Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 111

The clear sky of mid-September stretched wide. In the plaza in front of the Rima City Colosseum, a massive crowd gathered, forming long lines at the ticket booths and stadium entrances. They were all engaged in lively discussions, predicting the outcome of today’s match between the Gods Knights and the Natural Fairies. Ultimately, most fans concluded that the Gods Knights would undoubtedly win.

The Natural Fairies, facing the Gods Knights in the sixth GA Cup match, were considered a weak team, having ranked 17th in the Avand Air League last year. They were fortunate to have made it to the sixth match, but their performance was so poor that they risked relegation to the amateur league at any time. Moreover, having recorded the lowest score in the league after six matches, they were fielding only their reserves and substitutes for this game, intending to focus on the league matches. Given this situation, it seemed impossible for the Gods Knights to lose.

The Gods Knights had a record of 3 wins and 3 losses this season, and they had never lost a home game when their main players were competing. Therefore, the fans’ confidence in them was very high.

Sitting on the dugout bench, Beom-seok looked at Rin, who was sitting next to him.

“Rin, this is your first time competing under the banner of the Gods Knights, right? Aren’t you nervous?”

She was indeed very nervous. She had some match experience before, but it was with the under-8 team, so there were hardly any spectators, and she didn’t feel the same sense of duty to win for her master. She had never participated in a match with such a trembling heart.

“Yes, a little. But I will definitely do my best to bring victory to Master as a gift.”

“Is that so? Do your best.”

Beom-seok then turned his head towards Violet, who was sitting on his left. This was also her first time competing as a Gods Knights gladiator. Although she had joined almost a month earlier than Rin, she had not yet participated in a match due to treatment for injuries sustained during her recruitment and physical recovery training.

“Violet, how are you feeling right now?”

Violet immediately answered with confidence. She had been loaned to another area league for half a year last year, so she had gained plenty of experience. And since she was a bit arrogant to begin with, she wasn’t intimidated by the change in environment.

“Don’t worry. I will completely shut down the Natural Fairies team today.”

Beom-seok, with his arms folded, looked back and forth between Rin and Violet, lost in thought. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust their skills, but he felt like their personalities and strengths were mismatched to their positions. The vanguard position should ideally have a more aggressive personality, but Rin, who was in this position, was showing a somewhat timid side. On the other hand, Violet, who was in the mid-guard position that required some composure, was showing an unsettlingly hyperactive demeanor.

Moreover, their physical abilities were 70 and 80, respectively, with Violet being far ahead. Considering that the vanguard needed strong power and the mid-guard needed technique, there seemed to be a clear problem.

‘What should I do? I think it would be better to switch their positions. But if I suddenly change their positions, it will cause confusion…’

However, they were currently only 5 years old. They were still young and had a lot of potential. Rather than trying to correct a difficult personality trait, it might be better to address the position issue this year. And the team they were facing today was the Natural Fairies, who were at the bottom of the league, fielding a gladiator team composed only of substitutes and reserves. Since it was likely to be an easy match to win, it was a good opportunity to test the pros and cons of switching their positions in a real battle.

Having made up his mind, Beom-seok got up from his seat and approached Diana, who was sitting in the coach’s seat.

“Diana, I have a suggestion regarding a change in positions.”

She, who was contemplating while writing the roster, wore a puzzled expression.

“A change in positions?”

“Well, I was wondering if we should switch Rin and Violet’s positions.”

Diana glanced at Rin and Violet and fell into thought. She had also considered changing their positions. However, since it was during the league season, she wanted to avoid sudden position changes. If they failed to adapt and problems arose in their teamwork, it could negatively affect the team’s strength.

And team position changes required in-depth theoretical education along with various practical training. It was definitely impossible to implement right away.

“It’s a good idea, but is there really a need to change it now? It’s not too late to start during the winter break. Right now, they haven’t received any position change training, so it will definitely be too much.”

“I know. That’s why I’m trying to do it today when the opponent is extremely weak. I want to see what the pros and cons are when we change positions and decide whether to change them or not. I have a rough idea, but unless I observe them closely, I can’t know what positions those kids are truly suited for.”

If that was the intention, Diana had no reason to object. Considering the opponent, she thought it wouldn’t be bad to try it once.

“Yes. I agree with that intention. Actually, I was planning to change their positions too. I think it’s worth testing it out today.”

“Okay. Then change the starting lineup today.”

“Yes. I understand. Ah! By the way, Rin and Violet are new today, so I’m going to put them on the reserve list. Is that okay?”

Beom-seok wore a troubled expression. In order to examine the position change in detail, it was better for him to observe them closely. If they were reserves, they would compete in the second round, so he couldn’t watch them in the first round.

However, there was an unexpectedly simple solution.

“Then put me on the reserve list too. I’ll watch from the side.”

Diana nodded without hesitation. Even if Beom-seok was missing, it wasn’t like the Gods Knights’ main force would lose.

“Yes. I’ll do that.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Having achieved his goal, Beom-seok returned to his seat. At that moment, Susan, wearing a white coat, approached and stood next to Violet. As the team doctor, she was there to check on her condition as she was competing for the first time since her injury. She had allowed her to compete, but she had to constantly observe her to prevent the injury from recurring.

“Violet, how’s your ankle?”

Violet jumped up from her seat and rotated her left ankle, which had been injured before. It was clear she felt she had fully recovered.

“It’s very good. I can run just fine.”

“Is that so? Let’s take another look.”

At those words, Violet wore an annoyed look. She was wearing a suit right now, so it wasn’t easy to show her ankle. However, seeing Beom-seok’s sharp eyes next to her, she quickly took off the suit below her left knee.

“How is it? It’s okay, right?”

As Violet answered with confidence, her ankle seemed to be in very good condition. There were no stiff parts, and it was turning smoothly and naturally. Finally, Susan, who had determined that there were no problems with the pistol-type MRI diagnostic device, stood up with a relieved expression.

“It’s okay at this point.”

“See? I told you it was okay. You made me take it off for no reason, it’s annoying…”

Susan cautioned her as she grumbled.

“But just in case, tell me right away if there’s a problem during the match. Don’t hold it in like last time and cause inflammation.”

“Okay. I will.”

Just as Susan was about to leave after patting Violet’s shoulder, Beom-seok called out in a quiet voice.

“Ah, Susan. I have something to ask you.”

She turned back and looked at Beom-seok.

“What is it?”

“Well, when can we check Violet’s aftereffects? I need to see Venus and Rapine too.”

It seemed like he was asking about the precision MRI whole-body diagnostic device. In response, Susan answered as she knew it.

“The equipment will probably be in soon, so we’ll be able to diagnose quickly. Then, treatment will be possible naturally.”

“Exactly when?”

“In about ten days?”

Beom-seok frowned. He couldn’t understand why the equipment hadn’t arrived yet, even though the budget had been approved a while ago.

“No. Why is it so late? It’s been over a month already.”

“That can’t be helped. It’s such expensive professional medical equipment that the manufacturer produces it after receiving pre-orders.”

What could he do when that was the case? Beom-seok sighed deeply and asked again.

“Hoo~ Then will treatment be possible in ten days?”

“Yes. Of course. However, I think it’s better to start treatment during the winter break.”

“Why?”

“To treat the aftereffects, you have to get a P-Cure injection [a fictional healing injection], and you shouldn’t put any strain on the treated area for a week. In other words, if you do it now, the gladiator will have to rest for at least one or two matches. So other professional teams perform aftereffect treatments during the summer or winter break, or when the gladiator is mentally and physically exhausted and needs a break.”

Beom-seok nodded readily. If that was the situation, he had no choice but to agree with Susan’s opinion. Even though they had brought in five gladiators from the Dragon Knights, the Gods Knights still had a weak gladiator base. There was no reason to waste their strength by doing treatment now when it could be done during the break.

“I see. Okay, I understand. Let’s treat it this winter season as Susan said.”

“Yes. However, if you’re really curious, you can still get a diagnosis in ten days as planned. It’s just scanning the body with ultrasound, so there shouldn’t be any special problems.”

“Ah. Is that so? Then please do so at that time.”

Susan nodded with pleasure.

“It’s no trouble. It’s my job as a team doctor. Is that all you needed?”

Beom-seok, who wanted to continue the conversation even though he didn’t have any other questions, brought up a new topic. It was better to keep talking to increase his favorability.

“Ah. There’s one more thing. How is the treatment center operating now?”

Susan smiled bitterly and acted shy. She had nothing good to say about that.

“Well, it’s just barely maintaining the status quo. The examination fee is free, and the treatment is also being carried out at a low cost, so there’s not much profit left.”

“Ah. Is that so? Then that means the income is on track. That’s great.”

At the unexpected words, she tilted her head.

“Is that okay?”

“Of course. As I said before, I don’t really intend to make a profit from the treatment center. It’s a service for the fans and a strategic way to increase season ticket sales. I don’t think there’s a need to pursue particularly large profits right now when we haven’t grown into a professional sports medical center yet. If we charge high treatment fees and incur the fans’ resentment, it will damage the team’s reputation. From now on, don’t try to increase revenue with unnecessary burdens, and just maintain the status quo as it is now.”

Her expression relaxed as if she was relieved. She had felt burdened by the huge amount of money invested, but if Beom-seok thought this way, there was no need to worry too much. In fact, if she only had to maintain the status quo in terms of fan service, she could provide free treatment to some patients with difficult family circumstances if the income increased to some extent.

‘I really did well to come to the Gods Knights. Now I don’t have to turn away poor patients because they can’t afford treatment.’

Susan, with a light heart, greeted him lightly and quietly left her seat. The match would start soon, so she needed to move to the medical seat in preparation for any unforeseen events. Once she was out on the field, she was the Gods Knights’ team doctor.

Soon after, the first round of the sixth GA Cup match began with a loud whistle. In the vanguard line, where Rapine and Oscar were missing, three elf gladiators leased from the Dragon Knights were running. They had all been working together for a long time in the same team, so their teamwork was perfect.

“Okay. Let’s go. There’s no way we can be pushed back by those guys! Charge mercilessly!”

Soon, with the vanguard line charging, the Gods Knights’ main forces crossed the river and attempted to enter the enemy formation.

The Natural Fairies team gladiators formed a defensive line and blocked them, but the situation was not good. They were all gladiators who had been sidelined from the main team and were living as substitutes or reserves. They could never stop the elite Gods Knights.

Soon, the defensive line was completely destroyed by the Gods Knights’ vanguard line, which charged in with shouts mixed with anger, and scattered in all directions.

“Everyone, take them down individually!”

With Erpina’s shout, Erica ran out and swung her sword back and forth. Along with the sounds of strikes coming from all directions, the Natural Fairies team’s gladiators fell into an incapacitated state one by one and collapsed on the cold floor. Some of the away fans, clearly showing their disappointment at the absurd way they were being defeated, shouted and urged them to do better.

“What are you doing! Natural Fairies! Go fight!”

However, the Natural Fairies gladiators, who had lost their will to fight, couldn’t hear those voices. Right now, they were just barely managing to block the incoming sword strikes. That’s how big the difference in power between the two teams was.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang!

The Gods Knights’ continuous onslaught continued mercilessly. Countless sword tips and spear tips crossed, trampling the Natural Fairies team gladiators to a miserable extent, and in the end, everyone collapsed without even being able to resist properly.

In the first round match, which ended in less than 5 minutes after the start of the match, the Gods Knights’ only damage was that one vanguard lost the use of his right leg. With an almost perfect victory, the home fans cheered enthusiastically for the Gods Knights’ gladiators returning to the dugout.

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

Lol. I saw an internet joke today called the Hell Bread Factory, and it seemed really hellish. A story from someone who worked there was introduced, and it was like a novel. The employees’ only hobby is collecting stickers of such and such contained in bread bags, which are the company’s products. It’s a joke, but it’s not funny at all;;;;;;

Then everyone have a nice day. I’ll see you all at the same time tomorrow.