Defense specialization and re-deployment.

At that moment, the Gathering Holy Sword advanced through a deep forest, steadily eliminating enemy players and reducing their combat strength.

“Notes, Sonar… few here. Six on the left, three on the right.”

“Let’s go for the six. Fast. Quiet.”

Frederica also conducted long-range reconnaissance through her Notes skill.

If their position was discovered first, the only thing awaiting was a sudden, devastating magic attack from cover—overwhelming in both quantity and quality, crushing the player like a stone beneath a hammer.

Even those who barely survived were quickly felled by the swift pursuit, blocked from escape by Pain, Dread, and Drag.

Thanks to Sally’s strategy succeeding, there were fewer enemy players than expected, allowing them to eliminate the opposition with ease.

"Looks like they're really heading that way. Fewer players than if we'd spread them evenly."

"Must be hiding somewhere else. If they come back, it'll be trouble. Let's take out whoever we can quickly."

"Wait just a bit. I've already cast a cooldown-reducing spell on Notes, you know."

Players vanish one by one within range as Notes's skill grows. Smooth. That is all that can be said now. Yet, the situation is too smooth to be called anything but smooth.

"I told them to stay alert on the other side... still, a little worried."

Fewer enemies here means more of 【集う聖剣】 must be stationed on the opposite side.

That side is at a severe disadvantage.

"We have no choice but to keep going. If we turn back now, it would make no sense."

Ah. And the Maple Tree is near the Town too. So it won’t collapse easily.

…That’s true. We’ll make the most of what advantages we can create from this side.

Notes’ skill has increased.

Hearing this, Pain and the others resume their advance toward the next target.

Yet one thought lingers with Pain. Even if they’re dealing with the fake Gathering Holy Sword led by Sally and the others, the number of players on their side remains too few.

Are they moving a large force somewhere…?

The enemy has their own intentions. Since they cannot win without attacking, their camp must be preparing some kind of offensive.

Frederica. During combat, prioritize contacting the remaining guild members after applying only the minimal buffs. The possibility of the enemy moving a large force has emerged.

…! Understood.

"Even so, do not retreat. From the moment we receive word that the enemy has been sighted, we are to make a show of force."

"……You mean we're just to leave them be?!"

"Right. That's the plan."

"Stay until the very last moment. We want to maximize the damage."

All nod in agreement to Pain's command. Thus, the Gathering Holy Sword intensifies its focus, and advances further.

With Iz's items now in place, a defensive line of numerous cannons and barricades stands before the outer wall.

"Everyone's safe now. I designed them to remain, even if not destroyed. They should serve us well until the event ends."

"Damn, that's impressive. So, how do we use them?"

"Ahaha. No need to wait nearby. And no need for cannonballs either. They'll fire automatically when the enemy draws near."

Exactly an automatic artillery emplacement. The more fierce the attack, the better. To have a multitude of emplacements ready to fire at any moment, just before the Town, is reassuring.

But if the enemy has already breached this far, the situation is not favorable. It would be best if we could avoid using them altogether.

If battle occurs before the outer wall, players who cannot be stopped will enter the Town in sequence. There remains also the possibility of escaping through the air during the chaos of combat.

Fighting just outside the Town carries the direct risk of defeat. Fighting farther away increases the likelihood of heavy losses with no chance to retreat.

Balancing the approach carefully is essential.

While they spoke, more players emerged from the town. It appeared to be a reformed unit, centered around the guild members who had previously set out with Maple, now rotating in players whose powerful skills had cooled down.

"Looks like they’re going out again."

"Maple held the line. Damage was nearly nonexistent. That means they can move out quickly."

"Uuu... I might not be able to keep up this time."

Maple could be killed in one hit by piercing attacks, making it impossible to approach the front lines lightly.

"Maple should avoid combat as much as possible. Wait... message from Frederica?"

Sally, having just watched the large force depart, paused to consider what to do next—when a message arrived.

It was written there that the enemy camp likely commanded many players, and that they intended to continue the assault as is until the Gathering Holy Sword became their target.

“Slight change in plans. It seems we can’t just keep watching.”

Sally shared the message’s contents. All understood what they must do.

“Large forces are limited in where they can advance. We may predict from the map.”

Kasumi spoke, opening a map she had prepared in advance and enlarging it in midair.

This field contained diverse terrain. Many areas proved difficult for large forces to pass through. Some were dangerous, others simply narrow. But with the Gathering Holy Sword’s map, which recorded such details, predictions could be made more precisely.

“Still, central route is easier to advance through.”

"True. The area ahead is wide, and there are no strange terrain effects."

The main force that departed earlier appears to be advancing through the center. A large-scale clash is likely, then.

"Shall we follow? I’d prefer not to make any major moves without Maple. But..."

"Being at the front allows us to support the Gathering Holy Sword, and we can assist those in need—moving through the gap, as it were."

That settles it. Agreement is reached. The plan is set. Next, the members. Within the 【Maple Tree】, Maple, Mai, and Yui are the ones whose mobility drops drastically. As skirmishers, they must move unseen. Shiroppu and Tsukimi, who require Gigantification to ride, are unsuitable. The 【Ruthless】 boosts movement speed but draws too much attention—impractical here.

Let’s call Kanade and go with five. Izu-san wants to send someone into the enemy lines at some point.

Understood. Crom, I’ll leave the defense to you.

Got it. Leave it to me.

I’ll send a message to Kanade. She should be in town.

Then I’ll stay behind with Mai and Yui!

Yes. If anything happens, reach out to nearby allies. I’ll return as fast as possible if I get a message.

Alright! I’ll be fine!

Thus, Maple returns to the defense, switching places with Kanade who has just left the town.

Hmph. Then let’s go.

I hope it ends peacefully… though that’s unlikely.

In that case, there’s nothing to do but fight with all our strength.

Whenever you’re ready. I’ve prepared everything thoroughly.

After verifying the final inventory of their gear, and once preparations were complete, five individuals set out—Kanade and Sally leading, their minds already mapped the route—chasing the large detachment ahead.