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 its 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.