The scene opens late at night, first showing a statue of a man in a thinking posture. The view then zooms out, revealing a building with a single light on in the main entrance.
The scene cuts to Waver's right eye. He is hiding behind the statue, carefully watching the building's entrance.
"What is he doing?" Clarisse unimpressed already with waver facial features and expression, looking scrawny and weak.
"That's a bookstore… is he going to steal a book or something?" Luke noticed the sign on the building.
The gods lean forward, their interest piqued. They already witnessed Waver summon his Servant in a previous episode, and now they eagerly await the Rider's appearance.
Suddenly, a loud banging noise erupts from the security shutter. The camera quickly switches to the entrance, where a significant dent appears on the gate. Another follows, and then a larger one near the edge, leaving a small opening—just big enough for a large hand to reach through. The hand grabs the metal gate and tears it open as if it were cardboard, tossing it to the ground as a figure steps out.
Waver gasps, eyes wide with shock. He watches as the figure slowly walks out of the building, emerging from the shadows. It's his Servant.
"Rider?" Waver breathes, his voice barely a whisper.
"Haha! That's my boy!" Zeus booms, a wide grin spreading across his face. Hera, seated beside him, rolls her eyes with a dramatic sigh.
Athena, though surprised, maintains her composure. "He must be a Rider-class Servant, then," she observes, her gaze sharp.
"Yep, he did tame that monstrous horse, so that makes sense," Apollo adds, nodding in agreement.
Artemis and the Hunters, however, observe with a mix of curiosity and disdain. They exchange knowing glances, recognizing the arrogance and disregard for rules often displayed by powerful males.
"Typical," Phoebe mutters with a scoff. "He thinks he can just destroy anything in his path." Her hand instinctively reaches for her bow, a hint of protectiveness in her eyes. "Someone needs to teach him a lesson about respect."
He stares, dumbstruck for a moment, before snapping out of his shock with a gasp. "Idiot!" he barks at his Servant. "What's wrong with you, breaking the shutter open like that?" He emerges from behind the statue, frantically waving his arms. "Why didn't you take spirit form, like when you went in?!"
"I can't carry these in spirit form," Rider answers, unfazed by his Master's outburst. He holds up two books in his right hand.
"Spirit form? So they can, like, disappear and go through walls like ghosts?" Percy wonders aloud, furrowing his brow.
Clarisse snorts. "Well, duh, Prissy. They're already dead." Percy rolls his eyes at the nickname.
Poseidon strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm, that ability must have a significant impact on their strengths and weaknesses..."
The Hunters, however, grow increasingly unimpressed with both Rider and Waver. Rider's seemingly simple-minded actions and reasoning, coupled with Waver's flustered reaction, paint a picture of incompetence in their eyes.
Waver walks towards his Servant, glancing around nervously to make sure no one is watching. "Stop panicking," Rider says, catching Waver's attention. "You make me sound like a thief."
The comment irritates Waver. "If you're not a thief, then what are you?!"
"Vandal," Grover corrected.
"Robber," Clarisse insisted.
"Technically, a robber uses force or threats," Annabeth pointed out. "I doubt there was anyone guarding the bookstore at night."
"Same difference," Clarisse grumbled.
"Actually," Luke interjected, trying to smooth things over, "wouldn't 'shoplifter' be more accurate? He did take books from a bookstore, not money."
Rider stares at the boy for a moment, then closes his eyes. "There's a big difference." He opens his eyes with a dramatic flourish.
"A cowardly thief would sneak away in the night." He pauses, letting the tension build.
"The King of Conquerors sings triumphantly as he leaves with his loot!" he finishes with a proud tone and a smirk.
"Hahaha!" Zeus bellows, his laughter echoing through the room. "Olympias raised him right! I've never regretted slithering into her chambers that night."
Hera's eyes narrow dangerously. "Must you constantly boast about your infidelities, Zeus?" she hisses. "Perhaps I should have cursed him, just as I did your precious Heracles."
Zeus sobers slightly, but a smirk still plays on his lips. "I have no favorites, Hera," he replies, his voice taking on a rare note of seriousness. "All my children become heroes through their own will and determination. We may intervene from time to time, but I never spoil them."
Waver clicks his tongue in irritation and grabs the books from Rider's hand. "I'll carry these! Now disappear. Disappear right now!" he shouts.
"Very well!" Rider answers with a big smile, completely unaffected by his Master's yelling. "I shall leave you to carry the spoils." His body begins to fade, turning into golden particles. "Be careful not to drop them," he adds just as he disappears.
Waver is left alone. "Geez!" he groans, scratching his head. "Why is this happening to me?!" he shouts to the empty street.
"Fools..." Zoe mutters, her lips curling in disdain. "Such crass behavior. Neither displays a shred of decorum." The Hunters nod in agreement, echoing their lieutenant's disapproval.
"They have a rather... unique dynamic, wouldn't you say, Uncle?" Apollo comments, leaning towards Hades.
"Indeed," Hades replies curtly, his attention still fixed on the screen. He seems more intrigued by the nature of the Servant, recognizing a power that far surpasses anything his demigod children could summon.
Apollo shrugs, slightly disappointed by his uncle's brief response, but he quickly turns his attention back to the screen, eager to see what happens next.
The scene opens on Waver, who is running along the river road by Fuyuki Lake, with a view of Fuyuki Bridge. The young Master slows down and stops by a streetlight, gasping for air as he bends over and clutches the books to his chest.
"The summoning went fine, so why is this happening?" he mutters to himself as he catches his breath and looks at the books Rider took from the library. The larger book is titled 'World Map,' while the other is titled 'L'Odyssée D'Homère.'
"The Odyssey?" Annabeth pipes up. "I remember reading that!"
"Well, you might want to brush up on it," Luke suggests with a smirk. "If I recall correctly, Chiron's planning to assign an essay on it... in Latin."
"What?!" Clarisse exclaims, her eyes widening in panic. Percy and Grover exchange uneasy glances. "Chiron didn't say anything about that!"
"Relax," Luke assures her. "I think he's planning to assign it in a couple of weeks."
"Hold on," Annabeth interjects, narrowing her eyes at Luke. "How do you know about this?"
Luke just smiles and puts a finger to his lips. "A little birdie told me," he says with a wink.
"And what's the deal with these books, anyway?" he wonders aloud before a large hand suddenly snatches the books from behind him. Slightly startled, he turns to see Rider taking them.
"I told you. They're preparations for the war," Rider says with a smile as he looks through the 'World Map.' "War cannot be waged without maps."
Surely you don't need a map that big to prepare for a war," Apollo scoffs. "A map of the city would suffice."
But Athena is already pondering something deeper. "No," she counters, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "I suspect he has plans that extend beyond this Holy Grail War."
"Like what?" Apollo presses, curious. "Taking over the world?"
"That might not be far off the mark," Athena replies, her gaze fixed on Rider. Knowing his personality and history, she has already reached a conclusion. After all, "Iskandar was one of my worshipers in life, and I am well-acquainted with his ambition and his line of thinking."
Waver realizes that Rider is right; you can't start a war without knowing where you are, but he's still confused about why he would need a 'World Map' when they could use a map of Fuyuki instead.
"Hey, boy." Waver's eye twitches in annoyance at being called 'boy.' "Where are Macedonia and Persia?"
"Perhaps he's simply interested in seeing the lands he once ruled," Poseidon suggests, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. Like the other gods present, he is familiar with Iskandar, having witnessed the end of his journey at the Indian Ocean alongside Varuna.
Clarisse, meanwhile, mutters under her breath, "Maybe worshiping the goddess of strategy does have its merits." Though spoken quietly, her words are clearly heard by the gods. None react outwardly, except for Athena, who can't help but smile at this indirect acknowledgment of her influence. She considers it another point scored against Ares, whose children usually favor brute force over strategic thinking.
Like most of the older campers, Clarisse is familiar with the story of Alexander the Great and his conquests. She had always assumed he was a devotee of Ares, given his penchant for war and victory. This new information about his reverence for Athena casts a different light on the legendary king.
"Wh-What's with that attitude?!" the Master rebukes, pointing his finger at his Servant.
"I'm your Ma—" Waver stops abruptly as Rider glares at him, making him stumble back.
Iskandar's glare seems to transcend the screen, sending shivers down the spines of every demigods watching. It's a chilling reminder that this is no ordinary spirit, but a legendary hero whose presence once commanded armies and shaped the course of history. Even through the barrier of time and space, his aura of authority is palpable.
"I'm well aware that you are my Master," Rider states, staring at Waver with a serious expression. "Did we not forge a contract?"
Waver composes himself and takes a small breath. "Yeah."
Rider sits on the ground, cross-legged. "I'm more interested in learning where the territories I ruled over are."
Waver pauses for a moment before clicking his tongue. He crawls over to Rider and points with his right index finger to a country on the world map. "Around here, I guess."
"Whoa, he caved pretty quickly," Percy remarks, earning bewildered stares from the other demigods.
Clarisse rolls her eyes. "Are you serious, Prissy?" she scoffs. "If a glare like that could make me stumble, I'd be kissing the ground and offering him a Happy Meal."
Before Percy can retort, Zeus leans forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes. With a voice that rumbles like distant thunder, he proclaims, "Ah, yes. That reminds me of a certain impertinent young demigod who dared to address his own father before paying proper respects to me – the King of Olympus – in my own throne room!"
Poseidon and Hades exchange a knowing look. They recognize Zeus's jab at Percy as a petty attempt to assert his authority and perhaps make the young demigod's life a little more difficult. However, neither brother intervenes, choosing to observe the unfolding drama.
The Servant of the Mount hums as he stares at the spot his Master indicated. Waver looks up at him, wondering what Rider is thinking, before being taken aback by his sudden guffaw.
"Tiny!" Rider exclaims with a wide smile, raising the book high. "I spent my life conquering that land, and behold how small it is! Very well! I cannot wait!" he declares excitedly.
"Hm... It's actually bigger than you might think," Apollo muses to himself, seemingly lost in thought. "Relatively speaking, of course. The world... it's just a much larger place than some realize."
He relaxes and looks at his confused Master. "Where are we now on the map, boy?"
Waver snaps out of his confusion and points to a different location on the map. "Here."
Rider hums in amusement. "Right on the other side of the world, then." He nods in acceptance. "Pleasing news, indeed!"
"This will guide us in the coming battles," Rider says, stroking his chin as he studies the book.
Kneeling, Waver straightens his back when he hears what his Servant says. "Guide us?"
Rider raises his hand, startling Waver. "First, we head to the other side of the world. We go west, and only west." He makes a fist and slams it on his knee. "And we shall conquer every land we pass through!" He crosses his arms and closes his eyes, contemplating his plan. "I shall return to Macedonia triumphantly, and my people will hold a festival to honor my revival." Waver slumps, unable to believe what his Servant is saying, as he watches him chuckle in excitement. "Exciting, is it not?" Rider asks, opening one eye to look at his Master.
Even the Hunters are momentarily stunned into silence by the audacity of Rider's plan. They exchange wide-eyed glances, momentarily forgetting their criticisms. However, their awe quickly gives way to disbelief, and they shake their heads in unison. Such arrogance, they think, typical of men to believe they can conquer the world.
The demigods, on the other hand, are completely enthralled by Iskandar's declaration. A wave of excitement washes over them, and even Annabeth, usually the voice of reason, can't help but be swept up in the charismatic king's grand vision.
The gods react in their own distinct ways. Zeus, Iskandar's father, beams with pride at his son's ambitious plan. Poseidon, Hades, and Athena, however, exchange concerned glances. They recognize the potential dangers and consequences of such a bold endeavor.
Apollo throws his head back and laughs. "Oh, man, he should just come to America instead!" he exclaims. "We'd throw him the biggest welcome-back party the world has ever seen!"
Waver takes a few seconds to process everything, then snaps at him. "Do you even know why you're here?! You're here for the Grail War! The Grail!" he shouts, reminding Rider of his purpose.
Rider slams his fist into his palm and grunts. "That's right." This catches Waver's attention. "Speaking of the Grail, I forgot to ask..." He looks Waver straight in the eye, his expression serious for the first time. "What will you do with the Grail, boy?"
It's not hard to speculate what Waver desires. Most of the gods and demigods have already concluded that, based on their last viewing of Waver in London. But—
"Perhaps he needs to aim higher," Poseidon muses, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "A wish for the Grail should be grand, world-altering."
Zeus, meanwhile, observes the interaction with a critical eye. He wonders if this timid boy, Waver, possesses the strength of character to command a hero like Iskandar, his own son, in this brutal war. He doubts it, but... perhaps Iskandar's influence could be the catalyst that forces Waver to re-evaluate his ambitions and embrace a grander vision.
The young Master is taken aback by the sudden question. "Wh-Why would you want to know? Why would you care?"
The scene cuts to the world map. "If you are also intent on conquering the world, that would make you my enemy." The scene cuts back to Rider's serious expression. "The world cannot serve two lords."
"He still wants to take over the world?" Luke exclaims in disbelief. "I thought he stopped in India. Why didn't he just keep going?"
"Several factors contributed to his halt," Athena explains, her voice calm and measured. "His army was stretched thin, and the battle against King Porus, though a victory, inflicted significant losses." She pauses, a subtle tension in her voice. "Furthermore, the logistical challenges and the prospect of facing even larger empires further east presented considerable obstacles."
The gods discreetly avoid mentioning the true reason for Alexander's retreat: their own reluctance to engage in a conflict with the powerful Indian gods at that time. This unspoken truth remains a secret shared only amongst the eldest Olympians and Athena herself.
Waver flinches but immediately looks away with a scoff. "World conquest? I-I'll tell you what I want," he says, hesitant at the end.
"I just want people to treat me fairly," Waver admits, still looking away and holding back his true feelings.
The demigods understand this sentiment all too well. They know what it's like to yearn for normalcy, to fit in, to be accepted. Percy, in particular, remembers the misery of his days at Yancy Academy, where he was constantly ridiculed for his dyslexia and ADHD. Even Mr. Brunner's (Chiron's) classes couldn't fully erase the sting of social ostracism.
Yet, the idea of wasting a wish-granting device on such a seemingly trivial desire seems... underwhelming. "He concerns himself only with fleeting accolades," Zoe remarks with a sigh. "Such is the vanity of men."
"Aren't you being a bit hypocritical?" Luke counters, earning a sharp glare from the huntress. "If you didn't care about reputation, you wouldn't try so hard to dominate Capture the Flag every time you visit camp."
"If I recall correctly," Phoebe interjects with a smirk, "it's Camp Half-Blood who tries the hardest... and fails." Clarisse shoots her a withering glare.
"The people at the Clock Tower don't acknowledge my talents, and I want to change that!" he shouts, turning back to face his Servant.
He's met with a stinging slap across the face.
"Small!" Rider roars in disappointment. The slap is so hard it makes a loud impact, sending Waver sprawling to the ground, stunned.
"Small! And so narrow-minded!" Rider continues his tirade as he stands up. "How foolish. You're in this battle just for your reputation? And you dare call yourself my Master?! How disappointing!"
Waver moans in pain, rubbing his bruised cheek.
"Oof, that's gotta leave a mark," Percy winces, instinctively touching his own cheek as if he could feel the sting of the blow.
"But why did Rider slap him?" Annabeth wonders aloud, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What's wrong with wanting recognition?"
Luke's expression turns serious. "It's about more than just wanting recognition," he explains. "You don't risk your life fighting monsters just to impress people. There has to be a deeper reason, a greater purpose. Waver's wish... it just seems so insignificant compared to the power of the Grail." He pauses, then adds, "Though, I can't say I haven't met a few demigods, especially the unclaimed ones, who seem determined to get themselves killed for glory. Chiron always says—"
"That true heroes fight for something greater than themselves," Annabeth finishes, nodding in understanding.
Meanwhile, Hades leans forward, his eyes narrowed in thought. "How do these mages control their Servants?" he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else. "It seems these spirits can act independently, even harm their Masters... This is intriguing." The concept of spirits being summoned and bound to the living fascinates him. As the god of the Underworld, he feels a need to understand this magic, perhaps even find a way to disrupt it. The implications for the balance of power between the living and the dead are significant.
"If you wish so desperately for others to revere you..." Waver blinks back tears and looks up at Rider, but the Servant grabs him by the back of his blazer collar, easily lifting the boy to his feet. "Perhaps you should use the Grail's power to grow another thirty centimeters." Rider says nothing more and sits back down, continuing to study the maps.
"Ooh, burn!" Apollo exclaims, wincing in mock sympathy. "That's gotta hurt." He throws his head back and lets out a hearty laugh, relishing the awkwardness of the situation.
The demigods can't help but chuckle at Rider's blunt assessment of Waver's stature. Even Annabeth cracks a smile, though she quickly schools her expression, reminding herself that they are observing a serious magical war.
The Hunters, however, merely sigh at the display. They've seen enough of male posturing and petty insults to last a lifetime.
As the Servant of the Mount focuses on his book, the young magus trembles with anger. "How dare he talk to me like that?! He's just my Servant! I'll show him!" Waver seethes inwardly, clenching his right fist, the one bearing his Command Spells.
He raises his right hand towards his Servant. "I address my Command Spell." As he chants, the markings of the tattoo begin to glow.
"Ah, so that's how they exert control," Hades observes, his eyes fixed on the glowing tattoo. He leans forward, intrigued by this visible manifestation of magical power. "A fascinating method of binding a spirit to one's will."
"Abiding by the Grail's laws, I order Iskandar, King of Conquerors..." But before he can finish, Waver hesitates.
"Is a Command Spell truly necessary for a mere insult?" Kayla questions, her voice laced with disapproval. "Such a drastic measure seems excessive."
Artemis nods in agreement. "Indeed," she adds, her gaze fixed on the screen. "Though I understand the boy's indignation. It was not simply his stature that was mocked, but his aspirations, his very reason for entering this perilous war. However," she concedes, "Iskandar is correct: he needs a more worthy ambition."
"Perhaps," Apollo suggests with a thoughtful smile, "Iskandar will guide him towards a grander vision."
He grits his teeth and takes a hissing breath. "Calm down, Waver," he tells himself, forcing himself to relax. "A Master can use a Command Spell to compel his Servant's obedience only three times." He reminds himself, "I won't be able to control him if I use them all up." The Command Spell's glow fades.
"Intriguing," Athena murmurs, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "A limited resource... That certainly adds a layer of complexity to the dynamics of this war."
"What happens to the Servant if the Master uses all the Command Spells?" Poseidon inquires, curious about the mechanics of this magic.
"Most likely," Hades replies, his voice low and thoughtful, "the Servant simply disappears. After all, it is the Master who anchors them to this world." He pauses, considering a darker possibility. "However, in the worst-case scenario, the Servant might become unbound and wreak havoc upon the city, free from any constraints."
Waver sits down, cross-legged on the ground next to his Servant, crossing his arms. "I have no complaints as long as I get the Grail." He faces Rider, his shoulder trembling slightly. "Do whatever you want afterward—"
"Yes, okay!" Rider snaps, growing tired of his Master's constant bickering. Waver flinches. "I'll acquire the Grail for you."
Apollo smirks, glancing at Zeus. "He definitely takes after his dear old dad," he comments, relishing the opportunity to tease his father.
Zeus raises an eyebrow, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh?" he drawls, his voice laced with a thinly veiled threat. "And what exactly do you mean by that, my son?"
Waver doesn't seem convinced and raises an eyebrow. "You seem confident. What makes you think you can win?"
Rider is silent for a moment as he stares at his Master. "Are you saying you wish to see my power?"
Waver flinches but pushes back his nervousness. "O-Of course! You need to prove that I can rely on you!" A smirk spreads across Rider's face at his Master's answer.
"Guess super strength isn't his only trick," Percy comments, impressed.
"Of course not," Annabeth replies, rolling her eyes playfully. "Why would he be in the Rider class if all he had was super strength?"
Grover tilts his head, his brow furrowed. "If he's a Rider... where's his horse?"
The scene shows the Servant of the Mount drawing his sword. The sword is a spatha (Sword of the Kupriotes), its hilt decorated with the likeness of a lion. He raises it high. "I am Iskandar, King of Conquerors! With the swing of my sword, I declare my supremacy!" he shouts as he swings the sword down to the ground with all his might, creating a loud whooshing sound as if cutting through the wind.
A ripple of divine energy emanates from Iskandar as he swings his sword, a subtle surge of power that Zeus, the king of the sky, is the first to perceive. The other gods, attuned to the subtle shifts in the cosmic balance, quickly follow suit, their eyes widening in recognition. A hush falls over the room, the anticipation palpable. Every demigod, every Hunter, every god holds their breath, waiting for the inevitable display of power.
Waver gasps, clutching the books to his chest. He notices the streetlamp blinking rapidly before dying out.
Then the sound of thunder rumbles. The Master looks up into the sky, and to his surprise, the clouds begin to form a circle, leaving the center clear—an eye of the storm.
"Such power..." Poseidon breathes, his eyes widening in awe. He recognizes the divine energy crackling in the air, a force that rivals even the strongest of the Olympians.
Hera nods, her gaze fixed on the swirling storm clouds. "Indeed," she agrees, her voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "It dwarfs the abilities of most of your children, Zeus."
Zeus remains silent, a flicker of unease in his eyes. He cannot deny his wife's assessment. The raw power emanating from the screen is undeniable, a testament to the formidable strength of his son, Iskandar.
"Is he summoning his mount?" Athena wonders aloud, her keen mind already anticipating the spectacle to come.
The wind picks up gradually. Rider stands straight, looking up at the sky while Waver watches in awe. The wind grows stronger, whipping the clouds around like a cyclone, and lightning flashes with increasing intensity. Then, suddenly, everything stops as if time has frozen.
Without warning, a lightning bolt strikes the ground with a powerful impact, knocking Waver onto his back.
He quickly looks up, static crackling around him. He sees the spot where the lightning struck, enveloped in a cloud of smoke and static.
As the smoke slowly clears, the Master's eyes widen in disbelief.
"Those are...!?" Zeus exclaims, his voice a mixture of surprise and recognition. He knows those oxen well – the very beasts that pulled the chariot of Gordias, the legendary king who tied the Gordian Knot. The same chariot that was offered to Zeus himself as a tribute.
"Well, he is the King of Conquerors," Apollo remarks, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Though it's a shame we won't get to see his famous horse, Bucephalus."
The smoke dissipates, revealing a gigantic antique war chariot with two prows led by two muscular bulls. It has two large, curved sickles on its sides. This is the King of Conquerors' chariot, his Noble Phantasm: Gordius Wheel: Wheel of Heaven's Authority.
Waver is stunned by the sight of the chariot. "King Gordias made this very offering to Zeus," Iskandar says, snapping Waver out of his stupor. Waver looks towards his Servant. "Its renown must be the source of my designation as Rider. If you want the Grail, then go find me another Heroic Spirit or two! Until then, I shall entertain myself with these maps," the king commands, turning his head to face the Master, who is still on the ground. "No problems with that?" Rider asks with a smirk. His dumbfounded Master can only nod dumbly.
"Fascinating," Athena murmurs, her eyes gleaming with intellectual curiosity. "It seems a hero's legend dictates the class they are summoned into. We wouldn't see Robin Hood as a Saber or King Arthur as an Archer, then." Annabeth, inspired by this observation, scribbles furiously in her notebook, eager to document this new understanding of the Servant classes.
The others are awestruck by the sheer power radiating from the ox-drawn chariot and its master. If this is the might wielded by just one Servant, then the other contenders in this war definitely have a tough fight ahead of them.
Zeus throws his head back and roars with laughter, his voice booming through the room. "Hahaha! Victory is yours for the taking, mortal!" he declares, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just ensure your wish is worthy of such power, or I myself shall smite you!"
The demigods, however, share a different sentiment. They exchange anxious glances, silently praying that Waver finds a more worthy ambition before facing the wrath of the king of the gods.
AN: Here are some part you might enjoy before the full episode release, it might be uploaded this month if i don't have writer block. or next month... or next year...
what i'm trying to say is i'm not patient enough to finish the whole chapter before uploading the episode so i will break the episode into parts before merge the chapter when the episode is done. i'll do it later for the first episode too. thank you for reviewing my last chapter and i saw some concern on how my take to combine this separate world and while your comment is appreciated and make me rethink how i approach this story, please let me cook..