Defense specialization and lightning.

The assault on the floating castle had taken considerable time, so they disbanded as planned that day, with the remaining floors to be visited at a later date.

Maple decided to gather information about several sightseeing spots before the next time she would have uninterrupted hours. She wished to enjoy both purposeful exploration toward a destination and aimless wandering that led to unexpected discoveries, so she prepared for both possibilities on the day itself.

Thus, Maple lay on a cloud high within the fifth floor, wearing a white dress, basking in the sunlight as if sunbathing.

Though leveling up and gathering materials could be done from lower levels, few came here. It was a secluded spot.

"Floating castle was fun, wasn't it?"

Recalling the view from above the clouds, lingering in its afterglow. Though not as high as the tower of the floating castle, the elevation still allows a clear sight across the field.

“Huh? Was there a lightning zone over there?”

Her usual habit of leisurely observing the scenery makes even minor discrepancies noticeable. Maple places a hand to her forehead, squinting, trying to confirm whether the brief flash she saw far off was merely a trick of the eye.

“It’s not a trick… right. Alright! Let’s go check it out!”

There was nothing specific she needed to do at the moment. Maple decided to go see the area where the lightning had appeared.

“Was it this spot…?”

She scans the surroundings with quick glances. The area is surrounded by high walls of cloud. Descending to the same height makes it nearly impossible to visually locate where the lightning struck.

Considering whether to fly and search using Shiroppu, a thunderous roar shakes the air. It is unmistakably the sound of lightning striking.

"There! That way!"

Maple moves around, using the occasional sound as a guide to locate the source of the thunder. Her flight ability is not common, so searching from above risks missing the event or the dungeon’s entry route entirely.

"Yeah, I’ve never seen lightning around here before—something must be happening!"

Maple walks a fair distance this way, waiting for the next sound.

"Hmm... can’t tell without hearing it... w-what!?!"

Maple leans against a cloud wall to rest. The wall offers no support. It smoothly swallows her whole, just as the entrance to the floating castle had done. An invisible entrance, once again.

Maple tumbles down the cloud slope, rolling headfirst through the cloud wall on the exit side. Her face strikes the ground. She lifts her head, and meets the wide-eyed stare of a female player, startled.

“D-did you… okay?”

“……? Ahaha, sorry. I’m fine!”

Maple adjusts her dress. She closes her eyes briefly, steadying her vision. She opens them again and looks directly at the female player before her. Golden hair tied in a bun at the back, red eyes. Wears a white blouse and long skirt, carries a sunshade—no weapon in sight. The look is unmistakably that of a noble lady. Maple stiffens instinctively and asks.

The sound of thunder came from this direction. I thought it might be a雷 event, since this area is usually quiet...

Maple speaks. The female player watches her, exhales once, and smiles in reply.

Mmm... I see. That explains it. There's nothing of that sort here... well. It's odd of me to say, but are you certain you're safe without any equipment?

If there were an event as intended, and monsters appeared, that would be dangerous.

I'm fine! I've maxed out defense, so I'm confident in my protection!

...That means...

Maple ignores the woman's hesitation, scanning the area again. As expected, there is nothing here.

Hmm. Maybe this isn't the place after all.

"Um, I come here often, so I can say for certain. That lightning wasn’t a Rea Event or anything like it."

"Wha—? Really?"

"Yes. Whether you believe me or not is up to you… I suppose."

"I understand. I believe you!"

"R—Really?"

"Yes!"

Maple’s words carried no deceit. The woman glanced at her, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

"...That’s right. Meeting here—it feels like fate. Would you like to talk a moment?"

"...? Yes! Of course!"

"Then standing here won’t help. Shall we go, Maple?"

"Y—Yes! Wait—really?"

The woman smiled, amused, at Maple’s startled reaction.

"Your reaction suggests I’m right."

"Wha—? Oh! Right! I mean… I was startled."

Maple nodded, understanding. Not mind-reading. Not some odd ability. Just a simple guess. She acknowledged it.

"Though she looks different from usual, a trace of her remains if you look closely."

Hair, clothing, eye color—these may change. But height and presence do not. With the added detail of "defensive build," any player who reviewed the fourth event would see the answer.

"Was touring sightseeing spots, so, um..."

"Hm? Ah, I'm Velvet."

"Velvet-san! So you're sightseeing too?"

No weapon. No armor, no shield. Likely here for the same purpose.

"Something like that. I was supposed to meet a friend for leveling up afterward, but the person with the great shield had a conflict."

"I see."

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

This was what she wanted to say. Velvet waits for Maple's reply.

"Yes! That's fine!"

She had no other plans to attend to. Her chest swelled with anticipation of a new friendship. Maple nodded, widely.

"Agreed… Then, meet at the Seventh Layer."

"Understood!"

Thus, summoned suddenly to aid in leveling up, Maple followed Velvet toward the Seventh Layer.