Defense specialized. Opportunity.

While Maple and Mii completed quests together, Sally moved methodically across the map, corner to corner, barely pausing for quests.

"Maps are prepared, roughly—still, one must see with these eyes, confirm with one's own sight."

On the map, terrain features are marked: forests, rivers, lakes. Unless hidden, such things are immediately visible.

Yet even marked features are not always accurate. A river may be noted, but its width, depth—unknown. Landforms visible from afar, like cave entrances—rarely appear on the map.

And monsters dwelling there? One must travel there to know them.

If Maple encounters a monster like a dragon—sudden, chilling, dangerous—then that place must be recorded as hazardous. Doing so will reduce accidents during exploration for those with low HP and defense, such as Iz, Kanade, Mai, and Yui.

"Unless no monsters appear in the next event field, that would be acceptable."

As always, better safe than sorry. Sally does not wish to be caught off guard by lack of preparation. Her defensive stats are little better than those of a level-one player. This investigation exists not only to reduce accidents, but above all, to protect herself.

With the ability to wield a shield thanks to the weapon's shape change, if she can fully execute her skill, there would be almost no attack she cannot deflect. In essence, this investigation exists for moments when focus begins to falter. Even if concentration drops so low that evasion by reflex alone becomes impossible, cases do exist where awareness of an attack in advance allows preparation, and thus avoidance.

For Sally, preparation before battle is of great importance.

Thus, without much regard for leveling up or quest progression, Sally examined every corner of the field’s monsters and terrain.

"Still, those based on fire and lightning tend to have more aggressive mechanics."

With water and ice, as with Maple, attacks or traps that freeze and immobilize movement come to mind.

Fire and lightning feel more directly damaging.

Sally could clearly sense the difference in terrain.

In the land of water and nature, there were places that emitted cold air, lowering agility. In the land of fire and wasteland, there were constant eruptions of lava that looked clearly damaging.

The first terrain diminished the strengths of Sally and Kasumi. The second posed a risk of Maple, Mai, and Yui receiving fixed damage and collapsing without resistance.

Whether to attack one terrain or the other, which terrain could be used effectively—there were many criteria. Sally recognized anew that this was a crucial point when deciding the camp.

As she continued her survey, she found another player examining the terrain and recording notes.

"Being alone is rare."

"...? Sally-san, you're back. Good work..."

Hinata returns the greeting with a slight bow.

"Surveying the terrain and monsters, too?"

"Yes. Velvet doesn’t usually do this kind of thing... well, of course she’s strong enough not to need to, but still..."

"Perhaps."

She understands the level of power and range that can match Maple’s exaggerated skills, and also the close-combat speed equal to Sally’s. The standard is clear.

"But I try to do what I can. There are still gaps... "

"Even though our time together is short... that’s true."

She is someone who occasionally slips in her performance, not the type who plans perfectly and executes without error.

"Being too well-prepared leaves no opening. That’s troublesome."

"...That applies to both of us."

The storm approaches Maple’s enemy camp. How much each has prepared—and where—will weigh heavily on the outcome.

“If timing aligns just right, we might end up as allies.”

“Then… I’ll depend on you. Velvet-san… your focus may waver a little, but the power of your skill remains unchanged.”

“Focus wavers…”

“Yes…”

Sally sensed that performance shifted with mood. From Hinata’s hesitant reply, even small movements unrelated to skill were faltering. Precision was slipping.

“Better not be caught off guard when she’s in the mood.”

“Is that so.”

To Sally, Hinata and Velvet were unsuitable partners even in joint guild operations. Even at peak condition, facing two who specialized in unavoidable area attacks would be difficult. It was only natural, given how many defensive skills were now required, more than against a dungeon boss.

“We’re prepared too. Though you’ve likely already researched our abilities as thoroughly as possible.”

“…Given how wildly they’ve been causing chaos, that much is expected… yes.”

Maple, who routinely wreaked havoc at the center of every battlefield, had even left behind highlight footage from past events. Among the players now in the ninth layer, no one remained unaware of Maple suddenly transforming into a monstrous form or deploying weapons.

“Being famous really is a burden.”

In the previous player-versus-player match, there had been an element of victory through exploiting the lack of attention. This time, however, that was not possible. Victory would have to be seized despite the scrutiny and prepared countermeasures.

“Compared to Maple, Sally’s skill data is almost nonexistent…”

“That’s good. Means we’re doing well.”

Sally’s innate ability to avoid attacks made it possible to handle even lines deemed impossible. Her low reliance on skills meant little information about them circulated.

“Let’s just do what we can, so neither of us regrets it later.”

“…so neither of us regrets it?”

Hinata spoke hesitantly, her expression thoughtful. Sally looked up, puzzled. She wondered why Hinata had gone to such lengths to gather details like these.

…………

Hinata nodded once, resolve in her eyes. She stepped beside Sally and whispered into her ear. Sally’s breath caught. Her eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed into a steady gaze at Hinata’s face.

“…Unexpected. Gentle in appearance, but strong-minded. Did Velvet tell you?”

“Um, just a little.”

“Shouldn’t that lower your spirits?”

“Still, it brings us closer to victory. I’ve restored momentum before. Winning is repayment—to the members of 【thunder storm】.”

“Ah. I see.”

“I just thought you might consider it… Not every detail is bad.”

“…………”

“If anything comes up, send word. I’ll listen. Velvet will too…”

Hinata bowed slightly and turned away. Sally remained where she stood, motionless.

“…Won’t you join our side?”

Sally had no intention of doing so. Yet she could not say it with certainty. Perhaps something within her wavered. No full-scale combat had come since the fourth event.

Would it come again? Within the next half-year?

……

The answer was beyond Sally’s reach.