Defense specialization and decision.

After spending some time surveying the ninth layer’s field, Maple and the others had confirmed, to a sufficient degree, which areas were strong and which were weak.

The volume of information had grown substantial. The eight gathered at the guild home in the form of an interim report.

A large table stood at the center. They spread the map of the ninth layer upon it, surrounding it as each recorded their findings.

“Ah—seeing it all laid out like this really is impressive.”

Details from Sally’s collected monster data were too intricate to record fully. The map now contained far more precise annotations than the original—terrain features, hidden locations, and the specific effects that occurred in certain areas.

“I handle materials. Sally handles monsters.”

“If you have time, please read it. There are sections more detailed than anything found online. Where possible, I’ve also included countermeasures tailored to the 【Maple Tree】.”

“That is impressive. Knowing countermeasures in advance is a great advantage.”

“Indeed. I’ll take a look for now. I’m good at memorizing, and it would be better if more than Sally could recall them on short notice.”

Kanade’s memory could absorb it all in a day. Perhaps even within the time until the gathering ends today.

Even if it is well-organized, one cannot check the strategy guide during combat each time. If it can be remembered, it should be.

“Still, the countermeasures for Mai and Yui are only one line.”

“That’s to be expected.”

Approach and strike. That is all. For anything else, such as the electric mass Maple encountered, the method simply changes to striking while noting its attribute.

Hit it, and win. The rule that applies only to the two of them—applicable even to parts of a boss—renders all the considerations during battle irrelevant. Shape-shifting often means the disappearance of predictable patterns, even those known to the pair.

"We must watch carefully."

"Indeed. Even if they are common monsters, a one-hit kill is not possible."

A proper technique may differ, but in general, it is a matter of wearing them down. Especially cautious must be the monsters with dangerous attacks.

As they exchange observations, a message arrives simultaneously to all.

"Ah, the next event's information has arrived!"

"Um... the details have been updated as well."

The tenth event, as promised, had been anticipated in general, but specifics remained unknown. Now, at last, the announcement comes.

All open the message and confirm its contents.

A battle divided by nations, two factions. Those who entered the country the day before the event will be assigned to their side. Even those who have not come to the ninth layer can be selected for the event. Those not chosen will be distributed evenly by number.

I see. I see.

The terrain and monsters appear to remain unchanged. Expected, really. Oh, there’s something interesting here.

The monsters from our own faction will no longer attack us. And if we obtain items in the Town and use them on monsters, we can make them obey to some degree. So we can tame them, just like with tamed monsters?

That was not anticipated. If forces other than players join the defense, simply overwhelming them with numbers becomes far more difficult.

The duration is not long—only five minutes—but if one leverages the monster’s abilities, more flexible offense and defense can be incorporated into strategy.

Even after the effect expires, the ability to issue precise commands is lost, yet the monsters will not attack us. They remain dependable.

As long as they are brought onto the battlefield, the opposing player cannot ignore them.

“Not everything can be summoned, but this one warrants caution.”

There is more to consider regarding monsters. Since all players participate, some monsters have reduced abilities. Certain areas impose limitations on abilities when players exceed a certain level. It seems the battlefield is divided according to player level.

“Fighting where one is suited is best. I, too, have reached a level where I now fall under those restrictions.”

If Maple, Mai, and Yui can't handle it, then nearly everyone who's reached the ninth layer would be useless.

As Sally said, the three possess combat abilities that surpass their level, allowing them to fight despite their rank. But players at the ninth layer are generally much higher in level.

If even these three are restricted by level limits, then this area must truly be for low-level players.

Moreover, the monsters are programmed to launch full-scale attacks against the opposing side at regular intervals.

Players would naturally adopt the strategy of striking during those moments.

"The Town's people are also listed as participating in defense!"

"Ah. So the defense is truly solid now. NPCs will be using cannons, right?"

"Still, we don't know how strong they are yet. The exact numbers remain unclear. Relying on them completely seems difficult."

—Ah, well, that’s true enough.

Sally’s words held weight. NPCs were meant to be support, not sole defenders. It felt natural that a town could not be protected by them alone.

The duration is three days under time acceleration. Or until a player from the enemy camp touches the throne…

Maple nods as she reads the text. Success in breaking through could end the conflict early. There is also the possibility of a single-turn reversal.

If neither side reaches the throne, the side with fewer eliminated players wins.

The defensive line must be strong. Otherwise, if individuals like Maple, Pain, Mii, or Velvet force their way in, there would be no excuse.

Yet, a clause immediately following strongly discourages such tactics.

"Out of the Wands' trial... not easy, is it."

The value of felling one enemy is greater for that reason. Their combat strength diminishes for certain.

Once fallen, there is no recovery. Bold play with death in mind becomes difficult. How to keep the front line from dying, when attacks come often, will become crucial.

Loss after loss, the numbers press forward—each defeat leading to the next.

Even so, the possibility of a reversal through a royal assault remains, ensuring that victory brings no sense of ease.

“Oho? There’s something remarkable written here—everyone, look.”

Maple scrolled through the message sent to her, as Crom had instructed. While Maple examined each line, Sally, having already grasped what Crom meant, began reading the text aloud.

"Players and monsters within a certain range of myself are considered part of the party as well?"

"That's it, that's right. This, Maple's..."

"The range of Love That Offers the Body seems to cover it..."

"Yeah, that's right."

Everyone present understood just how powerful that was. Something normally applicable only to party members, but if its range expanded, more players would effectively gain Maple's defensive capabilities.

It would make holding the line far easier. And Maple's skill's reputation worked in their favor here. Without explanation, most players already knew what would happen if Maple became an angel.

"I'll do my best to contribute."

"Right, do that. But... look, we're talking like this, but is it really okay to be on the same side?"

"Indeed, we never settled the details."

"True. I just assumed we were aligned."

"Maple-san, what will you do?"

"I... I would like to hear as well."

"Right. Everything—our strategy, our plans—depends on this."

"I see. Yes, that's right. Hmm... I think I'd prefer to fight alongside everyone."

The faces nod, as if expecting just such a response from Maple. The stance of the 【Gathering Holy Sword】 is now clear.

"Is that acceptable for you, Sally?"

"Me?... Yes. If Maple agrees, then I agree too."

"Then the 【Gathering Holy Sword】 will stand together, in the same camp!"

With the stance decided, the next phase begins: consultations with the 【Gathering Holy Sword】, preparations for the upcoming event—specific decisions on alliance, on which nation to support.

Then we must decide on finer tactics. Especially Mai and Yui—easy to fell, yet a great threat to the enemy—will be targeted relentlessly.

"Y-yes... is that so?"

"Ugh... are we really going to be alright?"

"Then we must protect them more thoroughly. Not just us. I believe our allies will guard them too. I saw them trade blows with the raid boss last event."

There is no doubt they are recognized as the strongest players, friend and foe alike.

Time remains short. As always, Maple and the others proceed with what they can do now, preparing for the event.