Defense specialized. The hour of decisive battle.
This moment aligns with the first of three battles.
“[Multi-acceleration]!”
With Frederica’s buff and Iz’s item enhancing movement speed, the group begins moving as one.
Their aim: to block the convergence of the Flame Emperor’s Realm at a critical moment.
Some sacrifice is acceptable.
“Do your best, now.”
Gazing from afar at the battlefield where lightning strikes, the group continues moving, praying for Maple and Sally’s victory.
Thanks to swift detection by scattered reconnaissance units, they secure positions ahead of the route.
“We must make our resolve.”
“Yes. Stick to the plan.”
The distance is great. Numbers are limited. It is difficult to claim they have sufficient force to meet the Flame Emperor’s Realm.
There is a way. The 【Maple Tree】 holds a weapon powerful enough to change the tide of battle.
"Are both of you ready?"
" Yes!"
Mai and Yui stand atop Tukimi and Yukimi, each gripping six massive hammers.
These two are the players who can alter this situation.
"We will support you. Do not concern yourselves with our fate."
"Good luck!"
With Mai and Yui present, there is no need to reduce HP. The best choice—proven in the daytime group battle—is for all to support them.
"Right, right. So we’ll leave the attack to you?"
"Leave it to us!"
"We’ll do our best...!"
They are the core of the strategy. The lack of numbers is offset by their overwhelming force.
"Could you help set up the barrier?"
"Okay. Hurry— it’s close now. Hey, lend a hand over here!"
"Got it!"
To stand in defense would only mean defeat against Mii’s flames and the pressure of the approaching army.
Yet even a perfect defense, waiting behind Iz’s prepared wall, would allow them to pass unimpeded.
The plan cannot permit that. Then there is no choice but to fight, knowing death may come.
If we are destroyed, so long as the enemy suffers enough to halt their advance, it is enough. Of course, victory would be best.
"Both of you, charge straight at Mii. Keep attacking, even if it feels dangerous."
"Affirmative."
"Take care. I’ll protect you to my limit—today only."
The bookshelf floating behind Kanade was packed with magical tomes.
"Please, be safe."
"We’ll make it worth your trust!"
"Right. Keep it up like that."
Establish minimal cover and prepare for the final clash. Mai and Yui at the front. Position members of the Gathering Holy Sword beside them for support. At the rear, Iz, Kanade, Frederica, and additional rear-line members of the Gathering Holy Sword, alongside shieldbearers tasked with protection.
"What about the Dawn?"
"Hmm. Basically, nothing can be done."
"Before being hit—that’s probably impossible."
"Looks like a skill that requires preparation. We’ll have to rely on the two of them."
At the moment the attack from Mii—apparently unstoppable even by invincibility—arrived. It was difficult to assist Mai and Yui, who were likely wielding weapons at the front line.
There was nothing to do but act during the incantation, when Mii could not attack, in order to use the Dawn.
Wait a moment. In the night’s darkness, lights began to appear, scattered and faint.
It was the effect of skills and lanterns. The number was clearly greater, a mixed force from the Kingdom of the Flame Emperor, including members of [Thunder Storm] and [Rapid Fire].
It served no purpose to fear the numerical disadvantage now. They should trust their own strategy.
"Alright, everyone, let's go! [Multi-Resilience]"
At Frederica’s signal, raising her defense, all moved at once. No tricks. They would charge head-on at the two capable of destroying everything.
In the darkness, the enemy quickly detected their presence, and spells flew in rapid succession. Blades of wind, fire projectiles. Mixed in, arrows rained down from above.
"[Multi-Barrier]! Notes [Chorus]!"
"“[Multi-Cover]!”"
"“[Heal]!”"
Frederica’s barriers, deployed alongside Notes, absorbed the majority of the assault. The fragments that passed through were gathered and restored by Tank.
The enhanced stats, boosted by Iz and Frederica’s buffs, could easily withstand magic disruptions of this magnitude.
Only Mai and Yui were spared even the slightest graze. They pressed forward. The acceleration from the buffs closed the distance between the two armies in an instant.
Yet—within the mass, a crimson flame burst upward, and a phoenix rose into the night sky.
“[Scorch]!”
A powerful wave of flame, launched by Mii, aimed to halt the advance.
Even as the fierce fire approached, Mai and Yui charged forward. They knew they would be protected.
“[Severance]”
When Kanade opened the spellbook, space split open and Mii's flames were swallowed whole. Though it could not be used twice, the number of such trump cards Kanade held far surpassed those of any other player.
The attack was easily nullified. Before the flames could follow, Mii and Yui, still riding atop Tsukimi and Yukimi, raised the great mallet high.
"“[Aerial Strike]!”"
A high-speed shockwave launched toward them.
It erased players like a balloon pierced by a needle.
"Evade or withstand it!"
Spreading out to increase distance from Mai and Yui, who surrounded the area.
Defense increased. Damage reduced. To those standing before the two, such measures were worthless.
"“[Eruption]!”"
Mii's flames surged again, targeting Mai and Yui. Flames erupted from the ground, rising into pillars meant to engulf the two.
“[Aqua’s Blessing]!”
Kanade moved swiftly, encasing the two in a membrane of water. The barrier negated the flames, allowing them to advance without pause.
““[Double Strike]!””
“[Spirit Light]……huh!?!”
“[Gleam of Protection]! ……seriously?!”
The player whose damage was nullified was blown back, rolling across the ground, dragging the rear-line player with them. That they stopped rolling was fortunate. No one knew where the player who had been launched diagonally upward had gone.
““[Hyper Acceleration]!””
Accelerating, they avoided the great mace, slipping into the space between the two. Missing was sufficient.
““[Cover]!””
The defense from the [Gathering Holy Sword], arriving swiftly, intercepted the attack. Mai and Yui continued their assault.
“We can’t afford for the two of them to be taken out!”
“Allow me to protect.”
“I see…!”
The Gathering Holy Sword responded swiftly. There was no need to deploy Kanade’s skill. To avoid being shattered by the great mallet’s counterattack, they had no choice but to retreat momentarily.
The disparity in offensive power rendered close combat and all defensive maneuvers irrelevant.
Miyu issued orders to Ignis. Avoiding the magic descending from the ground centered on Frederica, she shifted her target.
“—Flame Torrent!”
The hellfire erupted in the night sky. It swallowed Miyu’s spell whole and rained down upon the rear guard.
“—Multiple Barrier!”
“Fei, Item Enhancement!”
As Frederica deployed her barrier, Iz created a defensive wall through her item, reinforcing the defense. The members of the Gathering Holy Sword added their own barriers, blocking Miyu’s flames entirely.
The defense is solid...
Miyu retreats momentarily toward her own forces, evading magic. She had intended to burn through the rear ranks and shatter their formation. But the Gathering Holy Sword proves reliable. Even without Kanade using her skill, breaking that defense will take time.
There is nothing to be done. Miyu targets Mai and Yui, the heart of the battlefield, and unleashes flames.
—Flame Emperor! Flame Lance!
—Target Increase! Spirit Light—
Two fire orbs aimed at Mai and Yui, and the massive flame lance, are blocked by Kanade’s damage nullification. Kanade is difficult to read—unlike other players, no one knows what skills she possesses or how many. Still, attacking Kanade would only meet with the dense barriers centered on Frederica. Better to target Mai and Yui, who can be saved only by limited skills.
Or.
“From Markus?”
Mii reads the message received.
‘Buying time. Our forces are being whittled down slowly. Even if it takes longer, I want you to decide, Mii.’
The incantation of [Dawn]. A countdown to the battle’s end. Mai and Yui cannot endure Kanade’s defenses indefinitely.
If retreating beyond range, she could join Velvet and Lily directly.
Mii gives orders to Ignis and descends to Markus’s side.
“Mii… can I ask you…?”
“That’s the plan.”
I’ll hold them steady. Leave the delay to me.
Understood.
Markus activates the 【Night Fortress】 at his feet, shielding Mii, then steps forward after confirming the preparations for 【Dawn】 have begun.
【Deployment: Floral Cavalry】【Deployment: Aquatic Infantry】
Markus summons cavalry made of vines and infantry of water, luring the two into striking range where they vanish upon contact.
You can’t have your way.
They don’t intend to stop…
They won’t stop!
【Remote Deployment: Wind Blade】【Remote Deployment: Flame Blade】
No matter how weak the attack, the two and Kanade must respond. There are gaps, compared to Maple’s 【Love That Offers the Body】.
Clear 【Vanish】
Wind and flame blades erupt from Markus’s trap. The cavalry and infantry disappear in an instant.
A spear of vine suddenly pierces the shoulder of the Gathering Holy Sword’s shield bearer, who halts for a single breath. Damage effect bursts forth.
……!
Get back!
“Yes!”
Just becoming transparent. A simple, straightforward skill—visible if touched. Yet the guard difficulty for Mai and Yui spikes.
I’m not just watching from behind… — Full Trap Activation.
From the ground. From the air. Soldiers made of various materials surge forth from all directions. All of them, to Mai and Yui, are undeniable threats.
Clear — Colorless World
The diverse soldiers summoned by Marx all lose their color, dissolving into the air. The shieldbearer, centermost, takes the flames and wind blades on his body, pierced through, yet still pushes Mai and Yui into the midst of the group. By standing as a wall, he blocks attacks aimed at the two.
The pressure on Mai and Yui lessens, thanks to Marx’s skill. The battlefield seems about to shift.
From behind. A number of magical circles unfold, equal in number to the summoned soldiers. An aircraft with gun barrels emerges. Multiple laser beams and a barrage of fire, matching even Maple’s Machine God, strike the transparent summoned soldiers. One by one, they solidify.
“Ugh… those two.”
If Marx had time to prepare, so did Iz.
And if Iz had prepared, she could unleash power beyond that of a mere artisan.
"Um... what kind of item could possibly match me?"
Good thing I prepared.
It helps, but—well—
Yes, that’s right.
Marx is not pressing the attack with full force. If Mai and Yui can be held back long enough, Mii will end it all.
The guild members of [Thunder Storm] and [Rapid Fire] were already accounted for. If victory was certain, casualties were acceptable.
"Mai, Yui!"
Maple calls out to the two who have stepped slightly forward, cleaving through the enemy.
"Miss Kanade!"
“Perhaps this one…”
Too late. Before the words could form, the sun appeared in the night sky.
Maple is at the center. The fire, prepared to burn everything with the time Markus earned, is ready.
"【Dawn】!"
The white-burning flame envelops Mii, waiting for the moment of release, just moments away.
While all others flee beyond the range, Markus reaches for Mai and Yui at the front line.
"Cannot retreat... 【Holy Chain】!"
Chains extend from the white magic circle, binding Mai and Yui in place. Duration: just three seconds. Yet three seconds.
That is enough time to escape Mii’s flames.
"【Inferno】!"
A massive wave of fire erupts, carving damage zones into the ground. The world turns red. Mai and Yui turn toward Kanade and nod, as if sealing their resolve.
"【Flight】!"
Kanade sees it and rises into the air. Trusts their decision.
When the chains release Mai and Yui, the flames are upon them.
Still, they had known this outcome was inevitable.
Then, the course is clear.
"Please, sister!"
"【Giant’s Burden】!"
Mai swings five great hammers, driving them into the wave of flame. If her STR exceeds the enemy's attack power, the damage is nullified and rebounded. The phenomenon that occurs when only the damage immunity is removed by 【Dawn】 is—
a desperate counter.
The fire that consumes all. Part of it is pushed back, centered on Mai, and the wave of flame reverses course.
"First... clear 【Existence Erasure】!"
Like 【Divine Concealment】, Markus vanishes from the spot, slipping through the wave of flame.
Markus sees beyond the roaring inferno. The glittering effects dancing over the burning field indicate how many players were unable to escape.
Most are incinerated. A few rear guards remain.
Yet—
"Serious...?"
The rebound of Mai and Yui’s attack, effective even against a raid boss.
But their forms were not beyond the wave of flame.
A counter, born of acceptance of death.
It caused great destruction.
It was only partial, yet still widespread and unforeseen.
Evacuation is delayed. The formation is breaking apart.
Markus looked ahead. Kanade had just descended onto the towering stone she had conjured, avoiding the burning ground below after ending her flight.
Still have the will to continue...?
Marx frowns. Even though it was repelled, it was only partial. The 【Maple Tree】 side suffered greater damage. Continuing combat seems unlikely.
Miyu arrives at Markus's side after finishing her attack.
"Mi, thank you."
"Enemy... is Kanade covering the rear?"
That seems to be the case.
The flames on the ground subsided. As Mii raised both hands to summon relentless flames, Kanade opened her grimoire.
[Black Smoke]
Black smoke spread across the area in an instant.
It was not a debuff—only a simple dazzle.
“[Tornado]!”
A wind spell, cast from somewhere, swiftly pushed aside the smoke.
All expected her to flee behind the smoke screen. Yet, as the smoke cleared, Kanade had already formed a thick vine beneath her feet in midair, moving toward Mii and Markus.
“…!”
Their eyes snapped to Kanade, surprised by the unexpected move.
“Above!”
Someone shouted. By the time Mii looked up, the white figure was already near.
A large mallet in hand, descending—undoubtedly Yui.
“[Azure Flame]!”
“[Giant’s Sin]!”
The blue flame was returned with force.
Mai countered [Inferno]. Five great mallets swung. One remained—used to launch Yui high into the sky.
Because they are two who can do the same, Mai can entrust Yui, and Yui can entrust Mai.
Yui is more adept than Mai at the bold, reckless play reminiscent of Maple.
Wrapped in the returned flames, Mii rolls away just barely from the spot.
“[Unbreakable Shield]!”
Kanade stays behind and steps forward for one reason only: to ensure Yui lands safely.
“Yaaah!”
Mai lands on the ground with a thunderous crash and immediately swings the great mallet toward Mii.
At this distance, the formation is spread wide. There is no avoiding it. No aid can be expected from anyone.
Markus, sensing this, throws one of the cards he holds to the Mii beside him.
“[Change]!”
As the card unfolds into a garment of water enveloping Mii, Markus uses his skill to swap the positions of the two traps. The trap surrounding Mii shifts far behind, relocating Mii to safety.
—Aah... that's all I can do, for now.
Only one trap activated, instinctively.
The great maul swung, switching targets. Markus could not withstand it.
An instant. A killing blow, unanswerable, struck Markus with a sharp crack, turning him to light.
The maul erased Markus. At once, Kanade opened her spellbook.
—【Iron Water】! Run, Yui!
—Yes!
She caught Yui, swept away by the water, and fled swiftly. 【AGI】 was raised high, precisely for moments like this.
—Hope they’re done over there...!
The damage here is severe. The spellbook shielding Yui is gone. Holding them back is impossible. Kanade hurried toward Iz and Frederica, glancing back at the battlefield with concern.