Two who resemble each other in defense.

That Frederica and Drag are defending the Gathering Holy Sword's orb means Dread and Pain must be taking orbs from another faction.

Dread succeeded in securing two orbs, accompanied by thirty allies.

Though a few were lost due to Dread's lack of area attacks, it was undoubtedly going smoothly.

"Another one... I'm tired, but..."

He turned to face the direction of his next target.

A single player stood quietly ahead.

Dread caught sight of the figure. No reason. A chill ran through him.

"...You all, change of plans. Take the orb and return. I'm asking you—hurry."

The players, confused, hesitated. But sensing Dread's unusual air, they turned and left as instructed.

When all had departed, the robed figure approached.

Dread drew his two short swords and spoke.

"Then... you're strong?"

"Maybe."

"...I trust my instincts. That's how I've won. So..."

Dread exhaled. Focused. Whispered quietly.

"Troublesome. But I must crush you here."

"I didn't expect to meet you here either."

Sally, the robed figure, drew her two blue daggers.

Dread narrowed his eyes at the sight.

"...Damn. Worse than his report said."

Sally did not miss the quiet curse.

She settled her resolve. Moved toward Dread.

The battle between the two monsters, brought together by chance, began.

Neither Dread nor Sally used offensive skills.

The cast of a known skill leaves a gap. Predictable. Dangerous.

A swordsman wielding two short blades cannot afford to lack evasion.

Sally’s attacks rebounded off Dread. Dread’s strikes were avoided by Sally with ease.

Dread moved faster. She gained more attacks. Sally had no chance to counter.

“[Hyper Acceleration]!”

Dread struck first.

In accelerated motion, Sally’s evasion faltered for a single instant. Dread lunged forward.

“……!?”

But Dread abruptly changed direction and leapt back.

“……… Instinct…?”

“If you doubt it, I’m finished.”

Dread halted her advance solely on instinct.

Sally witnessed a different kind of evasion.

Dread maintained distance. She watched Sally.

I thought I had to take you down here… 【Divine Speed】!

The skill, known by Dread’s name, was a power that approached the speed of the gods.

A force set to be imperceptible to human senses, it vanished for ten seconds.

………Huh.

Sally knew of the skill, a name earned through information gathering.

The reason Dread did not conceal the skill was simple.

Knowing it did not mean one could counter it.

No player, save for a handful, could respond.

Yet Sally was among that handful.

【Flowing Water】!

Sally sensed Dread’s absence through sound and air currents, then deliberately left a fatal opening, luring the attack there.

And she called that skill, cleanly deflecting the short sword.

【Leap】!

Sally gained space by leaping backward, buying time to assess her next approach, but Dread did not appear.

…Perhaps she had returned. Well, at least I got to see 【Flowing Water】.

Sally, now certain Dread and Frederica belonged to the same guild, thought only that she had increased the credibility of her information.

…Dread’s attacks will be difficult to land.

Sally decided to practice evading Dread’s techniques—her instinct and fear as sensors—then set out to find the next guild.

Dread, meanwhile, pondered as he pursued the group he had sent ahead.

【Flowing Water】…Even without that, her evasion was high…And that sensation…

Two players had felt a chill upon seeing Dread’s form in this game.

One was Pain. The other was Maple.

If one considers oneself equal to those others… then why did I survive?

Sally still holds hidden strength. In the earlier contest, she held back.

Otherwise, the chill down one’s spine would not have been possible.

Dread paused, his thoughts growing tiresome.

Perhaps I’ll speak with Pain when we return. I’m not the one who thinks, after all.

The two who met by chance each gained something vital.

Dread learned of the discrepancy between Sally and the Sally whom Frederica had spoken of.

Sally succeeded in making herself stronger by the presence of 【Flowing Water】. And most importantly.

She found a clue toward further refinement of evasion.

Having received various opinions about the guild battle, I will now reply in kind.

In principle, dividing the field by guild size seems reasonable.

No disparity arises between large and small guilds. All guilds would find the competition more enjoyable.

This rule carries a significant flaw in that regard.

It was not possible because Maple and the others believed battles between large guilds would be more exciting. A battle of small guilds, devoid of excitement, could not be written.