Chapter 99

Beyond the Snow, Part 8-a (雪の果て (8-a)) and Beyond the Snow, Part 8-b (雪の果て (8-b)) are the 99th chapter of Kazue Katō's Ao no Exorcist.

8-a Summary
Mephisto shows Rin the world in disorder due to the opening of the artificial Gehenna Gate, which he claims was due to the failure of his tactics. Rin asks what are these tactics, to which Mephisto tells him to not mind. Mephisto tells Rin he must go alone to get the answer to his questions from the previous chapter. Rin asks to where? Mephisto says "to the past" and that Rin already has the key to travelling into the past. The key was given to him by Father Fujimoto. Rin complains that since he's had the key the whole, Mephisto should have told him about it sooner. Mephisto only answers it wasn't the right time until then. Mephisto gifts Rin with a special patrol uniform with camouflage abilities. Mephisto then hides Rin's demon heart since the latter can't do it yet. Mephisto instructs Rin on how to use the key that will bring him to the past. Mephisto notices Rin's expression, deducing that he is scared of finding out the truth. Rin admits that he's scared and that, if possible, he didn't want to know anything about his birth. Rin comments that if Mephisto were just gonna reveal the truth so easily, he should've told it to Yukio instead, since he's the one who really wanted to know. Mephisto says that he's tried to do so many times. Rin finally enters a door that will bring him to the truth he seeks.

Elsewhere, reports of increased activity of demons in the world caused by the opening of the artificail Gehenna Gate throw the world in disarray and in panic. Knights of the True Cross Order barely keeps up with their works. The Japanese government declares a State of Emergency in response to the situation.

Mass of citizens rush to the Kyoto Branch Office to seek help regarding demons. Konekomaru prepares to enter a door that will bring him to Kyoto Branch Office to deliver the broken Kurikara to Tatsuma.

8-a Demons in Order of Appearance

 * 1) Coal Tar
 * 2) Shadow
 * 3) Cat Sídhe
 * 4) Harpy

Meister used

 * 1) Knight

Weapons used

 * Caliburn