Defense specialization and the serpent.

"Let us try once more. As things stand, nothing can be learned."

It does not matter how many times she dies—she must try repeatedly. First, trial and error must gather information. The first attempt was too swift, too one-sided; almost no data was gained.

When Kasumi descended the valley once more, thick mist rose in response.

"Hah. Already under hostile regard. Mind's Eye!"

Kasumi activated Mind's Eye first, concealing herself within nearby undergrowth, alert for danger.

Soon after, a dragging sound echoed, and a strike indicator slipped past, close by.

"Attack follows sight, as expected... but not far-reaching."

While Mind's Eye's effect remained, Kasumi moved cautiously, avoiding sightlines, approaching the body.

"Quite large... well, there is no choice but to test."

Kasumi draws her blade and activates [Warrior's Arm] and [Violet Phantom Blade]. This is the most potent attack within her repertoire—she strikes the headless knight in one blow.

The first strike hits the body, slicing through scales. Damage flares. Yet the following flurry, augmented by [Warrior's Arm], rebounds off the scales, now shimmering white.

“Nn—!?”

The flurry cannot be halted mid-motion. All strikes are deflected. Her body contracts.

The attack lands nowhere. Not because of high defense. More like striking something unbreakable.

“…For now, observe—”

Her movement halts. The inability to move her body by will—this is unmistakable proof: the head is facing her.

“Just finish it at once!”

She sees the shadow of a head slowly descending from behind. Kasumi is forcibly returned to the Seventh Layer Town.

When she returns, Kasumi sits on the bench, thinking, until she regains her original form.

Damage does not entirely fail to land… but it does not seem to be a foe that can be brought down.

From the situation, it is natural to assume the first strike landed due to surprise. After that, no damage is dealt. The head turns toward her with every attack.

It becomes clear that attacking is not the course.

The head’s effect appears to be a higher-level immobilization… with her body completely unresponsive, countermeasures in the current state seem impossible.

If destruction is not the goal, then there must be a destination to reach while hiding.

That would make this task considerably difficult.

The forest at the valley’s bottom is vast. That much is certain. The effort required for a haphazard search is already known from prior reconnaissance.

“Very well. For now, let us aim for both ends of the valley. That would be a relief, at least, compared to struggling to begin the event.”

When hiding and exploring, the approach must change.

For Kasumi, it is the 【Mind’s Eye】 that matters most. Knowing where a single, instant-deadly strike can land—where paralysis follows—determines survival.

“For now, let us leave it at this. I will reorganize my items. Then… perhaps I should speak with the frog again.”

The situation progresses. Kasumi nods, alone, as if something might be a clue.

Enough time has passed since she ran through each layer and reached the valley. The pleasure had outweighed fatigue until now. Exhaustion begins to show. She has used several of Iz’s potent items during the dungeon quest. It is an appropriate moment to log out for the day.