Defense specialization and orb collection.

After experiencing growth that would lead to greater strength, Sally dismantled a nameless minor guild.

Some time after destroying the guild beneath the cliff, Sally met Dread. In that interval, she had also stolen an orb from another guild.

Thus, Sally now held three orbs.

Three orbs meant it was nearly time to return to the first 【Maple Tree】.

"Perhaps the score from the first orb I took will be registered soon."

Many battles had occurred since the event began.

Large guilds naturally led in victories, but mid-sized guilds countered with strategy.

Even so, minor guilds were at a disadvantage, save for one.

The field’s time acceleration began at noon.

The sun would soon begin to set.

Night would bring poorer visibility. Each guild’s attacks would grow more intense.

Of course, Sally’s assault grew bolder, masked by the dark.

“Hurry back.”

As Sally hastened to return.

Maple and the others struck down the player who had stepped inside.

Three players had entered, so Yui and Mai used their iron balls to bring them down.

“Maple-san! We’ve acquired a new skill!”

“Huh! That’s impressive!”

Yui and Mai showed no intention of hiding their skill from Maple. They named it, stated the condition, and explained its effect.

The skill was called [Flight Strike]. The condition was [Throwing] — to deliver the final blow.

The effect was as the name suggested: when the weapon was swung, the attack would fly.

Swinging a sword sent a slash forward. Swinging a hammer sent a circular shockwave straight ahead.

Though weaker than a normal attack, even with the reduced power, Yui and Mai could still deliver a one-hit kill.

"Shall we try it in the next fight?"

"Better not. Sally said keeping it hidden is wiser. Just test it briefly, then put it away."

"Then go ahead."

Yui and Mai stepped away from the orb's defense to test the new skill, then returned promptly.

Eyes bright with clear intent, brimming with determination.

"Both Sally and Crom are heading this way."

Kanade spoke while checking the map.

Kanade had limited magic-book consumption to only Shadowstitch, and Maple was primarily supporting with Love That Offers the Body, preparing for nightfall.

All of this was possible because of Yui and Mai's efforts.

Still, the two were nearing exhaustion.

Resting on the ground after each kill was likely their limit.

Sally will return. Crom will return. Rest for a while. You are tired, are you not?

Maple speaks. The two obey without protest and turn back toward the inner passage.

Willpower alone cannot move the body.

There are times when rest is necessary.

Can Kanade not rest?

I have not moved much.

Maple speaks with Kanade for a while. Then Crom returns.

Kasumi and Iz are assaulting a minor guild.

Will the two be safe…?

Yes. Iz keeps making bombs. Kasumi rolls them into the cave. It will end soon enough.

Only Iz could employ such a strategy. Even if another player could do it, Maple—whose base is also in the cave—would only endure the noise. No harm done.

And so, back to defense.

Yui and Mai are growing weary… we could use the help.

In the game, the great shields—ranked first and second in strength—hold the defense.

Even just two of them make the defense overwhelming.

It is only because defense can be trusted that offense can be pursued without distraction.

Thus, Kasumi and Iz can afford to take their time, ensuring the guild’s fall.

“Yes, keep rolling them.”

“Yeah. Leave it to me.”

The large bomb.

Only produced in the Workshop, but Iz can craft it anywhere.

Materials are forged from gold.

Funds have been gathered to the point where even mass production of large bombs leaves room to spare.

Kasumi tosses bomb after bomb into the sloped entrance.

They roll down the incline, one after another, and then erupt with a thunderous blast.

The cries that once echoed fade gradually, growing quieter and quieter.

……Is it over?

I will go first.

Kasumi stepped down the slope, blade raised to guard Izu.

The orb chamber ahead bore blackened scars across the ground, marks of explosion.

One player, barely alive, staggered to her feet and raised her sword.

【One Blade: Mirage】

Kasumi closed the distance, teleported with skill, and appeared before her—cut down in a single stroke.

Fuu…… perhaps Sally is just extraordinary.

Sally had sidestepped it, crouched low. No one else had ever evaded this attack and countered it, not once, not twice, but again and again—only Sally.

Crom and Kasumi rely on steady, methodical takedowns.

In 【Maple’s Grove】, Kasumi is the most ordinary—she uses no tricks, which is why she remains utterly reliable.

She always wins when victory is possible.

It is because she never suffers from having her weakness exploited.

A player gentle to the heart of Iz and Crom.

Though to enemies, she is utterly unkind—overwhelmingly strong, almost unjustly so.

"Then, let us retrieve the orb and return. Revival would be troublesome."

"Yes. Let us do that."

Kasumi stowed the orb and turned back toward the guild.

She ensured no accidents occurred by bringing back each achievement precisely, one by one.