Defensive specialization, facing the night.

The spectator area. Those who had seen enough after the large-scale battle turned back toward the original field. Others, at the front, gathered the information they had gained. Each moved in their own way. Yet a sense of relief, of having passed the peak, settled over them all.

“Ah… couldn’t save Mizari, huh…”

“Sorry. I should’ve used Bell’s skill a little better.”

“Can’t be helped. The opponent was strong.”

“Managed to press hard, that one. Nearly neutralized Mizari’s all-protective state—luck played a big part in that.”

“Ugh… I wanted to stay, too!”

“Anyway. Sally’s acting weird, isn’t she? Used Maple’s skill. Even used Pain’s and Kasumi’s, too.”

Syin looks toward Drag and Dread, as if expecting them to know something, being on the same side.

“Don’t know. Didn’t hear anything from Frederica. Didn’t share details about that area.”

“Just saying, it’s real.”

The tone suggests no deception. Syin considers this, then concludes it’s pointless to press further. Mizari shows interest—this is tied to Death’s cause.

“The gear appears unchanged. Is she really using it… or some skill?”

“Some holy sword skill? If she used one of Pain’s, she could use them all. But would that really be possible?”

“Hard to believe, honestly… even if one counts wishes in the matter.”

No skill named a sacred blade exists in isolation. In fact, the two suspect it might be a unique series. Skills so rare—like Maple’s exclusive 【Machine God】, or Kasumi’s exclusive 【First Marino Sword·Void】—are so uncommon that suspicion of hidden mechanics is natural.

"Just… if she can actually use them, it’ll be impossible to handle."

Sally is already far ahead of even top-tier players among the player skills. Even without skills, Sally is a monster. Every time she gains a powerful one, the threat level spikes.

"What will you do next, Shin?"

"I’ll watch. Of course it’s intriguing! What about Drag and Dread?"

Good enough! Even if we go out, there’s no real gain in experience. Watching is more valuable, isn’t it?

After exiting the time-accelerated space, the real world sees the event end shortly, and everyone emerges. If not exhausted, those who stayed inside gain more information.

Then again, there’s value in observing calmly from outside.

Dread and Drag decide to remain and watch the rest.

“The next battle will be at night, I suppose.”

“Sure, a speed-type assassin will shine then. Gah, Dread’s presence would’ve made it better.”

“That’s why the plan with the captured thunder storm succeeded.”

“No… about that, he didn’t seem to have thought that far ahead. Hinata might be different, though.”

“…That’s hard to deny.”

Syn smiles faintly as he recalls the scene from the strategy meeting, including the Flame Emperor’s nation.

“If Pain manages to win smoothly at the end, I’ll have no complaints.”

“I hope Mii does her best too.”

“Let’s bring drinks and something to eat. Come on, just staring at the screen the whole time isn’t right!”

“Ah! Good idea! I think I had something in my inventory…?”

“Frederica would’ve packed a lot, no doubt.”

“Then let’s move to a seat with a table.”

“Yeah, let’s do that!”

The four remain focused on the monitor as they shift to a table seat. Gathering information. Supporting allies. Just like the other players. The next elimination should not be a key member of their side. They speak as they watch the monitor, moving forward.

Maple and the others return to the palace. They confirm the survivors once more.

Those who have died and transferred to the viewing field are instantly recognizable, their display changing upon death.

"Uh-huh. Everyone seems alive."

"Thank goodness. Not knowing what’s happening when we’re not together—it’s nerve-wracking."

"If nothing else happens, they’ll return soon enough."

After waiting a while, six people returned one by one from separate directions.

Though not much time had passed, the reunion felt long overdue. The battle had been intense.

"Hey, good. Mai Yui, you’re safe!"

"Yes!"

"You were protected with all their strength…"

"Then you should be proud if you acted well in return. They fought with that intent, after all."

"Me and Izu… we just wore each other down, I guess?"

"Yeah. The debuffs are tough—once noticed, they vanish immediately."

There are few ways to remove an enemy’s buff, but debuffs on allies can be lifted through light magic and other methods.

Because Kanade and Izu maintained a steady formation, the battle became less about defeating the opponent and more about halting their advance.

"My side had Kasumi bouncing through warps, doing as she pleased. Not many died. We were pushed back a bit, so the numbers difference had some effect."

"The effect of [Heart’s Eye] will end soon. We couldn’t push hard enough. We should’ve attacked more boldly..."

Crom laughs, saying that was quite bold enough. Others nod in agreement when listening. The battlefield they faced avoided total destruction. Surviving players who should have died were alive—this was significant.

"What about Mai and Yui’s side?"

From what you said earlier, you seem to have advanced to the front lines.

Yes!

We…

Mai and Yui recounted what had happened in their battlefield to Maple and the others. Stating only the outcome, they had annihilated the enemy force.

I see. That’s quite impressive.

The iron balls were dangerous enough, but they really showed their strength now…

Still, it’s strange that iron balls are even usable as weapons, really.

If they used nothing but great hammers, the supply of iron balls should be fine.

This event was enough to support from the rear. Given that they carried close-combat weapons, it was odd—yet natural. The two who had relied on throwing iron balls now struck enemies with their weapons, and that was expected.

Wow! That’s amazing! You did wonderfully!

Yes. And not hesitating to attack—just that alone is remarkable.

“H-honestly… thanks to the ones who fought alongside us…”

“It gave me great strength…!”

They had found players who sought the same things. Both seemed relieved they had managed somehow, their movements slowing slightly, weariness showing in their stances.

“Let’s rest for now. Perhaps better near the castle, just in case.”

“Yeah… true. The enemy’s target is the throne. Being near the castle means we can join the defense no matter what.”

No one objected. The party turned toward the royal castle.

“Better to restock what we’ve lost. The town’s functions remain. If you need anything I made, just say so.”

“Ah… I used the doping seed during the rescue. A little of the potions too.”

“Mustn’t be caught without supplies when the time comes.”

How durable are the weapons? I don’t care much, and most people seem not to either.

Then…

We’d like them repaired, if you please!

Of course.

Mai and Yui’s weapons were crafted by Iz. If used too heavily, their durability will diminish. The sixteen warhammers, customized from end to end by Iz, outperform any sold in shops. Creating them again would take great effort. Breaking them by accident is unthinkable.

As they settled their plans. The temporary truce, the adjustment of condition—Maple’s Grove carried on with a relaxed tone, sharing feedback on the battle so far, plans for what comes next, and whatever each one had been wondering.

Since it is uncertain when they will be scattered across the battlefield again, she takes extra care to share everything, as if to ensure nothing is forgotten.

"Maple worries. Hmm, maybe I should rest properly."

Sally stretches her body as she walks.

"That’s right. And there are places inside the castle where food is prepared. Resting is easy there too!"

"Have you used it, Maple?"

"Still in my inventory, but I got an enormous piece of meat!"

"...Is that meant to be cooked?"

Hearing the example, Sally’s eyes widen. Then, picturing the king of this country, she nods, accepting that, in a way, that seemed more natural.

"There must be others!"

"Then I’ll look forward to seeing if anything can rival Iz’s cooking."

"Eh? Hmm, I wonder… maybe?"

Maple hesitated, considering what had just occurred. The eight of them walked onward toward the royal palace.

Watching their retreating backs, Frederica spoke to Pain, who had finished issuing instructions to the Gathering Holy Sword.

“Drag and Dread are gone. Some plans will need to be rewritten.”

“Hmm. But that skill that caused it…”

They had been separated by force—compelled apart by the skill Hinata had used.

“Hinata likely chooses who enters the space.”

“Yeah. That’s it. Honestly, if I’d been picked, it would’ve been tough. I’d rather not.”

To stand among the players, able to freely choose the opponent most likely to win from countless combinations—this was a threat.

Maple, Mai, Yui—those of the Maplewood line—would make for a grueling contest if drawn into battle. Yet, there is no way to refuse their skill from here.

There is nothing to do but keep away.

Velvet and Hinata both rely on flashy abilities. Must locate them early. Step back. Deal with them properly.

There may be a way to nullify that skill’s effect. But no chance to test it.

What of the night? Dread, scheduled to move as main force, has vanished.

We’ll consult the Maplewood and decide accordingly.

Ah, Sally might come out soon.

Some players grow stronger in darkness. The mood of the coming battle will shift. Night still holds a number of players on the field. We must move too, to prevent the enemy from acting freely.

"Ah, right. Dread sent back a 'letter'—Pain, what about it?"

"Let me check the contents. Yes… I think it should go to Sally. What do you think?"

"Sally can handle it well. Yeah, got it!"

"Count on you."

Pain glanced at the letter before handing it to Sally. Nodded once. The message contained information useful even to Pain.

"So everyone holds a trump card, after all."

"Yeah. We’ve gathered quite a bit of data. But the true strength of a skill… you can’t know until you’ve tested it in battle."

Everyone saves their trump card for battles that demand it. That is why such moments are rare to witness in ordinary times. Frederica does not use her 【Super Multiple Magic】 lightly either. That is the nature of it.

"Skill in response has improved... I hope we can win smoothly."

"Hehe, don't get down just because we're both down? Everyone's counting on Pain the most, you know?"

It is undeniable that members of the 【Gathering Holy Sword】 guild, and many others beyond, rely on her. She has remained a top-tier presence since the first event. To expect her to find a way when trouble arises is natural enough.

"Ah, I understand. I will lead us to victory, as expected."

"Yep, keep it up. Then I’ll head over to the 【Maple Tree】."

"If anything comes up, I’ll send a message."

"We’ll do the same here."

Having concluded the exchange, Frederica walks toward the royal castle.

"Let us see what is to be done."

With Drag gone, the ability to repel enemy approach and attacks had diminished significantly. With Dread also absent, the vital skill to shield multiple allies from harm was lost. The risk of battle, reliant on moving many players, had increased markedly.

"Ranged combat is not my strength."

Wishing for what was no longer there served no purpose. Either find a substitute, or restructure the strategy to fight without it. Pain would consider the next steps for victory, for now.

The first half began with cautious probing. The combat grew fiercer. Each individual had proven their growth since the last player-versus-player match. Thus, the decisive confrontation, fought head-on, ended in a draw.

Casualties increased. The battle still did not end. This clash, now a chaotic melee, had been grueling for both sides. Rest was necessary. Body and mind must be made whole.

Then came the first night within the event. Some moved in shadow. Others advanced head-on. Each had planned their strategy in advance. That alone showed how vital this night was. Which side would make the first move? Styles varied. Yet all sought victory.

The field was swallowed by darkness. A different tension, unlike the day, drifted across the map. Thus, in the shadowed night, the first clash of defense and offense began.