Defense specialization and the fifth floor.
Maple, separated from Sally, noticed the logout and exited the tower temporarily without removing the [Cruelty] status, waiting for Sally.
After some time, Sally returned with an embarrassed expression.
"Next time, I’ll make sure not to fall?"
"Uh… yeah."
As the two stood still on the fifth floor, the remaining members of [Maple Tree] were also advancing through the fifth floor.
They had been advancing smoothly, protecting Mai and Yui as a group, then releasing them from their immobilization by applying a large number of buffs at the precise moment.
Yet, on the fifth floor, a monster appeared—one that even they could not defeat.
"Here it comes—physical immunity! Kasumi, Kanade!"
The translucent ghost approached with swift movement, nullifying all physical attacks.
Mai and Yui were still inexperienced in combat. They could barely land hits. They managed by switching roles in attack.
"Aa, leave it to me! — [Warrior’s Arm]!"
Kasumi activated the skill from the demonic blade obtained on the fourth floor. Two armored arms, each wielding a large blade, materialized at her sides.
The one on the right, wrapped in violet flames, moved in tandem with Kasumi’s sword, inflicting flame-elemental damage.
It reduced all stats by twenty percent temporarily, yet remained effective. Kasumi cut through the ghosts in succession.
"Nice. I could just use magic casually..."
While the two continued their attribute-based attacks, Crom shielded Mai and Yui with his body.
Unlike Maple, he took damage, but ensured neither of them received any.
"Recovery power? I’m not behind!"
Crom’s HP diminished and restored repeatedly, as Izuru used healing items.
“Hmm, about time. Kasumi! They’re coming from below!”
“Ah, I know. No problem.”
A fissure appears, identical to the one that pulled Maple in, but the six unbound individuals avoid it with precision.
Crom and Kasumi possess sufficient 【STR】 to tear free from hands emerging from the ground. Izuru and Kanade dodge skillfully. For Mai and Yui, restraint is meaningless.
Avoiding it was effortless.
“Underground routes are troublesome. I’d rather guard above ground… we’ll avoid them precisely.”
“Yes! Um… please handle the mid-route battles.”
“The boss responds to normal attacks, it seems. Stay ready for that.”
“We’ll handle the boss!”
“Yeah, reliable. I’ll prepare a spell that keeps the field in order.”
Mai and Yui tighten their grip on the great mallet, while Kasumi recalls the stored spellbook.
They endure several more attempts by the monsters to drag them underground, and the six continue forward without pause.
“What’s Maple doing now?”
“Fifth floor seems ill-suited.”
“Depends on Sally, doesn’t it? Hope she’s managing…”
As they speak, recalling Sally’s actions on the sixth floor, the surroundings begin to shift.
“Hm. Everyone, the fog is thickening. Next sector.”
As Kasumi says, a blinding white mist rises around them, obscuring everything beyond a few meters.
“Didn’t expect it’d be this hard to see…”
“Better move carefully. Information on this sector remains scarce.”
Kasumi led, followed by Kanade, Izumi, Crom, Mai, and Yui, moving through the silence of the fog.
So quiet... it's rather eerie, Crom... Crom?
Iz, puzzled by the lack of reply, glanced back—three figures who should have been walking there were gone.
"Kanade! Kasumi! … eh?"
She turned her gaze forward again. There were no figures there.
"Indeed... there was still a trap."
She opens the map, accepting that the lost ones cannot be helped. The positions of the five remain unknown.
Iz, thinking trouble had arisen, began walking again to gather information.
Correction of certain skill descriptions