Defense specialization and daily routine seven.

“Fufufu, plenty, plenty!”

“Good thing we explored every corner.”

Having confirmed they could handle the monsters that appeared, Maple and the others finished exploring all passages and returned to the branching points of each route.

Though no skill scrolls were found, opening every chest yielded ample results—materials, gear, and high-value items that could be sold.

“Found exactly what we needed, too.”

“Right to have postponed this.”

“Just happened to choose the correct order.”

At the end of the passage leading straight ahead on the first floor, they found the key to unlock the second-floor passage.

On the second floor, no keys appeared on either side. That left only the door blocking the remaining central passage. There was no other option.

“There’s nowhere else left for us to explore, it seems…”

““Let’s go right away!””

Yes! Let's go!

Eight people, with Maple leading, activate Love That Offers the Body and open the lock to check the next passage.

A circular room lies just beyond a slight extension of the corridor. The radius measures about ten meters—distinct in atmosphere from the previous passages and small chambers.

Standing at the boundary between room and corridor, they scan from ceiling to floor. The silence is absolute. No presence lingers within.

Hmm, boss-like, perhaps…

Because there’s a door at the far end. It feels like the innermost point, by appearance.

But whatever emerges, it would not be unexpected. Stay alert.

The moment we step inside.

Yes. We might need it. I’ll set up the cannon here first.

With no enemy presence, preparation is unrestricted. Mai and Yui receive every available buff. The cannons are positioned, their muzzles aimed inward into the room.

If there is nothing here, retrieval is all that is needed.

"Then let's go!"

At Maple's signal, all move in together, timing their entry into the room.

At the same moment, black flames erupt in midair, spreading with violent force.

An instant later, the flames burst open, and a girl emerges from within—her limbs and wings, her tail, all covered in black scales.

She is the King of Flame and Wasteland, the one from the ninth layer.

"I hid it carefully... you've come far indeed."

The King conjures several clusters of flame in the air, then suddenly expands them, grinning toward Maple and the others.

"Unexpected guests. Play with them. Try not to burn to ash, now."

"Maple! Ready!"

"【Pierce Guard】【Residual Light of Salvation】!"

"Got it!"

A preemptive strike, unyielding and absolute.

The colossal black fireball filling the room surged upward upon touching the ground, becoming a pillar of flame that reached the ceiling and enveloped the eight.