Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 432

434

It was a sunny midday. After finishing training and heading to the cafeteria for a meal, Bumseok took out his electronic notebook from his bag upon hearing the notification sound and turned on the screen.

– It’s been a while.

The caller was none other than Clark, the national team coach. Bumseok, tilting his head at the unexpected call, asked,

“What’s the matter?”

– Are you free the day after tomorrow?

“The day after tomorrow? Why?”

– I need you to come with me to Senoside.

Bumseok looked at him with a troubled expression. Traveling for an extended period during the season was something he wanted to avoid at all costs, as the jet lag would accumulate a lot of fatigue.

“Coach, are you aware that it’s the middle of the season?”

– Of course, I know. But this is a very important event for the Avand national team.

Bumseok sighed deeply. If that was the case, there was nothing he could do. It was better to participate in a major event for the national team. If the media found out about this and wrote negative articles, it would be quite a headache.

“Sigh~ If that’s the case, I have no choice, but what exactly is it about?”

– In a week, the final presentation and selection process for the World Cup finals venue will begin in Senoside. I would like you to participate in this.

He crossed his arms with a meaningful expression. Unlike reality, the venue for the World Cup finals here was decided very late.

This is because the hosting rights are given to one of the teams that make it to the final 32. This is largely due to the fact that all regional governments have sufficient facilities to host the sporting event.

Thanks to this, the selected region could host a global event without any special investment and could secure enormous revenue.

“I see. But isn’t it highly likely that our Avand will get the hosting rights? One of the customs for selecting a venue is that it’s usually given to the region that has hosted the World Cup the least.”

– Well, that’s true. Avand, which has been on the fringes of the gladiatorial world until now, has never hosted the World Cup before. In fact, this is our first time even advancing to the World Cup finals. But unfortunately, there are three other regions like us this time.

“Really? That’s quite a few. But considering the past cases, isn’t it true that regions with strong teams have an advantage in the selection? Our Avand team is clearly one of the teams aiming to win the World Cup.”

– That’s true. But the problem is that our strong competitor is the Arkan regional government. They have also never hosted the World Cup finals.

Bumseok clicked his tongue as if embarrassed. The members of the Arkan regional government team were mostly gladiators belonging to Chaplin Whisper. Naturally, they were in a better position in terms of strength than the Avand national team, whose main members were God Knights gladiators.

“Tch. Then our chances of being selected are greatly reduced.”

– It seems so. They seem to be lobbying by mobilizing Amelie as well.

“Then let’s postpone the World Cup hosting to four years later. By then, our God Knights will be much stronger, so the chances of being selected will be very high. Plus, we can greatly increase our chances of winning by taking advantage of being at home. What do you think?”

Clark calmly shook his head. He also thought it would be better to do so, but the situation was not favorable.

This was because the regional government’s cabinet had a term of four years, and general elections were to be held next year. Naturally, the Social Democratic Party, which currently controlled the Avand government’s parliament and regional prime minister, wanted to create something to appeal to the citizens, and one of these was hosting a major global event in the region.

– I wish I could, but it’s difficult because of political issues. The regional government is actively lobbying in all directions, so the Avand Professional Gladiator Association can’t just sit back and do nothing, can we? In fact, it was a high-ranking official from the regional government who insisted on urgently inviting you.

“Sigh~ If that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do. If I don’t attend, I’ll feel uneasy.”

– Haha. That could be the case. So, are you going to attend?

“Yes, I have to. Where should I go?”

– Come to the Avand Professional Gladiator Association office by 6 PM the day after tomorrow.

“Yes, I understand. I’ll see you then.”

After ending the call, Bumseok looked at Diana, who was standing behind him. Although there were still two days left, he thought it was necessary to tell her in advance since he would likely miss at least one match. While walking to have a meal, he explained the situation to Diana in detail and asked her to prepare for it.

“Bumseok! This way!”

Two days later, Bumseok, who had gone to the Avand Professional Gladiator Association building, could see Coach Clark waiting for him at the entrance. Feeling a friendly air about his face, Bumseok tilted his head.

That man wasn’t usually like that. He was usually a nag, like a spinster over 40.

Moreover, he had arrived slightly late than the appointed time, applying Korean time. Naturally, Bumseok couldn’t help but feel strange.

“What. Did you have to come all the way out here? You could have just waited inside.”

“I can’t do that when I’m asking for a favor. Anyway, let’s go inside.”

“Sure.”

As Bumseok sized him up, Clark quietly opened his mouth.

“There’s someone you need to meet inside, so be careful with your actions.”

“Who is it?”

“You’ll see when you get there.”

Upon entering, a group of people filled the lobby. Since most of them were familiar faces, Bumseok nodded lightly and approached. At this moment, Clark gestured to a blond man nearby and then stepped back.

“Then, good luck. I have some business to take care of.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

The blond man who had been called hurriedly ran out and approached him, offering a handshake.

“Hello, Mr. Bumseok. How have you been?”

Bumseok looked at him with a bewildered expression. He felt strange because a complete stranger was greeting him so warmly. However, since fans often approached him in this way, he responded calmly.

“Ah, yes. I’ve been well. But who are you?”

“Ah, I’m Ross.”

Bumseok scratched his head, wondering if he had heard the name somewhere. But soon, he remembered who he was and wore a complex expression. Although he had never met him in person, he knew him very well.

He was one of the Avand branch members of the Ibrahim faction, and he had once tried to sabotage God Knights’ promotion evaluation when they were first advancing as professionals.

‘This is driving me crazy. How should I respond?’

It was truly ironic. He didn’t know how to deal with the fact that he had to face his past enemy so warmly. However, since he was currently maintaining a friendly relationship with the Ibrahim faction and Ross was bowing so deeply, he couldn’t just rebuke him. He relaxed his expression and shook his hand.

“Ah, Mr. Ross. Anyway, it’s nice to meet you.”

Ross’s expression brightened greatly as Bumseok greeted him without showing hostility. He had been worried that he might be harboring resentment from the past, but now he was relieved.

Bumseok was the chairman of God Knights, a top World League team, and he also owned about 80 individual gladiator teams through Ilsimhoe [a business conglomerate]. In addition, he had a huge influence on the business world, and according to rumors heard by journalists, he had recently manipulated the dismantling of the Black Society, a massive economic organization, from behind. He also had a close relationship with the Lewis faction, one of the three major forces in the professional gladiatorial world, and had built a considerable friendship with Angela, the head of a minor faction.

Thanks to this, Chairman Ibrahim was also paying special attention to him and had instructed him to be careful. If he had been dissatisfied with him, the Ibrahim faction might have pruned Ross [removed him from his position].

Then he would have had to leave Avand, his hometown and base, without a doubt.

“Ah, yes. Please come this way. There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

As Bumseok followed, Ross pushed through the people gathered in the lobby and walked towards the back. There, a man in his 40s wearing a dignified charcoal gray suit was standing, guarded by several people who appeared to be aides and association officials.

The first to react was Ervin, who was currently the chairman of the Avand Professional Gladiator Association. He was also a member of the Ibrahim faction, and as Ross and Bumseok approached, he quickly said to the man in the charcoal gray suit.

“There. Gladiator Oh Bumseok is coming.”

“I see.”

Guided to stand in front of them, Bumseok looked at the man in the charcoal gray suit and promptly greeted him. He knew him well. He was Simon, the regional minister of culture and sports for Avand. Judging by his rank, he seemed to be the overall leader of this group.

“Hello, Minister Simon.”

“It’s Bumseok. It’s really nice to meet you.”

After exchanging greetings, they spent some time chatting.

Although they were familiar with each other through TV, this was the first time they had met in person. Although Bumseok was the chairman of a famous gladiator team, he had no interest in politics and did not participate in any political events. He only provided legal political funds to the extent that it did not cause problems and kept his distance from the political world.

However, Simon, the regional minister of culture and sports, couldn’t help but be very curious about Bumseok. Thanks to him, Avand’s sports scene had become widely known around the world, and his administrative performance was being highly recognized.

As such, having a World League team in a major sport was a happy thing for the local community. The reason why Avand was a strong candidate to host the World Cup finals this time was precisely because of the existence of God Knights.

“Hahaha. Thanks to you, my resume has been greatly helped. Anyway, now that we’ve met and become acquainted, I should treat you to a meal soon.”

“Hahaha. If it’s free, I’ll go eat.”

At that moment, Ervin, who was looking at his watch, whispered to Simon.

“Minister, it’s time to leave.”

“Ah. Is that so? I see.”

Simon, who was about to move his steps with his hands behind his back, looked at Bumseok.

“Are you going to come with me?”

“Well, there’s no reason not to.”

“Then follow me. I have something to talk about regarding this matter while we go.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Soon, he went outside with Simon and boarded the minister’s exclusive vehicle that was waiting. And as this car soared into the sky, the vehicles of the World Cup finals hosting campaign headquarters members began to follow behind.

Around the time Bumseok’s car entered a stable orbit, Simon said with a meaningful face.

“Bumseok, what do you think of the chances of hosting the World Cup this time?”

“Well, I don’t pay much attention to it, so I don’t really know. To be honest, I only found out that the hosting competition was fierce when I received a call from Coach Clark the day before yesterday.”

“I see.”

Bumseok cast a subtle glance at Simon and said.

“But what’s the situation like?”

“Hmm. It’s not very good. We’re being greatly pushed back by the Arkan regional government in many ways.”

Simon began to explain the current situation.

The selection of the World Cup finals venue was decided by a vote of 55 people, including 32 regional associations that participated in this World Cup finals and 23 key figures from the Federal Professional Gladiator Association. Currently, the most likely regions to be selected as the venue were Arkan, Avand, Temoria, and Brak.

All of them were regional teams that were participating in the World Cup finals for the first time, and their competition to host the event was very fierce.

But the team that was clearly in the lead here was the Arkan regional government. The Chaplin Group was providing full support and helping the government, and the Lewis faction, which was trying to bring the gladiatorial world in this region under its control, was also actively involved.

In addition, since Chaplin Whisper was running in first place in this World League, which no one could surpass, the response from the voting group was also very good.

Of course, Avand was also actively participating to the extent that the regional minister, Simon, was stepping forward, so they were putting up a good fight. But they couldn’t beat the Arkan regional government, which was receiving active support from a leading faction.

“Vice Chairman Lewis’s faction is helping the Arkan regional government?”

“That’s right. It seems Vice Chairman Lewis has quite a close relationship with the Chaplin family.”

“Well, the chairman of the Chaplin Group and he are alumni from the same school, and they still meet and maintain their friendship.”

“Hmm. I’ve heard that story too.”

Bumseok, clicking his tongue, looked at Simon.

“Then let’s grab a faction too. They grabbed one, so there’s no reason why we can’t.”

“But it’s not an easy task. The selection of the World Cup finals venue is a major event for the local community, so they are reluctant to get actively involved. It could be an opportunity for their faction’s authority to be reduced in the competing region. If the Avand, Temoria, and Brak regions were not regions of the Ibrahim faction and Cooper faction’s power, the Lewis faction would not have easily helped the Arkan regional government. You might be able to attract some underground organizations, but it would be difficult to receive overall help.”

Indeed, Teramoa was currently in the hands of the Cooper faction, and Brak was within the sphere of influence of the Ibrahim faction. In addition, Avand was a battleground for both of them, so it could be said that an opportunity was created for the Lewis faction to actively support Arkan.

“Hmm. Is that so? Then we have to rely on local forces. Which regions are supporting us?”

“Well, we can’t specifically name any regions that are supporting us yet. We’ll have to wait until the first vote is over to get a rough outline.”

Bumseok nodded. The targets of the first vote were all 32 teams that participated in this World Cup finals. No matter how unlikely it was, there was no region that wouldn’t vote for their own team. Naturally, only after the first vote was over could they get a rough outline of support.

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

It’s been raining quite a bit lately. It’s nice that the temperature has dropped, but I’m worried about the damage the rain might cause. The climate has been so bad lately that there are forecasts that grain prices will rise. Tch.

Well, everyone, have a great day. I’ll see you again tomorrow.