Episode 04 - New Powers, Activate!
Hayate gets up at dawn to prepare breakfast. One by one, the Wolkenritter wake up and join her, and their interaction is that of a devoted family. At the same time, Nanoha goes to her early-morning practise location to check her magic, but her power levels are still abnormally weak.
Later that day, at school, Fate is introduced as a new exchange student from overseas. Despite her shyness, she immediately proves popular with the other students, who bombard her with questions until Alisa comes to her rescue. With her friends' help, she gets through the school day in good spirits.
Admiral Leti contacts Chrono and tells him his request for armed troops has been approved. She also mentions that Admiral Graham's familiars have been asking after him. Shortly after, Amy informs him that several mages and magical beasts have been attacked for their linker cores on various worlds. She asks him for more information on the Book of Darkness, and he explains that it's an artifact for collecting and storing magical power. By devouring mana from its victims' linker cores, the Book fills up its pages; once all 666 pages are complete, it unleashes its terrifying full power. What's more, if either it or its master is destroyed, it will just magically recreate itself on another world and start the cycle over again. There is no known way to destroy the Book permanently — all they can do is try to capture its master before it's completed.
Signum takes Hayate to the hospital for a checkup. Her specialist, Dr Ishida, says the latest treatment isn't showing much result, but they decide to continue with it for now. After Hayate leaves the room, Ishida talks to Signum about the possibility of more advanced treatments, which might require longer-term hospitalization. Visiting the library later, Hayate meets Suzuka again; as she watches them talking happily, Signum contemplates Hayate's medical situation with seeming disquiet.
Heading home with Fate after school, Nanoha receives a communication from Chrono, who says that Raising Heart and Bardiche will be ready next week. At her house, she and Fate talk about their encounter with the Wolkenritter. Fate says she didn't feel any evil intent from Signum, just determination. Nanoha wonders whether they could reach an understanding if the Wolkenritter just explained their reasons. Fate points out that people who are blinded by determination can't easily be reasoned with — as she knows all too well herself. The two girls resolve to become strong enough that their words will reach their foes.
On a stormy alien world, Zafira and Vita are hunting magical beasts with the Book of Darkness. Vita complains that the creatures' weak linker cores make for very slow progress, but admits that it's easier than fighting mages. Zafira suggests taking a break, but she insists on continuing.
And so the days pass by until Nanoha's recovery is complete. By then, Raising Heart and Bardiche are ready to be returned to their partners. After picking them up at TSAB headquarters, Nanoha and Fate are just heading back to Earth when Amy receives an alert — Chrono's armed troops have intercepted Vita and Zafira above Uminari City. Amy quickly sends Nanoha and Fate directly to the scene as reinforcements.
The two activate their devices, and immediately sense something different about them. Amy quickly explains that Raising Heart and Bardiche have been given upgrades at their own requests. Nanoha and Fate transform and stand ready; Vita, watching uneasily from the sky, realizes her opponents are now using the Belkan Cartridge System.
Tropes
- Defeat Means Friendship: Nanoha and Fate wrap up their conversation about the Wolkenritter by concluding that they'll likely have to beat them to get them to open up.
- Determinator: Vita's insistence on continuing the hunt without rest foreshadows this tendency of hers, which will show up in the future on multiple occasions.
- Foreign Exchange Student: Fate is introduced to Nanoha's class as one of these. It causes her some awkwardness when the other students start peppering her with questions about her home country.
- Funny Background Event: Chrono nonchalantly tries to take Amy's orange juice while she's briefing him. She just as nonchalantly blocks him without a break in her speech.
- Number of the Beast: The Book of Darkness is said to have 666 pages, emphasizing its sinister reputation.
- Time-Compression Montage: Roughly a week of time is shown passing with a montage of the Wolkenritter and the TSAB pursuing their respective agendas, whilst Nanoha gradually recovers her magic.
- Villains Out Shopping: We see more of the Wolkenritter both in their home life and going about various mundane daily tasks. It becomes clear that they are very much a family to Hayate, and that the feeling is mutual.
