545

Defense Specialization and the Demon King’s Army 3

After blasting countless monsters into oblivion, Maple and her companions finally emerged from the cavern that snaked its way through the mountains.

What lay before them was a barren grassland and forest, long since withered.

A river that must have flowed once was now dried up, and the lake was reduced to nothing, but parched ground pitted with cracks.

All life in this region appeared drained of its vitality, leaving behind only a wasteland. And in the center of that desolate expanse lay a colossal sphere of purple.

It stood on the earth’s surface, leaking a matching purple smoke, and clearly belonging to no natural element. Even Maple—seeing it for the first time—knew instantly: that ominous shape was the Demon King’s stronghold, and their final battlefield.

‘‘So, he’s been gathering strength that way…’’

‘‘Looks strong…’’

‘‘It’s fine. We’re strong too.’’

‘‘…! Right!’’

Sensing how the Demon King’s power must have sapped all life from the area, Maple felt a momentary pang of unease—until Sally encouraged her with a reassuring grin.

‘‘Alright, this is it! We absolutely can’t lose this time. Hinata, please make sure everyone has your support!’’

‘‘Of course. I’m ready.’’

‘‘Wil, let’s review our steps one more time as we go.’’

‘‘Yes, that sounds good.’’

Each member of ”thunderstorm” and ”Rapid Fire” had unique roles only they could fulfill. Several the plans they’d drawn up depended on each of them acting with perfect timing, making everyone’s individual responsibility heavy—just like Maple’s party.

‘‘The number of monsters around here will keep rising, but it’s nothing we can’t handle. As planned, ”Kingdom of the Flame Emperor” and ”Congregation of Holy Swords” will take the lead in thinning them out.’’

‘‘That goes for you in ”Maple Tree” as well. Stay alert—just in case.’’

‘‘Yes!’’

‘‘Since the only shield-users here are me and Maple, let’s stay sharp.’’

‘‘We’ll do our best!’’

Most players at this level carried powerful defensive skills to protect themselves. But those abilities often had long cooldowns or rigid daily limits, so they had to save their trump cards for the Demon King. The shield-users would remain responsible for everyone else’s defense—both here and in the ultimate showdown.

—

As Maple’s group drew closer to the Demon King, purple smoke erupted from the lifeless soil. One after another, monsters materialized, encircling them. Smoke formed into human-like shapes whose eyes glowed red, each draped in dark, shifting armor like living shadows, brandishing weapons charged with ill intent.

Yet none of those weapons ever reached their targets.

‘‘”Area Expansion” ”Radiant Holy Blade!”’’

‘‘”Multi Flame Bullets”—Notes, ”Chorus” ”Amplify”!’’

‘‘”Scorching Heat”!’’

‘‘”Crumble Sword”!’’

The same ruthless power that had dominated the cave now raged across the open ground. Though the terrain wasn’t as favorable as the narrow passage, the massive, unrelenting attacks—both in reach and destructive force—kept the knights of shadow, however formidable, from closing in.

‘‘”Earth Wave”!’’

‘‘”Whirlwind Slash”!’’

Those few enemies that somehow got near were knocked back by Drag’s attacks and neutralized by Dread’s swift daggers before they could retaliate. It was a one-sided rout, as though daring the Demon King to come out already. And so, the rampage continued until they reached that looming purple sphere—the seat of his power.

Up close, they could see the sphere swirling like a fierce vortex. There was no simple way to enter; anyone trying to walk inside would be repelled at once. By now, Maple understood perfectly what the sphere required for someone to breach it.

Payne and MI signaled Maple to pause with a gesture.

‘‘Just one more step and we’ll open the path to the Demon King. If anyone needs to prepare, do it now.’’

‘‘Any buffs cast before the battle begins will be canceled anyway. Maple, are you sure there’s nothing left to do?’’

‘‘Is everyone ready?’’

She looked not only at her own guildmates in ”Maple Tree” but also at the others. They had come this far, having done all they could. Everyone gave her a firm nod. With that, Maple took one more step—and at once, the ‘Demon King’s Power’ she carried reacted and sprang forth.

Matching the purple glow of the swirling barrier, it slowly bored a passage through the vortex, allowing them entry.

‘‘Here we go!’’ Maple said, plunging inside at the head of the group.

Beyond lay a space where thick, pulsing vessels wove through the ground, funneling energy into a large, floating cocoon-like mass of throbbing purple at its center. The moment they stepped inside; their flying machines lost power—suppressed by the lair’s magic. And so, they saw, just as rumored, the Demon King’s resting place.

He was within that pulsating mass.

The final area of the Tenth Floor, the most powerful foe of all—Maple set foot forward, and that motion stirred the cocoon to life, awakening the Demon King from his slumber.