Magic Caster of Destroy -Declaration of War-

Magic Caster of Destroy -Declaration of War- (破軍の魔法詠唱者-宣戦-) is a re-enactment game event in Mass for the Dead that was released on November 30, 2020 to December 15, 2020.

Background
This is a story you should have seen somewhere--. Aura and Mare visit the Imperial Palace, which was exploring Nazarick, and ask for an apology to their master. The emperor decides to comply upon request. The Great Tomb of Nazarick. To the beginning of the nightmare of mankind.

Summary
A report arrives from his subordinates to Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix, the emperor of the Baharuth Empire. It was about the teams of workers who were secretly sent to investigate Ainz Ooal Gown's lair. The results of the outcome surprise the emperor as all of the workers were reported to have been wiped out. With his confidants, Fluder Paradyne and Baziwood Peshmel, he tells them it wasn't too bad as now he can use it as an excuse to eliminate some worthless nobles to take the fall for the failure. It also served it purpose to confirm that Ainz dwells in an area, which Baziwood recommends he can rely on the Four Imperial Knights to protect Jircniv in case of an emergency against Ainz, though Jircniv advises that they shouldn't rely on such measures until they can determine if Ainz can be an ally or enemy. Before they can go any further, a loud quake sounds throughout the palace. A knight of the Royal Guard arrives and reports that a dragon has landed in the palace courtyard. When asked, Fluder admits he has never seen that breed of dragon before. A loyal retainer urges that the emperor flee, but Jircniv knowing better remains in the palace as fleeing from a dragon would be useless. The passengers of the dragon are two dark elves. One of the named Aura makes a proper announcement that the Emperor has sent intruders into Ainz's home, and as Ainz is incensed by this, if nobody takes responsibility then they have orders to destroy the whole Baharuth Empire, starting with the humans in the courtyard. Mare opens a hole in the ground swallowing everyone therein, shocking the Emperor and his guards on the balcony who witnessed the display of power. Following Mare's attack, Aura declares all humans in the courtyard dead, still demanding the Emperor to come forth to apologize to Lord Ainz. Jircniv ponders who Ainz could be, but on a short timetable decides to announce himself to the dark elf twins. After inviting Aura to his palace, he humbly apologizes for the incident claiming that it was the doing of his subordinate. Aura demands that the Emperor give his apology to Ainz in person. Jircniv agrees but requests ten days time to take care of certain affairs and also to collect apology gifts for her master. Since Aura was never given any specific orders on how long the Emperor was to arrive with his apology she agrees that some preparations on Jircniv's part was allowed. Aura gave Jircniv the coordinates to Ainz's abode and the date to meet her master was agreed to be in five days time.

Elsewhere in the royal court of King Ramposa III, the king laments on the upcoming Annual War with his loyal servant Gazef Stronoff. A soldier reports that Marquis Raeven wishes to have an audience with the king, who allows the noble to approach him. Gazef is less than inviting as to his knowledge the man is untrustworthy as he is a man who works behind the scenes of the Kingdom. Since Ramposa III knows he will be talking politics with Raeven he asks Gazef if he could allow himself to be scarce. Gazef initially unwillingly to leave the side of his his king obeys. While wondering what Raeven is plotting Gazef spies Climb training. When the young warrior asks if the Warrior Captain would like to train with him, Gazef readily accepts. After the two finish their spar, they talk about the conscription of citizens for the Annual War. Climb tells Gazef, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself is especially worried for the sake of those unfortunates that have been drafted. Gazef tells the princess's bodyguard that isn't all they should be worried for, as the Empire attacks during this time of year when it is harvest season for the Kingdom. The Empire intent is to drive the Kingdom to conscript its citizens so as to reduce the laborers needed for harvest season and gradually reduce the national power of the Kingdom. Climb sees that no matter the outcome of the war, the power of the Kingdom will still be weakened and asks if there is anything they can do to overcome this situation? Sadly Gazef states that all they can do is minimize the damage as much as possible by winning the war. Climb promises to continue to grow stronger to help and asks Gazef if he wil continue to train him a little but longer which Gazef agrees as he still has time.

After finishing his meeting with King Ramposa III, Marquis Raeven visited Prince Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself to form an alliance with him. From the marquis's account Zanac learns that the nation's power is diminishing and that the food shortage problem will be dire in the coming year. Zanac asks if there is any way to avoid a war with the Empire, which Raeven states that they will need to act quickly to avoid that scenario. Zanac wonders that if the ask a certain "monster" it might be possible. Marquis agrees that perhaps Princes Renner might have thought of a plan they have yet to conceive and the two agree to speak with her on future policies.

Jircniv who had promised to apologize for sending workers to Ainz's domain was heading to the Great Tomb of Nazarick with his entourage. While being escorted in his carriage, Jircniv finds himself roused gently awake by his servant. In spite of the demand to apologize to Ainz, Jircniv finds that he is enjoying this sojourn as it has allowed him some respite from the taxing demands of managing the Empire. Such problems stem from his moniker as the Bloody Emperor, due to his purging majority of the nobles. With the lack of administrative support many of Jircniv's reforms have yet to come to fruition. Baziwood informs his liege that they have arrived at the Great Tomb of Nazarick, which Jircniv is all the more eager to meet Ainz Ooal Gown. There the imperial delegation are cordially welcomed by the maids, Yuri Alpha and Lupusregina Beta.

To the surprise of the delegation the maids calmly arrange for the weather surrounding Nazarick to be that of spring rather than winter. Fluder especially is visibly shocked as it is the work of a 6th tier spell. But what comes out of an adjacent loghouse sends the emperor and his men into a frenzy when they see several Death Knight s appear. Initially thinking the undead were going to attack they feared for their lives. Baziwood especially tries to come up with a plan to safeguard the emperor, but a mental battle in his head makes him realize that fighting such monsters is impossible. Yuri though assures them that the Death Knights before them are under her master's control as he created. The delegation calm down when they realized that the undead were setting up the area to host the delegation with tables, chairs and drinks. Still the thought that Ainz could create such powerful undead sends shivers to Jircniv's spine. Fluder laughs manically at the situation, finding it wonderful. He asks his young protégé if he still wants to try to escape, though informs him that their survival may not be guaranteed. Jircniv considering his words and the situation and the relative calmness of the maids decides it would be safer to stay put. Despite the dangers the maids allow the delegation a time of peace for the time being.

Yuri then announces that Ainz is ready to receive them; bringing them to a [Gate] for direct travel to Ainz. Arriving in the Throne Room, Jircniv internally notes all he has seen with what Ainz possesses and realizes he cannot simply bribe him with whatever he has, believing many would be comparing his existence to that of a god; applauding anyone for resisting the urge to run. Jircniv believes the true victory would be to return to home without harm to the delegation or Empire as a whole. Present are Ainz, his Floor Guardians Ainz formally welcomes Emperor Jircniv, and the Emperor reciprocates with Ainz's long title, but Demiurge (in his Imp form) orders Jircniv and the delegation to simply say 'Lord Ainz' believing an inferior human shouldn't address the Overlord as an "equal;" seeing it as blasphemous. Using [Prostrate] the delegation except Jircniv bows, only for Ainz to order it to stop, freeing them to move. Offering apologies (shocking his Guardians) to Jircniv, the Emperor acknowledges it is understandable for subordinates to act without approval; offering Count Femel's severed head as a formal apology for his ordering of the workers to invade the tomb. Demiurge presents the head to Ainz who, not wanting to waste material, morphs it into a new Death Knight; shocking the delegation. Minimizing names between each other, Ainz decides that due to Demiurge's rudeness to his delegation he will absolve Femel's affront and pardon the Empire. Jircniv is doubtful that a simple pardon would suffice wonders if Ainz has some motive. Ainz surprises the delegation when he elaborates that despite keeping to themselves, trouble will still come to them. Jircniv asks for clarity, with Ainz stating Nazarick will crush any opposition. Hearing this, Jircniv proposes an alliance of sorts. Jircniv clarifies that if Ainz were rule as king of the surrounding land, he could provide help with this all in the name of maintaining a peaceful relation with Nazarick. Surprised Ainz accepted the idea without trade of servitude, Jircniv is sent into a logic loop of why someone with absolute power wouldn't demand subjugation.

On the road back to the Empire, Jircniv believes he hasn't yet lost to the Overlord as his men in the carriage with him seek insight. As Ainz can make Death Knights with significant ease, should he be their enemy the Empire would fall in a day. As an undead, he'd kill the living just for fun, he rules as an Overlord using charisma worthy of being King and possesses incredible intellect. Jircniv makes a realization: as Ainz is a magic caster surpassing Fluder, and as Fluder didn't beg to stay behind to learn all he could about Ainz. Growing pale, Jircniv also knows Fluder discovered the tomb and suggested sending in the workers. He concludes that the elder wizard must have sold them out to gain favor with Ainz. Asking insight on damaging Fluder's political influence, not much can be done as his very presence puts other nations on edge. Any demotion in rank would signal other nations of the Empire's weakening. Jircniv sees the only way out is to make an alliance with the Empire, Kingdom, Theocracy, Council State and Holy Kingdom to fight against Ainz and defeat Nazarick. But by proceeding with caution, as any nation that helps Ainz would be destroyed as an example to the others; like what he would do. So Jircniv needs to have the other nations ally on their own, and to have a spy from Nazarick as there were some who seemed displease. The emperor resolves that they would have to do all this for the survival of the human race.

By the time Jircniv confirmed Fluder's betrayal, Nazarick was already beginning to set its future policy. Demiurge detailed exactly what the Emperor was discussing in the carriage, as a more intelligent man is easier to read than a fool. Taking offense to the notion of betrayal, the Floor Guardians ask to destroy them. But Albedo assures them all is as Ainz planned as he will show Jircniv the futility of building a coalition against Nazarick. Demiurge states that without the adventurer Momon they would have to have ruled E-Rantel with fear and violence. Demiurge then turns to Ainz to confirm all preparations are finished to establish Nazarick as its own nation by first conquering E-Rantel as a stepping stone. And the only thing left is to make a befitting title for Ainz. As each make a suggestion, Ainz's emotional suppression kicks in with each naming as he is blushing from each. As Albedo nominates "Supreme King" for his rank over the other Supreme Beings, Cocytus offers "Sorcerer King" for Ainz is the strongest Magic Caster in the world. Ainz likes this and immediately takes to it as his crowning name "Ainz Ooal Gown, The Sorcerer King."

The Baharuth Empire as promised, pledged to support the foundation of Ainz Ooal Gown's of Nazarick and formed an alliance declaring war on the Re-Estize Kingdom. In a message from the Empire, it decreed that the immediate land of E-Rantel and the surrounding areas should return to its rightful owner, Ainz Ooal Gown. And that the war against the Kingdom was to right this "unjustice". Though King Ramposa III confirms to with the Royals and Great Nobles present at his court that there are no records of Ainz and his ownership of the land near E-Rantel, rendering his claim illegitimate. Marquis Blumrush believes that the declaration is nothing more than an excuse by the Empire and their new ally, though Count Lytton recalls that he heard the name Gown before, as it was mentioned by the Warrior Captain who admits it's most likely the same man who helped him. This earns him a snide remark from Lytton finding Gazef's poor judge of character humorous. A more Marquis Pespea states that they should focus on how to address this new declaration of war from the Empire. Ramposa III then gives the floor to Gazef to provide any insight on this new player in the war, to which Gazef warns them that with Ainz they should not expect that this Annual War would merely end in a skirmish.

Gazef, knowing of Ainz's capability, urges the king to cede the land and avoid casualties. Gazef's words bring unwanted suspicion on him. King Ramposa, however, has unwavering faith in Gazef's loyalties, believing Ainz must be incredibly strong for Gazef to make such a statement. But, as ruler of the land, King Ramposa must put up a fight to earn his people's trust. Marquis Raeven brings to their attention that if the Baharuth Empire attacks E-Rantel, they must ready their defenses at once. In order to protect his domain, he will give his own troops to complement to the Royal Army to fight the war. Several Royals also back Raeven's mobilization with their own. King Ramposa orders a delayed response to the declaration for as long as possible to ready their defenses, with two months being the maximum. Before ending the discussion, First Prince Barbro states he will join the battle, despite Second Prince Zanac pointing out he is the King's first born and must be protected. He argues against this, so Marquis Boullope decides to send his own troops with him; thus the King permits this, to a 'grateful' Barbro who promises to take the head of the Empire.

After the talks with the nobles and king, Marquis Raeven cam to Zanac to talk about their future plans. Raeven is enraged by Prince Barbro's boisterous claims, as his ignorance and also by the nobles and their petty infighting which are causing the Kingdom to weaken. Zanac calms his ally down stating that this is nothing new and that they still have much to do if Zanac were to ascend the throne. Raeven sees that he is fight as complaining won't help him leave a territory that won't cause problems for his child. The two the worked together to plan for the future of the Kingdom against the invasion of the Empire.

On the eve of the war, the most important figures and military personnel gathered before the king. As the battle location is still at the Katze Plains, where undead wonder and fog perpetuates, Marquis Raeven informs his peers that the Baharuth Empire has mobilized far larger than the previous years. When Ainz Ooal Gown is mentioned to also be on the battlefield, Boullope argues no single magic caster can change the tide of war. Boullope believes Ainz to have the strength of 5,000 men when equating Gazef's abilities and how best to counter him in caution. Boullope then requests to the King that Barbro gather information on Ainz at Carne Village, as Ainz personally saved them. When asking the King who would lead the various sections of the army, Boullope nominates himself; but King Ramposa nonchalantly declares Marquis Raeven the commander. With the meeting concluded, King Ramposa orders for immediate mobilization for war.

In private, Ramposa talks with Gazef about not letting his oldest child go off to die in war, with Gazef noting Marquis Boullope planning the same thing. And he is planning to control the Prince in exchange for yielding the victory to another. King Ramposa reflects on his inability to prevent the leadership from splitting into two separate and disputing factions. The King merely wishing to leave a peaceful kingdom to his heir, hoping he did right by them; noting how he has more momentum in the leadership due to his participation in the Demonic Disturbance. King Ramposa only wants to deal a blow to the Empire, just so long as it buys some years of peace for his people. Gazef is taken in by his majesty's words, only to notice Raeven entering the room. The Marquis thanks the King for his decision as it was the logical move, only asking for a few months of rest in his domain following the war. As the King bows in gratitude, Gazef bows in apology having distrusted Marquis Raeven due to his prowess in schemes. Marquis Raeven is not offended asking both to raise their heads, as he always held them in admiration. Marquis Raeven returns to his reason for coming: to discuss what the Kingdom should do going forward. Gazef laments over the coming casualties, and for having to battle Ainz; believing he is thinking of something, but doesn't wish to fight him who is comparable to the Imperial Wizard of the Baharuth Empire. He reflects on the time he met and was saved by Ainz from the forces of the Slane Theocracy. Ainz victory of the Theocracy's forces convince him even more that going to war against Ainz will end in disaster, yet his duty forces him to raise a blade on a being like Ainz.

Barbro and his army are en route to Carne Village. When pondering if his father will pass him for the throne, a knight asks if he is well. The Prince placates to the knight that he is well, and orders the village dealt with immediately so as to return to the battle field in time for the war to start. But as 4500 of his 5000 men are foot soldiers, they would fall from exhaustion before arriving. The Prince, uncaring, orders them to move to defeat the Empire at any cost, even if that means whipping his men to run to the Katze Plains. As Barbro's army moves to the village, the Prince questions even coming to such a remote frontier village, swearing to make it in time for the war to begin. He then believes if he can 'convince' Ainz to step down, then the Empire will lose their casus belli and retreat; Barbro believing this will assure his inheritance to the throne without question. He proudly announces to draft them as soldiers so that if Ainz kills them, he will show what sort of monster he is.

Over in the village, Enri is passively annoyed by being called Chief and held from doing her job. She goes into the barn to sigh heavily into the hay, and as Nfirea informs her of more on the checklist, she reminds him how her troop faked losing to convince the goblins and ogres that she was the alpha of the village. As Nfirea tries to comfort her, she notices he smells nice and the cologne he made could sell well, he falls back from her closeness. She ends up on top of him when Jugem arrives to inform her of an emergency as an army has appeared right outside the walls.

While Enri and the villagers scrambled to deal with this problem, Lupusregina watching from above reported to her master on the current status of Carne Village. Ainz receiving information from Lupusregina that the Kingdom troops are at the village. She informs him of Barbro's supposed goal while suspecting him of his true goal to ransom the villagers to make Ainz surrender. Ainz asks how the village has responded, as 5000 troops is weak but still a large number to overwhelm Carne's defenses. As Lupusregina reports no reaction has commenced, she will appraise Ainz as the situation continues. While Ainz feels no emotion for the village, he cannot allow any information about their potion experiments from being known. Ainz orders Lupusregina to monitor the village closely and report everything, and to protect the four important names on her list.

The last thing that is heard is Ainz musing he looks forward to 'it' as he casts [Iä Shub-Niggurath], signaling the start of a massacre that will shake the world.

Trivia

 * The scenarios in this game event covers the events from Overlord Volume 09.