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Chapter 3 - First Steps Of Fate

The Holy Grail War is a revered and ancient ritualistic battleground deeply intertwined with the realm of magic and mysticism. It is during this enigmatic event that skilled sorcerers, known as Masters, converge to invoke the spirits of valiant heroes from the past, revered as Servants, to engage in fierce combat on their behalf. The core objective of the Holy Grail War is an elusive quest for the coveted Holy Grail itself, a mystical relic imbued with unparalleled power and the potential to bring any fervent wish to fruition for the triumphant participant in the arduous and perilous conflict. As the contest unfolds, each master and their aligned servant forge unbreakable pacts, forming inseparable pairs destined to partake in ruthless battles until only a single pair remains standing victoriously. The ultimate prize of this harrowing competition is the unparalleled opportunity to make a wish upon the legendary Holy Grail, a prospect that drives the participants to showcase unparalleled skill, cunning, and resolve.

 

Within the intricate tapestry of the Holy Grail War lies a tapestry of treacherous intrigue, intricate alliances, and daring betrayals. Each skirmish reverberates with the echoes of ancient rivalries and the clash of wills between formidable mages and immortal champions plucked from the annals of history and myth. The battlefield serves as a crucible of unyielding determination, where only the most indomitable spirits can persevere against the backdrop of intense magical confrontations, shaping the destiny of all involved in this unforgiving test of power and courage.

Deep in the heart of Japan, specifically in a city called Fuyuki, a momentous event known as the Holy Grail War has been reignited, taking on a new and unprecedented form from its past iterations. In this iteration, the age-old conflict pits the formidable Mage Association against the powerful Yggdmillennia family of mages, who hold dominion over Romania. Each side has carefully selected seven skilled masters, endowing them with rare and potent command spells alongside ancient artefacts essential for the intricate summoning rituals that are central to the conflict.

At the helm of the Mage Association stands the esteemed Amakusa Shirou, a revered figure representing the valiant Red faction. On the opposing side, leading the Yggdmillennia family, is the formidable figure of Danic Preston, who staunchly commands the mysterious Black faction. The Red faction aligns itself with seven dedicated Masters, each possessing unique strengths and ambitions, while the Black faction, equally formidable, mirrors this setup with a cohort of seven skilled Masters poised for battle. As the tension mounts and the fates of these revered factions intertwine, the stage is set for a clash of epic proportions, where loyalty, strategy, and the unpredictable course of fate will determine the outcome of this historic Holy Grail War.

 

The two factions, the black faction led by Danic Preston Yggdmillennia and the red faction led by Amakusa Shirou, each comprised a total of seven masters. As the appointed time for the summoning ritual approached, the anticipation among the participants intensified. The pivotal moment arrived when the seven masters from each faction, filled with determination and resolve, embarked on the intricate task of summoning their servants. The summoning spell, a crucial element in the proceedings, requires each master to channel their inner strength and focus on their intentions. Holding the sacred artefact firmly, they began the incantation, uttering the ancient words with unwavering conviction, "Heed my words. My will creates your body, and your sword creates my destiny! If you heard the Grail's call and obeyed my will and reason, then answer me! Thou seventh heaven, clad in the three great words of power, come forth from the circle of binding, Guardian of the scale." The air tingled with potent energy as the spell reverberated through the chamber, weaving a web of magic that bridged the gap between realms. Through their collective effort and synchronised actions, the seven masters of both the red and black factions successfully summoned powerful servants to aid them in the impending battles that lay ahead.

 

By completing the intricate and sacred rituals, all seven powerful servants representing each faction responded in unison, proclaiming, "In answer to the summons, here we stand. As servants bound by destiny, our swords are at your command." With these solemn words, the ceremonial rites were successfully concluded.

Under the watchful eye of the overseer, the Holy Grail War unfolded with meticulous precision. Entrusted with the pivotal role of overseeing the grand conflict, the revered hero known as the ruler was none other than the esteemed Holy Maiden of Orleans, the legendary Jeanne d'Arc herself. Among the brave Servants aligned with the Black faction were the noble Chiron, hailed as the Archer Class, descendant of the great titan Cronus; Astolfo, one of the renowned twelve heroes of Charlemagne embodying the Rider Class; the enigmatic Frankenstein, a berserk embodiment of madness in the Berserker Class; Vlad III, the fearsome impaler also known as Dracula, claiming the Lancer Class; the valiant Siegfried, renowned as the dragon slayer in the Sabre Class; the elusive Jack the Reaper skilled in the ways of assassination in the Assassin Class; and the ingenious Avicebron, master of the mythical Golem in the Caster Class. 

On the opposing side, the Red faction's formidable Servants included the formidable Empress of Assyria, the cunning poison-wielding Semiramis of the Assassin Class; the eloquent playwright and mage, Shakespeare, standing as the Caster Class representative; the revolutionary gladiator of freedom, Spartacus, reigning as the Berserker Class warrior; the traitorous Knight of Treachery, Mordred, embodying the Sabre Class; the radiant Karna, the mighty son of Surya the Sun God in the Lancer Class; the illustrious war hero, Achilles, known for his unparalleled skills as a Rider; and the swift Atalante, bearing prowess in the ways of the Archer.

 

The Black Faction, under the leadership of the Yggdmillennia mage families, displayed exceptional proficiency in the intricate craft of manufacturing homunculi—artificial human entities designed with a shortened lifespan. These artificial beings were meticulously produced with a primary function: to serve as a vital source of magical energy for their masters. Additionally, these homunculi were extensively utilised by the Yggdmillennia mage families as formidable and unwavering warriors on the battlefield, showcasing not only their loyalty but also their unyielding commitment to the cause. Through the art of creation imbued with mystical prowess, these homunculi stood as a testament to the Black Faction's remarkable prowess in the manipulation of magical forces and the complexities of life itself. Their existence mirrored a delicate balance between servitude and strength, embodying the duality of their purpose as both reservoirs of power and protectors of their mage families.