I hate being in pain, so I think I'll make a full defense build

Itai no wa Iya nanode Bōgyo-Ryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu 489

Defense Specialization and at the Tenth Floor

Suddenly, the scenery in front of them expanded. Maple and the others found themselves standing on top of a small hill. Then, when they looked around, the landscape of the 10^th floor jumped into their vision. The first thing that caught their eyes was a steep mountain that pierced the clouds and towers in front of them.

—Then, they saw something familiar.

“Is that the machine from the Third Floor?”

“That cherry tree is from the Fourth Floor. If you look closely, you can even see a Japanese-style tower.”

“Is this above the Fifth Floor? The clouds around that part seem familiar… What do you think?”

So far, they’d seen a comprehensive summary of each floor.

If that was the case, the rest of the floors definitely existed as well. Maple and her friends were currently in an area that seemed to be a basic fantasy world full of nature.

In other words, they were in the midst of a deeper landscape.

“It feels kind of nostalgic, Sally.”

“Uh-huh, it’s been a while. Let’s make a fresh start and conquer it. Off to the boss we go.”

“Of course!”

While Maple and the others were talking, a message arrived. The sender was the management team. The contents were the main objectives of the 10^th Floor and simple guidelines on how to proceed.

“Uhm, what else…?”

Maple looked over the contents.

On the 10^th Floor, a being called the [Demon King] threatened the people. The ultimate goal was to travel to many towns, complete many quests, before finding and defeating the [Demon King].

“Hm, I see…”

There was a particularly large town on each floor, so it didn’t really matter where they established their base. Since the message mentioned that there was a vast array of quest routes, it was possible to explore freely.

“‘There are more hidden items and skills than in previous floors, so keep your eyes open for them…’ Wow!”

“They added more!? That’s amazing! If they went to the trouble of announcing it, it must be true!”

“Perhaps, it’s to prepare us for the 11^th Floor…”

If the players became stronger, it was expected that the enemies would also grow stronger to some extent. They’d like to participate in as many events as possible.

“I wonder how many we will miss…”

“But if there are many, I’m sure we’ll come across at least one.”

“I’m looking forward to it!”

“Explorations, bosses, and rare events!”

“For now, let’s move on to the area… But is that okay? Why don’t we go to the guild home first…”

“Okay! First of all, let’s take a break. That dungeon was tough!”

“I see.”

Maple and her friends looked at the map as they headed towards a nearby large town.

They walked for a while and arrived at the nearest town.

There was nothing special about the exterior. In front of them was a road paved with beautiful stones. There were several shops run by NPCs on both sides of the road, with guild homes lined up in the back. The construction of the buildings were mostly Western, similar to what one would see in a fantasy world.

The interior of the town and the atmosphere of the NPCs were nothing out of the ordinary. Maple and the others felt that they’d been here before. After all, the ambience was close to the starting place for all players.

Yes, they were going to start all over again here.

“For now, let’s head for the guild home first!”

Maple laid out the plan, leading the way while looking at the map. Even though the townscape looked like something they’d seen before, there were many things that stood out to them. Naturally, the things sold on the 1^st to 10^th Floors were different. The same went for the quests.

Even though the floor incorporated elements from each floor, it didn’t mean that it was entirely the same.

Especially considering that there were secret areas.

Suppressing their desire to go exploring as soon as possible, Maple and the others quickly headed for the guild home.

Maple and her friends arrived at the guild home and immediately discussed their future plans.

“What should we do after this?”

“Maybe we should use this as a base and explore… Or should we unlock other guild homes first?”

Ten expansive floors. There were some towns for each floor, along with guild homes. By using the teleport magic circle, they could travel from one guild home to another, providing easy access from town to town.

“I feel like it’d be better to unlock everything. It seems that on the 10^th Floor, every town has its own sets of events.”

“If that’s the case, maybe we should split up.”

“Good idea. Let’s start from there.”

Before exploring, they laid the groundworks. Maple’s first goal was to unlock the guild home, but when it came to decide what to do next, Chrome spoke up.

“Oh, right, I have a suggestion… Well, not really, but something’s been nagging at me.”

“…?”

Maple and Sally had no clue what he was referring to, so they waited for Chrome to speak.

“After the 10^th Floor and the subsequent events are cleared, it’s going to be difficult to log in for a while, right? In that case, I want to help the two of you clear this floor as much as possible.”

“Hehe, if we’re going to make memories, it’s always better to have fun.”

Leveling up, quests, and conquering dungeons.

They’d lend a hand if necessary, and make it a priority.

—Such was the offer from Chrome and the others.

“You’ve helped me a lot during events, and also helped me raise my level every day.”

“It… can’t really be called ‘repaying the favor’, but I still want to support you!”

“If there’s a tough monster, we’ll help you!”

“I’ll show you how useful I am…!”

Having fun in a game should always be the priority. Hopefully, even when they were away.

“Thank you! But… I’ve always been helped by all of you…”

“Haha, it seems that the feeling is mutual. Well, it’s like a renewed declaration of determination.”

“I understand, I’m glad.”

Maple and Sally also gratefully accepted the offer. In order to enjoy it to the fullest, everyone’s cooperation was necessary. Again, the 10^th Floor was too vast.

Nevertheless, the overall goal remained the same. The strongest boss that lurked in that 10^th Floor… They had to defeat the Demon King. Normally, they’d have to painstakingly explore the map, searching for quests and gathering information, but Chrome and the others said that they’d be proactive in doing so.

“But the important hints are usually found by Maple…”

“Hmm, there’s that.”

“Haha, I mean, considering what has happened so far…”

“It’s not that surprising.”

“Maple sure is amazing…”

“I-I wonder if it’ll really go well.”

“…Ugh, not you too, Sally!”

“Hehe, sorry, sorry. So, what do you want to do, Maple?”

They told her that they’d support her with all they had. In front of them was a vast, uncharted field; full of many undiscovered quests and dungeons. There were many ways to play and places to visit.

“…Well then, Sally. Since everyone has said that, let’s take this opportunity to explore this place together!”

“Haha, of course. I’m honored to have been chosen. I’ll be Maple’s shield and sword no matter where you go.”

“Ahaha, what’s that!? Okay, I’ll be in your care!”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

To enjoy a game however you like. To relax and depend on friends she could rely on.

—Thus began Maple and Sally’s exploration of the 10^th Floor.

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