Defense specialization and thunder.

Crom and Kasumi reached near the outer wall when they found Pain and Sally.

"Earlier than expected."

"Rushed as fast as possible. So, the situation?"

"Nothing moving right now... but the lack of movement is unsettling in itself."

"Moving atop the outer wall... if Wilbert were there, it would be dangerous. If Hak is guarding it, we could exit, but what do you think?"

"Maybe we don't need to go out at all? If they attack, this wall will hold."

Crom taps the outer wall with his knuckles. The wall’s durability is considerable. Even with powerful skills landing, it does not tremble.

Even so, if someone were attempting to breach it, they would notice. Even if they waited to see the enemy’s move, this position would still allow enough time to respond.

"And what about your side?"

"I’ve called for reinforcements. Players skilled more in reconnaissance than combat."

Speak of the devil. A group of players, each riding their summoned monsters, moved through the night town toward the outer wall, arriving at the four.

“Ah! Being able to move this quickly is a boon. Reconnaissance and mobility align well.”

Unfortunately, Necro still does not take form that allows for swift travel, even when clad.

One must await improvement.

“Grateful. We are not skilled in reliable reconnaissance.”

Sally’s reconnaissance ability was astounding—but born of experience, not skill. When certainty is required, a skill like Notes’ Sonar prevails.

“The depth of this guild is truly that of the Gathering Holy Sword.”

Feeling the strength of a large guild, Kasumi prepared to call Hak, and waited.

"Pain, shall we scout here once more? There’s a chance someone’s on the other side of the wall. I’ve still got some left even if I use it."

Multiple individuals shared the same detection skill, allowing them to alternate without waiting for cooldowns, thoroughly scanning the surrounding area.

Still, if none are found, then none are found. That is the end.

"Yeah, I’d like that."

[Range Expansion][Wide-Spectrum Detection]!

The effect range intensified. The visual burst flared instantly. In that moment, information flooded the user’s mind. He looked up sharply.

"…Up!?"

At the same instant, a blinding lightning flash illuminated the sky.

A jagged column of lightning, searing the earth, surged upward, connecting sky and ground in an instant.

[Guardian]! [Spirit Light]!

A thunderous roar. A pillar of light, too intense to see through, enveloped everyone. The impact shattered nearby buildings.

In that moment, Crom intercepts the assault with swift reflexes, shielding all with his body, nullifying the damage meant to strike them.

As the light fades, Velvet descends some distance away, lightning coiling around her as she holds Hinata.

"Outstanding! So it's not just Maple after all!"

"Unexpected! You actually charged straight in!"

"Even here, you still have an edge?"

Crom and Kasumi brace their weapons, stunned by Velvet and Hinata's sudden descent into the enemy's heart, despite the aerial assault.

"We won't let you escape."

Pain shares the same resolve. He will not allow their escape from this place unharmed. He assumes combat stance.

"Escape? We came here to end this right now."

"Yes. We won't let you go either."

The assault shows no intention of retreating—far beyond what Sally and the others imagined. The cold spreading through the air, the rain of thunder growing ever fiercer, mark the unavoidable beginning of combat.

“Pain-san.”

Sally speaks sharply.

Pain understands the intent.

“Ah. If you won’t run, then I’ll destroy you.”

If he can end this here, the advantage will be decisive.

The cost of great risk. To strike down here, in the enemy’s ranks, those two—top-tier threats, even among their own.

“Here we go! Full force!”

As thunder redoubles from above, Pain and the others charge toward Velvet.