Mass for the Dead Chapter 12

Leader of Mankind (人類の導き手) is the twelfth main story chapter in Mass for the Dead. It was released to the public on January 1, 2021.

Episode 1: New Section
After some time passed since the attack of the Chaos Beast s and demons, the environment surrounding E-Rantel has drastically changed. These changes include the completion of the Fourth Wall of the city, development of new plots of land, settlement of the refugees and recruitment of labor, etc. With the heart of those initiatives being none other than the protagonist. The homunculus standing with his two companions, Surako and Soi observe the activities in the fourth wall. Enjoying the spectacular sight the trio marvel at the progress made in E-Rantel, especially now thanks to Sebas Tian humans and demi-humans are no working together and a common sight in the new area. The new agricultural land in the fourth wall is being worked upon by goblins, ogres and humans alike. As a plus the motivation of the human laborers, who were once fearful refugees, are correspondingly high due to the safe haven of their new home. The population is still increasing and the protagonist would not be surprised if the development continues.

The trio watch the workers take a break for lunch. Standing by the food distributor, the laborers respectfully greet the protagonist as they come for their meal. Using rations stolen from the raid by Demiurge's demons on E-Rantel, the protagonist uses the supplies to gain favor of the laborers who already have a great deal of support to him. After accepting the thanks and well wishes of the people, the three adventurers are paid a visit by Saint Clementine. The saint having a strong trust the people as well as her skills in the demonic turmoil, was promoted to become the new section manager of the fourth wall. When she is congratulated by the protagonist, Clementine while grateful for the new vocation is rather humble on her promotion, as her mission since coming to E-Rantel was to help the refugees and give back. In her new role as administrator Clementine hopes to create a place where people in need can live with peace of mind. Surako finds the idea to be wonderful and asks if there are any difficulties in her role, which the saint responds that there are a few people need to be cared for because of the previous attack. However in spite of the tragedy, the demons' attack has actually be beneficial as now several residents have volunteered to be active in the defense of the city, bolstering the number of the city guards to protect their new home. Even though there has been a withdrawal of knights from the Imperial Army, with the participation from volunteers and demi-humans the city was still able to secure enough troops to guard the Fourth Wall.

The group are soon joined by an ogre and two goblins, when Soi asks how the communal life among the residents are. Clementine replies that people were initially frighten about working with demi-humans but that has since unraveled as it has been replaced by a heighten common good. The Fourth Wall has now become a gathering place for a wide variety of races where all cultures are accepted. A armored goblin soon approaches, who the protagonist remembers his name to be Jugem and the leader his goblin unit that were named after goblin heroes to help supervise the new wall. In truth their appearance in E-Rantel is no mistake as the protagonist had requested to gain access of a few magic items from Momonga which to the goblin unit's involvement in the city's affairs. He engages with Jugem in a conversation, asking how his training has progressed as well as his adjustment to the new equipment he possess. The goblin leader answers that training and his equipment are doing well, but states that actual combat would be nice. Drawing his blade he asks for a chance to fight to show them his strength and calls for the ogre and two goblins to demonstrate with him.

Once the bout is done, Jugem and his comrades thank the protagonist admitting they still have much training to do before leaving to resume their duties. Clementine time having observed the duel comments that the people with different racial background working together is beginning to create a foundation for a new society, and that his ideal of an "open city" will soon come to fruition which she will continue to support. The protagonist now alone with Surako and Soi then turns to another obligation, attending a very meeting with a certain person. However the forefront of his mind is to continue the development of E-Rantel into a cornerstone of an ideal model and reminds himself that he must do so with responsibility. Reflecting briefly on Momonga he convinces himself that this decision is his choice.

Episode 2: Determination
Going back a bit in the pastthose that participated in the raid operation of E-Rantel gathered in the Round Table Room before Momonga. Those included in the meeting are the protagonist, Pandora's Actor, Shalltear Bloodfallen, Slimeko, Demiurge and Albedo. Demiurge leading the meeting gives a salute to the Supreme One, highlight that the operation was entirely built from his conspiracy and commenting that the staged act could not have been done any better. In contrast, Momonga feels that the entre operation was a bit of overkill and never anticipating that Demiurge would plan something so bold and wished that there was a better way. These though are kept to himself as Momonga does not wish betray the feelings of the NPCs and chastise their success so he goes along with the mood and praises the operation. The NPCs absorb the adulation from the Supreme Being. Momonga admits that it was a good strategy to use the Chaos Beasts to attack E-Rantel to force the Tripartite Alliance to reveal each nations' strengths. In addition Demiurge acting as a solution to the countries dilemma to help them wipe out the monsters put less risk on Nazarick. Not that the operation is done, Nazarick was able to grasp the scope of strength of each of the three nations. As a plus they managed to weed out some of the more troublesome individuals in advance. Everyone played their parts was expected, from Demiurge leading the operation, Shalltear agitating the Chaos Beasts, and Pandora's Actor impersonating the protagonist. Even the success of the plan would not have been possible for the protagonist's role to become the focal point of interest for all three nations. The words from Momonga give the protagonist the greatest honor. A question is brought up by Momonga on the condition of the protagonist's vocal chords as they were removed by a Lip Bug to be used and equipped by Pandora's Actor. Though the process was painful, the protagonist has no regrets in doing his part to make Pandora's Actor's disguise of him more complete. The pain as he says was a small price to pay, noting that healing magic has allowed him to recover from the ordeal. Still Momonga reminds him to be careful and o refrain from using his life so carelessly and gives the same warning to the others in the room.

Momonga returns back to the meeting and allows Demiurge to continue his report. With the protagonist having "saved" E-Rantel, it has garnered him greater attention, making the public think that he is suitable to be adamantite ranked which in turn will skyrocket his reputation further. But being in the spotlight leads to the risk of being targeted by those with wicked feelings. This of course is negligible as it will afford the homunculus an easier time to maneuver in human society. Momonga calls that the success of the operation has led Nazarick to come one step closer in effectively controlling the Tripartite Alliance and thus expanding Nazarick's activities to allow them to move toward resolving the incidents of the Cracks. There is still the possibility that taking control of the Alliance will expose Nazarick to more threats but Momonga believes that they just need to be more careful.

At this time Momonga opens the floor to reward his hard working subordinates for their efforts. Pandora's Actor raising his voice wishes to be allowed for more opportunities to play an active role outside the dungeon which Momonga will consider when the time is right. For Shalltear, some time alone with Momonga will suffice her, on which the Overlord is flustered by her desire but will think on it, avoiding a potential argument between Albedo and Shalltear. Demiurge for his reward wishes to be given permission to use the territory of the Roble Holy Kingdom to further strengthen Nazarick's power as he hopes to use the area in anticipation of expanding the scope of their actives, by using it as a source of resources and a place to conduct experiments. The request is approved by Momonga who is glad that at least one of his minions have accepted to take a reward, after may declines in the past and sees the acceptance as a sign of Demiurge's growth.

To reward the driving force of the operation at E-Rantel, Momonga asks the protagonist what he wishes for. The protagonist who desires to create an ideal system for Momonga, now that he has become the focal point of the Tripartite Alliance wants to be be allowed to remain outside of Nazarick. The request shocks all those in the Round Table and the protagonist receives a cold tense stare. Albedo stunned by the protagonist's wish demands what he means. Momonga takes over the questioning curious as to why the protagonist would want to stay outside of Nazarick asks the protagonist to explain himself. The protagonist tells his colleagues and master that his tenure away is for the benefit of Nazarick. Noting that he lacks the power like Shalltear to drive away Chaos Beasts, the scheming of Demiurge, or the administration skills of Albedo, the protagonist believes that instead he should use his strength to earn the trust of the humans and do diplomacy. In his belief by deepening his knowledge and building a foothold in the outside world it will surely lead to the interests of Nazarick. Additionally the next summit meeting is approaching for the Tripartite Alliance and will be when the administration rights of E-Rantel will be transferred. When that happens, it would be best if he stays out in the field and prepare a system to manage the resources of E-Rantel for Nazarick. The idea is a little surprising to be coming from an NPC born in Nazarick by Momonga, especially since he wants to work outside his own area to be a full-time diplomat. Still the bold request proves to Momonga that the protagonist is experiencing growth. Momonga asks if there are no objections to those in the room. None speak out, and thus Momonga permits the request, though he adds several conditions such as being kept in the loop on decisions of importance and to keep a regular report.

Just as Momonga gives his approval, Albedo interjects that she wishes to go outside of Nazarick. Her abrupt demand puts Momonga in an emotional shock, but after he recovers Albedo informs him that as Overseer Guardian it is her duty to observe the activity of the protagonist. Since the Tripartite Alliance summit is approaching, a place where representatives of the nations gather, her appearance there is only appropriate. There she reasons that the cause of the incident will be discussed but since Momonga cannot attend Albedo will take his place noting that her negotiating skills will be useful. She does not allow Momonga to refuse her pressuring him to give her permission, essentially forcing her way into the diplomatic mission with the protagonist. Since there will be a signing between nations, Momonga grants her permission to attend the summit but makes her bring several Eight-Edge Assassin s as an escort.

Much later, the protagonist and his friends wait to rendezvous with someone at the Fourth Wall. Said someone turns out to be Albedo who is dressed in a regal outfit at the protagonist's suggestion. Albedo is excited as this will be her first mission outside Nazarick thus making her complete as a woman. As the protagonist guides the Overseer Guardian into the city, Albedo notes that she will have to instruct him on how to properly address her due to her station. While walking in the city, Albedo realizes that she needs a proper title to represent their faction, as her title of Overseer Guardian might not be understood by outsiders. Her suggestion in giving her the title as queen, draws shock at the audacity but Albedo tells them it was a joke, as she has along journey to go before she claims that title. Instead Albedo decides to use the suitable title of Prime Minister. The four are about to reach the inner wall of the city, when Albedo notices that there are not many demi-humans in the central part of the city compared to the new section. The protagonist admits that the racial cultural exchange in the Fourth Wall is in the trial operation stage, and Albedo sees that the protagonist is gradually allowing the rest of E-Rantel's citizens to get used to having demi-humans live amongst them as a few humans may still have prejudices as well as religious faiths that go against such races. Still coexistence with demi-humans is progressing no doubt thanks to the attack on E-Rantel by Demiurge, thus allowing the populace to follow the protagonist's lead and quiet the dissenting voices.

The group encounters an ogre passing by who recognized the protagonist and greets him. When he see Albedo, thinking her to be a new immigrants tries to casually greet her. Surako and Soi are horrified at the interaction as the ogre was not aware he was speaking to a dignitary of another country and most of all not knowing Albedo's personality. Albedo calmly states that the ogre is lucky that she is in a good mood, but warns him that next time she attempts to greet her in such a disrespectful way she will not hesitate to give him a lesson he will not forget. Her statement sends the ogre in fear, which the protagonist apologizes and thanks him for his cooperation before hastily escorting Albedo away and promising next time that he will further educate the other people in the city of who she is as. With that the group head to the meeting venue.

Episode 3: Signing
At the summit venue of the Tripartite Alliance, the protagonist's group having been allowed to pass through security are given a warm welcome by Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix. The emperor of the Baharuth Empire wishes to do the honor of guiding the protagonist to the summit chamber. Surako notes the strange smile on Jircniv which she views as way too bright for his usual self. Jircniv notices Surako's dumb-folded expression asks if there is anything wrong, but after hearing her confusion on his happiness, he explains that he now sleeps better these days. Before being saved by the protagonist he used to exhaust his nerves, but that was before when he thought he was humanity's champion. After experiencing such a huge loss he realizes how absurd he was and feels unburden by the responsibility and thanks the protagonist for giving him a new lease on life. This leaves Albedo rather impressed at how the protagonist's influence has affected a sovereign of a nation after he saved his life.

The emperor take them to the summit chambers where Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself, King Ramposa III, Cardinal Raymond Zarg Lauransan and Vice Pontifex Maximus Enhela Read Gahi are waiting. Despite the protagonist coming late, the princess and king greet the adventurer and his friends warmly, which is noted by Raymond on how much the protagonist's position has risen in not only the Baharuth Empire but also the Re-Estize Kingdom since he played a major role in saving the city. His eyes are drawn to the new face in the room, Albedo. Albedo then introduces herself as the Prime Minister of the protagonist's home country. Albedo's position impresses the cardinal on the adventurer's importance on a national level, but he sees that she is not human. Curious he inquires if the country they hail from is like the Argland Council State where non-humans govern. Albedo diplomatically replies to the cardinal that their nation is one where powerful people have gathered under a benevolent monarch, just like E-Rantel is now a collection of different nations and races. The change in social atmosphere in E-Rantel is noted by Enhela as the current system cannot be influence by the Slane Theocracy and yet it is also impossible to deny its effectiveness as the reconstruction of the city has progressed so quickly at a startling pace. Raymond thanks her for clarifying about her nation.

Ramposa III then takes the opportunity to start the summit talks, announcing that ever since the invasion of the Chaos Beasts it has now become clear that the existing policies of the Tripartite Alliance cannot respond effectively to such a crisis. As they all know E-Rantel has adopted new measuressuch as the construction of the Fourth Wall, development of new plans, and expansion of defense capabilities. The great results they achieved in such a short period of time was all due to the cooperation of the demi-humans who were brought to the table thanks to the protagonist. Based on the results so far, Ramposa III would like to discuss the future management system as the main topic of the summit. He immediately suggest that the Alliance allows the protagonist's nation to participate in operating E-Rantel. Jircniv readily agrees to the proposal by the king, though Raymond is mute on the opinion. Ramposa III continues on that the protagonist has showed outstanding ability as an adventurer, but also after the incident showed great talent in managing the city in part of the support by his own country. He argues that if the Alliance allows the protagonist's country to participate on a national level, the defense for E-Rantel will be even stronger.

Enhela then takes a moment to speak, stating that giving such national power to the protagonist is a considerable move. However before anything is signed, Enhela would like to ask a hypothetical question, in that where people have that much power, and the ambition to take full control of the city who would be able to prevent it. A deterrent for such a scenario should be prepared to avoid such an abuse of power. Albedo then steps in to answer that Enhela's nation advocates human supremacy, so it would only be natural for him to be wary of her nation. However in this era where villages, cities and nations are collapsing, it does not seem to be realistic for humanity to deal with it alone. The only way for this predicament to be overcome is unless people from different backgrounds cooperate with each other beyond the boundaries of race. As a reminder the Tripartite Agreement was created to bring cooperation between people from different lands, that being said should her people's participation fall in line with the Alliance's philosophy? Her words and reasoning bring only silence from the priest. The protagonist also adds that the Slane Theocracy could add as a deterrent to his nation's influence, however he reminds them that their purpose is to resolve the incident of the Cracks. While they will participate in the operation of the city, they will not manage everything. He promises the following: the establishment of a system that will allow efficiency to resolve any issues, activities will be transparent to the public, and their assurance that if there is a problem discovered or a breach, the Alliance would be well within to rescind their agreement. While Enhela was unable to gleam any useful information on the protagonist's nation's true agenda, and seeing that the Theocrcay's reaction was calculated from the start, Enhel accepts the terms withdrawing his objection but secretly plans to use other sources to gain intel.

A question is raised from Raymond on the name of the protagonist's and Albedo's country. The protagonist having prepared for this moment tells the gathered leaders that his nation is called the Sorcerer Kingdom. To the Alliance representatives, the protagonist elaborates that his country refrained with interacting with other nations to prevent leaks in magical knowledge but.....with the unprecedented disaster, the Sorcerer Kingdom has changed their policy. While the story makes sense to Raymond, he feels that it is not quite the whole truth. However two of the three nations are willing to throw their support to the protagonist to manage E-Rantel. A new title is needed for the adventurer now that he bears a heavy responsibility. Princess Renner makes the suggestion of naming the protagonist Territory Guardian of E-Rantel. Once the title and the arrangement by having the protagonist installed as the reigning leader of E-Rantel is in place, Albedo signs the agreement solidifying it. Not wishing to dawdle the protagonist makes good on his promise for the changes he promised by starting them immediately. After his departure, the leaders of the Kingdom and Empire look on in hope that the development of the city will continue with great progress and speed. Renner as well is pleased with the transfer of administration as it has now relieved the Kingdom of such a burden.

Elsewhere in Valencia Palace in the Royal Capital, not everyone is pleased by the city's transfer to the Sorcerer Kingdom. Crown Prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself having learned of the relinquishment of the city from a soldier, fumes over what he sees as an idiotic move by his father. To him to allow a city that once belonged under the control of the royal family to operate as an independent country is a sign of weakness. Believing his sister Renner and brother Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself are responsible for this, while we was "guarding" the capital, and thinks them to be useless for letting it happen, worrying that soon the country will be given away.

Episode 4: Inspection
Out in the streets of E-Rantel, Surako and Soi congratulate the protagonist on his advancement to Territory Guardian of E-Rantel. To the protagonist while the title is vastly different from what he started out in Nazarick, it is still a heavy responsibility and will strive to do his beast. Surako asks what they will do to get started. To answer that the homunculus informs his partner that there are three main things to do: 1) Maintain E-Rantel as their base of operation. 2) Promote research on the Incident. 3) Check on the operations of the research institute on the Incident.

The development of E-Rantel has advanced so far, such as the construction of the Fourth Wall, the new section and the reinforcement of the defense system. So that leaves to check in on supporting research and operations for the research institute. The the protagonist then heads to do an inspection at said facility. The destination which the protagonist take his friends to turns out to be E-Rantel's Cemetery. Surako confused as to why they are in this location is nervous, an only is told by the protagonist that he will explain once they get to to where they need to be. Surako hopes that they soon pass through quickly. The group encounter several skeletons, which Soi believes have been increasing due to the number of recent deaths from the raid on the city. The trio dispose of the undead, but one manages to get behind Surako. Luckily she is saved from being attacked when a [Fireball] turns the skeleton to ash. Nfirea Bareare appears from the darkness and greets the protagonist.