Mass for the Dead Chapter 11

Demon Emperor's Feast (魔皇の響宴) is the eleventh main story chapter in Mass for the Dead. It was released to the public on October 1, 2020.

Episode 1: Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth
In the sky, a flock of imps and demons hang in the air above the human armies. At their head is a masked suited being that introduces himself as Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth, the one who will save them from the looming fear of death. His appearance stuns the gathered masses, but none have ever heard of him before. Jaldabaoth is not surprised by their responses and claims that he came from another world, but was called to this world by the voices of death and grudges. A magic caster among the crowd notes this to be a possibility as he see Jaldabaoth is a demon. That being said, the Demon Emperor believes his identity should be of less concern to them. Instead he directs their attention to the looming "death" that is approaching. The sky suddenly wavers to the surprise of the soldiers below, and an image of the cave, north to E-Rantel appears. To the horror of the humans there is a crevice that is open allowing a horde of Chaos Beasts to flood out. One of the knights believe that the image to be just false, a work or trickery by the demon. For validation he asks his commanding officer, Nimble Arc Dale Anoch, but the Imperial Knight only gives no reply. Baziwood Peshmel is the one to confirm that what the demon shows is true, a messenger from the cave had already confirmed that the cave in the north was breach and the approaching monsters are real. A wave of fear passes through the human forces, as already they fought a horde of ten thousand Chaos Beasts and sustained heavy casualties and now they were expected to fight a new horde? Some fear that they will meet the same fate as the Roble Holy Kingdom from this. Fluder Paradyne present among the crowd watches with mute silence as the hysteria spreads among the ranks of the soldiers.

The scene in the sky is also witnessed by the refugees and citizens in E-Rantel. Frightened by the visage, many of the people try to convince themselves that it's not true, but are unable to deny the horror that a new horde is on a course towards the city. Some suggest they flee before the horde arrives, while others fall into despair of the upcoming disaster. Brain Unglaus and Climb observe the panic the citizens and refugees alike are undergoing. Tough they cannot confirm that the image in the sky to be credible, Brain tells his partner Climb that they should just focus on ensuring the safety of the people as it would be what Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself would have wished for them to do. Climb affirms this to be true, but then his attentions are drawn back to the image in the sky.

In the air, Jaldabaoth addresses the gathered soldiers of E-Rantel and the inhabitants informing them that the scenes he showed them are indeed true. As part of their grim reality the Demon Emperor notifies them that the number of Chaos Beasts that are approaching is about thirty thousand strong and will reach E-Rantel within half a day. More panic and disbelief sow among the soldiers and inhabitants at this startling revelation. The demon offers them an escape, by having them sign a contract with him. If they entrusted them their destines to him, he would reject the looming death that threatens them all.

At the Theocracy camp, the personnel witness the Demon Emperor's proposal and are stunned that such an existence had emerged in an emergency like this. Enhela Read Gahi taking charge orders one of his subordinates to immediately contact the home country on this development. Back on the battlefield, soldiers and knights of both the Royal Army and Imperial Army announce their rejection of the Demon Emperor's offer, knowing better to trust a deal with a demon. Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix alone with his thoughts on this offer, sees that the Tripartite Alliance's forces are in a precarious situation. However he notes Jaldabaoth's demon army and his ability to destroy two thousand Chaos Beasts by himself. Getting up the Bloody Emperor calls for an audience with the Demon Emperor much to the surprise of his knights and allies.

There is silence amongst the human forces as Jaldabaoth flies down for a dialogue with Jircniv. The Demon Emperor is curious at what the emperor wishes to discuss as he doubts that there is any room for negotiation on his offer. The emperor first asks the demon's purpose for saving them from their impending doom. When Jaldabaoth's replies that he was doing it for "pleasure, the response unnerves those gathered around the area. Unable to discern what the demon is thinking, Jircniv tells Jaldabaoth that though he is the Emperor of the Empire, he is does not have the authority to accept his offer for help on behalf of the city. Instead he requests that the demon allow him to reconvene with his fellow leaders to discuss whether or not to accept the demon's proposal. Jaldabaoth permits the emperor to speak among his fellows, though he warns him that he should use their time effectively.

Episode 2: Humans Choice
Managing to earn some time for the Alliance's forces, Jircniv quickly contacts the other representatives via [Message] to address the offer from the Demon Emperor and the approaching Chaos Beast horde. Enhela of the Slane Theocracy makes it clear in the communication channel that his nation's policy rejects offers made by demons. Already expecting such an answer from a theocratic nation that hold demons to be the enemies of mankind, the emperor asks how the Slane Theocracy will deal with the demons should they turn hostile? To which the priest admits that the demons to be of considerable power as they infiltrated the security lines of all three nations with ease. With so many Chaos Beast en-route to their location, the chances of victory are slim, which is why the Theocracy forces will withdraw. The news that the Theocracy will abandon E-Rantel sends shocks to members of the Re-Estize Kingdom's delegation such as Zanac Valleon Igana Ryle Vaiself. While a realistic choice in Jircniv's opinion since the Theocrcay are acting in a mercenary capacity, the emperor cannot recall his forces as his nation is already invested in the city's defense. Even if it becomes a withdrawal battle, the remaining ten thousand knights of the Imperial Army would still take many losses and his country will no doubt suffer. The emperor tells his fellow leaders that he is inclined to believe Jaldabaoth's ability to destroy the new horde given his display of power a destroying two thousand Chaos Beasts in an instant. He asks King Ramposa III's position on the offer, which the aged king believes that it to be a difficult choice, and one that required more information on this entity.

The sky still filled with the flock of demons begins to unnerve the soldiers of the Kingdom below. A few think of escaping, but where to? There is no where to flee as E-Rantel was their last bastion. Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra sees the decreasing morale of the soldiers becomes worried. She is joined by Marquis Boullope who also sees the breaking morale. The marquis has a suggestion to have the front lines retreat back to the walls of E-Rantel, there hopefully Lakyus would be able to use her full powers on the Chaos Beasts rather than at ground level. And in an unlikely event that they should have to battle the demons, fighting at the rampart would make it more effective.

Meanwhile, the camp of the Imperial Army is full of confusion. Many knights are questioning the whereabouts of the emperor in this time of crisis. Baziwood manages to restore order by reminding the assembled knights of their duty and discipline. After which he convenes with the other members of the Four Imperial Knights. Nazami Enec and Leinas Rockbruise having returned from scouting the demons in the sky confirm that they number three hundred of various types, but are unable to discern their power. So far they can confirm that one of them, Jaldabaoth was somehow able to destroy two thousand Chaos Beasts in s single attack, basing their judgement on that the Demon Emperor is truly an existence to be wary of. Nazami still has questions on how such an attack happened without anyone seeing anything. Baziwood suggests maybe time was stopped, by the majority of the knights doubt it as no matter how powerful a demon was, even stopping time was impossible. According to Nimble most likely a spell was used to deceive their senses. Still the answer neither satisfies how the Chaos Beasts were eliminated by the demons in such a short time. All they could hope is that the individual power of each demon is not that great, but it may be just optimistic thinking. Suddenly a knight rushes to the gathered quartet, reporting that hundreds of Chaos Beasts are now crawling out of the Melting Pot in the Quarry and are headed straight towards the gathered camps. The four knights curse of something happening at time like this, but Baziwood is confident that they should be able to handle those numbers with their current strength.

Before they could mobilize, a flapping of wings is heard and Jaldabaoth appears. The Demon Emperor comments that he still has not received a contract yet, and refuses to allow such interlopers to interfere and asks the knights to allow him to clear the Chaos Beasts. Soon enough a massive winged demon, Evil Lord Wrath, lands beside the Demon Emperor. All the knights sense the feeling if intimidation from the demon just by looking at it and realize this is just a confidant of the Demon Emperor. Evil Lord Wrath accepts the mission just as the Chaos Beasts come into the distance. Flying up into the sky, the demon lands in front of the small horde and gets started. His body is engulfed in flames and casts [Napalm] which immediately a huge pillar of fire rises to wrap around the Chaos Beasts burning them in a blink of an eye. The display shocks all the knights in assemble. Jircniv who is sees the phenomena from afar is stunned, but the power of the demon is enough to convince that the demons truly have the ability to take care of the horde of thirty thousand Chaos Beasts. Now with a decision the emperor decides to give Jaldabaoth humanity's answer to realize his ideal.

Meeting before the Demon Emperor, Jircniv renders the verdict on Jaldabaoth's proposal. In a flashback, Jircniv had spoken with Rampossa III in the [Message] communication. The Chaos Beasts and the demons, if either one is left unattended it would only spell out doom for them. While Jircniv admits that though the demons had considerable power, fighting thirty thousand opponents should be exhausting. At that moment the emperor suggest the Alliance take the "opportunity" to gain the upper hand. From there on in the present Jircniv agrees to accept the help of the Demon Emperor. Upon receiving the contract between the two Jaldabaoth promises to use his power to help reject their impending deaths.

Episode 3: Opening Curtain
With a contract now established between them, Jaldabaoth decides to initiate the move to wipe away the Chaos Beats. The knights in the army have doubts that a single demon could defeat thirty thousand enemies no matter how powerful. Ignoring their doubts, Jaldabaoth calls one of his subordinates to enter the stage. Flying in the air, a woman in a white mask and dress appears. It is of course Shalltear Bloodfallen in disguise, and though she wishes to give herself a glamorous debut for her new identity, she focuses on the task at hand. She lands beside the Demon Emperor, but her presence confuses the knights in the area and then astounds them when Jaldabaoth explains that she will be fighting ten thousand of the Chaos Beasts by herself.

Widespread disbelief of this claim are amongst the rank and file. Countless black shadows are seen on the horizon indicating that the horde has arrived. Shalltear deciding it was time for the grand opening of the battle takes to the air once again. From her vantage point she notes the large numbers of Chaos Beasts but are of little concern to her as she activates her spell, [Maximize Magic Force Explosion] killing several of the monsters. Laughing at the beasts stupidity, the woman proceeds to wave her hand casting the same explosion magic creating shockwaves that see countless Chaos Beasts crushed. While the humans had no choice but to look at the scene in a daze.

Leinas watching the scene with her fellow knights thinks its all an illusion, but Baziwood responds that his senses tell him otherwise. Nimble is more concerned that the woman in white shows no signs of fatigue, as her momentum hasn't diminished at all since she began her carnage. Others like Go Gin, the Martial Lord, can only wonder if his title is unsuitable and perhaps what he is witnessing is the summit of power. The scene is watched by the citizens in E-Rantel. Gagaran watching with Evileye cannot help be astonished that such a being exists, while her companion wonders if this woman in white could surpass the Evil Deities. The disguised agent of Nazarick continued her game of dishing out aerial attacks on the Chaos Beasts, taking joy in the slaughter though she longs to go wild. However she restrains herself as others still need to have their turn. Having wiped out the allotted prey she was given she calls to the Demon Emperor that the rest will be for them and to rampage to their heart's content before flying away in the distance.

The woman in white having finished cleaning up her amount of Chaos Beasts faster than expected, Jaldabaoth decides to also participate in the battlefield. This draws much shock and confusion that the leader of the demons would enter the fray. Already fear of Jaldabaoth's potential power grows after witnessing his subordinate's abilities. However the demon assures the humans that combat is not really his specialty. The demon then faces the approaching Chaos Beasts and unleashes his Aspect of the Devil - Razor Sharp Claw, and uses his claws to tear apart dozens of Chaos Beasts before him. Spotting a Warrior Chaos Beast in the mix, Jaldabaoth uses Aspect of the Devil - Stout Demon's Gigantic Arms. He then proceeds to rip part the Chaos Beast to the utter shock of the human masses. The Demon Emperor then signals his other minions to this "feast" as he calls and tells them to eat their fill. Under the command of Jaldabaoth, three demons then proceed to attack the approaching Chaos Beast horde.

At the ramparts of E-Rantel's wall, Lakyus views the image in the sky broadcasting the Demon Emperor and his minions campaign. She is troubled by the sheer violence that the demons display as they tear the limbs of the Chaos Beasts, but one image in the broadcast in particular makes her mind freeze. Marquis Boullope standing next to her asks if she is alright, but Lakyus tells him that she is not. Among the crowd of demons she sees in the Demon Emperor's forces, she recognizes one as the Abyss Demon. The very same demon she and her team had fought during a quest and defeated. Lakyus cannot fathom how the demon is still alive, but her fears suspect that Jaldabaoth may have played a part and now sees that the Demon Emperor is something they cannot possibly handle.

The Abyss Demon while on standby with the other demon forces, watches his seniors participate in the battle. While disappointed that he was only brought to the field to intimidate the humans, Abyss Demon reasons it may be some part of Demiurge's greater plan and decides to be content with being an observer to the bloodbath.

Back at the city, the frighten inhabitants cower at the might of the demons. A few try to take comfort that he demons are killing the Chaos Beasts, but wonder how long until their deal with the demons will last. Their souls are fear to be the price for the contract with Jaldabaoth. Saint Clementine walking among them comforts them telling them not to judge on such fragmentary rumors. Though she calmed the people with her words, Clementine privately worries about this situation, Jaldabaoth who's existence can only come from a fairy tale can exist.

Rampossa III who didn't believe the report on Jaldabaoth, is now viewing the massacre of the Chaos Beasts at the Alliance's meeting place. He cannot help see the stark difference in power between the Chaos Beasts and demons. Recalling his meeting with the protagonist who requested the management rights of E-Rantel for his country, in order to effectively respond to a crisis, Rampossa III wonders if a different result could have occurred had he accepted the demand from the foreigner.

Back on the battlefield outside E-Rantel, the extermination of the Chaos Beasts is nearly complete. Jaldabaoth sees one Chaos Beast, a Large Chaos Beast, in the distance and identifies it as the commanding monster of the horde. Wanting to give a good and ugly end to the battle, Jaldabaoth goes to engage the monster. The Demon Emperor then activated multiple skills: Aspect of the Devil - Hellfire Mantle and Aspect of the Devil - Eight-limb of Speed and slays the commander of the horde. The destruction of the horde and the death of the commander is declared by Jaldabaoth to be the end of the first act as he flies into the sky. A wave of anxiety spreads throughout the gathered observers of the battle, in fear of what will come from the deal with the Demon Emperor. The ease of the destruction of a horde of thirty thousand monsters did not even faze them causes Emperor Jircniv to be shaken by power of the Demon Emperor and his demons. When demon comes before his presence Jircniv nervously greet the demon. Jaldabaoth having fulfilled his part of their contract, demands that the emperor fullfill his. To that the demon requires a price to be paid for his service. Trying to determine what the demon's motive is Jircniv asks once again what Jaldabaoth wants and again is given an unsettling answer of "pleasure". Jaldabaoth also adds that he wishes for humanity to continue to entertain him and his kin.

Unnerved by the answer, the emperor has an impression that the demon is planning on killing them all, but he reasons this not to be the case as Jaldabaoth would have done that at the start. Needing a more concrete request, Jircniv asks the Demon Emperor to convey it more clearly. For an easy to understand answer, Jaldabaoth then states that the demons will seize all the property within the nearby city. All they require is for its inhabitants to be quiet as they plunder them. The demand for property relieves the emperor as he sees that the demon's tactics were just to extort them for material gain. Finding it acceptable Jircniv is more than willing to acquiesce the property of the Kingdom to the demon if it could strengthen his political position in the Alliance. However Jaldabaoth adds a last stipulation of the price of the contract, the emperor's life. Initially Jircniv thinks the had misheard, but the Demon Emperor states that he did not and that his life is part of the deal. Upon seeing Jircniv's face pushed down to the edge of despair, Jaldabaoth sadistically tells him that is what he enjoys. After all did he not say that his purpose for saving them was for "pleasure"?

Episode 4: The Price of Salvation
Now comprehending the horror of his deal with the Demon Emperor, Jircniv refuses to die as he still needs to lead the Alliance as there was no one else who was more suitable than he. There is no choice but to fight against the demons. The emperor gives a visual signal to his aide who silently responds with a nod. Jaldabaoth already suspecting that the emperor is trying to delay his fate, advises him that it's too late. Jircniv makes a dash from the Demon Emperor, intent on surviving, but is soon caught up by the latter. The demon once again tells the Bloody Emperor that fleeing from him is quite impossible and should just be quiet and accept his death as part of the second act. Just as the demon approaches his prey, a [Fireball] strikes him in the chest at high speed. Nimble having taken to the field, charges at the demon with his blade. The demon counters that attacks by the knight amused that he would act as a loyal vassal. The knight though moves out of the way, allowing for Nazami to attack. The doubled shielded knight swears to fulfill his mission and runs at the Demon Emperor.

A while ago the Four Imperial Knights and vowed to concentrate on protecting their liege. If he were to die here, not only would the Empire would be finished but also the Alliance. Nazami knowing full well they did not have the power to destroy the demons, believes that if they take out their leader it would cause them to be in disarray. Leinas is worried about the terrifying gap in power, the Nazami is confident he will be able to face it head on.

In the present Nazami declares his name to the Demon Emperor stating the demon would not be able to pierce his shield. Jaldabaoth decides to test that provocation. Nazami raises his shields in defense, hoping that the demon would pierce him allowing him to hold him down long enough for his comrades to act. To his surprise Jaldabaoth uses his skill of Aspect of the Devil - Stout Demon's Gigantic Arms, enlarging his right arm and begins to batter the shields of Nazami. The huge onslaught, causes Nazami to have his bones broken with ever blow. Seeing that this is the end, the knight apologizes to his majesty and comrades, as Jaldabaoth slams his fist in the shields, smashing it and the warrior to pieces. The three other remaining knights using [Invisibility] and [Silence] launch a coordinated surprise attack on the Demon Emperor thanks to Nazami's distraction. All three attacks are caught in the claws of the demon. He then proceeds to knock all the knights to the ground. Jaldabaoth notes that an attack like that wouldn't have much affect on him, and teases them that their comrade's life died in vain. The knights of the Empire can only look on in despair as their captains are rendered helpless by the Demon Emperor.

When Jaldabaoth mocks the knights for making their men lose faith in them, Baziwood, Nimble and Leinas struggle to rise to face the demon again. Eventually only Baziwood is left barely standing. Jaldabaoth having refrained from killing them tells them that he is reaching his limit for such actions. Soon heavy footsteps are aounded heading towards the fight. Jaldabaoth curious to see if there is a new challenger sees it to be Go Gin. The War Troll greets the Demon Emperor having been honored to meet such a powerful foe and demands a challenge.

The Martial Lord's entrance to the fight between the Empire and the demons brings a sense of elevation to the knights. The hope brimming from the gathered soldiers intrigues Jaldabaoth, decides to have one last game with them as a reward for their struggle against him. If they could land a single blow on one of his subordinates, Jaldabaoth will then withdraw from the scene without collecting his payment. The offer is seen as the Empire's best hope to resolve this without any more casualties. Evil Lord Wrath then steps in to fight against the Martial Lord bragging that the latter would never be able to touch him. Go Gin does not respond to the boast but merely readies himself for the duel, which Wrath admires but promises to break him.

During the battle, Wrath easily dodges all of the Martial Lord's attacks. Go Gin then uses Martial Arts like [Flow Acceleration] and [Strong Strike] but the combined attack is caught by the demon who then follows up with a single strike to Go Gin's chest. The troll is injured, but quickly regenerates from his wound thanks to his regenerative ability. Wrath taking notice of Go Gin's regeneration states that it will make his suffering longer and proceeds to cut and hack the troll. The fight goes poorly for Go Gin which even the gathered knights see as they watch Go Gin tossed like a child by the demon. Already few of the knight are on their knees and dropping their weapons in defeat. After continuously cutting Go Gin various times, Wrath becomes bored with toying with the troll, comparing him to a wooden practice dummy and wondering aloud if Go Gin even deserve the title of Martial Lord. The last insult is enough for Go Gin to rise and charge at the offending demon. But in the end Wrath swings his arm cutting down the troll with his bloodied claw holding Go Gin's head.

Amidst all the despair of the humans, Jaldabaoth declares that duel to be a good sideshow, but now really wishes to conclude his business. Emperor Jircniv, after witnessing the defeat of the Four Imperial Knights and Martial Lord can only collapse to his knees in defeat trying to convince himself what he saw was a lie. Coming over to the emperor, Jaldabaoth is pleased that the human has decided to relinquish himself to him. In truth Jircniv is too afraid to move or escape. Doing one last bid for help he pleads for Fluder to come and save him but the wizard is nowhere to be found. The knights are turned to for help by Jircniv who begs them to fight and stand up against the demons else humanity would have no future. His words however cause none to move to his aid. Jaldabaoth amused by the unsightly behavior of the emperor finds it interesting. The emperor tries to bargain with Jaldabaoth offering his nation as a vassal to serve the demon. The demon is unmoved stating that Jircniv's death is set in stone no matter what he did. To demonstrate he tells the knights in the camp to prostrate before him. With a single command from Jaldabaoth, all members of the Imperial Army, save for the emperor, fall down on the spot.