Defense specialization, matching perfectly.

Once cleared, motivation follows. They carried the same momentum through the second run, securing a shared monster companion.

"Aah... so tired..."

"But... we managed it, just the two of us, didn’t we?"

They sat on the guild home’s sofa, fingers glinting with the Bond Bridge, smiling with quiet satisfaction.

Just as their purpose was met and a pause settled in, Izu appeared from the back, her expression matching one of completion.

"Ah, both of you. Progress smooth?"

"Perfect! See? Me and my sister—look!"

"We’ve brought a companion!"

As they showed the ring, recounting their success, Izu nodded with clear pleasure—her expression warmed by the aid of the items and gear handed over. Then, just as she began to speak, she said:

The items that let us change the appearance of monsters we’ve recruited are finally complete. You both look similar to the ones mentioned in the stories. Shall we try them now, while we still can?

Yes! I’d like to see them briefly!

I’ll go too…

Then it’s decided. Come with me?

Iz led the two into the workshop and called forth the monsters.

Ah, right— we haven’t named them yet.

It was all we could think about after making them allies…

They agreed to decide on names after this. At their feet, two small cubs appeared, rubbing their bodies gently against their legs, showing affection.

For this type… the color effect and fur tone.

We can choose any color we like, right?

"That’s right. Since we’ll be fighting together from now on, it’s better to choose something we’re satisfied with."

With the implementation of the Seventh Layer, players could now alter the appearance of monsters they had recruited, and although skills could not be activated, monsters could be walked alongside in guild homes and towns.

They were no longer just companions. They could become something meaningful to the player.

The two debated back and forth, but in the end settled on matching their own color schemes.

Mai chose a glossy black coat with green glimmers at the tips and on the skill points. Yui selected a polar bear-like white coat with pink effects.

"Alright! Then this one’s name will be Yukimi!"

"I’ll go with Tsukimi, maybe…"

"Such a good name. Fits both of you."

Their names now settled, the two crouch down, stroking their heads. They nuzzle against the touch, eager.

"Hehe... from now on, take care of us."

"I'm counting on you!"

After a while of petting, Mai tilts her head, curiosity flickering.

"Are the others... still not bonded with monsters?"

"True. I've been holed up in the Workshop until just now. Crom seems undecided. Kanade vanished somewhere. Kasumi went to the Fourth Layer for a change of pace."

"Then it's our turn to help!"

"We'll gather materials and information. We need to raise Tsukimi and Yukimi's level soon."

"I'm counting on you. The Seventh Layer is vast. Starting from scratch will be difficult."

"「We'll do our best!」"

Mai and Yui still have much to do. They must practice coordinated attacks with the allies they have taken in—Tsukimi and Yukimi. Yet both of them gleam with quiet excitement in their eyes.

And at the same time, one member lingers slightly behind the front line, stationed in the Fourth Layer.

“Ah… it would be best if someone from this layer could be brought along… but that is likely impossible.”

Having reviewed all known information about the Seventh Layer, Kasumi found no suitable monster to target. She had come to the monster town in the Fourth Layer.

She had come hoping to recruit one of the local creatures. Yet no mark indicating potential allies appeared on any of them.

“Perhaps I should rest here for a while and return later…”

The monster she seeks might still be among those not yet found. There is no choice but to search methodically, one by one.

Kasumi moves toward a nearby shop to restore her spirit.

Whether or not it is a continuation of the anime announcement, she is not certain. The official Twitter account appears to have been created.