Defense specialization and policy change.
Time passed. After several attacks, those present decided setting traps continuously was no longer worth the effort. They shifted to a method of instantly destroying any monster that entered. The sixteen here each possessed strength comparable to that of a game one contender. Rotation caused no issues. They could eliminate threats with ease.
For example, Yui and Mai struck figures emerging from the corridor with two great hammers. Those who leapt in before the hammers could fall, or those who survived through some skill, were pierced from a distance by Iz's cannon and the rear guards, Frederica and Mii.
When they realized repelling attacks was easier than expected, a group from the shared space began discussing matters between the members of the Flame Emperor's Nation and the Gathering Holy Sword.
"Is something wrong?"
Maple confirms there is no monster attack, then moves to listen to the discussion between the two guilds.
Both guilds speak of the same matter. They may need to venture outside for a dungeon raid before the night ends.
"Though the monsters tonight are not weak, they do not feel beyond what we have already repelled. Considering we were forcibly transferred today, something may still happen tomorrow morning."
"Pain is correct. Nights are more dangerous than days. The second night, the third day—there is ample possibility the third day is more perilous."
"Y-yes, I see..."
As one of the largest guilds in the game, Maple would naturally want to gather as many medals as possible. Having assessed their strength, they decide four are sufficient. They prepare to proceed with the exploration.
"Ah, right! Then we can help too!"
Pain and Mii glance up, startled. They consider a moment. They realize Maple’s offer is not born of calculation, but pure intent—to aid as a friend.
"Ah, having more frontline strength would be welcome. And medals are distributed among all participants. There is benefit for Maple and her companions as well…"
"Still, whether to risk venturing outside must be discussed with other guild members. We appreciate the offer, but we are already relying on this base."
They reply that they would gladly accept aid from Maple and her group as the "Maple Tree," then begin discussing strategies should they venture out.
Maple, as instructed, gathers the members of the "Maple Tree" and begins recounting the earlier conversation.
Perhaps. There’s no guarantee nothing will happen on the third day. I can understand that we can beat the monsters now.
We’d like to collect the medals, if we can.
“We’ll do our best this time!”
I’d be satisfied if we return here by morning of the third day.
Agreed. Kasumi and Izu brought back medals, but we’ve done no exploring today.
I agree with collecting them early. We may not have the luxury of searching for one more on the third day.
All nodded in agreement. Maple joined in, dividing the members of the Maple Tree, the Land of the Flame Emperor, and the Gathering Holy Sword, and began the exploration.
“There’s a map with marked locations where dungeons might be. I’ll show it.”
“Huh, Sally’s sneaky, huh? Let me see… which one is it?”
“I’m showing it now.”
Sally sends the map she prepared during the preliminary round to everyone. They must decide which area to head toward based on this.
Looking at it this way... the locations with unusual objects are clustered toward the edges of the map. We have already investigated this region.
Perhaps the later days were taken into account. Given that stronger monsters appear toward the map’s edge, choosing this path now seems correct.
Considering the information from Pain’s group and Mii’s group, balancing risk and reward, and ensuring many locations can be explored, four teams of four are formed. Each team includes a member from every guild, and they split off toward the four cardinal directions to search for dungeons.
Thus, taking mobility, endurance, and offensive capability into account, each team is structured to have its own strengths, and all members depart from the base to enter the field.