Defense specialization and the floating castle.

They return to the town to confirm whether the desired item is located in the currently discovered dungeon.

"Hey, Maple. It's here."

"Really? Oh wow!"

"Yeah, well, it's a standard location. That said, it's on the fifth floor. And this time it's not a tourist site—pure dungeon. So we'll need proper preparation."

"Hmph. Then I'll have to work hard."

Monsters that pose a threat to them are certainly more numerous than on the first floor. The dungeon, unlike the first floor's flower fields, has a boss as well.

"It doesn't mention the view, but it's apparently quite high up among the fifth floor's locations. It's sure to be beautiful."

"Really? I can't wait!"

"Then let's go now."

"Yeah!"

Maple and Sally decided they had enough potions from Shiroppu and immediately set out for the floating castle.

"Fifth floor—haven't been here in ages!"

"Still as dazzlingly white as ever."

The fifth floor, as Sally said, was entirely made of clouds—walls, floor, everywhere. A blinding white.

The floating castle was only recently discovered as a dungeon, and it was said to be a long journey to reach. They reequipped for combat and began moving toward their destination. Sally explained the floating castle to Maple.

"Looks like we'll have to use the magic array at the end. Can't just fly there with Shiroppu."

"Mm-hmm."

"The route isn't particularly difficult. In fact, it's easy to miss—hard to spot. That's probably why it wasn't found before."

"Really? I'd be thrilled if we'd found it first!"

"Yeah. Still, Maple usually finds things, don't you think?"

Maple wouldn't have such a skill set if she hadn't found things before.

"I want to keep exploring. If I find anything good for Sally, I'll give it to you."

"Same here, Maple. Right over here."

"Here?"

They had arrived at a dead end surrounded by towering clouds. Other places like this existed, so it had never drawn attention.

"Looks empty... but according to the information..."

Sally approached the cloud wall and pressed both hands into it. After doing so at several points, her hands sank deeply into the barrier.

"There! It seems we can pass through here."

"Wow... how did you find it?"

"Wasn't it just luck? You're the same, Maple, aren't you?"

"Maybe you're right!"

The two find a path leading onward to the floating castle and step into the clouds. The world around them is now even more completely white. They must carefully part the clouds, searching for the hidden passage as before.

"Wow... it's beautiful... but I might lose track of where the path is."

"Exactly like a hidden dungeon. Well, this time we'll rely on the wisdom of those who came before and press forward."

"Uh-huh!"

Sally leads, checking the route as she moves through the clouds, left and right. With no monsters appearing, the journey remains smooth, even if complex.

After walking for about ten minutes.

"Phew... I've walked quite a bit... maybe?"

"Everything clouded in every direction messes with your sense of direction. But if we're not wrong, we should be close... yes!"

Sally raised her voice as if successful, parting the clouds once more to peer beyond. Maple quickly leaned over from beside her. There, a structure resembling a temple stood, crafted from the same pure white material as the clouds. From its center, a glow of magic array rose upward.

“Sally, here?”

“Yeah. But the real part starts from here.”

“From a high place, it’d probably be beautiful…”

“Just take another photo, then.”

“Hmph, I already took some along the way!”

“Next time, monsters will appear. Don’t let your guard down.”

“I know, I know!”

The two walked toward the magic array. At the count of three, they stepped forward—transferring, as intended, to the floating castle.