Defense specialization and mobility.

When Maple reaches the outer wall, she joins Mai and Yui, who are checking the map.

"Maple-san!"

"Good to see you're safe."

"I used up my 【Unyielding Guardian】 ability, so I'll be staying here in the Town to defend for a while!"

"That's right…!"

"Hmm, the enemy is made up of strong opponents."

"I hope Sally and the others return safely…"

"Sally-san and the others will be fine!"

"Trust them… let's wait."

"That's right!"

Sally and the others are among the top five players in the game. Then trust in their strength. This is all that remains for those left behind.

"How was it? Did anyone attack while I was out?"

"No one came."

"It seems the fighting is still mostly limited to the camp's boundary!"

The Town, which surrounds the royal citadel, lies farthest from the enemy lines. The number of players blocking the path is considerable. Even without flawless coordination, passing through them all is difficult.

"There are several locations in the field that can serve as bases. Some guilds remain stationed there, always at the front line!"

"Wow, impressive! When did you figure that out?"

"While we were in the Town, someone devised a strategy and left out to scout..."

"Everyone really is fighting, then."

"Moving around to find advantageous positions... everyone seems to be thinking ahead."

"That kind of thing is hard for us."

Mobility is crucial in such a wide field. Speed determines the ability to retreat swiftly, pursue relentlessly, or shift positions.

By the time they spoke, players had gathered again around the gate leading out of Town, as if the next sortie were imminent. Those stationed along the outer wall had received a message too, stowing their binoculars and preparing for action.

"Let's go. Rescue is needed urgently."

"Yes, let's hurry!"

Several players descended the stairs quickly, as if their allies were in dire straits.

Battles flared in scattered places. The conflict was growing.

"We just have to make it in time..."

"Are you certain it's safe?"

Maple watched Mai and Yui, their expressions edged with concern. Then, as if struck by sudden thought, she snapped her fingers.

"...That's it! Mai, Yui! Just waiting won't help anyone. What if we do this instead?"

Maple spoke and relayed her idea to the two.

"Eh!?"

"W-what do you think? I believe it can be done, but..."

"Then please!"

"Y-yes, understood!"

They replied, though their voices carried a hint of unease. Still, having decided, they began preparing without delay.

A short while later, another sudden call for aid arrived. Players hurriedly gathered, scrambling toward the outer wall.

"Alright, twenty people should do..."

"Collecting the fastest ones first. We'll leave as soon as we're ready."

A balanced party would be ideal, but reaching the destination quickly mattered most. Luxury was not an option.

"...Hm?"

"What's that?"

The two found Mai and Yui standing out, holding a large sign aloft.

"FOR THOSE IN A HURRY! WE DELIVER QUICKLY TO THE FRONT LINES! ※ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ABSOLUTELY MUST REACH THE FRONT LINES!"

There, written in large letters, was exactly what they sought. The message, and the fact that the two carrying it belonged to the Guild of Maple, stirred a faint unease. Still, with resolve, she spoke.

"Hey, can I get your attention for a moment?"

"If you can, I'd like to be carried to the front lines..."

"Yes!"

"Um, could you tell me your destination and the number of people?"

"Twenty. The place is... here on the map."

Mai and Yui checked the open map. They replied that the location was no issue.

"We can leave whenever you're ready."

"Come up to the outer wall!"

With that, the two dashed up the staircase spiraling along the outer wall.

"That turtle... too slow. Definitely not it."

"Could be two bears. Maybe they have some skill."

Whatever they intended, it was not a lie. Once they confirmed their companions had gathered, they followed Mai and Yui out onto the outer wall.

"Over here!"

What stood there was a massive lump of wool, its upper portion thrusting out like a cannon barrel. Responding to Mai and Yui's voices, Maple’s head popped up from within the woolen mass and called out.

"Please come inside."

««？？？？？»»

She hesitates, though the urgency is undeniable. Step by step, she presses into the vast, tangled mass, trembling.

With everyone packed tightly together, Maple activated her skill.

Love That Offers the Body! Crystallize!

From the tuft, angelic wings extend—its surface hardens, encased in crystal. Twenty players inside are sealed within the tuft.

"O-oh, wait, this—"

"Ma, m-majii?"

"Off we go!"

From outside, parting the wool, she checked the scene. Beyond the transparent shell formed by crystallization stood Mai and Yui, wielding great hammers.

““One, two, three—!””

The two great hammers swung in unison, striking the core of the ball-shaped Maple with violent force, launching her high into the air.

“Wah—!”

“M-Meet me? What the hell—!”

The secret of this high-speed motion was clear: to avoid damage, one offered their own body as the weapon, becoming the projectile itself.

This unnatural movement, born of extradimensional strength, was complete only through the resilience to endure impact and the courage to execute it.

“Now, initiate attack!”

Maple confirmed the map while airborne. She detonated the protruding upper cannon near her destination, shifted her course downward, and fell like a meteor toward the ground.

Destination vicinity! Do your best!

Maple’s crystallization dissolves. From within, the player crawls out. The moment of landing is erased by Love That Offers the Body. All have exited. Maple extends her barrel further, twisting and stretching.

“O—oh… thanks.”

“Again… I don’t know if I’ll be able to return the favor.”

She was saved. That was fact. Yet each response carries a faint, uneasy weight. Maple detonates the newly extended barrel. It rises into the air. She flies toward her own side.