Defense specialization, and then.

Later, Maple and Sally were bidding farewell to the guild members in the lobby of the 【Maple Tree】.

"Then, please take care of the guild!"

"Got it. I’ve already spoken with Pain, Mii, Velvet, and Lily. We’ll manage fine."

"Once things settle, we might return. We’ll keep things as they are, relaxed and slow."

"And who knows? We might be unrecognizable in strength by then. There are still areas in the tenth floor that haven’t been explored, and the eleventh floor is surely coming."

"As for me, I’d be happy if new items—like a renovation of the guild home—were implemented."

"Maple-san, Sally-san!"

"We’ll handle the boss’s defeat!"

"Right. Everyone’s reliable. No need to worry, Maple."

The members of the Maple Tree are all now top-tier players. The time when Mai and Yui were new—so long ago it feels like a memory.

"We’ve tested our new approach as the Maple Tree during PVE events. To be honest, it felt quite satisfying."

"The absence of the two of them was felt, of course. But Crom makes up for it. Do not concern yourself."

"That’s right. Heh, he truly is dependable."

Crom is also a top-tier shield user coveted by every guild. With Maple shielding through defense and Sally relying on evasion, Crom has traditionally been the one to react in dangerous moments. His player skill is genuine.

He takes on the roles of the two as well, yet does not easily exceed his capacity.

But who shall play the role of unexpected surprise when Maple is gone? We’ve always been the ones surprised by Maple.

Well… that role… um…

Hmm… perhaps no one can fill it!

What?!

The other guild members seem to agree.

A gap opened in battle can be filled, but Maple’s actions—drawing rare skills like a powerful magnet—cannot be imitated.

If it were possible to copy, then by now everyone would have become aberrations, their forms twisted, the field overrun by a horde of monsters.

Then we’ll look forward to her return. Probably we’ll be surprised again, fresh as ever.

Yes. We’ve seen so much already, grown used to it. To be startled so many times again—odd, really.

Then we’ll leave that role with Maple, as is.

“U—will it work out alright?”

“Just do it like always, without overthinking. Skills will come on their own. Probably.”

“U—Sally too… I got it! I’ll find something else for sure!”

““We’re looking forward to it!””

“Angels, machines, monsters… more things to come. What next? Heh, maybe we can guess if we take our time.”

“O—nice. Let’s each make one guess and wait.”

“Mm-hmm. It depends on the theme of the current tier, you know. I’ll take it easy and think about it.”

“Then, if someone guesses right, we should prepare a prize for everyone.”

“Ah. That might make it more enjoyable.”

““Sounds fun!””

Kasumi nods at Sally’s suggestion. Mai and Yui’s eyes sparkle. In truth, no one has ever correctly predicted Maple’s evolution before.

If one could have precisely foreseen that, upon returning from exploration, a tentacle would sprout, it would be better to become a fortune-teller now.

At parting, as always, they exchanged trivial words and laughed. Peace settled over the 【Maple Tree】.

After a while, Maple lifted her face and looked around at them all.

"Aha, yeah! I guess getting sentimental is strange, right? Well then, I’m counting on the new 【Maple Tree】 to shine!"

"I’m counting on it too. Don’t make Maple uneasy."

"Haha, you got it! The 【Maple Tree】 has more than one shieldbearer!"

"Yeah! Let’s snatch another top spot at the event!"

"Heh, if the guildmaster leaves me with that kind of challenge, I’d better prepare plenty of books."

"Workshop will need to run at full capacity. I’ll make up any shortages with gear."

" I'll defeat the enemy for both Maple and Sally! "

A strong message from all. Maple smiled back at the six who stood tall, their chests raised in reassurance.

" Then... when we meet again, tell me everything that happened! "

" From me too. Let's meet again."

They bowed once, in unison, and left the guild hall.

Stepping out past the door, they stood side by side and summoned their blue panels.

" Well then, Sally, let's go."

" Yeah. Man, studying's tough."

" Both reality and the game matter."

" We were sent off like this. If we return, we’ll do it properly."

" Right! And that’s what makes it fun!"

" Mm. No doubt."

" Ready? On three?"

" Okay. Then..."

They looked at each other once, then placed their fingers on the same spot on their respective panels.

" "Ready!" "

Thump. The button pressed. Maple and Sally selected 'Log Out.'

The long journey ends here.

Thank you all for your support.

It has been a happy, joyful journey for me.

To those who read, I offer only gratitude. And I will carry close the countless memories of joy you have given me.

Then. Thank you for reading 'I Want to Focus on Defense, Because Pain Is Unbearable,' for so long.