Fisk Tower, the association's underground command center.
On the huge main screen, the battle with the 'Party A' monster, which had just concluded, was being replayed from multiple angles and in slow motion. Every action, every energy fluctuation, and even the mental force field confrontation restored through special sensors, were clearly presented in the form of data streams and visualized graphics.
Sandman Flint, Master Lin, and the newcomer Iron Wall stood in front of the screen, still carrying some fatigue and dust from the battle, but their expressions were all exceptionally focused. Wesley stood to the side, responsible for hosting this post-battle review and analysis.
"First, congratulations to the three of you for successfully completing the association's first team collaboration mission to address a ghost-level threat," Wesley's voice echoed in the spacious command room, with his usual calmness, "Your performance has set an excellent benchmark for the association. But now, we need to draw more experience from this victory."
On the screen, the image froze at the moment Sandman first condensed a sand fist to strike, only to be blocked by the monster's invisible mental shield.
"Sandman," Wesley pointed to the data panel, which displayed the impact force data of the sand fist and the simulated energy composition of the mental shield at that time, "Your first attack was clear in its intent, attempting to quickly suppress. But the data shows that the target's mental defense strength far exceeded expectations, with excellent resistance to purely physical attacks. This was a shortcoming in intelligence prediction, and it is also an area we need to strengthen in the future – establishing a more comprehensive monster ability database."
Sandman looked at the screen, nodded, and said in a deep voice, "I was too impatient. At the time, I felt affected by his mental noise and wanted to end the battle quickly."
"When facing an unknown type of enemy, caution is more important than bravery," Wesley expressed his approval, then switched the screen to the phase where Sandman transformed into a sand mist to envelop the monster, interfering and restricting him, "This tactical adjustment was very timely and correct. Utilizing the characteristics of your own ability to contain and probe created opportunities for your teammates."
The screen switched again, focusing on The Silent Heart Master. His invisible silent force field's confrontation with the monster's chaotic mental domain was presented on the visualized graphics as a pure area that continuously eroded and dispelled the dirty colors.
"The Silent Heart Master, you were key to this mission," Wesley's tone carried a hint of appreciation, "Your silent force field not only effectively protected your teammates, but more importantly, your strategy of actively infiltrating and dismantling the opponent's mental domain directly shook the target's foundation. Data shows that in the third second of your full-force mental impact, the target's mental pollution output power decreased by twenty-seven percent. This was decisive."
The Silent Heart Master nodded slightly, and a calm voice came from beneath his silver mask: "His 'noise' was great, but the core was chaotic. Using 'stillness' to control 'chaos' is essentially the victory of order." His summary was as concise and profound as ever.
Finally, the screen showed Iron Wall, who was diligently maintaining the energy barrier. The fluctuation curve of the barrier was clearly visible, and at the peak of the monster's mental impact, the barrier strength once dropped below the warning line.
"Iron Wall," Wesley looked at the somewhat nervous young man, "Your barrier played a buffering role at a critical moment, especially in protecting The Silent Heart Master while he focused on casting. Although the barrier strength needs to be improved, and stability also needs to be strengthened, your sense of collaboration and positioning were very clear. Remember, in a team, clearly defining your responsibilities and resolutely executing them is equally crucial."
Iron Wall breathed a sigh of relief and nodded vigorously: "Yes, Wesley! I will strengthen my training and improve the barrier's strength and endurance!"
Wesley operated the control panel, bringing up the moment Sandman finally condensed a giant sand blade for the decisive blow. On the screen, the data for sand particle density and energy conduction efficiency soared to a peak, with a note next to it: [Assisted by external activator].
"The final fatal blow, the timing, power, and the use of external assistance, were all just right," Wesley concluded, "But this was built on the foundation of the team's earlier groundwork. The Silent Heart Master's interference created an opening, and Iron Wall's protection allowed the attack to proceed smoothly. Sandman, as the on-site commander, you timely adjusted tactics during the battle and ultimately seized the opportunity; your contribution is undeniable."
He turned off the replay, his gaze sweeping over the three: "This mission exposed problems and also verified the value of team collaboration. Fighting alone, perhaps Sandman could eventually wear down the target with his strength, but it would take longer, carry greater risks, and the collateral damage (especially on the mental level) would be immeasurable. Team collaboration, however, achieved a 1+1+1 > 3 effect, resolving the crisis with higher efficiency and smaller cost."
"The future direction of the association will inevitably be team-based and specialized. The three of you are the pioneers and verifiers of this system," Wesley's tone was solemn, "Next, the association will begin to formulate more detailed team collaboration guidelines, including command authority, communication standards, principles for complementary ability matching, and so on. We hope you can integrate your experiences into them."
Sandman Flint felt this deeply. He was accustomed to solving problems on his own, but this time, he genuinely felt the importance of his teammates. That feeling of entrusting his back to his companions and focusing on his own area of expertise was very reassuring. He looked at the silent The Silent Heart Master and the slightly green Iron Wall beside him, and for the first time, a sense of belonging to a "team" emerged in his heart.
"We understand, Wesley," Sandman responded on behalf of the three, "Team collaboration is indeed better than one person going it alone."
The Silent Heart Master nodded slightly in agreement. Iron Wall even seemed a little excited.
"Very good," Wesley showed a slight smile on his face, "The mission reward points have been distributed according to contribution. The three of you have worked hard, go and rest. The follow-up team training plan will be issued soon."
After the three left the command room, Wesley sent an initial team combat analysis report to Kingpin's terminal.
In the top-floor office, Kingpin quickly scanned the report. His gaze lingered for a moment on keywords such as "The Silent Heart Master's mental force field active infiltration," "Sandman's tactical adjustment," and "Iron Wall's auxiliary positioning," finally settling on the conclusion at the end of the report: [Team collaboration mode initially verified as successful, with extremely high promotion value. Recommend accelerating the establishment of related systems and training frameworks.]
Kingpin closed the report, his gaze turning to the window.
What he needed was never a group of strong individuals fighting independently, but an army that obeyed orders and cooperated seamlessly. The successful collaboration of Sandman, The Silent Heart Master, and Iron Wall marked the association's solid first step from isolated "points" towards weaving into a "net."
The era of individual valor may not completely pass, but systematized, team-based power will undoubtedly become the key to dominating future battlefields.
This first experience of team collaboration was not just a mission victory, but a faint prelude to a new era, slowly playing out before him.
And what he had to do was to make this prelude quickly become a magnificent symphony sweeping the World.