Defense specialization and the royal castle.

The group, having entered the guild home—nine stories high—once, decided to head toward the royal castle indicated by the quest.

"Hey, hey, Sally, is that it?"

"Should be, given the circumstances."

Eight people exit the guild home, their destination a large, white, beautiful castle visible in the distance.

A broad road extends toward it, bustling with movement—other players, countless NPCs, all walking along. This place is clearly the main street, alive with activity.

"The town itself is quite large. Even back when we were at the fourth layer, it felt spacious."

"Seems to be even larger here. Just circling the entire town might take some time."

Eight ascend the stairs leading to the castle, their eyes on the town spread below. Rows of buildings extend to the outer wall, and several main roads are visible. Walking through, they would find various shops scattered throughout.

"Looks like there's another area over there. Probably double the size."

Sally speaks. On the opposite side, a town-like layout is visible. If compared, the scale and structure would be similar.

"Ooh... we'll need to work together to see it all!"

The field is wide, but the size of the town serving as a base will be unprecedented. Field exploration is important, but clues and quest leads are already evident within the town itself.

"I'll handle the town this time."

"Same as before, right?"

"Hehe, yeah."

This much space would make boredom unlikely even without battle.

By the time they finished climbing the stairs, the eight had reached the front of the castle visible in the distance. The open gate revealed a path leading to buildings, with well-kept gardens on either side.

Soldiers—NPCs resembling soldiers—stood at both sides of the gate, just as they had when entering the Town. As Maple and the others approached, one spoke.

"Travelers. Arrived at an interesting time."

"Anything happening, Sally?"

"Who knows? 'Interesting time'—some event, perhaps?"

"I will guide you. Follow."

The soldier turned and entered the castle. There was no choice but to follow. Maple and the others walked behind the soldier.

The castle was intricately built. From the entrance, multiple corridors branched out. Every wall, floor, and ceiling bore clean, detailed decoration.

Could we walk down the other corridors too?

Depends on how the quest progresses, I suppose. There’s no reason we couldn’t enter if it’s built, right?

They walked down the hall, climbed the stairs. Maple looked around with quiet curiosity, her eyes darting left and right. The soldier who had been leading them stopped before a large door.

“This way. Enter.”

The soldier spoke briefly, then pushed the door open. At last, the inside of the room became visible to Maple and the others.

The room stretched long from front to back, like a Boss Room. Strong-looking soldiers stood in neat rows along both sides. At the far end, an old man sat upon a throne, a crown upon his head, his beard white and long.

“Is that the king?”

“Looks like it. I wonder if it’s safe to let us pass so easily…”

Maple and Sally whispering to each other, a voice comes from the king’s direction.

“Travelers. You have come at a favorable time.”

“Sally, it seems something’s afoot, doesn’t it?”

“Mm. Let’s listen.”

“Soon, a festival that will shape the coming year will be held with the neighboring realm. Travelers may take part.”

“I see.”

“Is that the event? Oh, the quest advanced too.”

As Sally said, the quest automatically accepted upon entering the country has progressed one stage, now titled: [Decide Your Camp].

The quest appears to have a time limit. Maple understands this must signal the start of the festival.

“By the light you received upon entry, you now belong to our camp. …Of course, change is permitted. That is the arrangement.”

Entering the opposite nation grants a new light, updating one’s camp. If not aligned with either side, one is assigned to a camp at random. Participation in combat remains entirely voluntary.

“This is a display of strength. Each year, the battle takes place without risk to life, within a reality replicated by magic. If you belong to our nation, expect such power from you.”

In essence, the next event will be fought on the same field, with each nation’s innermost castle as the objective.

Tactical options are broad—terrain-based warfare, stealth infiltration, or brute-force assault—all are possible.

The scale of this guild confrontation had expanded many times over compared to previous ones. Commanding members from rival guilds would be no easy task. Coordination was not as simple as speaking it aloud.

Though the exact rules remained unclear, the combat format and ultimate objective were now definite. Players not aligned with either faction—those who had yet to arrive at the ninth layer as well—appeared to be included. The advantage of those already present likely lay in their familiarity with the terrain and facilities, and the preparation that came with it.

“Come if you must. I shall not turn away those who come.”

The soldier who had led the eight spoke thus. Then, without turning, he guided Maple and the others out of the room.

Once outside, the soldier spoke, his face still forward.

I advise joining our side. The king of the neighboring nation is strong, but ours is stronger still. You may not feel it until you see for yourself.

It is natural to speak well of one’s own ruler. Yet even setting that aside, there was truth in the words. Speaking as he did, he would likely face the king himself in battle.

"The king is strong, huh..."

"My grandfather was fairly strong in the game. I don’t know his fighting style. I won’t know until we see it in action."

"That’s how it is."

Maple nodded, understanding. As each of them voiced their thoughts, Maple and the others returned to the entrance.

Preparations for combat are underway. If you look down from the castle toward the town, a large building should be visible straight ahead. If you intend to assist, go there. Quests should be posted in abundance.

Yes!

Then it falls to you next.

Yes. The quest seems to have advanced.

If there are "as many as you like," it likely means the path will branch from there.

NPCs appear to participate in combat as well. If we align with the opposing side later, we might end up strengthening their ranks.

Possible. But first, we should examine these quests.

It would be good if there were something manageable...

I’ve never taken a quest before. Neither has my sister.

Still, probably no issue. It’s prepared as the main quest for the ninth layer. It wouldn’t be set up if it were impossible to progress.

Yes!

But I’ll try my best…!

It’s entirely possible that Mai and Yui, whose strengths and weaknesses are clearly defined, cannot complete quests presented to them. They can defeat monsters without issue, but tasks demanding other attributes remain beyond their reach.

Then let’s just go and see what happens!

That’s right. Besides this main quest, there are surely many events scattered throughout.

The town is large. The field is even vaster. Given how many hidden events must exist in past layers, they’re likely hidden somewhere here.

That’s true! There’s more than just quests!

Hmph, I hope we find as many interesting things as we can.

Yeah! The buildings… is that one over there?

Maple points toward a grand structure, clearly larger and taller than those around it, visible even from afar.

Looks like it. The quest even lists a destination. There’s no doubt.

Alright, let’s hurry, Sally!

Yes, yes. Just be careful not to fall.

Maple and the others hurried down the long staircase toward the building.