Defense Specialization and Tactical Planning 2.

"Ah... I see."

"Shall I relay Maple's intent? Sally has expressed a desire to hear it directly."

Inside the royal palace. Having received from Pain, the assembled force, the essential elements of the operation, and the risks that must be borne, Maple nods as if absorbing the words.

"I can do it!"

Her expression carries uncertainty, yet she declares with firm resolve.

"Understood. Then let us proceed to refine the details. I shall avoid taking unnecessary risks."

"Yes!"

"Go to the royal palace's training grounds and gather the maplewood. Sally is already waiting. I shall join you shortly."

"Understood."

Maple immediately turns toward the chamber where the guild members await.

"Everyone!"

"Oh, uh... what is it?"

"You seem unusually energetic. No, rather... determined."

"We're preparing to launch the operation with Pain and the others!"

Upon hearing this, the six stir uneasily. All sense, without words, that the aim is not merely surprise, nor simply reducing enemy numbers.

"Is the plan set?"

"Still undecided... but likely targeting 【thunder storm】 or 【rapid fire】."

"So that would be those four."

"Uuu... with us, it's difficult..."

"It's quite the challenge..."

Mai and Yui speak with hesitation. Their combat styles clash with all four. Yet, with Maple nearby, the balance shifts. The outcome depends on the strategy.

"Then we'll hold a strategy meeting. Where are Pain and the others?"

"Sally's at the training ground—head there!"

"Got it. Let's go. We won't end like this!"

Maple leads her guild members toward the training ground. There, Pain and Sally already wait—locked in fierce combat.

The speed of their blades is no warm-up. Maple stops, eyes wide.

"Ah, Maple’s here too. Hey! Pause for a moment!"

Pain and Sally halt their movements, sheathing their weapons at Frederica’s call.

"Thank you."

"Hmm. I’m surprised. Can you still push further?"

"I will."

"Good to hear."

"Just don’t run out of breath from going too hard."

"Yeah, I know."

"Everyone’s here. Then let’s begin."

Pain immediately starts outlining the plan.

"This time, the enemy wants to defeat Maple. We’ll use that desire. We’ll use Maple as bait to draw them out."

"Maple, you’re fine with this?"

"Yeah! I’m fine!"

Maple nods once in response to Sally’s confirmation.

"Still, if we mobilize the entire Gathering Holy Sword, the enemy won’t come out recklessly."

"So that’s our turn, then."

"That is correct. Few in number, high in combat ability. The Maplewood is better suited for this operation."

Pain then spoke of Wilbart.

"If all present here assist Wilbart in reconnaissance, the enemy will surely retreat. It does not matter if they suspect our intent, but we wish to keep their threat level low—only enough to compel them to decide on combat."

"We want them to see risk, yet believe they can still win. That is the situation we seek."

Only a limited number, including Maple, will advance to the front line. The others remain as backup, in case of failure.

"If four emerge directly, the most likely formation would be Velvet and Hinata leading forward, while Lily and Wilbart provide supporting fire from behind."

"I agree. Given their personalities and abilities, that is likely how it will unfold."

If combat is determined, strike that point and split them. I’ll take a few others and dive into the lightning with Rapid Fire, isolating Thunder Storm.

What about Velvet and the others then?

Those two? There’s a bit of a problem.

Frederica’s problem, of course, is Hinata’s skill—Isolation Zone.

If it were available now, the two would be dragged in unilaterally. Defeat would be certain. Mai, Yui, Iz, and Frederica would die if pulled in.

Only two should be targeted—one who can counter them.

That means Maple, serving as bait, and the other… this one’s already decided.

I’ll do it.

Standing beside Maple, Sally is the strongest. Not from skill or stats, but from synchronized timing.

No one objected to the decision.

The gist is this. Now we refine the details.

Delaying risks intervention from other guilds. We cannot afford mistakes in splitting the enemy, not when Maple and Sally must focus on combat.

Let’s do our best, Yui!

Yes. When they draw near, like this!

Yui mimics swinging a great maul. Eliminating one side would be the most effective split. That is, one side would vanish.

The outcome depends heavily on the enemy’s movements. It is undeniably risky. Still, given the earlier ambush might now threaten the royal citadel, action here was necessary.

The moment to act draws near. With no major errors in the plan, Maple and the others continue their discussion, all together.