Defense specialization and moments before the rematch.

This event occurs under time acceleration. Players who have been eliminated may watch from a designated spectator field prepared for such cases.

Here, if boredom or satisfaction sets in, they may choose to exit at any time and return to the normal field, free of acceleration.

Large monitors display scenes from various parts of the battlefield. All combat that unfolds can be observed without omission. This presents a valuable opportunity for information gathering. Knowing the skills used by the player who defeated them could prove useful in future duels.

Yet, of course, such reasons exist. Still, the area buzzes with players eager to share their immediate thoughts on the outcome, far more than the practical concerns of observation.

Amidst this, a sudden surge of players transfers into the area. Proof enough that fierce battles rage across many fronts.

“Ooh… Even more dead on both sides than expected.”

“Hard to fight when monsters join the fray. Stopped them—got a big clash.”

“Saw it. The main battlefield was something else. No… it still is.”

At the center of the event field. The battlefield the man spoke of remains displayed on a large monitor. Black horrors rise from the ground, one after another, filling the screen. Offered as tribute, something paid in return.

“Wow… an altar.”

“Is that human work?”

“No… probably not.”

“I was eaten by one of those things.”

“Yeah… they look tough.”

“No, I was the one offered to the altar…”

“Huh…?”

Sacrificing allies. One wonders if such a skill has any use. Yet seeing it wielded with such force now, one must admit it is undeniably strong.

"If it were Maple, she’d have summoning skills—she could always feed one to make it usable."

"Some skills suited for this event were found in the ninth layer. Perhaps that was one of the skills powerful during events."

"Since I’ve been watching, I noticed Maple and Sally both had the same skill—the one that floods with water and transfers."

"Ah, that’s right… I thought Mi’s flame had struck from behind and finished me. I let my guard down. Then I was cut down in return. Huh… I messed up."

"Maple’s wings grew a little, too. Pain’s casting light like a mage, launching attacks."

"Still, it’d be better to have wide-range attacks. Maybe I’ll look for one after the event ends."

A weapon may be sword or spear, but having a means to strike from afar would allow one to shine in such a moment.

"Please, win on our side! I want medals!"

Both sides receive medals, but the victors gain more. Each camp watches the battlefield, hoping for victory.

As time passes, the monsters' assault ends. The once-aggressive beasts vanish, reappearing at their original positions. Peace returns to the field.

No—this is slightly inaccurate. Around Maple and her companions, the remnants of monsters, cast into darkness before vanishing, now form a horde of creatures wandering aimlessly, awaiting Maple’s command.

"Good. This is safe now!"

Maple extinguishes the [Rebirth of Darkness]. Without anything to contain, spreading it serves only as a hindrance to allies.

At the signal of the [Rebirth of Darkness] being dispelled, all move forward toward the enemy stronghold.

Leading the advance are the creatures forged through collective effort. These powerful, expendable beings, unafraid of death, will serve as living walls. Their bulk will absorb magic hurled from the sky.

"Maple! Ride!"

"Uh-huh!"

Sally calls from atop Hak’s head. Maple needs a means of travel to keep pace with the advance.

"We’re going straight to the end."

"Right! That’s why we all prepared for this!"

Expecting the creatures below to act, Maple moves toward the enemy lines.

"Will I get frozen again?"

The cooldown must be quite long. We took considerable time preparing ourselves—so it’s not entirely impossible we’re still usable.

An effect with an unprecedented range. Such a technique, even if limited to once per day, would be no surprise.

Even if she outmaneuvered their strategy, the retreat was largely due to Maple’s unpredictable nature.

They haven’t exhausted their resources to the point of incapacity. We must remain cautious—our footing could be taken.

With the royal palace ahead, retreat becomes no longer an option. They will surely press forward regardless. Just as their command is disordered, so too could ours be.

When unforeseen events arise and the situation deteriorates. To unify completely the decision to retreat or advance—difficult.

If nothing changes, we can proceed as we intend—best of all.

But it will not be so simple.

We must do our part, even a little…

We wish to strive forward, supported by everyone in the Gathering Holy Sword!

To bring this invasion to victory. Consume what approaches. Tear it apart. Crush it beneath foot. Maple and her companions move as though they were an army of the Demon King, one nation after another falling before them.

At that moment. Mii and the others, too, prepared in haste, knowing full well that Maple’s force would soon arrive.

"Velvet, Hinata. How much longer?"

"We’re hurrying!"

"We’ll make it in time… somehow."

Ice from Hinata. Thunder from Velvet. These powers are essential to victory. After the earlier battle, both had lost the ability to use their skills. Now they rush to defeat monsters, seeking to remove this disadvantage.

Next. There, I summoned them as promised.

The mechanical soldiers summoned by Lily apply the Provocation effect to the surrounding monsters, drawing more and more of them in.

We must succeed. There is a plan. But first, both must be fully prepared—otherwise, nothing begins.

The roles the two of Thunder Storm play in group combat are that significant, irreplaceable. Velvet and Hinata understand this. That is why they hurry.

Still, hurrying does not guarantee success. If attacked directly, they may not arrive in time. To prepare for such a moment, the people of the Flame Emperor’s Nation have stationed themselves at the Night Castle, positioned ahead of the royal palace, ready to fall if necessary.

Hah… it’s a burden, always having to defend.

It cannot be helped. We are not naturally inclined to offense... though Mii is somewhat different.

We must do our best. If possible, I would like all of us to survive.

So, in short, we hope they arrive in time. Sorry, Wilbert. This place might become our death ground.

But I believe it will not, if you are all here. Though output is greatly reduced without Lilie, her presence alone will serve as a deterrent.

Wilbert is recognized anew during this event as a high-threat player. Their awareness of his presence will force caution.

Good. Final confirmation for Markus. The traps are set properly?

Yes. They remain intact. Ready at any moment.

Mizari, how is your skill cooldown?

No issues.

"Okay! If it comes to it, I'll be the first to fall. Your abilities are valuable—enemy will target you."

Mizari's wide-area healing and Markus's traps were not mere damage-dealing skills. Few such abilities existed. This made them central to strategy. Losing either was not an option.

……Seems the enemy has arrived. Let us prepare."

Wilbert sensed the enemy's approach first. Markus followed, scanning the situation through his installed cameras. The screen showed a row of black figures. Monsters, advancing like a wave.

"Ugh."

"Oh… really? Seriously increased?"

Markus stood frozen, stunned by the numbers exceeding all expectations. He could not flee—eventually, he would have to face them. He turned forward, resigned.

"I have contacted them again, asking for swift action. Recovery is my responsibility."

"Alright, I'm counting on you. Let's go, Wilbert!"

"Yes. Let us proceed."

Shin activated the Crack Sword, mounting one of its blades, and floated multiple swords around Wilbert as guard.

"If anything comes flying, I'll deflect it. I'll weaken it as much as I can from here. Finish it— I'm counting on you!"

"Yes. Let us defeat as many as possible."

Thus, Wilbert stood atop the Night Castle, bow drawn, while Shin rode the floating blade, soaring forward to position the monsters within range.