......


    As the group reached the deeper parts of the map, the challenges that Shin and the others were facing were starting to grow more difficult, particularly when they were starting to encounter a group of monsters more frequently instead of an isolated one.


    For the experts like Shin, Arthur, and Leonard, such a thing was not a problem. Lorraine was relatively fine as well since she used to be a commander of a top adventurer team of the game, which regularly went on expeditions.


    But it would be different for Samael and Huahua, who were somewhat of a casual player up until now before they joined the team as temporary members.


    They had never experienced such a long and tenacious journey, which made them physically and mentally exhausted.


    Putting the siblings into consideration, Shin decided to call it a day so that they could rest while also strategizing their next course of action.


    The pair of siblings quickly thanked them before logging out of the game.


    ...


    There was nothing eventful that happened in the real world when the group logged out as well.


    Shin just went to his usual routine before studying the items that Professor Henry had gifted him, trying to see if he could find the suitable properties of his innate attributes.


    He had spent quite a lot of time studying them, but he could not find the suitable properties that he was looking for. But he was not disappointed as it would only take a matter of time before he finally found what he was looking for now that he had already awakened all five of his innate attributes.


    He knew that looking for suitable dual properties for his other three element attributes would not be easy, so he had to be patient and not rush things as it was alright right before him.


    Shin almost spent the whole day studying the three natural treasures that were given to him with only his mealtime being his rest.


    He had also found some time to organize and research some new applications and combinations of his newly improved Mentalism Method – given that he could now complete the entire elemental cycles with his five elemental attributes.


    After that, Shin went to take a quick shower before going back to his gaming cabin and logged back into the virtual world.


    Swoosh!


    But instead of immediately going back to the game, he first logged into the virtual room of their adventurer team to meet with the others.


    Today was a scheduled team training, so all of them were expected to be present.


    When Shin appeared, everyone else was already gathered. He swept his gaze at everyone before chuckling. "I hope that I am not that late."


    The group laughed for a while before Shin turned to Cloe and Arthur. "So, how do you guys usually do the group training?"


    He had already read the training plan of the team and how they usually did their sparring matches. He even had watched some of them previously during his free time, trying to understand the team composition and synergies of their team.


    However, since he was not familiar with how they usually did the training program when they were all gathered, he had to understand them more.


    "We usually group ourselves into two teams, dividing our key members equally. Then we will have a straight-up team battle for a couple of rounds before switching teams for another round or two," replied Cloe.


    After all, the three of them knew each other for quite a long time and had been a team for multiple secret operations in the real world, putting the three of them together on a single team would be brutal for the other side.


    Even if Diablo, Alucard, and Alice were comparable in terms of mechanics and fighting capabilities, the game in terms of team synergy would be huge.


    Even if Cloe joined their team, dealing with these three together would without a doubt a huge headache for them.


    "The rest will have to draw lots based on their overall roles," he added.


    ...


    Not long after, the two teams were finally decided.


    Shin and Diablo were put on the same along with Alucard. Their additional members were Owen and Ithilien with Samael being the sixth-man.


    Their team composition of dual marksmen with Owen being the sole frontline alongside two speed-type members was quite balanced given that they were running an all-offensive team.


    Their opposition on the other hand was composed of Arthur and Leonard as the main frontliners while a dual mage at the backline with Alice and Daulla. Archimedes was the additional marksman with Huahua being the sixth-man.


    Akailu and Chaotic Luck, on the other hand, pulled an empty paper earlier, which put them in the audience seat alongside Cloe. There was also Lorraine, who joined to join the fun.


    After that, the two teams were given a five-minute time for quick planning before they started the training.


    ...


    "Should I harass their backline members and focus on the little shaman if they have put her on the starting lineup?" asked Diablo as he walked toward Shin.


    Shin thought for a moment before shaking his head. "That will be unnecessary. We are training our synergy for this match, so it is better to practice some strategic plays rather than going for the regular ones."


    "Moreover, bullying that kid will not make her improve," he paused as he glanced at Diablo before adding. "With someone like you trying to suppress her, there is a high chance that you will crush her spirit."


    "Isn''t it better? We can hone her much earlier and build up a good mindset in the long run," said Diablo.


    Shin shook his head for another time. "Nah, we can have more chances for that in the future. Moreover, if he tried to make the battle more chaotic, she must decide which side to help first."


    "That way, we can train her environmental and situational awareness along with her decision-making. It can also train her to have a firm mind," he paused before asking. "Isn''t it better?"


    Diablo shrugged his shoulder as he could not find any words in response to that.


    Alucard also agreed, nodding his head, before asking. "So, what is the plan?"


    Shin thought for a moment as he looked at their team composition before making suggestions. "I do have something that I want to practice. Are you guys up to give it a try?"


    The group exchanged glances with one another before nodding their heads. They were quite familiar with Shin and very impressed with his strategic skills, so they would have no objections if he came up with some.


    "Alright-... listen carefully."


    ......