Defense specialization and decision.

After hours of combat, Maple finished her final preparations. As the guildmaster of 【Maple Tree】, she arrived at the 【Gathering Holy Sword】 guild headquarters. There, she spoke with Pain, also a guildmaster.

“Then let us form an alliance. Do you have a preference for which side to join?”

“Hmm, I don’t really have a preference… What about you, Pain?”

“Since the monsters will remain on the field, it’s best to choose the side where we can defeat the monsters we’re most familiar with.”

“I see… Then Velvet and the others will go to the fire side, I suppose.”

“Velvet? …【Thunder Storm】?”

“This time, they’ve declared themselves enemies.”

“I see. Then…”

As the two spoke, outside, Frederica, Drag, and Dread waited on a nearby sofa, awaiting the outcome of their discussion.

“This time, Maple and her group are allies.”

"Hey now, it's not settled yet."

"But it shouldn't be bad news for them, right?"

"Yeah, that's true."

After a pause, two figures emerge from the room together.

"Pain! How'd it go?"

"We've decided to form an alliance. And we've also settled which side we'll join."

The guild members were informed. Information was sealed off from outside sources. For now, they dispersed.

Later, Dread, having seen Maple off, stepped out from the guild home and spoke.

"Looks like our strength has increased."

"Yeah. We can count on them. And... the rumored black stain was gone."

"Right. It was there, for sure."

"There are other witnesses. It wasn't a mistake."

"Yeah. I think something event has ended. They could be stronger than before. Not surprising."

That’s reliable. Nothing better than ease, if you can manage it.

Hey—don’t you go slacking now? I’m showing you just how dependable the Gathering Holy Sword really is.

Hahaha! Can’t wait for the event to start!

Since the Machine God and Tyranny, Maple has not been seen using anything new. The expectation remains that everyone is holding something back.

If they are allies, then simply wait and see what they conceal.

Let’s finish the final preparations. Once the event begins, it will grow chaotic.

Yes, yes.

Okay.

We’ll do what we can.

This battle between players. The Gathering Holy Sword will not lose. If they fight, they will give everything to win.

When the Gathering Holy Sword and the Maple Tree decide their camp, other guilds will do the same.

The Empire of the Flame Emperor likewise prepared its strategy and determined its camp, based on the information gathered thus far.

"Hey, Mii. There's something interesting here..."

"Indeed. This certainly is..."

"Huh. I didn't notice that. Are there more like it?"

"Yeah. I found a few just by searching. But probably most people haven't found them... maybe I'm the only one who has."

Marx pointed to several locations on the map he had opened.

"Maybe they know and are hiding them. Still, better to remember it—no harm in that."

"Since you found these with your skill, no one else has managed to replicate it. Might be quite the feat."

"Is that so...?"

"Anyway, we should share this. It might matter for the camp choice..."

"True... then..."

"Yeah. I think I'd prefer that side."

That is true. I believe it will bring out our strengths best.

Everyone seems to have an idea. I will relay which camp I am heading to, along with this information. Either choice remains acceptable.

Even so, the answer is mostly decided already.

Yes.

Indeed.

Is that so?

It seems the three of them intend to follow Mii. And the guild members likely feel the same. If either side is acceptable, then choosing Mii is the way.

Then, let us win with all our strength!

Yes...!

Right!

Yes!

We are confident in our strength during group combat. The same strategy will be set in place for the Flame Emperor's Kingdom.

The Flame Emperor's Kingdom did not formally establish alliances beforehand. Yet, of course, other guilds besides the Gathering Holy Sword also employ such strategies.

Those two guilds are precisely Thunder Storm and Rapid Fire.

Hmm, it is vast.

"Rapid Fire is also a large guild... I don't think there's much difference in structure."

"Over here. Both of you, come in."

Velvet and Hinata are led into the room by Lily and take seats across from each other at the table.

Only four people are in the room—Lily and the others who followed her, including Wilbert.

"Shall we begin?"

"Haha, external mode again? It feels strange when I look at it closely, but considering the public setting, it makes sense."

Without lingering on irrelevant matters, Lily turns to the matter at hand.

"Some guilds already have their sides clearly defined. Of course, we can't take that at face value, but both sides seem to have similar combat strength."

That means the ability to deploy more players with decisive skills can carry significant weight in tipping the balance of battle.

"Is your intent unchanged?"

"Velvet-san"

"Yes, of course. We're allied, aren't we?"

"We hope so. Working with 【thunder storm】 brings us closer to victory."

"Very well. That's exactly why I came today."

"Ah, that's good. No need for lengthy explanations then."

"Only one condition."

"...What is it?"

Though not known for cunning, Lily tenses slightly at the word 'condition.'

Velvet grins, as if waiting impatiently, and leans forward, hands braced on the table.

"Join a camp that can fight against Maple and her allies!"

"...Haha, you made me tense for nothing. Of course, I've already researched that. I promise."

"Then it's settled!"

"Getting into your element, aren't you? Just like you."

"Seems that's all you're concerned with... We have nothing more to offer."

Then let us refine the details. Focus on identifying the most powerful players. Otherwise, we may collapse in an instant.

Yes. I can handle the defense... Please, let me know if there is anything you wish to discuss.

I narrow the focus on players because I am confident in my ability against multiple opponents. To counter a single, formidable opponent capable of breaking through, I believe the number of surviving players will be decisive in this event.

What should I do?

Enter the enemy’s position. That is the most effective and natural course for you.

That’s true—but this is more of a strategy, isn’t it?

We’ll keep that in mind.

When and where to deploy matters. Velvet, Hinata, even Wilbart—each could turn the tide. Lily imagines the event’s unfolding, turns thoughts in silence.

Thus, as all players adjust until the very end. The event’s start draws near each day, finally arriving. At 【Maple Tree】, they gather slightly early, checking final preparations.

—Keep watch here… and over there. This spot summons troublesome monsters.

Sally directs the final coordination. The opposing guilds remain undisclosed by the administrators. Complete knowledge is not possible. Yet on this day, when sides have settled, any player not seen in Town is likely an enemy.

—【Thunder Storm】 is acting as declared. Especially watch Mai and Yui. And Kanade too.

Her base level is low and she has no defense. A single indiscriminate lightning strike could take her down.

With the list of players to watch confirmed, the countdown to the event begins.

"Everyone! Let's do our best!"

"Got it! Leave the defense to us!"

" Yes! We'll give it our all!"

"Of course. Stay alert."

"This time, I'll be generous with the spellbooks."

"Leave the supplies to me. Step back if it gets dangerous."

"Ask me anything you need to know. I'll answer."

All respond in unison to Maple's call. The transfer light envelops them all. The battlefield is another space, identical to this one.

"Alright! Let's win, Sally!"

"...We will win. That's decided."

Sally appears focused. Maple tightens her resolve in response.

Moments later, the eight are transferred to the event field—a battlefield where their strengthened skills clash in large-scale combat.