Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 181

The negotiation table assigner wore a troubled smile. Originally, contract negotiations between gladiators and pro team representatives were conducted one-on-one. However, Bumseok, who accompanied Gelsomina, proposed a group negotiation, requesting a single table. Currently, three teams were vying to contract with her. A group negotiation would naturally intensify competition and drive up recruitment costs.

“Are you… are you really okay with this?”

Bumseok, with a stoic expression, nodded immediately.

“Yes. Of course.”

The assigner hesitated, then retrieved an electronic key from the counter and handed it over. Since they weren’t likely to lose out on a deal, granting the request was no problem.

“Here’s the key to room 302. If you need another negotiation room later, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Bumseok nodded his thanks, took the key, and smirked at Vincent and Rebecca, who stood behind him.

“The negotiation will be on the 3rd floor.”

As he led the way to the elevator, Vincent quickly followed and whispered, “Are you really planning a group negotiation?”

“Yes, of course. We have a set price range, so competition shouldn’t inflate salaries, right?”

“True, but do you have an ulterior motive for this?”

Bumseok rolled his eyes. “I’m doing this because I’m short on time. I entered this rookie draft to recruit gladiators for the [Seung-Geup] promotion tournament starting in three days. I want to wrap up negotiations quickly.”

“Hmm. Is that even possible? Gladiator registration is only at the end of the transfer period, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but gladiators recruited through this rookie draft are eligible for permanent registration.”

“Oh, I see. That explains the rush.”

“Hehe. Yes. I hope you understand.”

Vincent nodded. God’s Knights’ power had diminished due to Bumseok’s injury. Their roster of key gladiators was small, so they needed to recruit even one more capable fighter. While Gelsomina couldn’t participate in team training, her inherent skills allowed her to be used as a [peurirol] free agent.

“I understand. But I don’t know if you’ll be able to recruit Gelsomina. No matter how urgent your team is, I won’t yield her.”

“I know, and I’m prepared for that.”

“Is that so? Then let’s start negotiations quickly. I’m willing to save you time.”

As Vincent turned toward the elevator, Bumseok smiled wryly. Even a whale can be caught in a net. Despite his directorial skills, Vincent’s knowledge gave him leverage in group negotiations. Individual interviews carried the risk of being [nonpa] refuted depending on the negotiation order.

‘Hehe. Dragon Knights is out of the picture.’

While this strategy eliminated Dragon Knights, he had to offer Rebecca a good negotiation card. A 50% chance of recruiting Gelsomina was better than a 33% chance, making it unavoidable.

He went to the 3rd floor with everyone and found the negotiation room.

“Okay, everyone, sit here.”

The room was designed for one-on-one negotiations, barely accommodating four people. Only Gelsomina, Bumseok, Vincent, and Rebecca could enter. Esther and other team officials waited in the [hyusiksil] waiting room.

Bumseok spoke gently to the nervous Gelsomina. “Relax, Gelsomina. Your nervousness will disadvantage you.”

She couldn’t calm down. The three teams were still willing to negotiate, but she felt she had shown her incompetence during the test match. She worried about getting her desired salary.

“I’m sorry. The test match keeps bothering me.”

“Test match? Don’t worry. As your senior, I’ll share a secret. You showcased your skills wonderfully. You proved you’re a valuable gladiator.”

She had been unilaterally beaten, but he said she showed off her skills? Gelsomina didn’t understand.

“Really? How?”

“Rebecca and Rapine, your opponents, are people I can’t guarantee victory against without data on them.”

Her face brightened. Bumseok was known as a gladiator who could perform at a high level even in the World League. If he struggled against them, her loss was understandable. Maybe she could get a 10 million Crang salary.

“Then can I really get a salary of 10 million Crang?”

“I believe you’re qualified, but it’s rare for a newcomer to receive that much. Usually, you prove your worth through years in the pro league.”

Gelsomina lowered her head, gloomy.

“Yeah, I guess so…”

Bumseok, softened by her powerless appearance, asked why she desperately needed 10 million Crang. She was young, with endless possibilities.

“As your senior, I can be flexible if you need money due to unavoidable circumstances. I know you have the skill.”

Gelsomina looked conflicted. It was an emotional appeal. But lowering her head now could bring back her younger brother’s smile.

She had an irresponsible, alcoholic, drug-addicted father who abandoned her and her younger brother, her only blood relative. Fortunately, children who would grow up as members of society were valued, so they were sent to a well-equipped childcare facility, living more comfortably than with their parents. They had a private room and a learning environment with any education they wanted. Childcare teachers cared for them warmly, and they had good friends. Gelsomina was grateful to her father for abandoning them. Without it, she wouldn’t have enjoyed such luxury.

However, the luck ended last year. Her younger brother was in a flying car accident. He survived, but lost an arm and a leg, and was paralyzed.

“You need a body modification procedure to restore your younger brother’s health?”

“Yes.”

“But body modification procedures aren’t covered by medical insurance, costing at least 60 million Crang. Is it possible with only 10 million Crang?”

“The government offers a big tax cut for medical purposes, making it possible with 15 million Crang.”

Then he could be treated right away. A multi-year contract at 10 million Crang could easily get her a 15 million Crang contract fee.

“You’ll be satisfied if I match the contract fee to about 15 million Crang?”

Obviously, Gelsomina nodded wildly.

“Yes, of course. I came to this rookie draft to raise money for my brother’s treatment.”

“Okay. I’ll give you a 5-year contract with a 5 million Crang salary and a 17 million Crang contract fee. Will you sign it right away?”

Vincent stood up and shouted. Bumseok was trying to exploit Gelsomina’s past.

“What are you doing!”

“What do you mean? My junior is in a bad situation, so I’m helping as a senior. Hahaha.”

“Do you think we can’t afford that kind of condition?”

Bumseok clicked his tongue, disappointed. He regretted insisting on group negotiations. A one-on-one negotiation might have led to her signing the offer right away.

But he realized it was fortunate. If Vincent or Rebecca had negotiated first, he might have lost her without a chance. Gelsomina was ready to sign immediately to raise money for her brother’s treatment.

“Hahaha. Then please suggest your offer. What conditions will Dragon Knights put forward?”

Vincent stared at Gelsomina, then said, “Let’s talk about conditions later. I have a question for Gelsomina.”

“Yes, please ask.”

“Your swordsmanship skills aren’t from a regular academy sports program. You must have received professional, systematic swordsmanship education. Where did you develop these skills?”

Since it wasn’t a secret, she answered, “Near the childcare facility I went to after being abandoned, there was a [gopung] old-fashioned house with a tiled roof. I was seven and fascinated by it, always watching it when I passed by.

“One day, while playing with friends, a ball went into the house. I hesitated to sneak into someone else’s house, but I couldn’t leave the ball, so I opened the wooden door.

“I was just going to get the ball, but I heard adults shouting from inside the tiled building. Curious, I peeked in.

“Beyond the wooden frame door covered with Korean paper, dozens of swordsmen in protective gear were swinging bamboo swords under a middle-aged man’s command. It was a swordsmanship dojo. I was young and didn’t understand why they were swinging sticks, but it looked fun. I also ran around until I was soaked in sweat when I played with my friends.

“While I was watching, an elf doing an errand caught me. I dropped the ball and cried, embarrassing everyone. A little girl had invaded and was making a fuss.

“The middle-aged dojo owner coaxed me, gave me a small bamboo sword, and let me play nearby.

“That’s how I got involved and learned swordsmanship from my teacher.”

Vincent, arms crossed, asked, “That dojo owner is your teacher?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know your teacher’s name?”

Gelsomina answered, “It’s Mr. Remnant.”

Vincent frowned. It was a familiar name. He recalled a modified human who had been active in the World League and asked, “Are you by any chance Blast Remnant’s student?”

“Yes, that’s right. How do you know?”

“I see. So that’s his disciple. Huhu. I knew there was something different.”

Bumseok, curious, looked at him, “Do you know him?”

“I know him well. He wasn’t famous, but he was a World League gladiator for a long time.”

Bumseok stared at Vincent and Gelsomina, tilting his head. She had excellent swordsmanship, enough to become a World Leaguer with some physical ability. He couldn’t believe a not-so-famous World Leaguer had raised such a child in 13 years.

“Was he good at teaching?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t met him. But his swordsmanship was the strongest ever. Mr. Remnant’s physical ability was worse than an Area Leaguer’s, but he left a mark in the World League.”

Bumseok was surprised. If his physical ability was worse than an Area Leaguer’s, it would be below average 60s. He couldn’t win against a World Leaguer. Remnant’s long World League career meant he had swordsmanship skills superior to Bumseok’s, who had developed swordsmanship through hundreds of years of actual combat.

“How could that happen? Are you saying he’s technically better than me?”

“Didn’t I say that? He was the strongest ever.”

“How old is he?”

“I don’t remember exactly, but he said he had a modification procedure at 90, so he must be close to 160 now.”

Even though the brain’s lifespan is longer than other organs, he was terribly long-lived. Although most of the modified body is replaced, some parts of the brain that control memory and language center are transplanted as they are.”
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