Defense specialization and the Demon Lord's army.

On another day, after gathering all of the Demon Lord's power, Maple convened a strategy meeting with all guild members, preparing for the final battle.

"Right then. The Demon Lord's power has been collected... but what now?"

"Yes. Information still hasn't fully come together. We can't rely on the same approach as during the boss fight in the fourth layer. Much less so now that the opponent is the final boss of the entire tenth layer—any stronger enemy would be expected."

"Then... we have no choice but to seek help."

"I think the same as my sister. Um, about the backup you mentioned, Crom—what do you think?"

"They should come if called. Still, if needed, we should call them sooner. Twenty-four people gathering at the same time, on the same day—there’s no way we can summon them at the last minute."

"Yes. I agree about calling for backup. Eight people might clear it, of course, but I still think the risk is too great."

"I agree. We’ll be vulnerable to lack of adaptability and insufficient damage output."

The guild members were in agreement. The original goal of the 【Maple Tree】’s tenth floor had always been to allow Maple and Sally to finish their play and leave the game.

Defeating the Demon King was the final and greatest obstacle. At the same time, it was the essential piece needed to declare completion.

Thus, it was natural that all guild members chose to increase their chances of success.

"Maple, what do you think? Should we ask Crom?"

"...I’d like to try one thing, if that’s alright. I’m not sure it will work, though."

Maple spoke. All turned to listen. When Maple finished explaining what she wished to try, all nodded slowly, absorbing the words.

“That could work. Though we’ll still have to wait for results.”

“I agree. If it succeeds, it would be the best path.”

““We think it’s a good idea too!””

“Typical of Maple. Heh. I hope it works out.”

“No objections from me. We’ll act accordingly once we know the outcome.”

“Yeah! Everyone, then I’ll go try it!”

With unanimous agreement, Maple began the final preparations for the demon lord’s defeat.

Several days after the strategy meeting at the guild home, Maple and Risaki spoke in the classroom after class.

“Spring break is getting close.”

“Mm. It’ll probably warm up soon.”

“It’ll be hot before we know it.”

“That’s right. It’s early to think about it, but spring doesn’t last long.”

When spring comes, there’ll be another class reassignment. The environment will change. The real world, and this year, the game as well.

“What about that matter?”

“It’s shaping up nicely!”

“Really? Heh, is it because of Maple’s efforts so far?”

“Maybe?”

“Yeah. I think the results speak for themselves.”

“Then I’ll believe it.”

“That’s good. But now, we’re truly ready.”

Maple and Mizari have cleared every obstacle so far. Looking back, those days could fill a hundred stories.

“Thinking it’s almost here… I’m starting to feel nervous.”

“We’ve done our best. Still, it’s an unknown opponent… and it’s only once.”

“Yui, aren’t you nervous?”

“Me? Well… I’ve faced high-stakes moments in tournaments more than Maple has, so I know how to stay calm.”

“What kind of thing is that? I want to know, I want to know!”

“Just one way I do it. Enjoy yourself so much you forget to be nervous!”

Risa’s expression, as she spoke, seemed more intense than ever before—like one facing a formidable opponent.

If Risa truly enjoyed combat itself, then there would be no room for tension to slip in between the rising focus, the fierce attacks from the enemy, and the exhilaration felt in their exchange.

“Hehe, that’s very Risa-like.”

“Guess I couldn’t copy that, huh?”

“Hmm… maybe a bit too hard.”

“…Then there’s another way to loosen tension that might work for Maple.”

“Really!?!”

“Yeah.”

“Tell me, tell me!”

“Just keep believing in me—right by your side—while you’re fighting.”

“…!”

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect Maple. I’ll make sure she wins.”

In Risa’s eyes, the confidence born of honed skill and accumulated experience was palpable.

“I think I’m less tense now!”

“Just saying—really?”

“Yeah! You’ll protect me, right?”

“Hmph. You too.”

“Leave it to me! After all, I’m a great shield user!”

“Right. Keep that spirit. What’ll you do when we get back?”

“Maybe just level up a little. Then choose the skill from the medal at the end.”

“Ah, good. Clear improvement. Have you set your sights on anything?”

“I was thinking about an invincible skill…?”

“Fair enough. But if you take it, it’ll be hard to use later, especially for Maple.”

“Not sure it’s strong… but I’d like to try 【Companion’s Aid】!”

“Oh? That’s what I was thinking too.”

“Wait, really?”

Yes. The cooldown is long, but being able to borrow one skill from a tamed monster is very useful. Even skills already used can be borrowed, and their cooldown resets afterward.

If Risa borrows 【Hidden God】 from Hinata, she can avoid one additional attack from an otherwise unavoidable enemy. The impact of gaining one more skill that can be relied upon in battle is significant for Risa’s fighting style.

“If we’re doing it together, I’ll go with that too.”

“It is a strong skill. The ability to choose which skill to borrow on the spot, depending on the situation, is interesting as well.”

“Feeling useful, lending power to Shiroppu… it feels good.”

“There’s value in that too. We’ve fought together for a long time now.”

Shiroppu’s bond with Hinata predates the formation of 【Maple’s Tree】. That long history naturally breeds deep affection.

Then let’s meet in the game tonight.”

“Yeah! Gotta raise our levels so we don’t lose to the Demon King!”

They settled their plans for the evening, and without change, walked home together.

The day arrived—the final preparations completed, each one having finished leveling up and gathering gear.

The day of the Demon King’s defeat. Eight members of the guild 【Maple’s Tree】, led by Maple, waited in their guild home for the remaining members to arrive.

“Phew… We’ve done everything we could. Still, the moment it comes to practice, nerves set in.”

“There’s nothing to do but steel oneself. If we lose this time, we’ll know when to give up.”

“That’s right. I believe we’re the best team. Considering how well Maple coordinates with the others…”

“Let’s do our best, big sister.”

“Yeah… Gotta be careful not to accidentally hit each other in the attack.”

It will be difficult to keep Maple’s Love That Offers the Body active from start to finish. I plan to use an item to create a barrier, so use it well.

“Yes!”

Is it about time?

Yeah! Ah!

As the agreed-upon meeting time approached, the guild home’s door opened.

“Mii! Thank you for coming!”

“No one else but Maple asking. There’s no refusal.”

The four who entered were Mii, Mizari, Marks, and Shin from the Flame Emperor’s Domain.

The reliable allies Maple had counted on. A single faction among them.

“The Demon King is a formidable foe. Even the Maple Tree cannot afford to be careless—blown away in an instant.”

“Should be careful… though even carefulness won’t help much in facing it head-on.”

“Have you already defeated them?”

"Ah. I defeated it once. But I don’t recall how many times. The troublesome thing about him is his varied movement patterns—no fixed sequence at all. Even if cleared, the useful information gained is limited."

"Ultimately, it felt like we encountered more unknown attacks during our first attempt than we did during the defeat itself. Isn’t that enough to show the Demon King is a unique boss?"

An opponent unlike any before. The fact that the Kingdom of Flame Emperor had struggled was itself evidence that merely having these four as reinforcements wasn’t enough to guarantee victory.

Still, that was only regarding these four. There was still room in the party limit. And there was still someone else Maple had called upon.

As she spoke with Mii and the others, the guild home’s door creaked open, and the ally Maple had summoned entered.

We're here! Let's strike down the Demon King!

Please take care of us, Maple-san. I and Velvet-san have come with all our strength.

We’re the same. Truly, what an impressive team this is.

Even if my help is small, I and Lily will lend our strength as well.

They arrived: the duo of 【thunder storm】 and 【rapid fire】. Four of them—Velvet, Hinata, Lily, and Wilbert.

Thank you!

Such a rare chance for joint action—wasting it would be a shame!

I agree. We’ve clashed before as 【Maple Tree】 in events… just the chance to fight alongside Maple and her crew is worth something in itself.

That’s one reason… isn’t it, Lily?

Yes. I decided to help her personally. That’s all there is to it.

Um, Velvet-san too…

Same here! If Maple asks, I don’t refuse!

The relationships Maple has built over time—now, at this moment, they hold the power to gather this many members.

One of the irreplaceable things Maple has gained while playing the game with unwavering focus.

“Hmm. Judging by the faces here, only those four remain.”

“That’s right! I’m looking forward to fighting alongside them! We were foes in player-versus-player combat….”

“Same here. Speak of the devil, I suppose?”

The final ones to enter through the guild home’s door were the core members of the Gathering Holy Sword. Pain, Dread, Drag, and Frederica.

“Heya, Maple. Looks like you’ve gathered the Demon King’s power alright.”

“Yeah! Though only one set, that’s all.”

“Ah, then this’ll be a proper fight! Can’t lose now!”

“Yeah, redoing the collection would be a pain…”

We came to ensure it does not come to that. Maple, as Guildmaster of the Gathering Holy Sword, lend your hand for victory.

Thank you! Uh, that makes everyone present!

An impressive group… no, I truly think this is remarkable.

Sally’s expression betrays her astonishment at the gathering of such distinguished figures. The players Maple sought to gather. Given their past connections, this outcome was natural. Every single one of them a lone warrior capable of defeating a thousand foes, top players of the top guild. Even half of them would be a formidable force.

That all of them could gather at the same time, given the limited options, might have been a stroke of luck for Maple.

Thank you all for coming! We intend to go forth together to defeat the Demon King! Please look after us!

I don’t think there’s ever been such a powerful hero party in the game.

"Yeah. When I first heard about it, I didn’t think we’d gather this many."

Drag and Syin look at the faces of the players who’ve come together. They nod. Enough output here to win, they think.

"Haha. But if Maple’s the leader, this feels less like a Hero Party and more like an Evil Army?"

"Ah… maybe you’re right."

"Spot on."

"Eh? Really!?"

Markus immediately agrees with Frederica’s words, recalling the skill [Cruelty]. The atmosphere settles. Everyone, without speaking, seems to accept it. All of it—[Cruelty], [Predator], the list of harsh skills. The tentacles, the fall from grace, the massacre during the [Rebirth of Darkness] event, the killing of allies. All of it shapes the image.

Their past is far too much for anyone to call them heroes.

"Then let's go see which Demon Army is stronger, Maple."

"Ugh, even Sally's joining in! But... yeah!"

Maple clears her throat and addresses the gathered group.

"Alright... we'll show the Demon Lord our strength! Um... as the Human-side Demon Army!"

The Human-side Demon Army. The phrase draws chuckles from all, yet their resolve sharpens. A shout rises.

Defeating a Demon Lord is not the sole task of a Hero.

All preparations complete, accompanied by trusted allies, the player known ever since as the Demon Lord—the player 'Maple'—moves toward the battlefield.