Defense specialization and traps.

They rested in shifts, but the dungeon crafted by Maple and her companions—far surpassing the one prepared by the operators—remained unbreached. The massive boulders piled at the entrance were never shattered by monsters.

Sally and Kasumi, the last to keep watch, woke the six who slept.

"Maple, it's morning. Wake up."

"Mmm... fah... good morning, Sally. Everything alright?"

"Nothing happened. I heard the trap activation sounds clearly, but it seems they didn't break through."

"Good. Alright! Let's do our best today!"

Maple taps her cheeks and opens her eyes. She steps out from behind the partitioned room. Everyone is already prepared. They are ready to explore at any moment. Maple sees this and speaks again, as Guildmaster of the 【Maple Tree】.

"Three more medals! Ten total if we survive to the end. Let's do our best!"

"Then, let's decide where to go first today."

Sally opens the map. But something is wrong. She taps the panel with her finger.

"The map... it's not showing up."

"Hmm. Yeah, same here."

"I think it's the same for me. Also, the message function isn't working."

Without the ability to check their location or communicate, they are as blind as walking through darkness. The shift from the first day brings a sense of unease. A quiet alertness spreads among the eight.

Let’s move as eight. If we scatter, it’ll be a problem.

True. We must reach our goal. Still, we should decide on a landmark in case we split.

After a brief discussion, a suitable plan emerges. The eight step outside.

...Alright, then. We’ll use that as our landmark.

...Yes.

Alright! Let’s go!

The area is filled with traps that kill instantly, friend or foe. Maple activates Love That Offers the Body for precaution. While she does, Mai and Yui retrieve a large boulder. The eight proceed outward.

Today, eight of us are clearing the path. This should make victory easier.

Yes. Well, we earned two medals on the first day. Maybe it was luck we didn’t need to split.

They collect accessible items, holding them temporarily, as they move toward the outside, avoiding trap activation.

“Wait— we need to deactivate the Venom Capsule and retrieve the Heavenly Throne too!”

If a monster like that appears, the Heavenly Throne might be able to seal away skills. Everything that can be recovered must be gathered. Full readiness is essential.

Having collected all they could, the group moves straight toward the exit. Outside, it is dim even though morning has come. No stars shine in the sky—only endless darkness spreads.

“Ugh… something feels wrong…”

“Be careful—! Maple!”

A few steps outside, a pitch-black magic circle unfolds beneath the eight. It matches the range of Maple’s Love That Offers the Body. There is no way to retreat beyond its boundary.

“It’s fine— just prepare the healing!”

As Maple spoke, all were enveloped in pitch-black light. Maple squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for impact. Yet no shock reached her body.

……Good. Everyone’s fine. Everyone?

A bad feeling proved true. When Maple opened her eyes, no one stood nearby. Not only that— the outpost just newly established behind her had vanished. She was in a place unknown.

Checking again revealed no location on the map. No message could be sent.

Worst-case scenario, as anticipated. Still, it was not entirely unforeseen.

Stay alive, everyone…!

Maple must do what she can. She thought it wise to have discussed it beforehand. She began her preparations.