Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 281

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“So, are you saying the deal is off?”

Brahim nodded in response to Bumseok’s words.

“Yes, that’s right. Both the coach and the management are against it. In this situation, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Then, what are your thoughts on this, Mr. Brahim?”

Brahim looked him in the eye and said,

“Actually, I share the same opinion as the others. I’m not really keen on selling Lenka to the God Knights.”

“Why is that?”

“To be honest, it just feels unsettling.”

Bumseok looked dumbfounded.

“Are you saying you feel uneasy about selling Lenka to me? Is it because of the fans’ outcry?”

“Yes, roughly.”

“But if Lenka were sold for 400 million Krang [currency in this world], wouldn’t the fans understand? No matter how much the fans love her, I think they can understand if a lot of funds come in and the team develops.”

“Of course, that’s not wrong. But not all fans think the same way. Someone will definitely object, and when problems arise later, they’ll rush in to complain. We’re worried about that kind of situation.”

“Problems? What exactly do you mean?”

Brahim’s eyes narrowed, and he spoke as if he had made up his mind.

“A prime example is Nikita, who is currently playing for the God Knights.”

“What about Nikita?”

“I don’t know if Bumseok knows, but Nikita’s recent performance has been widely discussed in the duel scene. She was only a W3-level duelist [Duelist ranking], but now she’s performing like a W0-level duelist in the God Knights. As a result, her former team, Menex Odin’s, has been criticized by jealous fans for not recognizing her talent and selling her off cheaply. Of course, if it were just this once, we could understand it as a coincidence, but isn’t it the case that all the duelists recruited into the God Knights have shown successful growth and have become outstanding duelists that other teams covet? In this situation, you’re willing to buy Lenka for more than her actual value, so wouldn’t we be anxious? Here’s a question for you. Why are the God Knights so insistent on buying Lenka for 400 million? Frankly, with that money, you could buy about two duelists of Lenka’s caliber.”

Bumseok seemed flustered and couldn’t answer immediately. It was difficult to give a clear answer to that question. The fact that he said he would buy Lenka for 400 million meant that he valued her even more than that. Besides, it was doubtful whether he could get away with making up some plausible excuse. In this case, neither a direct approach nor a detour would work. They were simply afraid of Lenka going to the God Knights.

‘I wondered why they were making flimsy excuses and hesitating to sell Lenka. Judging from their tone, Fire Hawks seems to be worried about her playing for the God Knights. It’s a typical case of self-preservation. But why are they being so cautious? Menex Odin’s may be getting flak because of Nikita, but that’s also because I bought her cheaply. I’m offering twice Lenka’s original value.’

Bumseok decided to continue the conversation and look for clues. To successfully conclude today’s negotiation, he needed to find out why they were being so cautious. Only then could he persuade them and steer this trade in a positive direction.

“Well, it’s because Lenka is exactly what I’m looking for.”

“In what way? Talent? Skill?”

“Those aspects too, but what I’m really interested in is something different.”

“Really? What is it?”

“It’s hard to put my finger on it, but it’s related to the improvement of my skills.”

“What does her recruitment have to do with Mr. Bumseok’s skill improvement?”

“If I could tell you that, I would. It’s just a feeling, so it’s hard to explain in detail.”

Brahim’s expression changed, showing his perplexity. He had never seen a team recruit a duelist based on a feeling. He couldn’t tell whether this person was telling the truth or making fun of him.

“Are you kidding me?”

“Have you ever seen someone bet 400 million Krang on a joke? Absolutely not.”

Certainly, no one would joke around with such a large sum. Whether it was true or not, it was certain that Bumseok recognized a special ability in Lenka that Fire Hawks didn’t know about.

“So, can I assume that Lenka won’t perform any better in the God Knights than she does now?”

Bumseok scratched his neck and avoided his gaze. Since she would be given the same ability [Bumseok’s unique ability], there would definitely be an improvement in her skills. But if he said that, they would be reluctant to sell, and if he kept silent, bad rumors would spread later, so he hesitated.

After a moment of contemplation, he decided to tell a truth mixed with some lies, knowing that the recruitment of duelists would not end with this one.

“To be honest, there is potential for improvement. That’s because she’s not showing her full potential right now.”

“Lenka? Are you implying that she’s planning to go to the Walker Auction Market [Black market for duelists]?”

“No. How old is she? Why would she be doing that kind of thing now? Lenka is not bringing out her full strength.”

Brahim tilted his head, unable to understand.

“She’s not bringing out her original strength? Why?”

“Strictly speaking, it’s a mental issue. She’s the type who can’t exert her full strength without an owner, like Nikita.”

“But isn’t that something all Elves experience? The difference in ability between Elves with and without owners has already been proven. Why are you applying that standard specifically to Lenka?”

“Of course, that’s true. However, just as each Elf has their own personality, there’s a difference in degree.”

Brahim glanced at him, seemingly understanding the meaning.

“Are you saying Lenka is particularly affected by this?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

He stared at Bumseok for a moment, then nodded. It was somewhat convincing. Even within the Fire Hawks team, there were duelists who actively participated in matches, while others tried to slack off whenever they had the chance. And the person who mentioned this was none other than Bumseok. His talent for identifying duelists had spread widely in this field, so he had some trust in him. According to what he had found out, Bumseok had never made a losing trade.

He asked again.

“Is there no way to fix it?”

“There is. It’s to have her gain an owner.”

“You know that’s difficult, don’t you? Is there no other way?”

“Absolutely not. How can you solve a problem caused by not serving an owner with other means?”

At his firm words, Brahim stroked his chin and began to ponder. If that was the case, it was right to sell Lenka. Fire Hawks had no way to solve her mental problems. If they forced her to gain an owner, other Elves might learn from her and try to pull tricks. It would be better for the team to sell her to the God Knights at a high price and use that money to buy several outstanding duelists.

The problem was this chairman. He was so greedy that he couldn’t stand losing money, and he was easily swayed by others. At first, he would be happy that he sold Lenka at a high price, but if fans protested after seeing her perform in the God Knights, they would be subjected to all sorts of criticism. Several trade managers and directors had been fired in this way before. If Lenka entered the God Knights and showed off her outstanding skills, his current position would be in danger.

“I, I see. But we can’t have Lenka, who is the team’s property, gain an owner. This is….”

“Then sell her to me.”

“That’s a bit difficult. We have our own circumstances.”

Bumseok’s eyes lit up. He realized that he was getting to the heart of the matter.

“What circumstances?”

“It’s a bit difficult for me to say.”

“Then I’ll be disappointed. I’ve been honest about my purpose in recruiting Lenka, even knowing that I’ll be at a loss. But Mr. Brahim is not even willing to tell me the reason for the refusal. Would I be happy? Or sad?”

Brahim hesitated. It seemed difficult to reveal the team’s weaknesses to the outside. But Bumseok had also honestly stated the reason for recruiting Lenka, even at the cost of a loss. It would be impolite to remain silent here.

“Then, promise me that you won’t disclose what I’m going to say today to the outside. I’ll be in trouble.”

“Yes, of course, I will.”

He explained his current situation in detail. It was about the chairman, and it was almost like a complaint.

After listening to everything, Bumseok sighed deeply.

“So, you’re saying you’re reluctant to sell because you’re worried about the chairman’s reaction?”

“I’m ashamed, but that’s right.”

“Then how are you going to run a professional duel team? When you trade, you can make a profit or a loss. If you hold them accountable for every little thing, who would be brave enough to trade?”

“That’s why our team actively operates teams for those under 8 years old and fills the duelists by recruiting promising players. The probability of loss is extremely low.”

Bumseok could only move his lips as if he had nothing to say. He wondered why he was being so cautious. It was not easy to find a way to proceed with negotiations in this situation. Brahim knew that both teams would benefit if this deal was concluded, but he was reluctant because he was afraid of the chairman’s impulsive actions.

However, when he thought about it, it wasn’t impossible. Judging from his current situation, his loyalty to the team would be low, and if he exploited this point, he could conclude the deal with a high probability. However, the problem was that it would involve some underhanded tactics.

“Then, would the deal be concluded if Mr. Brahim took all the responsibility?”

Brahim stared at Bumseok with wide eyes. The reason he was trying to break off the deal was for his own safety, but now he was being asked to take all the responsibility alone, which was absurd.

“W, what are you talking about? Why should I take responsibility?”

“Because Mr. Brahim won’t suffer any loss even if he quits the team.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you can change jobs. In other words, you’re getting a better job.”

Brahim swallowed hard. He had thought more than once that it would be better to move to another team than to live an unstable life in this team. However, he had remained on the team because he had never had the opportunity.

“Are you saying that the God Knights will accept me?”

Bumseok immediately shook his hand. That could cause problems in the future and would be a major violation of the team’s operating philosophy. He absolutely forbade the entry of men into the team.

“No. Then the Fire Hawks team might look at us with suspicion.”

“Then?”

“Actually, I have several acquaintances in the duel world, and I think I can put in a good word for you. They all owe me a lot.”

“Who are they?”

“Chairman Louis of the Louis faction and the Chaplin family. Inspector Lexter of the Blue Bird team.”

Brahim knew Louis and the Chaplin family very well. The teams they owned were popular among office workers in the same field because of their salaries and recognition. And the Blue Bird team was a rising new team, and its growth potential was better than that of the Fire Hawks team.

“So, you’re saying I’m going to move to a team owned by them?”

“If you want. And I’ll introduce you to two promising duelist prospects. These kids currently have the ability of Wide Riggers [A type of duelist], but they have more growth potential than Lenka. If the Fire Hawks team sells Lenka to me, use some of that money to buy these kids. Then they’ll grow up to be a great help to the team in the future.”

“Really? But why are you trying to hand those kids over to Fire Hawks?”

Bumseok smiled slyly. The kids he would introduce in the future had good growth potential, but their personalities were not good. Bumseok, who was planning to make the God Knights the strongest team, had no reason to recruit such kids. So, he was going to use them to make this deal happen.

“It’s very simple. If Brahim is prepared to be fired and makes this deal happen, Fire Hawks will benefit greatly. In other words, Brahim is working hard for the team and then gets fired.”

Brahim looked at Bumseok with a newfound admiration. He was now offering the sweet fruit of a job change and even giving him a reason to eat it with dignity. If he could make this deal happen, he and Fire Hawks would both benefit, so it couldn’t be called an act of betrayal at all. There was no need to feel any guilt.

“Mr. Bumseok, you have not only the talent as a duelist but also the ability that a manager should have. I am impressed. I wondered how the God Knights grew so quickly.”

“So, are you going to work hard for this deal?”

It was difficult to answer right away. Although it was a tempting offer, it was a serious decision that would determine his future, so he needed to be careful.

“Well, I’m hesitant to decide right now. Can you give me some time to think about it?”

“Of course, I should. I’ll contact you in a week, so please give me a definite answer by then.”

“Yes, I will. Thank you for understanding.”

After that, they shared a meal and had some simple small talk. After parting ways, Bumseok told Esther to prepare about 2 million Krang in well-laundered cash. The rice cake needs to have extra ingredients to deepen the flavor [Slang for bribe].

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

Whew~ I don’t know why there were so many parts to fix today. Usually, it takes less than an hour, but today it took over 2 hours. I guess I’ve been having a lot of random thoughts lately.

Then, everyone have a good day, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.