Defense specialization and event information.

With all partners finally decided, the next matter among the members of the 【Maple Tree】 was a test of strength.

While the others trained to level up, Sally examined which dungeon would suit best.

"Different abilities required—weaknesses become clearer… perhaps this one."

As she formulated her plan, the guild home door burst open with a violent snap, and Frederica tumbled in.

"Ah! There you are! Finally found you!"

"Ugh…"

"Let’s duel, just like always, just like always."

Sally glanced at Frederica’s finger. There, identical to her own, was the 【Bond Bridge】. She had wandered the field for reasons, but now, inevitably, they met.

"No, well… um…"

"What’s wrong? Something on your mind?"

Frederica’s smirk lingers, sharp and mischievous—Sally feels a chill, yet she does not yield. She cannot say she fears fighting, not when Frederica’s companion is an undead monster.

Frederica, already familiar with the place, leads Sally forward with heightened energy. She remembers the training ground of the 【Maple Tree】 guild home as if it were her own.

“Then, as usual.”

Sally finishes her preparations. She speaks the terms of the duel to Frederica. As always: victory by reducing the opponent’s HP to zero, or surrender.

“Alright! Heh-heh… what should I do now?”

Frederica draws out the moment, savoring Sally’s hesitation. The countdown begins.

Sally focuses more than ever. She says nothing. Waits.

And as the countdown reaches zero, the duel begins.

"【Instant Shadow】! Hinata—【Instant Shadow】! 【Shadow Clone】!"

Sally accelerates with terrifying speed, vanishing instantly. In the next moment, she is five. The sheer force of Sally’s full effort startles Frederica, who instinctively assumes a defensive stance.

"Multiple... waa!?!"

"【Iron Cannonwater】! Hinata—【Binding Barrier】!"

One of the five Sallys before her was an illusion. It dissolves softly, and at the same instant, a voice comes from behind Frederica. Water erupts from the ground beneath her, lifting her into the air. She tries to resist, but Hinata’s skill has already locked her in place—motionless.

"Wait—hah—wait—!"

"【Quintuple Slash】!"

Frederica’s request would not be granted. Caught mid-fall, unable to defend, she took a rapid barrage of strikes and her HP dropped to zero in an instant. She landed with a soft thud, then slowly rose, cheeks puffed out.

“Felt… the strongest killing intent I’ve ever felt, y’know?”

“…You’re imagining things.”

“Was gonna show my partner off today… ah, right! Doesn’t have to be in battle… I’ll show you.”

“Eh… ah… no—wait!”

This time it was Sally who tried to stop her, but her words fell on deaf ears. The ring glowed—something was about to emerge—and Sally squeezed her eyes shut, hands clapped over her ears. She stayed like that for a moment. Then Frederica tapped her between the brows, forcing her to open her eyes.

There, smiling with a smirk, was Frederica. And perched atop her head, a small yellow bird.

“…Uu…?”

This is my partner, Notes. Hehehe, what’s wrong? What did you expect to see?

Ah…! F-Frederica!

Sally could only stammer, her face flushing as she realized she had been teased all along.

You’re unexpectedly cute, you know. Your movements in battle aren’t human-like, but still…

Frederica kept her smug smile, eyes fixed on Sally.

Mm… next time, I’ll beat you senseless.

That’s exactly what I want. Fight me fairly—let me say I lost. And Notes is strong, just as he should be.

She paused. A sharp *piron* echoed—message notification. Both turned to read it. The text detailed the next event.

There will be a preliminary round first. In it, players will earn points based on their survival time and the number of monsters defeated.

The higher-ranked players will determine the area for the main event. The better the rank, the better the reward. Since the preliminary round is individual, players who already have a summoned monster as a companion are expected to have an advantage due to increased efficiency and response capability.

"Looks like the preliminary round will feature monsters similar to the first event... The main event will be time-accelerated PvE—this one will be tough."

"Seems survival is the goal. A survival format. We all want to clear the preliminary round in the top ranks..."

After a quick review, Frederica readies herself for another battle. Then another message arrives for Frederica.

"Ugh. It's Pain."

"Something scheduled?"

"Don't show Sally all your moves, now. Mm, am I that obvious?"

"True enough. We might clash again someday."

"Still, the discretion is mine. I'll do as I please!"

"Haha, Pain looks like they're having a hard time..."

They speak thus, stepping into the second bout. In the end, they fought five duels that day, all won by Sally. Yet Frederica seemed to follow Pain's words, refraining from using powerful skills on the small bird known as Notes.