Defense specialization and re-entry.
The two arrived within the clouds of the fifth layer. Though they had been forced to retreat here once before, they had returned after overhauling their gear and increasing their HP. Now they could easily withstand the strikes of the cloud spears as they stretched outward, allowing them to advance without issue.
The two cut down common monsters and passed beyond the point where they had turned back previously, moving deeper into the labyrinth.
After some time, emerging from the tangle of cloud paths, they saw before them a structure made entirely of pure white cloud and other players.
"This must be the first intermediate point."
"Lily did say this dungeon was long."
"Looks like we start from here. See, it's registered as a transfer point from the guild home."
"So we’ll have to climb again, toward the next town?"
Probably. Well, we won’t know for certain until we go there… but it’s bound to be a long way yet.
We must keep our focus.
The entrance to the next cloud labyrinth appears to lie directly opposite, past the center of the Town.
The two walk straight down the central road, checking the buildings on either side.
There are shops selling gear and items, it seems.
Ah, should we take a look? Might sell something rare!
Alright, let’s check it out. Once we move forward, chances to return will grow thin.
They enter a shop dealing in weapons and armor, examining the displayed gear.
Cloud weapons… oh, skill-imbued.
The one that stretched earlier, right?
Likely. Though no short swords here… not something one would expect to find in a shop. This is a fine weapon, certainly.
It snaps back to its original length, severed cleanly with no gap. Sally might manage it well, but if only longswords and spears are for sale, there’s nothing to be done.
“Cloud Armor and shield are available too!”
“This one’s only average in performance. Mainly meant for weapons….”
“If the monsters we meet carry them, short swords might appear eventually!”
“Possibility exists. I’ll keep an eye out.”
“Yeah! Ne-ne, let’s check out the items too!”
“Right. Judging by this, there’s some hope. I didn’t look around much earlier, but it’d be wise to check gear from other towns as well.”
The two exit the equipment shop and enter the shop across the street.
Among the usual selection—various potions, expensive crystals for instant damage reduction—unfamiliar items are mixed in.
“[Cloud-Dispelling Orb]…? Expensive!”
“But it says here using it will erase the cloud monsters around us!”
“Even without using it, we can still defeat them. Hmm... I do have a piercing attack, though.”
“Should we get one just in case? Hehe, we’ve become quite well-off lately!”
“Hmm... The very existence of this item suggests it might draw attention. I’ll buy one too. Better to be safe—considering situations where we might be unable to move, having both is reassuring.”
“Yeah! Let’s get them!”
Maple and Sally each purchase one Cloud-Dispelling Orb, tucking it carefully into their inventories, then step forward into the next cloud labyrinth.
631 Name: Nameless Archer
There’s been a surge in monster outbreaks lately...
632 Name: Nameless Spearman
Can’t deny it.
633 Name: Nameless Mage
I’ve seen it too.
I know it’s not an anomaly, not a glitch—
634 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Something like a glitch
635 Name: Nameless Archer
The farther out on the map, the more monsters spawn
636 Name: Nameless Mage
It’s born from the Shadow of Rebirth
637 Name: Nameless Spear User
A certain Great Shield User— I made that one
638 Name: Nameless Great Shield User
Seems to be the current trend
Easy level-up, they say
639 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Well, with that strength and basic auto-attack
It won’t kill you with Love That Offers the Body…
640 Name: Nameless Mage
Local boom (one voice)
Still, I think I’ve not seen it in a few days
641 Name: Nameless Great Shield User
Seems focused on exploring each area
So probably leveling is on hold for now
642 Name: Nameless Spear User
Honestly… is leveling even needed?
643 Name: Nameless Mage
Defense is maxed out already— doesn’t change anything
644 Name: Nameless Archer
That’s because
Yes
645 Name: Nameless Shieldbearer
There are quests where level matters, you know...
646 Name: Nameless Spearman
How’s the ‘Demon King’s Power’ coming along?
647 Name: Nameless Shieldbearer
Fair enough.
If needed, I’ll share what I know.
I’ve cleared several to the end, and the others aren’t far behind.
There should be answers to be had.
648 Name: Nameless Archer
That’s a relief—really.
Wasn’t it the sixth-floor area?
649 Name: Nameless Shieldbearer
Ah, yes—there’s a lot I can share there.
It’s firsthand experience, after all.
650 Name: Nameless Spearman
If I learn anything useful, I’ll pass it on.
Our guild has more members, for certain.
If we can crack the odd puzzle, our pace should be faster.
651 Name: Nameless Shieldbearer
That’s a relief—really.
652 Name: Nameless Archer
We’re even, then.
653 Name: Nameless Greatsword User
Quickly finish the main quest and look for skills too.
654 Name: Nameless Spearman
Events have been announced as well.
Need to apply enhancement patches to myself by then.
655 Name: Nameless Magus
【Looking for】
A spell dealing one hundred million damage in a single strike.
656 Name: Nameless Spearman
Such a thing does not exist.
It shouldn’t exist.