As the balance in the Accumulated Depreciation increases, total assets because Accumulated Depreciation is a -account.

As the balance in the Accumulated Depreciation increases, total assets decrease because Accumulated Depreciation is a contra-asset account.

Here's the step by step explanation:

1. Accumulated Depreciation is a contra-asset account, meaning it is paired with and offsets the asset account it is associated with, in this case, the asset being depreciated.

2. When the balance in the Accumulated Depreciation account increases, it means that the value of the asset is decreasing over time due to wear and tear, usage, or obsolescence. This is the process of depreciation.

3. This increase in Accumulated Depreciation reduces the book value of the asset on the balance sheet.

4. Since assets are a part of the balance sheet equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity), a decrease in assets (due to an increase in Accumulated Depreciation) will result in a decrease in the total assets.

So, in conclusion, as Accumulated Depreciation increases, total assets decrease.