Defense specialization and interception.
The base was completed just before强化 monsters began appearing. A slight reduction in interception space was necessary, but the quality improved through Markus's trap placement.
"Ah, the screen? Is something appearing?"
"Here, I'll keep the image displayed…"
A sudden image flashes onto Markus's screen. All the rooms of this ant-nest-like dungeon are shown in full detail.
"Wow! Amazing!"
"If I can see it, I'll know which traps to reinstall and the strength of the monsters… Well then."
Markus informs Maple that she should leave the fighting to the other guild members, then returns to his own space, separated by a partition.
The newly rebuilt living quarters feature a spacious central relaxation area, with each guild’s designated section branching off from it. This was also where Markus’s screen stood.
As the base of the Maplewood Guild, the space buzzed with activity from its members. Yet, familiar visitors like Frederica blended in swiftly, adjusting to the rhythm.
“Bored, aren’t we? Can’t really do dungeon runs, but can’t relax either.”
“Settling in fast… if anything shows up, I’ll count on you, Sally.”
“Got it, Sally. The Flame Emperor’s here. We’re not losing.”
“Sally-san! Something’s coming in!”
As if summoned by mention, the figure of an intruder appears on the device installed by Marx. It is the first monster, moving on four legs, rushing in. It resembles Maple’s [Brutality], its legs reduced and eyes multiplied. It leaps into Maple’s base one after another. It arrives in overwhelming numbers, collapsing in a landslide, breaking through traps by sheer force. Though the number has diminished due to the traps, it seems impossible to defeat them all.
“Ah, this is going to be tough. Stronger than last night, perhaps. Payne! Time to work!”
As Frederica moves toward the [Gathering Holy Sword] sector, Mii emerges from the [Flame Emperor’s Country] sector.
“I will go. Stay behind.”
“Mii, are you sure you’re alright alone?”
Maple asks. Mii responds with a faint, confident smile.
I am also the guildmaster of a large guild. As for Shin, regardless, Marks and Mizari are primarily support from the rear.
If a large number of durable monsters were to come rushing in, it would be easiest for Mii to fight alone.
If it gets dangerous, just retreat at any time!
Ah, good. I’ll be fine. There won’t be any need for that.
Mii spoke, and Pain arrived, nodding in agreement.
Ah, I’m going too. I’ll swear to do my part for the base I’ve borrowed.
Yes yes, then I’ll just give the buffs, so please look after me.
Frederica, Marks, Mizari, and Iz each applied as many buffs as possible to Pain and Mii. A variety of colored auras and effects rose from the two. Preparation complete.
Let’s go, Mii.
No holding back this time, Pain.
Ah, that number… better to strike down in one blow than leave them lingering.
Mii and Pain each call forth Ignis and Ray, walking to the interception zone and assuming their stances.
Footsteps begin to echo—monsters pour from the passage in overwhelming numbers.
As soon as the two are surrounded, the monsters unfold a black sigil before their eyes, preparing some attack. But before the sigil can manifest its power, both Mii and Pain launch their assault.
"Ignis — [Phoenix Flame] — [My Body to Fire]"
"Ray — [Flow of Light] — [Full Magic Release]"
Mii’s body is enveloped in crimson flame, the fire spreading across the ground. Pain’s sword glows with pale blue light, crackling with sparks that snap and hiss.
[Blade of Massacre — Inferno]!
[Holy Dragon’s Light Sword]!
At the moment black light erupted from the monster’s magic circle, crimson and white flooded the space in overwhelming quantity. Mii’s flames transformed the entire ground into a damage field, burning everything ahead. Pain’s light, aimed specifically at demon-type monsters, eradicated them one by one, sweeping through those enveloped by its radiance.
The flames and light surged backward through the passage, scattering every remaining item along the way, raging through the dungeon like a storm before finally fading.
“Hmph. Even if it’s the second day, not much stronger than expected.”
“This time, the terrain favors us. Here, we can counter with large, wide-open techniques.”
“Wow! Amazing! You’re awesome, Mii and Pain-san!”
They may attack again. With sixteen of us, rotating guards becomes easier. Our guild is always open to your call.
We feel the same.
Thank you!
Maple conveys her admiration to the two, praising their earlier technique. Frederica, watching the monitor, rushes over.
A moment—Pain! Markus’s camera’s been blown away too?
The screen shows nothing but the entrance area.
...? Was there a range extension in the usual buffs... Apologies.
Mii too... It’ll take time to reconfigure my setup.
Ah, yes. Sorry.
The group speaks of needing to reset traps and systems. Crom and Kasumi recall the earlier scene.
Is the guild master always like this?
No, there aren’t that many one-man armies. We just happen to be surrounded by them.
Thinking of their guild master, the two turn to reset the traps, preparing for the next assault.
Maple and Sally, with Markus in tow, replace the items shattered by Pain and Mii’s attack.
This was never supposed to be a full dungeon…
Markus places the vision-restoring item in the corner of the room, muttering.
Hmm, Pain and Mii’s strength has definitely increased. More than expected.
It was incredible.
We might fight again somewhere down the line. Can’t afford to be complacent.
Y-yeah… that’s right.
Seeing how much stronger the two have become compared to the fourth event, Maple clenches her fist tightly, resolve forming in her grip.
Even with the buff active, we were surprised. To be able to use area attacks at Mii’s level… not the kind of enemy you can defeat by exploiting a weakness.
Of course, the Flame Emperor’s Kingdom is also watching the Gathering Holy Sword. Each of the three guilds gathered here gained a clear view of the strength of a major rival guild—this was no small matter.
And to step beyond this point, collecting medals during this event becomes essential.
Yet Mii’s party from the Flame Emperor’s Kingdom is already half-depleted. Only Shin remains on the front lines. The situation is dire.
Markus, having finished repositioning, walks forward without pause, lost in thought, returning to the deepest part of the cavern. The others follow, walking the same path to the cave’s farthest point.