Defense specialization and Layer Nine.

The eight who have arrived at Layer Nine ponder what to do. Before them, unlike any previous layer, two towns are visible.

One area is lush with nature, where objects made of water and ice float against gravity in scattered patches. Beyond it, a town with white as its primary color is visible.

The other area is a barren expanse, marked by lightning in the sky and flames spreading across the earth. At its center, a town with black as its primary color is visible.

"Which one should we go to?"

"Probably no major difference in function, but the atmosphere is different. It’s better to go to the one that appeals to you."

"We don’t know much yet. There’s no reason we can’t leave either town immediately. We should be able to visit both."

No message from the game side regarding selection. It seems neither town will be chosen as a base at this time.

"Then… let’s go from deeper in this forest!"

Maple points toward the area where flowing water and a rich forest are visible, with large ice bridges and staircases nestled between them.

"Ah, then we’ll go from that side."

"We might need to visit both and gather various materials."

"True. It wouldn’t be surprising if the materials we can obtain differ."

The area is split into two, each designed with sufficient size, meaning there will be many locations to explore in the ninth layer.

"Then let’s start with this one!"

"Yui, you’ll be unsafe if you run too much."

"Let’s go, Maple."

"Right! First, we have to get down from here!"

The eight descend the hill and move deeper into the forest.

The forest held small streams flowing through it, springs rising from the earth, and many pools of standing water. Walking through with a splash, they came upon floating masses of water in midair, as if echoing Sally’s [Water Path]. What had been visible from afar—this phenomenon—seemed not to be a monster. Though similar creatures had appeared in earlier layers, this was different.

“This doesn’t seem to be a monster. Perhaps this terrain is like this.”

“On the other side, ice blocks float too. Pillars are visible as well.”

What had seemed from above to be proof of monsters was not so.

It must be a response to the lava flows found in the opposite area.

“The Town is close. Perhaps a detour later, after reaching the Guild Home?”

“Yes. First, to the Town!”

No monsters blocked the path to the Town. The eight reached it from the hilltop, as seen from afar.

Different from before, even from afar, it felt like the Town was something else entirely.

A high wall… Sally, is the Town surrounded by it?

Probably. It makes sense, by function.

The Town is encircled by a tall wall, and beyond that, a deep moat surrounds the wall. From the high ground, the Town is visible only as a glimpse beyond the drawbridge spanning the moat.

The boundary between the field and the Town is sharper than before. That is the main difference.

As the eight cross the drawbridge, a soft light shines from a crystal mounted above the entrance. Nothing unusual occurs, so they proceed without pause.

Upon reaching the far end of the drawbridge, a voice calls out from the guards flanking the entrance—solidly armored figures resembling NPCs.

"Traveler? If you've secured lodging, proceed to the central castle."

"Understood!"

Maple answers brightly, stepping forward without pause and entering the town ahead of the others.

Unlike the layered districts with their distinct thematic designs, this side of the ninth layer features a townscape of elegant Western-style architecture. Beyond it, the streets adorned with water and ice held in shape by mysterious force, the central elevated area bears a white stone castle. This was one of the key strongholds of the ninth layer.

The eighth layer, fully submerged, had shaped its town in an unusual form. Seeing a normal town felt like a rare experience after so long.

"Wait—quest markers appear properly now. Different from before."

As Crom says, the section displaying active quests for all members reads 【Head to the Royal Castle】.

This one might be the kind we’re meant to handle, don’t you think? It came from the other side. Leaving it alone probably won’t end well.

That’s right. It feels like we’re being asked to move forward.

Then, once we reach the guild home, let’s all do it together!

Yes!

Let’s go, Maple-san!

Ahead, Maple leads, followed by Mai and Yui. The five of them watch the trio’s progress and follow behind. Those three will not be lost, even if they run.

Are all main quests the same? It depends on how far the branches extend...

I’ll check the opposite side when I have time. Knowing both will make planning easier.

Then I’ll do the same. If Maple-chan and the others explore this side, we’ll gather materials from here. I’d like to collect everything as soon as possible, if possible.

Then, Iz and Kanade, I’d appreciate your help with that. We’re considering this field’s use in person-to-person combat.

I’ll scout too, along with Kasumi. We’ll handle the practical matters. As for anything that might require unexpected aid, those three will manage it—surely no issue.

No issue—strange to say, but that’s how it feels.

As long as you all keep things light and steady, I’m certain good results will come naturally.

Yeah.

Five of them speak while watching the three ahead. Maple and the others are certainly strong. But they cannot be relied upon entirely. To achieve favorable outcomes, proper preparation is necessary.

Sally, who never disliked thorough planning, immediately begins preparations this time, setting the plan in motion.