Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 402

A chilly wind blew, marking the arrival of late November. The surrounding mountains stood bare, stripped by the cold of winter and the dry air.

Beom-seok, clad in a tracksuit, emerged from his accommodation, stretched expansively, and began a light warm-up. He planned a short jog to shake off the lingering sleepiness. Soon, he descended to the track alongside the path connecting the accommodations and started running at a leisurely pace.

The Gods Knights, having completed league games up to the 16th round, held 6th place with a record of 7 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. Their relatively high ranking despite a roughly 50% win rate stemmed from the top teams dominating with decisive victories.

Chaplin Whisper, currently leading the league, boasted an impressive 15 wins and 1 draw, while Forest in second place held 13 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. Real Heroes closely trailed in third with 13 wins and 3 losses, and last year’s champions, the Ancient Warriors, remained formidable in 4th place with 11 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, even without Prisika. This disparity arose because major gladiators were concentrated in the top teams, leaving the mid- and lower-ranked teams struggling to accumulate points.

It was a harsh reality for those teams unable to reach the summit, a consequence of participating in a completely free competition system heavily influenced by capital.

‘7 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses… Not bad.’

A smile touched Beom-seok’s face as he jogged. He wasn’t necessarily pleased with the 6th place ranking, but rather expressing anticipation for the win rate the Gods Knights had achieved this year.

It wasn’t an outstanding record, but the 7 draws they had secured were mostly the result of closely contested matches. If the Gods Knights’ promising players continued to develop and they recruited useful gladiators like Yosiah, those 1-point draws could transform into 3-point victories.

That opened the possibility of competing for the championship against the top-ranked teams.

‘The problem is that competing for the championship won’t be easy.’

Beom-seok believed securing the top spot next season was within reach. Lenka, whose trait was ‘Response of Origin,’ would generate substantial revenue, exceeding 4 billion clang [currency unit], while simultaneously enhancing her skills by leveraging other traits. Additionally, Jelsomina, who had been hospitalized to give birth to his child, would soon return, promising a boost in performance.

Furthermore, the promising players would experience rapid growth through their participation in this year’s World League, and the team would recruit excellent gladiators, bolstering the Gods Knights’ strength to rival that of a top-tier gladiator team.

However, winning the championship presented the significant challenge of surpassing Chaplin Whisper. Maintaining their current trajectory offered the Gods Knights little chance of victory. To claim the championship outright, they needed to inflict a defeat upon Chaplin Whisper during the season.

‘Whew~ Now is not the time to worry about next season.’

Beom-seok immediately shook his head. They were scheduled to face the Dark Hyenas in the 17th game this weekend.

Currently, the Dark Hyenas held 5th place in the league with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses. A victory for the Gods Knights would elevate them to joint 5th place, allowing them to enter the next spring season with a more stable record.

If the Gods Knights successfully maintained their position this year and ranked within the top 7, they would receive a bonus of 600 million from Chaplin Electronics.

‘Whew~ Dark Hyenas are not an easy team either….’

They were currently ranked 5th, and the Dark Hyenas had Zakid. Comparing his skills to Beom-seok’s, they were nearly equal, making for a close match where either could emerge victorious.

While Beom-seok had suffered a severe defeat in the past, his physical abilities were then lacking, leaving him vulnerable. Although his physical abilities still tended to be somewhat low, he believed he could compensate with his experience.

The main concern lay with the other gladiators. The Hyenas Group had recently invested heavily and continued to recruit useful gladiators. Furthermore, the addition of two cyborgs, Hamilton and Wang, had significantly bolstered their strength.

‘Hamilton and Wang… These guys are not easy either.’

Hamilton and Wang were promising players who emerged from the Newcomer Draft hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism [a government organization] 3 and 4 years prior, respectively. They were highly attractive prospects with potential in the 900s and ability-enhancing traits. But why didn’t the Gods Knights recruit them? Because they were men. He had no intention of bringing men into the team, no matter what.

They joined Dark Hyenas last year. While still lacking in physical development, their mental fortitude had grown, and their swordsmanship was excellent, making them formidable opponents. Moreover, a professional physical trainer with a trait similar to Elin’s was providing them with individual instruction, accelerating their growth.

‘Anyway, this Remrant is a headache.’

Following the success of Beom-seok and Jelsomina, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism scouted a significant number of people from the Kendo [traditional Japanese martial art of swordsmanship] world as Newcomer Draft targets. While gladiators in the academy possessed knowledge of the gladiator games, they were far superior in terms of swordsmanship.

Rules and positional roles could be easily learned after a few years of experience, but swordsmanship was not. The skill gap between someone who had trained for decades and a student who learned through academy sports was vast.

Even though the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was an organization for the public good, it was inevitable that they would turn their attention to experienced swordsmen in the gladiator world in order to succeed in their business.

As a result, many individuals from the Kendo world entered the gladiator arena through the Newcomer Draft, with Hamilton and Wang leading the charge. They possessed strong growth potential and exceptional swordsmanship. However, they greatly respected Remrant, a veteran of the Kendo world who had previously served as the president of the World Kendo Association.

They readily accepted the call as long as the conditions were met, and they were reborn as the core future force of Dark Hyenas. In addition, gladiators from the Kendo world with good growth potential are constantly joining the Hyenas Group’s gladiator team, so it was thought that Beom-seok’s biggest rival in a few years would be Dark Hyenas.

‘It’s not just this. Dark Hyenas also has a number of outstanding Elf gladiators in addition to Zakid and them.’

Currently, Dark Hyenas boasted a number of outstanding Elf gladiators in addition to Hamilton and Wang. These included Iena, ranked 22nd, Yaoi, ranked 26th, and Iraia, ranked 37th, as well as Rabia, Lairin, Epel, and Heres, who were W1 level [gladiator tier]. Furthermore, they possessed a considerable number of W2 level gladiators, making them a force to be reckoned with.

However, Beom-seok found encouragement in the fact that the overall strength difference between them and the Gods Knights was minimal. The Gods Knights also had three W0 level gladiators and five W1 level gladiators, along with a significant number of W2 level gladiators. They were by no means easily defeated.

“Well. Who is stronger will be decided this weekend.”

Having reached a calm conclusion, Beom-seok continued his run on the track. After a few more laps, he noticed people approaching from the accommodation and greeted them with a bright expression. It was Margaret on her way to work.

After nearly being killed by Chairman Lucas, she was staying at the secure Gods Knights training camp. The company’s security guards provided round-the-clock protection, and world-class gladiators resided in the accommodation.

Moreover, the room was spacious and comfortable, a welcome change for Margaret, who had lived a modest life in the past.

Margaret greeted Beom-seok warmly as he approached.

“Beom-seok. Are you doing morning exercise?”

“Yeah. Are you going to work now?”

“Yes.”

He glanced at the four Elves lined up behind Margaret. They were bodyguards from MR Security, and they always accompanied her to and from work.

Beom-seok turned his attention back to her and said.

“Yeah. You’re doing well. Always bring a bodyguard when you go to and from work.”

Margaret sighed deeply at his words. She felt somewhat uncomfortable receiving such special protection. When venturing into the city, she often felt people staring at her, and she felt guilty that the company’s funds seemed to be used for her personally. Furthermore, she felt a sense of restricted freedom, which occasionally annoyed her.

“Whew~ But it’s still uncomfortable. It’s embarrassing when people stare at me, and I feel sorry that the company’s manpower seems to be used for my personal use.”

“Hahaha. But I can’t help it. The Black Society is still maintaining its organization, so we still need to be careful. And MR Security, which you manage, is a security company that also provides security services. But what if the president is kidnapped and murdered? Of course, the company’s reputation will plummet. A dog that can’t even protect its own house is unlikely to protect other people’s houses properly. So, the fact that you are being protected now can be said to be for the company.

You have to accept it as president, even if it’s annoying.”

Margaret conceded, acknowledging the logic in his reasoning.

“I guess so. If the president is kidnapped again, the company’s reputation will be completely ruined.”

“Yeah. Well, then I’ll take you to the parking lot, so go to work quickly.”

With that, Beom-seok entered the unmanned electric car that was approaching the road and seated Margaret beside him. He hadn’t yet made her his lover, so he welcomed any opportunity to converse with her and increase her favorability.

Soon, they sped off towards the parking lot. Margaret, feeling the cold wind, adjusted her collar and said.

“By the way, Beom-seok. How is the Black Society doing these days?”

She had recently developed a greater interest in the Black Society. Previously, she had only infiltrated their system and hacked it at Beom-seok’s request, but her perspective shifted after her life was threatened. Margaret now harbored a deep grudge against the Black Society, just like him.

Knowing this, Beom-seok calmly replied.

“The Black Society will probably be dismantled soon.”

“Really? The Black Society is quite a large organization, isn’t it?”

“Hmm. That’s true, but they’ve made too many enemies. Very great people. There’s no way to deal with it when they attack in alliance.”

Margaret understood this as well. Beom-seok had recently requested data from her to send to the Chaplin family.

It concerned the corruption of Zeta Investment & Securities, a company affiliated with the Black Society, and their investment and fund-related data. The Chaplin family, a traditional wealthy family with immense accumulated wealth, wielded considerable power in the economic sphere.

With the Ilsim Association [a powerful organization] and even economic organizations arrayed against them, the Black Society faced enemies on all fronts.

“I know that too. But the Black Society is also a group with considerable power. It won’t fall easily.”

“Huhu. That’s when they’re cooperating with each other. If they’re torn apart, they’ll just turn into sand grains. Probably many Black Society members will abandon the organization and surrender soon. Then it’s over.”

“Really? Why do you think they’ll scatter?”

The reason was simple. Once the Chaplin Group absorbed the five groups they were targeting, the economic organizations and the Ilsim Association would launch an all-out assault on their companies. Simultaneously, they would negotiate and entice Black Society members to defect, effectively ending the organization.

Faced with the prospect of losing the companies they had built over a lifetime, a significant number of Black Society members would likely abandon the organization. While some would remain loyal, the Black Society’s resistance would be greatly diminished.

They would inevitably face destruction due to these concentrated attacks.

However, he couldn’t reveal this to Margaret just yet. It wasn’t a matter of trust, but rather the presence of the Elf bodyguards riding with them.

“It’s difficult to say that now, so I’ll explain it to you when we meet separately later. It’s a bit sensitive.”

Margaret nodded, noticing Beom-seok’s glance at the bodyguards. If the topic was sensitive, it was best not to discuss it in front of others.

“Yes. I understand.”

Beom-seok changed the subject.

“By the way, how is MR Security’s growth? I know it’s been growing quite a bit lately?”

“Yes. Our Ilsim Association members are actively signing contracts. Probably by the end of next year, most of the 80 teams will have security contracts with us.”

Beom-seok looked surprised. Despite being members of the same organization, they each had their own individual circumstances. Securing security contracts with MR Security from most of them was a difficult task.

“Really? Has our Ilsim Association members’ loyalty to the organization increased that much?”

“Huhu. That’s true, but that’s not the only reason. Everyone has a different intention.”

“What intention?”

“In a word, it’s money.”

Beom-seok looked at her, taken aback. Security contracts represented an expense.

“No, how do our Ilsim Association members make money by signing a contract with MR Planning?”

“It’s simple. Ilsim Association members bought a lot of our stock. So, if they sign a contract with us, MR Planning’s sales will increase, so the stock price will naturally rise and they will make money. Also, they all have gladiator teams. Of course, there will be retiring Elves, and if they hire them at our company, they will make money again.”

Beom-seok smiled helplessly, realizing once again the fundamental principles of the world.

The saying that money makes money held true here. The Ilsim Association members would establish a relationship with MR Security in this way, effectively channeling a significant portion of the expenses back into their own pockets. But it didn’t matter.

MR Security grew as a result, and Beom-seok also profited. It was always best to live harmoniously in the world.

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

I went to my older brother’s funeral today. When I heard the story, I was caught off guard and was very upset. It may seem a bit unfilial, but we should always prepare for family events like this.

Then everyone have a nice weekend. I’ll see you again tomorrow.