Defense specialization and unease.

At a point slightly beyond the outer wall, Ray gradually descended.

"Hinata can bring down enemies in flight... so please, just in case."

"Aye. Being dropped suddenly would restrict movement."

The two landed. They scanned the surroundings. Only barren land stretched ahead. Large rocks dotted the terrain—hiding spots existed—but no sign of enemies.

"Not waiting in ambush at the landing spot, it seems."

"Yes. I expected at least one or two arrows to come flying."

Considering the possibility of Pain's presence, Pain and Sally maintained vigilance as they began checking the area.

Velvet and Hinata's abilities were flashy, but their effect range was broad. Anyone approaching to defeat them would certainly notice.

Then the one to watch is Wilbert. If he excels at ambushes using his reconnaissance abilities, it would not be strange for him to be following.

Sally uses her 【Ice Spikes】 while cutting off as many lines of sight from the enemy camp as possible, scanning the surroundings. After the last flash of lightning they saw, the field returned to its usual state.

...Not here.

No sense of a large army.

There may be someone hiding somewhere... but pressing further would serve no purpose.

Yes. Let us focus on checking around the Town and return. It feels unpleasant, but...

They might be there. But advancing further toward the enemy camp to confirm would be impossible. It is enough to know that no large force approaches the Town.

What do you think?

I believe someone is here. But not one who seeks battle actively...

Whether she came to achieve a measure of success and return, as when Sally struck with Maple and Frederica using poison, or to set a trap, as when she sent Izu during daylight to plant explosives.

Without evidence of her actual presence, all remains conjecture.

“The thunder coincided with the moment we were watching. That’s one factor. It appeared dramatic, yet it might have been planned as a surprise attack.”

“Ah… that’s plausible.”

In this field, thunder and lightning are not inherently alarming. Even if one hears only the sound indoors, few players would find it unsettling.

“For caution, I intend to maintain vigilance for a time. I’ll contact the guild members and arrange shifts to observe the situation briefly.”

Even if they have drawn near, remaining long within enemy territory carries risk. Fatigue cannot be ignored. If no significant movement appears after waiting a while, we may rest as well.

The proximity of the Town means we can more easily allocate numbers. That is an advantage.

"I will contact our side as well. More people are better. It is reassuring to have all present."

"That is helpful. Their movements remain impossible to predict."

Each gave instructions to their guild members. They withdrew from the location, layering vigilance upon vigilance to avoid attack from behind.

At that moment, within the royal palace, the message arrived.

"Oh... this..."

"Indeed... an unsettling presence, already."

After finishing the meal arranged by Iz, they had rested. The message from Sally reached them, gathered around the large table.

“Sally notices things well. I might have missed it.”

“Maybe Kanade would say it’s different from usual.”

“Is that so?”

“But what should we do?”

“If they’re really coming…”

“Relying only on Pain-san and the others isn’t right either… Yes! We’ll go too!”

“Okay. If Maple says so, no objections. Still, I have a thought on who should go.”

Crom spoke unusually, and Maple tilted her head, listening closely.

“I’ll go. Maple can’t be pushed yet. If I’m lucky, I can afford a few mistakes.”

Unlike Maple, Crom couldn’t reach the front lines quickly if something happened.

If battle were to break out, who should be on the field first? The answer was clear.

Then I will go with you. When outnumbered, Mai and Yui will be too much for Crom to protect alone. In darkness, it will be worse. Besides…

Kasumi glances briefly at the faces around her. A faint smile touches her lips.

Others are too irreplaceable.

Iz’s items, Kanade’s spellbook—no other player can replicate them. Maple’s group is even more so.

We aim to win as a camp. Then let me take on such dangerous roles. Not that I’ll die so easily, mind you.

If things turn dire, I’ll ask for help. First, let us assess the situation ourselves.

…Understood. Please be careful!

Maple’s trust in Crom and Kasumi. The certainty of it in their words. The two accept the risk. They leave the castle.