Defense-oriented, four-tier area three.

The group of Maple and the others converged at the guild home to show Kasumi their results.

"Chaaan, I didn’t buy a single thing wrong!"

"Outstanding. Both of you have good taste."

"It’s thanks to the notes. But it was fun. I haven’t really taken my time shopping like this before."

They secured the unique series of gear first, and did not follow a style based on buying consumables from shops.

Without Maple’s presence, they would rarely buy non-combat clothing or interior items. The experience felt refreshingly new.

"This completes the quest. Yes... the points we were gathering have reached a round number again. Put simply... like a pass for the fourth tier."

"So the points just reached a clean number, is that it?"

"That’s right. There’s no new area to enter like the fourth tier, but quests can increase at that moment."

"Hmm, I see."

"Quests unlocking based on progress, huh."

"Yeah. Since we’re here, I’d like to go around once while both of you are in a party. There might be something found beyond the newly appeared quests."

Since the number of people and items affect quest generation, it’s not unlikely that only three of us together could find something.

After all, if a quest could be found alone, it wouldn’t matter when it was found.

"Sure. Depending on the quest, it might come in handy again."

"Let us be guided by you!"

"Leave it to me. There are several interesting shops."

"Looking forward to it."

While together, they do what they can. For the sake of quest hunting with sightseeing in mind, the three set out toward the town.

The three departed from the guild home. Kasumi led, guiding them through the traditional townscape.

“Kasumi, were you surprised the first time you came here? Inside, it becomes night.”

“Ah. I was startled, certainly. But… also glad. The eerie atmosphere of the fourth layer truly stands out only in darkness.”

“This sense of isolation… it’s like a single, vast dungeon.”

“Perhaps not far off. Well, let us begin with gathering information.”

Kasumi gave a signal to the other two and stepped into a shop. They followed, entering the shop together. Inside, the space brimmed with youkai chatting around tables arranged in rows.

“Let us take a seat. The back table is vacant.”

Guided by Kasumi, the three took their places around the rear table. They examined the menus laid out upon it.

"Let’s order and wait a while. This is one of the places where information gathers. And the dumplings and matcha are good."

"Really... then I’ll have that set, please!"

"I’ll do the same. When in doubt, it’s best to go with the recommendation of someone who knows."

She does not understand how to gather information, but she can choose something delicious from the menu.

After a short while, five skewers appeared before Maple and Sally. Each held three dumplings, placed neatly on a lacquered tray—standard mizutara, and a few variations, all in bright red.

They ate, and when the moment felt right, both glanced around. If this was information gathering, there must be some action to take.

"Ah—"

They turned. Icons hovered above several customers. It was clear immediately that these marked the NPCs from whom information could be obtained.

Information gathering becomes possible after placing an order and waiting a while. It’s not particularly difficult to locate, but progress on the field alone will not lead to it.

That’s right. Kasumi, you found this place on your own?

No. This place was discovered by someone else while exploring elsewhere. I recall it being helpful to find at just the right moment.

Just looking inside won’t do. One must actually place an order. That detail might easily be missed.

Still, those who enjoy sightseeing—someone like Maple, for instance—might find it relatively quickly. That could be interesting.

There seems to be new information. I’ll go listen to it.

Yes.

We can only hear what Kasumi has already heard.

While the two wait at their seats, Kasumi returns from speaking with a burly oni.

I heard something interesting. But… I need your help with it.

"Combat?"

"Yes, I understand the situation. First, we must wait for Iz's equipment to be ready."

"Where is it?"

"A pocket dimension with intense gravity. Not like the shifting gravity fields they encountered before—here, movement is restricted. Jumping or leaping is impossible. Projectiles fall immediately."

"Ugh..."

"Indeed... difficult."

"For Sally and me, this environment contradicts our fighting style. If possible, I would like to borrow Maple's strength."

Unlike the two whose offense relies on mobility, Maple stands firm.

Though her long-range attacks are hindered by gravity, she can close the distance safely by using Love That Offers the Body. Then Kasumi and Sally can join the attack more easily.

"Of course!"

"Thank you. Then I'll make note of that. For now, let us visit a few more places in the town."

"There may still be more quests to take on."

“That’s right.”

A promising start to new quest discovery had been made, but the shop was still only the first. If a zone of greater difficulty than the gravity anomaly Kasumi had just found appeared, that one would take priority. To compare options, wandering through the Town remained essential.

The remaining dumplings were enjoyed with care, and Maple and the others set out again on their stroll.

Though the beginning had been fortunate, with quests appearing as expected, time passed thereafter without any new quests to be found—tourism now the primary activity.

“Like it?”

“Hehe.”

Maple, for her part, had bought black geta with red thongs and a purple Japanese parasol—equipping items that fit the unique series aesthetic, and savoring every moment of the Town.

“This one next. This place, too, could be a promising destination.”

The most distinctive features of the building ahead are the chimney belching smoke and the old tools—shovels and picks—leaned against the entrance. The size and quietude of the structure give it a different impression than the bustling shops one might expect to find here.

"Another item shop? Or perhaps..."

"See for yourself."

Kasumi opens the door. The interior rushes into view. The sound of metal striking metal echoes. A man wearing a mask of an old man’s face hammers a blade glowing red-hot, shaping it with each strike.

"A blacksmith?"

"Ah—quite different from Iz’s Workshop."

"Iz is versatile."

Iz can craft potions and other items, grow herbs and plants, and forge armor—indeed, even clothing, like the garments made for Mai and Yui.

Compared to that, this workshop is purely focused on forging. The weapons mounted on the walls—likely finished pieces—glint in the firelight, sharpness implied by their sheen. Ornate detailing marks each, a testament to the smith’s skill.

“Now then….”

“……?”

Kasumi waits for something. The two others wait too, watching the only NPC in the room—the smith, likely the key figure.

After a moment, the smith finishes his work and glances up, face still masked.

“You lot… carry something interesting.”

The three exchange a look. Each nods slightly. This is it.

“Just so happens I’ve a request. Wasn’t sure who to ask… but you three—your strength’s beyond reproach.”

The man speaks. The quest icon appears with a sudden pop.

Of course, I won’t force anything. If you’re capable, then it doesn’t matter who I ask. You’re here, so you must have a purpose. Whether I help depends on the outcome of the request.

The three of them have already decided, regardless of conditions. They will accept the quest. It is the quickest path to the fourth layer.

As they accept the quest, a single eye deep within the face stares directly at them.

I expect you to deliver. Hurry now.

He turns back to his forge work without another word.

What is the quest?

It feels like it will be combat.

Then we’ll help with that too.

That would be a great relief. Thank you.

We must reach the Demon King together, all of us.

Yes. Thanks to Kasumi, progress through the fourth layer has been smooth. Maybe we should head that way first.

First, we must receive the equipment Iz is rushing to complete.

Maple and the others exit the Workshop and circle the fourth-layer area, collecting as many quests as possible.

Only two quests appear likely to involve major combat, so they decide to clear those first.

"If the gear is finished, call me. I'll handle the smaller, individual quests on my own in the meantime."

"Understood."

"I'll receive the equipment, but you must be careful in battle... You'll have to push yourself!"

"Maple's positioning will make a big difference. Especially in areas with strong gravity, there will be parts she can't cover alone."

They had retreated after taking a painful blow in the fifth-layer area. Maple is not careless, but she focuses all the more now, preparing to face monsters along the way with renewed resolve.

Thanks to Iz's swift work on the equipment, it was completed in just a few days, and a message reached Maple.

"Isu-san!"

The moment Maple opens the guild home's door, Iz greets her. On the adjacent desk, silver earrings and a ring glimmer with a quiet light—these must be the prepared gear.

"I made them as small as possible to avoid drawing attention. As long as you're not damaged, I don't think anyone will notice your HP has increased."

"Thank you so much!"

The earrings serve as headgear, the ring as a decorative piece. With this, Maple's abilities rise by one level.

Thanks to Iz's consideration, the equipment is small—suitable even for combat with others.

『Guardian Knight's Earrings・X』

HP +300

『Guardian Knight's Ring・X』

HP +300

"Wow! Amazing!"

Though lacking special skills, the equipment crafted specifically for HP surpasses even the unique series in terms of stat increase, just as Iz had said.

"This will make exploration a little easier. I’m glad."

"Yes! I’ll do my best!"

"Let me know if you need anything else."

"Yes! When I get materials from the fourth layer, I’ll bring them to Iz!"

"Ah, I’m looking forward to it."

Maple quickly donned the received gear and set out toward the fourth layer area.