Defense specialization and preliminary assessment two.

At the same moment the barrage of attacks rained down from the sky upon Pain’s group, the same occurrence unfolded at the main battlefield where Sally’s group had been stationed.

“Phew…”

“But we’re safe.”

“Yeah… the Kingdom of Flame won’t be following us.”

Having held their position within the fortress, the Kingdom of Flame found it difficult to pursue or retreat swiftly. This made holding their ground formidable, but this time, it proved fortunate.

“Few survivors remain…?”

Sally counted the players retreating alongside her as she returned to her own side.

“Was it right to avoid it…?”

Having seen the Inferno before, Sally knew it created zones that inflicted sustained damage.

The quick use of Iron Cannon Water to push themselves away and create distance, and their position at the edge of the battlefield, worked in their favor.

The five move through the falling rain of magic, avoiding the onslaught atop Hak.

"That fireball that enveloped Mii. It likely has an additional effect."

"Even someone without a skill like mine that nullifies damage entirely should have served as a healer. Yet so many have died. It's not just high damage."

"Skill suppression, increased damage taken... or..."

"Perhaps it enhances the lingering damage of [Inferno]."

"So many possibilities. But we must avoid it at all costs."

"If it's a terrain-type effect, even Maple would be vulnerable. I'll remind her later."

One thing is certain: whatever it hits, it eradicates without question.

When we face them next, they will strike at the precise moment. What remains for the surviving players now is to carry this information back.

"Disgusting... this is our defeat."

"We'll make it up somewhere."

"Debts must be repaid."

"Yes. Miss Izu couldn't guide us through the enemy lines... we must reduce their numbers somewhere."

"I understand. I am ready at any time."

Just as Mii buried countless players with her unknown skill, 【Maple Tree】 still holds back a skill not yet shown. If the situation aligns well, we may achieve a significant victory this time.

Each time they spot a fleeing player, they lift them onto Hakku, ensure safety, and return together to the town.

The barricade before the outer wall remains intact. No notable damage to the durability. No sign of sudden attack during their absence.

As the surviving players dispersed after returning Hak to his ring, Maple—still in a tangled ball—was carried into the Town by Mai and Yui.

“Welcome back, Sally! A huge spell fell from the sky, but were you alright?”

“We’re fine. Maple, did something happen?”

“We carried everyone! That’s what I did!”

Hearing her explanation, the five of them stared, surprised. A faint laugh escaped them. That’s very Maple, they thought.

“Even the enemy must’ve been caught off guard…”

“Hmm. It’s harder to predict than you’d think.”

“Then maybe we’re ahead elsewhere… Yeah. Thanks, Maple. Great idea!”

“Really? But most of it was because of Mai and Yui! Without them, I couldn’t have flown so far!”

“Thanks, you two, for blowing Maple away. …Wait, that sounds like a strange way to say thanks.”

You're welcome...?

I'm glad Maple landed safely!

After being blown away, it was up to Maple. She might have fallen right into the enemy's center. In that sense, it was a strategy relying on luck. But in the end, it saved many of our allies from dire straits.

I feel bad, though. I tried my best, but it didn't go well.

Is that so?

Sally quickly explains the situation to Maple.

Hmm, I've fought alongside Mii before, but I've never seen that.

Yeah. Maple, be careful. There were people with great shields, like the one called Unyielding Guardian. If they were defeated, maybe Maple could neutralize their effect...

If it fails, it'll be bad.

Exactly. We need to find a way to strike back somehow...

The battle earlier had created a disparity in total player numbers. The enemy camp, with groups strong in mass combat—such as [Flame Emperor’s Nation] and [Thunder Storm]—and those skilled in ambush and first-strike attacks, like [Rapid Fire], could fully exploit their strengths in this event.

We must find a way to break through their advantage.

Maple paused, considering. She nodded slightly. A decision formed in her mind. She spoke.

“I think… I should take part in the fight too!”

“But what if a piercing strike lands on you…?”

Maple’s [Unyielding Guardian] was still on cooldown. She was essential on the battlefield, but stepping forward now carried great risk.

“Sally will protect me, right? See? Like this—just like always, deflecting attacks!”

Maple mimicked Sally’s motion, sweeping her arm sharply and pretending to slash the air with her short blade.

“……!”

As if it were natural. Sally paused, startled by Maple’s calm trust in her, but the expression shifted instantly to one of confidence.

“I understand. Leave it to me. I’ll deflect them all.”

“Yeah! I trust you!”

The last shield guarding Maple—herself. Nothing would pass. Sally hardened her resolve.

“Then the plan changes. Maple, I want to launch the attack right away.”

“Understood!”

Every event accelerated beyond expectation. The battlefield would not remain calm enough for observation this time.

“Of course we do.”

“Naturally.”

“Alright. Heh. This time, we’ll win.”

“I won’t keep falling behind again.”

“That’s right. Mai and Yui are with us too—our buffs are effective.”

““We’ll do our best!””

“Anytime, Sally!”

This time, as 【Maple Tree】, a full-force re-attack. To lose here would only embolden the enemy, making the fight harder still.

To prevent that, they reconfirm emergency responses and fundamental movements, preparing so thoroughly that the eight make no mistakes.