Defense specialization and skill tome two.

By the time Kanade returned to the guild home, Maple and Sally were already talking.

"Ah, Kanade! Exploring somewhere today?"

"Yeah, I went quick and wrapped it up."

Kanade then explained to the two the newly acquired skill tome vault.

"Wait—can this store any skill at all... even ones from weapons I'm not using?"

"Those won't activate anyway. No, not quite—books can be made, and they're consumed when used, but they don't do anything, I guess?"

Sally sighed, disappointed. Kanade said the Rubik's cube added to this shelf, while derived from the divine library series, wasn't limited to staves. It would be more accurate to say it's an item that adds skills to weapons upon acquisition. Regardless, gaining it increases the number of cards available in combat.

It’s not certain it can even be cleared to begin with. Good at puzzles?

Ah… right, that’s true.

Recalling that it wasn’t a boss battle format, Sally concludes the item will be difficult to obtain. No matter how skilled in combat, the Skill Archive remains out of reach. She isn’t particularly bad at puzzles, but solving a Milk Puzzle with ease and returning without issue is beyond her. In truth, one must possess the Divine Archive to use it fully. It remains, fundamentally, a skill meant for mages.

I could do it for you.

No, that’s not how it works. One must do it oneself.

Fufu, right, right.

Hey, did you just happen to find it by chance?

No. There’s another clue beneath the guild… one that only becomes clear after visiting the library through previous layers.

When Kanade said that, the two of them showed expressions of surprise.

"From now on, we’ll have to take pictures whenever we find symbols."

"Yeah! I wonder if there were any back at the places we’ve already been?"

"Who knows. You two have explored far more than I have, so there might be some somewhere."

"We mustn’t miss them next time!"

"Hehe, then should Maple and Sally learn too? Once they start seeing them as letters, they won’t miss them."

Sally nodded, eager to learn, when Kanade suggested it was not overly complex.

"Then let’s start with something simple. Just being able to read a few characters will make a difference."

"...You mean ‘not complex’ by Kanade’s standards, right?"

"Wait—! That would make it quite difficult…?"

"Maybe."

Kanade smiles, playful and sly, and teaches the two what she has learned.

After some time spent at the guild home, learning the new language from Kanade, they decide to end for the day.

“How is it?”

“S-somewhat?”

“Just what you were taught.”

“The libraries of each tier collect them. Go try, if you feel like it.”

For Kanade, the first time she saw written characters was at the eighth tier. There might be other places there marked with writing.

It would do no harm to remember.

“If you find something like it, send me a message. I think I can tell.”

“Really? Thanks!”

“Then, maybe it wasn’t necessary to memorize after all…?”

“Isn’t knowing new things enjoyable?”

“I won’t deny that.”

“Hmph. Wasn’t it a good experience?”

That’s right, I suppose. I haven’t done much of that before.

Some games do have their own constructed languages, of course, but few demand deciphering. Especially not the action-heavy games Sally enjoys.

Then I’ll go explore the Town again. Seems like the inside of the Town matters this time.

Maybe hints are hidden underground, like in the Guildhome.

Yeah, I’ll let you know if I find anything. Some places might be too tough for me alone.

Then let me know. I’ll help.

Me too!

I’ll be counting on your next discovery.

Leave it to me. I’ll explore everything.

Kanade nods with a slight smile, then leaves as promised.

The two remaining stay behind in the Guildhome and begin the next part of their conversation.

Now then. What now? We were talking about exploring somewhere, weren’t we?

We’ve said that to Kanade too… I think I want to go see somewhere we haven’t been yet!

Good. Let’s look at the map and decide. Seeing the scenery outside… it’s hard to judge properly.

The eighth layer offers little change in landscape. Limited time underwater means it’s standard practice to mark a destination first, then proceed.

Any good spots?

Hmm… We need parts first, so everyone’s exploration hasn’t progressed far. Information is still scarce.

I see. That’s tough. I’ve just upgraded myself lately…

Still, there are places that seem interesting.

Really?

It’s a dungeon, ordinary in name, but we move through buildings like underwater temples.

Oh! That sounds amazing!

The monsters seem quite strong. I’d like to fight one with Maple once.

Sally spun the newly acquired short sword in her hand. Maple was the most frequent partner in combat. Practicing coordination with a new skill was not unwelcome.

“That was a tricky skill….”

“Maple will fight as usual—no problem! I’ll adjust to you. There are limits to what we can do against monsters.”

Monsters did not think deeply or misread intentions. That allowed Maple to exploit such predictability, but it did not always work perfectly.

“Okay! Let’s go!”

“I know the place. Let’s ride that.”

“…! That one!”

Leading Maple, whose eyes sparkled with excitement, Sally stepped out from the guild home and reached the border between the field and the town. From her inventory, she withdrew a jet ski.

The jet ski splashed into the water with a loud splash, settling steadily. Sally stepped in first, then reached out and gently guided Maple to sit behind her.

"Grab on tight."

"Uh-huh! I can't ride it myself, but this is fun!"

Maple could not control it—her DEX was too low. But Sally had no trouble.

"Then here we go."

"Got it."

After confirming Maple held on, Sally accelerated.

"Whoa—so fast! So fast!"

"Moving quickly on water is hard. We should thank Iz."

They cut through the waves, heading toward the underwater temple.