Defense specialization and exploration.

Awake, time had passed.

It had been some time since the duel with Frederica. Sally and Maple were alone in the guild home.

“Frederica didn’t use the bird skill after all… but judging by her appearance, she’s probably good at buffs or debuffs.”

“Is that so?”

“Just a guess. You know, compared to Mai and Yui’s bear, she doesn’t seem like an offensive type.”

“True. More like support, really.”

“Frederica said that often too. When we’re four, like with Pain and the others, almost all magic work falls to me.”

“Having monsters as allies changes things a lot, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah. Either focus on strengths, or cover weaknesses…”

They decided, in the end, that thinking here would not help. They stepped outside.

They had a rough grasp of the field’s details, but no event stood out as one the two absolutely needed to clear.

Sally reviewed the gathered information, the two of them studying it as they decided their destination for today.

“Maple, do you have anywhere you’d like to go?”

“Hmm… I’ve been to the sea, the forest, the volcano. Something scenic…?”

“Completely tourist mode… Yeah, then let’s wander around a bit?”

Sally smiled faintly at Maple’s expression, closing the tabs on areas effective for level-up, or those rich in events.

“Really!? Yes! The Seventh Layer has all sorts of beautiful places!”

Maple then presented her own compiled information. Unlike Sally’s, it listed details for enjoying the field—scenic views, creatures to see, animals that were pleasant to watch.

Indeed. But the areas are quite distant from one another. A means of travel will be needed.

Some places are difficult to reach with [Brutality]… If we must hurry, shall I ride with Sally?

Well, I figured you’d say that. I’ve prepared something suitable.

…?

Maple follows Sally, who smiles with deliberate mystery, guessing at what lies ahead.

Oh—! So fast!

Hold on, Maple! You’ll be fine if you fall, but still—!

A little behind, Maple rides atop a horse with Sally. The horse is tamed in the field and can be stabled at the Town’s facilities. Only those with sufficient [DEX] can ride it. Maple clings to Sally, riding double.

Speed drops with two riders… but I’ve caught a good one. Quite fast.

You’re something, Sally! Thank you!

You're welcome! Watch your footing—don't fall off, now?

I won’t fall! Oh, to the right—there!

Got it!

Sally steers the horse as Maple directs. They arrive at a plain stretching endlessly in every direction. From the hilltop, the river flows slowly through the center. Many monsters, potential allies, are visible.

This area has no aggressive monsters, no leveling up, but it’s perfect for resting.

Have you been here before?

No—only heard. But by the time I gathered info, everyone else had already chosen their allies.

They were quick. But that means they knew, right?

They dismount. Walk across the plain. Horses tamed by Sally. Cows. Waterfowl. A variety of animals, each at ease.

"Uuu... It's a pity I can't bring everyone back."

"Would you have done it if you could?"

"Impossible to take them all, but I might bring back the cute ones."

Maple smiles softly, cradling the summoned Shiroppu, her expression bright with delight at the thought of even a single cute monster.

"Still, I should keep an eye out for rare monsters. There doesn't seem to be any area without them..."

"Information is important, isn't it?"

"...Look, in this area I won't be attacked. Go on and play."

Sally says, watching Maple fidget with excitement to run across the plain. Maple blushes slightly, then dashes off.

"Wait, bunny! Wait!"

"...I don't think I could catch up to that bunch."

Sally watches Maple chase after the fleeing rabbits, her thoughts quiet and distant.