Defense specialization and beast.
At that time, in the valley discussed on the bulletin board, a white beast dragged a monster about. It appeared to have no offensive capability. It bit one monster and clutched another with its front paws, tearing it apart with claws and fangs—yet delivered no damage.
Yet, when subjected to such treatment, the monster naturally retaliated. The goblin holding a spear attempted to jab its face. It scratched the armor-like exoskeleton, inflicting slight damage. Each thrust summoned a sword of light upon the ground, diminishing the impact.
Even as it persisted, delivering only minimal resistance, the goblin being bitten began to emit damage effects from its body.
The enhanced status, strengthened by the growing number of glowing swords, proved sufficient to wound the goblin—unprotected by any gear.
The goblin, as death drew near, could do nothing but face the beast whose resistance grew stronger with each struggle.
The beast nodded, grunting in satisfaction, as it cracked apart with a sharp *ping*.
"Good! Let's try more!"
Maple, the white beast's core, searched eagerly for the next opponent. She moved through the deep mountains, mastering her new form—the 【Heavenly Guardian Beast】—granted by 【Reversal Rebirth】.
Her white body, armored with a rigid shell, now gave the impression of holiness, a stark contrast to the 【Brutality】 it once embodied. The differences were clear: only two limbs, no fire breath, and no increase in STR.
Combined with her original stats, the change meant she dealt no damage at first—yet her support abilities were powerful enough to make her a welcome presence, a simple object of great value.
A field that reduces damage taken with each hit received… status increase for allies within the field, hmm, quite clever.
She had been testing the effect by standing near a spear-wielding goblin that unleashed piercing attacks, as instructed.
Like the 【Brutality】 skill, an external HP manifested. With each hit taken, a blade made of light pierced the air around Maple, reducing the damage.
Five minutes only—such a waste. I wish I could obtain it someday, truly!
The skill itself remains likely hidden somewhere. At least she had heard of black creatures running about, but never of similar white ones. If ever obtained, it would be secured immediately and kept ready at all times.
Maple practiced moving with a body that looked frail, though the time passed quickly. Five minutes was short. She returned to her original form almost immediately.
"Already over. Hmm... that power was useful."
A message arrived from the administrators. It concerned the eighth event.
"This time, we all cooperate... The field is different, but no time acceleration—so it'll be like the jungle."
A condition may be required to enter, but Maple did not know it. She could only wait for more details to be released.
"But good. I'm good at cooperating!"
Having finished practicing with her new form, Maple decided to return to Town.
She arrived in Town and met Sally. They began discussing the event.
Still a little further off, but the event seems to be coming.
Yeah, this time we’re all working together!
That’s a relief. Facing others, we hadn’t settled on a strategy yet.
With the Eighth Layer also planned for implementation, the time for relaxed pauses will finally end.
More things to do again.
Shall we end at some place at the end?
Hmm, I looked for a star-themed sightseeing spot in the Seventh Layer for that purpose… but it turned out not to be what I expected.
From the hints, I found another odd skill—different from what Maple was searching for.
Good news for you, Maple.
Yes, yes! What is it?
I found a clue for the Seventh Layer.
Really!? I was hoping to find it first this time… guess I didn’t make it.
Still, the Seventh Layer clue doesn’t seem to be just about sightseeing.
A floating city, kind of?
That’s right, just a good view too. So, pretty strong monsters are likely to appear.
Sally tells Maple that this place is above where she’s been with Velvet and the others.
This sounds tough… but it’s fitting for a finale, isn’t it!
Exactly. This time, we can go anytime—day or night.
Then let’s go right away!
Good. It’s settled. And since I knew Maple would say something like that, I’ve prepared something. Let’s stop by the guild home first.
…? Yeah, got it!
Maple follows Sally toward the guild home.
At that moment, Iz is moving between various crafting tools, shaping something.
The guild members are all gathered at the guild home, as an announcement was made. They are discussing recent events.
Another event comes. The tame monsters have grown quite strong. We’re ready, as prepared as we can be.
I’ve raised my level too, but I still don’t know the details of this event. The monsters that appear will likely be powerful…
Crom and Kasumi are two of the highest-level members in the 【Maple Tree】 guild. Their high levels grant advantage, but that does not guarantee victory—this is the difficulty.
There are many kinds of cooperative play. If we eight participate, I don’t think we’ll lose easily…
Kanade speaks, moving a piece on the board before him.
Ah!
Um…
I win again this time.
“Uuu…”
Mai and Yui slump their shoulders in defeat, but immediately challenge Kanade to another match. Kanade accepts.
By the way, isn’t Maple and Sally not here today?
They should be arriving soon, if they’re with Sally. She asked me to do a little task.
Iz stands from the back, finishes her work, and replies to Crom.
“Sally, rare to see you taking the initiative. Speak of the devil.”
Just then, the guildhouse door opens. Maple and Sally enter together.
“Sally, I’ve finished what you asked.”
“Thank you.”
Iz adjusts her inventory, hands the item to Sally.
“Where are you two off to now?”
“Sally and I are doing our last sightseeing before the event!”
“Nice. Have fun. Oh—something from the trip would be nice.”
“Yeah, leave it to me.”
“While you’re at it, look out for any interesting skills.”
“Aha… well, I think I’ve already found one…”
Sally looks off into the distance, knowing Maple’s skill. Crom, too, remembers it—same distant look.
“Aha… that fallen heaven….”
“Still exists, it seems. We’ll plan our strategy once the event details are released.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Then I’m off!”
Maple and Sally wave to the guild members as they depart. Kanade and Maiyui return to their match. Iz and Kasumi react to Crom’s words.
“Fallen Heaven? What’s that?”
“No, I haven’t seen it myself—Maple’s been roaming the fields lately, so I only heard about it. There’s a thing… something that turns Love That Offers the Body pitch black.”
“Anyone who sees it would be startled.”
“Ah. I don’t know what it is exactly. But it’s not weak, I’d wager.”
“Even if it were weak, they’d still be cautious. The noble avoids danger.”
No one knows where it was found. But if the guildmaster grows stronger, it will be welcome.
"Ah, right, Kasumi. I had something I wanted to ask you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. You said you explored the valley floor when you brought Hak into the group. Did you see anything... like a white monster, armored like a suit of mail?"
"...No. I didn’t see anything like that. A rare monster?"
"If you didn’t see it, then it’s probably not a tame monster or a real event."
"Hmm. If such a thing had been there, I’d have wanted to see it."
The two continue speaking, unaware that the truth of it—neither a tame monster nor a real event, but simply Maple—will come to light only a little later.