Defense specialization and what comes next.

In the end, Sally arranged the duel rotation, and Maple agreed to focus on the next event and the tenth layer, promising to assist if difficulties arose. With that, today’s gathering concluded.

“Easy to tidy up—just stow it in the inventory.”

“An advantage that doesn’t exist in reality.”

Maple cleared the desk. Sally removed the decorations from the wall.

The chairs, once arranged in rows, could be restored with a few adjustments to the guild’s settings panel.

“It feels incredibly quiet now.”

“Many came. Yes, four more than before.”

After the cleanup was complete, the next topic for [Maple’s Tree] remained the new layer—the tenth layer.

“The next event… but the tenth layer comes first, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. We still have quests left in the ninth layer. We must review them quickly.”

After events, new layers always follow. And beyond the ninth layer, there are still many overlooked areas.

They’re all vast. The new layers grow wider with each passing time.

Exploring like the eighth layer would be difficult.

Thanks to Tsukimi, it has become much easier…

Hidden events. Rare dungeons. Skills and items still sleeping in unknown corners. The conditions for uncovering them are complex. They cannot be found through ordinary exploration. It would not surprise anyone if multiple such things remain in each layer.

We must inspect every corner during our free time. We’ve revealed all our hidden strategies this time.

Indeed. Next time, relying on only one skill will not suffice.

A full-scale battle, using every skill painstakingly acquired over long time since the fourth event.

After the event, all players seek their next growth. Only exploration remains as the path forward.

Toward the next event, which will come in time. Daily level increases and material collection are necessary.

Skills matter, but status must not be neglected.

Each departs toward exploration. An uncharted area, or a familiar one where unease is noticed. Even without events, duties never cease.

They speak briefly of future plans. Then head into the field, or leave for the Town, each returning to their own game life.

“What will you do next, Sally?”

“Level up, I suppose. I’m content with my current skills. No need to push hard. I can acquire another through medals.”

“Right, you did get medals this time!”

“After all, that was the purpose of the event.”

The exchange period has not yet begun, it seems.

Just as Maple recalled the medals, a message arrived from the administrators.

"Ah, a message!"

"Ten floors and the event?... If only a little earlier, everyone would have been here. Hmm, what's this..."

"Ten floors is a comprehensive summary of everything so far... a layer containing traits of all previously unlocated dungeons and events, hints included... ohh."

"This is quite extensive. And look here."

As Sally pointed to the text, it read: "Find and defeat the hidden strongest boss."

"Not just the usual boss to proceed to the next floor?"

"Appears not. Look, it says to gather hints through quests to continue..."

"The strongest... seems strong..."

"First, we must find them. Implementation comes later, but in this game, perhaps we might not find them at all..."

"Then we must search diligently!"

"Right. Let's all combine our strength—Maple Tree members."

"Um, events are... preparing PVP and PVE..."

"Details here are still scarce. I see. That explains why medal exchanges haven't started yet."

With the unlocking of the tenth floor, medal exchanges begin. The tenth floor's exploration, declared as the grand culmination. During this time, a designated period allows players to exchange medals to supplement any shortcomings they've identified in their own progress.

"Still some time away, it seems."

"Indeed."

A distant goal, but knowing what lies ahead is a good thing. Now, the next objective is set.

"Information will come in time. I'm heading to level up as planned. How about you?"

"Let's go! Let's go!"

Okay. Then let’s head out right away. I’ve found a spot—efficient, well-suited.

Oh! That’s impressive, Sally!

Leave it to me.

With that, the two set off toward the field.

Night. The level-up with Maple is complete. Risa logs out and stretches, loosening her body.

Hmm… It’s gotten thoroughly cold already.

Just a little while ago it was summer. Now winter has arrived.

There’ll probably be another event for Christmas. And again at the start of the year.

She thinks ahead for a moment, then stops her thoughts there.

Shall I take a bath?

She’ll warm up first, then go to bed. That’s what she decides. Risa descends the stairs.