Russian Lostbelt

« I'm going to prove it...that even I could have saved the world. Lostbelt...a dead-end human history. In a nation where beasts are trapped by the ice, their roars echo throughout, signaling a new battle. »

(Kadoc Zemlupus)

Chaldea Security Organization
Locations
Technology
Grand Orders
Human Order Incineration Incident
Remnant Order
Human Order Revision Incident
Russian Lostbelt
Scandinavian Lostbelt
Chinese Lostbelt
Edo Singularity
Indian Lostbelt
Imaginary Trench
Atlantic Lostbelt
Heian-kyō Singularity
British Lostbelt
Tunguska Special Territory
Traum Singularity
South American Lostbelt
Micro Singularities and others
Ordeal Call
Human Order Annihilation (Arcade)
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The Russian Lostbelt (ロシア異聞帯, Roshia ibuntai^?), designated Order Lostbelt No. 1 (ロストベルト No. 1^?), is one of the seven Lostbelts appearing on the blankened Earth during the Human Order Revision incident. Originating in 1570 A.D. Russia, its Lost Depth is D, its King is Ivan the Terrible, and its associated Crypter is Kadoc Zemlupus. It is the first of the Lostbelts visited by Chaldea Security Organization in the undertaking of the Grand Order to restore Earth and the Human Order.

The events of Chaldea's visit to this Lostbelt are covered in the first chapter of Cosmos in the Lostbelt; Anastasia: Permafrost Empire (永久凍土帝国 アナスタシア, Eikyū-tōdo teikoku Anasutashia^?), alternatively Imperial Princess of the Beast Nation (獣国の皇女, Jūkoku no kōjo^?, localized as "The Grand Duchess of the Beast Nation").

Setting

Map of the Lostbelt.

The Lostbelt diverged from the Proper Human History in 1570 AD when an asteroid struck and plunged the world into an ice age. Most humans died, and while Russians were used to the cold and prepared for such weather, 90% of their population perished and they were on the cusp of extinction. Ivan the Terrible and his mages were able to save the country by combining humans with magical beasts, creating the Yaga, with Ivan himself becoming the first. The D Rank Lost Depth resulted from the Eternal Winter that rendered humanity all but extinct (still alive but as Yaga).

Three months prior to Chaldea's arrival, Atalanta Alter, Billy the Kid, and Beowulf were summoned into the Lostbelt by the remnants of the Counter Force. Miyamoto Musashi also wandered into the Lostbelt from another world. Atalanta Alter became the leader of a rebellion against Ivan. The rebellion started as a result of Yaga Moscow's refusal to provide food to the weaker villages, and their claiming of any hunted Demonic Beast. Billy and Beowulf wandered around without any knowledge of their situation. They eventually became the protectors of Yaga Demensk, and the leaders of a band of male Yaga. However, a number of them rejected human leadership and turned to banditry. Musashi wandered Russia killing bandits and the Oprichnik while claiming to be from Chaldea, becoming something of a rumor.

The Fantasy Tree Orochi also manifested in Yaga Moscow three months ago. However, Ivan used his power as the Lostbelt King, Emergency Prerogative, to prevent Orochi from taking root. He then went asleep, activating Chyornyj Oprichniki to calling forth the Oprochnik from his dreams. Kadoc Zemlupus thus conducted a plan to overthrow Ivan and replace him with his Servant, Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was brought to the royal palace to keep Ivan asleep by continously playing Requiem for Death. After playing endlessly for two months, he had Antonio Salieri take over for him. Anastasia pretended to be Ivan's first wife, Anastasia Romanovna Zakharyina-Yurieva^WP, to keep him relatively complacent. Grigori Rasputin also pretended to be his mentor, Metropolitan Macarius^WP, all the while keeping his true identity a secret from Anastasia.

History

Prologue

Ninety days have passed since an alien invasion began and in that time, the entire Earth was bleached white. Countries around the world, particularly the United States, tried resisting, but they were wiped out within days. What few humans remain are dumbfounded by the endless nothingness and have resigned themselves to the end.

But one refused to accept the end without knowing the why or how of the invasion. On an old motorcycle he found, he began riding across the white wasteland. The invasion lasted ninety days, so someone must have noticed signs leading up to it, or someone knew it was coming and let it happen. Taking it upon himself to discover what happened, David Bluebook begins his search for answers.

Back in 2016, Specimen E was moved to a secret base 18 hours after it crash landed on Earth and left in a near-death state. Researchers were instructed to save its life and hopefully establish communication. The project was highly classified, so they had to nurse it back to health in a secret underground facility. The lead researcher was particularly eager to study Specimen E, describing it as tree roots come to life.

In a room with a large round table, the Crypters gather. Only Kirschtaria Wodime is there in the flesh, while the rest are attending via hologram.

Kirschtaria announces it has been three months since the Fantasy Trees took root. The world has been rewritten with the Lostbelts, thus completing the Felling Theoretical Phenomenon.

Kirschtaria calls it a cause for celebration, telling the others it wouldn’t be possible if not their devoted efforts. But Beryl Gut thinks they haven’t done worth celebrating yet, as the Alien God was the one who rewrote history. All they have done is keep their Lostbelt Kings placated.

Ophelia Phamrsolone tells Beryl that stabilizing the Lostbelts and growing the Trees are the same. She also interprets Kirschtaria’s earlier words to mean he is telling them to devote themselves to maintaining their contracts with the Lostbelts’ Servants. That especially applies to Masters like Beryl, who treat their circumstances as a game.

Beryl makes it clear he has never been more serious, especially given that they were all dead. The Alien God resurrected them, but he doubts it will do so again. He can only enjoy killing and stealing if he’s alive after all. Daybit Sem Void concurs, happy that his and Beryl’s respective regions are primitive enough to provide opportunities for methodical killings.

Scandinavia Peperoncino notices how stressed Kadoc Zemlupus looks and invites him and the Grand Duchess to his Lostbelt for tea. Kadoc rejects his offer.

Hinako Akuta, annoyed by all the banter, demands Kirschtaria to tell them the purpose of the meeting, as they already reported in on their Lostbelts. Hers isn’t for territory expansion, and she already made it clear she wouldn’t compete with the others for dominion over the planet.

Kadoc reminds Akuta that another Lostbelt will only invade hers if she doesn’t expand its territory. Akuta is fine with that, not caring if her Lostbelt disappears.

Beryl has no doubt that Kirschtaria’s Lostbelt will emerge victorious, suspecting he was chosen to win before their competition even began. But Ophelia rebukes Beryl, saying Kirschtaria took “that city” through his own merits.

Kirschtaria interrupts Ophelia before she could say anything more about him having three Divine Spirits, telling her that Beryl isn’t incorrect. However, he agrees he will inevitably be the winner.

He then reveals the true purpose of the meeting. An hour ago, one of his Servants foretold that Chaldea will soon reemerge from Imaginary Number Space following their escape from Antarctica.

Ophelia is amazed they’re still alive after spending three months in Imaginary Number Space. Peperoncino is amazed as well, considering all the trouble Koyanskaya went through to get the Mage’s Association to appoint a new director who could be easy to manipulate. He wonders if Kirschtaria made the wrong choice, saying his Servant could have destroyed the entire base.

Kirschtaria replies the plan was the best option because in order for them to take control, it was necessary to convince Chaldea to let them in willingly by disguising themselves as staff and then shut down Chaldeas from within. If that didn’t happen, the Chaldeans would have rayshifted away and stopped them. Kirschtaria thus calls Koyanskaya’s plan well-conceived.

His Servant couldn’t predict where Chaldea would emerge, only that it will happen in a matter of hours. But Daybit deduces they will emerge in the Russian Lostbelt. Chaldea knows nothing about the current Earth beyond the identities of those who attacked their base: the Oprichniki. Their karmic connection with the Oprichniki is their only means of emerging from Imaginary Number Space and determining their destination.

Kadoc suspects Chaldea is out for revenge, meaning he will be their first target.

Kirschtaria reminds Kadoc they all have consented to a nonaggression pact. It is their goal as the Crypters to expand their Lostbelts. Eventually, their Lostbelts’ borders will clash, and the one with the stronger Foundation of Humanity will consume the weaker one. It is only in this class that a Crypter is permitted to interfere with the Lostbelt of another.

If Chaldea comes to Russia, it falls to its Lostbelt King to deal with them. The Crypters’ duty is the Reconstruction of Humanity within their Lostbelt, to create a world where gods and human can live harmoniously once more. With the Alien God’s invasion done, disposing of Chaldea is nothing but a chore.

Kirschtaria admits, though, that Chaldea will be hinderance, given their experiences overturning worlds. He therefore tells Kadoc to eliminate Chaldea and grow Russia’s Tree as fast as possible. He would look like to see all the Lostbelts realize their full potential, for each is the potentiality of humanity.

Kadoc leaves the meeting to get ready for Chaldea.

Akuta leaves as well to keep her king’s insatiable hunger for exploration and conquest in check.

Before he goes, Beryl expresses delight at knowing “that” is alive. He recalls Dr. Roman kicked him out of their ICU before he could have fun with him. But no one will stop him now.

Pepe asks Daybit for his thoughts on the “cube” in his Lostbelt. Daybit calls it the weak point for Pepe’s Lostbelt, though he advises him to leave it be. Pepe decides to wait and see what happens with it and leaves.

Daybit leaves, saying he’ll be at next month’s meeting.

With only her and Kirschtaria, Ophelia confession to him her doubts that Kadoc can maintain the Russian Lostbelt. Its Lostbelt King’s Spirit Origin is on par with a Divine Spirit, but she finds it unlikely that Kadoc can control him. She worries about what may happen to his Lostbelt if Chaldea’s remnants arrive and start trouble. There are also times Kadoc prioritizes the Grand Duchess’ wishes over the Crypters’ objective.

Understanding Ophelia’s concerns, Kirschtaria orders Caenis to go to Russia and observe Kadoc’s action, and punish him if he has indeed turned his back on the Crypters’ mission. Caenis, though irritated by it, complies with Kirschtaria’s command after he reminds her she made a promise with him following his victory over her.

After Caenis leaves, Kirschtaria informs Ophelia that he is having Caenis monitor the whole continent. Her next stop will be Ophelia’s Lostbelt, so Kirschtaria advises Ophelia not to offend her lest she destroy her Lostbelt. Ophelia doesn’t fear Caenis, though, for her Lostbelt King’s power is akin to a Divine Spirit’s, and she has the strongest knight.

Kirschtaria confesses to Ophelia that he would prefer their respective Lostbelts to be the last ones standing in their competition. He has great expectations of her, requiring as many capable compatriots as possible. Ophelia leaves elated, promising Kirschtaria to not let him down.

Now alone, Kirschtaria remarks to that himself that the Alien God’s advent is at hand. With the Lostbelt’s rewrites that finished three months ago, both the planet and the next generation of human history belong to the Crypters. But that alone isn’t enough for Kirschtaria.

He refuses to abandon humanity like the sages of the Proper Human History and the one who called himself the King of Mages did. Recounting two thousand years have passed since Mystery declined when the foundations of the world were passed to mankind, he declares he will achieve what Marisbury Animusphere could only dream of.

He walks out of the room and a mysterious figure appears.

Empire of Beasts

Amidst a blizzard, a hunter struggles against starvation. The Kritchat they kill is rendered worthless because of its brains leaking out. A tremor occurs; the hunter hopes it was one of the larger ones that caused it. If it was, the hunter’s worries of starving to death could be subsided.

The hunter complains the blizzard makes it hard to tell if the Oprichniki are listening or not, as usual. They then wonder about the giant tower-like tree.

It is an alternate history where Demonic Beasts have been present from the beginning. To combat these beasts and the perpetual blizzard, humanity has taken the notion “might makes right” to its logical conclusion.

In Ritsuka’s room on the Shadow Border, Mash talks with Ritsuka about how it’s been a week since they began their Zero Sail. But considering time doesn’t advance in Imaginary Number Space, she is concerned about what may happen if they return to reality. They could return at the instant they left, or a thousand years could have passed. They could also age instantly as soon as they leave Imaginary Number Space. But Leonardo da Vinci is working on fixing the disparity between them and outside, so that doesn’t happen.

In the cockpit, Goredolf Musik demands to know why Sherlock Holmes insists on keeping them in the Imaginary Number Space, believing they should be in a safe zone now. Ritsuka and Mash enter.

Holmes explains they can emerge so as long as one of them has a connection that exists in reality. But with the world wiped clean, that is now an impossibility.

Goredolf finds it ridiculous for the world to be wiped clean. He admits the impact from the “meteoroids” must have been far worse than the Tunguska Event, given their size, but not enough to destroy every nation on Earth. He also believes the Clock Tower could never be destroyed, protected as it is by hundreds of defense mechanisms.

Holmes informs him, though, that everything is gone. Goredolf thinks Holmes is making it up until Ritsuka tells him it isn’t the first time humanity was wiped out.

Holmes reveals they can use their connection with the Oprichniki to emerge. But if they do so, they will emerge wherever the Oprichniki are, meaning Chaldea HQ. With resources running low, Mash realizes they must take the risk of emerging into enemy territory.

Fortunately, Da Vinci has been using the Paper Moon, a compass for simultaneous measurement of Real Number Space and Imaginary Number Space, to find a relatively safe location for wherever they emerge.

She tells everyone she found one such location and has already plotted a course to it. A nearby current can carry them along said course, but if they miss it, they’ll have to wait another ten days for the next one. By that time, the Border will be nearly depleted of power.

According to the Paper Moon, the current will return them to reality approximately 90 days after they left. The survivors all agree to stay the course, knowing the risk of being attacked upon emergence. They’re further incentivized when something damages the Border’s armor.

They successfully return to reality. Excited, the survivors open the emergency exit to see outside, only to close it when met with an intense blizzard. The temperature out there is 100 degrees below zero, and even with intense cold protection, you would only survive a few minutes.

Da Vinci shows footage of an endless storm that surrounds Russia like a wall. It blocks all electromagnetic waves and is extremely destructive. So long as it remains, Chaldea cannot leave.

Da Vinci then opens the Paper Moon’s map, showing seven abnormal regions; Russia is one such region. Ritsuka wonders if they are Singularities, but Holmes doubts it as these regions are not the past.

Before he can say more, a staff member returning from checking the Border interrupts him. They explain repairs will be impossible without a Logic Formula to withstand Imaginary Number Space and armor plating to carve said Formula into. The only thing that can be fixed is the engine.

With the Border currently unable to move, Ritsuka volunteers to investigate the area. Holmes decides to be their bodyguard, but Goredolf refuses to let him leave. He insists that as the last bastion of humanity, the Border needs at least one combat-ready Servant to defend it. He then orders Ritsuka to investigate on their own, believing they’re more than capable since they repaired the Singularities, while the rest of them relay instructions from the Border.

Holmes agrees to guard the Border like Goredolf ordered, knowing its destruction would mean humanity’s. He points out, however, that it is too risky to send Ritsuka out alone, so Goredolf has Jingle Abel Meuniere accompany Ritsuka. But Mash decides she will accompany Ritsuka instead.

While Holmes cannot support this course of action, Da Vinci gives Mash her consent as long as she agrees not to fight as Servant unless absolutely necessary and to focus solely on providing support. Having expected this, she provides Ritsuka and Mash with an Anti-Polar Mystic Code and a snowsuit, respectively.

Before Ritsuka and Mash leave, Meuniere gives RItsuka the Spirit Origin graph. He explains they should be able to summon Servant again if they can secure a leyline. As for powering the graph, he recommends using a natural phenomenon. If Ritsuka can provide the graph with the barest minimum of energy, they should be able to summon at least one Servant, albeit not a strong one.

Outside, Da Vinci provides Ritsuka and Mash with directions to search for a leyline. Goredolf tells them to let him handle negotiations with any locals they encounter, boasting of the effectiveness of his charm spell. Holmes, however, convinces him to let Ritsuka handle the initial negotiations while he handles the rest.

Ritsuka and Mash start their search by heading north. After a while, they head east, where they see a giant tower-like tree.

Suddenly, Da Vinci warns them of a Demonic Beast heading in their direction. Ritsuka and Mash try to head south when the beast roars, calling more of its kind to surround the pair. Holmes instructs Mash to breakthrough the pack and head south back to the Border with Ritsuka. Mash changes into her Servant, faltering momentarily after doing so, and goes to make a path.

She is successful, but it leaves her exhausted and vulnerable to a surprise attack from a beast. Fortunately, someone kills it with a single headshot. He reprimands Ritsuka and Mash for running into a pack of Kritchat. He assumes they came from the capital looking for food and starts to explain why that was fruitless when the blizzard clears enough for both parties to see each other.

Ritsuka assumes him to be a werewolf, while the shooter is terrified by their and Mash’s smooth skin. He wonders if they’re mages when a Kritchat lets out a roar. Not wanting to get surrounded, he has Ritsuka and Mash follow him, carrying the Kritchat he killed.

He takes them to a village, where to his dismay, the Oprichniki are patrolling. He warns Ritsuka and Mash not to let any other Yaga see them, lest they’ll be sacrificed to the Oprichniki. But seeing they’re enemies of the Oprichniki, he offers to help them in exchange for something.

As he tries to sneak RItsuka and Mash to his house, a villager calls out to him, calling him Patxi. He notices a strange scent and wonders if Ritsuka and Mash are its source. He asks Patxi if they’re in the rebel army because if they are, he’ll have to report them to the Oprichniki per the Tsar’s decree. Patxi gets him back off though by threatening to tell the Oprichniki that the two of them are friends. He then takes Ritsuka and Mash to his house.

In Patxi’s house, Holmes, contacting from the Border via hologram, offers Patxi information as compensation for hiding Ritsuka and Mash from the Oprichniki. Holmes surmises from Patxi’s startled reaction that his kind only heard of magecraft, lacking any deep knowledge of the subject like he previously assumed from Patxi’s realization that Ritsuka and Mash were mages.

Patxi calms down and asks for good hunting grounds. Holmes offers Patxi the location of several Kritchat nests in exchange for him telling everything he knows.

Following introductions, Patxi asks Ritsuka and Mash if they’re in the rebel army since the Oprichniki seem to be after them. But before he can get an answer, Holmes asks him for the year. Mash suspects, given the abnormally cold weather, that they’re in a Russia of a different time period like the Singularities. But to her surprise, Patxi reveals the year is 2017.

Patxi confirms he knows nothing about the Storm Wall, having never seen it before in his life. He finds strange, though, that Holmes said they came from beyond Russia because any inhabitable land outside Russia should be long gone now. But seeing the others aren’t Yaga, he wonders if other nations remain.

Holmes tells Paxti that they do not know why the Oprichniki are after them and asks him what they are. Patxi explains they are Ivan the Terrible’s bodyguards. But Mash questions why in 2017 would the Oprichniki still serve Ivan. Patxi reveals Ivan has been living for the last 500 years, and that he is the oldest Yaga of all.

Holmes surmises Yaga refers to Patxi’s kind. Paxti confirms it, baffled by how ignorant the others are of the past hundred years. He agrees to explain his people’s history, though, when Ritsuka asks him.

He explains 450 years ago an asteroid struck the planet triggering a new Ice Age known as the Great Cold Wave. Most of humanity perished, and while the Russians were prepared for the cold weather, they lost 90% of their population. To prevent extinction, Ivan and a mage fused the remaining population with Demonic Beasts to create the Yaga. Paxti was born a Yaga, so meeting Ritsuka and Mash was his first time seeing the old species.

Ritsuka and Mash tell Paxti they are members of Chaldea, an organization dedicated to saving the world. Paxti thinks it’s nonsense and leaves to check out one of the hunting grounds Holmes pointed out after telling RItsuka and Mash to stay put.

Holmes asks Goredolf if the Oprichnik he defeated was indeed not human. Goredolf recalls he disintegrated when struck by a Gof Punch, and surmises that the Oprichniki are familiars. Holmes concurs, having felt nothing human about them during his skirmishes.

He explains the original Oprichniki were a corp of soldiers established by Ivan to eradicate his enemies. Absolutely loyal to the tsar, they committed unspeakable atrocities in his name. But since none of them became Heroic Spirits, Holmes concludes the Oprichniki now are Ivan’s familiars. He finds it possible, considering the terror they wrought on all of Russia, that they were created from a Skill or Noble Phantasm Ivan has.

Mash wonders then if Ivan was responsible for the attack on Chaldea. But Holmes says they should focus on securing a leyline first. On that subject, Da Vinci confesses she detected what could be a leyline back when RItsuka and Mash were escaping with Patxi. But considering how far it is from their current position, she advises Ritsuka and Mash not to go there alone.

Goredolf suggests having Patxi (calling him “that furred freak) take them there. He doesn’t care if Patxi would want compensation, saying the Yaga stopped being human the moment they fused with Demonic Beasts. Mash says they’ll have to wait for Paxti to come back, regardless.

Patxi thinks about how new the Chaldeans are. Unlike most other Yaga, he isn’t uncomfortable with such things, which puts him at odds with the others. He often asks himself questions contrary to the Yaga philosophy that only the strong may survive. He knows it’s meaningless to think about such things, but he cannot stop himself.

A villager warns Patxi not to go near the town-owned hunting grounds and reminding him any stray Demonic Beasts also belong to the town. Now heading in the opposite direction, Paxti thinks about how his town ruthlessly enforces the rule that only the strong may eat, destroying nearby villages and trying to win Ivan’s favor. He cannot defy the tsar, but if Chaldea does save the world, maybe it will ease the ache in his chest just a little.

Returning from a successful hunt, Patxi gives a portion of his kills to a villager to pay his taxes. The villager asks Patxi about his mother’s taxes, not understanding why he pays her share when she can no longer hunt and is therefore useless to the town.

Paying his mother’s share, Paxti visits her to drop off some meat. His mother has gone senile and can no longer recognize him. He considers letting her die, knowing only the strong are allowed to eat. So he asks himself why he keeps helping her.

He returns and thanks the Chaldeans for the tip, having brought in his biggest haul in ages. He asks for more hunting spots, wanting to hunt while he has energy. Holmes agrees to provide another, but first he asks Paxti what he knows about the strange tree.

Paxti confesses he knows nothing about it, only that it appeared about 3 months ago. He recalls how everyone praised it as a miracle Ivan performed for them, though it never gave them anything useful. The Oprichniki also have no reaction to it.

Patxi then tries to go back hunting when Holmes requests he collect materials for a kite. Since he doesn’t need to leave town, Patxi agrees to the detective’s request and heads out.

Holmes explains they’re going to tie the kite to the Graph and power it the same way Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity. The next thunderstorm is forecasted for tomorrow, so the kite needs to be ready before day’s end. Paxti soon returns with the materials and heads out to the new hunting spot Holmes gave him.

By the time Ritsuka and Mash finish making the kite, the storm has already begun to roll in. Leaving a note for Paxti telling him where they went, the two sneak out. Outside, they see many Yaga gathering around and hear an odd noise.

In his personal chambers, Ivan asks the Grand Duchess, who he thinks is his wife Anastasia, if Russia is at peace. The Grand Duchess tells him the Oprichniki are all fighting hard throughout Russia to spread his glory far and wide. Accepting her words, Ivan remarks how Russia has been at peace for 200 years now and declares his intent to spread his glory to other lands.

He asks how Europe and the Far East fare. The Grand Duchess tells him they are both at peace, saying Russia will soon have their allegiances. Ivan is at first pleased with peace, but quickly declares he will unite the world under his dominion to ensure its happiness. The Grand Duchess calls out to Amadeus and Ivan soon falls asleep.

Outside the chamber, the Grand Duchess confirms to Kadoc that she got Ivan’s attack under control now that he’s sleeping, thanks to Mozart’s piano. Kadoc is pleased, calling it a worst scenario if Ivan were to learn the truth and head out on a campaign. They must first be certain Ivan’s rule extends throughout the Lostbelt before anything. The Grand Duchess, therefore, decides to entrust Ivan to Mozart and crush the rebels herself. But Kadoc suspects Mozart alone cannot keep Ivan pacified, fearing what could happen if Ivan acts up. He wishes to eliminate any surprises from his plan as much as possible. The Grand Duchess heeds him, trusting her Master’s judgement.

Kirei Kotomine comes up to the two, joking that he’s interrupting their pillow talk. The Grand Duchess, calling him Metropolitan Macarius, warns Kirei not to speak to a member of the imperial family in such a matter. Kirei insists he has only the highest respect for the entire imperial family, though, no matter who they are or how they died.

Kadoc, sensing his Servant’s anger toward Kirei, stops the situation from escalating into violence. He reminds Kirei that his job is to placate Ivan and tells him to stop following the Grand Duchess and hurry with the cathedral’s repairs. He correctly surmises, though, that Kirei has come with urgent news.

Kirei reports Chaldea has arrived in the Lostbelt. He recommends eliminating them while they’re still getting their bearings. Kadoc, however, doesn’t want to leave Ivan alone right now, so he’ll let the Oprichniki kill the Chaldeans. He questions, though, if Koyanskaya should go instead since she allowed the Chaldeans to escape in the first place, or Kirei to make himself useful.

Kirei says he cannot leave Yaga Moscow, concerned as he is about Ivan’s condition. As for Koyanskaya, she is currently busy with work of a private nature. Kadoc asks what she could be doing when she’s supposed to be leading the Oprichniki. The Grand Duchess informs him that Koyanskaya is selling food to the Yaga at prices so high they’re forced to rob their neighbors to even have the faintest hope of affording it.

Koyanskaya’s motives leave Kadoc baffled, not understanding why she doesn’t leave for a more civilized world since she can move between Lostbelts, unlike Kirei. Kirei says Koyanskaya will never change her behavior no matter where she is. In one sense, her actions stem from a love of humanity, which includes tormenting the weak. As she will oppose any of them, Kirei advises Kadoc to think of her as a mercenary. He agrees, though, that her behavior is getting out of hand, so he’ll have her restrain herself while she remains in Russia.

Kadoc orders Kirei to tell Koyanskaya to monitor the major towns for Chaldea and eliminate them the moment she finds them. He has no qualms about killing his comrades, vowing to ensure his Lostbelt is victorious and to achieve something a Master from the Proper Human History never could. Though he supports him and respects his aspirations and determination, Kirei advises Kadoc to think hard about where his hostility comes from.

After Kirei leaves, Kadoc thinks he was advising him to accept the Chaldeans are his rivals now. But he refuses to accept they are, believing they only got lucky. The Grand Duchess interrupts him, telling him to stop lying himself and to accept he didn’t save the world while they did. She tells him to use this opportunity to show everyone his true potential.

Yaga

Ritsuka and Mash get closer to the crowd, all the while making sure not to be seen. To their and especially Goredolf’s horror, they find Koyanskaya selling food to the Yaga. Ritsuka and Mash do not approach any further and watch from a distance like Goredolf advised.

Koyanskaya mocks the Yaga for having hardly yet energy inefficient bodies that require ten times the normal food consumption of a human to stave off starvation. Fortunately for them, she has come from Yaga Moscow to sell them food.

A Yaga comes up to her to purchase food, but they do not provide the proper greeting. Koyoskaya, irritated with them, immediately voices her disgust for the entire species. She cannot fathom what Ivan was thinking when he created the Yaga, finding they have neither the innocence of animal nor the brains of humans. It is pathetic they call themselves a new species for barely staying alive in this frozen wasteland.

Another Yaga takes great offense to Koyanskaya’s criticism of Ivan’s Demonic Beast Transformation policy, saying only traitorous rebels would do so. A Oprichnik kills him before he can say more. Koyanskaya reveals her Oprichniki react instantly if she gets the slightest bit upset, so she warns the other Yaga to watch their language.

Getting back to business, Koyanskaya shows she brought more food than last time since the town’s food shortage is only getting worse. But seeing her prices are far steeper than they were last time, the Yaga beg her to put them to what they were previously. Koyanskaya refuses to budge though, saying it’s NFF Services’ sacred rule to never lower prices. She then reminds the Yaga it is their way to take from the weak and that there is more than one way to solve a food shortage.

Ritsuka and Mash witness half of the Yaga kill the other for the money. After those remaining make their purchases, Koyanskaya leaves with her wagon. Mash reports what she and Ritsuka saw to Goredolf.

Da Vinci reveals Koyanskaya is a Servant based on her magical energy readings and surmises she was concealing it while in Chaldea. She also deduces she is working for the Crypters.

Holmes deduces Kirei is a Servant as well since he was in Chaldea as Koyanskaya’s equal. He further deduces the two of them executed their plan via a secret network before they physically met on the boat to Chaldea.

However, according to Chaldea’s records, Kirei died in Japan in 2004. Da Vinci wonders then if Kirei was always a Pseudo-Servant or a Heroic Spirit possessing a corpse, though she questions how that’s possible. Holmes theorizes there may be certain Heroic Spirits who can only be summonable as Pseudo-Servant using a corpse as a host. But that is impossible for Kirei because, according to Church records, his body was completely incinerated at the time of his death. His body no longer exists, at least in their world.

Koyanskaya then confronts Ritsuka and Mash, but despite orders from Kirei, she has not come to kill them. She isn’t done with today’s work, preferring to do one job at a time, so she won’t come after Ritsuka and Mash until tomorrow. It would go against her principles if she were to kill them now. She also wants Ritsuka to have a semblance of a fighting chance against Kadoc. Then, knowing that he’s listening, she rebukes Holmes for sending Ritsuka and Mash out without protecting, warning they would have been killed if she wasn’t the Servant assigned to Russia.

Surprised by her concern for the opposition, Holmes asks Koyanskaya for her True Name, her Master’s identity, the number of her fellow Servants, and what the Singularity is truly called. But Koyanskaya refuses to give any more hints, only saying she spent the past year getting everything ready. Their leader comes from very far away and is intentionally staying out of the spotlight for now.

Despite sharing the same enemy, though, the Crypters aren’t exactly her ally. As for exploiting the Yaga, she sees them as a viable target for her hatred, since they are another branch of human evolution. But she prefers not to use violence, saying she would have destroyed Chaldea more peacefully if she had a year to prepare. To her, using violence to destroy what you hate is the height of human folly, and she will not stoop to that level.

Mash realizes Koyanskaya doesn’t consider them a threat. Koyanskaya, impressed by Mash’s earnestness and loyalty, decides to truly let her and Ritsuka go. She originally was going to kill them the moment they let their guard down. She then leaves, promising they will meet again.

Ritsuka and Mash hear a scream in the distance. Holmes tells the two to hurry back to Patxi’s house. On their way though, they find the Yaga selling Patxi out to the Oprichniki as a rebel for having more meat than the rest of them. Patxi attacks the Oprichnik trying to detain him.

Goredolf orders Ritsuka and Mash to head for the leyline while the Oprichniki are preoccupied with Patxi. But to his confusion, the pair instead go off to rescue Patxi. Holmes and Da Vinci inform him that this is the way Chaldea does things.

The Oprichniki would normally execute Patxi on the spot, but they cannot do so without Koyanskaya’s approval currently. So instead, they will crush his limbs to neutralize him. Fortunately for Patxi, Ritsuka and Mash arrive to help him escape.

As they fight off the Oprichniki, Patxi realizes the Chaldeans fought them before, which Mash confirms. Holmes warns Patxti he will no longer be able to return to his hometown if he escapes with Ritsuka and Mash. Patxi, somewhat reluctantly, discards his lingering attachments and escapes with RItsuka and Mash.

After escaping, Patxi guides RItsuka and Mash to the leyline. Mash apologizes for getting him involved, saying it’s all their fault. But Patxi says it’s much of his fault as it is theirs. He doesn’t understand, though, why they didn’t use him as a decoy to escape. Their answer that they couldn’t abandon leaves him dumbfounded since him dying wouldn’t make a difference to their survival.

Realizing he’ll need to lie low for a while, Patxi entertains the idea of joining the rebels. He confirms to Holmes that the rebels fight against Ivan, rumored to have existed for 450 years in one form or another. But regardless of what form they took, the Oprichniki always slaughtered them. The current rebels are resilient, though, and are led by a female archer who looks like the old humans, according to rumors. The Chaldeans suspect she is an Archer-class Servant.

Holmes deduces to himself that the Holy Grail did not summon this Archer. He wonders if she was summoned as a result of their arrival with the Proper Human History Spirit Origin graph or if she is the last resistance human history itself had to offer.

Ritsuka, Mash, and Patxi soon make it to their destination, outside a cave that Holmes says is suitable for summoning. All three of them are wary, however, about reenacting Franklin’s experiment to power the graph, fearing severe electrocution. Patxi is especially wary because lightning is well known to be one of Ivan’s most powerful weapons, leading Holmes to conclude the lightning is far stronger than normal.

Nevertheless, Mash per Holmes’s instructions attaches the kite to the graph and flies it until it reaches the center of the storm. Holmes explains to Ritsuka that one of the Heroic Spirits they bonded with will be forcibly summoned and convert the lightning into magical energy to form their Spirit Origin. But they will not last long, so Ritsuka will need to immediately form a contract with them to keep them anchored in the world.

With the graph powered, Ritsuka and Mash head inside the cave to set up the summoning ritual. At Goredolf’s request, Holmes asks Patxi to wait outside until the ritual is complete, as it is highly secretive. Patxi doesn’t listen, however, and witnesses Ritsuka summon Avicebron.

Avicebron immediately spots Patxi and inquires if he is an enemy. Goredolf, furious that Patxi witnessed the ritual, orders Ritsuka to have Avicebron kill Patxi. Holmes sees no need to though since the Association no longer exists, and doubts anyone in Russia can reenact the ritual. He also believes that Patxi understanding their power is to their benefit. Ritsuka has never met Avicebron before.

To demonstrate his capabilities, Avicebron kills the pack of Kritchat that followed Patxi with his golems. Afterward, he informs Ritsuka he will make the cave into his workshop. He explains to them that doing so will strengthen their ability to summon, allowing them to use of the graph. Ritsuka will thus be able to summon the shadows of the Servants registered within, though it is limited to battle only.

As Avicebron wasn’t registered in the graph, Holmes deduces he was summoned because of the World’s final plea, rather than a previous bond with Ritsuka. He therefore concludes existing Heroic Spirits cannot easily materialize in this world.

Da Vinci asks Avicebron if he can repair the Border’s armor. After looking over the data, Avicebron determines he can craft a new armor plate from ore imbued with magical energy.

Holmes asks Da Vinci to continue learning everything she can regarding materials for the other matter they discussed.

He tells Ritsuka, Mash, and Patxi to rendezvous with the rebels, knowing now their leader is a Servant. He believes there is a strong chance the rebels will aid Chaldea since they oppose Ivan. Patxi admits he knows of a few villages rumored to have rebel ties.

Goredolf also asks the heroes to bring back food, mentioning that the Border’s reserves are nearly depleted and the crew has nearly reached its mental limit. Da Vinci questions, though, if they can even eat Kritchat meat. Goredolf assures her he can make any meat edible, having invented such spells during the countless times he was stranded in the mountains. Da Vinci stops herself from calling Goredolf’s spell useless, saying it’s what they need right now.

Golem Master

Leaving the cave with the others, Avicebron seals off the entrance and places a golem sentry to guide them in when they return. The heroes then head out for one of the rebel al villages. Patxi says they’ll need to first pass through another village to reach the one they want. It is mostly neutral, but they’ll need to be careful since it learns toward pro-Ivan.

Ritsuka’s party reaches the village Patxi mentioned and tries to quickly and quietly pass through. But a guard stops them, demanding a toll to use his village as a shortcut. When Patxi refuses to pay, the guard threatens to capture and report the group for trying to join the rebels. Avicebron persuades him to let them pass by offering a golem for labor purposes.

After passing through, RItsuka’s party discuss how to contact the rebels. Avicebron rejects Mash’s suggestion, highly doubting the rebels would understand their intentions if they merely reveal themselves as Master and Servant. Holmes recommends showing their desire to join and asks Paxti if he’s interested in joining the rebels.

Patxi confesses he is, preferring to die fighting than surrender to the tsar’s tyranny. Then, per Avicebron’s suggestion, he enters the rebel village alone to introduce the others.

Night falls and Patxi still isn’t back yet. Rebels soon come out to confirm Patxi’s descriptions of Ritsuka, Mash, and Avicebron. After getting confirmation, they attack Ritsuka and Avicebron based on rumors Ivan is working with a human Master and Servant. Ritsuka orders Avicebron to neutralize the rebels without killing.

Avicebron’s golems neutralize the rebels when the golems are destroyed by a volley of arrow let loose by the rebel leader. She rejects the others’ request to join the rebels as they are human. To prove they are not Ivan’s allies, she tests their strength and mercy by having them fight her and her rebels without killing while her team strives to kill them.

Ritsuka’s party is victorious and since no one is dead, the rebel leader accepts Ivan did not send them. She then introduces herself as Atalanta Alter. She assumes her Spirit Origin’s affinity for the Calydonian Boar is what convinced the Yaga that she was on their side.

Mash asks her if she remembers her and RItsuka. Atalanta Alter answers she does not, only recalling she was summoned three months ago into this Russia, which has overwritten the Russia of the Proper Human History, by the World’s death throes.

She asks Ritsuka’s party if she is doing the right thing. Avicebron answers he believes she is doing what a Heroic Spirit should by standing against Ivan’s tyranny. Atalanta Alter prays that he is right. She then prepares to take Ritsuka, Mash, and Avicebron to the rebel stronghold when Ritsuka mentions they had a fourth member: Patxi.

Everyone finds Patxi in the village shivering with fear. After Ritsuka snaps him out of it, Patxi expresses his relief that he and the others are alive, implying he had to go through a similar test as them. Everyone then rides for the rebel stronghold, with Atalanta Alter and her rebels on their Bicorns and Ritsuka’s party on Avicebron’s golems.

Rebels

Atalanta Alter asks Cerumo how things were in the village. Cerumo reports things have gotten worse, especially considering they were always treated poorly for their connections to them. The Oprichniki have also become more violent, with rumors saying they burnt a village to the ground to quell a revolt there. The people there had to abandon it and move on, though the village only ever existed as a decoy. Atalanta Alter doubts 20% will survive the journey. Cerumo finds that better than the Oprichniki massacring all of them.

Patxi, upset by the rebel's seeming lack of care, asks Cerumo if the rebels feel any guilt about those who give up their lives for them. Cerumo answers they do but have no choice if they wish to defeat Ivan and avenge all that was lost to his tyranny. Atalanta Alter gives a somber look. Cerumo wants a world without Ivan for his kid and believes Atalanta Alter is their best shot of making that happen.

After slaying some Demonic Beasts, Avicebron asks Atalanta Alter if she could give any Demonic Beast materials she has at the rebel stronghold. Atalanta Alter considers giving them as a reward, depending how hard RItsuka’s party works.

The group entera the hidden tunnel leading to the rebel stronghold. Ritsuka and Mash lose their connection to the Border. Atalanta Alter deduces it is because of the tunnel, so they should be able to reconnect once they’re out.

Mash inquires about the lack of normal animals. Patxi reveals they all went extinct long ago. Avicebron surmises they all died out because of the cold and an overwhelming dominant species.

Cerumo spots something big eating a Demonic Beast. Atalanta Alter tells all non-Servants to stay back, identifying the creature as a Demon Boar. After slaying it with the heroes’ help, she has everyone collect meat from it. Cerumo is happy his kid won’t have to starve, revealing that a lot of rebels brought their families with them after losing their homes to the Oprichniki with him being one of them.

Exiting the tunnel, the group reaches the rebel stronghold. Avicebron, wary they could have been tracked, sets out hidden security golems to keep watch.

Comms with the Border are restored and Goredolf immediately demands a report. Mash reports they are currently with the rebels and are outside their hideout. They will use this opportunity to get the parts needed to repair the Border and to possibly replenish their food stores.

Seeing their leader has returned, the rebels in the stronghold open the gate for her and her entourage. Atalanta Alter informs them they brought back enough meat for everyone. She tells them to assemble the commanders for a meeting once they’ve eaten. Until then she wants RItsuka's party to wait. But Ritsuka tells her they need food as well, so she sets aside three kilograms for them. the heroes then take a break.

Manifesto

Later that night, Atalanta Alter makes Ritsuka’s party the rebels’ reserve corp to determine their utility. To start, she assigns them missions she has been putting off that require a small elite team. She has been doing them herself so far, but as the rebel leader, she cannot risk the army shutting down while they wait for her return.

Holmes and Da Vinci introduce themselves to Atalanta Alter. Da Vinci asks her if she knows anything about the tree. Atalanta Alter answers she doesn’t know what it is, however, she recalls her spy in Yaga Moscow reported it is called the Fantasy Tree. She was told the human-looking court mage was heard muttering to himself during a walk in the city: “The Fantasy Tree still hasn’t taken root yet”. Holmes decides to see what he can learn of the Tree from Chaldea’s database, though he doubts it will prove fruitful.

After Ritsuka accepts her missions, Atalanta Alter orders Patxi to escort their party. She then gives them their first mission: pass out the rebel’s manifesto at nearby villages. Patxi finds that risks someone potentially reporting them. Atalanta Alter tells the group to handle such a scenario as they see fit.

Holmes shows her a list of material, requesting her aid in procuring them. Atalanta Alter gives some Demonic Beast fangs and golem cores as an advance for the mission. She will consider giving the rest if Chaldea helps capture some cities allied with Ivan. After her terms are accepted, she gives the heroes a map marked with all the villages they are to visit.

Holmes quietly asks Ritsuka and Mash to return to the Border first, wanting them to bring back the food they acquired. He has also been told something else needs to be done before they start repairs.

Ritsuka’s party head out riding on Avicebron’s golems. As they do, Avicebron confesses his golemancy was done in pursuit of his ultimate goal: to create the Primordial Man, a golem that could guide his people in their time of need and to help them build a new Eden.

Those from Chaldea

The group comes to the first village and is granted entry when Patxi gives the rebel manifesto to the guard. Patxi asks the village chief to spare what supplies they can. The chief notes how Ivan has said nothing for the past three months while the Oprichniki’s oppression only increases. Even so, he refuses to aid the rebels out of gratitude to Ivan for saving them. But he recognizes they must defend themselves against the increasingly violent Oprichniki Ivan does nothing about. So, to prove they can best the Oprichniki, he challenges the heroes to defeat his village’s strongest Yaga and its domesticated Demonic Beasts without killing. Ritsuka accepts, though Mash questions why everything in this world is decided by strength.

Per Ritsuka’s orders, Avicebron completes the chief’s challenge. Pleased, the chief offers the village’s full support, though he can spare little in the way of supplies. He then writes the heroes a letter of recommendation to help negotiations with two neighboring villages go smoother. But having contact with them recently, he fears they may have been destroyed. Ritsuka’s party then head for the next village.

They find the village destroyed with only one survivor. He tells them bandits were responsible and warns they headed for another village. The heroes hurry to the next village, hoping they’re not too late.

Avicebron sends a golem ahead of them to the village and reports they have lit a red signal fire, a distress signal. The heroes hurry to the village, meeting opposition from bandits. They fight them off, though the bandits seemed more interested in fleeing from something. Ignoring the why, the heroes continue onward to the village.

To their surprise, the village is safe. The chief immediately asks them if they’re from Chaldea. Confused, Mash answers they are. The chief thanks the heroes for saving his village, confusing them since they weren’t the ones responsible. Patxi asks him to explain what happened.

The chief recounts how his village was being besieged by bandits when a human claiming to be from Chaldea suddenly appeared, even though the village was completely barricaded. They asked the bandits why they were attacking the village. In response, the bandits attacked, but despite being surrounded, the Chaldean sliced off the bandits’ limbs in an instant. The bandits who were left fled in terror in the direction the heroes came from. The Chaldean then treated the wounded Yaga and headed for the mountains. They told the chief they’re from Chaldea and went on their way.

Ritsuka asks the chief what this person looked like. The chief finds it odd no one can clearly remember, though he recalls the Chaldean wore tattered clothes with a hood covering their face. He also remembers they were distinctly human. Holmes dismisses the possibility they are a Rogue Servant and considers the possibility they are truly a survivor from Chaldea who happened to wander into this Russia.

Patxi gives the chief the rebel manifesto. The chief realizes Chaldea allied itself with rebels, so out of gratitude to the former, his village will support the latter. Patxi tells him about the survivor in the previous village and asks to give him some work if possible, which the chief agrees to do.

With their mission done, Avicebron tells Patxi they have another stop, so he’ll need to head back to the stronghold by himself. Patxi is annoyed he has to, but he agrees to report back to Atalanta Alter by himself.

Lamenting at Night, Crying at Dawn

Returning to the Border, Mash is given an immediate medical examination by Da Vinci. Beyond her Servant Spirit Origin being too unstable to rely on, Mash is in peak physical health. Da Vinci recalls how, back at Chaldea, Mash suffered from autointoxication because of her human body and Servant Spirit Origin of failing to work together. Fortunately, that issue seemed to disappear during Chaldea’s voyage in the Imaginary Number Space.

Mash asks Da Vinci how many times she can fight as a Servant, feeling she reached her limit as a Demi-Servant but still wanting to fight beside Ritsuka. Da Vinci tells Mash that her body has already acclimated itself to being a Demi-Servant again, so her issue is mental. She confirms, like Mash thought, that Galahad had abandoned her. Mash is confused then how she could transform without him.

Da Vinci tells Mash that before she was simply borrowing Galahad’s powers, but thanks to her own battle experience, she has grown into her own “Knight of the Shield” and is now a full-fledged Demi-Servant in her own right. So issues like transforming being painful and her Spirit Origin being weaker have nothing to do with Galahad, rather they all have to do with Mash’s physical and mental state.

With Galahad gone, Mash has lost half of her power and every ability relating to his legend, so now she needs to develop and hone her own fighting style. Da Vinci says they can help with that, and for that they’ll need to go back to the original plan: Project Ortenaus. Mash heard from Marisbury it was designed to supplement Demi-Servants in case Heroic Spirits rejected them. Da Vinci voices her disgust at Marisbury for conducting the Demi-Servant experiments.

She tells Mash the issue with her physical strength will resolve itself in time. However, her doubts prevent her body from transforming. These doubts stem from the fact Mash truly doesn’t want to fight, which she likely never wanted to do. Before she pushed through her fears to save humanity, knowing it was the right thing to do, but now she can’t do that. Da Vinci therefore asks Mash if she can fight for her ideals, even against her fellow man, even when the enemy has done nothing wrong.

Meanwhile, in the cockpit, Holmes tells Ritsuka and Goredolf that Russia isn’t a hypothetical history like a Singularity, but a history onto itself. He is doubtless that Ivan is key to this Russia, given his 450 year long rule is the biggest difference between their two histories. It is therefore imperative for Chaldea to aid the rebels so they may eventually lead them to Ivan.

Ritsuka moves the discussion to the human mage serving Ivan and their human-looking Servant. Holmes suspects the Servant is the woman they saw in Chaldea. But the mage is the more pressing concern, as Holmes recalls Kirschtaria called himself a Crypter and said there were seven of them, which corresponds to the number of mages from Team A who disappeared from their Coffins. He deduces then that one of these mages is now serving Ivan, assuming it to be Kadoc based on Koyanskaya’s word.

In Ivan’s palace, Kadoc recalls to himself how it was through his own merits that he was chosen to be on Team A, not for political reasons. But their chance to serve as humanity’s first line of defense never came to pass. The Grand Duchess suddenly interrupts his thinking, startling him.

Kadoc finds it fortunate his Servant is a Caster as their magical energy upkeep is low and his own reserves aren’t very high. Creating a workshop and powering a Noble Phantasm, however, require a lot of magical energy. The Grand Duchess tells Kadoc that Viy will handle that.

She confirms Viy is a monster created by Nikolai Gogol^WP, drawing inspiration from other sources such as Balor. She calls Viy the Romanov’s Easter egg—”our secret weapon”. Kadoc wonders then if Viy wandered into Proper Human History from the Lostbelt, considering his power was always abnormal, even in his own time. He was surprised to learn, though, that the Grand Duchess was truly a mage.

The Grand Duchess states that her redefining as a Heroic Spirit made her into a mage representing this Russia. She was a failure in the Proper Human History, but in the Lostbelt, she is the Grand Duchess of Ice. She thanks Kadoc for making it happen.

Kadoc apologizes for the twisted way he summoned her, as it was the only way to make her a powerful Heroic Spirit. The Grand Duchess doesn’t mind being irregular, though, thankful she can’t remember the faces of her family clearly. She looks human on the outside, but on the inside she is closer to a Yaga. Because she was summoned in the Lostbelt, where historical records are muddled, she can only remember she is Anastasia, the Grand Duchess, and a shaman who made a pact with Viy. She has no attachment to the Proper Human History and is happy to be a Lostbelt Servant.

She vows to kill Chaldea and the rebels. She then begins to freeze the hallway. Kadoc stops her, reminding her they need to keep Ivan sleeping for the time being. The Grand Duchess agrees to bide her time. She then jokes about throwing a ball, briefly making Kadoc fearful that she was going to force him to dance with her.

In the Border, Da Vinci tells Ritsuka that she put Mash back in her old role as navigator. She also informs them that Avicebron’s golems are fixing the Border as they speak. Ritsuka finds it’s for the best that Mash isn’t on the front lines in her condition.

Vodka

Ritsuka and Avicebron head off the rebel stronghold. Avicebron suddenly tells Ritsuka to stop. He, Ritsuka, and Mash then hear something large moving. Mash wonders if it is the D’yavol Tron, the Demonic Beast Patxi said could destroy a village, which she can understand given its size. Avicebron finds it resembles a large hydra and slays it on Ritsuka's orders to ensure it doesn’t destroy a village.

Mash reveals from her analysis that the D’yavol Tron's body produces alcohol. Goredolf thinks it’s vodka until Mash says it’s closer to the fermented kind. Upset, Goredolf orders Ritsuka to hurry back to the rebel stronghold and bring him back vodka, believing any decent Russian military installation should have some. Ritsuka and Avicebron hurry to the rebel stronghold.

Birth of a Yaga

Upon their return, Ritsuka and Avicebron are told that Atalanta Alter wants their help with other Servants.

Inside, Atalanta Alter tells them that while they were handing out the manifesto, she found a potential ally, something the rebels need as there are few actual soldiers in it. While the rebels consist primarily of farmers, this third faction is composed of deserters and former nobility. It is also led by a Servant, whom Atalanta Alter has met once before. She suspects he is a Berserker like herself and describes him as not wearing clothes. As they are fellow Servants, she wishes to meet him personally. She asks Avicebron to watch the fort while she, Ritsuka, and Patxi are gone. She then tells Patxi to go get Yashkia for her.

Looking around, Patxi finds himself disgusted and disillusioned with the rebels, having imagined brave soldiers willing to give their lives to overthrow Ivan, not a refuge for weak Yaga with nowhere to go. Atalanta Alter is the only one keeping them safe.

Patxi finds Yashkia and sends off to Atlanta Alter. He then notices a map but isn’t of the area. He wonders if they plan on relocating the stronghold, but dismisses it.

Ritsuka, Atlanta Alter, and Patxi set out. During the journey, Patxi learns clear blue skies are common in Ritsuka’s world, something his kind have never seen, thanks to the perpetual blizzard. Atalanta Alter catches the scent of Demonic Beasts.

After slaying the beasts, the heroes find dead Yaga. Signs indicate they were killed by a human swordsman, one with a blade sharp enough to cut Yaga skin. Mash wonders if they are the Chaldean. Holmes finds there is too little evidence, though, to reach that conclusion, as this swordsman could be another Servant.

While the heroes rest in a cave, Patxi reveals the Yaga’s cannibalistic past. After the people of Russia were fused with Demonic Beasts, they went through the process of artificial selection by eating those who were considered weak. Eventually, they came to be called, named after the man-eating witch Baba Yaga. Their name is a constant reminder to never forget their past.

The next day, the heroes continue their journey amidst a fierce blizzard. As they get closer to their destination, Atalanta Alter protects Ritsuka from a sudden gunshot. The shooter demands to know who the heroes are and why they’ve come to a dilapidated frontier town. Atalanta Alter introduces herself and demands to speak with their leader. The shooter, however, decides to test the heroes’ strength first, revealing himself to be Billy the Kid.

As the heroes fight Billy, the Chaldeans determine he is not the same one they met in North America. Holmes deduces the World summoned him, surprised there was enough magical energy for it. He stops himself from saying there isn’t a Grail, though, as the very fact there are Rogue Servants proves there is a Grail or at least something equivalent to one. Outside of human hands, a Grail is merely a neutral source of magical energy which reacts to the world it is in, so it is perfectly sensible for it to respond to humanity’s death throes by summoning Servants to counter the threat.

Billy calls out to Berserker, telling him Atalanta Alter is here with a human. Berserker was expecting her and show himself to be Beowulf. Immediately, he suspects Ritsuka of being the mage working with Ivan. Yaga appear to back him up.

Ritsuka tells him they are the Master of Chaldea. Beowulf is unsure if the name Chaldea is familiar or not, as his own memories have been muddled ever since he was summoned. Also, like Billy, he has no memory of meeting Ritsuka in North America, so he says he can’t trust them. Regardless, he knows the heroes came to the frontier to speak with him. But they must first prove to him they are the strongest. The heroes accept his terms and fights him and Billy to prove they can be trusted.

The heroes prove themselves, so Beowulf, Billy, and their men all accept them. Beowulf welcomes them to the Thug’s Village.

Inside his cabin, Beowulf explains he and Billy were summoned three months ago with no knowledge of the situation. They wandered around before becoming the village’s protectors.

Atlanta Alter proposes their two factions join forces against Ivan. While Beowulf and Billy have no issue, their men won’t accept it out of male chauvinism.

Atlanta Alter asks Beowulf if he was responsible for the Yaga she and the others found cut to pieces earlier. Beowulf denies it, pointing out that his sword is closer to a club. However, he and Billy recall a rumor of a human killing Oprichnik and Yaga alike. This person saved one of their men at one point and claimed to be from Chaldea.

Beowulf says the reason these Yaga accepted him and Billy as their leaders is because they kept beating them in one-on-one duels. But if they were to leave these Yaga would turn to banditry. Beowulf and Billy reveal the bandits the heroes encountered before were defectors from their faction who refused to follow humans.

Out of concern for the potential discord between their factions, Beowulf proposes to Atalanta Alter they instead form an alliance. As for communication, Billy suggests using Mash, but Mash says the Border is only capable of communicating with RItsuka right now. Da Vinci sees from her old self’s notes that they used comms devices in America. Unfortunately, they lack the materials to make them now and Russia’s magical energy is too stagnant to make use of.

Billy suggests using Shanshan, a domesticated Demonic Beast that can learn magical energy signatures through scent and track them, as a messenger. Shanshan has already learned his and Beowulf’s scent. Atalanta Alter tries to get him to learn her scent. Unfortunately, her Demonic Beast-laden scent makes him afraid of her. He also can’t learn Ritsuka’s scent because their Mystic Code masks their magical energy. Patxi is ruled out as well since Shanshan can’t track Yaga scents. So, with no other alternative, Billy joins the heroes.

Beowulf warns the Oprichnik in Yaga Moscow have strength on par with a Servant, which surprises Goredolf since he defeated one on his own. The closer the Oprichniki are to the capital, the stronger they are. Beowulf assumes it’s related to their faith in Ivan, so the more Oprichniki believe in him, the more they’re strengthen.

He proposes his men attack the capital to draw the Oprichniki’s attention, giving the rebels an opening to launch their assault. The Chaldeans are concerned, however, that Kirei, Koyanskaya, and the Grand Duchess will be there, considering the Oprichniki helped them attack Chaldea. Atalanta Alter reveals her contact in the capital reported the Grand Duchess is highly respected by the Oprichniki despite appearing human.

Eyes of a Monster

Kadoc dreams of the Grand Duchess’ final moments in life. As the soldiers who killed her looked down on her with scorn, the Grand Duchess vowed to herself she would kill them all. Her entire life she heard a voice that no one in her family save her could hear. He was a fantastical creature summoned by her desire to kill all those who wronged her. He is a monster with Mystics Eyes who only appears to Romanovs born with the ability to see him.

The soldiers brutally disposed of the Grand Duchess’ body. She was conscious enough to understand what was happening and cursed the soldiers to never know a moment’s peace. Viy declared he would watch them until the day they die.

The Grand Duchess wakes Kadoc up and relays the Oprichniki’s report that they burnt down one of the rebels’ storehouses and discovered there are Servants not allied with the rebels. She wishes to resolve the issue with these Servants quickly before they can threaten the tsar’s glory.

Kadoc decides the two of them will handle it together, while “Macarius” handles things in the palace. The Grand Duchess calls it a date and makes Kadoc go with her to pick a coat for the occasion.

Kirei and Koyanskaya both comment on how well suited Kadoc and the Grand Duchess are for each other. It is for that reason Kirei demands Koyanskaya to stop stirring them up for her own amusement.

Koyanskaya replies she was going to leave for her next assigned destination anyway since she has no more work in Russia and especially because Kirschtaria already sent out Caenis.

Kirei tells Koyanskaya that her preferred forms of entertainment cannot be found in Russia as it is utterly devoid of hope for the future. Koyanskaya finds that a shame and leaves the Lostbelt after giving a sales pitch for her company.

Kirei recalls Koyanskaya called the Chaldeans rats, finding it takes one to know. He remarks she should learn to be wary of the dangers ahead because, as things stand now, she is a rat fleeing a sinking ship.

Ritsuka’s party return to the stronghold. Avicebron greets them but reports they’re nearly out of food.

Becoming Those Who Pilfer

Atalanta Alter reveals the rebellion began because of Yaga Moscow’s refusal to share their food with the weaker villages and monopolization of hunting grounds. The rebels hunted with the other villages to get by before their population outgrew their food supply. They had a hidden storehouse before the Oprichnik burned it downed and killed everyone there.

Since the Oprichniki do not require sleep, Avicebron is certain they are Ivan’s Noble Phantasm. He questions then how Ivan can maintain his Noble Phantasm all day long as doing would consume incredible amounts of magical energy. However, that would against the law of Equivalent Exchange.

With the food shortage needing to be resolved quickly, Atalanta Alter reluctantly proposes they steal from the pro-Ivan city of Yaga Smolensk, Patxi’s hometown. She wants to attempt negotiating for food, but regardless if they are refused or not, they will leave with what they require. She doesn’t want either of them to starve, though.

The rebels voice their resentment for the people of Yaga Smolensk. Patxi, while he has no love for his hometown, questions the rebels if they wouldn’t be the same if they were in the same position. He says life there isn’t as grand as one might think, though he concedes it is better compared to life in a village. Regardless, He doesn’t want any harm to come to his former townsfolk.

Atalanta Alter agrees with Patxi, also not wanting harm to come to the townsfolk. Then, with a rousing speech, she orders her soldiers to take up arms.

Holmes is wary about the rebels staging an uprising, knowing their soldiers number too few to challenge the Oprichniki directly. He feels the resistance movement requires at least one more capable army.

Avicebron warns a massacre might occur, pointing out how much resentment the rebels already have for the people of Yaga Smolensk. Patxi refuses to let that happen. But Avicebron tells him he can’t keep that promise, comparing massacres to brushfires. He fears if the rebels and the Oprichniki were to clash in the city, the residents will only get caught in the crossfire. Thus, he recommends removing any factor that could trigger a massacre, which Ritsuka agrees with.

Avicebron then has the others help him gather materials. Afterward, he begins making as many golems as he can, asking the others to alert him when the rebels are about to move out. Billy has Shanshan learn the scent of Avicebron's golems since Avicebron's own scent is lacking.

Ritsuka tells Atalanta Alter the possibility of a massacre occurring. Atalanta Alter isn’t concerned, though, as her duty is to keep the rebels safe and it is uncertain a massacre will occur. After positing the world making it impossible to grow grain is to blame for the Yaga’s dire situation, though, she agrees to pass on Ritsuka’s concerns to her soldiers.

She asks if fighting to save the world is meant to be this painful, no longer able to tell herself.

The Grand Duchess tells "Macarius" that Ivan wishes to speak with. She then asks what his goal is, unable to tell what he is thinking. Kirei promises his goal is the same as hers, saying he would absolutely choose her side if ever asked to pick a side. The Grand Duchess is incredulous, and so Kirei passes it off as a joke and leaves.

Kadoc is baffled when the Grand Duchess confesses she strangely does not distrust Kirei as much as he does. He reminds her that not even Kirischtaria can control the Apostle of the Alien God, saying they are sometimes more trouble than Chaldea. The Grand Duchess understands they shouldn’t be trusted, as is also the case with Koyanskaya. Even so, she feels “Father Macarius” will stay with them until the end, no matter what.

Inside Ivan’s chamber, Kirei orders Amadeus Alter to go with the Oprichinki to Yaga Kazan and massacre the ex-noble rebels who took over the city. He assures him he will keep Ivan calm while he’s gone, telling the composer it was his duty before he was summoned.

Amadeus Alter complies with Kirei’s order. His appearance changes and he leaves to slaughter the rebels at Yaga Kazan.

Ivan wakes up and tells "Macarius" that his wife has informed that he has been spreading peace and word of his glory in his stead. Kirei replies it is his duty to do so and hopes the tsar can soon recover from his wounds so he can reassure his subjects personally.

He assures Ivan that the Yaga in the frontier revere him thanks to the Oprichniki patrolling the land to maintain peace and order. The only issue is that the Oprichniki are too few, so Ivan agrees to bolster their ranks and deploy them.

Ivan laments he lacks strength and confesses he received a revelation from a god. This god told him to expand Russia, to condemn worlds not like his own, to destroy the so-called proper humanity, and to eliminate Chaldea. But Ivan feels he can’t take action against Chaldea himself because he already made the mistake of destroying a village in his anger. Kirei tells Ivan not to pity the Yaga there, for they abandoned their faith and neglected to pay him homage.

Ivan recalls how the Alien God brought salvation to his land and granted the Fantasy Tree through which to fight the other Lostbelts. Thanks to its blessing, the entire world will be like Russia one day, but Ivan cares not for such power. He declares he will spread Russia’s glory through his Oprichniki and falls asleep, reassured by Kirei that he is doing the right thing.

With Ivan now asleep, Kirei remarks how Russia will temporarily know peace once more. There is also no longer need to worry about Ivan knocking down the Fantasy Tree. Kirei asks the Priestess of the Alien God if this will do. The Priestess remains silent and vanishes.

Imminent Slaughter

With her soldiers already taking positions around Yaga Smolensk, Atalanta Alter and Ritsuka’s party quickly eliminate the Oprichniki occupying the city.

Negotiating with the mayor, Atalanta Alter demands 60% of the town’s food. The mayor claims they would starve, but Atalanta Alter calls out his lie. She knows they could surrender 70% of their food and still be fine if they aren’t gluttonous.

She condemns the town for essentially creating a class divide like some other Yaga communities have done. The mayor replies they simply divided their roles, with the weak being eliminated to leave only the warriors to protect the city and the rest to maintain the city. Atlanta Alter, however, knows the warriors only really protect the Demonic Beast colonies, particularly from other Yaga.

She then brings her demands down to 50% of the town’s food. She promises her rebels will leave if they receive that amount and such negotiations will not be a regular occurrence. The mayor reluctantly agrees to her terms.

Holmes fears Atalanta Alter may have gone too far in going on the offensive. He and Goredolf both notice that hostility is running high among the rebels.

After Billy breaks up an agreement between a rebel and a civilian, Ritsuka and Mash realize both sides are justifiable in the choices they made.

More Oprichniki suddenly arrive. Billy tries to hold them off, but it’s too late as the Oprichniki start killing rebel and civilian alike, including the mayor. The rebels try fighting back, but these Oprichniki are tougher than the ones before.

A rebel shoots a civilian, having mistaken his broom for a weapon, triggering a skirmish between the rebels and the civilians. Atalanta Alter orders her rebels to aim only for the Oprichnik. She cannot believe she is tolerating collateral damage.

Patxi gets worried about his mother’s safety, but he is relieved to see nothing happening near her house. Suddenly, an explosion goes off. The townsfolk think the rebels are bombing them, while the rebels think the Oprichniki are bombing them. A fire is also spreading.

Avicebron arrives, deducing the source of the explosion and the fire and assuring the intensifying blizzard will put out the fire.

He activates his golems with the incantation: Chokhmah Bell Infinite. Immediately, they set about following their two orders: collect all weapons and crush the Oprichniki.

Avicebron reveals he planted golem cores throughout the city, using the buildings as material for his golems. Fortunate for him that every stone wall is imbued with magical energy, making them suitable for golem making. The only consequence, of course, is that walls and buildings are destroyed in the process.

On that subject, Avicebron reveals he stopped the fire from spreading by destroying the surrounding building.

Thanks to the golems’ help, the rebels finish collecting the food, though they lost one third of their intended target. Considering it enough, Atalanta Alter sounds the retreat.

Meanwhile, Patxi, still worried about his mother, asks a civilian if she is okay. The civilian laughs and proudly tells Patxi they all stoned her to death when he joined the rebels. Patxi kills him, now understanding how much he hates his hometown for its ruthlessness toward the weak and now for killing both his parents. He apologizes to the others and deserts.

In Ivan’s palace, Caenis arrives to ascertain the state of the Lostbelt. She tries to provoke everyone by threatening to destroy the entire Lostbelt if Ivan proves to be a weakling. Kadoc finds fighting now would benefit no one. He’d also hate to reduce Kirschtaria’s Divine Spirit Servants from three to two. His boldness, despite his fear, pleases Caenis, finding he still has room to grow.

She refutes Kadoc’s claim that everything is fine, pointing out that his Lostbelt is the only one whose Fantasy Tree hasn’t taken root yet, let alone sprouted. Kadoc explains that is because Ivan doesn’t understand why he needs it yet. For now, though, he is biding his time until he can turn tables on Ivan.

Impressed, Caenis decides to report to Kirschtaria that everything is fine with Russia. Ivan also impresses her, having peeked at him earlier, and doubts even their own Chief God could take him on.

She tells Kadoc to go get the advantage over the other Crypters, believing he should look good for “his woman”. She finds it sweet for a Master and Servant to be a couple, though she makes a vulgar threat towards Kadoc and the Grand Duchess for when they make it official. The Grand Duchess and Caenis make it clear they hate each other.

Caenis, upon hearing that Kadoc still hasn’t killed the Chaldeans, offers to kill them as a favor. But Kadoc refuses as they came to his Lostbelt, so they are his quarry to handle as he sees fit. Caenis concedes and leaves the Lostbelt.

Man in Grey

Back at the stronghold, after the food is all stored away, Atalanta Alter sends the heroes on a mission to eliminate the Oprichniki and enemy Servant attacking Yuga Tula. The town is too far for her to send a large force without it being obvious. She is also worried that if Avicebron goes, the golems in the stronghold will become inoperable.

Avicebron alters the golems so they can follow simple orders from Atalanta Alter while he and the others are gone.

Atalanta Alter reveals the enemy Servant is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Earlier in Yaga Tula, Amadeus Alter and the Oprichniki killed all the bandits there except for one. Amadeus Alter order the Oprichniki to torture him and then let him go, so he may lead them to the rebels to whom he will run to for help.

Before the heroes leave, Atalanta Alter asks them to hand out the manifesto to any village they come cross, needing to bolster the rebels’ numbers for the attack on the capital.

After they’re gone, she gets a headache and wonders if she’ll wake from “this dream” when her pipe dream of freeing the Yaga from Ivan’s tyranny becomes reality.

Meanwhile, Patxi is captured by Kirei and the Oprichniki. Kirei knows it’s pointless to physically torture Patxi for information on the rebels since Yaga have a high pain tolerance. Instead, he will show him he will give him the shock of a lifetime.

That night, while taking refuge from an intense blizzard in a cave, Billy asks Avicebron if he could make golems out of the snow. Avicebron considers the difficulties of making such a golem, along with the advantage of it being able to reassemble itself from the surrounding snow. But he ultimately concludes the average core wouldn’t be capable of accumulating sufficient quantities of snow. However, he believes it could work, albeit in a limited capacity, if the golem were frozen like Ritsuka suggested.

Billy asks Holmes what the world outside Russia is like. Holmes reveals, according to the Paper Moon’s observations, that the entire planet has become completely smooth, with no sign of nature or civilization and only the slightest variations in elevation. Only the seven abnormal regions remain, each roughly the scale of this alternate Russia.

The heroes leave the cave the next day and immediately stops by a nearby village to give the rebel manifesto.

The chief immediately tells them to go away, knowing Servants are inhuman monsters. He suggests they go to the neighboring village to see proof of Ivan’s terrifying power and the reminder that defying the tsar is ultimately futile.

The heroes visits the village and is immediately horrified by the widespread destruction. As the Border crew cannot see it due to difficulties with the comms, Holmes asks the heroes to describe what they see.

Billy says the village has been completely obliterated and Avicebron says there are absolutely no survivors. Ritsuka finds it reminds them of the aftermath of the Tunguska event.

Avicebron deduces Ivan’s power did this and that the Yaga here all died instantly. He now understands why the other village was so terrified and finds it pointless to hand out the manifesto. Billy concurs, believing it’s best they head straight for their destination.

Reaching Yuga Tula by nightfall, Avicebron eavesdrop on the civilians to learn there is a Servant in the church. The heroes find the church to be empty, though the Servant only left recently. They therefore decide to wait for the Servant return. It also gives Ritsuka a chance to rest.

Ritsuka recalls back at Chaldea how Koyanskaya rebuked them for not even knowing the names of the members of Team A and that would be entirely reasonable for Team A to be anger at one who stole everything from them. They also recall how Kirei told them that everything they achieved would soon be destroyed by the very paragon of mediocrity.

By the time they wake up, the Servant has returned, waiting for the heroes to come out in front of the church.

Upon exiting the church, the heroes are ambushed by Amadeus Alter. Avicebron thwarts his attack with a golem. Amadeus Alter admits he was expecting rebels, so he is surprised to see it was the Chaldeans who showed up. He tells them they have no place in this Lostbelt and that he will kill him.

Upon hearing the word “Lostbelt”, Holmes realizes that was the final piece he needed to complete his hypothesis.

Because of his masked armor, the heroes are unsure if Amadeus Alter is actually Mozart or not. Mash can’t even get a good Spirit Origin reading on him, so it’s possible he may or not to be Mozart.

Ritsuka asks Amadeus Alter if he really is Mozart. Amadeus Alter furiously tells them to be silent and declares he is Mozart, because if he isn’t, God will never forgive him.

Billy shoots off Amadeus Alter’s mask during the ensuing battle to reveal he isn’t Mozart, which is confirmed by a Spirit Origin analysis. Amadeus Alter, struggling, admits that he isn’t Mozart.

Kadoc arrives with the Oprichniki, having easily snuck up on the heroes thanks to Chaldea using old-fashioned radar. He notices Amadeus Alter isn’t doing well, but is otherwise unconcerned since he would not need him for much longer. He tells him goodbye, revealing his True Name is Antonio Salieri.

Mash is surprised to see Kadoc. Ignoring her, Kadoc introduces himself to Ritsuka as the Crypter in charge of this Lostbelt.

Lostbelt

Mash tries to explain who Kadoc is to Ritsuka when Kadoc interrupts her. He asserts he doesn’t care if Ritsuka remembers him or not and that it should be enough for them to know he is one of the seven Crypters who helped bring about the world’s end.

He is surprised to hear Mash talking so much, recalling that she parroted whatever was told to her back then. He reminds her, though, that she was nothing more than a tool to help them (Team A) summon Servants once they had rayshifted. They never treated her as a person, so she should do the same for them.

Mash struggles at first with what to say before collecting herself and declaring Kadoc an enemy of Chaldea.

Kadoc reveals the Cypters’ goal is to grow their Lostbelts and end the Proper Human History. Mash wonders Lostbelt is the name of this Singularity. Kadoc corrects her, explaining this Russia developed a history of its own after its point of divergence unlike Singularities, which are single points in time.

He then suddenly asks Ritsuka why they didn’t die instead of them (Team A). Ritsuka isn’t sure how to respond.

Kadoc reveals the Crypters all know what Ritsuka achieved, which, to his chagrin, was the first thing they learned about when they woke up. He boasts that if it were him or any other member of Team A, especially Kirschtaria, there would be fewer dead and the Incineration of Humanity wouldn’t have taken a year to resolve.

Ritsuka says they just happened to be the only Master left. Kadoc hates that and blames Ritsuka for the countless who died in the Incineration of Humanity, sarcastically congratulating them for having the highest casualty count imaginable.

Mash tells Kadoc to stop, refusing to let Master be insulted regardless of circumstance. But Kadoc argues she knows any member of Team A could have done a far better job than Ritsuka.

Mash doesn’t deny the possibility, but she finds it pointless to think about now because the fact is that Team A wasn’t there. She, Ritsuka, and the rest all did their best to restore humanity under the circumstances. She doubts she would have lived to see how it all panned out if anyone from Team A was in charge. If it wasn’t for Ritsuka, she wouldn’t be alive today.

Kadoc suspects anyone from Team A would have discarded Mash without a second thought.

He confirms that each Crypter is in charge of their own Lostbelt. Their goal is to wipe the Earth clean and give it a true humanity.

He then orders the Oprichniki to kill the heroes. After the heroes kill the tsar’s dogs, Kadoc calls for Caster, wishing to see if his or Ritsuka’s Servant is superior. The Grand Duchess appears in answer to his summons. Mash instantly recognizes her as the woman who destroyed Chaldea. Her suspicions that she is from this Russia also confirmed.

The Grand Duchess tells Kadoc that Avicebron could be useful, something he contemplates about.

She then announces to the heroes that she is Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. Goredolf is incredulous, though, how such a tragic figure even became a Heroic Spirit. Anastasia doesn’t deny it should otherwise be impossible, but she does have Viy. She then declares that as a Lostbelt Servant, she and Viy will kill the heroes together.

Throughout the fight, Anastasia uses Viy Viy Viy to destroy Avicebron’s golems. She takes offense to Avicebron calling Viy a Demonic Beast, stating he is an Elemental who has been an ally to the Romanovs for generations.

Salieri wakes up, furious, and unleashes his Noble Phantasm—Dio Santissimo Misericordia de mi, not caring who he hits so long as he hits Anastasia. But Anastasia protects herself with Viy, and Salieri wears himself out.

Salier accuses Kadoc of brainwashing him into doing his dirty work. Kadoc denies it and orders Anastasia to crush Salieri’s legs since he can’t have the musician running around anymore.

At that moment, Avicebron activates his snow golems with the incantation: “Mine hand is a spear of azure ice… Chesed Sefirot!” The golems charge at Anastasia, but without a second thought, Kadoc shields her from their attack. The heroes take this opportunity to retreat, taking Salieri with them.

Kadoc orders the Ophrichniki to go after them. He then thanks Anastasia for giving him an idea, which might be what they need to bring down the “big mountain” all at once if it works. Its success depends on if he can entice a certain Servant to come to their side by offering him what he wants.

After he orders the Oprichniki to massacre the town for harboring rebels, Kadoc and Anastasia head back to the palace.

Grand Duchess Anastasia

As the Oprichniki escort him through the capital, Patxi listens to the remarks of the Yaga condemning him for defying Ivan and for forgetting the debt they owe him. He finds it ironic a father would tell his child that the Yaga all need to stick together as the Yaga have always done the opposite.

Taken to Ivan’s chambers, Patxi is asked by Kirei to divulge the location of the rebel base. Amused by his refusal, Kirei tells Patxi that for all their physical resilience, Yaga are mentally fragile and easily broken, especially when he faced with someone stronger than them. Patxi is confused by what he means. Kirei only says what is coming will be a test for them both.

Meanwhile, Ritsuka’s party set up camp in a village that was destroyed by the Oprichniki. Goredolf severely chastises the heroes for losing so easily to Anastasia. Holmes tones down the director’s harsh criticisms to mean they need more allies against such a fierce opponent, to which he suggests Salieri. Mash explains to Salieri who they all are.

Salieri confirms he is Salieri, or more precisely, the embodiment of the reputation that he murdered Mozart. He removes his Mystic Code to reveal his true appearance, surprising everyone with how weak his Servant power is. He never wrote any symphonies that left their mark on history, so the only reason he is a Heroic Spirit is because he is said to have killed Mozart.

Ritsuka asks Salieri why he was Ivan’s side, with Avicebron asking if he is a Servant from this Lostbelt. Before he answers, Salieri asks the Chaldeans what they know about the Lostbelts.

Holmes explains Lostbelts differ from Singularities in that their histories continue past the point of divergence, creating a history separate from the Proper Human History. They are parallel worlds that have continued long past the point they should have been pruned. But now these Lostbelts are being used to invade and destroy the Proper Human History. Da Vinci calls it the Felling Theoretical Phenomenon.

Returning to the question asked him, Salieri reveals he is a Rogue Servant summoned by the land’s death throes before the Lostbelt overwrote it. However, his memories of the Proper Human History are now vague and conflated with his memories of the Lostbelt. He believes either that priest or Kadoc did something to his mind. Even now he cannot tell if he’s on the right side. But as this world is devoid of music, he feels compelled to join Chaldea’s side.

Holmes asks Salieri about the Servants in Yaga Moscow. Salieri replies he is the court musician, whose only interaction was with Metropolitan Macarius, Ivan’s mentor. He doubts he is the same man, though, and gives a description that matches Kirei. As for the others, he knows nothing, only having met the Oprichniki, Kadoc, and Anastasia.

Disappointed by the lack of information on that front, Holmes asks Salieri if he knows anything about the Storm Wall or the Fantasy Tree.

Salieri answers he knows nothing about either. He does, however, recall overhearing Kirei describe the Tree as the cornerstone of the Lostbelt and that without it, an attack on reality is impossible.

Da Vinci reveals the Tree doesn’t appear on the Paper Moon’s compass. The Paper Moon has been observing the Lostbelt as an ordinary part of the earth’s topography, but it was excluded the Tree. Da Vinci thus surmises the Tree is the source of the Felling Theoretical Phenomenon.

Goredolf assumes Russia will return to normal if something is done about the Tree. Salieri warns, though, that it is guarded by Ivan and a small army of Oprichniki is stationed in the capital.

Following a private conversation with Holmes, Salieri agrees to join the heroes on the condition that he is allowed to kill Mozart. Mash is against it, though, sure that Mozart was summoned from the Proper Human History.

Salier argues they wouldn’t be conversing right now if he had been summoned as an Anti-Hero, admitting earlier he was overcome with a Berserker-like madness that he mercilessly killed any Yaga he encountered. But now, having regained his senses and sanity, the thought of Mozart has little effect on him.

Avicebron assumes that means the Mozart here is evil. It is for that reason Salieri says he must kill him, calling it his purpose in life that will never change.

Ritsuka and Mash are uncomfortable with possibly fighting Mozart, even though they fought former allies before, like Cú Chulainn. Avicebron tells them not to worry as Mozart would be unaware of his betrayal, and teaches that the heroes of myth accepted the shifting allegiances among friends and foes because they all believed they would be reunited in Eden. He assures them nothing they do will ever undo the encouragement Mozart once gave them, believing he spoke from the heart.

Holmes then moves the discussion to the subject of Kadoc’s Servant: Anastasia. He deduces she is the Anastasia who was a member of the Romanov dynasty, and not the Anastasia who was Ivan’s first and dearest wife.

He then prepares to give an abridged version of Anastasia’s backgrounds and the secrets he found in Chaldea’s library. Mash is surprised, having thought the library was destroyed in the attack. Holmes confesses he anticipated certain emergencies would arise and so he collected as much important data as he could.

He recounts how Anastasia’s family, the Romanovs, fell from grace in 1917 when her father, Nikolai II, abdicated the tsardom following a revolt born from the people’s frustrations during World War I. They became confined in their own home, losing their lavish lifestyle, and were seldom heard from again. But in April 1918, the new Leninist government, fearing the tsardom’s reinstatement, had the entire family to be executed in secret. There were rumors Anastasia survived, but DNA testing disproved that several decades later.

Following the deaths of the Romanov family, though, a number of lost Faberge Eggs ended up in the World of Magecraft. From these, it was learned each generation’s tsar formed a contract with a certain Phantasmal. However, the notion was dismissed as false as this Phantasmal did not see fit to save Nikolai II’s life. But after seeing Anastasia fight, Holmes has determined it was she who inherited the Romanov magecraft.

After Ritsuka gets some rest, the heroes proceed onward to the rebel strongold. But on the way, Avicebron suddenly orders the golems they’re riding on to stop, having spotted a D’yavol Tron surrounded by smaller Demonic Beasts. While Mash suggests going around them, Avicebron wants to determine if a D’yavol Tron would make for good golem materials. So the heroes slay them.

Nearing the rebel stronghold, Salieri asks the others that since they’re on the side of the Proper Human History, if there is a piano at the stronghold. He is disappointed to hear there isn’t, so he decides to craft his own musical instruments when he has time. Nevertheless, he understands he is Servant first and musician second, so he will put combat first.

The heroes reach the stronghold and Salieri introduces himself to Atalanta Alter. Inside, Atalanta Alter informs them she found located magical ore and a jewel able to control golem. She agrees to share the information if they build a new stronghold.

She doesn’t want to rely solely on Avicebron to build it, though, wishing for the Yaga to learn how to survive even after she is gone. She understands they may misuse this knowledge for their own ends, but she still wishes them to learn.

Goredolf doesn’t see how it’s her concern, as it is their choice on they live their lives after she leaves, and believes the Yaga's futures will only improve with supportive technology. Atalanta Alter agrees on that it is ultimately the Yaga’s choice on how they live their lives.

Returning to the topic of the new stronghold, she wants it built at a ravine between the current stronghold and Yaga Moscow. It is protected by a large forest inhabited by vicious Demonic Beasts. She previously didn’t consider moving there because its natural defense would make attacking the capital difficult. However, this changed when her scouts discovered an incomplete tunnel that cuts through the forest. It can allow the rebels to reach the capital in a day once it’s complete.

Deforestation, Mining, and Construction

While Billy stays behind to watch the fort, the others head on over to the construction site.

Upon arriving at the site, Atalanta Alter has her Yaga split into tunnel excavators and lumberjacks. She and Salieri will help the lumberjacks while Avicebron will help with the tunnel.

With the new stronghold and tunnel complete, Atalanta Alter is ready to contact Beowulf to prepare for the advance on Yaga Moscow approximately three days from now. Ritsuka and Avicebron return to the Border with Billy, who has Shanshan learn Salieri’s scent and is curious why Da Vinci wants him to come. Salieri, meanwhile, stays behind to watch over the new fort.

No Longer of the Lightning

At the Border, Holmes assists Avicebron in replacing the border after it is made apparent that Da Vinci’s body is ill suited for the extreme cold.

Inside, Da Vinci has a private conversation with Billy and Meuniere examines Ritsuka’s Mystic Code for any possible damage. Since replacing the Border’s armor will take some time, Ritsuk gets some rest, like Mash suggested.

Meanwhile, at the new stronghold, Salieri asks Atalanta Alter what she will do, suspecting she has already realized the truth of the Lostbelts and who is evil from their perspective. Atalanta Alter can barely get a word out to answer when everyone is alerted to an enemy attack.

Atalanta Alter finds the fort under attack by the Oprichniki and is confused how they found it. Kirei then shows himself, commending her for picking a fine spot to hide the fortress. Atalanta Alter immediately realizes he is Macarius. Kirei confirms that is what they call him here.

He informs her she overlooked two crucial details regarding the new stronghold. First was assuming the Oprichniki would lose the bulk of its forces going through the forest when they can easily re-bolster. Second was thinking the stronghold could withstand a Servant.

Atalanta Alter counters they would have known if an Anti-Fortress Noble Phantasm was deployed. She also knew the Demonic Beast forest would block any Anti-Unit and Anti-Army Noble Phantasms, boasting about how the forest is made of living spirit trees that are over 450 years old, each harder than steel and with a will of their own.

Kirei counters, though, a forest that old is a defenseless against a Noble Phantasm with a longer history and tells that Noble Phantasm’s bearer to come out. Atalanta Alter sees what looks to be a cave when she realizes to her horror what it is and sees a large figure emerge. Kirei thanks Patxi for providing such invaluable information.

Meanwhile, with the Border now fully repaired, Ritsuka’s party gets ready to return to the rebels when they get a message from Salieri via Shanshan warning of an enemy ambush. With no time to lose, everyone gets on Avicebron’s golem and head for the new stronghold at full speed.

They arrive too late, finding only a single survivor who quickly dies. Avicebron tells the others that his golems, whom he sent out to search the fort, inform him the number of dead is inconsistent with the number of Yaga who were at the fort. He and Ritsuka both hope that means the rest are still alive and are being held captive.

Holmes suddenly warns the heroes there are Oprichinki accompanied by a Servant nearby. A voice reveals the Oprichniki are all created from Ivan’s Noble Phantasm, Chyornyj Oprichniki, which can do so endlessly so as long as Ivan remains motionless. Ritsuka recognizes the voice as Kirei’s.

Kirei gives his True Name as Macarius, confirming he is indeed a Pseudo-Servant. He finds likely that his vessel was once a participant in a Holy Grail War. He reveals at Billy’s questioning that it was Patxi who betrayed the rebels, having done so willingly after seeing Ivan.

He then calls for Minotauros, who had eaten the rebels except for the 1/5 who were captured. Minotauros uses his Noble Phantasm to separate the heroes.

Ritsuka and Billy find themselves trapped in the labyrinth with Minotauros. Billy tries fighting back but soon wears himself out. Fortunately Minotauros, having eaten too many today, decides to save Ritsuka for tomorrow and leaves.

Meanwhile, Avicebron has been isolated from others by Kadoc, who wishes to make a deal with him knowing what it is he desires. Avicebron agrees to hear him out after Kirei assures him the others will be safe from Minotauros. Kadoc claims he can make Avicebron’s desire a reality.

Mash contacts Ritsuka thanks to the Border crew still being able to read their presence, though they can’t determine their location. They also can’t track the magical energy connection between them and Avicebron.

Ritsuka and Billy try to find the exit, to no avail, when they run into Patxi. Patxi confesses to his betrayal, having seen the new stronghold’s location on a map. He refuses to explain and demands to be killed, believing himself worthless after seeing Ivan.

A Steady Journey to Hell

Patxi tells the others how Kirei brought him to see Ivan. Fear overwhelmed him when he looked upon the tsar’s true visage and sensed his tremendous power. Never wishing to see him again, he willingly betrayed rebels so that Ivan may hopefully never wake up and unleash his fury. Afterward, he did that, though, Kirei throw in the labyrinth.

The others reveal to Patxi that they’re from the Proper Human History, where the events of the Lostbelt never occurred. Patxi finds the idea of a world where weaklings like Ritsuka can survive intriguing. Curios, he asks RItsuka what their everyday life is like, something Mash wants to know as well.

After listening to Ritsuka’s stories, Patxi concludes to himself that the reason he went along with Chaldea and the rebels was because he found Ritsuka and Mash fascinating. Even though they’re weak, they have taken on a task so greater than themselves.

Comparing their two worlds, Patxi ponders if abandoning the weak was the only way for the Yaga. Ritsuka and Mash are the opposite, doing everything they can to help the weak. It was for that reason Patxi feels at ease with them, yet he is so envious that he wants to kill them.

Patxi asks Ritsuka if he could accompany them like before, even though he understands he can’t show himself to the rebels. Billy is against it, not trusting that Patxi will not turn traitor again. Ritsuka nevertheless welcomes Patxi back into the fold.

The heroes soon find themselves surrounded by Oprichniki that may or not have got lost in the labyrinth. They take out one group, only for it to be replaced with another. A Oprichnik is about to kill Ritsuka when he himself is killed by Miyamoto Mushashi, who is glad to see Ritsuka again.

As she cuts down more Oprichniki, Mushashi recounts to Ritsuka that she was doing her usual wandering when a sudden blizzard appeared and she ended up rayshifting again. She met Yagyuu Jubei, who convinced her to head north. At first she had Russian Yagyuu assassins to contend with, but she soon ran foul of the Oprichniki. Then, at her behest, Billy joins her in killing the Oprichniki.

After the Oprichniki are all dead, Musashi takes Ritsuka’s hand and instantly forms a contract with them.

She asks Billy where she is, no longer sure if she is in the bandit hideout that she was asked to clear out. Billy tells her she is in the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Musashi is ashamed of herself for having recklessly charged into a weird cave entrance that appeared out of nowhere.

Billy realizes from Musashi’s recollection of her misadventures with Yaga that she is the rumored killer. Musashi swears on her honor she only killed bandits and Oprichniki. As for why she said she was from Chaldea, she simply wanted to play it cool when the Yaga she saved asked for her name.

Patxi's Decision

After Ritsuka tells Musashi everything about their situation, Billy realizes they can use the ringing of his gunshots to find their way out. Thanks to Patxi’s hearing, the party soon finds its way to the exit. They slay the beasts guarding the exit and finally escape the labyrinth.

With Ritsuka out of the labyrinth, the Border can monitor them as before once again. Goredolf, however, reprimands the heroes for getting trapped there in the first place.

Holmes agrees with Billy in that it was unexpected and considers escaping it alive a victory. Not only did they do, the heroes gained a powerful ally in Mushashi.

Suddenly he notices Mushashi is “floating” and deduces her connection with the Lostbelt is inherently unstable even after contracting with Ritsuka. He realizes this is the downside of rayshifting with one’s own power. He concludes Mushashi doesn’t belong in any world, whether it be the Proper Human History or a Lostbelt.

Musashi accepts that fact and though she is scared, she refuses to let that prevent her from helping Ritsuka in the limited time she has.

Goredolf orders Patxi to leave, finding no more use for him. Ritsuka stops Patxi from leaving.

Holmes asks Patxi if he can provide as much information as possible on Ivan. Patxi is incredulous that the Chaldeans still seek to defeat Ivan and tells them it's impossible, remarking that large doesn't even describe the tsar. But Ritsuka and Mash are unafraid, having defeated enormous enemies before such as Tiamat.

Unfortunately, with the rebels gone, the chances of defeating Ivan are slim to nonexistent. To redetermine their chances reliably, Holmes needs more than Patxi’s remarks. Patxi suggests they see Ivan for themselves and get their spirit broken. Holmes replies they’ll need first get into the capital, which they cannot with the number of Oprichniki there.

Beowulf appears, offering his help on that matter. He rushed to the fort as soon as his Yaga watching over it alerted him to the massacre, and regrets that he was too late.

Billy gives Beowulf the details on Ivan’s Noble Phantasm and proposes they wake him up to make the Oprichniki all disappear. Patxi is obviously against that plan, comparing the thought of fighting Ivan to fighting a god.

Beowulf tells Patxi that fighting gods is what heroes. Even Ritsuka has fought against opponents that could be considered as gods as Mash recalls. Patxi is surprised Ritsuka did that, and realizes they’re never going to give up.

Bewoulf orders his men to attack Yaga Moscow to create a diversion. But Billy, feeling that will not be enough, volunteers to be a decoy inside the capital to draw the Oprichniki’s attention. Though iit will be like fighting a hundred Servants, he will fight the Oprichniki as long as he can.

After his men leave, Beowulf joins the heroes. Immediately, he suggests they rescue Atalanta Alter and Salieri, who are both being held captive. Atalanta Alter gave herself up when some children were taken hostage, with Salieri following her lead. Beowulf’s men learned they’re being held in a prison fortress beyond the capital.

Holmes is curious why Atatlanta Alter and Salieri are being kept away from the capital and wonders if it has something to do with who is in the capital.

He asks Patxi if any of the Yaga in Yaga Moscow were terrified of Ivan. Patxi recalls that they practically worshipped him and were unafraid of the Oprichniki.

Holmes deduces from this that Ivan is on the verge of waking up and that others wish to prevent that. He finds it probable Ivan will view the rebellion and Servants being summoned to defeat him as a personal attack on both himself and his reign. As such, he warns the slightest disturbance in the capital could awaken Ivan.

Meanwhile, in the prison, Atalanta Alter meets Kadoc. Recognizing he is the Crypter, she tries to bust out of her cage to attack him. But the cage uses Command Spell binding techniques and her Magic Resistance is too weak to break it.

Kadoc tells her he isn’t on Ivan’s side and he wants her help in taking him down. But if she truly wishes to save the Lostbelt, Chaldea will need to be eliminated as well. Kadoc already knows that despite being a Servant from Proper Human History, Atalanta Alter’s true sympathies lie with the Lostbelt and suspects she know what will happen if Chaldea is victorious. Atalanta Alter agrees to listen to him.

After explaining his plan, Kadoc declares to himself he has now everything he needs and that he will surpass the Chaldeans.

After convincing Goredolf, the Border crew picks up the heroes and head for the prison. During the drive there, Mash and Musashi finally meet face-to-face.

The Border soon arrives at the prison, and since the Border is closeby, Mash is allowed to accompany the others into the prison. But detecting no enemies, they suspect the prison has been deserted, which is confirmed when Beowulf busts down the door.

Inside, Patxi barely picks up Atalanta Alter and Salieri’s scent and figures they were taken three days ago. The heroes also find a note from Kadoc saying that Atalanta Alter and Salieri are to be executed in Yaga Moscow five days from now.

Despite knowing it's likely a trap, everyone except Patxi wants to rescue Atalanta Alter and Salieri, especially since their power will be needed to fight Ivan. The heroes also need to find Avicebron if possible. Mash wants to help fight, but Beowulf tells her she’d only be a burden in her state.

Patxi, sick of Ritsuka’s optimism, threateningly requests to speak with them in private. Despite the others’ concerns, Holmes permits Patxi to speak with RItsuka alone. Mash and the others go outside to wait until Patxi and Ritsuka are done talking. Holmes also closes communications.

Now alone, Patxi aggressively reminds Ritsuka that Yaga are far stronger than humans. It is for that reason that he doesn’t understand why Ritsuka always seems to be smiling no matter what. For Patxi, there is nothing to truly smile about in his world of pain and suffering, so he asks Ritsuka if their world is really that happy.

Ritsuka answers they aren’t sure, but others have laughed and cried alongside them. Patxi realizes from this that he wants to see Ritsuka be driven into despair, no longer caring about anything. Ritsuka believes that will not happen, though Patxi suspects that will change once they've seen Ivan. He tells Ritsuka they’re not allowed to be happy, not when even the idea of happiness is unattainable for Yaga.

With their talk over with, Ritsuka and Patxi rejoin the others. As it will take a few days to reach the capital, Holmes and Beowulf decide they'll take the Border as close as safely possible and then ride bicorns the rest of the way. The heroes then get in the Border to proceed onward to Yaga Moscow.

The Tumultuous Land

The Border eventually nears the vicinity of Yaga Moscow. After it’s parked, Billy, Beowulf, and Paxti go out to fetch some bicorns. In the meantime, Ritsuka takes a nap while Holmes and Musashi monitor from the command room.

Musashi soon slips out of the command room and joins Mash outside. After hearing about Musashi’s travels, Mash tells her about her uncertainties about the world, her inability to fight, and her fear of the Yaga’s way of life. She apologizes to Musashi for not being the strong girl Ritsuka always bragged about, regretting that her fear is keeping her from fighting as a Servant. But Musashi tells her everyone is scared to risk their lives, including herself..

She surmises that Ritsuka and Mash have never experienced what it’s like to be the enemy in the eyes of everyone. Mash wonders if she should turn off emotions then and asks Musashi if it is how she overcame her obstacles. Musashi answers she doesn’t care about her opponent’s problems, believing whoever is alive in the end is in the right.

Mash realizes she has to solve her own problems and questions if they’re doing the right thing or not. Musashi tells her she’ll have to learn to get past it, but she believes Mash’s worries to be completely valid and that shouldn’t fear having them. Mash thought she was always wasting her opportunities, though. Musashi tells her it is never a waste to think about such things and to turn off your mind weakens you more than anything else.

She knows Mash isn’t the type to become a burden with all her fretting, though, instead turning it into strength. She therefore implores Mash to never feel like she is wrong for wrong for worrying about her predicament, feeling it’s what she needs to do. But Musashi knows Mash’s problem can’t be solved in a day, so in the meantime, she is here to help. She particularly wants to repay all the help she got in Shimosa.

Kadoc recalls how he was chosen to join Team A, even though his abilities as a mage were subpar compared to the rest. Mash, however, was closer to valuable equipment than a person, and though she had human rights, there were never expectations for personality or achievements. The team never interacted with her beyond necessary, expect for Ophelia and Peperoncino who tried to invite her for tea once.

While the others had strengths beyond their ability to rayshift, Kadoc lamented his only talent was his high Master aptitude. But Peperoncino encouraged him to take control of this destiny. Afterward, Kadoc spoke with Da Vinci and ultimately chose Caster as his preferred Servant class.

The day to travel to Fuyuki to begin the mission to restore humanity soon came, and Kadoc was excited to prove to everyone what he was worth. But he was killed before he even had the chance to, rendering all his aspirations meaningless.

He was at first glad he would be free of his inferiority complex until he learned someone who was only recruited to fill a quota achieved what Team A was meant to. Jealously overwhelmed Kadoc when he heard that, and he bemoaned the unfairness of it all, that he could have done better.

At that moment, a calm, dispassionate voice called out, offering Team A the choice of resurrection. They chose resurrection and were each given a Lostbelt and a Heroic Spirit. The voice told them it came from another world and that the Fantasy Tree would reset the world and create a mythology. It ordered them to crush Proper Human History, construct new gods, and to create laws capable of accepting it.

Kadoc notes the Yage life cycle is slowly speeding, but Ivan plans to invade the other Lostbelts without letting the Fantasy Tree take root. He cannot allow that to happen, so he will end Ivan’s centuries long tyranny. It isn’t for the Yaga’s sake, rather it is for Anastasia’s

Anastasia had told Kadoc that even though she will always hate humans, she will unify Russia and see that it enjoys peace, calling it both the Romanov’s wish and her solemn duty. Kadoc felt she was very much the empress she aspired to be in that moment and resolved to do everything to make it come true.

In Ivan’s palace, Salieri reminds Kirei that when he was manipulating his memories, he told him he would let him see Mozart. He thought that meant Mozart was on the side of Proper Human History, but he wasn’t. No one in Russia had seen nor heard Mozart, expect for in the palace.

Kirei confirms Mozart was being kept in the palace, revealing to Salieri that they even took him to his room once. He then moves to unlock the memories Salieri overwrote himself.

Billy heads off into Yaga Moscow ahead of the others.

Meanwhile, in the city, Kadoc notices Atalanta Alter seems to be having second thoughts. He tells her she isn’t betraying the future, rather it was they (the Crypters) who were betrayed. He wants Ritsuka to know there are consequences to their actions and for them to make amends. While Atalanta Alter calls what she is doing a shame for her to bear, Kadoc thinks she should be proud.

Atalanta Alter assures Anastasia that Ritsuka will come despite knowing they’ll be at a disadvantage, as their actions have indicated thus far.

After Avicebron leaves to return to Ritsuka, Kadoc tells Anastasia that he is going to announce that the execution is about to begin, which will let them know where the heroes will appear.

An explosion suddenly goes off. An Oprichnik reports a Servant has appeared in southwest Yaga Moscow and is attacking all Oprichniki in sight. Kadoc deduces that it’s merely a diversion and tells the Oprichniki to ignore it. But seeing that the Oprichniki exist solely to kill those who defy the tsar’s will, he orders them to quickly kill this Servant, reminding to not wake the tsar up no matter what.

Billy has lost track of how many Oprichniki he has killed, limitless as they are. Doubting he can take them on by himself, he recalls that Da Vinci modified his gun to be much more powerful, albeit with far greater kickback. Billy undergoes Ascension to handle the kickback and starts killing Oprichniki with far greater ease.

Ritsuka and Beowulf meanwhile have infiltrated Yaga Moscow. Goredolf informs Ritsuka that Mash is being treated in Da Vinci’s ICU so she can transform into a Servant. It was by his suggestion that she is going undergoing the procedure, wanting a bodyguard to protect him in case the Border is attacked. Ritsuka gets upset at Goredolf.

Holmes suggests Goredolf keep an eye on the mountains north of Yaga Moscow. He informs Ritsuka that Mash was most insistent about becoming a Servant again, wanting to fight in case circumstances called for it. Ritsuka gets angry at him for letting it happen. Holmes tells them it happened after they left for Yaga Moscow. But even if the procedure goes flawlessly and Mash is able to transform again, he has no intention of sending her into combat, not when output has dropped so dramatically. Ritsuka agrees to focus on their current task, not wishing to add to Mash’s burden.

The heroes arrive in time to stop Minotauros from executing Atalanta Alter. Before he leaves, Kadoc tells Atalanta Alter to make her choice, knowing which one side she’ll pick if she truly wishes to save the Yaga. Atlanta Alter tries to warn Ritsuka away, but to no avail.

After Patxi goes to hide somewhere, the rest of the party fight Minotauros. Soon enough Minotauros uses his Noble Phantasm, bringing everyone into his labyrinth. But that was in the heroes’ plan to rescue everyone, as Atalanta Alter deduces after Musashi cut her shackles. Atalanta Alter orders her rebels to keep Ritsuka safe while she helps fight Minotauros.

Despite having the home-field advantage in his labyrinth, Minotauros is defeated and dealt the final blow by Beowulf. Ritsuka calls out to him as Asterios. This somehow allows Minotauros to see a glimpse of his counterpart’s memories of his time with Euryale during Okeanos. Minotaurous smiles at the memory and disappears, wishing that were him.

Avicebron then appears and confesses he wants to use the labyrinth to build a golem. The only issue is that he lacks a core sufficient for fighting Ivan, whom he calls a primal being after Kadoc showed him. A flashback reveals Kadoc offered Avicebron the labyrinth to use as materials to recreate the Primordial Man in exchange for his assistance.

With no other options available, Avicebron chooses himself to the core and rips out his own heart. He then confesses he once killed a child.

The Lightning Tsar Reigns

Avicebron recounts in one particular Holy Grail War, he had abandoned his pride and morals in pursuit of his goal of recreating the Primordial Man and save his persecuted people. He killed his Master, who was just a child. He only knows about it from records of the event, unable to remember their name or face, and it torments him.

As he disappears, Avicebron warns Ritsuka to not underestimate Kadoc. He apologizes to them, feeling what he is doing is the way he can be useful to humanity. He gives command of the golem to Ritsuka and disappears, wishing good luck in fulfilling their duty. The labyrinth then reconstructs into the Primordial Man.

Outside, Patxi sees the giant golem being constructed. He tries to flee when Anastasia stops him, freezing his gun for pointing it at her, Anastastia tells Patxi that this disturbance will wake Ivan up. That means the Fantasy Tree will start absorbing mana from the land.

She understands Patxi is afraid of Ivan waking, but she assures him they will defeat the tsar. The Oprochniki, having heard her declaration, ask Anastasia if she is betraying the tsar. Anastasia kills them, telling them they have outlived their usefulness now that Ivan is about to wake.

Back when he was first summoned, Salieri came to Ivan’s palace and demanded to see Mozart, having broken through the Oprichniki. Kirei, who was expecting him, agreed to take him to Mozart. Salieri wished to ask Mozart for what purpose were they summoned into the Lostbelt. But before taking him to see Mozart, Kirei warned Salieri that Mozart had been performing his Noble Phantasm without rest for the last two months. As a result, his Spirit Origin has all but deteriorated, and his soul has nearly burned out.

Salieri was horrified by the state Mozart was in and shocked he had been playing the entire orchestra by himself for so long. Mozart told him he had no choice in order to keep Ivan asleep and prevent him from decimating the country. Knowing he had reached his limit, Mozart requested Salieri to play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for him when it’s all over. Then, before he disappeared, he cursed Salieri to be his substitute until it came time to defeat Ivan, knowing the tsar wouldn’t notice the minute differences in their performances.

Anastasia reveals to Patxi that his world will be pruned away if Chaldea restores the planet to its proper form in their bid to restore humanity. She asks him if Ritsuka knows what it was they should be doing.

As Ivan begins to awaken, the Oprichniki start to disappear. Kirei describes that when Ivan merged with an ancient primordial beast discovered in Russia’s tundra, he had entered a growth period and eventually grew into the monster he is today. Kirei then opens the curtains to reveal what appears to be a snowy mountaintop.

From that “mountaintop” bursts forth a giant mammoth-like creature—Ivan. Furiously, he calls out to Anastasia, whose true intentions he now knows thanks to the Oprichniki.

Meanwhile, Atalanta Alter is having her rebels evacuate everyone out of the city.

Kadoc proposes to the heroes that they work together to defeat Ivan. After Ritsuka accepts his proposal, Kadoc tells them to use Golem Keter Malkuth to hold Ivan off while the Servants take advantage of his slow moment to reach his weak point—his true body at the mammoth’s head. Anastasia arrives, ready to hold Ivan back with her Noble Phantasm. Musashi feels she won’t be around for much longer.

Beowulf, Atalanta Alter, and Musashi go on ahead of Ritsuka. Ritsuka tells Patxi they’re going to keep fighting for the people they care. Patxi is taken aback and watches as Ritsuka boards Keter Malkuth.

Ivan recounts how when the Great Cold Wave occurred, he kept moving west to protect his starving subject and to spread his glory, only to find his world was suddenly cut off. The Priestess had informed that his world was determined to be a loser, meaning all their struggles were meaningless. But even now Ivan refuses to accept that fate, declaring neither he nor Russia will ever fall.

Ritsuka attacks Ivan with Keter Malkuth, catching the tsar off-guard and proclaiming they are from Chaldea. Ivan is irate that Koyanskaya let some of them escape. As the two do battle, though, it becomes clear neither Keter Malkuth nor Ivan can damage the other—the golem regenerates too fast from the tsar’s lightning and the tsar is far too durable. The now fortunately empty city is being by their battle.

Anastasia uses her Noble Phantasm to hold Ivan back. Beowulf and Atalanta Alter attack the tsar, but they can’t even scratch him. Suddenly, though, Salieri is heard playing Dies Irae^WP from the palace. The song is affecting Ivan mentally and leaves him open to attack. Kadoc is incredulous that Salieri’s anger has enhanced his abilities so greatly.

Ivan blasts his own palace with lightning to kill Salieri, but only severely damages the building. As Ivan prepares another blast, Ritsuka implores Salieri to escape. But Salieri refuses to stop playing because Ivan will regain his power if he does. He also doesn’t want to abandon the only piano in the world.

Ritsuka has Keter Malkuth block Ivan’s lightning attack. Ivan, furious that the golem would dare impede him, prepares another blast of lightning. Atlanta Alter warns Ritsuka that only Keter Malkuth may survive the blast and implores them to move the golem away. But then the Border arrives; Holmes tells Ritsuka to stay put and that they're sending out one last reinforcement. Ritsuka immediately realizes it is Mash.

Earlier, Mash recounted the time she gave her life protecting Ritsuka from Goetia’s attack and her subsequent resurrection. More than fear, she felt proud of what she did, yet sad she would never get to spend time with Ritsuka again. But even though fear and uncertainty now fill her, Mash resolves to fight again to protect what she can’t bear to lose and to fight again for the life she gained, pleading with Galahad to lend her his shield once more.

Equipped with the Ortenaus exoskeleton, Mash is launched from the Border via its electromagnetic catapult. She blocks Ivan’s lightning blasts and lands in the palace. Ivan, briefly taken aback by another Servant appearing, charges for yet another lightning blast. In response, Mash deploys her new Noble Phantasm, Mold Camelot, to block the blast.

The light of her Noble Phantasm entrances Ivan enough to lower his trunk. At that moment, Musashi appears in the palace and starts charging her Noble Phantasm, feeling it will be her final attack as the causality keeping her in the Lostbelt is wavering. She suspects she is still drifting because there is something out there she has yet to slice. She then unleashes her Noble Phantasm, cutting Ivan’s trunk in half and causing her to immediately disappear from the Lostbelt. Ritsuka uses this opportunity to have Keter Malkuth rip Ivan out of the mammoth. The mammoth is rendered inert, and the golem falls apart.

Mash saves Ritsuka from falling to their death. But the battle isn’t over yet, as Ivan is still alive. Salieri leaves with Ritsuka and Mash to confront Ivan, telling Ritsuka they have an obligation to answer the tsar’s final questions.

The Grand Duchess of the Beast Nation

Ivan confronts Beowulf, Atalanta Alter, and Anastasia and demands to know their names, which they give. He then laments that his world will be pruned. But Anastasia refuses to let that happen and declares she will build a new eternal empire with the Yaga.

To see if she has the strength, Ivan briefly fights Anastasia. He loses and leaves to speak with Ritsuka. Kadoc wonders if he’ll deliver the “decisive blow” for them. On that subject, Anastasia admits she cannot tell if Ritsuka is dense or has deliberately turned a blind eye.

Kadoc tells Kirei to stop pretending to be Macarius, since it’s no longer necessary. He reveals to Anastasia that Kirei’s True Name is actually Grigori Rasputin—the monster responsible for the fall of the Romanovs. Though since Anastasia knew the actual Rasputin, Kadoc believes Rasputin possessed a human corpse to use as a disguise.

Kirei, however, reveals that he isn’t Rasputin. The only reason Rasputin agreed to become a Pseudo-Servant was to ensure Anastasia became tsaritza. Now that wish has been fulfilled, Rasputin has departed from this world and Kirei is free to fulfill his duties as he sees fit.

Anastasia thanks Kirei (calling him Rasputin) for it was by his scheming that ultimately returned Russia to its citizens where it belongs. She then asks him for one last request, mouthing it to him so Kadoc may not hear. Though momentarily surprised by her request, Kirei agrees to see it done and leaves. Everyone then leaves for the final battle.

Ivan confronts Ritsuka and Mash at the Fantasy Tree and asks Ritsuka if their world is worth destroying his. With the Proper Human History gone, his world had miraculously gained a chance at restoration. But Ivan understands it will soon all be for naught as this world will soon be pruned and their very existence erased.

Goredolf interrupts Ivan, proclaiming fixing the Lostbelts will solve everything. He also rebukes him for calling Chaldea murderers for working to restore humanity. Ivan chastises Goredolf for interrupting him and cuts off his comms.

Ivan tells Ritsuka they will be responsible for the deaths of every Yaga if they destroy his world. So he furiously asks Ritsuka what gives them the right to essentially order the Yaga to die. Ritsuka is unable to answer. Ivan takes that as their answer and fights Mash despite his wounds.

He loses, noting Ritsuka still lacks resolve. He laments, though, that the Yaga have long lost the ability to empathize with others. But seeing the parallels in Ritsuka’s empathy with that of his Anastasia’s, Ivan realizes his world lost because they lost the ability to empathize. He thus accepts his defeat and disappears.

Holmes confirms to Ritsuka that everything Ivan said was true. Mash apologizes as she understood protecting Proper Human History would mean destroying the Lostbelt.

Kadoc arrives with everyone else and orders Atalanta Alter to kill the Chaldeans as per their deal. Atalanta Alter apologizes for she has chosen the Yaga over the Proper Human History. She doesn’t care that she’ll cease to exist if her history disappears because she refuses to abandon the Yaga like she was. Beowulf tries to go help Risuka, but Anastasia and the rebels are keeping him busy. Atalanta Alter then engages Ritsuka’s party in combat.

Mash and Salieri are getting exhausted, but Mash refuses to give up for as long as her Master doesn’t. Ritsuka, however, has lost the will to fight. The rebels take this opportunity to fire upon Ritsuka. To his own surprise, though, Patxi shields Ritsuka from the hail of bullets despite his elation at their suffering.

Grabbing Ritsuka by the shirt, Patxi yells he will never forgive them for letting him know there is a happier world out there, so he encourages them to fight for their world. He knows they will be responsible for many deaths, but they still have to go through it because it is their world that deserves to live. Ritsuka, crying, agrees to do it. Patxi succumbs to his wounds and dies.

Thanks to Patxi, Ritsuka has regained their will to fight. A rebel tries again to shoot them, only for Billy to arrive on a Bicorn and shoot his rifle out of his hands. Billy then challenges Atalanta Alter to a duel, which she accepts and loses due to the guilt weighing her down.

As she disappears, Atalanta Alter apologizes to the rebels for never telling them that the Lostbelt had to be pruned away. But the rebels confess they knew about it all along, well aware that she had been muffling her sobbing at night and apologizing to them. Even though they accepted the inevitable end, Atalanta Alter never gave up on them. But they can never atone for the fact they planned to let her die in the end, win or lose. Atalanta Alter does not fault them for trying to survive, though, and disappears, pleading with Ritsuka to heed Patxi’s final request.

Not letting that failure deter him, Kadoc asks Anastasia if she can use “it”. Anastasia confirms she is now the Lostbelt King and proceeds to use her newfound power to let Fantasy Tree Orochi take root so the Lostbelt can finally expand.

Kadoc explains Ivan refused to let Orochi take root through his power to control the Lostbelt, the Emergency Prerogative, opting to sleep instead. Thus, Kadoc devised a plan for Anastasia to assume the throne and take that power for herself.

He declares to Anastasia that he will fulfill his promise to her and defeat the heroes so he may become a Master worthy of her. Anastasia believes in him and commands Viy to show his true form. She and Kadoc then fight the heroes.

Kadoc is incredulous that he and Anastasia lost, even though they are stronger. He refuses to accept it, having promised Anastasia that he would make her tsaritza. If he can’t fulfill that promise in this world, he will make a new one so he can try again. He then prepares to use the Command Spell—Sirius Light.

Without hesitation, Billy fires at Kadoc in response to whatever the Crypter was attempting to do. But to Kadoc’s horror, Anastasia takes the shot for him. Distraught, he reminds her he could have used the Sirius Light to remake the Lostbelt so she could be victorious. Anastasia, however, doesn’t see winning on a technicality as a victory at all. She also forbids Kadoc from killing himself once she is gone. She believes he will always to do the right thing no matter what, though Kadoc is less sure of himself. Pleading with Kadoc to live on, Anastasia confesses she protected him because he believed in him. She then disappears, calling him her dear sweet Kadoc. Kadoc is left in tears and is promptly knocked unconscious by Billy.

Goredolf orders Ritsuka to bring Kadoc back alive to the Border for interrogation when Orochi suddenly starts releasing True Ether. Da Vinci warns if nothing is done about it, the world will be reverted to the Age of Gods. But as Orochi has only just taken root, there is still time to destroy Orochi before it can finish. Da Vinci sends the Border’s extra magical energy to Ritsuka’s Servant so they can ascend and stop Orochi.

• The Priestess of the Alien God appears
• Fantasy Tree Orochi frozen and shattered by the Priestess

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The heroes stop Orochi, but they lack the means to destroy it when the Priestess suddenly appears. Even though they’re looking directly at her, the heroes are unsure if she is actually there. None of the Border’s instruments can detect her either, but the emptiness proves something is there. Then, with a touch, the Priestess freezes and shatters Orochi. Mash retrieves an imitation Holy Grail from its remains.

After burying Patxi, Ritsuka and Mash recall his last words and resolve themselves to the fact they must destroy other worlds to restore humanity. The skies then clear to a blue sky. Beowulf and Billy disappear soon after.

Though his role is over, Salieri finds his Spirit Origin refuses to disappear. He realizes he still has another duty to fulfill. He thanks Ritsuka and Mash for listening to his recital and requests they call on him if they ever need his help before leaving for Yaga Moscow.

Holmes reveals the Storm Wall has dissipated, confirming his suspicions that the Walls and the Trees are a pair. Chaldea is also now aware of its primary goal: destroy the Fantasy Tree in each Lostbelt no matter what. Then, complying with Goredolf’s command, Ritsuka and Mash return to the Border with the captive Kadoc.

Meanwhile, in Yaga Moscow, Salieri plays Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for the Yaga in honor of Mozart’s request. He promises to continue playing until the Lostbelt disappears. That night, the Yaga stare in wonder at the starry night sky.

Epilogue

Chaldea crosses Russia’s border to find the world is now completely blank. They then receive a coded transmission from the Wandering Sea, saying they’re currently waiting for more survivors at the specified coordinates.

Participants

Servants

Designation	Identity	Affiliation
Caster	AvicebronWP	Ritsuka Fujimaru
Berserker	AtalantaWP (Alter)	Rebels
Archer	Billy the KidWP	N/A
Berserker	BeowulfWP	N/A
Avenger	Antonio SalieriWP	N/A
Saber	Miyamoto MusashiWP	Ritsuka Fujimaru
Caster	Anastasia Nikolaevna RomanovaWP	Kadoc Zemlupus
N/A	Koyanskaya	Crypters
N/A	Grigori RasputinWP	Crypters
Berserker	MinotaurWP	N/A
Rider (Living Hero)	Ivan the TerribleWP	RussiaWP

Non-Servants

Designation	Identity	Affiliation
Crypter	Kadoc Zemlupus	Crypters
Yaga	Patxi	Ritsuka Fujimaru
Fantasy Tree	Fantasy Tree Orochi	Alien God