Defense specialization and long-held resolve.
Maple and the others pass safely through the third layer, dispersing to their respective areas.
They will surely reunite again only when the time comes to fight for the demon king’s power.
Having completed the conquest safely, the next target for Maple and Sally is the fifth layer.
The guild has not yet touched it, and just now they received a chance from Lilie and the others. By aligning progress with the other layers, they will be able to collect the demon king’s power more efficiently.
The fifth layer advances at the pace of the party member who progresses slowest. Thus, keeping pace is essential. They plan to set the next conquest date and enter together, the two of them.
Today, Sally continued her usual duel with the other two, using the time she had available.
"Today’s going pretty well!"
That’s right. Could hit harder, though.
Not only Sally, but matches between Velvet and Frederica also occur at the same time. Their differences in style mean Velvet wins seven out of ten. Whether Velvet prevails in close combat or Frederica dominates with volleys depends on the day’s momentum.
One thing remains unchanged. Sally always wins.
After finishing the session, resting briefly in the training hall, she eventually speaks.
“Frederica, why don’t you use 【Sea of Mana】?”
“Hmm, don’t use it.”
“Now that you mention it, yeah. If she did, it’d be tougher.”
The hidden technique Frederica revealed once during the previous event. A barrage of spells beyond multiple magic—uncountable magical circles unfolding simultaneously in attack. With such output, she could surpass Velvet, and perhaps even defeat Sally.
The two look at Frederica. Such power, yet unused. There must be a reason.
“Velvet might be different… but Sally would copy anything she saw right away. We still have a chance to fight properly. We must save that power until then.”
A turning point. A player-versus-player match is scheduled there. How it will unfold remains unclear. But if battle is possible, Frederica will face Sally.
“We won’t let you run away.”
“I won’t lose. Not this time.”
“Hmm… that’s why I’ve kept the super-multiple magic in reserve, you know.”
Frederica meets Sally’s confident pressure with measured resistance.
Velvet watches, silently reviewing today’s duel.
Frederica is as predictable as ever—neither better nor worse. Tactics are already anticipated. Without the use of the Sea of Mana, none of the dynamics will shift.
Sally has changed. Even during their first duel, Sally’s skill had startled her. Now, her movements are precise, without flaw—so exact, it feels as if she had held back before.
Dodging the storm of lightning is routine. Every feint, every sudden assault, every new trap is deflected with ease.
Simply put: she is refined. Perfectly. As if she knows exactly what she faces.
“……”
No. Velvet knows who Sally intends to fight. Yet she cannot imagine a scene where that opponent could match Sally.
Could there be a future of true contest?
As Velvet thinks of Sally’s unrelenting progress, her sharpening skill—unbroken, relentless—she suddenly meets Sally’s gaze.
“Without giving it my all, there’s no point.”
“…That’s right.”
Velvet tilts her head slightly, as if brushing something from her thoughts. She remembers her usual composure.
If she means to hold nothing back, then her opponent must be Maple. Only Maple could reach this level. Even if it is impossible, only that path can fulfill Sally’s longing.
“I understand why you hesitate.”
“…Yes. Thank you.”
“?”
Time passes. No matter what, the duel will come. Many players wait, each for their own reason.
421 Name: Nameless Archer
Ten levels—too wide, perhaps.
422 Name: Nameless Spearman
From where are you attacking?
423 Name: Nameless Archer
The first layer ends. Now the eighth layer.
Thought it best to crush it at the source—troublesome as it seemed.
424 Name: Nameless Great Shieldbearer
I heard there was a puzzle to solve.
425 Name: Nameless Archer
Yes!
This is difficult—
Information on the route is scarce—almost nonexistent.
426 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
If we proceed forward as my guild does, the eighth layer may end up being the last, so perhaps there are fewer there.
427 Name: Nameless Great Shieldbearer
I have heard the household progresses smoothly.
428 Name: Nameless Archer
Help me… please…
429Name: Anonymous Mage
She manages to navigate every challenge with ease.
The number of people is far too few.
430 Name: Nameless Great Shieldbearer
All are specialists in a single craft.
The force of the explosion when it strikes is high.
431 Name: Anonymous Magus
Are there not many moments when one finds oneself stuck?
432 Name: Nameless Spearman
It is doubtful that a single specialization will suffice.
433 Name: Nameless Greatsword Wielder
That is so.
If you’re ever in trouble, just call out—I can at least provide information.
Only where it has been conquered, that is all!
434 Name: Anonymous Archer
More than enough
Thank ye...
435 Name: Nameless Mage
The hidden skill hunt will have to wait a while longer.
She must focus on the quest now.
436 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Expect fortune in chance discoveries.
437 Name: Nameless Spearman
If it were to be found, my spear would surely be splitting into seven parts, unleashing fire and ice.
438 Name: Nameless Mage
Understood.
But there’s no point in aiming.
439 Name: Nameless Great Shieldbearer
I should find something soon as well.
The gap widens.
440 Name: Nameless Archer
Whether it suits her or not is another matter.
Even as my magic grows stronger, it still does not align.
441 Name: Nameless Mage
LUK's status where
442 Name: Nameless Archer
Not here
Shouldn't be here
443 Name: Nameless Spearman
Shouldn't be here, that's right
444 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Only way forward—begin the wind and water!
Let's form a luck-enhancement formation!
445 Name: Nameless Mage
Start with morning divination
446 Name: Nameless Archer
First, try the no-cost luck-up challenge
Wise