The training session ended just before the sun dipped below the horizon. Long shadows stretched across the field as the last echoes of clashing weapons faded into silence.

Ethan stood at the edge of the training ground, watching the members of his team lower their weapons one by one.

Sweat clung to their clothes, and their breathing was heavy. Even without checking the data on his tab, he could clearly see the fatigue written on their faces.

Continuing the sparring any longer would only push them past their limits.

At this stage, forcing improvement would not make them stronger.

It would only result in injuries, lingering fatigue, and unnecessary mental strain.

Ethan turned his head slightly and caught Hanss's attention. With a short gesture, he signaled for the training to end.

"That's enough for today," Ethan said calmly.

Hanss nodded immediately and raised his voice to address the others, officially ending the sparring session.

Relief spread quickly among the team members, even those who tried to hide it behind disciplined expressions.

"Tomorrow, you rest," Ethan added. "No training. Take the day off."

Some of them exchanged glances, clearly surprised. Others let out quiet sighs of relief.

To Ethan, training was not just about pushing limits. Rest and relaxation were just as important.

The upcoming Guild of Champions event was not a small competition.

It was a major event, one that could determine the future position of an entire guild.

Every decision made during the event would have consequences, and every mistake would weigh heavily on the team.

Pressure like that did not only affect the body. It crushed the mind.

Mental exhaustion was far more dangerous than physical fatigue.

Stress clouded judgment, slowed reaction time, and created cracks that opponents would not hesitate to exploit.

One week before the event began, Ethan had already made up his mind.

He would hold only two formal training sessions. The rest of the time would be devoted to letting the team relax, clear their heads, and recover both physically and mentally.

He wanted them sharp, not worn down.

As the field gradually emptied, Sherly approached him, holding a slim stack of documents and a digital tablet.

"This is the summary of their training results," she said. "Each member has their own individual stats."

She handed him the documents. The data was neatly organized, supported by clear infographics that made it easy to understand at a glance.

Attack power, defense rating, reaction speed, endurance. Everything was recorded and compared.

Ethan studied the visuals carefully. Some players showed overwhelming offensive strength but lacked defensive stability.

Others were the opposite, able to withstand heavy pressure but struggling to break through enemies.

A few stood out for their balanced stats, reliable in almost any situation.

This information was invaluable. With proper analysis, he could form unit compositions that covered each other's weaknesses instead of stacking similar roles together.

"This helps a lot," Ethan said. "Thank you, Sherly."

She smiled briefly, clearly relieved that her work was useful.

One by one, the team members began to disperse. Some returned to the dormitories to shower and rest.

Others headed toward the city center, eager to eat, relax, or simply forget about training for the night.

Ethan remained behind for a moment longer, then turned toward the main building. Along with Sherly and Hanss, he headed up to the third floor.

His office was quiet when they entered. The room was simple but functional, with a wide desk, several data screens, and a large window overlooking the city.

Hanss broke the silence first.

"What kind of city type do you think we'll end up with?" he asked.

Ethan considered the question carefully.

"Based on what I've seen so far, our strongest advantage is in attack units," he said.

Hanss nodded slowly.

"I can be classified as an attack unit as well," Ethan added.

Hanss let out a small breath. "So our city will be offensive in nature?"

Ethan walked over to his desk, deactivated the tab in his hand, and leaned back into his chair. Hanss and Sherly took seats across from him.

"That seems likely," Ethan said. "I don't know all the technical details of the event yet. But if our team excels in offense, then we should lean into that strength instead of trying to force balance where it doesn't exist."

Hanss crossed his arms, already thinking ahead.

"I'll handle the unit composition," he said. "What ratio do you want between attack and defense?"

"Seventy to thirty," Ethan answered without hesitation.

Hanss nodded. "Understood."

Sherly glanced at Ethan, hesitation flickering across her expression.

Since Hanss would be accompanying Ethan during the event itself, that meant she would temporarily take over as acting Officer of the City Security Authority.

The responsibility weighed heavily on her.

Ethan noticed her look and addressed it directly.

"Ayaka and Ashley will lead the regional security teams," he said. "You'll need to coordinate closely with them."

Sherly straightened slightly, listening intently.

"Your priorities are clear," Ethan continued. "Maintain order, deal with criminals properly, and make sure every action taken by the authority remains humane."

Sherly swallowed and nodded.

"This is my first time leading an authority unit," she admitted. "I'm a bit nervous."

Ethan glanced to the side and noticed the concern on Hanss's face as he watched her. It was subtle, but unmistakable.

"I'll take care of the unit composition myself," Ethan said suddenly. "With the data on this tab, it won't be difficult."

Hanss looked genuinely surprised.

"You, Hanss," Ethan continued, "focus on briefing Sherly. Teach her everything important about how the City Security Authority operates. I want her to be confident when she takes command."

Hanss and Sherly both smiled. They stood up and nodded in unison. Ethan's decisions were rarely questioned, and his trust meant a great deal to both of them.

"For this week," Ethan added, looking directly at Sherly, "you'll work alongside Hanss during his daily routines. Practical experience will help you far more than explanations alone."

Sherly bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Sir Ethan. I won't let you down."

With their instructions clear, Sherly and Hanss turned to leave. Just as they reached the door, it opened from the outside.

Ashley stood there, clearly not expecting to run into them.

The brief surprise passed quickly. Sherly and Hanss greeted her warmly, exchanged a few words, and continued on their way. Ashley stepped into the office after them.

Inside, Ethan was already looking at the holographic screen projected from his tab.

"Are those today's sparring stats?" Ashley asked.

"Yes," Ethan replied. "They did well."

"Then I don't need to worry about the event, right?" she said lightly.

"You don't," Ethan answered, shutting down the tab. "I already have a plan."

Ashley remained silent. Ethan always said that. And more often than not, his plans worked. Still, a sense of unease lingered in her chest.

"What about your plan to leave this game?" she asked quietly.

Ethan froze for a moment. He had not expected that question. It was the first time Ashley had directly brought up the nature of the game itself.

"Why ask that now?" he said.

"I just want to know," Ashley replied. "Do you actually plan to stop this game and free everyone, or are you ignoring that goal?"

Ethan said nothing. He did not want this conversation, not now. But Ashley would not ask something like this without reason.

Seeing his silence, Ashley let out a slow breath.

"You're too focused on events, conflicts, and guild rivalry," she said. "We all started with one goal. Defeating the three goddesses."

Her gaze hardened.

"You're the only player who holds the lives of two of them," she continued. "That makes you responsible for everyone else."

Ethan frowned. "What's gotten into you, Ashley?"

She stepped forward, closing the distance between them until she stood right in front of his desk.

"Tell me," she said firmly. "Will you kill them, or will you protect them?"

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