Chapter 59: The Lucky Draw

That evening marked the beginning of the final cycle for the novices.

The Master made no distinctions between those aspiring to be in the support organization or another role. Aaron opted to participate but was not chosen. Two individuals met their demise, and two more were added through synthesis. Asher became the subject of the synthesis, reaching Level 3.

Meanwhile, the others entered the Workday Jail as if it were just another part of their daily routine.

The mine that yielded access to Fire Elemental Stones had not yet been opened.

Once again, the crack of dawn appeared.

At my request, six individuals gathered at the training grounds. It was me, Jenna, Aaron, Dica, Edis, and even Asher. Although Asher and Dica were slightly less skilled, they were quickly deemed fit to enter the jail.

"Why did you have to gather us first thing in the morning? I'm so exhausted."

"Enough with the complaints."

Ignoring Jenna's dissent, I continued speaking.

"Do any of you know why I called you here?"

Silence engulfed the group.

Then, suddenly, Dica raised his hand and spoke up.

"Are you choosing the party members?"

"Isn't it the Specialists' task to choose the party?"

"I can make suggestions."

"Maybe Anytng wouldn't reject the suggestion."

"There is a rule that many people, including myself, highlight in the Jolt system guides. It is also a focal point in the guide I created."

With a downcast expression, Dica lowered his head. A party consists of five members. He seemed to fear that he would be left out of the party, much like during the trio selection.

"Relax. I'm not going to discard anyone."

"So?"

"From now on, we will be divided into two groups. With six people, splitting into groups of three should work for now."

"If a single party can conquer all the floors, this game wouldn't have been so difficult."

"However, this game doesn't work that way. As we progress through floors, the missions require an increasing number of groups. Special missions can involve anywhere from a handful to many individuals."

"And establishing a support party is crucial to prepare for the unfortunate event of the main party facing an unexpected disaster."

"There will be two leaders. One will be me, and the other will be Edis."

"Me?"

Edis blinked and pointed to herself.

"Don't want to?"

"It's not that, but I think Jenna would be..."

"She's great."

"What's wrong with me? I can excel too."

"Misunderstandings are likely to happen."

Edis suggested an icebreaker.

"But why do we have to split into groups?"

"Explaining that matter here probably wouldn't be ideal. There are many listening ears."

I beckoned Edis to the courtyard and proceeded to explain.

"The primary reason for splitting the groups is to minimize the risk of total annihilation."

"If you focus too much on the main party and it fails, there's no way of recovering. That's why Specialists typically distribute their forces, such as dividing stocks."

"The second reason is to maximize efficiency in training by fostering competition among different groups."

"While these reasons may seem acceptable from the Specialists' perspective, if you're a hero and you're leading a party, you need to understand them. I explained this to Edis, taking the opportunity to carefully describe concepts like levels and abilities."

"The final rationale for splitting parties is as I mentioned earlier; five people alone can't conquer all the floors."

"Really?"

"Floor 5 was a perfect illustration of this."

"There was a significant gap in skill levels among the party members, and when Jid and Hans fell behind, the entire party was at risk."

"This rule also applies to large-scale missions."

"When missions are divided among different groups, if one party fails to fulfill its role, it can affect other groups as well. That's why it was crucial to have a reliable support party that wouldn't impede progress."

"Do we have a sufficient number of people to do this?"

"The Master will handle the recruitment."

After sending Edis back to the training grounds, I brought an item I had prepared in my room. It was a round container with long strips of paper inside.

Placing it on the floor of the training grounds, I explained.

"It's a lucky draw."

"A lucky draw? Why?"

"Have I ever done anything harmful to you? Just go with it."

Inside the container were four pieces of paper, each colored red or blue at the tip with a pen.

"Red is for me. Blue is for Edis."

"Are we dividing into groups with this?"

"Don't be too excited about being my partner, and don't be disappointed about being on Edis's side. It doesn't really matter in the end."

"When a strong sub-party is formed, the Master never overlooks them. They become as important as the main party, if not more."

"Of course, a failed sub-party is of no use."

"In the future when the master brings individuals who can fight, we will also draw lots to determine which party they will join. In such cases, Edis and I will be the ones making the draw."

"The most common method of choosing heroes from the main and sub-groups to become members is known as a draft in Clash of Power terminology. While it was originally used by experienced heroes, it's something I can do."

"However, the lots drawn today are not permanent!"

Jenna wasted no time and quickly drew a piece of paper from the container.

It was red.

If it had been blue, I would have changed it, but this turned out perfectly.

"Next is my turn."

Aaron's face was filled with tension as he pulled out a piece of paper.

Red.

There's no need to draw for the rest.

Dica and Asher ended up with blue slips. Their expressions turned grim.

Edis let out a deep sigh.

"I suppose you don't think I'm reliable."

"That's not it. It's just that Dica tried to figure it out."

"It all makes sense to me. There's no need to dwell on it. I haven't been around for long, but I will show my worth."

"From an objective standpoint, there is a significant difference in power, but we can't change the established rules."

"Let's finish our training for today."

The four of them left the training grounds, while Edis remained seated on the floor, lost in thought. I approached her.

"Edis."

"Yes?"

"If you can't keep up with us, you'll be left behind."

"That makes perfect sense to me. I also witnessed the synthesis happening yesterday. Don't worry, we won't fall behind."

"That's all I need to know. I won't interfere, so it's up to you to support them."

"Now I need to deal with this."

As I made my way back to the lodging, I muttered to myself.

First party: Me, Jenna, Aaron. Second party: Edis, Asher, Dica.

[Legend Han () proposes a fixed party!]

[First Party composition]

[Han (), Jenna (), Aaron ()]

[Second Party composition]

[Edis (), Asher (), Dica ()]

[Tips/Sometimes heroes make suggestions like this. It's up to the Master to accept or reject them. Make wise decisions!]

Closing the door behind me, I entered the room. The message I had

 sent earlier would be displayed when the Master logged in.

Ultimately, the proposal was accepted.

I had wondered whether they would hold onto resentment and reject it, but it seems that wasn't the case.

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