Defense specialization and [Rapid Fire].

Without knowing such conversation, Maple and Sally gathered in the Town of the Seventh Layer as scheduled for the weekend.

"Found another odd skill again."

"Yeah, startled me. Might have missed something even before."

"Can't say it's impossible. Places where nothing happened upon defeating the boss, or where the boss itself was weak—those might be worth revisiting."

Sally cited Velvet and others' mountain as an example. It could be that Maple and the others were simply too strong, but the scale and placement of the monsters seemed disproportionate.

"There might still be something there. Well, hardly any hints, though."

Muu… exploration is deeper than I thought. Ah, I’ll show you the skill I just acquired. It’s hard to use well—maybe Sally will think of a better way to use it!

Then I’ll think about it. Ah, right. Maple hasn’t claimed the skill from the medal she got in the last event yet. Maybe there’s something good there too.

Yeah! I’ve got a rival now—would be nice to have a good skill.

I’ve already chosen mine. I’ll show you next time.

Yeah, I’m looking forward to it!

Sally won the duel, but the real contest will be the PVP event. If you want to win, you’ll need to prepare especially for Hinata.

The ones who come to see it next will surely be strong. It’d be good to be able to check their skills.

Alright, let’s go, Sally!

Yeah, I’ll get the horse ready.

Maple and Sally ended their conversation, mounted their horses, and rode off toward their destination.

Velvet says it will be obvious when seen, so I suppose it has a rather noticeable appearance.

Hmm.

Maple and Sally arrived at a plain where gentle wind stirred the grass. This place was home to flying monsters of little value—birds, small dragons—whose movements were visible in the open sky above the flat expanse.

Love That Offers the Body!

Yes, thank you.

The monsters were numerous and swift. Sally could avoid them all with ease, but today’s purpose was to find a player, and fewer distractions were preferable.

We’re looking for someone impressive, right?

Yes. Velvet didn’t give any details about what they look like either.

Velvet had only told her the place. That was all. To find someone impressive at first glance, it would be difficult among the usual crowd of players. Yet if one could be found, it would mean possessing something striking—just as Maple had when she first met Velvet.

"Something that stands out at a glance. Like how Maple is now, right?"

"Wha—!?"

In truth, Maple was deflecting wind magic and body blows from swarming monsters even as she spoke. A familiar scene to the two, yet undeniably uncommon.

That was the kind of presence they sought.

And so, as they walked the plain, they found the one who stood out.

A tall, slender pair. The man wears the garb of a minstrel, wielding a massive bow nearly his height. The woman wears a classical maid's uniform, holding a mop. They stand out, as Sally said—odd at first glance. They keep their distance.

The man primarily attacks. The woman remains focused on support.

The power and speed of the bow are remarkable. A dragon takes flight. The man draws the bow. In the next moment, crimson damage effects burst from the dragon in midair. Health drops to zero. One shot. Another monster falls. Again and again. Precise. Immediate.

“Sooo cool! Is that how bows work!?”

“Nah, there aren’t many archers around. It’s not like that, no.”

The opponent moves with ease. Every arrow finds its mark. Yet that in itself is unnatural. As Sally survives through evasion, the arrows must be aimed with precision. And even so, if they fly in the wrong direction, they miss.

Power, accuracy, rate of fire. I think that’s why it’s strong. Probably not using any skill at all.

The bow possesses abilities impossible in reality. Launching multiple arrows at once. Bending the trajectory of arrows after release. If such feats are merely part of a normal attack, then the hidden strength behind them is immeasurable.

Still, considering Yui and Mai, the power is too great to be natural. There must be some explanation. Likely, the maid’s buff is quite strong.

The destructive force they wield—equal in both strength and precision—could not exist without the influence of some skill.

"Ah… I see."

Their combined power. Velvet’s interest in them is understandable. Not a single miss followed, one after another, monsters fell.

"The bow is nice too…"

"Yeah, it must be fun to hit that often."

Maple and Sally watched from a distance. When they had finished, the bow lowered from the sky, and the pair began walking toward them. Not by chance. They stopped before Maple and Sally. The man spoke first.

"Ah, I thought someone was watching quite intently."

"Indeed. Unexpectedly famous."

Looking again at the two directly, the man seemed gentle in manner. The woman felt firm, dignified.

"Know you?"

"Yes, well."

"Of course. Anyone wearing those plates would recognize."

Today being the Seventh Layer, Maple and Sally were both fully encased in their strongest gear. As they said, few players would fail to recognize them in this gear.

"So, Maple and Sally. Reconnaissance, is it?"

"Um, Velvet mentioned there was someone interesting..."

Upon hearing Velvet's name, both nodded, accepting.

"So you two. Velvet came here recently."

"Enjoyed fighting strong players. Said to come see you both. Ah, so it was about Maple and Sally."

"Amazing!"

It’s not unpleasant to hear that.

For Wil, that would be easy enough.

They pause. Realize they have not introduced themselves. Each speaks their name. The man called Wil is Wilbert. The maid-clad woman is named Lily.

I am the guildmaster of Guild Rapid Fire. Well, I run it with Wil’s help.

Heh, me too.

Maple mostly relies on Sally for strategy. Her role is to add the final touch. In truth, the strategy that ended in self-destruction and served as a marker during the last event was Maple’s idea.

Shall we speak a moment? Observing enemy movements isn’t entirely without merit.

It’s our first time meeting in person. Though small, your guild has achieved notable results. I find that interesting.

If that’s the case…

Yes! Let’s talk!

Thus, through Velvet’s introduction, the two top members of Guild Rapid Fire met—and, as before during the 【thunder storm】 event, began to exchange words.

"Another monster will likely appear shortly. If you wish to speak, it would be wise to head toward the safe zone..."

"That’s the famed defensive field, then."

Even as Maple and the others watched, 【Love That Offers the Body】 remained extended, shielding Sally. The footage from the fourth event, the battles where Maple had appeared—she nearly always bore the wings of an angel—meant no player on the front lines remained entirely unfamiliar with her.

"Only allies can be protected..."

"Of course. No need to worry. Wil and I are not so frail as to fall to these monsters here."

“How far do we go? I haven’t come this way much, so this area’s safe zone is…?”

Then I’ll lead, Lily says, stepping forward. The monsters react, lunging toward her, but Wilbert’s aim is flawless—each one falls before it nears.

“If Maple fights, she must stay behind her great shield first.”

Wilbert’s precision is absolute. Sally predicts that even the slightest movement from Maple—any step forward, any motion of face or foot beyond the shield—risks a fatal shot. The risk is not hypothetical. It is certain.

“Uuu… I, I think that might actually happen.”

“I know the basics of archery too. I can adjust the number of arrows shot. I can fire in arcs.”

“Yes, no need to hide. I’ve acquired the basic archery skill as well.”

……In Wilbert’s case, there’s likely more than that.

Perhaps. Still, judging by the look of it, you’ve already guessed the pattern.

That kind of power and rate of fire couldn’t come from nothing.

Impressive observation.

Hah. Wil’s strong. Take Sally, for instance. I’ve heard your evasion is legendary. But can you dodge an arrow that arrives with such speed—arrives before you even notice it?

……I don’t know.

You’re making me curious to see your strength too.

Lily’s expression brightened as she realized what Velvet had meant. Maple spoke up.

“Lily’s equipment looks excellent!”

“This? Well, I’ve used it for a long time. Maybe it finally suits me now.”

She spun the broom idly in her hand.

“I never liked it much at first. But it’s equipment. That’s all.”

That’s right! I want you to imagine what it’s like to finally acquire rare gear—this is what comes out for someone.

The air around Lily carries the weight of one who commands, not serves. It makes sense she is Guildmaster. Her presence does not clash with her station—it fits.

“This is top-tier equipment. The outfit, the broom that functions as a spear.”

“Wait, it’s a spear?!”

“Ah, but despite its appearance, it has almost no offensive power.”

“…You’re telling me quite a lot.”

“It’s nothing major. Besides…”

Lily turns to Sally, her voice sharp with challenge, her bearing radiating unshakable certainty.

“I believe that even if all our skills were known, Wil and I could still prevail.”

“You always say that. It’s an overestimation.”

“Not at all. Strength is precisely that.”

……I will do what I can until I am done.

Ah, Wil. That is enough. That is how it is.

Velvet seems to suit you well.

Velvet is quite confident. She understands such matters. And indeed, Velvet and Hinata are strong.

If the next battle is ranked, the balance of power may shift again. That is, the safe zone is over there… perhaps it was unnecessary after all.

While speaking, Wilbart eliminates all monsters. While speaking, Maple walks without issue, guarding her companion. Everywhere, every corner, becomes a safe zone.

Well said, Wil. Settle your body. Then conversation flows better.

That is true.

Thus, the four move toward the safe zone where no monsters intervene.