Defense specialization and assistance.

While periodically learning how to wield a large shield from Crom, Maple wandered through the sixth layer's Town whenever she had free time.

" Hmm, I’ve got the item Sally wanted… What should I do now?"

After walking without direction for a while, Maple concluded she might not need to do anything in particular until the next event.

" Maybe I should relax. Fighting ghosts is exhausting."

Maple sat on a bench in the Town, watching a white shadow fly across the sky. A message arrived.

" Hm? Who is it... Ah, Mii!"

Maple read the text.

It asked if she would join for a monster hunt, if she had time.

" I was bored anyway… Right. Meet at the eastern entrance."

Maple rose from the bench and walked toward the eastern gate.

When Maple reached the eastern entrance, Mii was already there.

"Sorry! Did I keep you waiting?"

Mii glanced around briefly, then spoke to Maple.

"It's fine. I'm the one who asked you last minute. Sorry about that."

"It's fine. I had nothing else to do."

"True. But thank you anyway. Shall we go?"

"Yeah!"

Maple followed Mii as they left the Town.

The farther they walked from the Town, the fewer people they saw. Mii's expression grew looser, more relaxed.

"Should we use [Brutality]? It'll slow us down a lot… I'm fine with it, but what about you?"

"I'm fine. I'd like to take our time and talk."

The two walked toward their destination, exchanging words about recent events.

From talk of the previous event, the conversation turned to the enemies of the sixth layer.

Mii found the atmosphere of the Town slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps Sally might get along better with her, then.

They spoke of such things as they reached their destination.

"Ugh. A tomb."

"Yes. Souls of the departed emerge here... a skill that enhances fire attacks can be obtained. But the attack covers a wide area and is quite strong."

"If that's the case, leave it to me! Love That Offers the Body! Heavenly Throne!"

From Maple's back, angelic wings extended. Her hair turned gold, her eyes blue.

As a radiant halo appeared above her head, a white throne materialized behind her.

Maple sat down with a soft thud and smiled at Mii.

"Always safe. Oh, but don't wander too far, okay?"

"Huh? Ah, y-yeah. Got it."

Mii tore her gaze from Maple and turned toward the emerging blue soul.

"【Flame Emperor】!"

Two large fireballs materialized around Mii, devouring the souls one after another.

Yet, despite the skill enhancing flame attacks, Mii’s flames could not fell them in a single strike.

"Still impossible... I did strengthen them a little, though!"

The moment Mii swung her arm, releasing the fireball, the swarm of souls surged forward, engulfing the entire field in blue flames.

"……! Ah, right."

In the blaze, Mii turned back.

There, amidst the flames, sat Maple on her throne—unharmed, fully healed.

As long as the Unfallen Bastion protected Mii, such insignificant souls could not defeat her.

"This buys time."

It did not take long for Mii to extinguish the souls of men in that flame.

Having vanquished the dozens of souls rising before her, Mii approached Maple, who remained seated as before.

"Thank you, Maple. I was saved."

"Are you alright now? That was amazing! I was in the flames the whole time... sparkled so brightly, it was beautiful!"

"That... was good? Is it alright? I suppose only Maple could see such a sight."

"Really? Then I'm lucky!"

"Maybe. Hmm... I wish I could repay you somehow... Ah! I know!"

Mii made a face as if recalling something. Then she began to speak to Maple about what she had remembered.

I heard from a Town information broker about a skill called 【Iron Body】 and another called 【Heavy Body】. They’re related to 【VIT】 and resistance. The broker wouldn’t say more than that they’re located in the south. Seems like a worthwhile skill.

Skills can be bought…?

Maple’s eyes widened. Mii mirrored her expression, eyes widening in turn.

I didn’t know…? Well, it costs quite a bit. But some are useful.

Mii then told Maple the location of the information broker.

Maple wrote it down carefully and kept it. She thanked Mii.

I’m the one who should thank you. If anything comes up, let me know. I’ll come to your aid—without fail!

Yeah, see you later!

After parting from Mii, Maple headed south, searching for the skill Mii had described.