The protagonist of Fate/Apocrypha is a homunculus boy named "Sieg." As both a homunculus and a master, he throws himself into the Holy Grail War in his unique role. He has many fans, so we've taken a look at everything from his personality to his surprising true self, so be sure to check it out whether you're a fan or not.
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
What is Zeke's true identity?
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
A homunculus created by the Yggdmillennia family using Einzbern technology. Contrary to his androgynous appearance, he uses the first person pronoun "ore". He has an innocent and natural personality. He is honest and lacks humor. He is good at basic knowledge and grasping situations, so his natural element is mainly in the area of emotional subtleties. She excels at studying, to the point that Ruler, who used to act like an older sister, ends up being the one being taught by her.
Because he is a homunculus
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Since he was designed to completely supply magical power, his body is very fragile, and at first, even walking a little would use up all his strength, and using his vocal organs would cause pain and he was unable to speak properly. When he was examined by Archer of Black, it was determined that he only had about three years to live. Eventually, he grows to a normal body, but still does not have particularly outstanding physical abilities.
A Worried Homunculus
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
To the outsider, he seems resigned, but in reality he is confused by the emotions that arise within him, in other words, he is simply unfamiliar with the stimulus of being alive. He worries more than his calm appearance suggests, and struggles to define himself; as a result, his mind is a boy whose appearance matches his. The fact that he is alive as a life form with a sense of self is itself a miracle, and he becomes troubled when he is unable to come up with a clear answer to the question, "How do I live?"
How the Homunculus became "Sieg"
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Homunculus created by the Yggdmillennia family using Einzbern technology. Homunculi, including him, were originally created to take over the magical power supply from Servants' Noble Phantasms, self-healing, and magic usage, and were simply consumed, selfless life forms. However, by a miraculous chance, he awakens to his ego and activates his magic circuits out of fear of death, successfully escaping from the magical power supply tank.
The Savior, the Black Rider
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
However, with a defective body that was not even designed for walking, he was unable to escape outside the castle, and just as his fate was about to run out, he was saved by the Black Rider. However, when they were escaping from the Yggdmillennia Fortress, he was attacked by an enraged Goldo who noticed them and quickly left him critically injured. Due to his natural frailty, he was left in a situation where he had no choice but to wait for death, but after hearing the words of Black Rider, Saber of Black offers him her heart in exchange for her own life.
The reason for the name "Zeke"
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
As a result, his body grew to the point where it could withstand use in actual combat, due in part to the fact that he was mixed with the blood of dragon species. Until then, he was an unnamed homunculus, but from this point on, he began to call himself "Zeke" with gratitude to his benefactor, the hero.
Sieg's Special Abilities
Even among the homunculus cast to supply magical power, he possesses outstanding magical circuits, far surpassing even the most elite magicians. Cast with magical circuits as the foundation, he excels in the ability to understand information, and has a perfect grasp of the Holy Grail War and magic.
Take inspiration from Einzbern technology!
Source: Cells at Work © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
He can instantly analyze the composition of any object he touches, transform and harmonize its magical power, and use a powerful attack magic based on Einzbern alchemy called "Strasse/Gehen" to optimally destroy it. On the other hand, he can only use that magic-like magic. He was given a slender sword by the Black Rider. The sword itself is not a Noble Phantasm, but is merely a weapon, and is a Servant's armament, and is imbued with mysticism, so it can injure Servants.
Fighting Style
In battle, he mainly uses "Realization/Opening" and Rider's sword. And due to the above circumstances, he will have some of the powers of multiple Servants within him, but at first he was confused by the power he was given, and was unable to fully utilize it in his first battle with Saber of Red. However, in the battle against Caster's "Crown: Light of Wisdom", he successfully coordinated with the surrounding Servants without falling behind, and he certainly became capable of using Siegfried's power.
Dragon's Command Spell (Dead Count Shapeshifter)
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
An unprecedented blue command spell appeared on his left hand. Even Ruler, the administrator of the Holy Grail War, does not understand its full extent. As the ruby says, his ability allows him to "transform" into Siegfried at the cost of shortening his remaining life. For each stroke, for a limited time of three minutes, the Heroic Spirit Siegfried himself possesses his body, completely embodying his physical abilities, combat experience, and stored abilities, including his Noble Phantasm.
Disadvantages of the "Dragon's Command Spell"
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
The reason he was able to master such a bold technique is because his soul is pure and untainted by anything, and because he was born as a homunculus, his body has no accumulation of years, and he was able to adapt to the sudden changes that occur when possessed. Normal Command Spells disappear after each use, but this "Dragon Command Spell" leaves black marks like stigmata even after use, and has a psychological effect on the user, causing unusual phenomena that are not normally considered.
Evil Dragon Fafnir
Source: Hataraku Saibou © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Also, like normal Command Spells, it is recognized as a qualification to become a master in the Holy Grail War, and it is possible to make contracts with Servants and compensate for the amount consumed. However, once he has used up all of his command spells and the curse of the evil dragon is fully activated, his body gradually transforms into that of a dragon, and he eventually becomes a dragon himself. Originally, he was meant to become a "failed evil dragon", but as the "winner of the Holy Grail War", he uses the power of the Holy Grail on himself and transforms into the "perfect evil dragon, Fafnir".
Sieg's Noble Phantasm
Fantasy Great Sword: Tenma Shitai (Balmung)
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
It can only be used while the "Ryuukou Command Spell" is activated, and he usually uses the sword that Rider gave him when they parted ways as his weapon. By releasing his true name, he releases a wave of twilight that spreads in a semicircle centered on the great sword. The second type of perpetual motion machine allows for continuous firing within the three-minute transformation time.
Armor of Fafnir (Evil Dragon's Blood Armor)
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane / Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Similarly, the effect is only applied while "Dragon's Command Spell" is active. This Noble Phantasm gains a defense value of B+ when used by a legitimate hero.
Blasted Tree
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
A suicidal lightning attack that grapples the enemy and pierces them with her own body. A Noble Phantasm that uses the second type of perpetual motion machine inherited from the Black Berserker (i.e. the qualifications she sought in her groom). Normally, it is a self-destruct Noble Phantasm that is unleashed in exchange for the user's life, but since Zeke's version is incomplete, it does not exert as much power as the original, and the recoil is not lethal. It is a power that resides within Zeke's body itself, and unlike the two above, it does not require transformation with the "Dragon Admonition Command Spell".
People who support Zeke
Black Rider
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
His first friend and the greatest benefactor who started it all. Even though he knows rationally that he is a nuisance, he is such an important friend that he searches for him on the battlefield "just because he wants to see him." Later, he officially makes a contract with him and becomes his Master.
Ruler
Source: Cells at Work © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Companion. Ruler says she will manage Zeke, who is an unknown entity, but calls him "Sieg-kun" and tries to act like a senior, or rather an older sister. Although they have only just met, they are very compatible because they are both sincere, and they trust each other even though their goals are different. As they spend time together, they are influenced by each other's personalities.
Black Archer
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
One of his benefactors. He is deeply grateful for hiding and treating him. He also received teachings from him for a short time, and his question of "how to live" has become Zeke's proposition.
Saber of Black
Source: Cells at Work © Akane Shimizu/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
One of his benefactors. His gratitude to him for sacrificing his life to save him, a complete stranger, overflows and knows no bounds, so he began to use a name based on his real name out of gratitude and respect.
Summary
Source: Cells at Work © Shimizu Akane/Kodansha, Aniplex, davidproduction
Zeke's charms include his relationship with the Heroic Spirits, his sincere attitude towards his worries, and his battle scenes. If you want to see Zeke in action, be sure to check out the original manga and anime.
