Defense specialization and ten layers.

The view opens abruptly. Maple and the others stand atop a small hill. Scanning the surroundings, the sight of ten layers rushes in. First, a jagged mountain piercing the clouds, rising straight ahead. Around it, several landscapes that seem familiar.

"Is that a machine from the third layer?"

"That cherry blossom is from the fourth layer. Closer inspection reveals a Japanese-style tower as well."

"Is the fifth layer above? Those clusters of clouds look like them… perhaps?"

A summary of the previous layers.

The scene suggests the other layers exist clearly. The place where Maple and the others now stand appears to be a basic fantasy world overflowing with nature.

That is, the scenery of the first layer.

"Feels nostalgic, doesn't it, Sally?"

"Yeah. It's been a while. Let's start fresh. We'll push forward to where the boss waits."

"Of course!"

Maple and the others speak. A message arrives. The sender is the administration. The content is the primary objective of the tenth layer and brief guidance on progression.

"Um… what’s this…"

Maple scans the message.

In the tenth layer, a being known as the Demon King threatens the people. The final goal is to travel through multiple towns, complete numerous quests, and locate and defeat the Demon King.

"Hmm, I see."

Each area, themed around a specific layer, has one notably large town. Choosing any as a base is acceptable. The quest routes are varied, allowing for flexible strategies.

"Hidden items and skills are placed in greater numbers than in previous layers. Be sure to search for them… oh! Look at this!"

"More than before!? Amazing. If they’ve written it explicitly, it’s likely not a lie."

"This is a grand gesture, fit to make the eleventh layer seem daunting."

If the player grows stronger, the enemies are expected to grow stronger as well. It would be best to encounter as many events as possible.

"How many are we missing, I wonder?"

"But if there are many, one is bound to be found."

"Looking forward to it!"

"Exploration, bosses... rare events too!"

"For now, the first layer area... is that acceptable? Let's head to the guild home there."

"Yesss! First, rest. The dungeon was exhausting!"

"Exactly."

Maple and the others walked toward the nearby large town while studying the map.

After walking for a while, they arrived at the nearest town.

There was nothing remarkable about the exterior. Before them, a road paved neatly with stone. Shops run by NPCs lined both sides of the road, and further back, the guild homes stood in rows. The buildings themselves were styled in the familiar Western manner seen in fantasy worlds.

The interior of the town and the atmosphere of the NPCs stood out for nothing in particular. It was precisely because of this lack of distinction that Maple and the others sensed they had arrived at the basic layer they had once cleared. This place was near the starting point for every player.

Yes. Here, they began again.

"First, we head for the guild home!"

Maple spoke the plan aloud, studying the map as she walked forward. Though the townscape resembled one she had seen before, there was still much to notice. The goods sold here would naturally differ from those in the first layer and the tenth. The NPCs present would be different. The quests available would be different as well.

Though elements from each layer are included, they are not all the same.

Hidden areas especially would differ.

Suppressing the urge to explore quickly, Maple and the others hurried toward the Guild Home.

Arriving at the Guild Home, Maple and the others immediately began discussing their next steps.

"What should we do now?"

"Should we use this as a base for exploration... or should we open up the other Guild Homes as well?"

The vast Tenth Layer. Large towns exist in each area, themed around the layer, and each town appears to have a Guild Home. Each Guild Home is connected by teleportation magic circles, allowing movement between towns—making exploration between locations seamless.

"Seems better to open them all. The events on the Tenth Layer progress from any town, so it seems."

"Then we should split up?"

"Yes. We should start there."

Before any exploration, first prepare the foundation. Maple and the others set the opening of the guild home as their first goal. Now, what next? Crom spoke.

—Well. We’ve got something to suggest… not quite a proposal, but there’s something I’ve been thinking about.

“……?”

Only Maple and Sally had no memory of it. They waited, word following word, unspoken.

After the tenth floor and the following events, login will be difficult for a while. That’s why I thought I’d help the two of them freely tackle the dungeon.

Fufu, it’s better to leave memories when the moment is pleasant, isn’t it?

Leveling up, quests, dungeon clearing.

I will lend a hand if needed. I will yield first.

The offer from Crom and the others was this.

Many a time, both in events and during regular leveling, she has been greatly helped.

Not a formal repayment—yet I wish to offer support.

"Stronger monsters—we'll handle them!"

"We'll prove our worth...!"

Gameplay is always better when enjoyable. Of course, even when parting ways, if possible.

"Thank you! But... it's always been you helping me until now..."

"Haha, mutual aid, I suppose. Well, a renewed declaration of intent, really."

"I understand. I'm glad."

Maple and Sally accept the offer with gratitude. Originally, full enjoyment required everyone's cooperation. As before, the tenth floor is vast.

Yet the ultimate goal remains unchanged. Defeating the strongest boss hidden within these ten floors—the entity known as the Demon King. Normally, one would run about seeking quests and gathering information. But Crom and the others have volunteered to take the lead on that.

"Still... Maple tends to find crucial hints with ease, doesn't she?"

"Mm, could be."

“Fufu… considering everything so far…”

“Not surprising.”

““Maple-san is amazing, you know…””

“S-should it really work out so well?”

“…might be possible?”

“Mou, even Sally!”

“Fufu, sorry, sorry. So, Maple, what do you wish to do?”

Given that full support has been promised, before her lies an expansive field and countless uncharted quests, dungeons to explore. The ways to play, the destinations—endless choices.

“…Then, Sally, everyone said the same, so since it’s this rare chance, let’s see them all together!”

"Haha… yes. An honor to be chosen. I shall be Maple’s shield, her sword, wherever you go."

"Ahaa, what’s that? Mou, take care of me!"

"Alright. Leave it to me."

Enjoy freely. Let go of tension. Rely on many dependable companions. Thus begins the ten-layer exploration of Maple and Sally.

Play to your heart’s content.