Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zihan desires Ea, the Sword of Rupture, and the Chains of Heaven, but settles for three items from Gilgamesh.
• Gilgamesh offers Gungnir, the Eternal Spear, as a weapon capable of killing Archer.
• Tokiomi Tohsaka's contract with Archer is severed using the Talisman of Annihilation.
• Li Zihan absorbs Gungnir and decides to continue the gathering despite the incident.

Character Developments

• Li Zihan demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability in accepting Gilgamesh's offer.
• Tokiomi Tohsaka's elimination from the competition shows the consequences of betrayal.
• Archer reveals his ruthlessness and commitment to his best friend.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of betrayal.
• The importance of keeping promises and maintaining alliances.
• The role of weapons and their significance in battles.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Gilgamesh engage in a tense exchange, with Gilgamesh offering a weapon and Li Zihan accepting it as a potential enemy.
• Archer severs his contract with Tokiomi Tohsaka, demonstrating his lack of remorse.
• Li Zihan shows indifference to Tokiomi Tohsaka's injury, prioritizing the continuation of the gathering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The masters and servants enjoy a banquet, oblivious to Tokiomi Tohsaka's fatal wound.
• Li Zihan laments the damage to the venue, unaware of the incoming danger.
• Matou Zouken, the head of the Matou Family, appears, seeking the Immortal Grass.
• Li Zihan agrees to trade the Immortal Grass for Matou Zouken's knowledge of the Command Spells system to reconstruct the Holy Grail.
• Matou Zouken consumes the Immortal Grass, regaining his youth, vitality, and lost magical knowledge.

Character Developments

• Li Zihan: Shows cunning and ambition, aiming to reconstruct the Holy Grail. He's also resourceful, using the Immortal Grass to bargain with Matou Zouken.
• Matou Zouken: Regains his youth, vitality, and lost magical knowledge after consuming the Immortal Grass. He's shown to be ruthless and ambitious, willing to gamble his life for the Immortal Grass.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Both Li Zihan and Matou Zouken are driven by their desire for power and knowledge.
• Bargaining and negotiation: The chapter highlights the importance of negotiation and understanding each party's needs in achieving a successful transaction.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Matou Zouken: They engage in a tense negotiation, with Li Zihan trying to hide his true intentions, and Matou Zouken being cautious yet eager for the Immortal Grass. Their interaction showcases their cunning and ambition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Matou Zouken regains his memories and becomes incredibly powerful.
• He agrees to share knowledge of the Command Spells system with Li Zihan.
• While searching his soul for this knowledge, Zouken encounters memories of a white-haired woman.
• He recalls his past with this woman, Justicia Lieselotte von Einzbern, and their shared dream to eradicate all evil using the Third Magic.
• They created the Holy Grail War ritual and moved to the Far East to hide it.
• Zouken's human lifespan became a barrier, leading him to extend his life through consuming others' lives, ultimately losing his original ideals and becoming a monster.

Character Developments

• Matou Zouken: Recalls his past, struggles with his memories, and grapples with his transformation into a monster.
• Justicia Lieselotte von Einzbern: Introduced as Zouken's best friend and partner in their quest to eliminate evil.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and immortality.
• The loss of original ideals over time.
• The struggle between personal ambition and the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Zouken and Li Zihan: Zouken shares his knowledge with Li Zihan, showing a level of cooperation despite their initial hostility.
• Zouken and Justicia: Their past friendship and shared dream are revealed, highlighting the contrast with Zouken's current state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zihan finds Zouken Matou in despair after realizing the Holy Grail's true nature and his role in its creation.
• Li Zihan convinces Zouken Matou to help end the Holy Grail's cycle of despair.
• Rider and Waver leave the banquet early, aware of the impending danger and the need for haste.

Character Developments

• Zouken Matou: Realizes the extent of his sins and agrees to help end the Holy Grail's cycle, showing a glimmer of redemption.
• Rider (Iskandar): Accepts the danger of the upcoming battle and prepares to face it, fueled by his fighting spirit.

Significant Themes

• Despair and redemption: Zouken Matou's despair leads him to consider ending his life, but Li Zihan's intervention offers a path to redemption.
• The true nature of the Holy Grail: The Holy Grail is revealed to be a source of despair rather than a wish-granting machine, highlighting the theme of false hopes and their consequences.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Zouken Matou: Li Zihan shows empathy and understanding towards Zouken Matou's despair, convincing him to help end the Holy Grail's cycle.
• Rider and Waver: Rider explains the necessity of leaving the banquet early to Waver, showing his understanding of the impending danger and his resolve to face it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rider attempts to ally with Berserker against Archer, but Berserker's Master declines, indicating he has a plan to deal with Archer.
• Rider and Waver discuss their dire situation and Waver's concern about Rider's Magic Power consumption during Noble Phantasm use.
• Waver reveals Rider has been in spirit form after using his Noble Phantasm due to insufficient Magic Power from Waver.
• Waver decides to hand over Command Spells to Li Zihan, a more capable Mage, to support Rider and gain a physical body.

Character Developments

• Berserker's Master is revealed to be confident and strategic, not foolish or arrogant, hinting at a hidden plan against Archer.
• Rider shows concern for Waver's well-being and understanding of his partner's struggles.
• Waver demonstrates growth and responsibility by acknowledging his limitations and making a decision to better support Rider.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and hidden strengths in battle.
• The struggle and growth of a Master-Servant bond, with Waver's determination to better support Rider.
• The consequences of insufficient Magic Power and the desperation it causes.

Character Interactions

• Rider and Berserker's Masters show mutual disregard, with Berserker's Master declining an alliance.
• Rider and Waver's conversation reveals Rider's concern for Waver and Waver's determination to support Rider better.
• Waver's decision to hand over Command Spells to Li Zihan shows his acceptance of his limitations and desire to help Rider.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rider scolds Waver for his cowardice and lack of confidence.
• Rider shares his past struggles with illness and learning combat, despite having excellent teachers.
• Rider compares his situation to Waver's struggles with Magecraft.
• Rider reassures Waver that his worth isn't defined by his Magecraft ability alone and that he's capable of fighting alongside him.

Character Developments

• Waver: Realizes his self-doubt and begins to understand his worth isn't solely tied to his Magecraft abilities.
• Rider: Shows empathy and understanding towards Waver, revealing his own past struggles and insecurities.

Significant Themes

• Self-worth and confidence.
• The importance of perseverance and not being defined by one's limitations.

Character Interactions

• Rider and Waver: Rider acts as a mentor figure, encouraging Waver to believe in himself and his abilities. Their bond deepens as Rider shares personal experiences and reassures Waver of his worth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rider playfully flicks Waver's forehead, sending him reeling, demonstrating Rider's immense strength.
• Waver and Rider's bond deepens through their playful interaction.
• Rider reveals that his Army of the King Noble Phantasm is weakened and counters Archer's Treasury of Babylon.
• Rider expresses interest in the Command Spells stored at the Church, hinting at a potential future plot development.

Character Developments

• Waver: Realizes his close-combat skills are inadequate against a Servant and accepts his limitations.
• Rider: Shows a playful and caring side towards Waver, while also displaying confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and limitations: Waver's realization of his weakness against Servants and Rider's acknowledgement of his Noble Phantasm's weakness.
• Bonding: Waver and Rider's relationship grows stronger through their playful interaction.
• Foreshadowing: Rider's interest in the Command Spells at the Church hints at potential future conflicts or alliances.

Character Interactions

• Waver and Rider: Their playful banter and physical interaction strengthen their bond, with Rider acting as a mentor figure to Waver.
• Waver and Archer: Waver's concern for Rider's upcoming duel with Archer highlights his loyalty and belief in his Servant.
• Rider and the Matou Family: Rider's strange gaze towards the Matou Family suggests potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Matou Zouken, a Norse man, takes over the Matou Family's industries and assets, then donates them to establish various charitable foundations, causing a national uproar.
• The Matou Family's properties are auctioned off, leaving the residence empty and devoid of furnishings.
• Li Zihan, the main character, is preparing for the final battle using a strengthened Grimoire to enhance his Servant, Alcaeus, to a level approaching Archer's strength.

Character Developments

• Matou Zouken: Revealed to be a major underworld figure from two centuries ago, now using his wealth to establish charitable foundations.
• Li Zihan: Shows concern for the living environment but remains pragmatic about the upcoming battle.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and its distribution: Zouken's charitable actions contrast with the economic depression and poverty in the island nation.
• Pragmatism vs. sentimentality: Li Zihan's acceptance of the empty residence reflects his practical approach to the situation.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan's thoughts about the upcoming battle reveal his strategic planning and concerns about potential threats, particularly Lancer, Rider, and Saber.
• Li Zihan considers using Saber's Excalibur as an "outside piece" to eliminate both Gilgamesh and Alcaeus, indicating his willingness to use others' strength when necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zihan, a practical Mage of the True Colors, arrives in Fuyuki City.
• Li Zihan plans to send Lancer back to the Hall of Heroes and later target Rider.
• He uses Gungnir to track Lancer's location.
• Kaineth and Lancer are struck by a meteor while preparing dinner in an abandoned factory.

Character Developments

• Li Zihan demonstrates his strength and resourcefulness, using Gungnir to track Lancer.
• Kaineth shows his preparedness and resourcefulness by having multiple defensive Noble Phantasms and setting up warning measures.

Significant Themes

• The concept of luck and its extremes, as exemplified by Miss Guangwu and Elder Wang Mang.
• The idea that luck is not distributed evenly or based on merit.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Alcaeus discuss their plans, with Alcaeus showing understanding of Li Zihan's strategies.
• Kaineth and Lancer interact, with Kaineth showing concern for Lancer's well-being after the meteor strike.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kaineth's group is attacked by Gungnir, which is blocked by Lancer.
• Kaineth identifies the attacker as his rebellious disciple.
• Kaineth decides to face his disciple, despite Lancer's protests, to settle their grievance.
• The disciple, using butterfly magecraft, attacks Kaineth.

Character Developments

• Kaineth shows responsibility and concern for his former student, despite their opposing views on magecraft.
• Lancer demonstrates worry for his Master's safety and panic at facing a powerful enemy.
• The disciple reveals a unique, dangerous magecraft and a connection to a fallen noble house.

Significant Themes

• The responsibility of a teacher towards their student.
• The pursuit of magecraft and the consequences of straying from traditional paths.
• The power dynamics and rivalries within the mage world.

Character Interactions

• Kaineth and Lancer: Kaineth reassures Lancer, showing confidence in his abilities and willingness to face his past.
• Kaineth and his disciple: Their interaction is tense, with Kaineth accepting responsibility for his student's actions and the disciple showing no remorse.
• Kaineth and the disciple: Their magecraft clash, revealing their unique styles and the depth of their rivalry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zihan reveals that the Matou family changed their name to Makiri, hinting at their connection to the missing Grand Mage Zouken Matou.
• Kaineth, enraged by Li Zihan's revelation, refuses to attack first, opting to wait for Li Zihan's move to pinpoint his location.
• Li Zihan tests Kaineth's Moon Marrow Spirit Fluid with a Familiar, revealing its enhanced ferocity.
• Kaineth activates the Overload mode of his Moon Marrow Spirit Fluid, creating a chaotic, deadly attack that Li Zihan struggles to evade.
• Kaineth offers Li Zihan to return to the Clock Tower, claiming that Magecraft's power is superior to unorthodox methods.

Character Developments

• Kaineth: Reveals his pride in his Magecraft abilities and his desire to prove its superiority over unorthodox methods.
• Li Zihan: Realizes the extent of Kaineth's power and the danger he's in, prompting him to consider unconventional means to win.

Significant Themes

• The power and limitations of Magecraft versus unorthodox methods.
• The mentor-student relationship and its dynamics, with Kaineth displaying a mentor's pride and Li Zihan struggling against his former teacher's power.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Kaineth: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Li Zihan trying to provoke Kaineth into attacking first and Kaineth refusing, waiting for Li Zihan's move. Their exchange highlights their power dynamics and Kaineth's pride in his Magecraft abilities.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Li Zihan, possessing Kirei, loots Kirei's stash, finding high-quality Noble Phantasms, including the Moon Marrow Spirit Fluid.
• Li Zihan decides to keep the enhanced Moon Marrow Spirit Fluid due to its unique properties and potential against Servant Seven.
• Li Zihan plans to have Saber and Kiritsugu Emiya hide and prepare to face Gilgamesh.

Character Developments

• Li Zihan: Shows cunning and strategic thinking, valuing the Moon Marrow Spirit Fluid for its utility against Servant Seven, and planning to stall Gilgamesh.
• Kirei: Unknowingly provides Li Zihan with valuable resources, and his misunderstanding about Li Zihan's intentions is revealed.

Significant Themes

• The power and utility of Noble Phantasms.
• Strategic planning and adaptability in the Holy Grail War.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and misjudging situations.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Alcaeus: Li Zihan gives orders to Alcaeus, who follows them without question, showing their effective teamwork.
• Li Zihan and Kirei: Li Zihan's actions reveal his disregard for Kirei's intentions and his willingness to use Kirei's resources for his own goals.
• Li Zihan and Gilgamesh: Li Zihan plans to stall Gilgamesh, showing his awareness of Gilgamesh's threat and his desire to protect Saber's goal of obtaining the Holy Grail.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zihan, Waver's classmate and the Master of Caster, orders his Servant to beat up their teacher, Kotomine Kirei, and locks him in the basement.
• Waver learns from Rider that Li Zihan is actually the true Master of Caster, not Kotomine.
• Li Zihan's manipulations and schemes are revealed, including his desire for Command Spells and his restriction of the Sea Monster's actions.
• Rider suggests attacking Li Zihan to draw out Caster, but Waver refuses, knowing Li Zihan won't retaliate against classmates.
• Archer appears outside Waver's window, revealing his presence and power.

Character Developments

• Li Zihan: Revealed as a cunning and manipulative strategist, using others to achieve his goals.
• Waver: Struggles to accept Li Zihan's deception and begins to question his own judgment.
• Rider: Shows calm and rational thinking even in the face of betrayal, and expresses displeasure at Li Zihan's schemes.

Significant Themes

• Deception and trust: Li Zihan's manipulations highlight the theme of deception and the importance of trust in relationships.
• Power dynamics: The reveal of Archer's presence emphasizes the power dynamics at play in the Holy Grail War.

Character Interactions

• Li Zihan and Waver: Their relationship is strained as Waver learns of Li Zihan's deception.
• Waver and Rider: They discuss Li Zihan's actions and consider a course of action, with Rider suggesting a direct approach and Waver preferring caution.
• Archer and Waver: Archer's appearance outside Waver's window serves as a reminder of the external threats they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archer arrives at Waver's shop, causing tension due to his powerful presence.
• Rider defuses the situation by inviting Archer to drink, leading to a tense exchange.
• Archer shares his 'King's Wine' with Waver and Rider, revealing its potent magical properties.
• Archer reveals he initially came to kill Rider but has changed his mind after overhearing their discussion.

Character Developments

• Archer: Shows his arrogance and contempt for others, but also displays a strategic and merciful side by sparing Rider.
• Rider: Demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor, even when facing a powerful opponent like Archer. He also shows his appreciation for good wine.
• Waver: Feels intimidated by Archer's presence but gains confidence after drinking the 'King's Wine.'

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Archer, Rider, and Waver highlights the power dynamics among the Servants and their Masters.
• Respect and Dignity: Archer's disdain for Rider's choice of drink and his initial intention to kill him underscore the theme of respect and dignity among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Archer and Rider: Their interaction is tense and filled with animosity, but Rider's calm demeanor and Archer's eventual decision to spare him hint at a possible alliance.
• Rider and Waver: Rider's reassuring presence helps calm Waver's nerves, showing their growing bond as Master and Servant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Archer reveals he's found two worthy opponents in the Holy Grail War and orders Rider and Waver to fight each other first. The winner will face Archer's Noble Phantasm, 'Ea'.
• Archer hints that Berserker's Master is using a Noble Phantasm to supply Magic Power and instructs Rider to defeat them quickly.
• Archer vanishes, leaving Rider and Waver to strategize against Berserker and its Master, Li Zihan.

Character Developments

• Archer shows interest in Rider and Waver, hinting at his desire for a challenge.
• Waver reflects on his classmate Li Zihan's abilities and realizes he knows little about him.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and strategic planning in the Holy Grail War.
• The importance of understanding and utilizing one's opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

Character Interactions

• Archer interacts briefly with Rider and Waver, issuing orders and hinting at his power.
• Rider and Waver discuss Li Zihan's abilities and strategize against Berserker and Li Zihan, highlighting their growing bond and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Waver realizes that only Saber can defeat Li Zihan, but her Master might use her to kill Rider.
• Waver decides to ally with Kaineth (Lancer's Master) and Lancer to defeat Li Zihan and Berserker.
• Waver and Rider plan to gather Lancer and Rider's strength to challenge Archer.
• Waver learns that Berserker's Master is likely setting up a battlefield to challenge Archer, which puts Lancer in danger.

Character Developments

• Waver shows strategic thinking and determination, proving himself a worthy Master.
• Rider supports Waver's plan, showing trust in his abilities.
• Waver's respect for Kaineth grows, despite his arrogance.

Significant Themes

• Strategic alliances and teamwork.
• The importance of quick decision-making in crisis situations.
• The danger of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Waver and Rider discuss their plan, with Rider encouraging Waver's ideas.
• Waver's thoughts reveal his respect for Kaineth and his determination to save Lancer.
• The chapter ends with Waver and Rider rushing to find Lancer before Berserker's Master can eliminate him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rider reveals Gungnir's power to Lancer, convincing him to retreat.
• Waver panics after his plan fails, but Rider decides to confront Berserker immediately.
• Rider suspects Saber's Master of having ulterior motives and potential involvement with Berserker's Master.
• Rider decides to face Berserker alone to protect Waver, leaving him behind.

Character Developments

• Waver: Realizes the harsh reality of the Holy Grail War and feels the pressure of their situation.
• Rider: Shows strategic thinking, intuition, and concern for Waver's safety, deciding to face Berserker alone to protect him.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictable nature of the Holy Grail War, with its unconventional rules and methods.
• The importance of initiative and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• The tension between alliance and betrayal, with Rider suspecting Saber's Master of having ulterior motives.

Character Interactions

• Rider and Waver: Rider reassures Waver, pats his head, and decides to leave him behind for his safety.
• Rider and Lancer: Rider convinces Lancer to retreat, acknowledging the power of Gungnir.
• Rider and Saber's Master: Rider suspects Saber's Master of being involved with Berserker's Master, leading to his decision to face Berserker alone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Waver uses his remaining Command Spells to boost Rider's morale and resolve before sending him to battle.
• Li Zihan, the Master of Berserker, restores all of his Servant's Noble Phantasms using Command Spells and his Grimoires.
• Berserker's true identity is revealed as Heracles, the son of Zeus, with his stats and abilities significantly enhanced.

Character Developments

• Waver shows growth and determination, demonstrating his ability to support and motivate his Servant, Rider.
• Li Zihan proves to be a resourceful and powerful Master, managing to restore Berserker's Noble Phantasms and manipulate his emotions using Command Spells.
• Berserker (Heracles) gains a significant power boost, recalling his tragic past and channeling his rage towards Gilgamesh.

Significant Themes

• The strategic use of Command Spells to enhance Servants' abilities and manipulate their emotions.
• The power dynamics between Masters and Servants, with Masters like Waver and Li Zihan demonstrating their capabilities.
• The consequences of manipulating a Servant's emotions and memories, as seen with Berserker.

Character Interactions

• Waver and Rider: Waver motivates Rider before sending him to battle, showing their growing bond and trust.
• Li Zihan and Berserker: Li Zihan manipulates Berserker's emotions and restores his Noble Phantasms, demonstrating his control over his Servant.
• Berserker and Gilgamesh: Berserker's rage towards Gilgamesh is reignited, setting the stage for their potential confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Alcaeus, empowered by the Codex of the Great Holy Grail, retrieves all Noble Phantasms using Twelve Command Spells.
• Alcaeus demonstrates his immense power with a single arrow, creating a chasm stretching to the horizon.
• Li Zihan and Alcaeus discuss using 'Sky-Stealing Conqueror' against Gilgamesh but decide against it due to potential risks.
• The Old Worm prepares for the Holy Grail's descent, while Li Zihan plans for the final battle against Gilgamesh.
• Rider and Waver arrive, and Li Zihan initiates a confrontation, but Alcaeus intercepts with a barrage of Hydra Poison-coated arrows.

Character Developments

• Alcaeus showcases his true combat prowess, revealing his immense skill and power.
• Li Zihan demonstrates strategic thinking and caution, considering and discarding plans based on potential risks.

Significant Themes

• Power and its responsible use (Alcaeus's display of strength and Li Zihan's strategic planning).
• Risk assessment and decision-making (Li Zihan's consideration of different plans and their consequences).

Character Interactions

• Alcaeus and Li Zihan work together, discussing plans and tactics.
• Li Zihan and Rider/Waver have a tense confrontation, leading to a clash between their forces.
• The Old Worm is mentioned as handling the Holy Grail's descent, showing his importance in the overall plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Waver and Li Zihan face off in the sky, with Rider and Berserker ready to fight.
• Li Zihan reveals that Professor Kaineth is confined and will be sent to the Clock Tower in three days.
• Waver declares them enemies, and Li Zihan orders Berserker to attack.
• The scene shifts to a desert, with Li Zihan uncomfortable under the harsh sun.
• Rider reveals his Noble Phantasm, "Ionioi Hetairoi," summoning a legion of Heroic Spirits to fight.
• Li Zihan summons Alcaeus to guard their surroundings and prepares to counter Rider's army.

Character Developments

• Waver shows determination and confidence in his alliance with Rider.
• Li Zihan demonstrates strategic thinking and calmness under pressure, understanding Rider's plan and preparing a countermeasure.
• Rider showcases his charisma and military prowess by summoning a powerful army of Heroic Spirits.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances in the Holy Grail War.
• The impact of environment and conditions on combat (e.g., the harsh desert sun affecting Li Zihan).
• The importance of strategy and preparation in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Waver and Li Zihan engage in a tense standoff, with Li Zihan expressing displeasure at Waver's attitude.
• Rider and Berserker are ready to fight, with Rider displaying his powerful Noble Phantasm.
• Li Zihan and Berserker work together, with Li Zihan issuing orders and Berserker following them.
• Li Zihan summons Alcaeus to assist them, showing his ability to adapt and strategize in battle.