(Part 2) Heart Pounding★Nazarick Academy

(Part 2) Heart Pounding★Nazarick Academy (【後編】ドキドキ★ナザリック学園) is a game event in Mass for the Dead that was released on September 1, 2022 to September 15, 2022. This event continues (Part 1) Heart Pounding★Nazarick Academy.

Background
The incident of "academy" that attacked Nazarick. Momonga, Narberal, and CZ try to gather information after escaping the effects of the incident, and gradually clarify the situation. However, a clue to the solution to the incident is found in the afternoon class but they cannot see it. "An encounter" suddenly comes――

Incident
After morning classes and the lunch break end, Momonga sent Narberal Gamma and CZ2128 Delta to go to their afternoon classes. The principal soon leaves his office to hurry to their home room to observe the class. While heading to the room, he ruminates of the situation, never imagining at his age he would come across something like this Nazarick Academy. On a positive note, the academy does give him ideas of building such an institution in the future for Aura and Mare's benefit. Still he is not sure if the academy follows the same logic as the ones he experienced in his old life, but intends to study it just the same as a reference point.

However just as the start of the incident with Albedo, someone suddenly bumps into him, knocking him and the other person to the floor. Getting up, Momonga is shocked to see that it is none other than Shalltear Bloodfallen, in a school uniform muttering to herself that she is late. The girl gets up and berates Momonga to watch where he is going. Momonga is relieved to see her, as he was worried. To his shock when he addresses the girl by her first name, the Floor Guardian does not recognize him, as if it is their first time meeting. She gets suspicious asking how a disgusting old man knows her name. Hearing her insult him, sends bouts of emotional turmoil into Momonga who is stunned into silence of this turnout. Being in a hurry Shalltear decides to leave the undead behidn though warns him that she will report him for trying to seduce JKs (high school girls) by pretending to be acquaintances.

Momonga left alone is still coming to grips of being insulted by Shalltear. He has some conflicted feelings, due to seeing Shalltear as a child of a friend, and to receive such a reaction is just so down-putting. Turning his attention on what he witnessed, he is glad Shalltear is in good health, avoiding the worst possible scenario of her being dead due to the incident. She appears to be also under the mental influence of the incident, thinking herself as a student, but oddly she alone in the entire school does not know that he is the "principal." He draws two theories, one that Shalltear is not acting as herself or that she just encountered an imposter and the one responsible for the incident. Due to her wearing a uniform for the current setting it's natural to think that she is someone special.

Momonga decides that an investigation into Shalltear is needed, though is a bit reluctant to face her again. Judging by her destination, she appears to be headed to the same classroom he is going.

Time rewinds a bit, inside a classroom just before Momonga collided with the Shalltear entity. Yuri Alpha acting as home room teacher for 5th period class, calls her students' attention that their class will have a transfer student later today. This comes as a surprise to the class as it seems pretty sudden as they did not hear any news yesterday about this development. Yuri explains that its a special case due to the circumstances, however the transfer student should have arrived this morning to be introduced. Aura surmises that the student is late and wonders if that person has some kind of family issue. Yuri states that it's just a case of oversleeping, but managed to contact and confirm that the student would make it to the afternoon classes. The student leader Aura is a bit annoyed that such a student has the nerve to come to school late on the first day of class. Slimeko and the protagonist sensing her anger, feel sorry for the new student.

Narberal and CZ observing the reactions from the class believe that is new and should be reported to Momonga. Yuri attempts to resume the class, when the door opens revealing Shalltear the new transfer student. Professor Yuri is annoyed that Shalltear has come late despite the latter's apologies. Shalltear is assigned a seat next to Aura and the two become friends, which Aura finds weird as its like being siblings. When Aura introduces Mare to Shalltear, she gets confused by his gender due to his attire. Narberal and CZ watch the interaction, noting Shalltear actions make it appear as if she is meeting the rest of the members of the class for the first time, yet is able to connect with them so easily and wonders if it due to her subconscious lingering feelings. Additionally her behavior is more uncouth and blunt, compared to her normal personality.

Yuri also brings to the attention of the class, that they will be having an observer, which excites the class when they learn it is the principal. The only one who is not excited is Shalltear, who only heard of the head of academy via second hand accounts. She assumes the principal is just a lame old man who just likes to talk. Principal Momonga then enters the room who Shalltear recognizes aloud as the "disgusting old man" from earlier. The statement brings a wave of silence to the class at the disrespect. Some like Mare are on the verge of violence, though Momonga quickly diffuses the situation after some reprimand, though Yuri finds Mare's actions justified. For Shalltear she is shocked that the teachers at the academy would acquiesce to violence and wonders what kind of principal is running the establishment.

Momonga embarrassed that though he is the headmaster at the school, he is being treated in a worshipful manner as usual when he was the master of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Everyone save for Shalltear as her attitude is drastically different from usual. But even he finds Shalltear's account of him from her meeting to be a bit eschew from how things actually happened. The transfer student is now disgruntled that her first day of class made her look like a villain, and blames the principal for leaving her with such a poor reputation, lowering her impression of him. Class resumes while on the other hand, Momonga senses that this situation is eerily like a "certain development of campus love comedy" he heard about from Peroroncino.

After home room class ends, and Yuri disseminates the assigned homework and asks Momonga how it was. He gives her a review of praise as a teacher. To the students he adds they were a wonderful attentive class, bringing much joy to the students. Though the mood is soured when Shalltear makes a random comment, but class is official over by Yuri who directs the transfer student to the staff room to explain her absence. The transfer student obeys though insists that she was not at fault for being late twice in one day due to be certain "someone." Momonga watching her leave, though being belittled by the impudent girl, is somewhat finds it refreshing she is talking casual to him. He calls over Narberal and CZ, and guesses that the two have already noticed that Shalltear is a unique existence in the space that is now "Nazarick Academy" due to her behavior and uniform. For the time being he gives them orders to carefully observe Shalltear's behavior throughout their classes which they comply. Momonga then leaves the class to return to his office, though a question lingers on what sort of connection does Shalltear's appearance, words and deeds, which are reminiscent of her former creator's hobbies, have to do with the current incident?

The second class in the afternoon is 6th period and being instructed by Professor Albedo. Narberal sitting in anticipation on what Albedo will be teaching believes it will be a dignified course which the Overseer Guardian specializes, only to be dumbstruck when the title of the subject is "Lord's Seduction Method Using The Body Part 3." She is not alone as CZ and Shalltear are left speechless on the salacious subject. Aura raises a question as to why Albedo is teaching such an inappropriate matter? Every time before their "physical education" class. Professor Albedo states that being in charge of health and physical education, such a topic is an important part of "health." Shalltear rebukes this stating she can't teach such a subject else the PTA would raise their voices. Albedo turning her attention on Shalltear, doesn't care for her tone and reminds the student that she is the teacher.

Since she needs to explain the importance of the topic she is teaching, Albedo confesses that she has no experience with relations with the principal, thus she is teaching this course to gain some tips from the students so she can satisfy Momonga. This is even more outrageous to Shalltear as a teacher shouldn't be using the students for personal gain. Noting Shalltear's trollup look, the professor asks Shalltear if she has any experience, which Shalltear takes offence and asks if the school is nuts. Lupusregina advises Shalltear not to provoke Albedo as she is also the vice-principal causing Shalltear even more distress of the management of the school. Albedo is surprised to hear someone say that about Nazraick Academy as it is run by their great Principal Momonga, but Shalltear still does not understand what the class and teachers see about Momonga.

Albedo answers that for her strangely her impression of Shalltear has the word "convenience" in mind. It makes her feel sick in the back of her head as if it contradicts something, which only confuses Shalltear even more on she doesn't understand as why she is feeling such incomprehensible and complicated feelings towards a teacher she never met before. Narberal and CZ realize that Shalltear is unconsciously feeling the absence of rivaling with Albedo for the Queen position. Likewise Albedo is equally confused on these feelings, but then decides to lead the students to the gym to continue the course. The students are eager for some physical activity to excerise. Narberal and CZ having been told beforehand about physical education by Momonga, believe that they will be participating in sports like ball games, but they are proven wrong when they are lead to the Amphitheater which is now the "Gymnasium."

After a session of boxing and sparing, the bell is rung signaling the end of 6th period. Shalltear found the experience to be enlightening as she never boxed before, though felt that she should have worn a jersey. Lupusregina notices Narberal and CZ acting away from the group, but the two make an excuse that they are tending to their uniforms for the principal which the others accept. Again Shalltear fails to understand why the idolize Momonga, but Albedo exemplifies that its all about awe, respect and worship, as well as "love." On the last element Shalltear seems to feel nostalgic, which Albedo states there is nothing to be ashamed of when she thinks about Principal Momonga. Even so despite Shalltear not understanding her love, she wants to understand the reverence and worship of the principal. Shllatear though doesn't think it will happen, still she can't help feel her interest is intrigued. Her emotional turmoil is observed by the two uniformed Pleiades maids who note that Shalltear is rediscovering her love for Momonga.

Meanwhile, Momonga is in Ashurbanipal, where he is searching through the stacks for material that he heard from Peroroncino related to "school", "romantic comedy", etc. There should have been a few books in the library with those titles but he can't find a single book. He is interrupted by Sebas Tian who in the academy is the janitor who is cleaning the area. Momonga takes the opportunity to asks the school janitor if he is alright cleaning the school all by himself, though Sebas Tian states he receives volunteer help from the Maid Club. He course refers to the general maids who are a school club in this Nazarick Academy, which Momonga muses would make Whitebrim happy. Sebas Tian informs Momonga that 6th period is almost at an end and reminds the principal that he needs to do something at 7th period which shocks Momonga.

Back at the classroom, the last class of the day is taught by none other than Momonga. His presence as a surprise by Shalltear as she didn't expect him to actually teach a class. Though Momonga is acting as a teacher, due to being a shortage of staff at the school. Momonga doesn't have much confidence of teaching a normal educational subject like mathematics or chemistry, but his class is the "Information" class and discusses about "Information Warfare" using games as an example and situations where players or teams fight against one another. In those case he urges that the are like battles and the importantly information must be gathered to learn about the enemy through methodology and can be applied even outside in every day life. His teaching and course turn out to be a bit hit among the students as he eventually touches upon PKing in games.

The bell rings and outside the school the sun is going down signaling the end of class and school. Momonga is glad that he managed to bluff his way through the class by using his second hand knowledge he learned from Punitto Moe. Be that as it may, Professor Albedo who remained in the class lauds Momonga's ability to convey the depth and breadth of a relevant subject and heighten the interest of the students. Even Shalltear admits that the class hooked her, from the examples of PKs to the sharing of information in cooperation with allies who specialize in long distance bombing. When Momonga directs his attention to Shalltear she gets noticeably flustered.

Momonga is more concerned about what role Shalltear plays in the current crisis, seeing her to be the root. From his hypothesis, if the space that created Nazarick Academy is anything like that of the New Year's Incident, then he will need to develop a future countermeasure. He approaches Narberal and CZ who thank him for the lecture. Momonga wants to take them aside to apply what he taught them to the current situation and asks them to meet him after school.

At homeroom class, Yuri finalizes one last task for Shalltear to complete which is to join at least one club as per the school's rules. Yuri then assigns Narberal and CZ to introduce the transfer student to the various club activities. To start, Narberal thinks its best to take Shalltear to the club which she belongs to. The trio then arrive at the 5th Floor, using student list from Momonga that state the clubs the students are in. From the list, the two Pleiades learn that Mare is part of the Gardening Club, and protagonist is a librarian. From it they learn of which clubs they are in, but still have a bit trouble navigating the academy die to the discrepancy between the structure of the school and actual structure of Nazarick. Thankfully Narberal was able to glean some intel from Lupusregina and the others of where her club was, where Cocytus acts as the advisor, it being a training ground.

The trio come across a training hall in the Glacier where the Kendo Club is. They are met by Lupusregina happy to see they brought the transfer student. Though Shalltear does not seem interested in joining. Lupusregina tries to entice Shalltear to join as it's a great way to poke around weaker opponents, though Cocytus denies this stating the essence of the Kend Club is to avoid misunderstandings. Narberal invites Shalltear to at least try out the Kendo Club, and participate in a match. Cocytus is hesitant to allow this, and tries to suggest they observe the match, but CZ uses a phrase by Momonga, "We adults should no use safety and responsibility as an excuse to hinder the independence and potential of our students." Having a point Cocytus allows the girls to continue. Seeing a person like Cocytus bow down to a statement by Principal Momonga leaves an impression of Momonga's influence on the staff. Lupusregina explains the rules of kendo, whoever lands a hit on the opponent wins, and that the important things are stance and posture.

CZ watch as Shalltear is inducted in the Kendo Club, and hopes that the match will provide them with some useful information that will be passed to Momonga on Shalltear's fighting abilities. The match begins with Shalltear dueling with Narberal, and it concludes with the former landing a hit on Narberal. This impresses everyone as Shalltear did so with very little experience, though Shalltear feels that Narberal was holding back. That is not the case as Narberal was simply just no match for Shalltear's movements. Despite her loss, CZ confirms that Shalltear's strength is still intact despite the mental influence of the academy. Shalltear having had fun at Kendo Club, asks where they will be going to next. CZ states that they will be going to one of her clubs, apparently she is enrolled in two, and that Principal Momonga will be joining them.

Initially Shalltear tried to make an excuse of not attending the club, but in the end finds herself following her guides to the 6th Floor. There is an archery range for the Archery Club, where Aura is a member and welcomes Shalltear to try out. Momonga is the advisor for the club and Shalltear gets nervous around him. To start the club, Momonga decides to participate himself in the shooting range which are three treants being used as targets. Aura taking out her bow kills one of the treants, followed by CZ with her firearm. Momonga notes that neither Aura or Shalltear were suspicious of CZ's use of a gun, though chalks it being a member and that the weapon is a ranged one that could be loosely recognized as a bow. Shalltear does not want to participate which Momonga allows, taking her kill using a [Magic Arrow] on the last treant.

Like with magic, Shalltear sees no issue with it, though he hoped that if he showed a person under mental influence face a small discrepancy in reality, the effect of mental control will stagnate. Shalltear resumes a conversation with Momonga, asking if he can show her any tricks. Momonga feels that such things would be better clarified if spoken to Aura, but Shalltear believes that since he is in charge, it's his obligation which he acquiesces and is happy that some part of the original Shalltear still exists under the mental control.

After some coaching from Momonga, Shalltear lands a hit on a treant using [Purifying Javelin]. Shalltear enjoying the victory wonders maybe she should join the club. When Momonga states that would be good, she adds that it is not because he is also in the club. Narberal and CZ take Momonga aside for a moment to inform him that Shalltear appears to be relearning her feelings for him. Momonga then tells Aura that he has matters to speak with the two Pleiades, and they walk away from the archery range to the Floor Guardian's confusion. Their departure is not missed, by Shalltear who is staring intently at the principal's back with an irresistible yearning.

Outside the gates of Nazarick Academy, Momonga holds a private discussion with the two maids. From what they pieced together, the incident affecting their comrades has spread throughout Nazarick. All subordinates have been affected, their perceptions and memories altered and some facilities in Nazarick have been transformed. The fact that it has not affected Momonga, and those outside means this is most definitely similar to the previous "New Year's" incidents. Narberal notes that there are some difference between what is happening now and those incidents, such as the lack of special Chaos Beasts that appeared in the "New Year's" incident. So far there hasn't been a single confirmation. While CZ finds the lack of visible enemies to be good, what is more impressive is the alteration of memories, as the "New Year's" incident did not have this kind of effect. During that incident the members of Nazarick only lost their awareness of being members of the dungeon and simply accepted the unknown customs of "New Year's Day" and the existence of Shiro. This time, not only Momonga's original position and title and been changed but the basic common sense of the world, making it much more troublesome than dealing with enemies. Narberal apologizes that she was embarrassed when interacting with the mentally manipulated members of Nazarick, as it was hard to deceive them. Her apologies are not needed, as Momonga too faced a difficult time. That aside if they follow the model of the "New Year's Day", then in this Nazarick Academy, there should be someone like Shiro who the core of the incident which can be solved when that person is defeated.

However this time they found no new entities lurking in Nazarick, and Momonga speculates that the core of the incident is Shalltear. Several pieces of evidence point her to being the "nucleus", such as her position and appearance, compared to the rest of their comrades. Even her personality has changed. More over, Momonga reveals a startling detail about Nazarick Academy, it is not a foreign concept but was actually an plan envisioned in the past by Peroroncino, the creator of Shalltear. This comes off as a shock to the maids that this academy was a plan of one of the Supreme Beings. Unfortunately Momonga does not know all the details, only from what he remembered Peroroncino said: that Shalltear was suppose to play a heroine-like role in a story of "campus love comedy" and would act as a "tsundere" at her introduction. It cannot be just a coincidence, as the uniform worn by Shalltear is the same one Peroroncino prepared for her to wear. Additionally he reveals that all the material with certain words about academies and romance have vanished in Ashurbanipal. One book in particular was titled "Nazarick Academy." Somehow the book influenced the other side of the Sea of Possibilities leading to the contents to materialize. Due to Shaltear's connection to Peroroncino it makes sense as why she would be the "nucleus." CZ though asks what should their move be. It's a problem, as if they follow the New Year's precedent of Shiro, defeating the "nucleus" will lead to the resolution of the incident, but that would mean killing Shalltear. Momonga is in emotional turmoil as he just revived the Floor Guardian following the brainwashing incident something he swore he would not do again to a child of his friend.

Their deliberations are disturbed when Shalltear appears to inquire what they are doing. Momonga seeing her present, asks if she has any questions about club activities, but Shalltear states that she merely wants to say something to Principal Momonga. First that she wants to apologize for being rude to him all the time, though after reviewing her feelings she finds it embarrassing to be honest with him. The truth is the moment she bumped into him in the hallway, she was in love with him. Momonga. is stunned by the declaration of love, at first thinking that this is due to Peroroncino's influence and data but it seems all too sudden for a tsundere to find love in a single day.

Shalltear then asks Momonga to embrace her to his shock, who then realizes what Nazarick Academy, not just being a "campus love comedy" but also of the "eroge lover" genre. Shalltear bursts into a cry that she cannot hold it back, causing Narberal and CZ to come to Momonga's defense to protect him from the mad Floor Guardian. However Shalltear doesn't mind for them 'joining' in serving the principal, causing Momonga to watch in aghast at Peroroncino's perversion of the scenario. No choice but to fight, he gives the order to the maids to restrain Shalltear.

Narberal and CZ launch a [Twin Maximize Magic - Dragn Lightning] and a barrage of bullets at Shalltear, but they attacks are negated to their shock. Shalltear continues to approach Momonga who then uses [Wall of Skeleton] to block her but it is torn down by Shalltear. Momonga deems that running is out of the option and Shalltear is still baffled as to why the principal is avoiding her and wonders perhaps he hates her. She break down into a emotional tantrum, which is out of character of her, making Momonga see that she has become a "yandere" girl, which he guesses was influenced by Tabula Smaragdina's gap moe fetish.

The mad Floor Guardians then comes to the conclusion she will have to kill Momonga to make him her forever and uses [Negative Impact Shield] that pushes the maids away from her. Momonga is left defenseless before Shalltear, who approaches closer. It seems Momonga will have no choice but to kill Shalltear, but before she can touch him, she grasps her head in pain. She cries out why she is pointing a hand at Momonga, as it goes against her being of being a creation of Peroroncino and that she recognizes the place to being a vision of his. Momonga realizes that Shalltear is having difficulty reconciling two directives, one being to fulfill the wishes of her creator, which should be the priority of all the NPCs over his, but she cannot bare to kill Momonga who is a dear friend to Peroroncino.

It comes to show that Shalltear regrets her actions, and tells Shalltear that it's alright. Confused as to why Momonga is fine with her pointing a hand at him, he goes on to explain to Shalltear that as she is now, a current reflection of Peroroncino's past desires. While it is true the space around them is what he envisioned, if Peroroncino was present now, hw would not want Shalltear to be tormented in such a way. What he says rings truth to Shalltear and agrees that her creator would not want this and shouts her refusal to hurt Momonga. Suddenly as soon as she shouts this, she and the surroundings are engulfed in a white flash.

Aftermath
Much later at the Round Table Room, where Shalltear is seen before the Floor Guardians and Momonga to offer her apologies. She is not alone as Albedo and Demiurge do the same for the shamelessness of succumbing to another incident like the "New Year" and state that they will accept any punishment. Momonga though does not blame them as the mental effect affected them all, even those with World Items. Due to him being unaffected, Momonga expresses that he may fall under a different condition, but believes that it is impossible to foresee an incident like this and take countermeasures. If anything those responsible for the Crack are to blame, and although it is necessary to prepare for other threats, preparing for something like this is impossible, unless they abandon Nazarick. Despite Albedo's plea to take the blame he orders than no one will be liable for the incident.

In the mean time he orders that to prevent a recurrence that will trigger another incident, all books from Ashurbanipal are to be kept away from the Cracks. In light of the information gleamed from the incident, Demiurge believes that they will need to make even greater efforts to investigate the phenomenon of the Cracks which Momonga agrees in taking the positive approach.

Shalltear still mopping on her failure, is asked by Momonga to raise her head. Though he memory is vague, Momonga assures her that this time under mental influence, she did not point a weapon at him. Rather she resolved herself to resist which led to her escaping the mental effect, which caused the restoration of Nazaick after she abandoned her role as the core of the incident. If anything Shalltear should be proud as she fulfilled his desire of never wanting to hurt her again. His words are supported by Albedo who also extends thanks to Narberal and CZ. Momonga believes that they should be rewarded, though Narberal feels that its not necessary since the apocalypse is not coming.

From a report given to him by Pestonya Shortcake Wanko, those who were under the mental effect don't appear to have any problems, though its possible that each is suffering from aftereffects of the accident and fatigue. That being said he ends the meeting.

On the 9th Floor Hallway, Shalltear is met by Aura who she apologies for the trouble she caused, though Aura assured her that she didn't do anything this time and tells Shalltear not to get depressed. Nevertheless Shalltear feels responsible for being the core of the incident, but Aura states that besides almost point a weapon at Momonga, the whole debacle was essentially "the embodiment of Peroroncino's wishes." So there should be nothing to be sad about, in fact Aura is envious she managed to share a connection to her creator as she wants to grant Bukubukuchagama's wishes. That in mind, Shalltear finally sees that maybe the experience was truly a blessing. Aura though tells her friend to not let it get to her head. Secretly Aura is looking after Shalltear as it is her purpose being made by her creator to take care of the creation of her younger brother. On that Shalltear thanks Aura for her comfort.

In Momonga's office, the Overlord of Nazarick, contemplates on the events that transpired. He cannot get around the fact that, just like "New Year's Day" he alone was unaffected. "New Year's Day" had some game-like elements and wonders if that is due to him being involved and treated as a player. It seems that way is too in this incident, but it was the embodiment of "eroge" school Peroroncino envisioned. If the next time is a kind of "game" setting, would he be the player again? But he dismisses the thought as if the more he thinks about "next" time he is afraid it will come true.

Thinking about Nazarick Academy, the uniforms worn by the girls, and students in the classroom, Momonga is inspired by the place as it would be good for Aura and Mare's emotional development. Not only that Yuri influenced by Yamaiko was a great teacher. He admits that he really didn't have time to think about it at first, but now he is interested on the possibility, besides the eroge elements, the dream of Peroroncino's Nazarick Academy should be realized once again.

Momonga spent the night thinking about his former comrades, feeling the nostalgia, happiness, and loneliness about the new school in mind. In that rumination, Momonga harbors a wish, if he imagined it and compiled it into data, wonders if it might be fulfilled by the Sea of Possibilities deep within the Crack. Whether or not there was such an expectation is something only he knows.