Defense specialization and shattered blade.

Maple began to move after dawn.

She could not leave the guild until she had safeguarded the ten orbs Sally had brought back.

Sally lay asleep in the rear, as if dead, and showed no sign of waking soon.

Sally's map was copied by Kanade for all.

Furthermore, repair items are not a concern—Isu is present, so there is no need to search.

In that case, the need to go outside nearly disappears.

Only a few went to attack, claiming Maple was not at the [Maple Tree]. The members of the [Maple Tree] had already grown restless from idleness.

What now? Someone must go out—reduce the number of players.

Kasumi was the one who responded to Crom's proposal.

Hmm... I shall go. Defense will be sufficient with Iz's bomb and Yui and Mai's throws.

She walked toward the outpost’s exit, saying so.

Do not overexert yourself.

Ah, I’ll take care not to kill you outright.

Crom’s reply. Kasumi vanished down the corridor.

Kasumi had spent most of the first day with Iz.

To seize the orb, they needed the terrain’s aid. They focused on eliminating rivals.

With Iz’s gear, durability was not a concern. During the night, they moved at random, cutting down other players.

Even without Maple, fighting the [Maple Tree] would not end without consequence.

If already dead once, one would avoid the [Maple Tree].

Fewer players attacked the [Maple Tree] because Kasumi and Iz had steadily increased deaths among nearby players.

A slow, steady effect.

Today, too, she would focus solely on defeating players.

Now… should I go in the opposite direction from where Maple is?

Searching for unharmed players along the path Maple took would be futile.

Good. I’ll go this way.

Kasumi chose to move through the forest, where hiding places were plentiful.

The dense foliage concealed her own form, and the terrain often held other players—this was why she circled such places.

Good… here it comes.

Kasumi found a player and struck swiftly from behind.

Too careless.

The player sensed her, raised their sword.

Kasumi deflected the oncoming strike, countered with a cut.

A motion repeated countless times before, now useful again in this event.

Kasumi felled three players, then resumed walking.

After walking for a time, she emerged from the woods and suddenly encountered one player.

…Oh… someone I recognize.

…Go back.

Kasumi begins to retreat, but the player before her does not let her.

We were going to invite you to our guild.

Sorry, Maple got there first.

Excellent talent is needed by every guild.

The guild that wanted to recruit Kasumi and Crom was not the only one.

The man facing Kasumi murmurs, as if resigned, and stares at her.

I lost the first event, so… this time, I’ll win.

He draws his one-handed sword, raises his shield. This is Shin, known as Crack Sword.

He has faced Kasumi directly in the first event. She won then.

Hah… I’ll send you back to death.

Kasumi draws her blade in reply.

Shin, known as Crack Sword, has distinct features, of course.

"Crack Sword!"

The one-handed sword shatters in response to Shin's voice, dissolving into fragments that hover in midair.

They condense into ten blades, each resembling a smaller version of the original.

Shield in one hand, ten swords floating in the air.

This is the style of Crack Sword.

"Hah!"

Shin's swords fly toward Kasumi in rapid succession.

"Feh!"

Kasumi exhales sharply, deflecting and blocking as many as she can, focusing solely on defense.

Yet, without Sally's agility, Kasumi takes damage.

She endures.

The difference from Sally lies in her higher HP.

Avoiding the sword aimed at her center allows her to continue fighting.

"One-Strike Flame!"

Shin teleports before her and strikes downward.

The blow is blocked by the shield.

"Still… incredible skill. Can't withstand it without a shield."

“Hah… even someone who dodged bare-handed!”

She pulls back the swung blade and strikes again.

But that too is blocked. Kasumi feels the sword flying toward her back and leaps clear.

Having fought enough to know each other’s rhythm, neither can land a decisive blow.

Yet much time has passed since the first event.

Neither has remained stagnant. Growth is evident.

Both sense that survival depends on outmaneuvering the other’s advancement.

The strike that could not be delivered on the first day…