Defense specialization and convergence.

All scattered as if blown apart completely. In dim light, Sally advanced cautiously toward an open space.

"Qualifying was individual combat because of this... Maple seems alright, but I worry about Mai and Yui."

As Sally moved, thinking that if Tsukimi and Yukimi could guard well enough, a black sigil appeared on the ground ahead. From it emerged a monster, its horns coiled like a demon's, claws sharp as blades. The creature spread its wings with a sharp rustle and lunged toward Sally.

"Ogura — Binding Barrier!...No, it won't hold!"

Sally dodges the extended arm with a smooth motion, slicing deep into the flank and creating distance. The monster lets out a sickening sound, then unfolds several more black sigils upon the ground. From them, a slightly smaller demon emerges.

"Ogura — Fire Child."

Sally wraps flame around her weapon, extending the dagger's reach, and faces the threat with a grim expression.

"Coming from behind...!"

A rustling sound approaches from behind, drawn by the clash of battle. Sally tightens her focus. Not here. Not now.

She must first count the monsters at her back. For a single instant, she glances back. There, fighting through the horde, is a familiar figure approaching.

"Frederica!?"

"Ah, it’s really you, Sally? Saved me—was looking for the vanguard!"

Frederica rushes forward and comes to a stop, back to back with Sally.

"...At least deal with that first. And why are you here?"

"Sorry—details later."

"Fine. Right now we need to clear this!"

For a moment, they stand as allies. Both raise their weapons. At the same instant the demons surge in, they meet the attack.

"【Multi-Flame Burst】! Notes 【Chorus】!"

"Oboro 【Firewalk】【Shadow Clone】!"

Frederica’s multiple flames multiply through Notes’ resonance. Sally, wreathed in fire, channels the blaze into a chain strike against the monsters. The dim field flares red in an instant.

"Defense isn’t—necessary 【Multi-Water Burst】!"

The monsters, numerous but not formidable, no longer require Sally’s full attention. Frederica guides the battle, eliminating foes to maximize Sally’s offensive potential.

Even the 【Multi-Wall】—usually reserved for Drag—can be used by her. She reduces damage, recovers, and strikes when open. From behind, a deep voice cuts through the air. A great demon had just fallen to Sally’s blade.

“Finish this side too—Notes 【Amplify】!”

Frederica conjures fireballs as usual. Notes’ skill expands them, intensifying their burn.

“Phew… just barely finished.”

The remaining monsters are consumed by flame. As the two extinguish the fire, the field reverts to dimness.

“Phew… made it.”

Someone could’ve beaten it alone.

Ahaha, caught me? Well, it was a bit tough. The Pain group was far away, after all.

Oh, that. How’d you figure it out?

Hmm, I just have that skill. I mostly guessed, given who you are, Sally. Tried to contact you, but it was too far.

Frederica wanted someone she could rely on if something came up. Sally saw no downside to traveling together, so no reason to refuse.

We can’t enter the dungeon without meeting up. You’re meeting up too, right?

Frederica smiles sweetly, curious about how they’ll meet.

No way to contact each other, right? Just give up on that side. Come over here instead?

Frederica points toward the other side, suggesting Sally join her.

Hmm, wait a moment, ah.

Huh? Fireworks? Some event?

The light shone clearly in the starless sky, distant from Sally and Frederica, yet bright with a loud sound.

That’s Maple’s signal, isn’t it? There…?

Yeah. They brought fireworks.

No. That’s just Maple herself, detonating a bomb.

……n?……??

As Frederica processed the words, Sally began walking.

Ah, wait, wait—just the same direction, let’s go together?

Fine. I’ll leave you behind if it gets bad.

Damn… no way to coordinate, thought I’d manage to work with you better.

With Frederica muttering under her breath about how things never go right, Sally moves toward Maple.

Drag’s no good, but Dread’s search ability is strong—someone might have spotted her.

A strong player would be better if temporarily allied… perhaps. Well, assuming we can find one at all… Notes seems capable of covering a wide range. This makes surprise attacks ineffective now.

No comment. Oh, there’s something interesting nearby—wanna check it out?

That face… a monster, isn’t it. I’m not going.

Caught.

Still, knowing that much, Frederica guides them forward, skillfully avoiding monsters while Notes’s ability remains active.