E-Rantel In Disguise

E-Rantel In Disguise (仮装・偽装のエ・ランテル) is a game event in Mass for the Dead that was released on October 5, 2023 to October 19, 2023.

Background
After overcoming the shock of the disaster, E-Rantel is now on the brink of recovery. However, there are still many people who are saddened by the thoughts of those who will not return. In order to heal the residents and raise their morale, the city mayor yearn for the popular Sorcerer Kingdom-style harvest festival and the princess who was the driving force behind it---

Incident
At the Round Table Room a meeting is held before Momonga, Albedo, Demiurge and seemingly Slimeko and the protagonist.

The meeting was opened by Momonga as a place to share information with the higher-ranking Greater Doppelgängers who have taken the forms of the latter two. From their report, the humans in E-Rantel want to hold a Halloween Festival again. This was a somewhat sudden proposal, and hence why the doppelgängers posing as the protagonist had put the matter on hold, as he told the humans he planned to bring it back to his home country and get permission.

The two impersonator would like to borrow Momonga’s and everyone’s wisdom on this matter. Momonga agrees it to be a rare situation for humans to proactively make a request toward them. Albedo hopes this is a result of the progress of human beings becoming their puppets.

Momonga isn’t displeased by the notion, but to host a Halloween Festival seems arbitrary as the importance of holiday was to celebrate in the collective work of harvesting. While Halloween is a harvest festival it was started out as an old legend from the Sorcerer Kingdom.

Although Albedo states that the humans enjoyed the actives of the festival: walking around the city in costumes, greeting residents, and visiting residents' homes to distribute harvests. At the conclusion, a mock battle demonstration even was held.

Demiurge notes that by disguising it as a festival originating from the Boastful Sage in a plan to strengthen their cover story that illustrious figure originated from their nation, and to make it appear that he is on the same level as Momonga, a “player.”

The fake protagonist agrees that the plan they made was really great, however, regarding this matter, it is difficult for him to judge the best reaction as a substitute.

Momonga tells him there is no need to be so afraid. He thinks the two are doing a good job of acting as substitutes. As Albedo said, there is a high possibility that the request this time was due to a dependence that had progressed into becoming puppets.

If the two still think they are uneducated, and need to know more, he offers Albedo, and Demiurge to explain the current situation of E-Rantel again. Even if it is information, it will probably be filtered by each person's own perception. So if the two doppelgängers listen to them, they might be able to realize something new as intended as part of the “horenso” initiative.

Albedo then explains that’s E-Rantel has collapsed due to the threat known as the Calamity of the Cracks that occurred a few months ago, due to the sudden appearance of the Crack in the city and the attack of the chaos beasts that emerged from it. Many humans died or disappeared. Even Nazarick’s side, Yuri, CZ, Solution, the protagonist and Slimeko’s whereabouts are unknown.

Momonga muses that since they are not treated as dead, they are unable to revive them. Despite this the Overlord wishes to do something about it. Demiurge laments that the damage was severe. However, in response to this unprecedented disaster, the Sorcerer Kingdom provided a wide range of tangible and intangible aid. As for the lost talent, Nazarick assigned Greater Doppelgängers to take their place. E-Rantel is now undergoing a renaissance that is better than ever. Demiurge is aware that humans are now their followers...but this is only a matter of politics.

In this case Albedo has the idea that the desire for the festival is about something else: to alleviate the mental burden on people living in cities. According to Panasolei, the mayor of Elantel, the Festival of the Sorcerer Kingdom, where everyone wears costumes, celebrates the restoration and heals everyone's broken hearts. From the two doppelgängers, the mayor wants to get used to the foreign races that are rapidly infiltrating the city, especially the undead. This he thinks the "Halloween" festival is the best way to eliminate racial prejudice and barriers.

Momonga thinks it would be an auspicious victory if they wanted to dispel any sense of aversion towards them who are providing aid. Albedo suspects that besides the Halloween Festival, humans still have other requests. This is proven true by the fake protagonist stating that the human mayor acted like he was trying to get ahead of them, but the humans had the audacity to say things that were even more convenient. Fake Slimeko apologizes for the inconvenience, but they would like to ask everyone to give their approval.

Back during the discussion with Panasolei Gruze Day Rettenmaier, the mayor of E-Rantel, and a few select members, at the Tripartite Alliance venue, that had been recently repaired. Pluton Ainzach who is also present comments that the building’s reconstruction is relieving is sadden that the lost human resources are not coming back. In particular, there are very few survivors in the Sunlight Scripture. Without Nigun and Ian...those who are left have returned to the Theocracy.

The Sunlight Scripture that guarded the city have now been replaced by an army of undead. Of course the guildmaster trust their safety, but for the residents who are not close to the people of the Sorcerer Kingdom it is another story. Emperor Jircniv agrees with this assessment as there are many people who are not at peace with the new situation with the undead. And while Ainzach believes that it may be impossible to get used to, he would still like to make an effort to bridge the gap. In any case the mayor does think it's a good idea for the people of the Sorcerer Kingdom be shunned because of this, hence why the men requested the hosting of the Halloween Festival.

Understanding the situation, the fake protagonist first would like to get a confirmation from his homeland, but agrees that it would be desirable for his nation to eliminate prejudice on other races. As the mayor promises to make the proper arrangements, Jircniv adds that the goal of making the Sorcerer Kingdom an irreplaceable compatriot is a dream he is willing to make happen.

To the imposter this marks, the emperor as entirely in love with the Sorcerer Kingdom, or infatuated with the missing protagonist. The doppelgänger finds it irksome in dealing with Jircniv as it would be simpler to control him, but notes the impossibility due to the emperor's magic item protecting him and the heteromorph is unable to extract information from superficial thoughts.

Ainzach also wishes to have another "exchange tournament." Last event was held inviting people outside to replenish the number of adventurers which had decreased during the reconstruction phase of the city. The mayor finds the idea appealing as it would show the outside world that E-Rantel is still alive and well and hopes the two people who had previously visited will show up. Ainzach names them to be Shall and Ku, the pair of adventurers who were traveling together in search of a way to undo a curse. He recalls that Shall was a former member of a noble family. He notes that the pair was a surprise and delight to the recovering people of E-Rantel and that their mock battles with the Sunlight Scripture were awe-inspiring. Impressed by their reputations, Jircniv asks where the pair are now.

Last Ainzach heard, having been inspired by the Blue Roses, they decided to form a team and go on a journey to train again. In the end, they didn't receive adventurer plates. He seriously, wonders what the women have been doing these days. That’s when the guildmaster makes another request to the fake protagonist, which is to find Shall and Ku and let them participate in the Halloween Festival.

After the reminiscing, Momonga ponders on what to do. At this moment, E-Rantel is an has the potential to be indebted to the Sorcerer Kingdom --- and the situation is when the influence of the Theocracy is weak. However, of course there is a risk of sending Shalltear out. But the benefit that outweighs this, is that it normalizes the worries of humans.

Demiurge suspecting that they will need Shalltear on this discussion asks where she is currently. He is answered by Albedo stating that at this time, he Shalltear should be in the Throne Room subjugating the Chaos Beasts.

In the Lemegeton, Shalltear contends with several Chaos Beasts. There she senses that someone is talking about her behind her back. Though annoyed she concentrates on subjugating the Chaos Beasts as it takes priority.

Once her task is done, Aura greets Shalltear to personally collect her at the request of Momonga. At this Shalltear reacts negatively thinking that she is being summons for doing something wrong. Aura surprised is incredulously that the vampire does not know either. Regardless Shalltear supposes it should be a good thing that Momonga is calling for her. However she wonders maybe if he is cautious of her due to the mind control incident.

At the Round Table Room, Momonga states that it is unnecessary to talk about the merits of the Sorcerer Kingdom when accepting a request from E-Rantel. In addition, he mentions that this event could benefit in Shalltear's mental recovery. Thus he asks Albedo and Demiurge on their opinions before the vampire arrives. Albedo also agrees with the idea of sending Shalltear to E-Rantel, especially if it's a good opportunity to gather information on the enemy. As of now the Theocracy is the most likely suspect of mind controlling Shalltear. In the current E-Rantel, where most of their personnel have relocated, it would now be possible to verify the existence of enemies other than the religious nation.

By having Shalltear appear in public, it will be beneficial no matter how the enemy reacts. Given now that the Theocracy's influence is weak, Albedo believes that it would be passible for the Sorcerer Kingdom to take on a wide range of responses to such movements. Demiurge supports Albedo in this view, as its a good plan, since things won't improve by sitting still and even now they still don't known much about this unknown enemy even after extracting information from Shalltear.

Albedo also guesses that when Shalltear was mind controlled, she wonders perhaps the enemy suffered a certain amount of damage as well. If that is the case, it could explain why there has not been any attack on Nazarick. The two demons make valid points, though Momonga believes that the enemy's lack of action should not be assumed to be cowardice but prudence. Hence there is always the possibility that the enemy is preparing for an attack.

Even so Demiurge thinks they should press the advantage and make a move. In the worst case scenario, there is a possibility that the enemy will try to arrange something again, with a World Item. Momonga does not want to ignore the situation, but finds that they are still lacking in information. The Overlord wonders how much the enemy knows about Nazarick, though he is sure that Shalltear's face has been exposed, at the mind control incident, hence why Momonga has kept her out of the field. He is reminded by Albedo that Shalltear wants to actively play a part for Nazarick, though admits the final decision rests with him.

Later Shalltear having been summoned to the 9th Floor stands before Momonga in the Round Table Room. The vampire is amazed at hearing the humans in E-Rantel are looking for her. Momonga elaborates that their nation received a request to find Shall and Ku and arrange for them to participate in the “Halloween” costume festival held in E-Rantel. Albedo includes that after the invasion of Jaldabaoth, the warm exchanges with her and Kyuko from the outside left a deep impression on the humans as a symbol of recovery.

Demiurge tells Shalltear by allowing the adventurer Shall and her partner Ku to appear again, the people of E-Rantel will be able to receive mental relief, and economic activity and human labor can be expected to improve. There are advantages for the Sorcerer Kingdom, as Shalltear is well aware she was mentally controlled by a mysterious being in the Katze Plains. The existence of the enemy has not yet been confirmed. And there is still inherent risk of allowing Shalltear to expose herself, thus he asks what the vampire wants to do. Shalltear seeing as her adventurer persona had a good impression on the humans, then she will take full advantage of it. Furthermore she would like to help the protagonist, who is currently absent, in making E-Rant, which has been steadily turning into a puppet state, for Nazarick.

Aura takes the moment to mention of having seen the results of puppetization in E-Rantel, and also Momonga clever “safety device”. Though even with that the dark elf reminds everyone they cannot let their guard down.

Shalltear unfamiliar with the said “safety device” inquires about it. Aura then elaborates that the origin of the Sorcerer Kingdom comes from the “Boastful Sage”. The name of the character is just a cover story to explain to outsiders how their country developed independently based on the remnants of that famous individual.

Demiurge adds that the cover story was invented out of concern for the existence of "other players”. As it is possible that the one who had mentally controlled Shalltear was one. To Albedo, in any case, there is no information available regarding this. But this is what Momonga has judged and both she and Demiurge draw a conclusion of a specific intent of why Momonga asked what Shalltear would line to do in E-Rantel. Not seeing it was just to check on the vampire’s motivation for the mission, instead they lead Shalltear to “see” what Momonga wants her to do.

Shalltear struggles to think of what other intent Momonga wants her to do in E-Rantel. From the latest intel on the city, it suffered great damage from the disaster, which led to the Sorcerer Kingdom taking advantage of the reconstruction efforts and infiltrated various nations, turning them into puppets.

Shalltear then realizes that Nigun and Ian from the Slane Theocracy are absent. Those two priests normally would look on at the Sorcerer Kingdom with suspicious eyes but now they are free from their oversight. Albedo affirms that's correct. The Sunlight Scripture is half destroyed, and those who remain have returned to their homeland. Although there still a minimum number of personnel in E-Rantel, involved in communication and intelligence. Thus Albedo states their master wishes to take advantage of this situation to more clearly expose those who are hostile to them. Momonga observing the dialogue is stunned of how his concern for wanting to check on Shalltear's personal motivation, but seeing how Shalltear came to the same conclusions of the situation impresses him.

To that end Albedo declares that for this mission Shalltear will be used as a decoy. Hearing leaves Momonga in dismay. The Overseer Guardian goes on to say that distribution of chocolate as trade goods in E-Rantel from their Idol Project relates to the Halloween Festival that will be hosted. Through Momonga's vision, they have been disguising events that did not previously exist in this world, passing them as old customs from the Boastful Sage and using them to stir things up. Demiurge states that the whole point of introducing these customs is to reveal the movements of players and the existence of World Items. They have already turned the Re-Estize Kingdom and Baharuth Empire into their puppets, so there are no secrets for them to delve for.

That is not the case for the last nation, the Slane Theocracy, which Shalltear now understands is the most likely perpetrator who used a World Item on her and mind controlled her. While the Theocracy may seen the true culprit, Albedo does not discount there may be other forces at work, thus why they put the current plan for the Halloween Festival in action. If Shalltear can stay safely in E-Rantel during the festival then it will confirm that the Theocracy was responsible.

To Aura it will mean that their list of suspects will be reduced and be a perfect chance to gather information. The plan is to Shalltear's satisfaction even if being a decoy as she takes joy to be of use to Momonga. Momonga hearing her say that, is disappointed that his servants are reading too much into his him, but their plan does have merit and remains silent in correcting them. Instead he tells Shalltear to keep to the plan and to make this year's event more festive. Underlining to be aware that humans are fragile and delicate. If they wish the Three Kingdoms to be their puppets, it be a problem if their labor force was diminished so he expects that the population of E-Rantel to increase after this uplifting festival.

Albedo stresses the importance of this event as this time, the request came from the human side. If they undertake this task and accomplish it, their trust and dependence on the Sorcerer Kingdom will become even more solid than ever. Besides, even if an enemy were to appear, it could expose an unknown force and the possibility if they have a World Item. However, even in that case, if Shalltear takes advantage of the fact that the government has little oversight, she will be able to create a situation where Shall can wield more power than usual.

In that case, Aura volunteers to accompany Shalltear as they will need someone from the Sorcerer Kingdom to find the adventurer Shall and take him to E-Rantel and in the event of an emergency, it's really reliable to have her there as she possesses senses to be able to respond to unknown forces. Her inclusion is permitted by Momonga, and the Sorcerer King also announces his intent to call out to the remaining Pleiades as intelligence and military forces. For Shalltear and Aura they are instructed to work together with Entoma as their liaison and get things done.

Aura and Shalltear affirm to Momonga that they will comply with his orders to liven up the festival. When it comes to events, Shalltear intends to show off her training from all the idol activities.

At night in grassland near the Great Tomb of Nazarick, after confirming its safety by the summons and others, adventurers Shall and Aura reveal their appearances. Shall exhibits gladness of being able to don her adventurer persona and thanks Aura for being her escort.

Aura happy to see Shall look so nostalgic, reminds the undercover Floor Guardian to wear the ring that nullifies detection and to recite her cover story. Shall dramatically tells her dark elf friend that she is a person who has been “cursed” leaving her magic to be sealed away. Aura playing along states that by the time they get to the Great Forest of Tob, Shall should have regained her ability to use the staff. Shall then, declares its time to start her adventurer journey.

Meanwhile Momonga gathers the three Pleiades - Lupusregina, Narberal, and Entoma - in his office and explains his plan for them to go to E-Rantel and participate in the "Halloween" Festival in costume. Along with the excitement of the festival—-he would like to ask them to monitor for any disturbing human movements during the event. This time, Shalltear is disguised as an adventurer and is the centerpiece of the festival so they need to be especially careful around her.

Lupusregina finds the mission to be exciting, although Narberal questions if they are moving out due to the waning influence of the Theocracy in E-Rantel. Momonga admits that there's an aspect to it, but this time, it's unusual, and there's a request from the humans to have “Halloween '' again from the Sorcerer Kingdom. Additionally Shalltear's appearance is part of that. Albedo elaborates that specifically the adventurer Shall, who visited E-Rantel before, was quite well-liked. Momonga wants to respond to the request in order to make the position of the Sorcerer Kingdom which contributed to E-Rantel’s reconstruction even more strong.

Narberal understands as she was there last time when Shalltear went to E-Rantel for an exchange match to recruit adventurers. And is not surprised that she is being called again as her success there fascinated the lowly humans.

Momonga adds that this event will have mock battle called a dedication demonstration to liven things up. If necessary, the maids can also join in and make the festival more exciting. halloween

Lupusregina plans to take advantage of her undercover identity as a worker in the Empire. While Narberal has no problem walking amongst humans, Entoma’s presence might be an issue as she could be recognized as a subordinate of Jaldabaoth, making it a bit dangerous even if she can disguise herself.

That's being said, Albedo states they are sending Shalltear out as a decoy, so they will need Entoma who has abilities for espionage. In Momonga’s belief the most likely candidate of who placed mental control over Shalltear is someone from the Theocracy. However, they are still in the process of elimination and so far it’s just an opinion and has no basis for it.

If Shalltear gets some kind of reaction when she is exposed to the public eye in this case, it might be possible to narrow down their suspects. Entoma understands that this in itself is a useful basis and will hide in a house, where she will serve as everyone's coordinator and provide intelligence on the surrounding area. Even though Momonga doubts it's likely to happen, but even if a battle does occur, he is assured in Entoma ability to provide magic and a wide range of tactics.

Aftermath
TBA