Defense specialization and solitude.

When Maple and the others return to the guild home and head toward the Workshop, Izu is there, fully engaged in crafting something, all tools spinning at full capacity.

As Maple hesitates, unsure whether to call out, Izu stretches deeply and steps toward the exit from the Workshop, only then noticing the three.

"Ah, Maple-chan and the others. Sorry, I didn’t see you… I’ve had a lot on my hands."

"Um, is this a new item?"

"Mai-chan, correct! Since entering the Seventh Layer, a great deal of new gear and items have been added. Things like items to charm monsters, or ones that increase the chance of rare monsters appearing… There are many things you can’t buy in shops, so it’s fun, but also demanding."

Izu says with confidence, after a while, that the crafted items and gear will soon be ready to hand over.

That’s right. We came looking for just the right items!

Maple speaks, explaining the situation. Izu produces the items and gear.

A drink that temporarily raises AGI, an item that lowers AGI when struck against a monster—solutions offered from various angles. All are Izu’s creations, effective and undeniably useful in compensating for the two women’s sluggishness.

“For a temporary AGI boost, wear this accessory. Our guild doesn’t change gear often… but adjusting equipment to suit the location is important too.”

“Thank you!”

Mai and Yui immediately don the gear, stepping around the workshop to test their new speed.

“Hmm, nice!”

"Just raised it slightly with ornamentation, so I think it still falls short of Seventh Layer standards. If needed, I’ll prepare another set—just say the word."

Mai and Yui bow to Iz again, resolve firm in their eyes. They will catch up this time. It is uncertain whether merely catching up will be enough to join the group. There is no choice but to try as many methods as possible.

"I’m counting on good news."

"We’ll gather materials too! There are new items available now!"

Maple makes the promise, and the three exit the Workshop. Next, she prepares to send a message to Sally, when Sally herself enters the Guild Hall.

"Oh, Sally! Just in time!"

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Well, actually—"

As Maple recounts the events in the forest, Sally nods with interest.

It wasn’t on the information board. Might be rare. Hard to meet again… still, I want to find it.

Right! And I wanted to ask you, Sally, to help me catch up…

Maple spoke, and Sally shook her head. She would log out soon to study for an upcoming test.

You should prepare too, Maple.

Uuu… you’re right. It’s a good time, though…

Maple scratched her head, remembering. She would now struggle to help Mai and Yui. She began to think how to manage.

It’s fine! I still have an item from Iz-sama!

Yes… we’ve already received enough help.

Hearing this, Maple stopped thinking. She nodded once, deeply.

Yes, I understand! Then I’ll be looking forward to your good report!

Please expect it!

I’ll do my best!

Maple waved goodbye to the two, then logged out with Sally.

The two who remained stood still for a moment, uneasy, yet determined. They turned toward the field.

"Absolutely, I’ll find my partner, big sister!"

"Right. Let’s do our best."

Yet they knew they would fall in one strike if attacked by a monster from the Seventh Layer. They understood this. There was only one way forward—eliminate the threat first.

As soon as they stepped onto the field, they activated a new skill.

"“Destiny Mode (Destroy Mode)!”"

The medal skill they had acquired. As it activated, crimson sparks flared. Their bodies and weapons were engulfed in a deep red aura. Towering in presence, they advanced through the field, their auras blazing.

Destiny Mode

Active: Attack range enlarged. Cooldown time drastically reduced. [VIT] halved. Damage taken doubled.

For the two, a heavy drawback—normally crippling—was as good as nonexistent, since taking damage meant immediate end.

Even as they wielded twin great hammers, the monster charged without hesitation.

"Coming, Yui!"

"Got it... yah!"

The great hammer swung at the wolf-like monster missed its mark slightly, glancing low. Yet the moment the aura coating the weapon touched the beast, it exploded with a sharp crack, bursting apart.

The wolf rolled across the ground, then shattered into light.

"Amazing! The impact area’s much bigger!"

"Yeah... this makes it easier to hit, even for us!"

The other players on the field froze. They had never seen such distinctive figures before. To witness the attack range of two who could deliver instant death expand so suddenly was unbearable.

Yet neither of the two noticed the stares around them. Their focus remained on searching for the cub within the forest area.