Defense specialization and daily routine.

Maple and her companions shattered a large number of monsters, whipping flames into the air with their spinning great maul, and emerged through the wall of roaring fire with a satisfactory haul of dropped items.

"Remarkable offensive power! So many gathered so easily!"

"It's all thanks to Maple-san and Sally-san!"

"Thanks to the many monsters we gathered..."

No common enemy could withstand the attacks of Mai and Yui. It was impossible to place monsters with HP matching their power in the vicinity.

As a result, the hunt proceeded remarkably smoothly, and their levels rose. The coordination between Maple, Mai, and Yui was merciless and potent.

Break through Maple's defense. Withstand the attacks of Mai and Yui.

Nothing could halt this steady devastation until the field became a realm overrun by such monsters.

"Today might be about done."

"Yep. Even though we were resting, I'm tired."

"Still, it was easier not having to move..."

"We've been at it for quite a while."

Sally, possessing the 【Water Manipulation】 skill, ensured the monsters kept coming without pause.

The rotating great maul remained in place. The four of them drew chairs and settled in.

As long as Maple was here, no unforeseen events could occur in this battle.

Just as the four were considering ending their efforts, Crom and Kasumi arrived.

"Ah, still here?"

"How's it going over there?"

"Yes! Mai and Yui were amazing!"

Maple reports the number of drop items she has acquired. The two widen their eyes, stunned.

“Always thought so… but eight in hand really changes the power level.”

“I still can’t manage fine control….”

“But moving them all at once? Perfectly done!”

“That’s all you’ll need.”

Even a glancing hit guarantees explosion. Fine movements are unnecessary. The great maul is large, as its name suggests. Pointing all its weapons at an enemy forces the foe to dodge in wide arcs.

“Are you two hunting here too? We were just thinking of calling it quits.”

“No, just passing by. Thought I’d check on Hak. Expected her soon. Also, found something interesting. Came to report that as well.”

Something interesting. It’s unusual for Kasumi to report something like this. Usually, it was Maple who found things worth noting in the Tree of Maple.

Though she does not seek them out deliberately.

“Maple obtained the Shade of Rebirth at her destination, didn’t she? I found a point where transfer is possible—like that.”

“Still, the destination extends further than I expected. So I pulled back for now.”

“What was it like?”

Kasumi described a place where pitch-black flora choked the ground, and mist resembling the Shade of Rebirth drifted through the air.

“Something’s there!”

“Exactly that kind of feeling.”

It was found by chance while advancing through the remaining quests of the ninth layer before the tenth layer’s implementation. The area at the transfer destination appeared substantial enough to warrant thorough clearing by the entire Tree of Maple.

How about it? Going forward one adventure before the tenth layer.

Agreed!

Let’s ask Iz and Kanade too. If there’s a mechanism involved, we’ll likely need their strength.

Hmm, first we must align our schedules.

What kind of monster might be there? Sister?

I hope it’s not too fast…

We’ll cover that part. Count on us—after all, I’m our main attacker.

“Yes!”

A purpose beyond the event was found. Thanks to Mai and Yui, gathering items is no problem. The Tree of Maple set out as a group toward the unknown area.