Defense specialization and risk.

The black mass slammed into the ground with a shattering sound, rolling violently while scattering fragments. Amidst the wreckage scattered across the gleaming surface, the shape of the original form was lost. It gradually slowed, finally coming to rest, raising a plume of dust.

"Too much effort!"

"Feels more tired than during the ambush."

"Well, nothing bad happened. We made it back safe."

The black mass was Maple. No player could possibly pursue her through the sky after the explosion. She had landed precisely as planned, near the royal palace.

"Probably not chased after."

"Probably not."

"Shall we return inside?"

"Yeah. That's the plan. I'd like Maple to join the attack somewhere soon. If she uses the same method, with Frederica."

We can’t go back like this again.

Frederica wants to make a show of it, you know?

Quiet work isn’t bad either. Yeah, yeah, I’ve changed my mind.

Frederica nods to herself. If they don’t spot her, no pursuit will come. She can return slowly, riding Shiroppu.

Then let’s go back! If we’re targeted, it’ll be trouble.

That’s right. Never let your guard down, no matter the situation.

The three hurry back into the Town. Maple’s skill with her self-destruct has improved. She now lands precisely near the target, so the journey back to the Town is not long.

Phew… that was tiring. Still, being able to reach that height is nice. I wonder if Notes could grow bigger too.

…Maybe not.

I can’t picture it.

"Normally I just ride on Ray, so it's fine. But when we're fighting properly, let me know. I can give buffs as many as you need."

"Okay!"

"Then we'll coordinate with the whole Gathering Holy Sword, right?"

"Yeah. That’ll make things easier for me too."

The three walk toward the royal palace, glancing up occasionally to check for any suspicious objects floating in the sky.

They might not have done what we did, but they could.

Velvet and Hinata, Lily and Wilbert, and Mii and Markus—each has flight ability, already confirmed. The three guilds we’re most wary of might attack from above.

And at the same time, those players can cause widespread damage with few numbers. It’s better to assume they’re present than to be caught off guard.

"Will it just be like this—attacking occasionally at night?"

It would be easier if that were enough.

Perhaps. Velvet is the type who could interrupt at any moment.

Midday, the fighting continues. Nightfall, more players retreat to rest. If both sides remain idle, defense their sole focus, the situation will shift little. But if a guild sees fatigue, darkness, and dwindling numbers as the moment to strike, a sudden offensive may yet erupt.

If that’s the case, the night will make it hard to see around—support will be difficult.

Perhaps that is true...

Still, if the opponent intends to fight, there is nothing to do but fight. Prepare, Maple.

Yes! Understood!

If set upon, one must respond in kind. Otherwise, only one side will suffer harm.

Then if they can be provoked, better to set the conditions and strike first. See, the ambush earlier—wasn’t that launched from a favorable position, all at once?

Yes, yes.

But thinking about it, Wilbert is still unbearable.

Yes. That’s why somewhere…

We must find a way to bring him down.

Wilbert is still out there. The pressure is intense. Frederica might not even sense it before she’s struck and felled.

Can it be done…?

His defense isn’t impenetrable, so if we can get close—

That’s the hard part.

His detection range—unnaturally vast—appears to be active at all times. Stronger than Notes’. With those eyes, he can strike first, or retreat the moment he senses approach.

We’ll think of something. Come up with something more practical.

Hmph.

I’m counting on you, Sally!

Leave it to me.

Frederica felt a flicker of interest at the idea Sally had already formed. Yet from the way Sally spoke, she sensed it was a high-risk plan, one that would make even the most cautious hesitate. She let it pass without pressing further.

“Let me know if you come up with something good. Hmm, maybe an eighty percent chance of success?”

“You’re greedy.”

“Am I?”

“But if it works that well, wouldn’t you be happy?”

Maple quickened her step slightly, walking beside the two, encouraging them both. They had succeeded this time. They would try to succeed again.

“Hmm, a surefire way to win…”

Sally thought as she walked.

She knew, of course, that no such method existed. Just as her opponent had not yet grasped her ability to manipulate illusions, so too must there be skills on her side that remained unknown.

A method that erased the word “absolute” from battle.

To force an opponent to retreat to the point of death, the opponent must not withdraw. They must endure the fight to its end.

That requires risk on one’s own part. A bait strong enough to make the opponent believe they gain an advantage by fighting now. That is necessary.

Sally had one idea. Even so, it was a path she could not take.

“Just… think about it. Wait a little longer, Maple.”

She spoke again to Maple, then turned her awareness beyond the wall rising behind her.

The enemy’s most desired target. The one they must strike.

Maple, without the [Unyielding Guardian].

Safe until the next day. That would be best.

No matter how strong a player, they cannot enter the fortress.

Even if the roles were reversed, Sally could not risk Maple as bait for a dangerous strategy.