Defense specialization and proposal two.

Maple walks toward the guild hall of the Gathering Holy Sword, guided by Frederica. Her expression appears slightly rigid.

"Um, Maple, something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all. Just a little nervous..."

This is Maple’s first time visiting another guild’s guild home. She has welcomed Frederica, who always comes freely, or other players with business for Iz, but never traveled there herself, not having any particular reason to go.

"No need to be nervous. Come on, as the guildmaster of the Maple Tree, be sharp—!"

"Wha—!? L-like this?"

Maple makes a face she thinks looks appropriate. Frederica nods slowly.

"That’s right. There’s no need to force anything."

By the time they arrive, the two stand before the guild home of the Gathering Holy Sword. Indeed, a large-scale guild—its home spans nine levels, matching the size of a quest-receiving building, with considerable depth and a four-story height befitting a top-tier guild.

“Big—!”

“Hmph, compared to the Maplewood, it’s quite the large operation, so the guild home’s size makes sense.”

“Amazing! It feels like a mansion!”

“Isn’t it? Isn’t it?”

Frederica, pleased by Maple’s enthusiastic response, hears a voice from behind.

“Huh, you’re quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?”

“Drag— it’s fine, isn’t it? My guild, after all, is beyond doubt.”

“True enough. So, what’s this? Bringing unusual guests?”

“Yeah, yeah— I found them by chance, so I brought them along.”

“Then that’s it, huh?”

"Yeah. I mean, she said that, but if we leave Pain alone, he’ll probably end up opposing something strong."

"Calculated, but burning inside."

Maple hears words she cannot fully grasp. Still, Drag cuts the conversation short, seeing no point in standing here idle.

"If Frederica’s the one guiding us, then I’m in."

"Alright. It’s fine."

"Maple, you can look around while you’re here. Might see something interesting. Though, you’ll probably draw a few curious glances."

A player not belonging to this guild—especially Maple—would stand out even more.

"Yes!"

Hearing Maple’s bright reply, Drag waves his hand lightly and vanishes into the guild home.

"Let’s go, then. Just follow me. Once the talk’s done, you can explore freely."

"Yes!"

Thus, Maple at last steps into the guild home of the Gathering Holy Sword.

Inside, Maple follows Frederica, her eyes moving left and right, scanning the room.

"Though it's just a guild home, nothing too different in facilities. The maple tree seems larger overall."

"Is that so."

"Third and fourth floors have individual rooms lined up. You should see the first and second floors first."

"Understood!"

First things first. After walking a short distance, Frederica stops before a door and knocks lightly.

"Coming in."

"O-oh, sorry to intrude..."

She enters the room. Pain is there. Pain, caught off guard by the unexpected visitor, blinks in surprise.

"Frederica. What is this...?"

"Either way, I'll leave it to you. It's easier for me if we talk sooner rather than later."

I see... I understand. Maple, please sit wherever you like.

Yes!

Maple sits on the sofa. Across the table, Pain sits beside her, and Frederica sits beside Pain.

Frederica has asked me to meet on short notice. This is about the upcoming event.

An event?

Yes. Due to the ongoing conflict between camps, large guilds are carefully watching for the right moment to choose their side.

Sally had been concerned about this too. The side one chooses, and which guilds align with it, greatly affects the odds of victory.

Naturally, the Gathering Holy Sword is quietly making appeals. What Frederica speaks of is this.

They are asking the Maple Tree guild to join their camp as well.

We are to join Pain’s side...

No one doubts the strength of the Maple Tree guild. Against them, a formidable foe. With them, a reliable ally.

Though one might say, I’ve been hoping to get revenge… by having them as an enemy.

Frederica speaks. Pain gives a faint, pained smile.

Of course, a rare opportunity for revenge. I was bested during the fourth event by the Maple Tree… But I am also the guildmaster of the Gathering Holy Sword. First and foremost, I must lead this guild to victory.

Pain places the guild’s success above his own. He has decided, as a matter of policy, that all guild members will stand together in the same camp. A stance befitting a leader of a large guild.

I want to defeat Sally this time, though.

Haha, I’ve heard you’ve been challenging her to duels every day.

"That's different. You still want to win in an official match, right?"

"True enough. Ah—my apologies. I'm not asking for a decision here and now. If you'll join our side, please contact us. Discuss it with the guild members."

"Yes!"

"Still so brief. Nothing else to discuss? Come on, Maple’s here after all."

"R-right? I see. Something to talk about… is it?"

"May I ask something, then?"

"Hm? Oh, go ahead. I’ll think about it later."

"Ugh, both of you are so stiff."

"R-really? I don’t think so."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

As always, Frederica at the center, the three continued their conversation.