Defense specialization and post-qualifying round two.

After a pause, the results were announced. The party known as [Maple's Tree] had all secured positions in the top ranks, allowing all eight members to advance to the highest difficulty level.

The main event allows party formation. This time, they could finally unleash the full power of their tame monsters.

"The field is the same as in qualifying. Good news, Maple. This time there are medals to earn. We'll explore every corner."

"I like battles, but exploration is still my favorite—there are so many beautiful views."

Maple had forgotten to place her recording crystal, but now that a chance for re-exploration had arrived, she was eager.

"But good—everyone made it into the top ranks."

"Tsumi did her best."

"I did too, Yukimi!"

The six in the guild home smile at the sight of Maple and Sally lifting the cub with evident joy. Mai and Yui, who had been uncertain whether they would survive well, show particular relief at the outcome.

"Still, the Tamed Monster is strong—helps us, but now the difficulty must account for that."

Sally speaks. Crom and Kasumi nod.

"The upper tier likely has nearly all of them as allies. Just because we have a Tamed Monster doesn’t mean we’ll be spared."

"Likely harder now, if anything."

"Hmm, then we still need to raise our levels. Shiroppu, you must train harder too!"

There is still time before the main event. Yet all of them seemed eager. They wished to show off the strength of their partner’s monster.

A matter of pride.

“Ah, right. I checked Dread and Drag’s bonded monsters during the preliminaries.”

Kanade explained that Dread’s monster was a wolf manipulating shadows, and Drag’s was a golem controlling sand and earth.

“Ugh… Dread’s monster might be hard to face. Great Nature’s effect would be nullified.”

There were several skills tied to Shiroppu that affected the ground. If those were nullified, it would be troublesome.

“Dread’s monster also requires caution. It may be invincible while hiding in shadows. Using big techniques without thought could put us at a disadvantage.”

Fuuun... Even if we’re to clash in PVP, it won’t be until the next event. For now, we’ve no choice but to gather information bit by bit.

When Kanade relayed the information about the Gathering Holy Sword, Sally began speaking about the battle between Mii and Pain, up until the moment Maple interrupted.

Mii’s focus lies more with Pain, as Maple accompanies her in the exploration.

At least it is known to possess wide-ranging breath and flight capabilities. Further, given the absence of current sightings, it is likely a rare monster, possibly still harboring hidden, powerful skills.

It is frustrating to say only that caution is required under current circumstances. Breath attacks are common among dragons, after all… which means Frederica must be concealing her true strength, given how I spoke to her earlier. As for Mii, her 【Inferno】 skill was formidable. The range is immense—likely very powerful, too. I doubt even I could evade it if used at close range.

All of Maple’s rivals have been confirmed to have tamed monsters as allies. That alone indicates a wider variety of attack patterns.

“Right then. Let’s push hard for the next event. Let’s earn plenty of medals and grow stronger still. We must remain a small, elite force.”

“Yes. Each of us must grow stronger.”

Maple and the others renewed their resolve. They trained their tamed monsters further, awaiting the day of the main competition.