Defense specialization and quests.
This time it’s shorter, for better focus.
The day after gathering materials.
Maple walks alone through the second Town.
The others’ schedules did not align, so today she acts alone.
She had missed her chance during the second event and had not properly explored the second Town yet, so she decided to do some exploring on her own.
“Dragging others along isn’t fair.”
Besides, Maple wanted to spend some time alone, relaxing while exploring.
Her first goal is finding equipment for Sally.
Next, seeking skills and gear that can enhance herself.
Maple still lacks headgear, so she targets headgear.
She approaches each NPC she finds, speaking to them in turn.
Yet some events do not trigger under her current stats.
Those that depend on values other than VIT.
For example, Sally’s [Hyper Acceleration] event.
In such cases, speaking to the key NPC does not trigger the event.
“Maybe I’ll try the edge of town.”
Moving away from the center, foot traffic thins.
Houses seen are mostly [Guild Homes], inaccessible.
Wandering through alleys, she finds a few that can be entered—yet all are empty.
“Hey! This one works too.”
Maple pushes the door open with a creak.
Inside, a single room. A young girl lies on a tattered bed, tended by a woman who might be her mother.
“Oh? Guest? Sorry, dear.”
“Ah, no, I—”
“Are you alright?… Sorry, I know it’s hard.”
Maple feels uneasy and tries to slip out quietly, but just then the woman finishes tending and turns toward her.
“Um… are you a knight?”
« Eh? Um… I, I don’t know? »
Maple’s gear better resembles that of a knight than a mage or swordsman.
« Knight-sama! Please! Help my daughter! I can’t offer anything in return… I beg you… please… please… »
A blue plate floats before Maple’s eyes.
Quest: The Benevolent Knight
Below the display, two options appear: Yes, No.
Maple presses Yes.
She could not press No, even if asked to help.
The reward mattered not.
« Oh, thank you! I need medicine for my daughter… I couldn’t manage alone… I’ll guide you, please take her with you. »
« …Understood! I’ll protect her! »
The woman steps closer to Maple.
Above her head, a health bar floats. Misuse could lead to irreversible consequences.
A blue monitor appears here, displaying the quest's detailed explanation.
Maple reads it carefully, ensuring she does not miss the completion condition.
The condition is to reach the destination while keeping the woman alive.
There is no time limit.
"First, I just need to get outside the town, right?"
When Maple steps outside the town, the woman begins to speak.
"Head toward the [Tree of Life]. Go straight east from here."
"I understand."
Maple calls Shiroppu, who settles onto her back as usual.
The woman was set to remain within a two-meter radius around Maple, so as Maple climbs onto Shiroppu's back, she uses Shiroppu's legs as a foothold and jumps upward to catch up.
"Could you actually be stronger? You're stronger than me… aren't you?"
"East is our target."
"Ah, yes… [Telekinesis]!"
Shiroppu floated as usual, then drifted eastward with a light, floating motion.
I will adjust Sally’s quest description to match this version.