Defense specialization and third floor of the tower.

The two easily defeated the common monsters, then surveyed their surroundings once more.

Lava poured from the walls like a waterfall, glowing brightly and illuminating the walls and ceiling.

"Amazing... If this were real, it'd be too hot to stay here!"

Maple crouched at the edge of the lava sea, gazing into the distance.

She did not touch it, not even slightly, but watched the lava burst with sound, curious.

"Indeed. Hmm... I see. Focusing only on the strategy is a waste."

Sally, keeping watch on their surroundings, began to gaze at the view beyond the wall, mimicking Maple.

"What will the fourth floor be like?"

"Who knows? I haven't seen any information... But it probably isn't just a corridor. Shiroppu might fly well here, too."

If only that were true. Wouldn’t have to worry about the ground at all then!

The plaza was manageable, but the corridor was too narrow even for Shiroppu to pass through, now that he had grown so large.

After a while of idle standing, a burning bird emerged again from the waterfall, as if to remind them this was a battle field.

Maple lifted her gaze from the lava and pointed toward the bird.

“Ah, Sally! It’s back again!”

“Ignore it. Keep moving, Maple!”

“Eh… w-what?!”

Maple turned her eyes back at Sally’s voice just as a fish-shaped monster, its scales melted and dripping with flame, expelled a chunk of lava from its mouth.

Maple raised her shield instantly and used [Bad Eating] to swallow the lava chunk, nullifying it.

The monster burst from the molten sea, a burning body over a meter tall, lunging at Maple and vanishing into her shield.

"…I, I was startled…"

"Me too. I let my guard down… sorry. That was close."

"No, it's fine. Hurry—before it notices us!"

Maple rose without turning her gaze from the molten sea, stepping back, then sprinting toward the next passage.

"Yeah… that shield really is strong."

Though Maple had grown more varied in her attacks lately, no longer relying solely on [Bad Eating], the skill remained perfectly suited to her.

Sally caught up, reaffirming its strength.

The two slipped into the passage without being seen by the monster, then paused to breathe.

“Still can’t stay calm… you never know where the monster might come from!”

Maple speaks while glancing back. Compared to the plaza, the passage is safer—there are no hidden spots for monsters to lurk.

“Each floor up will bring trickier monsters, ones with quirks. Be careful of piercing attacks, fixed damage. Healing suppression, too.”

Sally explains to Maple, as it’s common for support roles to be targeted first.

“True. If they just attack, it’s fine. That makes sense!”

“Maple, that’s a bit different…”

“Is it?”

The two continue down the passage, speaking as they cautiously check the next plaza.

A hazardous zone spreads ahead—lava erupting at short intervals.

The crimson flames reach the high ceiling at times. The two exchange glances.

“S-Sally? What do we do now?”

“Huh? I think it’s impossible… No, maybe we could push through if we accept the damage. But that doesn’t feel right.”

Sally concludes that even if this entire area is a damage zone, they might force their way through if Maple uses Love That Offers the Body to shield them, and Sally handles the healing.

“Another route… or Water Ball!”

Sally tries a water spell on the ground. The lava eruptions do not stop.

Maple, seeing Sally’s spell just then, seems to relax slightly.

“Ugh… no good. So… is there a solution somewhere?”

“Let’s go back and check another path for now.”

Several branching paths exist. Shall we explore every corner?

Yes! Ugh... but we must return to the previous location.

Maple makes a face of disappointment. We managed to arrive unnoticed.

There are surely many there, too.

Grrr... then let’s prepare our items!

Maple draws a sphere from her inventory that deals water damage. She grips it tightly.

So many different items you carry...

Heh heh... they’re quite useful.

The two decide to retreat for now.