536

Defense Specialization and Wishes

Several days had passed since Maple and Sally began their journey through the final area. With Kanade by their side, ensuring they never got stuck, the puzzle-solving had been smooth and enjoyable, and they had already cleared several dungeons.

Given that the dungeons were underwater and centered around ancient, lost technology, the enemies they encountered were typically either mysterious, mechanically powered weapons similar to Maple’s “Ancient Weapon” or sea creatures.

Despite the challenges posed by underwater combat, which required three-dimensional movements unlike those on land, the trio’s experience in the Tenth Layer, where three-dimensional battles with flying machines were the norm, had prepared them well for these underwater confrontations.

As they explored and conquered the dungeons, the long streak of dungeon crawling was nearing its end. Naturally, as Maple and Sally walked home from school, their conversation revolved around “New World Online”.

“The last dungeon was amazing, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, the one where we got swept up in that huge whirlpool and had to keep moving forward automatically. I never thought we’d encounter a forced-scrolling dungeon here.”

“And the one where we had to navigate through the coral!”

“Haha, you ended up stuck inside that giant anemone like a clownfish. You didn’t even have to worry about the poison.”

“Yep, exactly! And I took some photos, too!”

“Oh, really? Only you could find the time to take pictures during a dungeon run, Kaede. Show me next time we play.”

“Of course!”

“I’m glad you’re having so much fun, Kaede.”

“The Eighth Floor was huge, but it’s amazing to think there are still dungeons and bosses we haven’t found.”

“And there are probably still hidden dungeons we haven’t discovered.”

Kaede and Risa, and not just them, but all players in the game, likely hadn’t found every boss. There was always the chance that they could stumble upon something new and unknown at any time. The thrill of these discoveries had pulled the two of them forward, making their journey through the game so much more exciting.

“It’s impossible to see everything, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, both time-wise and luck-wise. But… maybe we do have enough luck.”

“Eh? Maybe I’m a bit confident about that?”

“Maybe you’re just in sync with the game’s dungeons, Kaede. You’re more like a boss than a player, so maybe the dungeons are welcoming you as one of their own.”

“Could that really be possible?”

“Well, probably not. But… who knows?”

Meeting in the virtual world and then reliving those moments in the real world, they never ran out of things to talk about. The adventures they shared were bright memories, and the joy they felt while recounting those adventures was evident in their conversations.

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go, Kaede? We’ve been collecting the “Demon King’s Power” efficiently, but we don’t have that much time left.”

“Hmm…”

Even though they were aiming to clear the Demon King in one go, their free time to leisurely play the game was limited. Risa wanted to make sure Kaede didn’t have any regrets and suggested they visit any places she might want to explore. She wanted to do everything she could to ensure Kaede was satisfied.

So when Kaede, who had been pondering with her hand to her chin, eyes closed, spoke next, Risa was taken aback.

“Hey, Risa, what do you want to do?”

“Huh?”

Instead of answering, Kaede had asked a question, and Risa turned to look at her.

“Ah, um…”

There wasn’t any deep meaning behind it. At least, that’s what Risa told herself. But Kaede’s direct gaze seemed to pierce right through her, seeing into her very thoughts.

If you want to fight, just say so.

No, that’s just my own conclusion, Risa thought as she shook her head to clear her mind. Kaede wasn’t the type to engage in such a roundabout way of asking. Risa knew this better than anyone.

“………”

Even so, even if Kaede’s words didn’t carry that intention, if Risa voiced her desire now, it would likely come true. She just had to say it out loud.

“…I’d like to go wherever you want to go, Kaede.”

“There you go again, saying stuff like that.”

“But it’s the truth.”

“Hehe, then maybe there are a few places I’d like to check out!”

“That’s great. Tell me about them.”

Risa knew that it wasn’t good to dwell on negative outcomes or to delay making decisions. Her sharp mind understood this, but it was that same sharpness that kept her from taking that final step forward.