Defense specialization and evolution.
They hurried back, eager to show everyone at once, and thrust open the guild home’s door.
Inside, Kanade still played a board game, surrounded by Kasumi, Crom, and Izu, with Yui and Mai standing nearby.
"Ah, what’s this? Unusually lively today?"
"Hm, welcome back. Hehe, seems like good news might be on the way."
They thrust Shiroppu and Kasumi forward, presenting them clearly.
The guild members quickly noticed the changes in the two familiar creatures, more familiar than their own partners.
"Wha—what happened to them?!"
"Hehehe, evolution. They’re stronger now, and even cuter!"
Maple explained the completed event in detail to the six.
"I see… evolution. But…"
"Yeah, I went to that place where the rock floats, but no giant showed up."
Maple had expected all of them to evolve as well, but that did not seem to be the case. Sally had never heard of such battles occurring atop the giant tree either.
“Perhaps it’s the level, or how deeply attuned they are? Maple-san, Sally-san—both of you have been with Shiroppu and Hinata for a long time already…”
“Possibly. The books I’ve read spoke of drawing power more skillfully. Once the fundamental ability is formed, that becomes possible.”
It was, in a way, natural that a monster evolved only after being bound to a companion for some time.
“So it really is because we’ve been together all along… hehe.”
Maple strokes Shiroppu’s head again. A partner who will fly across the field together, side by side, for the rest of their days. The joy of evolution would be all the greater for it.
Maple and Sally’s monsters seem stronger too. I’m looking forward to the next event.
That’s right. Our fighting style will change. It’s a good chance to test it.
Oh, right—event! Then I’d better train harder to level up Shiroppu again!
Once evolved, the strength gained won’t matter if not used. Now comes the time for steady, daily training to level up.
We’ve traveled quite a bit today. What now, Maple?
M-Maybe just a little longer. If we level up, something might unlock!
Then back to the field it is. From one thing of interest to another, from one pleasure to the next, Maple runs about.
At that moment, the staff preparing for the Seventh Layer implementation slumped in exhaustion. Different monsters for each area, and evolution paths for each—such labor was immense.
“How many rare monsters have become companions?”
“Less than twenty percent. The areas are vast, and strong monsters exist even among the common ones.”
The rare monsters prepared were overly specialized in performance, causing some players to overlook them entirely.
“Still, monsters that grant clear buffs are popular. Conversely, many mages have tamed tanks.”
“What about the major guilds?”
“They’re packed with rare monsters—seemingly coordinated.”
“Hm… it’s not that they’re hard to find… no, they’re chosen because they suit their playstyles.”
Of course, the Gathering Holy Sword and the Flame Emperor's Country. Naturally, the monsters from the Maple Tree as well.
"Not bad. You’ve caught rare monsters that truly match your strength."
"Maple and Sally have progressed thoroughly. I’d think there’s still little information available… yet they’re making full use of the advantage of having monsters as allies from the start."
Still, it was far earlier than expected.
"Is your body made of a magnet that reacts to rare monsters?"
"Perhaps it is… I’m beginning to truly believe that."
Once the chaos in the Seventh Layer settles, the next event will begin.
"What will the next event bring?"
"Since players have become monstrous themselves, it seems we’ll have to face monsters in return."
Muttering this while performing the final enemy check. The highest difficulty requires monsters suited to its level.
"Ah, by the way, Maple’s grown tentacles too."
"...This isn’t something you handle as an afterthought."
While speaking, she checked the movements of the monsters, ensuring they remained within expected patterns.