Defense specialization and relaxed pace.

The eighth event has ended. The [Maple Tree] has achieved its goal during the event. Now, the matter is what to do with the medals earned.

Maple and Yui walk home from school, discussing this.

"What skill are you deciding on, Maple?"

"Not yet. The exchange period is still far off. I'll think about it until the last moment."

"Same as the others?"

"What about you, Yui?"

"I don't have any sudden desire for a new skill either. The next event isn't coming soon, so I'm not in a rush."

As Yui said, the event has just ended. There is no need to rush in strengthening their combat power. The Seventh Layer is quite expansive, and the implementation of the Eighth Layer still seems far off. There is no immediate objective.

"We can relax again!"

"That's right. We'll prepare by leveling up and searching for skills."

When Risa spoke, Maple’s expression brightened as if struck by an idea.

……That’s right! If we’re searching for skills, why not go back through the layers we’ve already passed? There are still places we haven’t reached!

Indeed. The layers are vast. We’ve found things like Absolute Defense in just one.

Risa considered it a valid option to explore unvisited areas. Maple had proven that hidden things existed. Yet, from Maple’s expression, it was clear the search for skills was not the primary goal.

Heh. That’s true. Let’s make it a sightseeing trip—skills along the way.

Ahaha, you caught on?

Well, sure. Let’s go find a good spot. No need for plans, right?

Yeah! Let’s explore undiscovered realms!

If combat is one way to enjoy the game, walking through the world itself is another.

The two had just finished a fierce battle in the event. They decided to stroll leisurely from the first layer to the Seventh Layer.

"Ah, of course we won’t go to the sixth layer!"

"Yes… that’s a relief… See you again in the game."

"Uh-huh."

On the way back, they waved goodbye. Mizari watched Maple’s light steps as she ran, her pace full of anticipation. A smile slipped out without her meaning to.

Mizari walked home, recalling their adventure.

Maple seemed much longer than before, and far more cheerful. That brought Mizari joy. Yet a quiet unease stirred—how long could it last?

…Better enjoy it now. Never thought she’d be so absorbed before.

She’s enjoying it now. So am I. That’s enough. Mizari hurried home to start the game.

Mizari hurried home and, after changing clothes, logged into the game without delay. Here, as Sally, she waited for Maple’s arrival.

“Sorry I’m late! Did you wait?”

“No, just got here. So, really, no plans today?”

When asked again, Maple smiled gently and suggested, once more, to wander aimlessly with no plans.

“Then let’s go. Monsters won’t be a problem, and no preparations needed.”

“Yeah, let’s go!”

Maple and Sally transferred to the upper level and surveyed the Town. Compared to when the game had first launched, many new areas had been implemented. The number of people in the Town had thinned out, scattered across the new zones. Still, the Town pulsed with life.

“Feels like forever since last time.”

“Always getting caught up in new zones and exploration, don’t you?”

Where shall we go?

Anywhere you like, Maple. Your choice.

Then let’s start with the Town!

Alright.

The two walk through the Town. They have wandered this same layer before, but now the buildings, the players—there is change.

New shops, not meant for this layer at first—these are one such change. Demand remains in the first layer, even as the Seventh Layer and the earliest layers grow crowded.

“Funny, I haven’t seen many starting players lately.”

“True. With so many outfits and gear now, you can pick what looks good and suits your needs.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“Some things only come once. You only feel that at first.”

“I see.”

Maple and Sally enter shops they do not recognize. Jewelry, clothing, furniture for those who just joined the Guild—each shop matches the Seventh Layer in variety.

“Wow! Incredible!”

Skills that are not high level will limit what one can create. Perhaps someone like Izu, who stands at the front lines, also has a shop here?

Enjoying dressing up is pleasant.

Sally follows Maple into the back of the shop.

"Shall we buy something?"

"Hmm, maybe we should."

"Look, you stood out quite a bit earlier."

"Ugh, it was the same last time. A bit strange."

Maple is known, whether in human form or otherwise. With this distinctive armor, being noticed is unavoidable. Sally is the same.

"Still, too much attention makes sightseeing difficult. Let’s change our clothes and appearance."

"Then, why not use the clothes we bought before? Look!"

Maple quickly changes her gear. Her outfit becomes a white dress, her hair long.

"You have one too, don’t you?"

"Ugh... well... there is one... but it's a bit... "

Sally says I am too cute for my own good. Maple replies immediately, not at all.

Then at least let me change my hair! That’s not too much, is it?

Hmm, I shall grant permission.

Fufu, thank you.

Sally changes her attire, granted permission by Maple. The dominant color remains blue, but the garment gains more frills and replaces her usual wear with a skirt she does not normally don. She does not alter her hairstyle to twin tails, as she had done before, but leaves her hair down as she usually wears it in a ponytail.

“Mmm... lacks surprise, doesn’t it.”

Maple placed a hand to her jaw and spoke. Sally paused, considering, then replied as if with a brilliant idea.

There, it’s all matching—just manage somehow!

Maple glances briefly at her hair, hanging straight down, and her expression eases.

“Hehe, that’s fine.”

“Alright! Then let’s just browse the small items. That was the original plan, after all.”

“That’s right! Sally, do you want anything?”

They look over the list of furniture for sale, thinking of their guild dormitory. It would be nice to have Iz make something, but it’s also worthwhile to purchase things here.

“Hmm, in the guild home I’m mostly in shared areas.”

“I’ve placed furniture properly too! I can’t see it when I’m out in the field leveling up… but…”

“That’s true. Can I come by sometime?”

“Of course! Not sure if it’ll be helpful, though. Ah, Sally, you’d look good with something like this?”

Maple suggests a few pieces of simple, stylish furniture. Sally examines them closely, then decides she likes them and purchases all of them.

“Wow! Heavy shopping!”

"Making money while leveling up. Times have changed—now I actually have coin."

"Nice. I’m always broke."

"Maple’s been buying all sorts of things."

"Guess I’ll need to gather coin again…."

"Then I’ll help."

"Thanks! Hmm, I should mark down what I want to buy."

They finish inspecting everything in the shop and exit into the Town. As planned, changing their clothes and haircuts makes them unrecognizable at a glance. With eyes no longer on them, they exchange smiles, confirming success, and enter a shop. It is the same place where, long ago, they once shared cake after starting the game.

They order cake again, just as before, and begin to speak.

"Maple, is this your first time back since that day?"

"Yeah. So much to do in the newest layer."

"Keeping up with every new feature is no small task, that’s true."

"Right, now it seems we can relax a little."

"True. Is there a layer you like best, Maple?"

"It's hard to say... I like them all!"

"Typical Maple."

Maple grins innocently, her expression showing genuine delight in everything. Not just appearing so—she truly is.

"What about you, Sally?"

"Hmm, if it's with Maple, anywhere's fine."

"Ehehe, really?"

"Of course. That's why I invited you to play."

"Good thing you can hold your own in battle too. Earlier games I invited you to didn't go so well."

"Well, this time it went a little too smoothly, really."

"Aha, yeah."

Sally is far more experienced with games. That the two of them now match in strength without forcing it is rare indeed.

The two continue chatting idly as they eat cake. After a brief pause, Sally speaks.

“Another….”

“?”

Maple waits for the next words. Sally smiles slightly, then flips open the shop’s menu.

“No, another cake? Look, the menu.”

“Eh, yeah! I’ll have one! How about you, Sally?”

“Of course. But we should watch how much we spend, not like last time. The sightseeing’s only just begun.”

“True. We should be careful.”

The two extend their forks toward the cake, the air between them once more calm and light.