Defense specialization and fire lightning.

The second half of the event begins thus. Maple, meanwhile, lounges on the quiet hill of the Seventh Layer, basking in the sun. Indeed, the event has taken a new turn. Yet, due to the necessity of gathering large numbers of people, the time when the raid boss appears is fixed. Until then, free time remains. Some spend it gathering materials dropped by limited monsters, as before. But according to Izu, the needed amount has already been collected. More is better, of course. Yet, there is no longer any need for Maple and her companions to force their way into battles.

"Relaxing is nice, isn't it? Time acceleration events are good—everyone works hard, but it's busy... hey, Shiroppu."

Maple pokes Shiroppu’s head lightly. With all players joining forces this time, it has become the most relaxed event Maple has ever experienced.

The time for the next great boss has already been announced. The location is no more difficult to reach than any other, so even Maple without a horse can ride Shiroppu ahead and arrive without issue.

All that remains is to protect Mai and Yui as a large shield should. With tasks clearly defined, Maple feels at ease.

She relaxes, then, when a shadow falls over her from above, blocking the light.

Looking up, she sees the source of the shadow shift slightly and descend to the ground.

"Hey, Maple. How’s it going? Smooth sailing?"

"Mii!"

Mii leaps from Ignis and settles beside Maple.

"Yeah! Smooth sailing. Right now, it’s a raid boss. Until then, we’re just relaxing."

"The mission to defeat the limited monster is already complete. So the materials are gathered, right?"

"Yeah! Hehe, but most of the materials were gathered by the guild members. Oh, but I did work hard on the Monster House too!"

It was true that Sally and Kasumi had cleared through enemies swiftly and gathered the most. Still, when numbers gathered, Maple had also contributed during the material collection using the Monster House, as taught by Velvet. The fact that Maple could remain untroubled amid a horde of monsters was a phenomenon unique to her.

"We guild members managed to gather quite well. I had a bit of trouble with synergy, but still, that much is manageable."

"Wow, impressive, Mii!"

The monsters that appeared this time were all related to water. Mii, who fought with fire, faced a disadvantage. Yet, even so, Mii had grown. Firepower had increased. Common enemies, even with poor synergy, could now be burned to ash.

"Yeah, but this event seems aimed at the Eighth Layer... That means the Eighth Layer will be tough, probably."

"True enough. It feels like it’s tied to water."

"Not sure how much the current event monsters will help, but if the raid boss is water-based, that’ll be a real challenge."

"Water’s a problem for me too... I can’t swim, and I don’t think I’ll ever learn."

"So fighting underwater would be impossible, then? That means fighting Maple in water would work best..."

That would make it hard for Mii too, which defeats the purpose, but if managed right, it would certainly make things difficult for Maple.

"Wait—actually, I can explode and move through water!"

"…………? Is that really swimming?"

Maple is the one who detonates to move across land, sea, and air. Mii finds it strange, even now. Yet she knows firsthand how deadly Maple’s self-explosion can be in combat.

“Even if you took some damage…”

“Fufu, I’m solid as stone!”

Maple’s ability to explode is only a movement method because of her high defense. Mii could do the same, but it would be dangerous without full HP, and the timing of damage makes repeated explosions difficult.

“I was lucky to have Ignis. Without mobility like Maple’s, we couldn’t have circled around a boss this large.”

That is why so few players attempt extreme builds. Success is rare. Movement, endurance, attack power—many problems remain.

I can attack from above just right thanks to Shiroppu. If I protect Mai and Yui with Love That Offers the Body, they’ll be incredible!

I heard from a guild member. Was it the eight-hammer? They might actually be able to crush a raid boss.

When we fought the giant squid, it felt possible!

Ugh… I should warn the guild’s great shield-user not to get careless.

No human could withstand such overwhelming firepower if they tried to smash the raid boss head-on. In some cases, the shield itself might be shattered to splinters.

And so Mii speaks with Maple for a time. Maple is relaxed. Mii, too, has no urgent matter to attend to. Deciding to join the next raid boss, Mii has arranged to meet the others from 【Maple Tree】 at the site. This time, they will travel together. The distance is considerable. If they ride Ignis, they will reach their destination faster than Shiroppu, who flies through the air in an odd manner.

As they discuss how to pass the time, a familiar face passes by. The person notices Maple and Mii, and waves lightly before approaching.

"Maple-san! And Mii-san too!"

"Ah, Velvet!"

Velvet is in a composed mode today. Her usual challenging, energetic expression is replaced with calm serenity. Mii clears her throat once, then responds.

“Hmm… I don’t recall ever meeting you in person?”

“Yes. But you’re well known.”

“Mutual. I’ve heard rumors about you as well.”

Maple, aware of both sides, watches the two with an unreadable expression.

“Velvet is alone today.”

“Hinata has business… I’d normally join her, but I wanted to see the new raid boss unveiled at the event.”

She speaks calmly. Yet Maple senses the unspoken thoughts beneath: *Strong! Interesting! I want to fight!* Indeed, a closer look reveals Velvet’s excitement barely concealed—her smile, bright and eager, tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“But it’s quite far from here?”

Even with the horse in tow, the distance to the designated arrival point remains considerable. Maple tilts her head, observing Velvet’s expression—she does not seem inclined to wait nearby, as if she might not be able to participate.

“Fufu, there’s still time. Before that, I thought I’d go see something interesting reported by a guild member.”

“Interesting? Was there something here…?”

Maple recalls their previous search but cannot think of anything particularly noteworthy.

“Mii, do you recall anything?”

“No, nothing comes to mind I could point to with certainty.”

“Is that so? Then, would you care to come along, perhaps?”

Velvet offers the suggestion with a smile, disguising the admission with a playful tone. Mii, watching her, pauses—her gaze drifting momentarily, as if wondering why she had not turned back.

I have no particular plans. I’ll join if I can make it to the raid boss.

I don’t know either—wondering what it’s like is making me curious!

Then it’s decided! Of course I’ll make it to the raid boss! I want to take part too!

“Ah.”

Ah… you said you want to take part, didn’t you?

…………

Velvet offers another smile—Mii watches her, feeling, just for a moment, the faintest echo of a different future she might have had. She looks on, distant, a little envious. In any case, Maple and Mii decide to follow Velvet to see what she calls interesting. They move toward the destination, guided by Velvet’s lead.