Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 151

The Avand Area League was reaching a fever pitch. After 25 games, the Black Cats had cemented their top position with a record of 22 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, while the Fire Phoenixes trailed in second place with 15 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. The Peace Griffins had surged to third place, boasting 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 6 games, while God’s Knights held fourth place with 14 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses.

Now, Beom-seok needed just 5 and 3 more points to overtake 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Considering the Fire Phoenixes had one game remaining against both him and the Black Cats, and the Peace Griffins had a match scheduled against him, the climb wasn’t insurmountable. If they achieved the desired results in these crucial games, God’s Knights could confidently secure 2nd place.

However, it was crucial to remember that these three teams weren’t the only contenders vying for 2nd place. The Outhill Ghosts, their opponents for today’s away game, currently sat in 5th place with a record of 12 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses. According to Chairman Lucas, Robs, the coach of the Black Cats, considered them a serious threat for 2nd place. This implied that in future games, they might strategically field their second-string players to throw the game and manipulate the standings. If God’s Knights failed to secure a decisive win today, they risked plummeting back to 5th place, as the point difference between them was a mere 2 points.

‘Hmm. So, this is the Outhill Colosseum.’

The Outhill Colosseum was centrally located within the city, yet it possessed a surprisingly rustic charm. Only a handful of high-rise apartments punctuated the skyline, and the surrounding landscape stretched wide open, offering a refreshing vista.

Outlet City, a hub of 1.2 million residents, was a prime example of a city driven by primary industries, with thriving mining, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. A short one-hour boat ride from the eastern port would lead you to rich fishing grounds teeming with valuable catches. The western outskirts of the city were carpeted with expansive wheat fields. And just a brief 2-minute flying car ride away lay Outhill Mountain, renowned since ancient times as a global gold production site.

Beom-seok, after dismounting from Aaron, led the Gladiator Corps towards the Colosseum’s main gate. The local gladiator fans cast sharp, scrutinizing gazes their way, but he remained unfazed. Such behavior was commonplace during away games, and dwelling on every minor detail could negatively impact his focus. Moreover, a strong security presence ensured layers of protection, minimizing the risk of any untoward incidents.

They traversed the dimly lit hallway and settled into the gladiator waiting room. An hour before the match’s commencement, they entered the dugout, diligently preparing for the upcoming battle.

Diana surveyed the stands, packed with 40,000 enthusiastic fans, before addressing the team.

“Okay. Today’s match is a must-win for God’s Knights to solidify their 4th place……”

While she motivated the team with her characteristic eloquence, Beom-seok retreated to the back, retrieved his electronic notebook, and turned on the screen, his gaze fixed upon it. The music program called Music Line was about to air on WBS [a fictional broadcasting station]. He knew he shouldn’t be distracted by external factors before an important match, but today, he couldn’t resist. A segment featuring a rookie artist was scheduled, and Karen would be the star of that segment.

However, he soon set aside the screen and focused on Diana’s words. The program was still in the latter half of the song rankings, so Karen’s performance was still some time away.

“Okay. Everyone, finish preparing and return to your seats!”

As soon as Diana concluded her address, the team members rose from their seats and headed to the dressing room. Beom-seok also gathered his belongings and made his way to the separate temporary dressing room. The presence of external elves like Lilith, Sylvia, and Chiria among today’s participants made sharing a single dressing room impractical.

Just then, Diana approached and spoke to him.

“Master, you know you have to play the free role today, right?”

Beom-seok, having set down his luggage once more, nodded. The Outhill Colosseum’s arena featured hills symbolizing Outhill, the city’s emblem, and a large lake reminiscent of the sea on each side. This unique terrain allowed for diverse strategies, making it difficult to predict the opponent’s approach. They could engage in conventional battles on the central plains, or they could ascend the hill and adopt a defensive posture. Furthermore, the Outhill Ghosts were adept at underwater combat, making it prudent to consider the possibility of them luring their opponents into the lake.

However, seizing control of the lake or the hill first could lead to complications. God’s Knights, lacking extensive experience in league matches, exhibited vulnerabilities in battles within these specific terrains. Ideally, they needed to conclude the game on the plains where it began, or at least establish a numerically advantageous situation.

Therefore, they needed to confine the Outhill Ghosts to the plains, a task complicated by the existence of two distinct options. Blocking one side would simply prompt them to choose the other terrain behind it.

Consequently, someone with exceptional speed and skill was required to play the free role, temporarily obstructing one of the Outhill Ghosts’ paths. This would allow the main force to choose the opposite path, enabling them to respond effectively to the enemy’s sudden maneuvers. And Beom-seok was the most suitable candidate for this role. By adopting a defensive stance, he could delay the opponent until his fellow gladiators arrived to support him.

Of course, if the Outhill Ghosts dispatched a gladiator to intercept him, the plan would be disrupted, but that was acceptable. They wouldn’t send just one gladiator to confront Beom-seok; eliminating them would create a numerically advantageous situation, which was a favorable outcome.

“Hmm. I know.”

“You have to perform well. If you falter, Master, we could face a difficult outcome today. The Outhill Ghosts have never lost at home this season.”

Upon hearing those words, Beom-seok chuckled. Indeed, as Diana pointed out, the Outhill Ghosts had remained undefeated at home this year. However, out of the 12 home games they had played, 8 had ended in draws. The challenging terrain made victories elusive, resulting in frequent draws for both strong and relatively weak teams. The Outhill Ghosts team prioritized avoiding relegation over seeking promotion, leading to a conservative strategy. A common saying in the league held that the team that secured an away win at Outhill would advance to the promotion tournament that year. It was no surprise that the Black Cats, the league’s strongest team from the previous fall season, had recorded their only draw in an away game at the Outhill Colosseum.

The route he had to block was the west side, leading to Outhill hill. If the team that reached the summit first was determined to draw, the round typically ended in a stalemate. The hilltop was encircled by a circular cliff approximately 3 meters high, providing an almost impregnable defense against opponents below. However, Beom-seok, with his agility, had no intention of ceding this strategic location to the Outhill Ghosts.

“Hehe. Don’t worry. They’ll never be able to climb the west hill. If they show any signs of heading that way, I’ll rush over there and claim it first, so don’t worry. You should focus on preventing the other team members from entering the east lake. That’s actually a bigger problem.”

The prevalence of draws in this Colosseum wasn’t solely attributable to the hill. On the east side, a lake reaching chest-deep provided the ideal terrain for the Outhill Ghosts, who excelled in underwater combat. Surrendering this area at the outset would leave God’s Knights with no choice but to concede the round. Recklessly plunging into the lake to secure a win would result in a brutal defeat at the hands of the experienced underwater combat specialists.

“Yes. Don’t worry about that. We have the upper hand in terms of power, so they won’t be able to enter easily.”

“Hmm. So, the problem is still one win?”

Diana nodded.

“That’s right. If we secure the first round wins, the Outhill Ghosts will have no choice but to attack. Then we, with our superior power, can easily defeat them in a ground battle.”

“Then it’s better to take the round we’re going to raise anyway in the first round, right?”

“Yes. It’s easier to play the game that way. But you should never overdo it. If you give up the first round, you can be swayed by the Outhill Ghosts and lose this game.”

“I know. Don’t worry about that.”

Beom-seok patted her on the shoulder and entered the dressing room to don the silver away suit with black stripes.

– Now, the next is Karen from Avand’s new song, ‘Strong Woman’.

Beom-seok, seated on the bench and watching TV, observed the screen with a radiant expression. It was Karen’s turn to present her new song.

– Hello. I’m Karen.

Karen, waving cheerfully, bounded to the center of the stage with lively movements and grasped the microphone. This was the moment when the birth of a new star was predicted. A heartless broadcast announcement echoed through the dugout.

– The game will start soon. The gladiators who will participate in the first round, please stand at the entrance exit.

Beom-seok, his face contorted with conflict, hesitated for a moment before lowering the screen just as she was about to sing. Just as Karen was realizing her dream as a singer, he had to dedicate himself to propelling God’s Knights to 2nd place in the league. He couldn’t jeopardize today’s crucial game for a TV program that he could watch online later.

He picked up the katana and bow he had placed next to the bench and headed outside. He usually carried two katanas, but the unique characteristics of this game made a bow a more valuable asset.

In reality, the bow wasn’t a primary weapon in gladiator matches confined to a space with a 100-meter diameter. The process of retrieving an arrow from the quiver, tightening the string, aiming, and shooting consumed valuable time. Regardless of the distance between formations at opposite ends of the stadium, an elf with exceptional physical abilities could swiftly close the gap and deliver a sword strike. Moreover, each gladiator could only carry 8 arrows, limiting their ranged attacks.

However, today, the bow’s utility was amplified by the terrain. If an unfavorable situation arose and the Outhill Ghosts seized control of key areas, the bow could play a crucial role in attacking or dislodging the opponent. On a cliff atop a hill, where numerous individuals were confined to a limited space, or in a lake where movement was restricted, a well-aimed arrow could prove fatal.

‘Okay. Shall we go?’

He positioned the gladiators participating in the first round in the entrance tunnel and approached Chiria. As the team’s most skilled archer, she would be a valuable asset today.

“Chiria. Try to rely on your teammates as much as possible and avoid all-out battles. In case of emergency, your archery skills will be needed.”

She nodded immediately, indicating her understanding. She had heard these instructions repeatedly from Diana, the director, during their journey here.

“Yes. I understand.”

Beom-seok, satisfied with her response, took his place at the front and awaited the entrance signal. Moments later, an in-house broadcast urged them to enter, and they stepped into the stadium.

“Woo-hoo~ God’s Knights, today is your memorial day!”

“Our Outhill Ghosts will tear your bones apart!”

Harsh jeers from the home fans rained down upon God’s Knights, a typical atmosphere for an away game. However, Beom-seok possessed a resilient personality, like a spring that rebounded with greater force when compressed. The insults directed at him fueled his anger and fighting spirit, significantly enhancing his performance.

‘Just you wait. You’ll witness the humiliation that awaits the Outhill Ghosts you’re cheering for.’

God’s Knights and the Outhill Ghosts, facing each other on the central plains, drew their melee weapons and assumed a confrontational stance. With the game commencing 10 meters from the center, they were poised for close-quarters combat from the outset.

The moment Beom-seok veered away from the formation to the left, a long whistle pierced the air.

Bweeek!

– The game begins!

Instantly, the Outhill Ghosts surged towards the east. With Beom-seok, known for his speed and skill, guarding the west side where Outhill was situated, they seemed intent on engaging in battle near the lake. However, the gladiators of God’s Knights swiftly intercepted their advance. The team’s overall athleticism contributed to their rapid movement, but their pre-planned strategy to defend the east side was the primary factor, allowing them to move decisively.

Soon, they collided, initiating a fierce clash.

Chang. Changchang. Kkang!

“Everyone, make a dissolution formation [a tactical maneuver to break up the formation]!”

The captain of the Outhill Ghosts, Gladiator No. 7, shouted loudly, issuing tactical instructions to his teammates. To effectively counter God’s Knights’ superior power, they needed to reach the lake as quickly as possible. Prolonged combat on the plains would likely result in significant losses.

In an instant, the Outhill Ghosts’ formation split into two distinct groups. As part of their strategy to reach the lake, they began to spread to the left and right of the God’s Knights formation, attempting to encircle them.

At this, Erpina shouted loudly to her teammates.

“We too! Make a dissolution formation!”

Soon, the gladiators of God’s Knights, mirroring their opponents, marked the groups of Outhill Ghosts gladiators who had broken away. Leaving them unchecked would allow the Outhill Ghosts to link up on both sides and advance into the lake. Diana had anticipated and prepared for this strategy, a common tactic employed by their opponents.