Defense specialization and accompaniment.

"Then... has anything come through?"

It should be near time to finish the town's exploration, Izu moves to check the information.

Having spent nearly all time locked in the Workshop crafting new items, it had been a long while since she last left, except to gather material supplies.

"Um... monster information is..."

Izu checks the data on monsters she can recruit. A variety of creatures line the list. Even among those easy to recruit, many are strong—common sights in town, often seen traveling with residents.

"Even non-rare monsters are quite strong. Sally handles these checks, I suppose... production-class monsters are..."

Checking further, a monster recently discovered appeared. It seemed the quest's condition required producing a certain number of new items available in this Town, a task only recently uncovered by players like Iz who had secluded themselves to production.

It was rumored that clearing it would likely yield a spirit, though no one had completed it, and its abilities remained unknown.

"Un, I'll take this one."

Iz marched confidently toward the house where quests could be accepted. A large chimney rose from the roof. Barrels filled with raw materials stood beside the dwelling. Inside, through the window, Iz recognized the familiar tools used for production.

"This one. If the conditions are met, the quest should... yes!"

As Iz stood before the door, a bright blue panel popped into view. The quest activated.

"【Three Trials】— Seems quite demanding, doesn't it..."

Iz accepts the quest and steps into the room. An elderly man with a long white beard sits there. Everywhere, aged tools clutter the narrow space—evidence of a life devoted to craftsmanship. As Iz glances around, the old man speaks.

"You've come seeking the spirit's power. Hmph... you seem to have some skill. Wait here."

From a drawer, the old man draws out a single sheet of paper and offers it to Iz.

Three item names are written upon it.

"Spirits are fickle. If you gain their strength, you may craft something splendid... but only if you are worthy to wield it."

The meaning is clear: one must prove their ability by crafting these items.

"This... yes. I understand."

Iz decides, satisfied. She will return here only after completing these three items. She leaves the cottage.

None of these items have been crafted before. She confirms the recipe from the paper received. Yet each new item requires crafting two previous ones. The process demands patience and steady work.

"Work is fine... but this is troublesome."

Many of the required materials appear to be from powerful monsters. Iz cannot defeat them alone.

"Someone must help me."

She checks the guild members' login status. On her way back to the guild home, she notices Maple and Mii in the square. The two spot her. Maple waves her hand widely.

"Maple-chan, good work. How was the exploration?"

Yes! I was asked by Mii to help with leveling up today.

Ah, is that so? Then I can't rely on you today...

Maple tilts her head, curious about what happened. Izu begins speaking about the earlier quest.

Maple wishes to help, yet she holds her promise to Mii in high regard.

Mii, listening nearby, places a hand to her lips, lost in thought. When Izu finishes speaking, she speaks in turn.

I see. Then how about this? I’ll join you. We’ll go as a trio. I had planned to level up today. We’ll enter a challenging area, I assume? Then we may gain levels.

Are you sure, Mii?

Maple says this. Mii winks only at Maple.

Of course. Besides... I’ll get to see how strong my rival is right now.

It is also, in truth, her intention—but another is to help Maple and the others, and to play alongside them.

“Then would you be so kind? Of course, support will be without compromise.”

“Ah, no problem.”

“Then let us go, let us go!”

Thus, Izu leads, Maple and Mii following. The materials are scarce, as Maple and the others have not ventured this way. The first destination is a volcano.

“It is quite far… Shall we use [Ruthless]? Ride on Shiroppu?”

“If there will be battle en route, time will be wasted… It would be better to ride Shiroppu.”

As the two discuss, Mii interrupts.

“There is a better way. Heh heh… Do not think only Maple can fly. [Awakening]!”

Mii speaks, and the ring glows red. A bird with a long tail and orange feathers appears, alighting on her arm. Crimson flames flicker at the wingtips, unnatural to the forest around them.

“Oooh!! So this is Mii’s companion! Ah, I was planning to see this today!”

“Ah… a phoenix… I wonder…”

Maple watches the bird, excitement trembling in her voice. Mii, with a hint of pride, commands her companion to Gigantification.

“Ignis, Gigantification!”

The bird named Ignis swells to a size large enough for the three to ride upon its back.

“This will get us there quickly. Come, let’s go!”

Mii helps Maple, who hesitates, onto her back. As she does, Maple murmurs softly.

“Your energy’s high.”

“Ugh… I wanted to show you quickly! How’s this?”

“Yeah, super cool!”

Mii smiles, satisfied anew at Maple’s words. As she does, Izu climbs aboard, and the three atop Ignis take flight toward the volcano.