Defense specialization and the ninth floor of the tower.

While Maple considers something, Sally steadily reduces the boss’s HP.

Close-range attacks cause black spines to extend from its body in response, countering the strike—but to Sally, this is merely a reinforcement of the 【Sword Dance】 buff.

"Still, HP is high... charging in too much will make evasion impossible... wait!"

She floats lightly upward to dodge the sweeping arm, landing on a nearby platform.

"Phew... huh?"

As she considers where to strike next, she sees Shiroppu on the opposite side of the boss, positioned directly across.

"Uwah, what’s that?"

Shiroppu extends a white pillar toward the ground, and atop it, Maple sits upon a throne.

On either side, large shields floated close to Maple, positioned directly across. In the center, the [Shadow Night's Reflection] was aimed forward.

From the gaps between the shields, four cannon towers extended. Maple, wearing green attire and a crown, stared at the boss with confidence.

"Attack Start. Poltergeist! Shiroppu, Spirit Cannon!"

Laser beams shot from the four cannon towers and from Shiroppu’s mouth, scorching the boss’s body. Maple swung the lasers sharply, pursuing the boss as it tried to flee.

The counterattack, naturally triggered, could not be avoided by Maple, drifting slowly through the air.

Five black lasers struck Maple. The cannon towers shattered cleanly.

No damage to Maple. But again, her limited arsenal was destroyed.

Muu... Portageist isn't much use... if the foundation's broken...

Maple stepped forward as the attack shifted to Sally. She moved without concern for knockback, rising from the throne and slamming down Shadow Night.

Red damage effect flared. A counter struck. She absorbed it with Heavy Body, now restored.

She stepped back, guiding Shiroppu away.

Then, she moved, positioning Shiroppu directly above Sally.

Love That Offers the Body protects both above and below—let me guard from above!

Good! Thanks!

Sally’s voice came from below, bouncing across shifting footholds, evading swinging arms. Maple paused, considered, then swiftly repositioned Shiroppu to hover above Sally.

I'll protect from above!

Even if Sally were struck, Maple would shield her alone.

Moreover, Maple was surrounded on all sides by three shields and a throne, preventing pursuit, with damage reduction and healing activated.

All that remained was to produce Iz's special potion and place it upon her feet—perfect defensive posture complete.

"Must remember Pierce Guard... then meditation!"

Maple's repertoire of usable skills had grown. Her thoughts had grown too. She listened to Sally’s battle sounds below, executing various skills with ease.

"Ugh, hardly any attack skills while seated... eigh!"

Maple tossed the paralysis-inducing item Iz had given her through a gap in the shield.

She advances with unwavering composure, close enough that the blow cannot miss—crackling yellow effects scatter as she is struck.

"Seems to work! Then... there!"

Maple pulls several identical items from her inventory, rolling them out one by one. She hurls them upward even as the massive arm swings down from the side.

Each one alone has little effect on the boss, but continued assault, unimpeded by defense or counter, changes the outcome.

"Got it! Paralyzed!"

"Thank you. Now I can strike without hesitation!"

Sally seizes the moment, activating her 【Doping Seed】 to boost 【STR】, then slashes relentlessly while the paralysis prevents counterattacks, chipping away at the boss’s HP.

At last, the boss’s HP drops to seventy percent. The paralysis breaks. It stirs slowly, then roars loudly.

"Back up!"

Got it. Coming with you!

Floating in alignment with Maple in midair, she lands on a distant platform.

The boss’s roar does not cease. Change comes to the sky.

Several shooting stars fall from above, trailing flames. They strike the star-shaped platforms, shattering them across the area.

"Ugh... this is bad..."

"What now, Sally? Ride them?"

Maple gently lowers her height, bringing Shiroppu to her side.

"More platforms over there. Let’s take them there. Safer on Maple’s side."

"Got it! Let’s move quick before we get hit!"

"Yeah... this thing’s tough. I thought we’d done more damage."

"Tell me about it."

Before the roar ends, the two move swiftly to the opposite side.