Defense specialization and departure.

The two return swiftly to the town after clearing the quest, heading straight to the request counter to report completion.

Much of what is done on the ninth layer begins here, and the counter is bustling with players just as it was when they left.

"Should we report it?"

"Yeah, that’s what it seems."

As they approach the counter, the quest display shifts to reportable status. Tapping the word “Achieved” shown on the blue panel grants them materials, gold, and additional experience points as reward.

"Wow!"

"I knew it was mentioned you’d get it upon acceptance, but actually receiving it feels a bit like a gain, doesn’t it?"

"Exactly!"

Material and experience points are still obtained as usual during combat in the tunnels. Leveling up becomes easier due to the additional rewards from quests. Accepting quests offers only benefit.

It is structured so that players naturally perceive it as best to accept the quest, given that it lies at the heart of the nine layers.

They still seem to be lingering, it appears.

She had not decided to return. There was still the possibility she would explore further.

The ninth layer has only just been entered. Most of it remains unknown. Unlike the eighth, there are no significant restrictions on where one may explore. Walking through the vast field is enough to consume endless time.

What shall we do? We could take on the next quest without pause, or search for other real events as well.

Quests yield stable rewards proportional to the time invested, but uncovering hidden events, items, and dungeons offers far greater potential for rapid advancement. Still, the primary focus at the ninth layer remains quest progression. Given that completing requests gradually unlocks further quests, dedicating time to them becomes necessary.

—Hmm... what should I do...

Maple hesitates, her thoughts unsettled. The entrance door creaks open. A familiar face steps inside. Both Maple and Sally wear distinctive gear, drawing attention even in a crowd. The newcomer notices them.

"Ah, you two. So, the Maple Tree is here after all."

"Lily!"

"Is the Rapid Fire over here?"

"About even. Hard to say without checking both sides."

The Maple Tree, as planned, appears to be dispatching Guild members to their respective nations, gathering information in parallel.

"Events seem to employ fields modeled after this one."

As Wilbert said, knowing the details matters in combat. Large Guilds can deploy more personnel, leveraging that advantage.

"Yes. I consider this our preparation phase."

Each player, while exploring the ninth layer, keeps the upcoming player-versus-player conflict in mind.

"We have entered both nations once before... It would be best to see both firsthand, sooner rather than later. One cannot decide which nation to join without seeing it oneself."

The nature of the fields differs greatly between the two nations. One may gather information from guild members or bulletin boards, but seeing is better than hearing a hundred times.

"Quests are prepared for each nation. Completing quests in both before the event would be difficult."

"I see..."

One cannot know what lies ahead after clearing a quest, but it may still prove advantageous for the event. Better to choose one nation early than to remain undecided.

That is why Lily and the others chose to visit both at the outset.

"Then, Sally, shall we go see the other one?"

"Fine. Let's follow in the footsteps of those before us."

A direction formed just as she hesitated on what to do. Not that this would settle which nation she belonged to. But she decided to act early, without delay.

“If you find something useful, let me know.”

“Fufu… I won’t teach someone who might become my rival.”

“Haha… that’s a pity.”

That aside, there was no real conflict at present. If they ever had to clear a dungeon together, they would still lend each other aid.

Only that she kept an eye on personal combat.

“Then, if the chance comes, let’s form a party and go somewhere.”

“Yes!”

A slight bow. Wilbart and Lily move deeper into the building. In a corner of the wide room, players gather. Their presence confirms them as the members of 【Rapid Fire】. What they speak of is unclear from here. Likely exchanging information.

"Then let’s leave right away."

"What’ll it be like over there?"

"Probably filled with high-damage monsters and traps... something like that..."

All of it remains unknown until they go. Though they had planned to stay for a while at first, the two turn toward the opposite side—the field of flames and lightning, the wasteland stretching without end.