Defense-oriented, and a journey like a dream.

The king, returned to his original form, landed on the ground and laughed heartily.

"Haha, well done! That was enjoyable. A gift—take it."

The king snapped his fingers. A large treasure chest appeared before him.

"Let's do it again. When we've both grown stronger. Yes, when you've conquered a few castles like this one... How about that?"

The king spoke these words and vanished into flames, laughing once more with satisfaction.

"Ah... It felt like there was more to come."

"Perhaps another hidden element beyond the hidden stage."

"Hard to find with so few hints. I don't recall anything like this in the books I've read."

"Then these words are all we have."

"Something comes to mind, doesn't it?"

A hidden area, and a castle—it brings to mind the floating castle once conquered with Maple.

"Come to think of it... the boss there was a dragon too!"

"Feels like there's a connection!"

"If there are several... could there be others on different levels?"

"There's no choice but to look. We found this by chance. It won't be easy to find again... but having a hint helps."

Keeping an eye out during exploration increases the chances of discovery.

A new objective for the long-term goal of 【Maple's Tree】.

"Right, that aside—let's open it. This one's for our guildmaster. Please, Maple."

"Maple has good luck. If the contents are random, she might get something better than us."

"Y-yeah, I guess..."

A final, fierce battle at the deepest part of the hidden area. The treasure chest left by a king, a formidable foe. Expectations rise.

Eight of them. No objections from Maple, representing 【Maple Tree】, as she prepared to open the treasure chest.

"Y-you ready? Don’t get too excited, okay?"

Maple placed her hands on the chest’s lid and slowly lifted it.

"O-oh!"

"Quite the hoard, isn’t it?"

First to catch sight was a mountain of gold and silver treasure. A pile of items easily exchangeable for coin. Valuable, certainly. But this was a hidden area—surely something more awaited. She pushed aside the treasure, digging through the remnants beneath. At the bottom lay two scrolls and a single bracelet.

"Not enough for everyone, it seems."

"Scrolls… that means…"

"This one’s a skill!"

"Let’s all read it together."

Maple took up the scroll and checked its contents.

Both scrolls bore the same skill.

【Dragonfire Storm】

Consumes 50 MP

Generate flaming spears in the air and attack everything within range for a set duration.

"Is this the one we got thoroughly beaten by?"

"The effect is simple. It seems strong no matter who uses it..."

If one can replicate the king's attack, they could impose serious pressure on any opponent.

Yet.

"With fifty MP, neither I nor my sister can use it right now."

"So, everyone else..."

"I’m short too... ah, but if I set it in an equipment slot, I might manage."

"Then it’s just me, Kasumi, Kanade, Iz, and Sally."

In a game where skills and magic matter, it’s standard to keep a minimum MP reserve.

Fifty MP isn’t impossible to use.

"I’ll pass. Just fighting alongside everyone else was enough. I don’t need area attacks."

Kanade tapped the floating bookshelf behind him with a light knock. There was no lie in his words. Anyone recalling Kanade’s past actions would know that.

"I’ll be fine. I was never meant for fighting. I’m only support during battle."

"I know you can deal damage... I understand what you’re getting at."

Mai and Yui descended. The remaining four stood apart.

"Hey, hey, Sally. I just thought of something..."

"...Shall I guess it?"

"Huh? You know?"

"Wouldn’t you two let Kasumi and Crom have it?"

Sally spoke. Maple widened her eyes, as if surprised.

"I figured you’d say that. And I thought the same. You two found this place after all."

"...Seriously okay with that?"

"If I get it, I’ll be grateful."

It was a rare item. Still, Maple and Sally seemed unbothered.

"Haha, then I’ll be counting on you to shine."

"Counting on you!"

Then, so be it. Crom and Kasumi unroll the scroll. It grants them new power. Two additional area attacks are added to [Maple's Tree].

Crom uses it as a powerful counter when engaged up close. Kasumi uses her mobility to strike deep into enemy lines. There will be no shortage of uses for [Dragonfire Storm].

“Then I’ll take this gratefully. What about that bracelet?”

Crom takes the bracelet, examines it.

‘Dragon’s Last Embers’

MP +30

[Dragonfire Spear]

Can create up to two flaming spears. Spears vanish after a set time.

“Ah, a skill-equipped item.”

“Could be a rare one. Few decorative items enhance offensive capability.”

“Yes. I nearly missed the sensation.”

“There are strange things around us, though.”

Twelve white hands float in the air. Behind them, black cubes drift softly, reshaping into weapons. That is that.

It remains valuable.

“Not a unique series, but why not try it?”

“Will it appear in midair?”

“What kind of effect…?”

“I want to see it!”

“Hold on a moment.”

Crom removes the ornament and equips the ‘Dragon’s Last Embers,’ immediately testing the skill.

“Whoa!?”

Change comes instantly. Crimson flame bursts from the hand holding the short blade. It shapes into a spear and remains fixed in place.

Using the skill again, flame extends from the hand holding the large shield. It too takes the form of a spear.

“Can be repositioned… but, hmm, not really suited to me.”

“Extension of range, perhaps?”

Those who do not wield weapons like Velvet, or spellcasters, might find such a weapon useful in close combat emergencies...

But already holding weapons in both hands, adding spears would make them difficult to manage.

"We already have enough trinkets..."

"Besides, two spears would not increase our numbers much."

Two great hammers that move freely through the air would be a more efficient use of valuable equipment slots than two additional spears in hand.

"Normally, that wouldn't happen... but for the two of us, it does."

"I will yield. I’ve already received my skill."

"I’ll pass. I lack the confidence to wield them properly."

"I too. With Fay here, it’s better to fight using items now."

That leaves only one other candidate.

"Then, Sally!"

"Really?"

Sally looks back at Maple, and everyone, including Maple, nods in agreement.

“Well, considering everything, she’s the one best suited.”

“She’s already proven she can handle other weapons.”

“In that case, I’ll take it without hesitation. I’ll show my worth in the next expedition with this.”

Sally changes her gear. She sheathes the short sword. Activates the bracer’s skill. Two flame spears form in her hands.

“Carrying them like weapons stored away… I see…”

She checks the reach. Confirms the flames offer solid defense. Grasps the essentials needed to fight with the dual spears. Nothing strange about them—only the flames. She’ll master them soon enough.

The tenth layer seems ready to be implemented soon. Perhaps we should look for the hidden castle within this secret area before then.

Only floating castles have been mentioned so far, as far as I know.

I’ve never heard of one.

It doesn’t matter if it takes time. This hidden area won’t run away.

Time…

Maple hesitates, her expression unusually troubled.

I’m told I should focus on studying soon… The tenth layer and the event will be playable, but after that, we might not be able to log in again, like now.

When Maple says this, all present realize they are in such a time.

Ah, yes. That’s true. It can’t be helped. The game matters, but real life matters too.

That’s right. Both are important.

Then, let’s work together as a group to reach the final goal in the next tenth layer. There’s supposed to be a powerful boss, after all.

That sounds good!

I will do my best...!

If that’s the case, the goal is a swift advance. In that case, Maple should be able to play until the very end.

Exploring the vast area. Eight people may struggle with certain parts, but ten layers is just right as a milestone.

The hardship along the way only multiplies the satisfaction of reaching the goal.

Then again, if Maple can do it, can Sally too?

Yes. I’m sorry, but...

Sally wears the expression she speaks.

Maple and Sally are both powerful players. They are also the ones who founded the guild. They remain central.

Their presence or absence changes daily exploration, and combat during events, greatly.

Can Sally keep going until the same point as Maple?

Yes.

Then. The eight's objective solidified. Swift reconnaissance and the defeat of powerful foes. And at the heart, the strongest boss, to be vanquished.

Then, everyone, take care.

They answer to Maple’s voice, trusting her completely. Do not stop halfway. Enjoy it with all their strength until the end.

«…………»

She had known.

She had known.

She had still been avoiding looking.

For so long. The day that would come, one day.

Sally closes her eyes for a single instant.

The vivid memory of this happy journey, of time that felt like a dream, rises clearly—because every moment was pleasurable.

I wish time would just stop like this.

Sally thought of an impossible wish and smiled, just slightly, with a hint of sadness.

...Maple, then let's go with everything we've got to take down the boss!

Yes! I’m counting on you, Sally!

"Fufu, leave it to me!"

Every journey must come to an end.

If there is no way out,

then let Maple enjoy it the most until the end.

Sally turned to Maple, offering a confident smile.

A little frightening, perhaps.

But at last, we have come this far.