that last attack. Ritsuka offers to heal her, which she appreciates.[8]
With Britomart Alter gone, the people have returned. Kagekiyo reassures Salieri their mist is already hiding the four of them, so there is no need to worry about any undue attention. Salieri sees the clocks are working again as well and assumes that means the anomaly has passed. He worries though if they’ll be able to bring Ritsuka back alive.[8]
Dream/Reality
A flashback shows Abigail asking Douman about dreams, as Edmond told her he knew all about them. She can enter people’s dreams, but she doesn’t understand the specifics. That is why she wanted someone to explain it to her, knowing from Edmond that Ritsuka has experienced walking in dreams since before she arrived, particularly Shimosa.[9]
Douman realized the topic of Shimosa was what brought Abigail to him. He denied being an authority of dream travel and suggested she ask either Merlin instead. He tried to leave until Abigail said Edmond told her to ask him when it comes to Ritsuka’s dream because he caught his scent somewhere in their dream.[9]
In the present at school, Ritsuka informs Jeanne Alter and Salieri that Kagekiyo disappeared. Jeanne Alter thinks they could summon more Servants from Chaldea by using the same method Ritsuka and the shadow used for her and Salieri.[9]
Salieri notes the shadow seems to be able to call forth Avengers, but he hesitates to call it a summoning. Since Ritsuka had to use a Command Spell for Kagekiyo, it is closer to how you use a Command Spell in an ordinary Grail War to teleport a Servant. But Salieri and Jeanne Alter didn’t require Command Spells, so for them, it is more like they were forcibly beckoned. Salieri recalls Edmond has a Noble Phantasm that can unshackle the bonds of space and time, so he thinks he essentially served as their passageway. [9]
Jeanne Alter asks Ritsuka why they used a Command Spell when they called Kagekiyo. Ritsuka admits they were caught up in the moment. Salieri suspects from it was done at the shadow’s urging and wonders if there is a connection between him and the Singularity, which is why this summon-like “beckoning” exists. Alternatively, it’s possible he created it. Jeanne Alter finds there is precedence for that with the Prison Tower, which she heard Jeanne and Amakusa Shirou Tokisada mention once.[9]
Related, Salieri asks what happened to the shadow. Ritsuka replies he has barely shown himself. Jeanne Alter assumes he is in spirit form, recovering since it must have taken a lot of energy to call her and Salieri forth and keep them powered up. The shadow suddenly appears at the mention of him but just as suddenly goes back into spirit form.[9]
Ritsuka asks Jeanne Alter and Salieri where they went after the battle yesterday. Jeanne Alter answers that she went home, revealing there is almost no drain on her magical energy while she acts as Oruta. Salieri confesses he was hiding near Ritsuka’s home, taking advantage of the fact his counterpart lives alone. He sought to protect Ritsuka, not trusting the shadow could do it.[9]
Jeanne Alter thinks she is being influenced by Oruta, so she automatically thought Ritsuka would be safe at their own house. She commends Salieri for his actions.[9]
She asks Ritsuka how Kyrie was afterward. A flashback show Ritsuka and Kyrie home late last night. Kyrie wanted to ask them about everything that had happened but decided not to, believing she can trust them. What happened at Tokyo Station was also reported as a gas explosion.[9]
Ritsuka confesses their memories of their hometown have been vague ever since they arrived. They’re unsure if this really is their hometown or if they’re living with their actual family. There are also a few familiar faces from Chaldea, making this situation very similar to Shimosa. Their mind and soul were rayshifted elsewhere while their body is in a coma.[9]
Salieri recalls to himself Edmond was in Shimosa according to Chaldea’s records and has reportedly appeared to Ritsuka in other dreams and hallucinations.
He advises they all maintain their roles while they’re in here to not draw any undue attention to themselves. More importantly, they need to bolster their strength in preparation for the six remaining Trials if Britomart Alter yesterday was indeed one of them. It is also possible they will not come one by one.[9]
Jeanne Alter considers it a blessing a trumpet blows on the onset of a Trial. She is worried about their prospects against the other Trials, though, if Britomart Alter was any indication, and wishes they still had Kagekiyo. Salieri concurs, noting if this were true Singularity, the Human Order would have summoned Stray Servants. Ritsuka realizes Hassan might be a Stray.[9]
Later in homeroom, Hassan tells Ritsuka he has been observing, using a technique to vocalize only in their direction. He witnessed them overcome the First Trial and finds it obvious there is a mastermind behind everything. Even if he doesn’t know who they are yet, he is certain he was summoned by the Human Order. He still doesn’t know why it’d summoned an Anti-Hero like him to help Ritsuka, so he will evaluate them. Time will tell if he thinks they’re worth a temporary contract.[9]
Fuuka then announces the arrival of a new transfer student from Kyoto. To Ritsuka and Jeanne Alter’s surprise, it is Kagekiyo, who introduces themself as Ushiwaka.[9]
Transfer Students
Through telepathy, Jeanne Alter demands Ritsuka explain how Kagekiyo can be back and as a transfer student at that. Ritsuka cannot give an explanation. Jeanne Alter senses Kagekiyo is in the same situation as her and Salieri. She decides they will talk with them during their ten-minute break after homeroom.[10]
Come lunchtime and Jeanne Alter is very irritated they couldn’t catch Kagekiyo as the latter leaves the room every time there is a ten-minute break. Ritsuka suggests they pass a note—a letter of challenge—to Kagekiyo during class to bring them out.[10]
That evening after school, Ritsuka, Jeanne Alter, and Salieri wait for Kagekiyo outside the building, having sent them a letter to come to this location. Luring Kagekiyo out was their only recourse, as their Mist of Azamaru Skill prevents them from being actively pursued.[10]
While waiting, Jeanne Alter questions how Hassan, who isn’t possessing anyone, enrolled himself in the school, wondering if it was thanks to a Skill or Noble Phantasm. Salieri reveals Hassan had forged necessary documentation.[10]
Kagekiyo soon arrives while Jeanne Alter goes to hide in the bushes. The letter they were sent was signed by Ritsuka so they question why Salieri is here as well. Ritsuka says they want to talk, which disappoints Kagekiyo as they were expecting a formal duel. They boast they can always fight both Ritsuka and Salieri both at the same time.[10]
Salieri asks Kagekiyo to confirm they are Chaldea’s Kagekiyo and they came to this Singularity yesterday through the efforts of the shadow. He asks them why they disappeared after battle and why they appear now as a transfer student. Kagekiyo agrees to talk if they satisfy them in battle. Jeanne Alter comes out of the bushes and joins the battle against Kagekiyo.[10]
Kagekiyo eventually concedes and, per their own proposal, explains what happened. Under the shadow’s guidance, they possessed their counterpart, a girl named Ushiwaka Yoshitune. Their Spirit Origin was genuine enough when they fought Britomart Alter, but it seems couldn’t hold for long. The shadow sacrificed some of his Spirit Origin and a considerable amount of magical energy to allow them to possess Ushiwaka. Afterward, per his instructions, they underwent the process to transfer to Ritsuka’s school.[10]
Jeanne Alter is shocked the shadow bothered to fill out the paperwork and questions what is the point. Salieri questions if it is necessary for Chaldea to gather its forces at the school. Kagekiyo doesn’t know, but the shadow told them: “Overcome the Seven Trials and the path shall open.” Jeanne Alter presumes the Singularity will be resolved unless they defeat the Seven Trials. Salieri thinks it could also mean the path to Antartica.[10]
Kyrie then comes running in, having heard there was fighting happening. Hassan was the one who told her and is a bit disappointed the fighting is already over. He thought the Servants were on the verge of having a falling out and sought to stop it. Salieri tells him he is welcome to join them, to which Hassan replies that will depend on their future actions.[10]
Jeanne Alter asks Kagekiyo to confirm they are indeed from Chaldea. Kagekiyo indirectly confirms they are.[10]
Suddenly a hand made of blue flames manifests. The heroes destroy it, after which Hassan asks the others if they know what it is. They do not but it seems Ritsuka is its target so it could be a familiar of the mastermind behind the Seven Trials.[10]
Ritsuka offers to give Kyrie an explanation about what she just witnessed. But, like last night, Kyrie decides to just trust them and not ask a single question about it. Ritsuka tells her they’ll do what they can to keep her safe.[10]
Meanwhile, in the hallway, Fuuka is confronted by a hand made of blue flames.[10]
Things Unforgettable
The Servants sense a strong magical energy response coming from within the school. Jeanne Alter and Salieri discuss via telepathy so Kyrie doesn’t hear whether it is an enemy Servant or not when Jeanne Alter notices Kagekiyo and Hassan trying to go off on their own to confirm it for themselves. Ritsuka heads inside with Jeanne Alter, Kagekiyo, and Hassan while Salieri takes Kyrie somewhere safe.[11]
Fuuka finds herself suffering from what she assumes is a hangout talking about how she must kill every roman in Londinium. Hassan senses a Servant, albeit not fully materialized, coming from her and wants to kill her before she is fully possessed and becomes a Pseudo-Servant. Ritsuka refuses to let him kill her, though.[11]
The Servant possessing Fuuka partially manifests, revealing herself to be Boudica. She isn’t Chaldea’s Boudica, however, and her class is Avenger. Her Spirit Origin also hasn’t fully manifested itself, so Ritsuka wants to stop her before she fully possesses Fuuka.[11]
Hassan is incredulous that Ritsuka still refuses to kill her. Ritsuka responds that while they don’t know the specifics of the Singularity, they didn’t come here to kill anyone. Jeanne Alter agrees with them.[11]
She thinks to herself how her Spirit Origin takes the form of the revenge-seeking Dragon Witch because that is what her creator wished her to be. But now she fights for the Human Order as part of Chaldea because of Ritsuka’s strong moral compass. The heroes fight Boudica, making sure not to harm Fuuka.[11]
They eventually knock her out, returning Fuuka to normal. Ritsuka uses their Rain of Isis Mystic Code to excise Boudica from her. Hassan commends Ritsuka on their skills at commanding and leaves, saying he will continue to evaluate them and their allies.[11]
Meanwhile, the man covered with cracks reveals Boudica wasn't the Second Trial as she failed to fully manifest. The flickering shadow tells him Ritsuka confronted her once before in the spiral tower, certain they will not be so easily led astray by his schemes. The man covered with cracks responds he wouldn’t be so sure.[11]
Dark Flame
Walking home, Jeanne Alter asks Ritsuka if they would want to hangout together downtown, but Ritsuka declines. Getting closer to Ritsuka’s house, Jeanne Alter decides to split off, believing Salieri will be nearby there to protect them.[12]
She confesses it would be nice if they could stay together all the time, but like Ritsuka says, that would be rude to the bodies they’re possessing. She is a bit surprised Ritsuka thinks they’re possessing someone as well, but their real body is currently in a coma, so if it’s possible they are possessing. Either Da Vinci or Sion could explain it once comms have been reestablished. Jeanne Alter leaves.[12]
Ritsuka is confronted by the shadow in front of their house, but he says nothings and disappears. Entering their house, Ritsuka finds it eerily dark and quiet when they see their mom’s bloodied corpse in the hallway. They think back to when Rasputin killed the former Da Vinci.[12]
Unsure she is actually dead yet, though, Ritsuka goes to check her vitals, but that is when they see inside the living room. There they see their little sister has been murdered as well. But refusing to give up hope their family is dead, Ritsuka decides to call the ambulance in a desperate attempt to save them. But there by the phone, they see Kyrie’s bloodied corpse, who seems to have tried to use it. Traumatized by it all, Ritsuka’s thoughts are filled with revenge. A trumpet sounds.[12]
Scales of Perdition (1/2)

Ritsuka is now outside their house, which has been cornered off as a crime scene. Jeanne Alter arrives, having heard what happened, and asks Ritsuka if they’re okay. Ritsuka simply nods. Jeanne Alter wonders who could have murdered Ritsuka’s family and Kyrie when Salieri arrives. He tries to ask Ritsuka if they presume the culprit to be unnatural when Jeanne Alter stops him and demands to know where he was this whole time.[13]
Salieri recounts after walking Kyrie to Ritsuka’s house he hid himself within fifty meters of the building. He felt Ritsuka’s safety was all but assured at school with Jeanne Alter and Kagekiyo around, so he proceeded to monitor their neighbor to protect them at home. Yet he felt no magical energy nor any Servants. The only magical energy he felt in the last thirty minutes was Jeanne Alter’s. Both at the time Ritsuka came home and right now. He apologizes for being unable to prevent the fact three people died under his watch, but Ritsuka doesn’t blame him.[13]
He recommends they think of future countermeasures as the current situation dictates they stay on high alert. He thinks if the murders are the work, then they may have a camouflage ability or even…[13]
Jeanne Alter grabs him by the collar, disliking his insinuation that she might be the murderer and threatens to kill him. Salieri dares her to do it if it will improve the situation, seeing how his Spirit Origin is accustomed to being pinned with sins that aren’t his. Ritsuka begs for the two of them to stop. Jeanne Alter lets go of Salieri, insisting she wasn't serious.[13]
West Shinjuku Sign Ring
The shadow appears before Ritsuka. He says nothing when everyone suddenly vanishes just like what happened at Tokyo Station. A trumpet sounds and the shadow repeats what he told Ritsuka at the beginning of the First Trial. Meanwhile, at the West Shinjuku Sign Ring crossing, Nitocris Alter has manifested as the Second Trial.[13]
The man covered with cracks states the Second Trial has manifested as the true Avenger Nitocris despite her being a vengeless Avenger. He doubts Ritsuka will last more than two seconds against her because while she is the weakest Avenger, she is also the most heartless. The flickering shadow is certain, however, Ritsuka will surpass her.[13]
Ritsuka demands the shadow to tell them if the Trial is why his family and Kyrie had to die. The shadow only tells Ritsuka his flame is in them and so the Seven Flames shall come. The heroes are then warped to the West Shinjuku Sign Ring crossing.[13]
Nitocris Alter is high above in the skies; Salieri senses something strange about her Spirit Origin. The shadow tells Ritsuka that she is the Second Trial—One whose throne and love and all were tainted—the Scales of Perdition formed in exchange for her own life. Ritsuka readies for battle. Nitocris Alter challenges them to defy her if they long for tomorrow and summons hordes of undead. The heroes fight even though they’re outnumbered.[13]
After Jeanne Alter eliminates the last of the undead, Salieri tries to kill Nitocris Alter, only for his attacks to be blocked by some sort of shield. She then teleports to the lateral side of the 42nd floor of the Shinjuku Sumimoto Building and summons more undead. The heroes continue to fight.[13]
Outnumbered by both powerful undead and Sphinxes, the heroes recognize they need to escape. Salieri unleashes Dio Santissimo Misericordia de mi, which the heroes use as a cover to escape to Shinjuku Central Park.[13]
Jeanne Alter agrees with Salieri that something felt strange about her, calling her a true Avenger. She reminds Ritsuka they met Nitocris Alter before in a Lostbelt when they ask what she means by pure.[13]
Salieri recalls reports said Nitocris Alter introduced herself as a vengeless avenger. Jeanne Alter adds because Nitocris Alter was a vengeless avenger, she couldn’t become a perfect Avenger, so madness has to be included in her Spirit Origin. But she senses the Nitocris Alter here lacks madness and is pure Avenger. Salieri decides to trust her intuition, seeing how she and Nitocris Alter are both what-ifs that couldn’t exist under normal circumstances.[13]
But Jeanne Alter questions what is it with all the Avengers. Salieri suspects the shadow may know the answer, but Jeanne Alter complains he barely comes out and speaks in riddles. She demands he immediately give them reinforcements like he did last time, preferably through the method he called her and Salieri forth with. The shadow doesn’t show himself, so the heroes begin to devise a plan of their own.[13]
Scales of Perdition (2/2)
The heroes return to the West Shinjuku Sign Ring crossing and fight the undead that are summoned.[14]
A skeleton soldier reports to Nitocris that the heroes have reduced the south army by 30%. Nitocris Alter orders them to force the heroes into exhausting their magical energy. She sics two Hehu Sphinxes on the Avengers to kill them and leave Ritsuka defenseless.[14]
Jeanne Alter and Salieri slay three Soul Eaters when the two Hehu Sphinxes Nitocris Alter had sent arrive. They take them down after some struggling, but they do not kill them since the plan was to get Nitocris Alter to reduce her defenses. With that done, the heroes go after her.[14]
A skeleton soldier implores Nitocris Alter to retreat, but she refuses when the heroes arrive. To their surprise, however, a third Hehu Sphinx was protecting her in spirit form this whole time. Despite this setback, though, the heroes press on and battle Nitocris Alter.[14]
Overwhelmed, Jeanne Alter and Salieri both agree they need to retreat. But Ritsuka ignores them and advances toward Nitocris Alter, thinking they can defeat her before her forces reform. Nitocris Alter readies to kill them when Hassan arrives with Kagekiyo and throws out a flashbang. Kagekiyo stays to fight alongside Jeanne Alter and Saleri while Hassan takes Ritsuka to safety despite their refusal to go.[14]
Retreating to the park, Hassan scolds Ritsuka for letting their anger get the besst of them. He asks them why they stand here now, knowing from Saleri they have been on a journey for a long time now. He asks if the purpose of their journey is just to slay their enemies.[14]
Ritsuka admits they couldn’t forgive Nitocris Alter. They recall the bodies of their family and Kyrie and declare they need to end the Second Trial now when a sphinx suddenly arrives. Hassan is surprised it had Presence Concealment and fights it.[14]
He is unable to hold it back, so he tries to retreat with Ritsuka by jumping high into the air. But the sphinx comes after them, attacking them with its flames. Realizing they can’t stay in the air, Ritsuka tells Hassan to rejoin the others, reassuring him they don’t intend to die.[14]
They join the others with the sphinx having followed them. Fortunately, it is weakened from its battle with Hassan, so the heroes only need to finish it off. Unfortunately, Nitocris Alter summons more undead and worse still, all three of her sphinxes have regenerated.[14]
Anubis bursts from within the shadow signifying Chaldea's own Nitocris Alter has manifested.
Now calm, unlike how they before, Ritsuka calls out to the shadow and repeats what they need in the First Trial. Anubis bursts from within the shadow, prompting Ritsuka to utter the True Name of the one under his protection who has now manifested――Nitocris Alter.[14]
Nitocris Alter immediately destroys two of the sphinxes with a single attack. The other Nitocris Alter calls her inferior and a fake, but Ritsuka asserts she is the fake here. She is so taken aback that she breaks her own formation. The heroes take this chance to charge through and attack her.
The true Nitocris Alter easily destroys the fake Nitocris Alter’s divine barrier. A flashback shows Nitocris requested Ritsuka to kill her without hesitation if she ever appeared as a pure Avenger. Ritsuka didn’t want to do that and considered Nitocris too strong for them. But Nitocris was certain they could do it for they, who despite bearing life, still strike at the gods through the power of death.
The fake Nitocris Alter sees the Black Barrel inside Ritsuka’s soul and becomes terrified of them. The true Nitocris Alter hits her with Neferu Suen Anubis, which she follows up with by using Anpu Neb Ta Djeser to borrow the shadow’s power to call forth Dioscuri. Salieri remembers the twins are Double Classed as Saber and Avenger and is surprised Nitocris Alter used the shadow’ power to beckon Chaldea’s Dioscuri forth.[14]
Dioscuri strikes the fake Nitocris Alter with Dioscures Tyndaridae, slicing her head off diagonally. After she disappears, the true Nitocris Alter comments she is a vengeless avenger so she must never speak of her own vengeance. She bids farewell to the impossible her and disappears. Dioscuri disappears immediately afterward.[14]
A narration comments nothing comes of revenge. It only spreads misery and tears throughout the world and burdens oneself with sin and punishment. Yet the narration is certain Ritsuka now knows how alluringly sweet the blood of their foes is.[14]
If I Ever Lost You
In their mind, someone warns Ritsuka the temptations of revenge are far too great, so they will need an unwavering will of steel to reach the end of their journey.[15]
Ritsuka dreams of Edmond’s past back when he was still pursuing his revenge as the Count of Monte Cristo. It is 1838, and Edmond and his servants are on a train somewhere in France. He brings up the topic of Nitocris and how she avenged her brothers, which reminds his steward Bertuccio of Boudica. Edmond is uncertain Nitocris’ anger matched Boudica’s, but her revenge was fulfilled regardless. He comments there are those consumed by kindness who lay down their arms and those who lack either a fire bright enough or who find a river to give it bounds.[15]
On that note, Bertuccio brings up Spencer’s The Faerie Queen. In the book, the lady knight Britomart loses the king she had befriended and her beloved husband to a diabolical traitor. She was not consumed by vengeance, however, and went on to raise her and her husband’s child.[15]
Edmond concludes it was love that kept the flames of vengeance at bay for Britomart, which he finds marvelous. But his own avenging path, lacking in both love and kindness, will be everlasting. He will not suffer anyone stand in the way of his revenge.[15]
Ritsuka wakes up from dreaming about Edmond’s past and utters his title: the Count of Monte Cristo. They wonder why he is a shadow and why he has so little to tell them. The only thing they do know is that their family and Kyrie are nowhere to be found.[15]
Walking together to school, Jeanne Alter tells Ritsuka that Chaldea’s Nitocris Alter and Dioscuri are unlikely to come back like Kagekiyo. She also tells them Hassan has agreed to guard them starting tonight. Ritsuka doesn’t respond at all. Finally, Jeanne Alter scolds them for ignoring during their fight with the other Nitocris Alter and warns them not to do something stupid like that ever again.[15]
At lunchtime, Hassan gives Ritsuka a boxed lunch from Himeko and Ricardo. Ritsuka declines, having no appetite, but Hassan insists they eat anyway. He can’t have them dying as he’s yet to finish his evaluation. They may be mankind’s last Master, but he’s still not sure if they’re worthy of being entrusted with the Human Order, so he wants them to eat and get some sleep.[15]
He then asks how they perceive the Singularity, concerned they are becoming too engrossed in it and thinking to himself they might be reverting to how they were before their journey. Ritsuka answers they don’t know for sure, but even then they don’t know if they live up to expectations thrusted upon anymore.[15]
Hassan reminds Ritsuka he will be their bodyguard, but he will not enter a temporary contract with them. That will depend entirely on them. Everything—whether they eat or not, whether they have the strength at the opportune moment, and whatever happens to their comrades, the Singularity, their life, and the Human Order itself—depends on them.[15]
Ritsuka starts to leave school that evening when they are confronted by Amatsuka. Seeing they look dejected, he tries to encourage them to take part in some after school activities. But he finds it strange Kyrie hasn’t stepped in to stop from talking so much and asks Ritsuka if she is not with them today. Ritsuka is deplored that he doesn’t know and leaves him with a simple goodbye.[15]
They return to their empty house, and in their room, they look at their own reflection in the mirror. They ask themselves why their family and Kyrie have to die. Somebody killed them, but Nitocris Alter wasn’t the culprit, as she likely manifested after the act. The real murderer is therefore to still out there. Ritsuka’s reflection asks them if they will kill the murderer in revenge.[15]
The doorbell rings unexpectedly, prompting caution from Ritsuka. They open the front door to be met with a woman who look likes Scáthach—their aunt. She enters their house and makes them dinner to commemorate their first day of living together. She will be their legal guardian starting today.[15]
Returning to their room after dinner, Ritsuka speaks with their own reflection again. They resolve not to let their aunt die, but their reflection says they don’t have what it takes and implores them to kill.[15]
Their aunt suddenly enters their room and requests they speak to her about whatever is troubling them. She will not press them on the matter until then. Ritsuka simply tells her good night, which she returns.[15]
Even If an Imitation
A flashback shows Jeanne Alter asking Marie about Cagliostro in the Storm Border’s cafeteria since it’s likely he is the Count and will have to face him. She was also concerned about her since she wasn’t her usual cheerful self during the meeting and asked what about Cagliostro troubled her so. Marie confesses when she first met him he was like a lifeless hollow.[16]
Oruta's room
The flashback is revealed to have been Jeanne Alter’s dream as she wakes up in her/Oruta’s room. She is surprised she dreamt and questions why she was sleeping at all. She wonders why she dreamed about Marie, but she thinks the reason was because her first major battle after her “birth” was against Marie. But as a Servant she shouldn’t dream at all unless it’s sharing memories with Ritsuka through their connection. Her dream wasn’t like that, though, suspecting it is because she is possessing Oruta.[16]
Thinking about Ritsuka, she worries they have yet to come to terms with what happened. She realizes she is being insensitive though, because while they weren’t real, their family and childhood friend still died. She figures Jeanne would know what having those was like, but she herself has no one. Still, she at least feels something for Ritsuka and if she didn’t, she really would be the lifeless one.[16]
Walking together to school, Jeanne Alter points out to Ritsuka that Himeko and Ricardo have been shadowing them this whole time. She thinks they want to talk with Ritsuka and asks Ritsuka if they want to talk with them. Ritsuka says nothing, which Jeanne Alter takes as a “yes” and calls out to Himeko and Ricardo.[16]
Ricardo tells Ritsuka that everyone is talking about what happened. Himeko smacks him for being insensitive and apologizes to Ritsuka that they eat with them yesterday. To make amends, she’ll treat them to lunch today.[16]
Arriving at school, Ritsuka and their friends are greeted by Marie. Her uncle, the vice-principal, is surprised to see Ritsuka at school. He heard they attended yesterday, but he advises them not to overexert themselves given what happened. He tells his niece not to be a burden with Ritsuka and Ritsuka to tell the faculty if they’re having any trouble. Stepping closer, he continues it is the school’s duty to keep them safe from whatever they must.[16]
Ritsuka gets a sudden dizzying spell and sees the image of a warrior riding a beast. The vice-principal tells Marie to take Ritsuka to the infirmary while he calls an ambulance. But Jeanne Alter insists there is nothing wrong with Ritsuka, as does Ritsuka themself.[16]
Marie suddenly concludes that Jeanne Alter is in love with Ritsuka, which Jeanne Alter very loudly denies. This causes a ruckus among the students gathered, prompting Salieri to see what the commotion is all about. Marie thanks him for his services as her advisor. Salieri calls her madame by mistake before correcting himself to student council president. Marie reminds him she isn’t married yet, but she hopes to marry a charming king one day.[16]
Amatsuka jumps down the school gate, hurt that Marie didn’t consider him her childhood friend for marriage. He is unsure if her dream of marrying a king will come true, but he can see her as a queen since she is the most beautiful flower there is.[16]
Marie thanks him for the compliment, but she can’t seriously consider marriage right now since, as student council president, she can’t pick favorites. Sometimes, though, she daydreams she wasn’t student council president and could go on dates. On that note, she suddenly asks Ritsuka out on a date, shocking both Himeko and Jeanne Alter.[16]
The vice-principal is very much for the date, believing it might just be what Ritsuka needs at the moment. He calls her just as selfless and considerate of others as ever. Marie replies with “let’s go with that” after a brief pause, saying a change of pace is good for everyone once in a while. Both Jeanne Alter and Amatsuka are both surprised by this change of attitude, but Marie insists she is still the same. She asks Ritsuka if they will go on a date with her tomorrow Sunday.[16]
The next morning, Ritsuka goes to Odaiba, a large mall complex, for their date with Marie. They see Jeanne Alter at the entrance, who telepathically tells them she and Kagekiyo will be on their tail while Hassan will be in spirit form guarding their aunt. They cannot be too careful considering what happened with Fuuka. As for Saleri, it seems he has school work.[16]
Marie soon arrives, but both her appearance and demeanor are completely different from her usual self. She says this is her natural self. More people start to gather, so Ritsuka and Marie head inside the mall for their date.[16]
Their date culminates in the two of them watching a movie, the tickets for which Marie ordered in advance. The theater is quite large, yet very few are in attendance. Jeanne Alter suspects something akin to a human-repelling spell may be in effect. That cannot be verified, however, so Ritsuka just watches the movie.[16]
The plot is a typical revenge story. Marie understands this type of movie isn’t what Ritsuka wants to watch right now since they just lost Kyrie and their family. She empathizes with them, having firsthand experience and knowing their desire for revenge. If it were her, she would kill those who killed her family and pained her dear Charles. She asks Ritsuka what they would do.[16]
Ritsuka sees flashes of Kyrie and their family’s bodies. They bite their lip so hard it bleeds. Marie notices and comments they’re very adept at handling their pain. She hates people like them.[16]
Even if a ————
Music Room
The vice-principal visits the school’s music room. Salieri confronts him with his suspicions that he is actually a Servant. In response, the vice-principal reads Salieri a message from Marie, whom Salieri realizes is a Heroic Spirit too, reminding him of his vengeance. A grotesque creature suddenly appears as the vice-principal urges Salieri to recall his hatred and indulge in revenge.[17]
Meanwhile, Ritsuka and Marie are in downtown with their date now over and the latter just got off the phone with her uncle. She has changed back to her usual outfit since they’re at a local train station now and they never know when they might run into someone they know. She insists she only wears the other outfit when she is some place she hardly visits.[17]
Ritsuka’s aunt shows up unexpectedly. She just finished her business in Yokohama and was just heading home. She leaves, suggesting Ritsuka and Marie get some fast food before Marie heads home.[17]
Marie asks Ritsuka if their aunt is their new family. Ritsuka glares at her for saying that, prompting her to run away under the pretense she is scared. They chase her to an alleyway, but she is nowhere to be seen. Her voice offers to play again sometime if they manage to stay alive.[17]
A grotesque creature suddenly emerges from the shadows. Ritsuka sends a telepathic message to Jeanne Alter, who is well aware of the situation as there is a creature near her too. She assures Ritsuka she’ll be right there and tells to hold out for two seconds.[17]
Hassan materializes, prompting Ritsuka to ask him who is protecting their aunt. He explains he and Kagekiyo switched places when Ritsuka chased after Marie. He thought he’d make the better tail since he can go into spirit form. Jeanne Alter then arrives and the heroes fight the creature.[17]
The creature is slain, its blood splattering all over Ritsuka’s hand. Jeanne Alter inquires when they are going to stay in the back where they belong. She knows the amount of energy they can provide depends how close they are to the Servant, but she still she thinks they’re being reckless, like back in West Shinjuku. She doesn’t know how they feel right now, but they should know they can’t win running on an emotional high. Ritsuka just remains silent.[17]
Hassan asks Ritsuka if they want to, if they want revenge. In the face of Ritsuka’s silence, Hassan explains he is an assassin by both in trade and in class. In life, he only existed to kill others. It is his purpose and part of his faith to kill without hesitation, to be unthinking, unfeeling, entrusting everything to their creed and the Great Founder.[17]
But Avengers are completely different for they kill for the sake of their own thoughts and feelings. They’re like flames always burning their own souls, and once they’re inevitably out of enemies, they will burn themselves as well. So Hassan asks Ritsuka if their soul and journey is also a flame.[17]
The Flame of Hatred Eternally in My Heart
After slaying the creature along with a hand made of blue flames, Salieri surmises the vice-principal’s plan was to divide and conquer. Marie suddenly appears behind him, revealing he was their prey along. She reminds him of his vengeance and wants to test it, her voice triggering something painful in him.[18]
In their room, Ritsuka is filled with thoughts of revenge when they’re contacted telepathically by Jeanne Alter. She informs them Salieri has been out of contact for an hour. It has her worried, so she asks Ritsuka to check on him with telepathy.[18]
Ritsuka telepathically links with Salieri, who requests they come to the park. Jeanne Alter recalls there is a park five minutes from Ritsuka’s house on foot. She recommends they meet up right away, saying she’ll send Kagekiyo to escort them. Ritsuka leaves their house, reassured by Hassan he will protect their aunt.[18]
Public park
Arriving in the park with Kagekiyo, neither they nor Ritsuka see any sign of Jeanne Alter or Salieri. Kagekiyo tells Ritsuka to keep close to them, wary about the fact the park being so empty, secluded, and open means they can’t relax their guard.[18]
Salieri appears and admits he resents Ritsuka’s bullheaded nature, this time in particular. But he is grateful to them for bringing Kagekiyo to the park without incident. Kagekiyo realizes he is an enemy now and fights him, but he soon escapes.[18]
Jeanne Alter telepathically contacts Ritsuka. She already knows about the situation thanks to Kagekiyo’s texts and apologizes she couldn’t make it. She cancels the park rendezvous and decides to start searching for Salieri immediately.[18]
She tells Ritsuka to go home and get some rest, saying she’ll get Kagekiyo to patrol their block. Ritsuka wants to search for Salieri, though, but Jeanne Alter refuses to let them. Since Salieri is targeting them, he will be back, so the best option is a counterattack. Jeanne Alter says they’ll regroup in the morning and devise a plan. She ends contact strongly, advising Ritsuka get some sleep. Kagekiyo escorts them home, repeating what Jeanne Alter said.[18]
The next morning, on the way to school, Jeanne Alter sees from the massive bags under their eyes that Ritsuka didn’t sleep at all. She strongly advises they sleep the same amount they lost.[18]
Moving on, she reports they couldn’t find Salieri last night until he made a move just now. He is at school right now.[18]
Arriving at school, the heroes see Salieri is playing the part of the serious teacher. His magical energy level isn’t as high as it was last night, meaning he isn’t currently materializing his Servant Spirit Origin and is in the state of his state of his human vessel. Ritsuka recommends they observe him for now, which Jeanne Alter agrees with.[18]
During lunch break, Jeanne Alter reports Salieri is still acting the part of the teacher and finds it hard to believe he tried to attack Ritsuka last night. She asks Kagekiyo for their impression. Kagekiyo answers they sensed no signs of killing intent, which Jeanne Alter thinks is more convenient for them if Saleri were to remain calm. She suggests they confront him directly after school.
After school, Salieri urges the students to go home immediately. Amatsuka questions why he is emptying the campus under the pretense of a police investigation, asking for proof that the staff was notified about it. Salieri tells Amatsuka to go home, trying to keep his composure. But he loses control and moves to kill Amatsuka, seeing him as the target of his vengeance: Mozart. Fortunately Ritsuka, Kagekiyo, and Jeanne Alter arrive to save Amatsuka and proceed to fight Salieri.
During the fight, Ritsuka suddenly sees an image of the vice-principal and Marie in the gym. Salieri escapes to chase after Amatsuka, who left without the heroes’ notice. They realize Salieri is targeting him, seeing him as Mozart.
Ritsuka decides to go after them but nearly faints when they see the image of flaming footprints in the sand. Jeanne Alter wonders what happened and tells Kagekiyo to keep an eye on them. The heroes search for Salieri so they can stop him before he can hurt Amatsuka.[18]
They look in his classroom, but it is empty. Jeanne Alter notices an attendance schedule on the lecturn, though, and takes it. Leaving the class, she reads what it is written on it and gives it to Ritsuka to read. Salieri has likely gone to the music room and perhaps Amatsuka has gone there as well. The heroes prepare to go there when they’re confronted by one of those grotesque creatures.[18]
Hands of blue flames are soon added to the mix, along with more creatures. Jeanne Alter holds them off while Ritsuka and Kagekiyo hurry to the music room.
In the music room, Amatsuka speaks of his admiration for how people all live for different things, but he believes it is meaningless if it is forced upon them. So he asks Salieri if he really thinks that wrath of his is his own.[18]
Salieri, barely controlling himself, says he will put Mozart to death. Amatsuka is honored to be mistaken for Mozart, but he asks Salieri if those words actually came from his heart. He suspects they represent long repressed feelings, but against Salieri’s will, that repression has been undone. He refuses to let Salieri kill him if that is the case and insults him. Salieri tries to kill Amatsuka but is blocked by Kagekiyo, leading to a battle.[18]
During the fight, Ritsuka again sees an image of the vice-principal and Marie in the gym. Kagekiyo notices they’re looking paler and assumes they’re suffering as a result of Salieri’s rampage. Salieri proclaims he will kill Mozart.[18]
Hearing those words, Ritsuka’s thoughts are filled with vengeance. Kagekiyo is shouting something at them, but they cannot hear. The flame is burning up their soul and there is supposedly no stopping it.[18]
But then Amatsuka comes up to Ritsuka to apologize for how insensitive he was to them yesterday. He is certain they have someone they care about, and though he doesn’t know if she is alive or not, he knows she is still in their heart. Pointing to their heart, he tells them to remember her.
Ritsuka remembers when they viewed the open blue sky outside Chaldea’s Antarctic base with Mash. A fragment of what they felt that day and what they toward her cleanses them of the flame, revitalizing them and granting them what seems to be a blue Command Spell.[18]
Amatsuka asks Ritsuka how is that girl doing. Ritsuka tells him she is watching the blue sky. Amatsuka asks them with that memory in their heart if they intend to give into vengeance, asking if that is where their and that girl’s feelings and wishes lead. Ritsuka shakes their head, certain at the very least neither of them went on this journey to kill.[18]
Pleased by their answer, Amatsuka admits he isn’t exactly someone to deny anyone’s revenge. Revenge is meaningless and nothing comes of it, but feels good. People are drawn to revenge stories like Alexandre Dumas’s Count of Monte Cristo, though the crux of that story is overcoming revenge. Nevertheless, revenge feels good for the one committing it and pleasure is often needed to live, which is why Amatsuka cannot deny revenge. He feels anyone is free to what life they want, feeling it is never too early or too late.[18]
Salieri seems to have calmed down, which surprises Jeanne Alter when she arrives, exhausted from all the fighting she had to do. Amatsuka is pleased Salieri has come back to his senses and leaves, refraining himself from asking the others questions. Jeanne Alter wonders how much he exactly knows.[18]
Now that he is back to normal, Salieri reveals Marie had twisted his Spirit Origin, trying to make him rampage like Boudica did. Both she and the vice-principals are the masterminds and both are Servants, a fact they likely concealed with a Skill or Noble Phantasm. Salieri is sure they’re still in the school and recommends striking now, which Ritsuka agrees with.[18]
The man covered with cracks tiredly proclaims the Third and Fourth Trials have come. A masked man points out the man covered with cracks has lost the greater part of his Spirit Origin from repeatedly beckoning Chaldea’s Servants. From now on, he will take over.[18]
The vice-principal is in the school gym and is revealed to be the manifestation of the Third Trial――Cagliostro Alter, the Instrument of Chaos. He calls for Marie to come to the gym and a trumpet sounds.[18]
Reign of Despair and System of Chaos
In the music room, Marie is revealed to be the manifestation of the Fourth Trial―Marie Antoinette Alter. She declares the Fourth Trail, the Reign of Despair, alongside the Third Trail, the System of Chaos, will now test Ritsuka. She tells them to defy them if they want but feels their flame is enough, saying they needn’t long for tomorrow anymore.[2]
Ritsuka admits they never noticed “Marie” was a Servant. Marie Alter confirms she is a fully-fledged Servant and never possessed anyone. “Marie” was never part of this Tokyo from the beginning, but thanks to Count Cagliostro’s superb trickery, everyone believed she was.[2]
Saleri thinks to himself how Cagliostro is the first Servant they encountered in this Tokyo whose Spirit Origin isn’t registered at Chaldea. All the people they have met so far have been Servants already know to them. Cagliostro is the only new Heroic Spirit among them. That isn’t so contradictory if this Tokyo is viewed as a variant of Shimosa, but something still bothers Salieri.[2]
Marie Alter confesses to Ritsuka she wanted to go on at least one more date with them, but the time has come for her to kill them. Ritsuka asks her if she killed their family. Marie Alter answers she didn’t and while she wants to tell them who did, it’s not up to her to say.[2]
She summons the grotesque creatures, revealing they are the fragments of her hateblood―the Organs of Wrath. The creatures attack, prompting the heroes to fight.[2]
Flames and Death Knights appear during the fight. Kagekiyo and Jeanne Alter both notice they’re stronger, which Jeanne Alter attributes to the magical energy coming from Ritsuka increasing tremendously. But in exchange, the magical energy from the shadow that empowering the heroes before has grown weaker, meaning the shadow is possibly spent.[2]
Marie Alter tells the heroes to come to the gym, seemingly trying to escape. Kagekiyo decapitates her before she can, only for another Marie Alter to appear, revealing she is just another one of Cagliostro’s illusions. She again tells the heroes to come to the gym, though she doubts they’ll survive what she and Cagliostro have prepared there. She says nobody will fault them if they ran away.[2]
Jeanne Alter responds that they can’t do that given the situation Ritsuka is in. Marie Alter reveals if they were to abandon the Trials, then Ritsuka’s mind and soul would be trapped in the Singularity and the Path of Human Order would be lost. She doesn’t see the issue though since Ritsuka can just live out their life in the Singularity.[2]
Ritsuka refuses to do that and accepts Marie Alter’s invitation. The illusion of Marie Alter disappears, wishing them the best of luck.
To Jeanne Alter and Salieri’s surprise, though, they aren’t being warped to the Trial Servant’s location like before, even though the Trial has already most certainly started. The shadow was responsible for that, but there is no response from him. Salieri suspects the shadow has nearly depleted himself of magical energy. With no other choice, the heroes head for the gym themselves.[2]
But as soon as they leave the room, they are forced to fight wave after wave of Organs. While fighting, Salieri notices everyone else is gone from the school, the benefit of which they can focus on fighting.[2]
The Organs are blocking the only way down the hallway, so the heroes jump out the window. They breakthrough the monsters outside and reach the gym.[2]
Gym
Cagliostro Alter welcomes them and undoes his vice-principal disguise. He introduces himself as Cagliostro manifested in Alter form and the Third Trial. Marie Alter is beside him.[2]
On her command, Caglistro Alter shows Ritsuka images of Kyrie and their family’s bodies. Marie Alter tries to force them to give into vengeance, but someone knows Ritsuka will never become like that. Ritsuka asserts to Marie Alter they will never become a flame.[2]
At Marie Alter’s behest, Cagliostro Alter wraps Kagekiyo and Jeanne Alter in his illusory flames. Jeanne Alter warns Salieri not to get closer, suspecting the flames will pass over to him if he touches her. Cagliostro Alter explains his illusory flames torment the mind, so it is quite effective against thinking beings. He only wrapped Jeanne Alter and Kagekiyo in his flames because Salieri expended most of his magical energy in his rampage so he won’t pose a problem.[2]
Marie Alter changes into her third Ascension, herself as a queen and a mother who lost everything dear to her. She wants the world to perish for trampling on her reign and robbing her of her beloved Charles. Only when that happens will her flame subside.[2]
She sensed Ritsuka already had a cinder of the flame in them. She thought it would be easy to set it alight, but Ritsuka refuses to become an avenger. However, while she believes they won’t, she wants them to prove it. Summoning a field of black lilies, she and Cagliostro Alter fight Ritsuka and Salieri.[2]
Salieri wounds Cagliostro Alter, releasing Jeanne Alter from the latter’s illusory flames. She and Salieri unleash their Noble Phantasms on Marie Alter, followed up by Salieri decapitating her. However, the one who was decapitated was one of the Organs disguised as her. Cagliostro Alter wraps both Salieri and Jeanne Alter in his illusory flames.[2]
Marie Alter prepares to kill Ritsuka when Cagliostro Alter suddenly stabs her through from behind. Cagliostro Alter reveals he isn’t an Alter, and that he is a Pretender, not an Avenger. He intended to betray Marie Alter from the beginning, for he is a natural-born Pretender an agent of betrayal. Even acting as an Apostle of the Alien World was a lie.[2]
Ritsuka realizes Cagliostro is the Count. Cagliostro confesses he altered the tone of his voice when he spoke with Chaldea at the Ruins of Olympus. He then claims he is actually a Servant of the Human Order who had used his abilities as a Pretender to pass himself off as an Apostle, waiting for the perfect opportunity to join Chaldea as their final ally.[2]
Marie Alter is furious that Cagliostro betrayed her twice when he suddenly kills her. Jeanne Alter understands she was an enemy who had to be defeated, but Cagliostro’s methods still disgust her. Cagliostro apologizes for his heroic qualities shine through ploys and betrayal.[2]
At Kagekiyo's demand, he releases the Avengers from his illusory flames. They make it clear they do not trust him, however, a treatment he is admittedly accustomed to. But now with him having revealed his true identity, he is certain the Singularity’s mastermind will make his move.[2]
He apologizes for creating the Elements, but while he is remorseful about it, there was no other alternative for him to get behind the back of the colossal system. Therefore, he reiterates he is an ally and requests Ritsuka to let him join them, so he may save them from the mastermind, who trying to wear down their mind and soul with the Seven Trials. Said mastermind opposes the revival of the Human Order and is Cagliostro’s archenemy.[2]
Ritsuka asks Cagliostro who it is who called them to the Singularity, subjected to the Seven Trials, and killed their family. Before Cagliostro can answer, a voice comes from the stage confessing it was him. No one noticed him before, not his magical energy nor his very presence. He is Edmond.[2]
For we are Again in Prison
Kagekiyo attacks Edmond, recognizing him as an enemy, but he effortlessly repels them with a sword, which differs from usual fighting style. He explains he planned on congratulating the heroes for reaching the Fourth Trial and explain how the final three will begin. But they will not face him now, for the grounds for the Seventh Trial aren’t here yet.[19]
Jeanne Alter asks what was the point of him helping them as the shadow if they are enemies. She demands he stop it if it’s a joke and threatens to burn to nothing if he doesn’t.[19]
Ritsuka asks him if he is the murderer, and why his appearance has changed, but Edmond remains silent. Jeanne Alter demands he answer the question. Edmond answers with a simple “yeah”, which causes Jeanne Alter to fly into a rage and attack him. But like Kagekiyo before, she is effortlessly repelled.[19]
Salieri tells Jeanne Alter and Kagekiyo to stand down as Ritsuka has given no orders to attack and Edmond isn’t being proactively aggressive. While his words and actions do make him a potential enemy, that is up to Ritsuka to decide.[19]
Ritsuka tells Edmon not to shrink away from them, adding he wasn’t answered a single question yet. Edmond replies it simply means the final moments draw near. Including his own, the final three Trials are all that remain. He tells Ritsuka to answer with everything they have if they wish to reach Antartica.
He warns the Fifth and Sixth Trials are flames of unparalleled strength, so only death will await Ritsuka if they are not fully prepared. He tells them to fight and cope and goes into spirit form, saying he will await them at the egress to despair.[19]
Leaving the school, the heroes sense absolutely no trace of Edmond. Salieri finds Edmond’s ability is clearly different from the Spirit Origin of Edmond registered at Chaldea. His change in appearance and fighting style are of little importance, though, rather it is his ability to conceal himself without leaving a trace.[19]
Cagliostro again insists he is a Servant of the Human Order and an ally. He is willing to follow any order Ritsuka gives him, even leave if they find him suspicious.[19]
He reconfirms him being the Third Trial was a lie and his infiltration it is effectively over. He supposes overcoming the semi-trials that were Boudica and Salieri counted as the Third Trial being accomplished. But only in playing the part of the Third Trial could he understand part of the truth.
Ritsuka tells Cagliostro they are putting him on notice for now. They even have Kagekiyo ready to kill him if he tries anything. Jeanne Alter thinks they’re making a mistake, but decides to go along with it anyway.[19]
She is confused about many things, namely what is happening with Edmond. Ritsuka decides to ask him and wordlessly calls out to the shadow, demanding he show himself. Jeanne Alter doubts he will come out since they just saw him. Ritsuka thinks there is another Edmond.[19]
To Jeanne Alter’s surprise, the shadow emerges, confirming there are two Edmonds. Salieri presumes the shadow is the Edmond from Chaldea while the masked Edmond is a newly summoned Heroic Spirit with a different Spirit Origin. Ritsuka, however, doesn’t believe that is entirely the case.[19]
They explain the masked Edmond could be the same Edmond from the Prison Tower incident. He was summoned by Goetia and kept Ritsuka’s mind and soul imprisoned for seven days. However, while the incident was resolved and Edmond as Chaldea’s enemy ceased to exist, dregs of his Spirit Origin had remained within Ritsuka’s mind since then. That is why he is always with them, filtering out all the malignant information they collected over their journey to restore the Human Order. It is therefore Ritsuka’s assertion that the masked Edmond is the vestiges of the Edmond from the Prison Tower incident.[19]
Jeanne Alter assumes the shadow knows what Ritsuka is talking about, which would mean he and the masked Edmond share knowledge to some extent. However, while he can’t talk, she still needs him to answer yes or no, and asks him if the masked Edmond is the one from the Prison Tower.[19]
The shadow both nods and shakes his head, which seems to indicate he is willing to cooperate. Salieri presumes they can ask him yes-or-no questions until they learn of the masked Edmond’s goals and location. Unfortunately, the shadow retreats back into Ritsuka’s shadow. Salieri concludes his remaining magical energy has decreased even further, so they can’t expect to call upon him much more.[19]
He recalls to himself that Chaldea’s records said the Prison Tower incident also had Seven Trials, which gives the impression this Singularity is reenactment. The masked Edmond said it is all to reach Antarctica, but Chaldea cannot do that without increasing their Human Order Foundation Value. Salieri, therefore, wonders if the Seven Trials have another purpose.[19]
Cagliostro then points out even though the Trial is over, there are no signs of people returning. It would appear the next Trial is already upon them. Two trumpets sound for two of the remaining three Trials.[19]
King of Deathstorm and Maneater of Bane
Theodoric Alter's storm over Odaiba
At Aomi Station in Odaiba near the large Ferris wheel, Theodoric Alter, the King of the Deathstorm, and the Beast of GévaudanWP, the Maneater of Bane, manifest as the Fifth and Six Trials, creating a fierce thunderstorm.[20]
The heroes can feel their magical energy all the way at the school. Jeanne Alter is surprised that their magical energy on the level of a Divine Spirit, but Cagliostro clarifies they are not. The shadow warps the heroes to Aomi Station even though he is very much low on magical energy.[20]
Arriving at Aomi Station, Cagliostro identifies Theodoric Alter as one of the spirits of the Wild Hunt and former King of the Ostrogoths, who served as the origin for the legend of the heroic knight Dietrich von Bern. While he alone would be a challenge, he also rides the Beast of Gévaudan, the scourge of southern France. Furthermore, Cagliostro reveals the two manifested on Earth once before in 1838 France, only to be exorcised by none other than Edmond himself.[20]
Ritsuka sees a sudden flashback from Edmond’s past revealing in 1838 he took a train to Gévaudan to slay the Beast himself because it could have interfered with his revenge. They relay this information to the others.[20]
Cagliostro says Theodoric is an Alter because he once stood against Edmond, and thus an Alter Spirit Orign was drawn from the flames of vengeance, causing the paired spirits to tragically become the Fifth and Sixth Trials instead of being part of the Human Order. He dubs the pair Avenger Wild Hunt.[20]
A giant bird then suddenly manifests from the Wild Hunt’s storm over the Ferris wheel. Cagliostro refers to it as the Wings of Thunder, a species of Nature Spirit. It is also known as the Thunderbird in North America. However, it is far from an actual Nature Spirit and is rather Theodoric Alter’s distorted anger called upon as a subordinate. Cagliostro claims he learned all this from the masked Edmond while acting as the Third Trial. The thunderbird attacks.[20]
The heroes struggle against it, but they need to beat it before it can join with the Wild Hunt. Understanding that, Kagekiyo runs up the Ferris wheel. Salieri, like Jeanne Alter, is confused at first, quickly realizes Kagekiyo’s plan. He tells Jeanne Alter they will follow Kagekiyo and tells Ritsuka to strengthen Jeanne Alter with their Mystic Code.[20]
As the Avengers run up the Ferris Wheel, the thunderbird dives after Ritsuka. However, in the final phase of its dive, it is pierced by an arrow of light—Hassan—and stops moving. Kagekiyo tries and fails to decapitate it, so Jeanne Alter finishes it off with her flames. But even with its minion dead, The Wild Hunt does not move, because it’s confident in its own combat prowess or because of the invisible storm protecting it.[20]
Hassan reveals, including Ritsuka’s aunt, everyone has disappeared from the neighborhood. Salieri knows it happened with the previous Trials but is surprised it has been applied over such a wide expanse. It would appear nearly all of Tokyo is the battlefield this time around.[20]
The Wild Hunt unleashes its storm. Cagliostro warns Ritsuka to exercise caution for a living mind without resistance cannot endure the storm for long before it kills them. Jeanne Alter tells Ritsuka to stay back in that, but Ritsuka refuses, saying their Mystic Code should be enough. The heroes fight the Wild Hunt after Theodoric Alter challenges Ritsuka to defy him if they long for tomorrow.[20]
Ritsuka’s nose soon hemorrhages from the effects of the storm, but even so, they insist they’re fine ignoring Jeanne Alter’s insistence they stay back. Kagekiyo agrees with Jeanne Alter but feels it is belated as the Wild Hunt summons another thunderbird.[20]
Slaying four thunderbirds in addition to wolf-like demonic beasts, the heroes retreat when a fifth thunderbird is summoned.[20]
Retreating to the mall, the heroes all agree the main issue fighting the Wild Hunt is how quickly replenishes its minions. Cagliostro suggests he use his Anti-City Noble Phantasm to wipe out the Wild Hunt’s minions so they can fight it. Ritsuka refuses to let him destroy any part of the city because even if they’ve temporarily disappeared, the city still houses its people.[20]
Rephrasing things, Cagliostro asks Ritsuka how much would they would be willing to sacrifice to ensure they reach their objective, knowing have already done seven times. Ritsuka still refuses to use his Noble Phantasm, so Cagliostro asks how they intend to defeat such a powerful enemy. Ritsuka says they'll use a Command Spell, but Jeanne Alter advises against that.[20]
Jeanne Alter knows the odds are against them, but she nevertheless recommends they fight their way through with bolder tactics and fighting fiercer. Everyone except Ritsuka is confused by her suggestion, as their victory would only be pyrrhic. Jeanne Alter adds she and Ritsuka will obviously devise a secret plan, but they need to get as close to the Wild Hunt as much possible.[20]
Thanks to the others keeping its minions busy, Ritsuka and Jeanne Alter are able to get close to the Wild Hunt. Theodoric Alter tells Ritsuka to embrace vengeance if they seek to defy him. Ritsuka asserts they will overcome him without falling to vengeance.[20]
Meanwhile, on the school rooftop, as if aware of the conversation, Amatsuka remarks ability everyone always has the ability to choose. Nobody else needs to understand it, for it is for you alone. Amatsuka thus wonders what choice Oruta will make, revealing he knows her to be Jeanne Alter.[20]
Hessian Lobo and Gorgon manifest
Jeanne Alter holds Ritsuka’s hand, revealing the secret plan is to provide the shadow with more magical energy so he can summon more Avengers, though she warns both she and Ritsuka will suffer backlash. She then pulls out the shadow from Ritsuka’s and reaches into him. A knight’s sword alongside a snake burst from within the shadow, prompting Ritsuka to utter the True Names of their owners who have now manifested――Hessian Lobo and Gorgon.[20]
At Jeanne Alter’s behest, Hessian Lobo and Gorgon eliminate the Wild Hunt’s minions with their Noble Phantasms. Afterward, Salieri notices the pressure from the Wild Hunt’s invisible storm has lessened and wonders if Gorgon’s magical energy neutralized it.
Cagliostro senses Jeanne Alter is burning up her own Spirit Origin to provide the shadow with magical energy to keep Gorgon and Hessian Lobo manifested and empowered. The supply of magical energy from Ritsuka is also oddly efficient. The heroes then battle the Wild Hunt directly at last.
At the battle climax, Gorgon petrifies Theodoric Alter’s spear-wielding hand. Jeanne Alter and Hessian Lobo on Ritsuka’s command use this opportunity to finish off the Wild Hunt. Theodoric Alter disappears, remarking the heroes’ teamwork realized the impossible. Gorgon and Hessian Lobo disappear afterward, since Jeanne Alter can no longer maintain them.
Seeing how exhausted she is from that, Ritsuka tells Jeanne Alter she will never do that again. Jeanne Alter agrees, feeling her Spirit Core would be blown apart if she did it a second time. But she tells Ritsuka they can still do it as they have one Command Spell to challenge the masked Edmond with in the final Trial.
In his office, the masked Edmond commends the heroes for overcoming the Fifth and Sixth Trials. Only his Seventh and Final Trial wait. He shouldn’t have to tell them to prepare themselves and only has one thing to say: “Wait and hope.”
Without a Goodbye
Walking to school with Jeanne Alter, Ritsuka suspects their battle with the masked Edmond will happen soon. Jeanne Alter thinks the final trumpet will sound before the end of tomorrow.[21]
Later, during school tours, at Ritsuka’s house, Hassan examines the door to Ritsuka’s dad’s study. He finds it strange even after the deaths of his wife and daughter Ritsuka’s dad has to show himself, yet no one has cast suspicion on him. But he has already shown himself. The study to the door opens and out comes the masked Edmond, just like Hassan suspected.[21]
After school, Jeanne Alter has just finished trash duty when she senses the masked Edmond. He tells her he has already encountered Kagekiyo and Salieri, so she is the last. He is prepared to offer all of them the unvarnished truth.[21]
Ritsuka comes home that night and finds Salieri has left them a letter in their room. In the letter Salieri apologizes that due to circumstances he cannot divulge, he and Kagekiyo cannot join them for the Seventh Trial.[21]
Meanwhile, in the nearby park, Kagekiyo asks Jeanne Alter like she asked Salieri to inform Ritsuka of their departure, but Jeanne Alter refuses. Kagekiyo leaves, regretting the circumstances. Jeanne Alter agrees and calls Ritsuka on her cellphone.[21]
Ritsuka immediately picks up and tells her Salieri and Kagekiyo are leaving. She confesses she already knows, but she was unaware they already told them. Neither of them gave her a worthy explanation and are refusing all communication. She says she and Ritsuka should talk but not at school and decides they’ll go to Odaiba instead.[21]
The next day, Ritsuka arrives a little late for their date with Jeanne Alter. Jeanne Alter informs them she got a message from Kagekiyo saying they and Salieri send their regards. Ritsuka assumes that means they’re back in Chaldea, but Jeanne Alter is oddly silent on the subject.[21]
Ritsuka asks her if she knows what is going on. Jeanne Alter answers it has something to do with being sn Avenger. Ritsuka tries to ask more questions, but Jeanne Alter cuts them off, feeling she is being interrogated and wants to ask them something instead.[21]
She asks Ritsuka if they enjoyed their date with “Marie”, assuming they didn’t since it was Marie Alter in disguise and not the real one. Ritsuka admits they didn’t, so Jeanne Alter nervously proposes they go out on a date like normal kids. Ritsuka doesn’t know what motivated her to say that, only that is she waited until before the Final Trial is to occur and Salieri and Kagekiyo were gone to say it. Regardless, they agree to go on a date with her.[21]
During the date, Jeanne Alter thinks about how she never imagined they’d go on a date with Ritsuka given they started out as enemies. Admittedly, it had crossed her mind on rare occasions lately, though. She read a lot of modern stuff at Chaldea and found a lot of stuff she wanted to do, one of which was to go to Odaiba. But no matter what she does, she can never be a normal girl who can truly enjoy a date and would much prefer fighting instead.. However, so long as she is with Ritsuka, she thinks she can like just about all of it.[21]
Jeanne d'Arc Alter dancing with Ritsuka at the end of their date.
Evening, Jeanne Alter asks Ritsuka to dance with her like they did at the end of Shinjuku. Ritsuka accepts and the two dance, with Jeanne Alter remarking how much both of them have improved from last time. However, comparing the moment to the story of Cinderella, she says it cannot last forever.[21]
She apologizes to Ritsuka that she cannot stay by their side from here on. Asked why, she presumes it is her Spirit Origin’s fault or maybe her soul’s. Ritsuka realizes she is saying it is because she and the others are Avengers. But they do not understand the reasoning at all.[21]
Jeanne Alter confesses the masked Edmond told her and the others the hard truth and that is why they cannot come with Ritsuka. She apologizes and disappears without saying goodbye. The final trumpet sounds not long after.[21]
The Count
Everyone has disappeared from Tokyo, leaving the city empty and silent. The masked Edmond lies in wait somewhere as the manifestation of the Seventh Trial―Le Comte de Monte Cristo, the Flame of Vengeance.[22]
With the trains out, Ritsuka is forced to walk all the way from Odaiba to downtown. There they encounter Hassan, who is no longer bothering to disguise himself given everyone in Tokyo has disappeared.[22]
Ritsuka confirms they are all alone now. Hassan isn’t surprised since all of their enemies and allies alike were Avengers except him, who was summoned by the Human Order, and Cagliostro at his own insistence. He suspects the Avenger class must yet have some role to play in the Singularity. But this is the Final Trial, so everything can be answered by the man behind it all, whom they will soon meet.[22]
Going to their house, Ritsuka finds Cagliostro standing in front of it. He had been waiting for Hassan to bring Ritsuka here, as he had requested of him. He asks Ritsuka to follow him inside. Hassan reassures Cagliostro speaks the truth, revealing the latter had discovered during feigning as the Third Trial that the mastermind’s whereabouts were here.[22]
Inside the house, Ritsuka realizes it is their dad’s study. Hassan explains the study always had a level of awareness protection high enough to work even on Heroic Spirits. It is a very powerful suggestive effect and something Hassan would have never noticed unless it was pointed out. However, Cagliostro says it doesn’t mean the masked Edmond was under their noses the whole time in the strictest sense and opens the door to the study to show Ritsuka what he means.[22]
Le Comte de Monte Cristo's office
Entering the study, Cagliostro explains the room is isolated from outside, keeping it quiet and concealing it from all detection. Its purpose was to keep the masked Edmond’s existence a secret for six whole days.[22]
Ritsuka realizes the room was why Salieri didn’t detect anyone on the day of Kyrie and their family’s murder. Hassan adds the ability to block detection extends throughout the entire house.[22]
He then suddenly decides to form a temporary contract with Ritsuka, feeling it’s silly to keep demanding high standards now that it’s time for the Final Trial. He still isn’t sure if they meet his standards since to him they don’t look conscious enough of what it means to be mankind’s last Master. At the same time, though, he can confirm they’re holding out firmly enough and will not back down from anything, so Ritsuka has passed his evaluation. He and Ritsuka form a temporary contract for however brief it will be.[22]
Le Colimaçon Noir
From the study, Ritsuka, Hassan, and Cagliostro proceed down a large spiral staircase in endless darkness. Cagliostro has dubbed the spiral staircase Le Colimaçon Noir. The masked Edmond somewhere on it so the heroes will meet him in due time.[22]
Flames appear and are subsequently defeated by the heroes. Hassan and Cagliostro both agree they must be the masked Edmond’s subordinates based on how they burn.[22]
Ritsuka notices their on-the-spot summoning feel exhausting again and that they cannot summon Avengers.[22]
Cagliostro finds it odd Salieri, Jeanne Alter, and Kagekiyo would desert Ritsuka when the final battle of the Singularity is so near despite their long association with them. But he reassures Ritsuka he will not be swayed by the masked Edmond‘s words, still insisting he is a Heroic Spirit of the Human Order. Ritsuka thanks both him and Hassan.[22]
Ritsuka stabbed by Alessandro di Cagliostro.
Suddenly Cagliostro gently smiles, and without losing his smile, rushes toward Ritsuka to stab them in their heart. Hassan stops him, but unfortunately, what he stopped was an illusion. Cagliostro stabs Ritsuka in the heart before Hassan can even react and declares himself an Apostle of the Alien World.[22]
As he and Hassan battle, Cagliostro wonders to himself if Ritsuka is the third of Edmond’s associates he has killed, revealing it was thanks to him Theodoric Alter was incorporated into the Trials and proudly proclaims himself Edmond’s archenemy.[22]
Because Ritsuka is the only one Edmond still cares and because they continue to oppose the colossal system, Cagliostro finds they fulfill far too many conditions which require him to kill them. He will therefore make their death unseemly. Ritsuka calls Cagliostro out for his thinly veiled dubious nature, surprising him they still yet live.[22]
They reach for their shadow. Cagliostro tries to kill them before they can, but Hassan stops him. He urges Ritsuka to hurry, saying he can only heal their wounds one time. Cagliostro realizes Hassan is why Ritsuka still lives and surmises it was further thanks to Edmond.[22]
Marie Antoinette Alter has manifested.
As Hassan and Cagliostro battle, Ritsuka forcibly pulls out the shadow and does what they did in the First and Second Trials. A blade of black lilies bursts from within the shadow, prompting Ritsuka to utter the True Name of its owner―Marie Antoinette Alter. She immediately attacks Cagliostro and fights him alongside Hassan.[22]
At the battle’s climax. Marie Alter decapitates Cagliostro with her Noble Phantasm Vae Victis. However, he immediately reattaches his head afterward, reminding Ritsuka of the Heroic Spirit Swordmasters, and boasts he is imperishable. But then, to his surprise, Hassan kills him with his Noble Phantasm.[22]
Beginning to disappear, Cagliostro reveals his blade is laced with a particular curse and believes Ritsuka will soon die. Hassan, however, reveals that won’t happen as the onetime use healing Noble Phantasm he borrowed nullifies spells and curses. They figured Cagliostro wouldn’t stop at one curse and would pile up some organ-rotting spells and whatnot into the mix. Cagliostro disappears, concluding he cannot beat him on his own.[22]
Marie Alter is relieved to see Cagliostro gone. Ritsuka asks how she could have manifested from the shadow as they thought they could only summon from Chaldea. Marie Alter reveals she had been in the shadow for quite some time without Ritsuka’s notice. The shadow had channeled his magical energy to her to keep her manifested. She disappears, commending Ritsuka for finally surmounting the Third and Fourth Trials and encouraging them to proceed to the Final Trial.[22]
With Marie Alter gone, Hassan asks Ritsuka how they’re doing, given how much the blood they had lost. Ritsuka answers it’s only a little painful, much to Hassan’s relief. They see cracks all over him, who begins to disappear as well. He explains the only way to beat Cagliostro’s abnormal regeneration was to crush his Spirit Core by accelerating himself beyond his limits.[22]
Before he disappears, Hassan reveals the Noble Phantasm that healed Ritsuka, Attendre, Espérer, was given to him by the masked Edmond. He gave it to him after Ritsuka’s aunt showed up and just after he took on his bodyguard duty. He walked out of his study and gave the Noble Phantasm to him, telling him to use it if Ritsuka was ever about to be killed. However, he was only designating a target while the actual usage was done remotely by the masked Edmond. Hassan disappears, encouraging to Ritsuka to go on and face the masked Edmond further down.[22]
Final Battle/Farewell
Alone, Ritsuka continues to descend the spiral staircase when the shadow appears. His density is strangely thin, meaning he is about to disappear.[23]
Ritsuka asks him if he is the Edmond of Chaldea, the Edmond of the Prison Tower, both, or neither. The shadow says nothing like Ritsuka suspected. Nevertheless, they thank him for helping them get this far, saying they’ll go the rest of the way on their own. The shadow dissolves rather than go back into Ritsuka’s shadow.[23]
Flames appear immediately afterward. Ritsuka defeats them with their on-the-spot summons.[23]
Continuing, they soon encounter Monte Cristo, to whom they confirm the others are gone and Cagliostro was an Apostle of the Alien World to the end. They demand answers from him even if they have to drag them out. Monte Cristo draws his sword, challenging Ritsuka to defy him, and fights them.[23]
Monte Cristo without his mask, revealing he is falling apart.
Impressed by Ritsuka’s combat prowess, Monte Cristo admits their managing to reach this place wasn’t pure chance. Ritsuka demands he take off his mask and look them in the eye when he speaks to them. Monte Cristo agrees and takes off his mask, revealing his crumbling face.[23]
He confirms he is not the Edmond of Chaldea, whose magical energy he siphoned away until he became the shadow. He is nothing more than a husk now, having lost most of his magical energy, and is powerless to help Ritsuka ever again.[23]
Ritsuka asks Monte Cristo why he put them through the Trials, and why he created this Tokyo. Monte Cristo answers because it was necessary.
Ritsuka asks him if this Tokyo will just disappear once the Trials are done. Monte Cristo answers everything will continue to exist within them afterward. However, the facsimiles of their family and childhood friend he killed can never be revived.[23]
Ritsuka realizes the Singularity is like a second Prison Tower, a Reality Marble created inside them by Monte Cristo. Monte Cristo confirms as much, calling it a subspecies Reality Marble——Pseudo-Tokyo Prison. Therefore, a few of its inhabitants are likenesses based on Ritsuka’s memories, but whether they were alive depends on one’s definition since they’re counterfeits. Ritsuka believes they were all alive whether they’re from a Singularity, a Lostbelt, or are a counterfeit. Monte Cristo responds the dead will remain dead.[23]
Ritsuka asks him why he killed Kyrie and their family. Monte Cristo answers it was to teach them about revenge, of its power and its meaning.[23]
Confirming he played the role of their father, Kyrie arrived at the house sometime after he decided to kill his wife and daughter. Ritsuka’s mom was still yet alive when Kyrie entered and implored her to run. Kyrie, however, went into the living room to get the first aid kit. There she saw Monte Cristo standing over the dead body of his daughter.[23]
Asked why he killed his family, Monte Cristo said it was all for the sake of the path Ritsuka walks. As long as they cannot carry out their ordeals, the Wall of Human Order can never be breached. Even if it weren’t there, Monte Cristro implies he would still have to confront what awaits Ritsuka, but he refused to let that come to pass.[23]
Kyrie refused to believe murdering their family would be of any help to Ritsuka. She decided to call the police on Monte Cristo, but first she needed to call an ambulance for Ritsuka’s mom and sister. Monte Cristo accepted Kyrie might be right and killed her.[23]
He tells Ritsuka that the power accompanying the act of revenge is tremendous, possessing no limits because there is no mercy. They did not know of its pleasures, so he thought it necessary to teach them down to their very soul. Now he asks them how they felt wielding power with anger in their heart and if their soul tasted its pleasures.[23]
But feeling there is no need for them to answer, Monte Cristo proclaims revenge manifests the power to do the impossible. He believes Ritsuka has come to understand that, so he asks them how their revenge tasted. Ritsuka refutes they had tasted it, believing they can fight without it and make it to the end.
Monte Cristo, however, is certain Ritsuka knows that their soul harbors a flame suitable for an avenger. He believes Sherlock Holmes would call the Bleaching of the Earth the same as the Incineration of the Human Order and would consider Ritsuka’s family, friends, and hometown victims of mass murder. Everything from their past is gone, which is why they could become the world’s greatest avenger if they allowed themselves and no one could reject their vengeance.[23]
Ritsuka understands Monte Cristo was trying to tell them something, but they tell him whatever his reasons he didn’t have to murder Kyrie and their family. Monte Cristo grants Ritsuka it is best to succeed without sacrifice, but thanks to the murder he committed that they now know the meaning of revenge. He therefore asks them what they expect to accomplish at Antartica and with what purpose will they reach their journey’s end.[23]
Recalling their most vivid memory with Mash, Ritsuka tells Monte Cristo at Antarctica they intend to fight. But they will not fight for revenge, but as a person living in the present, they have to fight. They accept they have no choice but to go through Monte Cristo, saying it’s about moving forward, not killing. They will reach Chaldea whatever happens and that feeling will never change.[23]
Monte Cristo puts his mask back on and laughs manically before changing into his third Ascension, trusting Ritsuka would make such a choice. He challenges them to achieve victory against him who is revenge personified to prove they have no need for it and fights them in one final battle.[23]
Defeated, Monte Cristo remarks how salvation can sometimes be found in the depths of vengeance. But he believes that is something he should never achieve.[23]
Ritsuka notices they’re about to be rayshifted. Monte Cristo tells them it’s time they woke up and to discard the flame along with the fire smoldering in their chest. He gives Ritsuka one last smile before they are rayshifted out the Singularity.[23]
Return
Ritsuka regains consciousness much to the relief of Mash, whom Ritsuka is relieved to see again.[24]
In the control room, Sion remarks how she never thought to account for large-scale Singularities inside the mind. Although Ritsuka’s condition remained good physically, their magical energy was noticeably depleted, and they had somehow used all of their Command Spells. The Singularity should thus be considered a fierce battleground. There is also the fact the Human Order Foundation Value is changing on its own and could go as high as C- or even C.[24]
Jingle Abel Meuniere stops Ritsuka from entering as the sight of them would only upset Goredolf more, not to mention they’re still in slippers and a medical gown. He advises they get their vitals rechecked, replenish their Command Spells at the engine room, then afterward get something to eat and go to sleep.[24]
Ritsuka looks over at Da Vinci. Meuniere reassures that despite periodic dizzy spells, Da Vinci is doing fine as of late.[24]
Later, after getting their vitals rechecked and their Command Spells replenished, Ritsuka goes to the cafeteria for something to eat, though Mash is the only one there. She confirms it’s one of those days Servants aren’t manifested to keep magical energy consumption at a minimum since resources are at a premium. Outside of intermittent materialization for adapting Spirit Origins to the physical environment, they cannot justify keeping too many Servants manifested.[24]
After eating, Ritsuka goes to their room for an early bedtime. But as soon as they fall asleep, they see memories of Edmond’s past.[24]
Wrongfully imprisoned in Château d’If, hatred became his impetus until his chance encounter with Abbé Faria. He learned much from him and eventually escaped the hellish prison. Afterward, he acquired the treasure from the Mountain of Christ for the purposes of revenge, becoming a grey-haired vengeful demon. He vowed he’d make each of his hated enemies in Paris suffer the same hell he did and wouldn’t let any impede him.[24]
He killed all who impeded his revenge; firstly a Dead Apostle, second Theodoric and the Beast of Gévaudan, thirdly Cagliostro atop the Tartary mountains.[24]
However, he proclaimed his vengeance would not end with his enemies but would extend to every living thing on Earth. He believed his vengeance would never end. However, thanks to someone once lost to him who now only exists as a whisper in his ear, he stopped at the very end. Because of love, he had cast his flame at the end of his vengeance, paying with his mind, body, and soul as its price.[24]
Ritsuka wakes up and asks the voice in their head who they are, knowing they’ve been with them since they first went to the Singularity. The voice is surprised they can hear them and confirms they were with them all along.[24]
A woman with long orange hair shows herself. She calls herself a fragment of Edmond’s affection forever lost to his soul engraved on the Throne. Her name is Haydée, and she has been watching Ritsuka from a corner of Edmond’s Spirit Origin.[24]
She confesses she will soon disappear. But before that she asks Ritsuka as someone who wielded Edmond’s flames, overcame them, and vowed never to follow the same path he did what they wish for in this moment. Ritsuka says they want to see Avenger again.[24]
Nightingale later enters their room and informs the Avengers are all gone. She knows when it comes to ships it is expected for some troops to disembark on their own for whatever reason. But she asks Ritsuka if they got to say goodbye.[24]
Ritsuka answers they didn’t get to yet. They recall someone once asked them what they intend to do and realizes those were words of encouragement. They therefore decide they need to go after the Avengers. Nightingale says they have her approval then.[24]
Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Amakusa Shirou and Douman both agree with Ritsuka’s decision. Douman suggests entrusting Ritsuka with the best stratagem they can provide, confessing he knows what works best on an ill-meaning cadaver of malignant information. He asks Abigail if they can count on her assistance, which she guarantees.[24]
Id, Wastehole of the Unsalvageable
Monte Cristo descends Le Colimaçon Noir to the wastehole of Ritsuka’s mind, destroying all flames in his path. But they are in truth not flames but vestiges born of the wastehole immolated by his flames. Their sheer numbers are slightly bothersome for him, however, due to the injury his Spirit Origin had suffered.[25]
Thus, with a snap of his fingers, he summons the shadow, remarking they’ve both weakened from their time apart. It is revealed the shadow and Monte Cristo are not the Edmond of Chaldea and the Edmond of the Prison Tower respectively, rather they are his attachment and resolve.[25]
Monte Cristo laughs manically when another flame appears. Jeanne Alter slays it, annoyed Monte Cristo is laughing in the first place and incredulous that he and the shadow seem ready to kill each other over attachment and resolve. Monte Cristo replies unwavering desires are the essence of Avengers. Although he does wonder where Jeanne Alter learned of his attachment and his resolve. Jeanne Alter realizes only certain people can hear Haydée and Edmond is one of those who can’t due to mental scars.[25]
After killing more flames with the other Avengers, Jeanne Alter complains to Monte Cristo that they’ve been waiting for him for hours. He was the one who proposed they rendezvous, so she demands to know where they are going.[25]
Monte Cristo answers they are going to the furthest reaches of Ritsuka’s mind——the wastehole. There is a small errand to take care of, but they’ll be done before long. It is the only thing left to do now that his Trials and how they influenced the Ordeal Call are over with.[25]
Salieri asks Monte Cristo his intentions with his shadow self since he can’t have much magical energy left. Monte Cristo says there is no cause for concern and with a snap of his fingers, fuses with his shadow self, returning him to his former self. [25]
Jeanne Alter surmises the Trials were why Edmond’s Spirit Origin and Spirit Core were thought to be in bad shape in Chaldea, noting how he had staggered and coughed up blood several times in the hallways. But it wasn’t her who noticed, rather it was Amakusa Shirou, Merlin, Abigail, and Kama.[25]
Edmond confesses it was because Pseudo-Tokyo’s construction required “him” to steal energy from his Chaldean self in accordance with their shared determination. It was a way of preparing for the Ordeal Call and he had decided for some time to use Ritsuka’s mind as a stage.
Later, as the Avengers continue further downward, Edmond confesses it should have been impossible for him to have been summoned. It was miraculous that Goetia did, but thanks to that he was able to meet Ritsuka in whom he saw something special. The Avengers aall admit they like Ritsuka, though Jeanne Alter tries to deny it, which the others know isn’t true.[25]
However, Edmond states with the decisive battle drawing closer, Ritsuka must choose whether to follow the path of vengeance or the path of living beings. That is all the more reason to compel every last flame to leave Ritsuka’s mind, for an Avenger can only ever kill. Jeanne Alter says that doesn’t justify his murder of Kyrie and Rtisuka’s family, though.[25]
She also senses the people of Pseudo-Tokyo aren’t just soulless puppets. Salieri recalls Chaldea’s records said the Prison Tower is akin to a Reality Marble that captures the subject’s spirit and soul, a spiritual world which may contain multiple souls and operate as immaterial reality. He thus concludes Jeanne Alter’s assessment is correct, suspecting Edmond had used actual human souls. Edmond refuses to comment and moves on ahead.[25]
The vestiges of Ritsuka's despair in the deepest recess of their mind.
Eventually the Avengers reach the bottom of the wastehole. There they see the vestiges of Ritsuka’s despair they had accumulated across Singularities and Lostbelts in the form of massive chalky misshapen pillars. Their appearance reminds Jeanne Alter and Salieri of Demon Gods and Fantasy Trees, respectively.[25]
Edmond reveals he had nearly burned away all the vestiges, but he isn’t nowhere close to burning all of them. He says the vestiges of the Lostbelts are larger than those of the Singularities. They cannot be overlooked, otherwise the enemy within feeding off will devour Ritsuka’s mind and soul.[25]
Then, at Edmond's behest, he and Jeanne Alter unleash their Noble Phantasm on the vestiges. Nothing seems to work, however. Moreover, the vestiges are growing through the absorption of magical energy.
Edmond confesses “he” should have been able to burn the vestiges by himself, seeing as they’re actually fragile. But they have been cultivated by someone and have been growing with each nightmare Ritsuka has. The Avengers remain in the wastehole to ensure all of them are burned away because if just one is left unscorched, their obligation to Ritsuka will be left unfulfilled and similarly the grounds for Ritsuka’s decisive battle will be beyond reach.[25]
Confirming the man feeding off the vestiges is here, Edmond explains he had turned himself into malignant information infiltrating Ritsuka’s mind and soul with each nightmare giving him the opportunity to expand and maneuver to take Ritsuka’s life. His face, Cagliostro’s, emerges from the one of the vestiges.[25]
Final Battle/Last Apostle Cagliostro
Malignant Information Cagliostro
Cagliostro reveals this is actually the first time he and the heroes have met for the Cagliostro they knew was a duplicate. It was a Spirit Origin designed to impersonate the Third Trial and a Heroic Spirit of the Human Order. However, its emphasis on being Edmond’s nemesis was excessive, with Cagliostro admitting his duplicates are more prone to mistakes the less filled they are. But its demise troubles him little since it was only preliminary in the contrivances to kill Ritsuka. He is the core Spirit Origin, the nucleus in the operation to make Ritsuka perish——Malignant Information Cagliostro.[26]
He proclaims to Edmond that while he was impressed by his interpretation of the Ordeal Call, he is mortified it wasn’t closer to an execution. Edmond assures him the execution he wants will be dedicated to him, revealing Pseudo-Tokyo, know by its true name of Wastehole of the Unsalvageable, served a second purpose beyond the Seven Trials. From the beginning, it was designed to lure out and eliminate the last of the malignant information——Cagliostro..[26]
The Avengers all prepare for battle. Amused, Cagliostro proclaims his True Name was Alessandro di Cagliostro, but now it is Last Apostle Cagliostro, Count of Despair, and battles the Avengers..[26]
But nothing seems to affect Cagliostro and the Avengers cannot unleash their Noble Phantasms by their True Names, as they have been cut off from Ritsuka’s magical energy supply. Cagliostro reveals he used his Noble Phantasm Rébelion au Monde to aggregate Ritsuka’s magical energy supply into himself, granting him infinite regeneration.[26]
A pentagram on Cagliostro's forehead
A pentagram suddenly appears on his forehead. Unaware of it, Cagliostro declares Ritsuka’s Magic Circuits are under his control, including Pseudo-Tokyo. He laughs manically that it has been rewritten by his Noble Phantasm to be his world.[26]
As the others worry about how much of a disadvantage they’re at, Edmond thinks he can guarantee Cagliostro’s demise if he reduces his own Spirit Core to ash. But he acknowledges being a Servant is quite limiting. He admits out loud he is lacking and needs a light.[26]
Ritsuka suddenly appears offering their assistance. They have a lot to say to Edmond, but Cagliostro needs to be defeated first.[26]
Jeanne Alter is shocked to see Ritsuka as she thought they couldn’t access the Wastehole unless Edmond invited them. Ritsuka responds they’ve done REM REM sleep so many times they tried to initiate one themselves. But they couldn’t do it alone, so they asked everyone (Douman, Kama, Paracelsus, Geronimo, Amakusa Shirou, Merlin, Abigail, and Haydée) for help.[26]
Cagliostro calls Ritsuka a fool for deliberately inserting their mind and soul into the Wastehole where he is now the very world. But he thanks them for saving him a lot of work because once he kills them, his task will be complete. He proclaims this battle will be the true Final Trial for Ritsuka and calls himself the judge of their soul and path. With Ritsuka riding Lobo, the Avengers fight Cagliostro again..[26]
To his own disbelief, Cagliostro’s regeneration is failing to keep up with the Avengers' attacks. He questions how that is possible with the Wastehole under his control when he realizes its true owner would be as limitless as him. He calls it preposterous, though, as Ritsuka is a mediocre mage who lacks the finesse necessary for a task such as seizing complete control over their own Magic Circuits.[26]
Ritsuka doubts they could normally do it, but they’re on a high roll right now. Blue Command Spells appear much to Cagliostro’s shock.[26]
Edmond declares it is time for the finish and plunges his hand into his own shadow. To Ritsuka’s surprise, he pulls out himself——Monte Cristo. The two counts laugh manically and proclaim it is time for the grand finale before continuing the battle.[26]
At the battle’s climax, Ritsuka uses all of their blue Command Spells to empower the Avengers. Hessian Lobo, Gorgon, Nitocris Alter, Kagekiyo, Salieri, and Jeanne Alter all attack Cagliostro one after another. Edmond and Monte Cristo follow up with their Noble Phantasms.[26]
Cagliostro defeated
Defeated, Cagliostro remarks how Edmond’s flames stopped his continuum all without harming the Wastehole. He recognizes they are truly the flames of purification for burning only a sworn enemy.[26]
He commends Ritsuka for the resolve it took for them to turn their own mind into a battlefield and insists they show that same resolve in the presence of the colossal system. But that is only if they defeat all of his Elements set to automatically active upon being discovered. Jeanne Alter tired of him talking, then incinerates Cagliostro completely.[26]
She believes it was thanks to Ritsuka they could kill Cagliostro without losing anyone. She doesn’t think it would matter much if they lost a Servant here, though, hinting because of how the Wall of Human Order works the Avengers must leave.[26]
Salieri, Hessian Lobo, and Kagekiyo all appreciate Ritsuka’s assistance. Kagekiyo asks if they have means to go back, though. Nitocris Alter reassures there will no issues as she can sense Abigial’s hand in RItsuka’s coming here as well as magi, Merlin, and something else they can’t identify. Gorgon finds it doesn’t matter, as they’ve all done their part and can at last be free of the constraints of their Spirit Origins. The other Avengers all look somber.[26]
Ritsuka confesses they came to speak with the Avengers, refusing to accept their leaving. Edmond, however, tells them they have no choice but to accept it for the end of the journey they strive for cannot be brought about by the vengeance the Avengers bring to bear. They will venture to Antarctica with them if that is what they want, but he knows that isn’t what they want. He tells them to be true to themselves and to follow only the path of salvation.[26]
But Ritsuka is unconvinced and repeatedly shakes their head, still refusing to accept the fact the Avengers must leave. Edmond, seeing he is no match for Ritsuka’s conviction, decides he and the others will leave shades of their Spirit Origins in Chaldea’s registry. They will not be as strong, but they should be of use. He tells Ritsuka they know this as far as the Avengers go.[26]
Seeing Ritsuka is still unconvinced, Jeanne Alter reminds them that unlike her, there is much they care about and want to get back. Edmond tells them to go beyond vengeance and to let go of their anger and sorrow. The Avengers will take that flame with them while Ritsuka continues toward tomorrow with hope.[26]
Ritsuka nods strongly, finally convinced to accept the fact the Avengers must leave. The Avengers, all except Edmond, smile at them, with Jeanne Alter in particular, giving them a tearful grin. Edmond tells them to never forget their journey is toward the light, remarking they had quite the long journey together, calling them his accomplice one last time.[26]
And Then, Onto the End of the Journey
Jeanne Alter's last smile before she leaves Chaldea.
All throughout the Storm Border, the Avengers secretly say goodbye to their friends and/or their other selves before leaving.[27]
Meanwhile, on the deck, Jeanne catches Jeanne Alter before she can leave without a word. Jeanne Alter denies she has anything to say to Ritsuka when Jeanne asks her, insisting they need to move on. It is unknown if she really means those words or if she is just putting on a brave face.[27]
Then, with a voice trembling ever so slightly, she says “See ya. You better win.” with a smile. It is unknown if she said that to Jeanne or the absent Ritsuka. Either way, she disappears.[27]
Epilogue
Later, Kiichi Hougen catches Douman in the hallway and gives him a message from Kagekiyo asking if he is Cagliostro. According to what Kagekiyo heard from Salieri and the records, Cagliostro spoke like Douman and a pentagram appeared on his forehead. Kiichi therefore asks Douman if Cagliostro was one of his shikigami. If true, she will decapitate him per her promise to Kagekiyo.[28]
Douman insists it was thanks to him that the day was saved. Out of alleged concern for Ritsuka, he had conducted a detailed examination to locate the dormant malignant information which composed Cagliostro within Ritsuka and installed in their soul a spell that could act like an antivirus. Thanks to that, Ritsuka was able to be safely sent to the Wastehole through the mediation of the many Heroic Spirits associated with dreams.[28]
While she doesn’t know the particulars, Kiichi understands everything would’ve gone poorly if it weren’t for Douman. But she concludes he had basically confessed to being Limbo. Douman insists that isn’t what he said in the slightest. With a clap of her hands, Kiichi calls Sei Shounagon, who proceeds to pester Douman.[28]
In the cafeteria Osakabehime begs Mandricardo to join her and Tomoe Gozen in a MMO raid. Boudica, however, insists both of them join her in the combat simulator. Osakabehime is against it while Mandricardo is very much for it.[28]
Watching the scene with Ritsuka, Mash comments they’re a strange trio, but Ritsuka thinks they have lots in common. At their behest, they and Mash agree to play with Osakabehime and Tomoe.[28]
In her dreamworld, Abigail senses Edmond, but by his own admittance it is merely an echo. He is entrusting her with managing the Wastehole. He is aware Ritsuka is sad he and the Avengers cannot join them for the end of their journey, but from the beginning only seven seats may battle to the Human Order. There may be a exception though.[28]
Again entrusting the Wastehole to Abigail, Edmond’s echo disappears. Abigail bids farewell to the Avengers.[28]
Locations
Participants
Servants
| Designation | Identity | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Asssassin | Hassan-i-SabbahWP (Shining Star) | |
| Avenger | BritomartWP (Alter) | |
| Avenger | Jeanne d'ArcWP (Alter) | |
| Avenger | Antonio SalieriWP | |
| Avenger | Taira no KagekiyoWP | |
| Avenger | NitocrisWP (Alter) | |
| Avenger | Marie AntoinetteWP (Alter) | |
| Avenger | TheodoricWP (Alter) | |
| Avenger | HessianWP LoboWP | |
| Avenger | GorgonWP | |
| Pretender | Alessandro di CagliostroWP |
Humans
| Name | Role | Represented by |
|---|---|---|
| Mom | Ritsuka Fujimaru's mother | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Sister | Ritsuka Fujimaru's younger sister | Leonardo da Vinci (Rider) |
| Aunt | Ritsuka Fujimaru's aunt | Scáthach |
| Oruta | 2nd year high school student, Fujimaru's classmate | Jeanne d'Arc Alter |
| Kyrie Mashiro | 1st year high school student, Fujimaru's childhood friend, next-door neighbor | Mash Kyrielight |
| Himeko Osakabe | 2nd year high school student, Fujimaru's classmate | Osakabehime |
| Ricardo Andou | 2nd year high school student, Fujimaru's classmate | Mandricardo |
| Amatsuka | 3rd year high school student | Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart |
| Mr. Salieri | High school music teacher | Antonio Salieri |
| Fuuka Katsume | Fujimaru's homeroom teacher | Boudica |
References
- ↑ Fate/Grand Order - Breakthrough Ordeal Call II
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 17: Reign of Despair and System of Chaos
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 5: Fortress of Lamentation (1/2)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 1: Journey of Blood
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 5.20 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 2: Journey of Blood
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 3: This Looks Like Someplace I Know
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 4: You Look Like Someone I Know
- ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 6: Fortress of Lamentation (2/2)
- ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 7: Dream/Reality
- ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 8: Transfer Students
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 9: The Unforgettable
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 10: Dark Flame
- ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 13.12 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 11: Scales of Perdition (1/2)
- ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 12: Scales of Perdition (2/2)
- ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 13: If I Ever Lost You
- ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 16.11 16.12 16.13 16.14 16.15 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 14: Even If an Imitation
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 17.8 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 15: Even if a ————
- ↑ 18.00 18.01 18.02 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06 18.07 18.08 18.09 18.10 18.11 18.12 18.13 18.14 18.15 18.16 18.17 18.18 18.19 18.20 18.21 18.22 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 16: The Flame of Hatred Eternally in My Heart
- ↑ 19.00 19.01 19.02 19.03 19.04 19.05 19.06 19.07 19.08 19.09 19.10 19.11 19.12 19.13 19.14 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 18: For we are Again in Prison
- ↑ 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 20.10 20.11 20.12 20.13 20.14 20.15 20.16 20.17 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 19: King of Deathstorm and Maneater of Bane
- ↑ 21.00 21.01 21.02 21.03 21.04 21.05 21.06 21.07 21.08 21.09 21.10 21.11 21.12 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 20: Without a Goodbye
- ↑ 22.00 22.01 22.02 22.03 22.04 22.05 22.06 22.07 22.08 22.09 22.10 22.11 22.12 22.13 22.14 22.15 22.16 22.17 22.18 22.19 22.20 22.21 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 21: The Count
- ↑ 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 23.11 23.12 23.13 23.14 23.15 23.16 23.17 23.18 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 22: Final Battle/Farewell
- ↑ 24.00 24.01 24.02 24.03 24.04 24.05 24.06 24.07 24.08 24.09 24.10 24.11 24.12 24.13 24.14 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 23: Return
- ↑ 25.00 25.01 25.02 25.03 25.04 25.05 25.06 25.07 25.08 25.09 25.10 25.11 25.12 25.13 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 24: Id, Wastehole of the Unsalvageable
- ↑ 26.00 26.01 26.02 26.03 26.04 26.05 26.06 26.07 26.08 26.09 26.10 26.11 26.12 26.13 26.14 26.15 26.16 26.17 26.18 26.19 26.20 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 25: Final Battle/Last Apostle Cagliostro
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Section 26: And Then, Onto the End of the Journey
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 28.6 Fate/Grand Order: Cosmos in the Lostbelt - Id: Wastehole of the Unsalvageable - Epilogue










