Defense specialization and tentacles.

A moment before Kasumi brought Hakuto into the group. The test was over. Maple logged back into the game.

She had Shiroppu as a companion already. No particular purpose remained for herself.

Where should I go today?

Maple studied the map of the Seventh Layer, planning her day. Sally had said the same thing: until the event began or a new area was released, she would focus on gathering information.

Guilds grow stronger under their master’s guidance!

Maple said it with energy. In truth, about seventy percent of her motivation came simply from wanting to see everyone else with their cute companions. But that was a valid reason too.

Reminds me of the second event.

Seventh Layer spreads with varied terrain and environments, much like the map of the second event, hosting numerous types of monsters.

Those who wish to recruit ice-type monsters head to the snow-capped mountains. Those who prefer fire-types go to the volcanoes.

—Hmm... climbing mountains is difficult, though...

After pondering the map for a while, nodding slowly, Maple finally settled on a destination. She closed the map with a firm motion.

While riding Shiroppu through the sky, she glanced down. A player nearby fought alongside an animal companion—already recruited, it seemed.

—They’re gathering allies so quickly. Reminds me of when I first met Shiroppu.

Maple considered the possibility of recruiting a bird-type monster, one that might grant her the ability to fly.

Everyone might be able to fly too! Oh, but if other players are flying, will I still be able to stroll leisurely?

Shiroppu recalls the third layer, where most players flew using machines. She moves through the air. Maple reaches her destination.

Before Maple lies a sandy beach and a wide expanse of sea. Several islands are visible in the distance. The water looks deep.

So amazing… I might be going farther than ever before!

Maple dons her snorkel and floats outward into the open sea, just as Shiroppu floats through the air.

A boat would be difficult… but Shiroppu can glide anywhere effortlessly!

Her propulsion relies on telekinesis. Without obstacles, she cannot accelerate. Yet she maintains a steady speed even against headwinds or high waves.

No effort required from Maple, making her ideal for leisurely exploration.

"Any fish that looks interesting...?"

Maple lies sprawled along the edge of Shiroppu's shell, face submerged in the sea, scanning the underwater scene.

Monsters exist beneath the surface, as Maple anticipated—fish marked with a symbol indicating they could be allies.

"Puha! Even if I could make them allies, could they come out of the water...?"

She considers this, then nods to herself, certain that, like Sally's skill [Ancient Sea], they would simply envelop themselves in water and swim through the air.

"Dolphins or whales might be around too! Though if they were, they'd probably be rare..."

Maple moves smoothly across the water's surface, searching for unusual monsters, checking beneath the waves.

After searching for a considerable time, Maple lands on a small island with a single palm tree, devoid of anything notable, and returns Shiroppu to her ring to rest.

— Fh… no dolphins, no whales at all…

Maple places her hand on her forehead, gazing at the distant sandy shore, then lies down, stretching out with a long, satisfied groan.

— Hmm… what should I do next?

As Maple relaxes, letting the wind brush her skin, a splashing sound erupts nearby, as if something has leapt from the water.

— W-what!? There it is!?

Maple springs up in alarm, turning toward the sound—just as a sinister, pitch-black tentacle drags itself through the water, dripping, inching toward her. No expression. But she knows—this is aimed at her.

— E-eh!? …C-come on, no, no, no—!

Maple tries to flee, but cannot escape. She is seized firmly around the torso and lifted without resistance.

“Me too…! [Ravage]!”

Maple activates [Ravage] to counter the pull into the water. The scene shifts—monster against monster—when she realizes.

The place she is being dragged into is not underwater.

Thick, soot-black mist spreads through the clear water. Tentacles emerge from within it.

Just as Maple manages to tear free, time runs out. Maple vanishes into the mist beneath the surface.