Defense specialization and the blue light 2.

On the opposite side from Maple, the remaining members of the [Maple Tree] were discussing whether to send a portion of their group into the opposing nation, having gathered the basic information about the land of water and nature.

"Sally is focusing on the monsters, so we’ll support from the terrain side."

"That’s right. Maple sent word that the atmosphere of the quest isn’t so different, so investigating the field is still best."

"If we find hidden areas known only to us, it’d be ideal—strong positions for surprise attacks or retreats."

"Finding them would be significant."

"Exploring every corner!"

"We’ll do our best to locate hidden areas..."

Hidden areas, based on past trends, are not merely concealed. They often contain monsters of a higher level. Exploration must proceed with caution.

We will continue dividing the group to search. If anything is found that cannot be handled, we will call for help. Is that acceptable?

It should work. With eight of us, we can surely overcome any challenge. But first, we must find them.

If we could locate hidden areas on purpose, we would not be struggling. Discovery requires insight, perception, and above all, luck.

If you come across any unfamiliar materials, bring back extra quantities.

...It’s rarer now that the workshop equipment has stopped functioning since arriving at the ninth layer. What are they even crafting?

“It’s a secret for now. Perhaps I’ll tell you when the event draws near.”

“…What is it?”

“It’s bound to be something incredible, big sister!”

Iz is crafting items no ordinary player could obtain. Even top-tier players like Crom and Kasumi cannot tell what they are until they see them in hand.

Yet, whatever emerges rarely proves useless. There is no harm in anticipation.

“Advance the quest with one hand, and support Sally’s information gathering with the other!”

Crom reiterates the objective. All nod in agreement. The 【Maple Tree】 moves toward the event, each member carrying their own purpose.

623 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Alliances are forming steadily.

624 Name: Nameless Spear User

There are declarations, and secrets—many things. But what happens if players align too heavily on one side?

625 Name: Nameless Mage

Is it not likely that there will be a bias toward the smaller side, or perhaps a numerical limit?

626 Name: Nameless Archer

Alliances are being formed on our side alone, so a limit on numbers seems probable.

627 Name: Nameless Great Shield User

It won’t be random, surely.

If overflow occurs, there may be a lottery system.

628 Name: Nameless Great Sword User

Regardless, we can only steadily prepare and expand the range of what we can respond to.

Given the scale and atmosphere of the event, time acceleration seems likely. But like during the fourth event, there may be a limit on deaths.

629 Name: Nameless Spear User

That’s plausible.

If the zombie tactic allows them to respawn endlessly, neither offense nor defense will end.

630 Name: Nameless Archer

Has everyone advanced their quests?

631 Name: Nameless Great Shield User

To a degree.

632 Name: Nameless Mage

Quests can be done at any time, but the time until the event is limited...

First, map awareness, I suppose.

634 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Honestly, there are areas that become disastrous if traps are set.

I don’t want to die simply because I couldn’t avoid such places.

635 Name: Nameless Archer

There are several areas that seem dangerous.

They feel deliberately placed—key points for offensive or defensive maneuvers.

636 Name: Nameless Mage

Ancient terrain is the strongest barrier.

637 Name: Nameless Spear User

There was a forest with lasers flying through it.

638 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

What was that impossible forest?

639 Name: Nameless Spear User

Leaves were pitch black. No light penetrated.

From beyond the trees, a blue laser shot straight through.

640 Name: Nameless Archer

I don’t recall it being like that during the last quest...?

641 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

They say monsters dwell deep in the forest, don’t they?

642 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

Something must be there…

643 Name: Nameless Magus

The monsters weren’t that strong, so I thought a surprise attack would work. But now there’s an unidentified lifeform firing beams? I can’t bring myself to go in.

644 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Hard to use without knowing its nature.

If the spear user had struck it, we’d know its strength.

645 Name: Nameless Spear User

No, I don’t want to.

646 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

I’d be hard to kill. I’ll go look for it.

Won’t be a one-shot kill, will it?

647 Name: Nameless Archer

If it were a one-shot kill, only Maple-chan could survive it.

648 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

If Maple-chan can take it with no damage and it’s a general tank one-shot, then the maple grove would be the end of us…

649 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

That’s true.

None here knew that the one who could bear it was the same as the one who fired it.