Defense Specialization and the Demon Lord's Army, Part 2.
Maple and her companions set forth against the Demon Lord, drawing upon the power of the Gathering Holy Sword, the Flame Emperor's Kingdom, Thunder Storm, and Rapid Fire—gathering the best possible team they could assemble.
Since the day it was confirmed they could summon all present members, Maple had been absorbing the insights previously gained by Pain and the top guild.
The Demon Lord’s attacks varied widely, their patterns shifting with each incursion. When the four top guilds compared their observed attack patterns, they found each had encountered unique sequences the others had not seen—proof the Demon Lord was no ordinary foe.
Maple and her companions committed every known pattern to memory.
It was the minimum requirement to achieve the difficult goal of clearing in one strike. There was no time to consider countering unknown attacks if they could not respond to known patterns.
Even while moving toward the Demon Lord, the members of 【Maple Tree】 reviewed which skill to use against each attack.
"Maple, you especially must remember this well."
"Uh-huh! I've got it!"
Maple was the key to defense. By adapting 【Love That Offers the Body】 precisely to the enemy's attack, even attacks that should be unblockable could become opportunities.
The critical points were fixed damage, defense penetration, and the cancellation of active skills. Memorizing how many of the known attacks fell into these categories allowed Maple’s defense to reach its true potential.
Review was flawless. Countless action patterns were firmly etched in Maple’s mind.
"Of course, many situations will require improvisation. We must focus. Our ad-lib coordination with other guilds remains incomplete."
"I’ll do my best! We can’t afford to lose!"
Though they had fought countless times before—both as enemies and allies—synchronizing seamlessly as members of the 【Maple Tree】 guild proved difficult.
Still, they had prepared extensively. The number of pre-arranged set plays, combining each member’s skills, was great. They had not neglected preparation to minimize situations demanding improvisation.
"We’ve done all we can. Now it’s just a matter of testing it."
"Indeed. We both wish to bring victory to those two."
"Attack, leave it to us!"
The backup is mine to handle. This time, I have reliable allies. My strength will rise.
Today’s fortune with the 【Divine Archive】 is favorable. My shelves seem eager to aid in the demon king’s defeat.
The demon king’s defeat. The decisive hour draws near, guided by their shared, unwavering aim. Maple’s resolve sharpens, her focus intensifying.
They arrive at last at the one area within the ten-layer map they have never before dared enter. A range of towering mountains rises ahead. The path beyond is sealed by multiple gates, each requiring the power of the demon king’s magic to unlock.
Yet now that Maple and her companions have gathered all the required demon king’s magic, they may proceed deeper.
A cavern stretching beyond the mountains. The first door at its entrance. Large, crafted like the one leading to the Boss Room. It pressed the reality of the battle with the Demon King closer than ever.
“Ooh! It’s open!”
Maple’s ‘Demon King’s Magic I’ reacted. The door creaked open with a deep rumble.
To reach the Demon King’s chamber, each door must be opened in sequence. All of the ‘Demon King’s Magic’ is required.
“Monsters will appear. But as long as [Maple’s Tree] stays mostly on the defensive, we’ll focus on ranged attacks using magic until the boss fight.”
“Yes!”
This time, the strategy does not rely solely on [Maple’s Tree]. As Pain said, sufficient magic-oriented players are secured.
Frederica, Hinata, Mizari, Yui. Since we’ve summoned reinforcements, we should rely on them when needed.
Maple’s [Machine God] can conserve dwindling resources and long cooldown skills. Only MP, replenishable endlessly with potions, will be spent. High-damage, wide-area magic will carry them forward through the journey.
All essential skills are reserved. They will be unleashed only upon the Demon King.
“[Scorching Heat]!”
“Hmm, [Multi-Wind Blade]!”
“[Divine Punishment]!”
“[Gravity Axe]”
Within the confines of the modest cavern, magic of devastating power—too great for any to withstand—rages.
Monsters with demonic features, beasts bellowing in rage, knights wielding finely honed blades. Even these common foes possess abilities befitting the final dungeon of the tenth layer.
Yet the human-side Demon Army, led by Maple, bore the countenance befitting a challenge to the Demon King. Even in the final dungeon of the tenth layer, they would not halt their advance before common monsters.
"Magic users truly are different. Unless something entirely unforeseen occurs, their power will likely remain unused during the journey."
"Be careful—just keep an eye on Cover!"
"Uh-huh. I think so."
Magic, Wilbart’s arrows, and Shin’s Crack Sword all remain in reserve. Experts in close combat stand ready, weapons drawn in case of emergency.
Players who could face these monsters alone, after enduring the storm of magical fury.
They would not fall here. Not from carelessness. Not from arrogance. Simply from certainty.
“Hmph, this cave’s quite long. I’d like an auto-attack spell too.”
Frederica speaks, precisely eliminating the approaching monsters.
“My summoning skills might be close to auto-attack.”
“Some of my traps could do the same…”
Lily, Markus, Maple—of course—also, Kanade’s grimoire holds summoning abilities.
Simple commands. The summoned units move toward enemies without instruction. Calling it auto-attack would not be far off.
Not common, but not rare either. Players with such abilities can be seen. They occupy that role.
Especially mages. They can summon a frontline instantly when needed. They also complement buffs well.
“I’m searching for a spell, since skills can’t be stacked.”
Frederica speaks casually, yet with Miya and the others, she dispatches monsters with one hand, effortless.
“Indeed. If one can multiply spells, perhaps it could rival my summoning.”
The number of creatures summoned by Lilie is considerable. But with Notes’ Chorus multiplying numbers, and the Sea of Mana amplifying super-multiple magic, the possibility of matching her summoning is not entirely implausible.
Given that her guild is the Gathering Holy Sword, she could easily defeat most monsters by focusing solely on buffs, without striving for such output. Yet Frederica has a clear reason to aim higher.
“Sometimes overwhelming numbers can be effective, don’t you think?”
Frederica glances briefly at Sally. Sally’s greatest strength lies in one-on-one combat.
A simple tactic of overwhelming numbers is not a poor choice against Sally, who excels in one-on-one combat and relies on evasion to sustain battle.
Frederica considers the upcoming one-on-one clash in the event, determined not to allow Sally to retreat after victory.
“Would have shown more of your worth if we’d reached the Demon King’s battle.”
“Regrettable. I’ll await the next opportunity.”
Sally dismisses Frederica with a glance, eyes fixed on the advancing front.
The advance through the cavern proceeds without issue, smooth and unimpeded. Soon, they will exit the cavern. The path ahead will offer no resistance. They will reach the Demon King’s presence.
The prepared forces are flawless.
So smooth, so uneventful, that Sally’s attention drifts slightly beyond what lies directly before her.
The final event for Maple and Sally, set to begin shortly. PVE or PVP. Who to join, how to participate. The choice remains undecided.
…………
Sally?
Aware of Sally’s distant expression, Maple speaks. Sally returns to herself.
Hmm? … Ah, with everyone this strong, it’s true—there’s no need to worry about the Demon King specifically.
Concentrate on the Demon King, then!
Yeah. That’s what I’ll do.
She looks ahead, not allowing herself to stumble before her eyes. The one to face now is the Demon King.
Thus, Sally focuses on the enemy before her. In a way, she delays her decision—just a little more.
The advance continues, calm, piling corpses. Nothing can halt this step.
Now, to the final chapter.