Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 252

It was mid-November, nearly winter. God’s Knights remained undefeated, topping the league with 13 wins and 3 draws in 16 matches. Their GA Cup journey was also smooth, reaching the 12th round. The only sour note was their 12th-round GA Cup opponent: the Red Foxes, 10th in the Heiern Central League. This was Agelia’s former team, a gladiatorial team with which Beomseok also had ties.

The Red Foxes boasted 31 Central League-level gladiators and 4 World League-level gladiators. Despite God’s Knights’ success in the Deloy Wilde League, aiming for the championship, the power gap was insurmountable. Victory was out of the question.

Beomseok, watching the home stadium from the dugout, sighed, unsure how to face the Red Foxes.

‘Seriously, they’re this strong even though they’re only 10th…’

The Central League was called the upper league for a reason. Only 160 teams worldwide could compete in it, out of over 10,000 professional teams. Central League teams were a reserve group for the World League, the ultimate stage. Sports tycoons worldwide poured money into reaching this stage, making them formidable. Top-tier teams were in another realm. World League teams were the object of desire for sports tycoons, so even relegated teams maintained strong squads, investing heavily to return the following year. Top-tier teams were practically World League teams.

God’s Knights felt defeated facing even the 10th-ranked team. This showed how daunting the promotion and relegation system was. Complacency after becoming strong meant facing an insurmountable wall.

‘This is a problem even if we get promoted this season.’

With their current strength, God’s Knights couldn’t survive in the Central League. They’d relied on player growth and physicality, but this became less effective at higher levels. Growth slowed, and competing teams had numerous promising players or skilled gladiators due to massive funding. Entering the Central League would negate God’s Knights’ youth policy and physical strategy.

‘Sigh~ Well, something will work out.’

Beomseok approached Diana, the coach.

“Diana, what do you think? Can we manage?”

Diana shook her head, holding her forehead. God’s Knights were struggling due to the grueling autumn season. The gladiator squad was weak, and they had to juggle league matches, the GA Cup, and the League Cup, causing problems. Imori, on loan, had a shoulder injury and was out for four weeks. Herse was out for two weeks with muscle pain, weakening her twin sister, Iphis, her partner. The GA Cup 12th round was three days after an away league match, maximizing gladiator fatigue.

“Well, not with our current strength. Just holding on will be tough.”

“Then how about I play as a free-roamer [a player who isn’t restricted to a specific position]?”

“That won’t work. Our main camp will collapse immediately due to the power difference.”

Beomseok pointed to Gelsomina.

“Then how about making Gelsomina a free-roamer?”

“That’s difficult. Gelsomina-nim, still physically lacking, can’t win against the Red Foxes’ main force. It’d be a waste of power. Better to defend perfectly right now.”

“But our team doesn’t have many gladiators who have mastered the basics of defense.”

This was a concern. God’s Knights were mainly inexperienced prospects. Focusing on main weapons meant few gladiators mastered sword and shield or spear and shield. At best, there were Razela, Erpina, Venus, Agelia, Cassie, and Siya. Forming a perfect defensive formation was almost impossible.

“But that’s the only way. We buy time and have Agelia run. You support her from the side, Master.”

Beomseok pondered, arms crossed, then shook his head. No matter how fast Agelia was, the opponent was a Central League team. They had a certain level of physical ability, so they couldn’t just keep avoiding. Running required swordsmanship to break through encirclements, which Agelia lacked against Central League gladiators. If surrounded, the match would end.

“No. Agelia can’t properly run against a Central League gladiator. It’s likely a meaningless tactic.”

“Yes. I know, but there’s no other way right now. You can’t run, can you, Master?”

That was obvious. Runners were 100% support gladiators, protected by teammates. Beomseok, God’s Knights’ ace, couldn’t be wasted that way.

“That’s right. It could cause problems with our power, and it’s not my style either. Then how about our usual strategy?”

“Usual strategy?”

“Let’s have a head-on confrontation and let our gladiators experience a Central League gladiatorial team.”

Then they would definitely lose. The Central League and above were called ‘upper leagues’ for a reason. The power difference was that significant.

But Beomseok’s idea wasn’t bad. Since winning was unlikely, letting the team experience the Central League was a good idea.

If God’s Knights maintained their performance, they could participate in the promotion tournament after next spring. If lucky, they’d be in the Central League next season. Since God’s Knights had a low win rate even with a defensive formation, using today’s match as an investment was a good strategy.

Of course, a quick collapse could hurt morale, but not for God’s Knights. The elves always fought bravely for their master.

“It’s okay, but if we lose today, we lose tournament prize money.”

“It doesn’t matter. We’ve already secured the target funds.”

God’s Knights had secured 76 million Krang [currency] in GA Cup prize money. Plus, three home games before today meant approximately 42 million Krang in ticket revenue. Total revenue, excluding taxes, was 112 million Krang. Beomseok had obtained his desired funds. This excluded League Cup revenue. Winning the League Cup would bring even more.

“Okay. Then I’ll do as you wish, Master.”

“Okay. Then good luck.”

As Beomseok left, Diana revised the strategy. She’d planned a variable strategy for a possible victory, but now there was no need. For experience, main forces would face main forces, and second-tier would face second-tier.

Pee-eep!

– The GA Cup 12th match between God’s Knights and Red Foxes begins.

As the announcer’s voice echoed, God’s Knights, led by Beomseok, retreated slowly in formation, allowing the Red Foxes to cross the iron bridge safely. They could have blocked the entrance to increase their chances, but today was about appreciating Central League power. A head-on confrontation was necessary.

‘Hmm. I need to watch numbers 1, 9, 10, and 13. Especially number 10.’

The gladiators Beomseok mentioned were Ina, Biz, Salisa, and Sika, all elf gladiators considered World League-level and highly skilled. Salisa, number 10, stood out, evaluated as W2-level. Even Beomseok would struggle to defeat her.

“They’ve crossed the bridge. Now they’re advancing!”

Led by Ina, the Red Foxes moved forward slowly. They wouldn’t normally against a Wilde League team, but God’s Knights had Beomseok. His reputation was known from Amelie’s match and LKS broadcasting.

“Alright. Everyone knows the plan! We advance too!”

With Beomseok’s shout, the God’s Knights gladiators gripped their weapons, showing no fear despite facing a strong team. This was typical of elves with masters, but also because Diana had ordered them to play comfortably. Mistakes were forgiven as long as they fought their best. They could fight as they pleased.

“Now’s the time! Everyone! Let’s go!”

As the teams closed in, they charged rapidly, the battle formation corners denting deeply in a powerful collision. The vanguards, compressed, struggled to move, swinging weapons and attacking. They had to break the enemy’s vanguard and formation.

“Don’t be pushed back! Keep moving forward!”

Beomseok stood at the front, scattering his sword at Salisa, trying to kill her and boost momentum. Defeating the ace early would hurt morale.

But it wasn’t easy. Salisa was skilled, and the Red Foxes had organized teamwork. When Sika, facing Oscar, was at a disadvantage, she received help. This annoyed Beomseok, but it was a team match, so pair combat was a valid strategy.

Oscar was defeated. Biz, in midfield, struck her abdomen with her spear. Oscar wielded a greatsword, making her vulnerable in close combat.

‘Tsk. One’s already down. A head-on confrontation is too much.’

Beomseok, alert, swung his sword, blocking Salisa and Sika’s attacks. Sika, relieved by Oscar’s defeat, stuck to him. He barely held on, unsure what would happen if another joined.

He was facing three opponents. Biz, behind, threatened him with her spear.

Facing three World League-level opponents was nearly impossible.

“Damn it. This is no match at all!”

Lin fell, hit in the side by a sword during the chaos. She was a Wilde League-level gladiator, but the weakest, lacking the ability to survive among the strong.

Now it was 12 to 10. God’s Knights were pushed back relentlessly. Heavy strikes erupted amidst the metallic sounds, and gladiators fell. Holding on was impossible. The formation had collapsed, resembling a crane wing with a dent.

Even Beomseok was retreating, so the others were too.

“This won’t work! Everyone, scatter!”

Beomseok dissolved the formation. Individual defeats awaited, but there was no choice. The formation was gone, and staying would lead to encirclement and defeat. He watched the rearguard, including Agelia, retreat and pulled out.

“Alright! Everyone, chase them! Let’s end the game completely this time!”

As Beomseok escaped, Salisa, Sika, and Biz chased him. Eliminating him would secure victory, so they concentrated their main forces, except for Ina. Even without them, defeating the remaining God’s Knights was no problem.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang!

Beomseok deflected a spear, twisted to dodge a sword aimed at his abdomen, and barely blocked Salisa’s slashing attack to his face. A slight mistake would have meant defeat. He sharpened his mind, blocking the three’s consecutive attacks.

“As expected of Beomseok-nim. To hold out this far against the three of us!”

Beomseok frowned at Salisa’s words. It was praise, but he heard it as an admission that he couldn’t beat them. He was being pushed that hard.

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

Everyone, have a nice day. I’ll see you again tomorrow.