Prologue

Maple’s extreme defense build had propelled her into the top ranks of players. With her friend Sally, she’d founded the Maple Tree guild. Joining them were the great shielder Chrome, the katana master Kasumi, and a mage named Kanade whose Akashic Records provided him with random skills.

In due time, they added the crafter Iz as well as the twins, Mai and Yui, who had extreme builds. As the fourth event loomed, the guild prepared to face whatever came together. This event would once again speed up the flow of time, pitting guilds against one another as they fought to defend orbs in their bases or steal them from their opponents—vying to earn the most points.

Each death would reduce the player’s stats, and a fifth death would eliminate them completely. Maple Tree would have a tough time contending with large guilds that could leverage the power of numbers.

If they wanted to finish at the top, they’d have to strategize.

“Let’s aim for the top ten!” Maple cried.

Her friends cheered as they were wreathed in light.

“We’ve got this!”

As the world went white, Maple clenched her fists tight.