Mass for the Dead Chapter 14

Mountain Range Lord (山脈の盟主) is the fourteenth main story chapter in Mass for the Dead. It was released to the public on September 1, 2021.

Episode 1: Crossroads
At the Round Table Room, the Floor Guardians, Momonga, and the protagonist convene to speak on the case of Shalltear Bloodfallen in the Katze Plains. While speaking of the various post-processing and investigations——Momonga holds the meeting whilst a euphoric Shalltear kneels below him as his chair. While Momonga wrack over the serious complication of an unknown possessing World Items, Shalltear below moans in joy at her predicament. Ignoring her Momonga mentally goes over the implications that there could be other players like him hiding out in the world and worries that such existence will locate the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

He takes a moment to notice Shalltear's discomfort/happiness asking her to endure it, though Albedo watching asks if this is really a punishment for the disgraced Floor Guardian. The Overseer Guardian asks Momnga to hurry and move the meeting forward, and the Overlord asks the ones present in the meeting to be extra considerate during future field operations as the case at the Katse Plains is still unsolved. Those who mind controlled Shalltear are still unknown and it cannot be sure if they are not the same rank as him. Those like Cocytus and Aura Bella Fiora promise to be extra vigilant. Though there are some concerns that this will cause the efficiency of collecting information and strengthening their forces to drop significantly.

While it should not be out of the realm of possibility that those who attacked Shalltear could be on par with Momonga, Demiurge states that no direct evidence has been found to suggest that Shalltear faced such an entity. Mare Bello Fiore curious on that evaluation asks how can that be? Demiurge from analyzing the battle marks left in the Katze Plains, the battle probably began in an unexpected way for Shalltear and that multiple people attacked their colleague, who together were her equal. Furthermore, it seems that the group had been forced to withdraw. If they were as strong as Momonga, they would not do so. From Demiurge's analysis, this causes some concern for Albedo as if true then it remains possible that there is a larger group behind them. After this situation, the group will be a considerable threat and may start trying to identify them.

Momonga is left with a quandary to either refrain from field operations as much as possible or continue as usual. The protagonist then takes the opportunity to speak, which Momonga permits as he wants to hear the homunculus's opinion as he has been interacting with the outside world the most. The protagonist though has only one thing to say, which is what everyone in the room should really be afraid of. After hearing the protagonist's opinion, Momonga is left to ultimately decide what course to take.

Episode 2: Preparing To Leave
On day after the policy meeting in Nazarick, at the E-Rantel's Cemetery Surako, Soi, and the protagonist head to the highly confidential E-Rantel Magic Research Institute to check on the research progress. Opening the secret tombstone passage, the adventurers descend into the institute. Since the protagonist wishes to strengthen the city's forces, both externally and internally, one of his plans it to develop a cure against the miasma so they could operate safely near the Cracks.

When they get to the labs, Surako calls out to Fluder Paradyne, who abruptly appears behind her. Frightened by his appearance, Surako thanks the old wizard answering her and his hard work. Before Fluder can go on the progress of the research, a groan from a feral Gazef Stronoff from the lower floors presents the answer. Soi is disappointed that the contaminated phenomenon has not been solved. Fluder admits that he hasn't had much luck in developing a cure, but——he received a very interesting report that may hold some clues.

The report is from Sophie Noia, who appears to take over the conversation. Before going on her report, the researcher gives thanks to the protagonist for providing her an ideal environment for her work. Going back to her report, some time ago, the institute had recovered the slime material from the Melting Pot that was set to increase the strength of the acid. Answered needed to be found on how successful were the slimes when they dissolved the workers. Sophie goes on to explain that she used contaminated slimes to fortify the acid for the trap. At the time of scene and collecting samples, Sophie discovered that the ratio of normal slimes and contaminated slimes in the pot was different. In fact the proportion of normal slimes increased and the proportion of contaminated slimes decreased. From this it could only mean one thing, that the contaminated was removed and that the conditions in the Melting Pot allowed it. Sophie thinks that if the method is found on how to decontaminate the contaminated slimes, then a cure could be synthesize. While it is still early to tell, she plans to repeat the experiment and verify it.

For this Fluder states that all researchers will be focusing on this project and is confident that the next time the protagonist visit that they will have a result. The three undercover adventurers then exit the secret door and are back in the cemetery. Soi admits that the researchers are doing a decent job for humans, though calling the ones working in the institute humans might not be accurate as nearly all of them are nearly inhuman in some way. The adventurer takes not of the protagonist silence and asks he why he is checking the surroundings. The homunculus states that he was just being cautious as he does not want to let his guard down. His caution is understandable as the contents in the hidden research institute are vital to solving the mystery of the Incident. Also while he chose the current location, it was out of convenience and now has thoughts to relocate the institute to another location given the current circumstances.

Next the adventurers head to a suite where the King Ramposa III and Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself are waiting to greet him. The king especially is glad to see that the protagonist accepted his invitation, making room for him despite his busy schedule. As food and refreshments are brought into the room, Ramposa III encourages his guests to tuck in and enjoy themselves. While the gesture is appreciative by the protagonist, he declines, though the king insists that the adventurer to let go of the formalities. The princess shares the same mindset as her father only wishes to help in anyway to alleviate the protagonist's daily fatigue. Soi thinking to herself suspects that it has more to do with the absence of the Warrior Captain and the king relying on the protagonist.

On the matter to help assist the protagonist, the adventurer does have a matter that requires his attention which the king could assist. The protagonist wishes to acquire armor for the city. Despite many people having participated in the defense of E-Rantel since the attack by Jaldabaoth, the supply of armor has not caught up with the increase in soldiers. In order to prepare for any threats, the protagonist would like to procure excellent armor and raise the defense power of the city. Therefore—-he would like to trade with the Dwarf Kingdom who people excel in making armor.

King Ramposa III having heard about the demand for dwarf armor, is unfamiliar where the Dwarf Kingdom lies, is informed by his daughter that it is located in the Azerlisia Mountains where the dwarves are also said to mine ores. The king notes that climbing the mountain range will not be easy as there are many formidable monsters that also live there. When he inquires if the protagonist intends to go alone, the adventurer replies that he does as it is urgent that he resolves the issue as soon as possible. However unknown to the royals, it is not the only reason, as it is necessary to bring in influential races to strengthen Nazarick's forces. Since it has been difficult to obtain information in this particular country, a visiting is worth it.

The king continues to be astounded by the determination and sense of mission of the adventurer and offers to provide as much support as possible. Renner too has faith that the famous hero adventurer will surely complete your mission and return. While the adventurer is away, the king promises to take responsibility for the city and that when he returns a huge feast will be waiting for him. Soi observing the king senses that despite his calmness, the sovereign is actually anxious.

After the adventurers left the royals, in the streets of the city, Soi asks what is next on the agenda. While the king will keep E-Rantel safe in the protagonist's stead and the Baharuth Empire increasing its vigilance, the protagonist doesn't feel that it's perfect yet. To that end the homunculus asks Soi to remain behind in E-Rantel while he and Surako are away. Soi understanding knows that the protagonist is worried about leaving the city unattended. She promises to protect the most important places and is hopefully that the protagonist' mission will be quick though wishes his to be careful.

A few days after the meeting between protagonist and the King. In the royal capital, the first prince, Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself, was preparing to leave with his loyal nobles. At the palace courtyard, Count Lytton reports to the prince that the deployment of his subordinates has been completed. Barbro under the belief that E-Rantel, was hijacked by a foreigner of the Sorcerer Kingdom vows to take it back with his own hands. He still maintains that his father was probably blackmailed by the foreigner, that or maybe Zanac and Renner were pressured into the scheme. In any case he thinks that he might and even have to kill my family to reclaim the city. Although it is a last resort, the prince considers it a test to become a king as a ruler sometimes needs to make ruthless decisions.

On his horse, the prince calls out to his forces that there destination is E-Rantel which is now under the direct control of the king of the nation. Lytton thinking about what is happening though knowing that leaving the capital will leave it defenseless, he decides to go through with the prince's plan as he has no choice but to throw his support to the Barbro to ensure the prosperity for his noble house. Bardo calls out to his sldiers to follow him telling them that the future of the Kingdom rests on their shoulders and the heavens are with them as they respond with a shout.

At a suit in E-Rantel, Enhela Read Gahi is alone contemplating on the events that have transpired in the city. Although it's been a while since the demons attacked, the city's reconstruction went faster than he imagined. Given the horror in the hearts of the inhabitants, it's no wonder it's still in the midst of turmoil. However the inhabitants did not cause a big riot due to hunger or anxiety, but that could be due to the defense power of the city having increased thanks to the completion of the fourth wall.

His thoughts draw to the demons and that undead who appeared in the Katze Plains. Their true identity is unknown and he wonders that maybe it could have been a kind of Dragon Lord. But considering the time, Cardinal Raymond Zarg Lauransan had said that the Slane Theocracy which has history of more than hundreds of years longer than the Kingdom and Empire, if one were to look at the history since the founding of the country, they will find that there is an extraordinary power that appears in this world at regular intervals. Such existences are said to come every one hundred years. There is a possibility that this Incident is also related to that. The more he thinks about these things, he sees that if he organizes the events after the Incident in chronological order...immediately after the destruction was reported in various places, it led to the first Trilateral Talks and the formation of the Tripartite Alliance.

For the time being, Enhela was only dealing with the situation after the fact, and he hadn't taken any effective steps. He recalls the report on the protagonist, his allies Aura and Mare from a report. It all started from that survey of Great Forest of Tob, it was the first time that a part of the nature of the Crack was been clarified. The successful protagonist and others quickly achieved many achievements and reached the adamantite class at an astonishing speed. Today, both the Kingdom and the Empire swear to be admirer of that person. As for the Theocracy, Enhela knows that they cannot move without ignoring that person, the protagonist.

However although the protagonist has such ability, his history is completely unknown. When he first appeared, it was the first time that a large forest survey appeared on record. And while it seems that he is from a nation called the Sorcerer Kingdom, but as far as his nation knows about it, there is no history and no record by adventurers. Remembering that powerful existences appear every one hundred years, Enhela wonders if that the protagonist's base is somewhere near the forest where he appeared. The priest's musings are interrupted by an underling, reporting that the protagonist has left E-Rantel and is headed for the Azerlisia Mountains and that based on his supplies his absence will be short. Thanking his underling, Enhela thinks that now would be a good opportunity to take advantage of since that person is away.

Episode 3: Journey To The Mountains
After a "sufficient preparation period" for a certain purpose, the protagonist and others left E-Rantel and went to the Great Forest of Tob. Among the group are Yuri Alpha, Slimeko and CZ2I28 Delta. Yuri is glad to see that the protagonist and Slimeko arrived at the forest without any trouble which the homunculus comments is due to her and CZ's protection while they were traveling. The maids brush away the praise as they are eager for some action on this newest mission which they understand is to serve as escorts.

The party heads deeper into the forest, until Slimeko realizes they are nearing the area where the Crack is situated. Waiting for them is Hamsuke who gives her report to the protagonist on the status of the Crack. She reports that the Chaos Beast while still formidable, are kept under control thanks to her, the Death Knight and Kyuko. The hamster then guides the group to a area where it needs their attention. What they see before them is an exact replica of the surface of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Aura appears and welcomes them, stating that it is a new and improved Fake Nazarick. Since the case of the Katze Plains occurred while the construction of the Fake Nazarick was still underway, Aura was motivated to strengthen the equipment to lure and intercept intruders more than planned. CZ notes that the elf got the fake down on the surface, and even if intruders escape and bring word to others, they will only get a decoy and not the real Nazarick. Aura also promises that those that invade will get more than the asked for.

Yuri notes that the Fake Nazarick could also be used as a safehouse when escaping enemies and to keep the original dungeon a secret. Slimkoe realizes that the protagonist led them to the place to do an inspection, though wonders if they have time as they need to strengthen their forces. Still the protagonist wishes to stay awhile and inspect the new facility to the slime's shock. Aura permits it promising to take care of security. After the party finishes patrolling, CZ announces that no suspicious existences were confirmed in the vicinity and that they should be okay. All this stems from the protagonist's wariness of being tracked. Satisfied the protagonist then moves to their next destination and the party bid their farewell to Aura.

At the Abelion Hills, Evil Lord Wrath is conducting an interview with a Stone Eater. Before it can list it abilities to the demon, the Evil Lord state that it is not necessary and to 'show' its power. Obliging the demi-human releases an attack on the demon. Unfazed, Evil Lord Wrath asks if that is all? The demi-human frantically states that he has been trying to grow stronger and eating properly. Demiurge who appears states that if that is how the subject feels, then it is fine. Wrath apologizes to his superior and tells the demi-human to thank Demiurge for his consideration which the latter does before being dismissed. To Demiurge though the demi-human is a pawn, it is not bad to provide some encouragement and keep a few for the future.

Thinking about the battle traces left behind in the Katze Plains, it was clear to the demon that Shalltear was able to compete on more than equal footing with those who attacked. No evidence has been found to suggest no one could outperform Shalltear at this time, but the demon knows it is undeniable that there are prominent individuals out there somewhere. If such individuals are prepared with separate measures, other people should be able to suppress them to some extent through the power of numbers. Wrath reports that all the remarkable demi-humans in the area have been selected. The Floor Guardian thanks his minion for his hard work and muses that his part is finished and wonders if the protagonist is ready on his end.

Slimeko sees that the next destination is the lizardman village, which makes sense to her as it is along the path to the Azerlisia Mountains. Zaryusu Shasha and his brother Shasuryu Shasha appear to greet their guests. Though Zaryusu offers the protagonist to rest, the latter is more interested in the lizardmen's progress. Shasuryu answers that currently, the abandoned village is being renovated and the vacant lots are being improved to prepare for habitation. As it is expected that many people will come and though their will be different dietary requirements the chieftain is confident that coexistence of all will be possible. As long as it is the benefactor's request, the chieftain promises to do their best.

Glad to hear that news, the protagonist makes a note to report it to Demiurge. Zaryusu hides the fact that some elders seem to be against the idea of the arrival of outsiders, but the traveler knows that the lizardmen cannot survive alone in this situation as it requires the power of the protagonist and others. Fortunately, many of the villagers agree with Zaryusu, thanks to the fact that the protagonist and others saved him from a predicament and that joining hands with people from other tribes led to a stable life.

Episode 4: In Search Of The City Of The Mountain Dwarves
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Episode 5: Abandoned City
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Episode 6: Mountain Range Lord
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Episode 7: Cracks
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