Defense specialization and exploration begins.

Once the important matters are concluded, no more dampness—let us begin the search without delay.

"I’ll head toward the sixth-layer area. You three will find it hard to explore there."

"Ha ha, you mean Sally, really."

"Thank you… very much."

"I’ll go toward the fourth-layer area. I have personal interest in it—perfect timing."

"What should we do?"

"Hmm… considering the battles we might face along the way…"

"Shall we take Tsukimi and Yukimi with us?"

"We’ll find it easier if we’re protected."

"Then let’s do that. For now, the nearby third-layer area. If we find something like a flying machine, travel will be simpler."

Crom heads toward the sixth layer. Kasumi toward the fourth. Kanade and the others split into four, beginning their sweep from the nearby third layer. They part ways here.

"Please call me if anything happens! I’ll fly over!"

"Literal as it sounds. Okay, I'll call if anything happens. Honestly, I'm a bit lacking in offense anyway."

Wishing the search went smoothly, Maple and Sally sent the six off.

"Promise to support with all your might? That’s a little nerve-wracking."

"Take it easy. As Maple said, it’s not much different from usual."

"Uh-huh!"

"Then, where to first?"

"Where to? I’d get lost either way."

"Hehe, it’s big, that’s all."

They dash straight into the field. That option exists. But after considering, they decide to circle the Town first this time.

"Should we start with quest hunting?"

"Not bad. Better than wandering aimlessly into the field."

Maple and Sally leave the Guild Home and stroll through the Town.

The town feels like a fantasy world. The prominent buildings are...

Hey, what about that one back there?

Maple pointed toward a two-story building located at the far end of the main street. Two NPCs stood on either side of its gate, each clad in armor and bearing spears. A thick smokestack rose from its roof. Among the modest homes lining the street, this structure stood apart—its purpose clearly different.

Let’s go inside.

Yes!

They approached the building and glanced at the gatekeepers. No resistance came. They stepped through the entrance.

Inside, several NPCs moved about. Some held bundles of papers covered in fine script and maps. They gathered around a large table at the back, speaking in low tones.

As the two drew near, the man at the center of the conversation turned toward them.

He wore heavier armor than the soldiers outside. A large shield and sword leaned against the wall behind him, both appearing formidable. Likely an NPC of ten-layer strength.

Ah, sorry. We were just discussing the invasion by the Demon Lord’s minions. Monsters have been growing more active lately. Is there something you need?

The man finished speaking. A quest marker appeared above his head.

Maple, it looks like you can accept a quest.

Really?

Good. Seems like a lucky start.

Um, the content is...

The quest appears to be multiple. Several are unlocked, several remain locked, each with its own conditions written beneath.

Hmph. Need to clear quests from other towns first, I see.

Can start from anywhere. Might be able to skip the early quests here if we progress in another town.

I see.

The two decide to take the quests available now, as they have no plans to go to another Town yet.

"Then... um, how about this one?"

"Fine. Let's take it."

After the two accept the quest, the man begins speaking again.

"You'll lend your strength? That's a relief. We're short on hands. Still... they're powerful. I'd like to see your true ability."

The harder quests will come later. In short, completing a quest unlocks the next one.

"We'll do our best!"

"Even the easier quests could be harder than those in the ninth layer. Let's stay focused."

"That's right. Alright, let's clear this properly!"

"Yeah. Keep it up."

After accepting the quest, the two confirm their destination and exit the building.

650 Name: Nameless Magician

Tenth Layer — too vast.

651 Name: Nameless Spearman

Too vast —

652 Name: Nameless Archer

There's much to do.

653 Name: Nameless Spearman

Is there a town recommended as a first target?

654 Name: Nameless Magician

Not yet fully explored.

But it's certain it's not the eighth layer motif.

655 Name: Nameless Archer

It's a hassle to dive in each time we explore...

Though we haven't gone yet, maybe it's not really such a burden.

656 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

The enemies are strong.

Have they gotten stronger?

657 Name: Nameless Greatshield User

Probably a milestone.

658 Name: Nameless Spearman

It helps that there are many ways to move around.

Not everyone can ride a summoned beast.

659 Name: Nameless Magician

This time we can ride not only horses but dragons too.

Expensive, borrowed, but still.

660 Name: Nameless Archer

Being able to fly is a big advantage.

Fast too.

661 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

The search seems endless, even with all that included.

Quests abound. Events abound. Hidden areas abound.

662 Name: Anonymous Mage

She said she had increased it.

Really?

663 Name: Nameless Spearman

There is no hidden area that cannot be found.

The current state of my NWO has no hidden area implemented.

664Name: Nameless Archer

The field is vast. The chance of encountering a real event is not as high as it might seem.

665 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

You’d expect it to grow, wouldn’t you?

I too wish to uncover something.

666 Name: Nameless Great Shieldbearer

This one depends on luck and a good sense of instinct.

A quest of high difficulty, nothing more—yet even so, extraordinary skill is required.

667 Name: Nameless Spearman

The blending of features from previous areas creates an atmosphere everywhere—everywhere—of hidden zones, stirring unease within.

668 Name: Anonymous Mage

Must grow stronger before the event.

669 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Only way is to trust one's fate and keep moving.

670 Name: Nameless Spearman

Also, items—most rely on basic crafting professions—still, better to check the shops.

Some looked strong.

671 Name: Nameless Archer

Indeed.

672 Name: Nameless Mage

Staring at the field alone won't help.

Town is plentiful. There are branch shops as well.

673 Name: Nameless Great Shield User

Speaking of which, there were NPC merchants carrying items while moving through the field.

674 Name: Nameless Mage

Lots of exploration elements—!

675 Name: Nameless Spearman

One of them might lead to the real event.

676 Name: Nameless Mage

Many—!

But fun—!

677 Name: Nameless Greatsword User

Understood—

This must be what a joyful cry is like. The end of their search was still far off—there was no doubt of that.