Defense specialization and ninth floor of the tower.

Even if the boss possesses vast HP, counterattacks and area damage would neutralize all offensive options. A disadvantage would inevitably grow.

Sally’s Sword Dance reached its maximum effect. Now, only relentless assault remained to break the foe.

"Only... a little over thirty percent left!"

"Poison Dragon (Hydra)!"

Due to repeated attacks from Maple and Sally’s status affliction strikes, the enemy finally entered poison status. Damage accumulated slowly, steadily.

That was why the HP bar finally dropped below thirty percent.

"Something’s changing again. Stay alert!"

"Got it!"

As the two prepared, another pair of arms stretched from beneath the two existing arms.

From above, meteors wrapped in black flames rained down in succession.

They fell precisely toward Maple and Sally.

"Looks like they're aiming for us this time!"

"Leave defense to me!"

Maple shifts two large shields above her head and catches the falling star.

"Ugh! W-what?!"

Yet black flames spread from the shattered meteor, creeping over Maple's body. The pain seeps in, slow and sharp, as if ignoring her defense entirely.

She barely recovers with the effect of the [Heavenly King's Throne] and a potion—still, this is an attack she does not wish to endure.

"S-sorry, Sally! This one... it shouldn't hit!"

"Got it! H-hold on—no time for replies!"

Sally, too, can only close in at the precise moment she can manage her four arms and counterattacks, forced to rely on weakened spells to strike.

"Ha! So it really is stronger the bigger it is!"

Still, she seizes any opening to shift from defense to evasion, swinging her dagger.

She cannot afford to take damage.

The meteor flies toward Maple regardless of the damage Sally inflicts. Maple, barely managing evasion, cannot maintain position above Sally.

— That’s below!

She escapes swiftly from the magic circle appearing beneath her, slicing through the air and slipping behind.

Just as she attempts to reapply the 【Star’s Power】 buff, a roar echoes, and black flames engulf the star-shaped platform.

— Hah… first…

— Shiroppu, 【Great Nature】!

A distant voice calls out. From afar, a massive vine extends toward Sally.

Sally grasps the intent instantly. Dodging the approaching arm, she climbs the vine and reaches Maple.

— Thank you, I’m saved!

— Hehe, you’re welcome!

Sally cannot reapply the 【Star’s Power】 buff while taking damage, given her HP status.

Returning to Maple’s side required reducing status to near zero and creating a substantial amount of platform in midair.

“Use 【Heavy Body】 like this, okay?”

“Just got lucky this time. Was watching Sally.”

“Until the platform returns, I’ll rely on you.”

“Of course. I’d appreciate it if Sally could 【Heal】 me.”

“Understood. I only use it in moments like this.”

As long as Maple remains intact, Sally is safe within the range of 【Love That Offers the Body】.

After enduring on Shiroppu’s platform for a time, the platform returned to normal.

“If you scream again, I’ll find a way to help. Attack for me. Neither 【Machine God】 nor 【Poison Dragon (Hydra)】 can be used anymore.”

“Leave it to me. It’s strange you can even attack right now.”

Sally steps down onto the platform, light wrapping around her as she turns toward the boss.

"Ten floors still remain. I want to finish this in one strike!"

She pushes off the platform with force, launching herself into the air—no desire to face this foe again.

With Maple above, she need not worry about the enemy's attacks. She can deal damage freely.

She uses the relentless barrage skill without hesitation, unafraid of being interrupted or blocked.

"Better this way—more power!"

The boss's slow movements cannot evade the rapid strikes of both daggers.

Even if the platform breaks, they are prepared. Changes in movement do not prove fatal.

"Triple Slash!"

"Seeping Chaos!"

Their final attacks pierce the boss. Its HP drops to zero. The body turns white, glowing fiercely, then shatters into light and vanishes.

Maple descends smoothly and places Sally atop Shiroppu.

"Just ten floors left now!"

"Good work. Shall we stop here for today?"

"Yep, she’s supposed to be incredibly strong… I want to recover my skills."

"True. Then let’s aim for a single breakthrough!"

"Right! Let’s do it!"

The two set out toward the final battle, fully prepared.