Defense specialization and Reversal Rebirth.

Having escaped from underground, Maple returns once more to the night sea, confirming an unexpectedly acquired skill.

Reversal Rebirth

Consumes 500 HP. Designate one specific skill to be replaced with a different skill. Duration: five minutes.

"Since it consumes 500 HP... that means I can only use it when not using Ruthlessness, or when wearing the white gear."

Maple checks the conditions required to activate the skill, then changes her gear and restores her HP to meet them.

"Alright, Reversal Rebirth!"

At the words, black mist erupts from Maple’s body, and a red damage effect flares. When she checks her status panel, several skills flicker.

"Ruthlessness and... Heavenly Throne, and Love That Offers the Body?"

Only these three skills among Maple’s are affected by the inversion rebirth.

“Then I’ll start with the one I use most—Love That Offers the Body!”

She confirms the new skill name from the status panel, then speaks it hesitantly.

“Um… [Inaccessible Longing]”

As Maple declares it, a familiar glow does not emerge from beneath her feet. Instead, black light spreads outward in a circle. Black wings sprout from her back. Above her head, a halo of blackened angels appears.

“Ooh! Amazing! That might suit the black armor better!”

Maple focuses on a slightly off-center detail, yet reconfirms the effect.

“Hmm… transfers damage intended for the user to allies within range—players and allied monsters. Mmm, truly reversed.”

While wielding this, Maple’s received damage is transferred to allies within range—players and allied monsters. Opposite to Love That Offers the Body. Love That Offers the Body is exceptionally powerful because Maple takes no damage. Conversely, this skill, Reachless Longing, is meaningless when used by Maple.

The strongest application would be for a player with low defense and high attack, using it for survival.

Once it is certain that allies within range will survive until all enemies fall, the attacker can deliver maximum damage.

“Ah, but now I’m protected by Predator!”

Switching equipment after summoning Predator requires an extra step. Yet, if used well, it may allow a different kind of combat than before—no longer merely defending those around her.

“Right, I’ll think of better ways to use it later.”

Maple felt genuine delight at the new discovery, resolve hardening in her as she prepared to seek out the next sightseeing spot.

802 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Breaking News: Maple-chan has fallen from grace

803 Name: Nameless Spear User

??????

804 Name: Nameless Mage

You already did, didn’t you?

805 Name: Nameless Bow User

I heard there’s been nothing recent, really.

806 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

Seriously don’t know.

807 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

But there’s only one woman who’d summon two familiar-faced mouth-only monsters on either side of her, right?

808 Name: Nameless Mage

Not likely.

809 Name: Nameless Bow User

She wouldn’t be around.

810 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Black wings sprouting from Maple-chan’s back, that’s what it was.

The ground beneath also glowed black.

811 Name: Nameless Spear User

Changed the effect color, maybe?

812 Name: Nameless Bow User

I’ve heard summon monsters can do that, but no player has yet.

813 Name: Nameless Mage

Maple-chan was a summon monster...?

814 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Monster, that’s what you are.

815 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

Well, partially true.

816 Name: Nameless Spear User

Can’t deny it entirely. That’s true.

817 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

That’s all the info. Just waiting for someone to sacrifice themselves.

818 Name: Nameless Mage

Sacrifice is certain…?