Mass for the Dead Chapter 07



Trilateral Talks (三国会談) is the seventh main story chapter in Mass for the Dead. It was released to the public on February 1, 2020.

Episode 1: Opening Of The Three Kingdoms Conference
On the day of the summit conference for the Tripartite Alliance, representatives from the Re-Estize Kingdom were gathering at a venue that was heavily prepared. Among them are the protagonist, Surako and Soi who are allowed entry after an inspector processes their weapons. Gazef Stronoff apologizes for the treatment but ensures its for the safety of the other representatives. Their actions is smashing the Zurrernorn conspiracy and Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself have more than convinced the Kingdom representatives that they are allies. Climb wishes them luck as he will not be able to attend as only the most elite escorts will be allowed entry into the conference room. Prince Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself is doubtful of the protagonist and his comrades on being the Kingdom's escorts but keeps his thought to himself.

In the venue Soi surveys that their is magical obstruction to limit detection using metal plates in the wall. In addition. it gives a full view of the courtyard, yet also is designed to block the line of sight from the outside. All this appears to ensure that there is careful security and confidentiality. However such measures are moot given that the Great Tomb of Nazarick have stationed their own forces to observe, with CZ2I28 Delta cloaked and watching from a nearby rooftop and Entoma Vasilissa Zeta lurking in the sewers of the city reporting no suspicious activity. Their activities are also being monitored by Aura Bella Fiora with permission from Demiurge, Momonga, and Albedo. The seriousness of the meeting cannot be ignored as Demiurge believes something important will happen.

At the venue, Princess Renner greets the protagonist and explains them the importance of the meeting. Today would be the second summit held in E-Rantel since the alliance's formation to discuss about the unprecedented crisis that their nations faced. She explains that while research into Chaos Beasts have been slow, there is little doubt that more powerful individuals will appear. The purpose of this meeting would be to concentrate the power of the three nations in one place and improve their coping capacity which is where E-Rantel comes in since it borders all three nations.

Representatives from the Baharuth Empire soon enter composed of Nimble Arc Dale Anoch and Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. Jircniv upon seeing King Ramposa III greets him cordially, surprised that the old king is still alive. Ramposa ignores the jab at his health and states that they must continue to work together which the Bloody Emperor agrees though he intends to realize his own ideal. Princess Renner tempers Jircniv's ambition a bit when she reminds him that she is in the room. Wary of her presence the emperor turns his attention to the protagonists and his adventurers noting he has heard some good things from his subordinates about them. An old man soon enters, commenting on the magical countermeasures, revealing himself as Fluder Paradyne the Imperial Court Wizard of the Empire. Soi having heard of his power is immediately cautious around given his power of 6th Tier Magic. Fluder wonders out loud where the members of the Slane Theocracy are. Jircniv inquires if his interest in the Theocracy delegation is to satisfy his desire to study their magic with the priests. Fluder admits that he is compelled to speak with their magical experts on the changes in the world, which no would include magic as the topic.

New people soon enter, led by a man in a priest garb. After blessing both the king and emperor, introduces himself as the Cardinal of Earth, Raymond Zarg Lauransan and he also presents his assistant, Enhela Read Gahi. However, both Ramposa and Jircniv suspect there is more to than meets the eye. Ramposa then decides to get started on the second summit meeting.

At the same time, in the E-Rantel city area, Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra and Blue Roses are still gathering intelligence on Eight Fingers and Zero. Sadly the situation has not changed as the criminals have been mobilizing and monitoring unprecedented scale provisions. Worse they have not heard back from Evileye on her reconnaissance. It is suspected that Zero is up to something and their is fear that is adventurers do not secure him an incident will occur. All they can do now is trust the protagonist to keep an eye on the conference.

Episode 2: Debate
Ramposa opens the meeting to talk deliberate on the world's current state. So far their alliance have managed to weather the storm of the crisis, by sharing information and strength. The other representatives agree, stating that despite their countries they have managed to put them aside for the greater good. Their decision to unite has allowed their nations to escape destruction as opposed to the Dragon Kingdom and the Argland Council State that have collapsed. The Bloody Emperor recommends that the alliance take a page from his empire policy, which are "defense" and "offense." He argues that their main focus should be to fortifying their environment and strengthen their security. However, the main concern is their lack of information on their attackers as they still only have conducted small-scale research. Raymond agrees that they should strengthen their alliance, however, efforts will be needed to be made to offset the difference between their countries.

While the meeting progressing, Aura is outside guarding the city with her wolf. Locating several monsters in the area she and her partner eliminate them. She then contacts Demiurge to report that the amount of monsters appearing is smaller than expected. Demiurge tells her to report anything abnormal. Aura takes the opportunity to ask why Nazarick has invested such much security around the summit and if the meeting is that important. The demon confirms that the contents in the meeting may contain confidential information that the public may not know and it the results of the meeting are good enough for Renner it will make Nazarick's plans easier.

Ramposa turns the meeting to Gazef's testimony on the recent survey of the Great Forest of Tob where a Rift was pinpointed by the Sunlight Scripture, the Four Imperial Knights, and the protagonist. The king belivees that the current research they have is insufficient and should think about moving towards large-scale research into the phenomena. The emperor of the Baharuth Empire inquires the reason, for which his fellow sovereign iterates that the Chaos Beasts are plaguing the land. When the send off their elites they potentially send them to their deaths resulting in in immeasurable losses. If they can gain an understanding of the Chaos Beasts and their habits perhaps there will be less sacrifices. Jircniv seeing that he cannot dismiss Ramposa's reasoning despite his reservations of trusting a failed king, decides to endorse the plan. When Ramposa asks the opinion of the Theocracy, Raymond states that are of similar mind ever since the protagonist assisted his countrymen in the initial investigation in the forest. However there is also another reason why the Theocracy wants to expedite the investigation. By illustrating the history of the SLane Theocracy in that it is more than hundreds of years longer than the other nations, the Cardinal highlights that an extraordinary power appears in the world at regular intervals. Furthermore the period of when the Rifts and Chaos Beasts appeared corresponds to this cycle. All of the members of the meeting are at attention when the hear this, especially the agents from Nazarick.

The members from the Empire ask Raymond to continue his explanation. Fluder wonders if such existences like the Eight Greed Kings, who spread Tier Magic to the world, and the Thirteen Heroes, who defeated the Demon God King were possibly related to this cycle. Enehl mentions that some argue that the gods they once worshiped may have appeared at those intervals. Ramposa considers aloud that if this is true it could topple the people's faith. Raymond coldly answers that the possibility that the gods related to this cycle is just a claim without any basis. Now that everyone has learned of what the Theocracy known of the cycle, the council turns its attention of the timing that the appearance of the Rifts and Chaos Beasts. Jircniv sarcastically asks if these monsters could be creatures related to the gods, however Raymond states that it is not confirmed, but most definitely that an entity of great power has emerged from the event. The information that is disclosed does little to impress on Jircniv and he gets into an argument with Ramposa on the council's direction.

Entoma still in the sewers wonders what happened to the insect that she sent to scout the surface. After sending a [Message] to Shizu, she learns that their have been some skirmishes between the guards on the inner zone and the city's residents. The guards, who are members of the Sunlight Scripture are facing a mob of merchants and citizens demanding to entry into the inner zone to resume their business. When they guards refuse them entry the people begin to suspect they are hiding something and demand answer. Entoma observing the incident notes that the populace are getting tense. Later she witnesses her summon get crushed by one of the people in the mob to her displeasure.

Due to flaring tensions between the representatives, the meeting is temporarily suspended. The Kingdom delegation and their aides discuss the new information provided by the Slane Theocracy. Zanac still believes the cannot take this information at face value, and when he asks his sister's opinion she remains silent. The protagonist notices the contrast of policy by King Ramposa III and Emperor Jircniv, as the king would rather allow aristocratic corruption whilst the emperor would eliminate such detractors for his nation. While the escorts wait for the meeting to resume the protagonist see Fluder Paradyne in the hallway and attempts to greet him, but only gets a passing acknowledgement as the old man rejoin his delegation.

The meeting resumes again, and to the surprise of all Jircniv offers to apologize for his dismissal of Ramposa's thoughts in the previous debate and that the tenseness of the survival of humanity is weighing heavy on his mind. Ramposa acknowledges the apology suspecting it to be some sort of ploy before continuing the meeting. Jircniv taking the opportunity to lead the meeting turns the attention to another item on the agenda which is strengthening the solidarity of the three nations. However this cannot be done unless a serious problem is address drawing confusion from King Ramposa until he realizes the emperor is talking about each nation's interests. Currently the three nations of the alliance have devoted their resources and forces to E-Rantel. In the future it will be absolutely necessary to adjust the interest in order for the alliance to strengthen its unity.

Ramposa states that the alliance is currently jointly auditing the use of donated resources to prevent unfairness among the three nations. While the system in place is not inadequate Jircniv believes it to be barely hanging, and asks which nation is truly benefiting from the alliance. Raymond agrees that while many cities are in a catastrophic situation, the reason why E-Rantel is still prospering is because of the resources from the alliance. Due to the security many refugees are coming as well and becoming vital to the economy, resulting in profits turning within the Kingdom's pockets. Ramposa neither denies or argues this, so Jircniv presses the issue stating that he does not which to claim the Empire's share only pointing out that the concentration of wealth may be a cause of conflict. He believes that the wealth should be properly distributed to further their alliance's cohesion. Thus he suggests in adopting a system where the funds will be distributed according to the degree of contribution similar to what the Adventurer's Guild has in place thanks to in part to the contribution of the Golden Princess. Cardinal Raymond states that the Slane Theocracy does not currently possess a culture of working for compensation. So there will be little influence on its people when it is implemented. However if it will bring people of other nations to cooperate they Theocracy will adopt it. There main concern is the conflicts of belief concerning the Six Great Gods and the Four Great Gods. Ramposa is hesitant to accept the idea as a merit-based system will run in conflict with his feudal society.

Elsewhere in the city, Blue Roses still have not located Zero. Evileye flying down reports that there is a growing mob near the center of the city. While she thinks its just some people who are dissatisfied with the traffic regulation, her teammates decide to check it out as it could be a ploy by their quarry to use as a way to take advantage of the situation.

Jircniv continues to push forward his proposal to the silent King Ramposa. The king tells him that he has reservations, especially on him and how he treats the weak. Though it is a clear insult, the emperor thanks the king for his honesty and it is only natural that a humanitarian king like him would be concerned about a ruler like him with the title of Bloody Emperor. Ramposa states that the contribution system he is proposing is a merit based principle, where a powerful person will get more wealthy while the weak suffer. He is keenly aware that idealism alone is not enough to deal with reality, but he will not play a part in losing the lives of the helpless. He asks if it is possible to create an environment where the weak can live a certain life. He off course means those that are inferior in skill and physical ability. Jircniv stands by the merit system stating that they bring no benefit, whether they be soldiers of people in a difficult environment. If they want to have a decent life then they must earn it. Raymond believes that the king's ideal in protecting the weak is noble however the Theocracy live to express their faith and to the best of his knowledge none seek to work for improvement. Jircniv makes it the point that such an issue only exist in the Kingdom it appears and corners Ramposa that he is prioritizing his own nation at the expense of the alliance.

Outside the city, a priest from the Sunlight Scripture reports to Ian Als Heim that no threats have been identified so far and the subjugation of demon beasts have been completed. Ian thinks that the monsters are scared of all the strong men gathering at E-Rantel. Nigun Grid Luin is more doubtful and order his right hand to call all its members. Later Leinas Rockbruise arrives to speak with the to discuss some details. At the same time, Aura notices the lack of monsters in the area, until a feral bear arrives forcing the dark elf to subdue it. She finds evidence that the animal was previously attacked and exhausted itself.

The meeting continues, and Jircniv tells his fellow ruler, that his ideal of protecting the weak is admirable however they must accept the reality of the situation that their resources are limited. If he wants to protect his people that you need to get stronger people in the Kingdom to work. He recommends that the Kingdom bring forth all its able bodied people to contribute to the alliance and only then would he be satisfied. Gazef taking a stand for his liege pledges that he swears that the troops of the Kingdom led by him will be the work of thousands. The emperor is not convince, stating he knows the Warrior Captain to be powerful he cannot be sure of the rest of his men. The warrior demands a chance to prove it. Jircniv taking the offer states that they are fortunate that the three nations have gathered in a single city. He wishes to have his the elites of the Kingdom show their abilities against those of his Empire's. Gazef aware of such ramifications, wonder about his chances. Seeing Nimble he believes that he can handle him, but Fluder is another story as he is a powerful magic caster. The king and warrior knowing that they cannot refuse the challenge lest it be used to weaken their stance. The emperor allows the king and his retainers to think it over during recess.

The Kingdom delegation speak privately, with Gazef apologizing to Ramposa for allowing such a development to happen. Zanac accepts the warrior's apology but his main concern is Gazef chances of defeating the Empire's elites. Gazef admits he may be at a disadvantage but still resolves to see it through to protect the weak. Renner speaks aloud and asks the protagonist for their input on the situation.

Once again outside, Blue Roses see that the crowd hounding the guards have dissipated. Gagaran wonders f Zero was ever even involved. Lakyus suggests maybe he fled which Evileye retorts that if he did then staying in this nation would be not be in his interest. Gagaran wonders what kind of nation would accept a man like him aside from his skills. This statement brings an a epiphany to the leader of Blue Roses.

In the Baharuth Empire's quarters Jircniv is informed by Nimble that the Kingdom has accepted the challenge. Nimble ask if he truly intends to add a certain participant into the match, which his liege confirms. Nimble accepts his emperor's decision as his master's vision is necessary for human survival.

Episode 3: Your Match
As part of the conditions for the match, the Empire and Kingdom's escorts will fight. Should the Kingdom be victorious, against the Empire's elites it will show its strength and be recognized as a formidable force. The ones that are participating on the behalf of the Kingdom are the protagonist, Surako, Soi, and Gazef. Though the adventurers had originally taken the job as armed escorts, the protagonist suspects the princess had anticipated this scenario hence why she hired them.

At the courtyard the Kingdom escorts face those who will be fighting for the Empire, it is expected to be the imperial knights, Fluder Paradyne and Nimble. However they see one shocking figure among the Empire's combatants: Zero. Gazef on guard thinks the criminal sneaked into the venue, but the former Eight Fingers criminal reveals that he is the Empire's participant. The representative watching the scene demand an explanation as why a criminal is fighting for the Empire. The emperor states that Zero was given a offer to join the Empire and he accepted it. The emperor professes that there is nothing wrong with him accepting Zero into his nation, as it is the very foundation of which their alliance is built on by accepting others of different nationalities. The Slane Theocracy Cardinal cannot help but reluctantly agree with the logical reasoning. Enhela declares that he will act as referee for the matches.

Gazef is furious that Zero has evaded justice behind another nation, and is suspected that Jircniv recruited him not just for his skills but also his underworld connections which no doubt the emperor will use to his political advantage. The first match begins against with the Nazarick agents and Warrior Captain facing off against Nimble leading his imperial knights. Though Nimble is their enemy today he still holds great respect for the group. The two groups start their battle, with both Soi and Gazef taking out two knights. Nimble then enters the battle and unleashes his signature move against Soi. Though it is too fast to see for Surako, Soi determines it to be a series of strikes in an instant. She gets the upper hand on him however she is repulsed when Nimble's subordinates create a wall around him. Nimble exemplifies this to be the Empire's true weapon, their organizational strength. The shield wall is eventually broken through by Gazef and he defeats Nimble. The match is declared over and the Kingdom the winners of the first match. Nimble has no regrets and was honored by the fight. The same could not be said by Zero who is next to fight in the match as he is determined to outshine "Fierce Gale" by defeating Gazef and his allies and take his title as "Strongest Warrior of the Kingdom".

The second match starts with Gazef ad Zero squaring off, but the monk chooses to let the imperial knights fighting alongside him to act as shields a move which disgusts the Warrior Captain. Zero uses his to demonstrate his strength by punching the air, which causes Gazef to stumble back by the pressure. He then activates one of his tattoos, and in an instant he seemingly vanishes at a high speed and lands a blow into Gazef's midsection. Having weakened Gazef Zero proclaims that by defeating the warrior he will get everything back in the Empire. Zanac and his family watching the match from the window are shocked by the turn of the match, though Renner is confident their side will win. Zaero still gloating over his attack on the Warrior Captain, fails to notice Soi sneak behind him and attack him, driving him away from Gazef. While fighting her Zero admits that she is not just an adventurer but still not on par with Blue Roses. Soi states that them being here seems to have complicated his plans. Taking a swipe at him, Zero resolves to take her down first. However Zero soon finds himself on his knees when he fought Soi. Refusing to admit defeat his charges himself to unleash his trump card. At the end he is defeated and Gazef lands a sword blow on him claiming victory. Zero having been disgraced states that though he is the loser in this round, the Kingdom's warriors are no match for their next opponent. Jircniv watching the second match come to a conclusion is not too disappointed by the result as he is confident that the Kingdom will lose against Fluder Paradyne. The ancient magic caster soon takes to the field, muttering how annoyed he is too fight as he was just here to ensure his emperor's safety.

Episode 4: Standing Wall
The third match is against Fluder Paradyne who is hailed as the strongest magic caster in the surrounding nations. Before the match Fluder asks if it is alright to use his full powers, worried about the guests at the venue. Enhela assures him that their are defenses that are installed to with-stand high-level magic. Fluder then pledges to do his best in the battle. Gazef is surprised that the old wizard would agree to participate in a match like this. Normally Fluder wouldn't and would be more interest in researching magic, but he decided that this duel would be a great way to experiment and gain insight to test his magical abilities against such powerful individuals. The third match then starts. Soi and Gazef rush at Fluder intending to end the duel quickly. Fluder disappointed in such a tactic, uses his magic to stop Gazef in his tracks. Zanac and Raymond watching from afar are shocked by Fluder's ability. Seeing this Raymond recalls that the magic being used is of the mental system and that Fluder is known as the "Triad Magic Caster". A reference to his ability to use all three magical systems.

Gazef still frozen is in disbelief that his body refuses to move even though he is strengthening his magical resistance using Martial Arts. Soi continues her charge to close the distance between her and the wizard, but is impeded when Fluder summons a troop of Skeleton Warriors. His opponent momentarily distracted, the wizard casts [Fireball] but Soi manages to dodge it. Seeing their level of attacks for elites of the Kingdom, FLuder believes that [Fly] will not be necessary. The Warrior Captain eventually breaks free from the mental control, declaring the match is still not over.

Soi contends with the Skeleton Warriors destroying a few, but Fluder casts another spell and summons more. Gazef is hit by one of Fluder's [Fireball]s. Seeing that the warrior still alive he is impressed at the man's endurance. Zanac cannot help but be utterly stunned that a single old man can manhandle their escorts so easily. Jircniv replies that this is due to Fluder's obsession in magic. He has few opportunities to use magic on human opponents so he may not be able to control himself. The emperor offers to suspend the match to spare the Kingdom a defeat, but Ramposa states they should allow things to proceed.

Hit by another [Fireball] Gazef continues to endure the attacks from the wizard. He refuses to give up as he is a warrior of the Kingdom and his King. Using his Martial Arts he recovers, making Fluder think that the man is posing to attack him. Soi manages to get behind Fluder, but the wizard detects her and dodges her. Now seeing that she was buying time for her comrade, he summons more undead to keep her busy. Turning his attention on Gazef he fores more [Fireball]s. Despite the attacks the warrior charges straight at the wizard. Seeing the attacks no working he tries a mental spell but is merely disorients the warrior who then regains his focus and continues onward. Fluder stunned that his opponent is getting closer, realizes that Gazef has been using his Martial Arts to increase his defenses. Luckily the sword blow is blocked by Fluder's magical shield, but a surprise appears when Soi appears from behind Gazef and stabs at Fluder, drawing blood using her assassins abilities.

The wizard now wounded, he frantically dodges the swipes by the adventurer. Trapped Fluder then uses [Fly] to escape the attacks. Thinking that he is safe in the air, he looks down and sees Soi missing. She soon appears right next to him in midair and lands another blow on him knocking him out of the sky. The two back on the ground, Fluder wonders how she could have gotten so high as his Talent detected no magic. Gazef having recovered stands besides Soi to end the match. Desperate to not lose, Fluder attacks with [Fireball]s at the two. The two manage to skillfully dodge his attacks but Fluder's shield prevents them from landing a blow. Fuuder then uses his magic to summon more undead and they attack Gazef. Soi attempts to assist the Warrior Captain but is stopped by Fluder when he readies a hand to cast magic and orders her to surrender. In the conference room, Jircniv is assured of his mentor's victory and once again asks Ramposa is he wishes to call off the match. Raymond ears approaching footsteps and wonder what it could be.

Fluder casts his ultimate attack [Triple Arts Magic], which causes Soi and Gazef to fall to their knees. The two resist the effects, but suddenly a crack in the air is sounded and the spell dissipates. Enhela having nullified the spell states that the match is over. Soi argues that neither she and Gazef have thrown in the towel, however the priest tells them the match was stopped because there will be death.

Back in conference room, Jircniv and the others hear the report from a warrior of the Kingdom and an imperial knight that a group of Chaos Beasts and Contaminated Beasts have begun invading north of E-Rantel. The emperor states what happened to the front line that was secured by Leinas and the Slane Theocracy. It is later revealed that the monster have broken through much to the Bloody Emperor's horror.

Episode 5: Unknown Threat
The warrior and knight report that the horde is mostly composed of contaminated beasts and its suspected to contain some strong individuals as there have already been several casualties. The city got word of the invasion as a messenger was sent while Leinas and Ian stayed to hold the tide at bay. Nigun is currently is retreating to rebuild a defensive line. The protagonist interjects stating that they will need to devote a reasonable amount of forces to subjugate the monsters. Doing so would leave the city vulnerable and incite chaos. He then volunteers his party to handle the monsters and help evacuate any surviving soldiers. Ramposa readily accepts the help and approves of the mission.

Outside Blue Roses having heard of Zero presence in the venue are now focused on maintaining the security of the city. The protagonist now outside witness the unrest of the city who have heard of the approaching Chaos Beasts. They receive a communication from Demiurge who informs him that the situation as now is all going according to plan and that the protagonist will know what part he will play once the disaster is over. After the call, an invisible Entoma encounters them to escort them to site of the battle via the north gate of the city.

Outside the city on the road, Nigun and his remaining forces are hastily trying to reestablish a perimeter. A few stray Chaos Beast have harassed their flank but so far they have handled them. He is surprised to see the protagonist and company approaching from E-Rantel stating they are the reinforcements. Nigun is doubtful they can be of help in rebuilding the defensive line. The protagonist however states they are here to eliminate the threat. Nigun faced with dwindling time and the looming threat, then accepts their help begging the protagonist to save his subordinates and comrades.

Night soon falls and the group near to where the original defensive line began. As they suspected there is a powerful Chaos Beast leading the horde. Shizu is also present at the field, taking down as contaminated Ogre and joins the party in their mission. Seeing that there will be no witnesses Entoma drops her invisibility to join the fight.

Previously the forces that stayed behind at the front line were Ian and Leinas who had prepared their forces in advance at Nigun's direction to confront the Chaos Beast invasion. However they were all defeated by the single strong Chaos Beast monster. Ian is the only one left standing, though he too soon falls. However he hears the protagonist coming just as he collapses. The group seeing that Ian and what appears to be Leinas on the ground taken notice of the new Chaos Beast. The party easily defeats all the small fry Chaos Beasts. Now turning their attention to this new specimen, Aura who has joined them warns that though it is a quiet monster it possesses impressive reflexes. Shizu and Entoman combine their attacks to kill it, but suddenly after being injured it retaliates using impressive sword attacks and strikes Entoma. The technique that is used is similar to acceleration of movement, just like Martial Arts.

Though the revelation that a Chaos Beast can perform Martial Arts is astounding, normally which capture would be used however the protagonist deemed its elimination a priority. Aura then orders her wolves to attack the Chaos Beast, while it is peppered by Shizu's Magic Gun. Angered the monster kills both wolves only to be attacked by Entoma's Bullet Bugs. Selecting her as a target the Chaos Beast uses Martial Arts again to close the distance and seemingly kills her. It is later revealed to be an illusion and Soi lands a fatal blow causing it to fall to the ground. Now with the lead monster dead the agents of Nazarick believe the situation will be under control.

Demiurge is revealed to have anticipated an attacked from the Chaos Beasts ever since summit of the three kingdoms. He explains that through his experimentation he found that Chaos Beasts had a tendency to target strong individuals or a large cluster of individuals. The armies of the three nations meeting at E-Rantel served as an unwitting lure for these monsters. In addition if his theory was right could also explain why Nazarick was attacked by these Chaos Beasts.

The protagonist have completed the mission decides to return to E-Rantel.