Defense specialization and the frostbitten forest.

After briefly reviewing the two nations, Maple chose, as originally decided, to re-enter and formally affiliate with the nation themed around water and nature, replacing her affiliation mark accordingly.

Having checked each guild member's quest, it was concluded that no quest currently available would require exceptional effort. Thus, the group 【Maple Tree】 decided to set aside the quest for now and, dividing among the eight, gather various information in time for the upcoming event.

For example, Iz is recording where and how specific gathering points are located while collecting materials.

If this field is used as-is, there would be value in streamlining supply acquisition.

Originally, materials from the ninth layer were required, so assigning this task to Iz serves two purposes at once.

Other than that, as Sally had said when acting alongside Maple, she was assessing the strength and abilities of monsters. Crom and Kasumi were noting terrain that might be useful for attacking or defending during their explorations.

Compared to the fourth event, the allied forces' encampment was vast and featured diverse terrain. Areas not fully mapped were inevitable, but those should be minimized as much as possible.

Amidst this, Guildmaster Maple was doing the following.

“Hmm, being told to explore freely is harder than it sounds.”

No specific task had been assigned. The directive was simply to explore the entire area as one wished.

“Looking in places everyone else might miss is best!”

How and where each area was explored was shared regularly via message. Shifting the exploration focus periodically would prevent the same group from repeatedly gathering the same information from the same location.

Yet the guild had not issued this policy merely to fill gaps. It was aimed at capitalizing on Maple’s unpredictable tendency to exceed expectations.

This detail had not been conveyed to Maple. Thus, the instruction remained unchanged: explore as she pleased, as before.

“Shiroppu? Which way?”

She asked the figure walking beside her. No answer came, as expected.

“Hmm… then this way.”

Having been told she could do as she wished, Maple had taken on several quests simultaneously. She intended to advance along the direction of the ninth layer while exploring the surrounding terrain.

Maple now headed toward the frozen forest, visible even from afar. The tall trees in the area were entirely frozen, glittering in the sunlight.

She moves without haste, reaching her destination at a leisurely pace. The tree surfaces are covered in thick ice, as if the woods themselves are preserved in frozen stasis, crystalline and clear.

"Pretty… won’t it melt?"

Tapping the surface produces a hard, hollow sound. Touching it reveals no sign of thawing. It will remain like this, untouched, if left alone.

"Alright, time to search quietly!"

This task is unusual for Maple—normally she avoids gathering quests. The item to find is a frozen leaf, distinct from the others scattered among the trees, visible at a glance.

Gathering quests belong to Iz’s domain. Yet she was left behind, unable to come here alone.

Maple knows this, though she has not witnessed the event in question. Until then, she will focus only on the task at hand.

"Found it…?"

The ground is frozen in patches. She watches carefully, avoiding slips, scanning the area.

It is still only the first quest. Soon, the target is found.

The leaf is covered in thick ice, its color a deep blue, floating above the others. It is unmistakable at a glance.

"Higher than expected…"

There is no room to enlarge Shiroppu. Maple switches her shield.

"Perhaps the first time in a while."

She activates the skill of the violet crystal shield, acquired during the second event. A wall of crystal rises from the ground.

Though called a wall, Maple typically uses it as a platform.

Climbing the crystal wall, she reaches out. The target leaf is plucked with ease.

"This should do… yes, correct!"

Only need to gather the required number in the same manner.

Yet, just as she collects several leaves, a presence that had prevented Iz from proceeding appears with a roar.

Smaller than a floating castle, yet still covered in blue scales, with large, solid wings that carry it through the air—there was no mistaking it. A dragon.

“W-whoa! It’s here!”

Before Maple could act, the dragon unleashed a torrent of water across the area where she stood.

The water was so thick it obscured sight. Maple startled, yet sustained no damage. She relaxed.

“Phew…”

But the moment passed. The dragon exhaled cold breath in rapid succession. The ground, the water, and Maple herself froze solid. She was sealed within ice. The shield alone remained unfrozen, thanks to [Bad Appetite], but she could not swallow the ice that encased her entire body.

“…N-not good!”

Her body feels entirely frozen solid. Through the clear ice, she sees beyond it. She understands the situation, but her limbs will not move.

Maple considers whether she might melt the ice somehow. Then she notices a large shadow forming around herself.

It is an attack. A massive block of ice forms above Maple’s head and falls immediately after. The ice strikes Maple, shattering the ice encasing her, and knocks her sideways with force.

“Got it! Missed!“

The impact causes no harm. Maple rejoices instead at having escaped the ice cage. If this attack continues each time, there is no need to find a way to melt the ice.

【Cannon Deployment】! 【Attack Initiated】!

Maple deploys her weapons as if in counterattack, launching shells into the sky. Yet she evades with ease. The strikes land only partially. She cannot reduce the target’s stamina as intended.

Time will take longer…

Maple feels it. She accepts it. She begins to walk. This fight is not her aim.

The dragon is frozen solid. No threat to her.

Then ignoring it is best. Though it is not something she should normally ignore.

I’ll be out shortly!

Maple says this, then hurries off to gather the frozen leaves.