Defense specialization and concealment.
The three who left the Town wrapped themselves in robes, avoiding the open plain ahead, and entered the dense woods along the edge of the field, where cover was plentiful.
The risk of ambush increased compared to open ground—but the same applied to the enemy.
If Sally’s group acted alone, the front, where combat would be fiercest and people most numerous, would be less convenient than this side.
Moreover, if the risk of ambush rose for both sides, advantage would depend on reconnaissance ability.
Sally, whose skill in detection surpassed her level through experience, used the absence of skill effects or vocalization to make her ambushes harder to detect.
Crom and Kasumi trusted this ability so completely that, even in the dangerous woods, they chose this route.
And even if they met the enemy under unfavorable conditions, a strategy for that eventuality had already been prepared.
……There. Be careful.
Okay.
Understood.
Crom and Kasumi could not yet sense it, but Sally had spoken. They followed without sound.
A short distance later, between the standing trees, five enemy players were seen advancing.
Only a few, perhaps because the map’s edge made this place unsuitable for major combat. The enemy knew this location would not be their main battlefield.
The numbers were unequal, but with careful positioning, they could be overwhelmed swiftly.
Yet Sally’s expression grew tense as she observed the enemy.
Their defense is solid…
Five in number. Two short swordsmen likely for reconnaissance. Three with large shields. The shieldbearers held their shields outward, facing the perimeter, forming a defensive formation while remaining alert.
Approaching unnoticed and striking first to finish them seems difficult, no matter how one tries.
"What shall we do? It’s not impossible, I think."
"Yeah, I can hold my own against a number like that."
"...Let’s proceed as planned. They’re clearly on high alert. We don’t know when we’ll meet the player next."
"Understood. Then I’ll move forward a little, leading."
"Right. Let’s go without being seen."
The three move carefully, closing the distance without sound.
The five ahead, still unaware of the three drawing near, scan the surroundings as they advance. To them, this place is no longer their own territory. The tension rises in the constant threat of enemy contact.
The shieldbearer maintains a firm defense, confident against distant magical assault. Yet she watches more carefully now, wary of close approach.
The silent forest, devoid of enemy figures, still feels taut with tension. That stillness shatters abruptly, pierced by a voice from the side.
“[Judgment Holy Sword]!”
The five flinch at the shouted skill name, turning toward the sound. A torrent of light surges from afar. To touch it would be disastrous. Even the shieldbearer darts aside. Fortunately, the aim slips slightly. The five barely escape unscathed.
The light fades. Quick glance toward the enemy. Four figures cloaked in robes, far away.
One of them holds a large sword adorned with blue markings, attacking from far beyond the reach of the five.
"Ah, that sword! That skill!"
Before the five can decide whether to retreat, one of the four presses forward.
"Divine Speed."
The voice cuts through the air. The five see a figure vanish. Certainty settles.
"The Gathering Holy Sword. Retreat!"
They turn, too certain to fight this opponent. They withdraw swiftly, before the distance closes. No pursuit follows. The clearing ends in a show of restraint.
"Phew... they're not so easy to read."
"The distance was great. And the robes hide their faces."
The sword resembling Pain's belonged to Crom. He nods, impressed by the craftsmanship of Iz's creation, then tucks it into his inventory.
It worked well.
Oh—better than expected. I see… this is the Disguise.
The blade, cast as the Sword of Judgment, transformed Sally’s skill, Iron Cannonwater, into a light effect. Crom merely mimicked the stance after firing.
He added one more figure by altering Water Wall to a humanoid shape with the Shadow Clone effect, changed Divine Speed to Hyper Acceleration, and activated Hinata’s Instant Shadow to make it convincing.
Iz’s voice modulator proved useful too. Closer listening reveals the voice and height are different…
The Sword of Judgment and Divine Speed are known to everyone now.
A subtle dissonance lingers in the details. Yet the skill itself is so distinct, so singular in its bearer, that it could conceal such flaws. To be struck by it would obliterate any sense of dissonance. Maple wields the Poison Dragon. Mii wields the Flame Emperor. Pain wields the Sword of Judgment. These facts are common knowledge.
Four individuals wielding such skills. To have them appear before one’s eyes, and yet not be the Gathering Holy Sword—such a thing is impossible.
"This should make them believe Pain and the others are approaching from our side."
"Then we’ll withdraw before reinforcements arrive in force."
"Let the true target—the Gathering Holy Sword—do its best."
"“““On the other side.””""
Before the enemy camp could turn, before this area grew even more vigilant, they left.
Frederica, continuing reconnaissance atop the Town’s outer wall, received a message from Sally and stepped away from the wall.
“Then, Maple, take care of it from here!”
“Yeah! I’ll guard it hard!”
Frederica handed over defense to Maple, cast a buff upon herself, and hurried toward the edge of the Town. There, centered around Pain, Drag, and Dread, members of the Gathering Holy Sword guild had gathered.
“Hey! You made it, Frederica!”
“Sally sent word. Don’t know how, but—”
If Sally’s message held truth, they were now being attacked from the exact opposite direction.
“Same camp. No reason to lie. Means the plan’s going as scheduled.”
“Don’t know how, but… could it be that thing? The Shadow Clone, or something like that?”
It wasn’t possible in past duels. Must be some new skill, I suppose.
She has heard something about skills and what they can do, but does not know the full extent.
Time is too precious to talk. Move quickly. The enemy will come to the place they expect us to be. Just as they concentrate forces on the far side, they’ll leave this side weak.
Pain and the others know their strength. They know how much of a threat they pose to the enemy camp. The more the enemy coordinates, the more forces must be diverted. The more they attempt proper countermeasures, the greater Sally’s trap will become.
Follow the plan. Stay hidden, unseen. Eliminate every enemy player we meet. Do not let them learn our true position.
Each guild member nodded in response to Pain’s command. Amidst scattered skirmishes still fueled by fear of death, the Gathering Holy Sword departed the Town, striking first.