Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan asks Artoria about the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad.
• Artoria explains that the Holy Lance chose Fu Yuan, similar to how it chose her.
• Fu Yuan takes the materialized Holy Lance and gains its recognition, transforming into stardust and merging with him.
• Fu Yuan's body radiates intense light, and he gains a new ability, 'Savior of Stars', which deals additional damage to extraterrestrial enemies.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan: Gains the recognition of the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad and acquires a new ability.
• Artoria: Shows anticipation and respect for Fu Yuan's potential after he gains the Holy Lance's recognition.

Significant Themes

• The power of choice and recognition, as seen in the Holy Lance's ability to choose its wielder.
• The connection between Fu Yuan and the planet, symbolized by the Holy Lance and his new ability.

Character Interactions

• Artoria and Fu Yuan: Artoria explains the origins of the Holy Lance and expresses her anticipation for Fu Yuan's potential. Fu Yuan gains a new ability after taking the Holy Lance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan gains a new ability, 'I, Fu Yuan, Will Destroy the Holy Grail War,' which deals bonus damage against aliens or planetary harm.
• Fu Yuan, Rilixette, and Artoria (the 'King of Knights' or 'Lion King') return to Fuyuki City after over ten hours of flight.
• Artoria meets Scáthach, Queen of the Land of Shadows, in Fu Yuan's house.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan shows his care and consideration for Irisviel, tickling her and welcoming her back warmly.
• Artoria demonstrates her maturity and approachability, making Irisviel less worried about their cooperation during the Holy Grail War.
• Scáthach hints at her desire for a closer relationship with Fu Yuan.

Significant Themes

• The power and responsibility of the System's abilities.
• The dynamics of relationships and cooperation between characters.
• The preparation and planning for the upcoming Holy Grail War.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel's affectionate interaction upon his return.
• Artoria's confusion and curiosity about Scáthach's presence outside the world.
• Scáthach's subtle hint at her desire for a closer relationship with Fu Yuan.
• Artoria's polite introduction to Sella and Rilixette, and her request to be called by her name rather than her class.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan successfully summons Artoria using Scáthach's help and the Ley Line of Fuyuki City.
• Matou Zouken is revealed to have been spying on them, but his intentions are unclear.
• Fu Yuan decides to have Sella provide Magic to Artoria before the Holy Grail War begins, and he will take over once it starts.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan demonstrates his desire to protect his loved ones by not wanting to involve them in the Holy Grail War.
• Irisviel shows her eagerness to help Fu Yuan, even in dangerous situations.
• Scáthach remains indifferent but acknowledges Fu Yuan's decisions.

Significant Themes

• Protection and self-sacrifice: Fu Yuan's desire to shield others from harm.
• Trust and partnership: Fu Yuan's consideration for Irisviel's feelings and her desire to assist him.
• Responsibility: Fu Yuan's determination to handle the Holy Grail War on his own.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel's playful banter highlights their affectionate relationship.
• Fu Yuan and Scáthach's interaction shows Fu Yuan's respect for her wisdom and experience.
• Fu Yuan's decision to have Sella provide Magic to Artoria initially upsets Irisviel but leads to a deeper conversation about their roles in the Holy Grail War.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan reveals his plan to use the Heavenly Robe to reverse the Greater Grail's magic.
• Irisviel agrees to help Fu Yuan without hesitation.
• Scáthach questions Fu Yuan's plan, leading to a discussion about 'Replenish Magic'.
• Fu Yuan and Irisviel decide to return to their room, leading to Irisviel's loss of purity.

Character Developments

• Irisviel: Shows unwavering devotion to Fu Yuan, actively pursues their relationship, and experiences personal growth.
• Fu Yuan: Steps into manhood, takes the initiative in his relationship with Irisviel.
• Scáthach: Feels jealous and frustrated, realizes she should be more proactive in her feelings for Fu Yuan.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Irisviel's proactive pursuit of Fu Yuan, Fu Yuan's growing comfort in expressing his feelings.
• Magic and power: Fu Yuan's plan to reverse the Greater Grail's magic, the use of Replenish Magic to achieve this.
• Growth and change: Irisviel's transformation from a pure maiden to a budding woman, Fu Yuan's transition into manhood.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel: Their relationship deepens as they grow more comfortable with each other, leading to a physical intimacy.
• Scáthach and Fu Yuan: Scáthach's jealousy and frustration lead her to realize she should be more proactive in her feelings for Fu Yuan.
• Fu Yuan and Scáthach: They discuss Fu Yuan's plan, leading to a revelation about Replenish Magic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan wakes up to find Irisviel sleeping beside him, blushing from their recent intimacy.
• Fu Yuan decides to protect Irisviel and ensure her happiness.
• Fu Yuan remembers the reward from Artoria's Side Quest and opens a random box in his inventory, obtaining the five-star weapon 'Void Grip', a pair of vambraces with the power to dominate Honkai Energy.
• Sella knocks on the door, informing Fu Yuan that dinner is ready, but he asks them to proceed without waiting for him and Irisviel.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan: He feels a strong sense of responsibility towards Irisviel after their intimacy, vowing to protect her and ensure her happiness. He also expresses curiosity about the capabilities of his new weapon, Void Grip.
• Irisviel: She wakes up with a blush on her face, indicating her lingering feelings from their recent encounter. She appears content and affectionate towards Fu Yuan.

Significant Themes

• Love and responsibility: Fu Yuan's feelings for Irisviel lead him to take on the responsibility of protecting her and ensuring her happiness.
• Power and curiosity: Fu Yuan is intrigued by the potential of his new weapon, Void Grip, and its ability to dominate Honkai Energy, which could potentially translate to dominating Magic in this world.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel: They share a tender moment as Fu Yuan watches Irisviel sleep, and later, they exchange affectionate words when she wakes up.
• Fu Yuan and Sella: They have a brief conversation through the closed door, with Sella informing Fu Yuan about dinner and him asking them not to wait for him and Irisviel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel spend intimate time together, with Irisviel recovering from their previous encounter.
• Fu Yuan cooks dinner for Irisviel, and they have a late-night meal together.
• Fu Yuan senses a presence behind Irisviel but dismisses it as an illusion.
• Fu Yuan helps Irisviel prepare for the Greater Grail's purification by having her familiarize herself with the Heavenly Robe.

Character Developments

• Irisviel shows affection towards Fu Yuan, addressing him as 'Dear' and expressing her desire to learn cooking to please him.
• Fu Yuan demonstrates care and consideration for Irisviel, cooking for her and helping her with the Heavenly Robe.

Significant Themes

• Intimacy and affection between Fu Yuan and Irisviel.
• Preparation for the upcoming Greater Grail purification.
• The power and significance of the Heavenly Robe.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel share tender moments, with Irisviel expressing her love and Fu Yuan showing care and affection towards her.
• Fu Yuan senses a mysterious presence behind Irisviel, but they don't interact directly in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan faces a challenge in turning the contact into gold without being turned into gold himself by the Heavenly Robe.
• Irisviel tries on the Heavenly Robe, which weighs around twenty pounds and is made of heavy gold.
• Fu Yuan plans to test the Heavenly Robe's effect on non-direct contact using a pigeon.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan demonstrates strategic thinking in attempting to bypass the Heavenly Robe's gold-turning effect.
• Irisviel shows confidence and comfort in her body, displaying no shyness or embarrassment around Fu Yuan.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Heavenly Robe.
• The dynamics of Fu Yuan and Irisviel's relationship, marked by trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel interact with mutual understanding and affection. Irisviel views her body as belonging to Fu Yuan, while Fu Yuan respects her boundaries and feelings.
• Fu Yuan's plan to use a pigeon to test the Heavenly Robe shows his resourcefulness and willingness to protect Irisviel.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Irisviel wears the Heavenly Robe, which has the power to turn beings into gold.
• Fu Yuan helps Irisviel, touching the Heavenly Robe, but doesn't turn into gold.
• They test the Heavenly Robe's properties: it turns beings into gold (except Elves, children, and artificial lifeforms), allows Irisviel to temporarily wield the Third Magic, and can control the Heart of the Greater Grail for purification.
• Fu Yuan seeks Scáthach to understand why he wasn't turned into gold.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan shows care and concern for Irisviel, demonstrating his growing affection.
• Irisviel displays worry and protectiveness towards Fu Yuan.
• Scáthach shows a playful, teasing side towards Fu Yuan.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Heavenly Robe and its limitations.
• The relationship between Fu Yuan and Irisviel, deepening their bond.
• Scáthach's interest in Fu Yuan, hinting at potential romantic tension.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel: They show affection and concern for each other, with Irisviel worrying about Fu Yuan's safety and Fu Yuan caring for Irisviel's well-being.
• Fu Yuan and Scáthach: Scáthach teases Fu Yuan, enjoying his flustered reactions, while Fu Yuan seeks her wisdom and guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan discovers he's immune to the Heavenly Robe's goldenization, allowing him to safely Replenish Magic with Irisviel.
• Fu Yuan, Scáthach, and Irisviel infiltrate Mount Ensō to purify the Greater Grail.
• They bypass the Tohma Family's Magic Barriers and enter the cave where the Greater Grail is gestated.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan gains Void Grip and wants to test its power with Scáthach.
• Scáthach hints at her feelings for Fu Yuan but maintains her composure.
• Irisviel moves in with Fu Yuan, and they grow closer.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Heavenly Robe and its immunity.
• The relationship between Fu Yuan and the women around him.
• The journey to purify the Greater Grail and save the world.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Scáthach's banter and underlying tension.
• Fu Yuan and Irisviel's growing intimacy.
• The trio's teamwork in infiltrating Mount Ensō.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel (Alice) visit the Greater Grail in the Holy Grail War.
• Fu Yuan identifies the All the World's Evil at the base of the Greater Grail.
• Alice uses the Lesser Grail and the Heavenly Robe to reverse the Greater Grail and eliminate the All the World's Evil.
• Fu Yuan performs Replenish Magic with Alice to sustain her as she depletes her Magic.
• The Greater Grail is successfully purified, completing Main Quest Three.

Character Developments

• Irisviel (Alice) demonstrates her commitment and love for Fu Yuan, willing to sacrifice herself for him.
• Fu Yuan shows his affection and care for Alice, supporting her throughout the process.

Significant Themes

• Love and sacrifice: Alice's willingness to decompose her self-awareness to help Fu Yuan.
• Trust and partnership: Fu Yuan's unwavering support for Alice and his confidence in her abilities.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Alice: Their affectionate and cooperative relationship is further emphasized through their intimate interactions and mutual support.
• Scáthach: She observes Fu Yuan and Alice's affectionate display, expressing discomfort with a stoic expression.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel have completed the purification of the Greater Grail, and the Holy Grail War is about to begin.
• The Honkai System issues Fu Yuan the final Main Quest, requiring him to personally kill enemy Servants to receive a richer final reward.
• Fu Yuan decides to send Irisviel, Sella, and Rilixette away from Fuyuki City and plans to confront Ryunosuke Uryu, a serial killer and potential Master in the Holy Grail War.

Character Developments

• Irisviel has improved her cooking skills after eight months of training.
• Fu Yuan is eager to engage in full-power battles with other Servants in the upcoming Holy Grail War.

Significant Themes

• The Holy Grail War's impact on Fuyuki City and its inhabitants.
• Fu Yuan's desire for powerful battles and his determination to protect the city from evil.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Irisviel share a tender moment in the courtyard, with Irisviel watching Fu Yuan cultivate and them sharing a kiss.
• Fu Yuan plans to confront Ryunosuke Uryu, showing his resolve to protect Fuyuki City from harm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan ends his training early due to the System issuing Main Quests.
• Fu Yuan and Artoria discuss their plans for the upcoming Holy Grail War.
• Artoria reveals she no longer wishes to return to the Day of King Selection but wants to stay in the modern world and experience love.
• Sella informs Fu Yuan that the person he's been searching for, Ryunosuke Uryu, has been found.

Character Developments

• Artoria: She has matured and changed her wish for the Holy Grail, now wanting to stay in the modern world and experience love.
• Fu Yuan: He shows killing intent upon learning that Ryunosuke Uryu has been found, indicating his seriousness about the Holy Grail War.

Significant Themes

• Change and growth: Artoria's change in her wish for the Holy Grail reflects her personal growth and adaptation to the modern world.
• Seriousness of the Holy Grail War: Fu Yuan's display of killing intent underscores the gravity of the upcoming war.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Artoria: They discuss their plans for the Holy Grail War and Artoria shares her personal wishes.
• Fu Yuan and Sella: Sella informs Fu Yuan about the location of their target, Ryunosuke Uryu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan, a transmigrator, plans to kill Ryunosuke Uryu, a murderer, before he can summon his Servant in the Holy Grail War.
• Sella's familiars initially track Ryunosuke Uryu, but he suddenly disappears.
• Fu Yuan seeks Scáthach's help to locate Ryunosuke Uryu, but his existence has been erased, and Scáthach can't determine if he's dead or alive.

Character Developments

• Fu Yuan demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness as a transmigrator.
• Scáthach shows her unique ability to foresee battle situations and predict the future, but it's limited by the interference on Ryunosuke Uryu's existence.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability of the Holy Grail War and its participants.
• The consequences of interference in the war's natural progression.
• The struggle between fate and free will, as seen in Ryunosuke Uryu's erased existence.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Sella work together to track Ryunosuke Uryu, showing their teamwork and trust.
• Fu Yuan seeks Scáthach's help, demonstrating his reliance on her abilities and their growing relationship.
• Scáthach shows concern and apology for not being able to help Fu Yuan, indicating her growing attachment to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Scáthach confesses her love for Fu Yuan and presents him with two choices: fight her to the death or defeat her and make her his woman.
• Fu Yuan accepts Scáthach's confession, and they engage in a physical relationship.

Character Developments

• Scáthach: Expresses her love for Fu Yuan and her desire to be with him, revealing her vulnerability and emotions.
• Fu Yuan: Accepts Scáthach's confession and reciprocates her feelings, showing his willingness to form a deeper relationship.

Significant Themes

• Love and Desire: Scáthach's confession highlights the theme of love and desire, as she openly expresses her feelings for Fu Yuan.
• Choice and Consequence: Fu Yuan's decision to accept Scáthach's confession leads to a significant change in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Scáthach: Their interaction evolves from a friendly relationship to a romantic one, with Scáthach making a bold confession and Fu Yuan accepting it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ryunosuke Uryu, a serial killer, arrives in Fuyuki City after finding a diary about the Holy Grail War.
• He is captured and tortured by Sajyou Manaka and Serenity Hassan, with his existence nearly erased.
• Sajyou Manaka brings him to Matou Zouken's workshop out of curiosity, as Fu Yuan was watching him.
• Tohsaka Tokiomi prepares to summon his Servant, unaware of Kirei Kotomine's betrayal.

Character Developments

• Ryunosuke Uryu: Captured and tortured, his existence is nearly erased.
• Sajyou Manaka: Shows curiosity and power, capable of creating Command Spells.
• Matou Zouken: Becomes Sajyou Manaka's subordinate out of fear.
• Tohsaka Tokiomi: Confident in his Servant's power, unaware of Kirei Kotomine's betrayal.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences (Sajyou Manaka's power, Ryunosuke Uryu's torture).
• Curiosity and its dangers (Sajyou Manaka's curiosity leading to Ryunosuke Uryu's capture).
• Betrayal and trust (Kirei Kotomine's impending betrayal of Tohsaka Tokiomi).

Character Interactions

• Sajyou Manaka and Ryunosuke Uryu: Sajyou Manaka tortures Ryunosuke Uryu out of curiosity.
• Sajyou Manaka and Matou Zouken: Sajyou Manaka brings Ryunosuke Uryu to Matou Zouken's workshop.
• Tohsaka Tokiomi and Kirei Kotomine: Tohsaka Tokiomi is unaware of Kirei Kotomine's impending betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tohsaka Tokiomi attempts to summon a Servant in his Magecraft Workshop using a Spirit Summoning Magic Circle and a Holy Relic.
• The summoning initially fails, as the Servant refuses Tohsaka's summons, indicating the Servant's high Spirit Rank and unwillingness to serve Tohsaka.
• After persistent effort, Tohsaka successfully summons Ramesses II, the 'King of Kings', who descends with a brilliant golden light.
• Ramesses II questions Tohsaka about the catalyst used for his summoning, guessing various artifacts related to his past battles or mummy.

Character Developments

• Tohsaka Tokiomi demonstrates his determination and persistence in summoning a powerful Servant, showing his ambition and resolve.
• Ramesses II exhibits his arrogance and pride, expecting to be summoned by a worthy Master and showing disdain for Tohsaka's humble demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Masters and Servants in the Holy Grail War, with Servants' Spirit Ranks influencing their willingness to serve.
• The importance of catalysts in Servant summoning and their connection to the Servant's past.

Character Interactions

• Tohsaka Tokiomi and Kirei Kotomine witness the failed summoning attempt, with Kirei expressing surprise at the Servant's refusal.
• Tohsaka and Ramesses II have their first interaction, with Ramesses questioning Tohsaka about the summoning catalyst, showing his displeasure at Tohsaka's lack of 'kingly bearing'.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tohsaka Tokiomi summons Ramesses II, revealing that the medium used was Queen Nefertari's jewelry.
• Ramesses II becomes enraged due to the disrespect shown to Nefertari's jewelry and decides to kill Tohsaka Tokiomi.
• Kirei Kotomine intervenes, but Ramesses II spares him, allowing him to escape with Tohsaka Tokiomi.
• The Tohsaka residence explodes, suggesting a confrontation between Ramesses II and another party.

Character Developments

• Ramesses II: Reveals his intense love for Nefertari and his wrath towards those who disrespect her. He displays his immense power and majesty.
• Tohsaka Tokiomi: Shows fear and vulnerability when faced with Ramesses II's wrath, fainting from the pressure. He attempts to use the Holy Grail to reason with Ramesses II but fails.
• Kirei Kotomine: Demonstrates loyalty to Tohsaka Tokiomi by trying to protect him and carrying him to safety. He also shows agility and resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• Respect and disrespect towards the dead and their belongings.
• The power dynamics between Servants and Masters.
• The consequences of underestimating or disrespecting powerful entities.

Character Interactions

• Ramesses II and Tohsaka Tokiomi: Their interaction highlights the power imbalance between them, with Ramesses II displaying open hostility and Tohsaka Tokiomi showing fear and desperation.
• Kirei Kotomine and Ramesses II: Kirei Kotomine's intervention shows his loyalty to Tohsaka Tokiomi, but Ramesses II spares him, indicating a level of respect or indifference.
• Ramesses II and Sajyou Manaka: Their interaction suggests a confrontation, leading to the explosion of the Tohsaka residence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tohsaka Tokiomi's workshop is destroyed, and he learns his Servant, Ramesses II, has developed murderous intent.
• Tohsaka considers using a Command Spell to make Ramesses commit suicide but changes his mind when Ramesses reappears.
• Ramesses reveals he wants to deal with a 'Goddess of the Underworld' and spares Tohsaka's life in exchange for his help.
• Sajyou Manaka decides to eliminate Ramesses and sends Ryunosuke Uryu to summon a Servant to do so.

Character Developments

• Tohsaka Tokiomi: Realizes the danger of his Servant's murderous intent and considers suicide, but changes his mind when Ramesses reappears.
• Ramesses II: Shows magnanimity by sparing Tohsaka's life and revealing his true target, the 'Goddess of the Underworld.'
• Sajyou Manaka: Decides to eliminate Ramesses as a threat to Fu Yuan and sends Ryunosuke Uryu to summon a Servant.

Significant Themes

• The danger of Servants' murderous intent and the consequences for their Masters.
• The power dynamics between Masters and Servants, and the importance of control.
• The theme of revenge and the 'Goddess of the Underworld' as Ramesses' true target.

Character Interactions

• Tohsaka Tokiomi and Ramesses II: Their relationship shifts from one of command to one of cooperation, with Tohsaka now serving Ramesses.
• Sajyou Manaka and Ryunosuke Uryu: Manaka sends Uryu to summon a Servant, showing her disregard for his well-being and using him as a pawn.
• Fu Yuan, Scáthach, and Irisviel: The three share a brief interaction, with Irisviel showing no jealousy towards Scáthach, further emphasizing her unique relationship with Fu Yuan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan and Scáthach share an intimate moment before she leaves for the bathroom.
• Fu Yuan decides to join Irisviel in the kitchen instead of accompanying Scáthach.
• Kayneth summons Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, who appears as a Saber instead of a Lancer due to Artoria's presence.
• Fu Yuan wakes up to find Scáthach clinging to him, preventing him from leaving the bed.

Character Developments

• Scáthach shows a more vulnerable and affectionate side, unlike her usual stoic demeanor.
• Fu Yuan demonstrates his considerate nature towards both Irisviel and Scáthach.
• Kayneth's arrogance and lack of respect for his Servant are highlighted.

Significant Themes

• Relationships: The complex dynamics between Fu Yuan, Irisviel, and Scáthach are explored, showing affection, respect, and understanding among them.
• Power and Respect: Kayneth's disregard for his Servant contrasts with Fu Yuan's consideration for his companions.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Scáthach: They share a playful, intimate moment, with Scáthach showing a rare display of affection and vulnerability.
• Fu Yuan and Irisviel: Fu Yuan chooses to spend time with Irisviel, showing his care and consideration for her.
• Kayneth and Diarmuid: Kayneth's disrespect and dissatisfaction with Diarmuid's stats highlight the power dynamics between Master and Servant in the Holy Grail War.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Yuan spends time with Scáthach, who is infatuated with him.
• Fu Yuan's doorbell rings, and he finds Sajyou Manaka at his doorstep.
• Manaka reveals she knows about Fu Yuan's participation in the Holy Grail War and that Tokyo also has a Holy Grail War.
• Fu Yuan learns that Irisviel is cooking breakfast, causing Manaka to stiffen upon hearing Irisviel's intimate address for Fu Yuan.

Character Developments

• Scáthach: Develops romantic feelings for Fu Yuan.
• Sajyou Manaka: Shows determination to pursue Fu Yuan, aware of his relationship with other women.
• Fu Yuan: Maintains a friendly demeanor towards Manaka but is surprised by her knowledge of the Holy Grail War.

Significant Themes

• Love and relationships: Manaka's pursuit of Fu Yuan despite knowing he has other partners.
• Knowledge and secrets: Manaka's awareness of the Holy Grail War and Fu Yuan's participation in it.

Character Interactions

• Fu Yuan and Scáthach: Fu Yuan comforts Scáthach, who is infatuated with him.
• Fu Yuan and Sajyou Manaka: Manaka visits Fu Yuan, revealing her knowledge of the Holy Grail War and her feelings for him.
• Irisviel and Sajyou Manaka: Irisviel greets Manaka briefly, using an intimate address for Fu Yuan, causing Manaka to stiffen.