Defense specialization, light, and flame.

"Then, everyone still hasn't been defeated... I wonder if they're managing alright. Maple's been visible on the map the whole time..."

As the remaining time dwindled, Sally stretched. A significant number of players had already fallen, and encounters had grown rare. With fewer threats, monsters became easier to hunt.

"Probably safe if we keep hunting... a good chance, but I didn't get to see anyone with a strong tame monster fighting."

In an event where many players are truly striving to survive, the stakes shift—whether other players beyond the Gathering Holy Sword or the Flame Emperor's Nation require vigilance.

"Oh, Mii's on the map! Time's short... I'll head over while taking down monsters."

Sally dashed toward where Mii was, slicing through monsters along the way with one hand.

"Oboro— [Restraint Barrier]! [Quintuple Slash]!"

If she stopped moving, she would not be attacked. Then she could unleash powerful skill-based attacks. Even at high difficulty, the attacks were simple, and the HP was not excessive. Sally was not outmatched.

"Yoh— there, is it? Ugh... Mii's really going all out, isn't she?"

There stood Mii, burning monsters and players alike. The wasteland where Mii was located was dotted with flames, a reminder of fierce combat.

"That's the Ignis Maple spoke of. Maybe I'll observe for a moment."

Sally tied a thread to a high tree to avoid sudden attacks from players. From here, she could notice anyone approaching.

Now then, won’t a monster or player show up…? Hmm?

Sally narrowed her eyes. There, standing before her, was a man she recognized—Pain, clad in white armor, a sword in hand.

I knew you’d appear on the map. Didn’t expect you’d come yourself.

Mii adjusted her stance, drinking a mana potion, ready for combat at any moment.

Ah, I’ve hunted enough monsters. Came to test the strength of my rival. Ray, [Awakening].

As Pain spoke, a dragon child with silver scales emerged from his ring. It was the size of a large bird, folding its wings and perching on his shoulder.

Coincidence. I’ve already defeated enough monsters.

Mii spoke, summoning Ignis, activating [Flame Emperor]. Pain drew his sword in reply.

That was the signal.

[Great Flame]!

[Light of Holy Sword]!

Flames surged from Mii’s side. Light streamed from Pain, raging across the wasteland.

“Ignis—[Chain of Flames]!”

“Ray—[Blessing of the Holy Dragon]!”

Both received buffs. They surged forward in unison. Mii showed no intention of retreating. She closed the distance with [Flare Accelerate].

[Blue Flame]! [Explosive Flame]!

[Holy Sword of Exorcism]! [Sacred Light]!

Each clash erupted in violent effects. Skills canceled each other out. Every one was a strike capable of deciding battle in a single blow.

Pain swung his sword. Mii dodged precisely, countering with magic. Pain did not meet the blow head-on. He deflected it cleanly, shifting back into attack.

“Ray—[Gigantification][Breath of the Holy Dragon]”

“Ignis—[Gigantification][Enduring Fiery Flame]!”

The breath from Ray and the flame from Ignis exploded between them, carving the land, yet neither gained the upper hand.

"Indeed. A fine monster."

"Your dragon too. But... if you hide your power, I'll burn you to ash right here."

Miyu showed no hesitation, restoring her MP before commanding Ignis.

"Ignis — [Phoenix Flame] — [My Body to Fire]"

The first skill granted Miyu a buff. Ignis then transformed into a mass of flame. The fire enveloped Miyu, spreading across the ground toward the wasteland.

"Indeed. Not so simple, it seems. Ray — [Holy Guardian]"

"Let's go — [Inferno]!"

Miyu cries out. Scorching flames erupt, consuming the space around her. The blinding light clashes with another radiance from Pain—equal in intensity—and detonates. It shatters the forest and plain, hurling up clouds of dust.

When the dust settles, Miyu stands unharmed. Pain stands beside her, her armor scorched, HP slightly reduced.

"Damn. Thought you’d force Ray to use a grand technique... But you absorbed it—damage reduction and holy sword strength... Can’t break through, can you?"

"Hah. Can’t give you that kind of information."

"You never intended to defeat me from the start... But don’t think I’ll let you walk away unharmed."

"Ah. Good. Then I’ll do it."

Pain raises her holy sword, ready to stand her ground.

The second round begins. Crackling sounds of splintering trees echo through the air.

They sense something approaching and glance toward it, as if pausing their conflict. Then, from the forest, dozens of lasers fly in chaotic bursts.

“What…!? Ray!”

“Damn it—evacuate! Ignis!”

Pain and Mii mount their tame monsters and rise from the ground.

After a moment, a creature ten meters tall emerges, felling trees as it moves. One odd detail: it breathes lasers from its mouth.

“…Interest wanes. Pain. Let us end this for now. Another time.”

“Hmph. I have no objection. I saw 【Inferno】.”

Thus, interrupted by intruders, the battle ends in stalemate.

And of course, Sally sees the scene as well.

“Ah… that’s Maple, isn’t it…”

Maple’s icon surged across the map. Closer inspection revealed the crocodile was not emitting lasers—rather, a woolen laser cannon was lodged in its mouth.

“Going to run around more and more at the end!”

A voice Sally recognized drifted faintly, then faded. She watched it go with narrowed eyes.