Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 258

It was a clear and sunny Saturday afternoon in February. Despite the cold weather, the home fans who filled the Lima City Colosseum showed no signs of shrinking back, seemingly warming themselves with their own cheering. All this excitement was due to the anticipation surrounding Nikita’s debut.

Beomseok had been vague about her debut, postponing it without a clear explanation. This was partly to give her time to adjust to the team, but also to maximize gate revenue. When a lower-league team like the Gods Knights signed a World League gladiator, many casual fans would come to the stadium just to catch a glimpse. This led to strong ticket sales, and Beomseok was exploiting this phenomenon to maximize profits.

‘It’s not like I’ve been ambiguous about her debut all along,’ he thought, justifying his actions.

As the spring season began and three matches passed, he still hadn’t revealed the exact date of Nikita’s debut to the media. This was to draw the eager fans to the stadium one more time. But anticipation was just that—anticipation. It was an event that would fade with time, so after the fourth match since the season’s restart, he finally announced Nikita’s debut to the media and scheduled her appearance. Today’s match against the Orion Petz team, who were in second place in the league, was perfect for maximizing the impact.

Sitting on the dugout bench, Beomseok slowly rose and approached Nikita.

“Nikita, how are you feeling?”

Nikita stood up and replied,

“I’m great. I feel like I can take on anyone.”

“Good. Today is your debut, so make sure you make an impression on the fans.”

“Yes. I’ll make sure they understand what a World League gladiator is all about.”

Beomseok nodded, looking at Nikita with a trusting gaze. He had high expectations for her performance. In truth, he had initially thought Nikita was just a defensive-minded vanguard [a gladiator specializing in defense]. But after experiencing her skills firsthand, he realized she possessed the ability to mentally break down opponents with her extraordinary plays. Her combat strategy, which involved a 4-meter long spear and a shield with a groove on the right side, had shocked Beomseok during a practice match. The only issue was that she performed best in the rear position. In any case, Nikita was definitely a strange gladiator. She played defensively as a vanguard but became more offensive in the rear. Such a gladiator was unheard of anywhere in the world.

“Good. Just do as you did in practice, and you’ll do well.”

“Don’t worry. The Flying Spear is my ultimate skill, and I’ve never neglected training. I won’t make any mistakes in the match.”

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

Beomseok, wearing a satisfied expression, patted her shoulder. Confidence would bring mental stability in the match, which would help her unleash her full potential. Judging by Nikita’s current mindset, he expected a good outcome.

Soon after, the broadcast announced the start of Round 1. Beomseok led Nikita and the other key gladiators to the entrance tunnel. With the signal to enter, they stood before the arena in the center of the stadium.

He shouted to his gladiators lined up in formation,

“Alright. Let’s go for three straight wins today! Sweep them clean! Got it!”

“Yes!”

The Gods Knights gladiators roared back, causing the Orion Petz team gladiators across the way to look somewhat dismayed. Knowing the extent of their power, they couldn’t help but feel intimidated. Although the Orion Petz team also had seven Central League-level gladiators, they were no match for the Gods Knights. Their current lineup included Beomseok, who was considered transcendent, as well as one World League-level and seven Central League-level gladiators. If they were unlucky, they could be overwhelmed in an instant and face a miserable end.

The captain, Gladiator Number 2, loudly encouraged his team.

“No need to worry! We’ll win if we stick to the plan! Take a deep breath and find your composure!”

The Orion Petz gladiators, having regained some stability, formed a battle line to prepare for Round 1. As the match began, they simultaneously raised their shields, bracing them against the iron bridge.

“Alright. Follow me!”

Led by Beomseok, who stood at the apex of the triangular formation, the Gods Knights team members positioned in the center of the bridge glared at the Orion Petz gladiators blocking the entrance across the way. They showed no intention of attacking, making no movements with their formation.

As the two sides engaged in a brief probing phase, Jelsomina, performing her free-roaming role, successfully crossed the bridge and engaged Gladiator Number 6, who had been waiting for her. Not to be outdone, Beomseok raised his katana high and began to charge toward the enemy’s main camp.

“Everyone, charge in! Break through their formation and claim victory in Round 1!”

The team members, swiftly following behind him, all pointed the tips of their weapons forward. For the Gods Knights, who possessed overwhelming physical strength, charging was the most effective strategy. Their powerful push was enough to demoralize and crush most Wide League teams on the first attack. Especially since the iron bridge formed a rainbow shape, the power increased when running from the center toward the entrance.

With a resounding crash, both formations shook violently. Although the center caved in slightly, the Orion Petz team maintained their formation. They were indeed showing the mettle of a league runner-up.

A fierce close-quarters battle ensued, with each side trying to break through and defend. At the forefront, Beomseok relentlessly swung his sword, pressuring his opponent, Gladiator Number 7.

Thwack. Bang. Thwack. Bang.

“Don’t let them through the entrance! Everyone, close ranks!”

At the captain’s command, the Orion Petz gladiators narrowed the gaps and concentrated their strength in the center. The shield-bearers on the flanks focused on defense rather than attack, maximizing their defensive capabilities, while the spearmen in the center of the formation aimed their long spear tips at the Gods Knights gladiators, preventing them from approaching.

Beomseok frowned. The resistance was too strong, and his team’s momentum was faltering.

‘They’re tough, as expected of the Orion Petz team,’ he thought.

However, it wasn’t impossible to break through. If Venus, with her twin shields, were at the front, they could push through with force without worrying about the enemy’s spear tips. But today, there was another option. It was Nikita. He briefly retreated and tilted his head back, looking toward the rear.

“Nikita! Get ready!”

Nikita gently laid the long spear she had been holding high, fitting it into the groove on the right side of her shield. Then, she rested the spear shaft on her shoulder and aimed forward, as if taking aim. She was about to launch the Flying Spear. She watched the movements around her, and when she saw Beomseok lower his stance to target Gladiator Number 7’s lower body, she hurled the spear like a javelin.

Whoosh! Thud!

With a dull thud, Gladiator Number 7 fell backward. The spear tip, launched the moment he lowered his shield to block Beomseok’s sword, had struck him directly in the neck area. The attack had come from such an unexpected direction that there was no way to react. The source of this powerful spear tip was none other than the rear of the Gods Knights formation.

Seeing this, Captain Gladiator Number 2 warned everyone to be careful.

“Watch out! They’re launching long spears from their rear!”

Had his voice been too loud? Nikita, who was retrieving her spear to prepare for another throw, chuckled. Her Flying Spear used a 4-meter long spear, so she could attack opponents from a distance. Moreover, because the color of the shield and the spear shaft were the same, it was extremely difficult for the targeted gladiator to see the approaching spear tip. It was impossible to block her Flying Spear while dealing with the vanguard’s attacks and being wary of the mid-guard’s switches, especially since it was difficult to distinguish. Even if they paid close attention and prepared, there was a limit to an elf’s perception. A gap was bound to appear in their solid defense.

Having completed her throwing preparations, Nikita carefully surveyed the battlefield. When she saw an Orion Petz team shield-bearer swinging his shield, she launched the spear. Feeling the familiar signal through the hand gripping the end of the spear, she smiled faintly. She knew she had caught another big one.

“What is that technique! She took out two people in an instant!”

“Amazing! As expected of a World League gladiator! To have such incredible skills!”

The home fans who had come to cheer couldn’t help but marvel at Nikita’s performance. Many were so surprised that they stared blankly with their eyes wide and mouths agape.

Even more surprised than the fans were the announcer and commentator in the broadcast booth. Knowing that World League gladiator Nikita was making her debut today, they had thoroughly investigated her background, but this unexpected technique was a complete surprise. She was in her 14th year as a professional, but she had never shown such a skill before. She hadn’t been in the rear position often, but the Flying Spear was a recently developed ultimate skill, and Lifton, who pursued stable play, hadn’t allowed her to use it.

The Flying Spear was launched in a manner close to throwing the long spear, so it was impossible to maintain precision without considerable strength. Therefore, they couldn’t recklessly use the Flying Spear technique, which sent the spear flying through the allied ranks to the enemy. There was a risk of friendly fire. But now, Nikita’s Strength and Balance Senses had increased by +10 due to her trait copy, greatly improving her precision. Her mental faculties, such as judgment, had also improved, allowing her to quickly determine if a teammate was in danger and apply the brakes by grabbing the spear shaft. This greatly increased her stability, allowing her to use the Flying Spear in actual combat.

– That’s truly amazing. I had no idea Nikita had such a technique. This must be a very frustrating technique for the opposing team.

The commentator clicked his tongue at the announcer’s words.

– Hahaha. This technique is beyond frustrating; it’s almost terrifying. A threatening attack is coming from the rear, where they should feel safe, making it very difficult for the opponent to cope. Even though it’s the first time this technique has been used today, look at how two gladiators have been taken down in an instant. That’s how powerful it is.

– Ah, is that so? Hahaha. Nikita is truly a bizarre gladiator. Doesn’t this mean that her tendencies in the vanguard and rear are completely opposite? She must be the most unique gladiator in the world.

The commentator nodded and gently rested his chin on his clasped hands.

– Yes, that’s right. That’s why it’s even more troublesome. A complete play that deviates from the norm makes it difficult for the opposing team. It affects everything from strategy planning to gladiator management in the match. In any case, the Gods Knights spent a lot of money this time, but they’ve really acquired a gem of a gladiator. At this rate, her price tag of 471 million krang [currency] is not at all a waste.

Even as they spoke, one of the Orion Petz team’s gladiators was struck in the shoulder by Nikita’s spear tip and fell into a state of partial incapacitation. He had been careful, but the spear had flown so quickly that he couldn’t avoid it. She was soon struck by Oscar’s brutal greatsword and sent flying through the air, crashing to the ground. Now, the power ratio between the Gods Knights and the Orion Petz was 12 to 9. The momentum was rapidly shifting to one side.

“Their formation is breaking! Everyone, charge in and finish them off!”

The Orion Petz formation was completely crushed by the Gods Knights gladiators, who charged in unison. Having already secured the entrance, they swiftly took down the two gladiators who hadn’t retreated in time and charged toward the main camp to reorganize their formation. And in the distance, Jelsomina was approaching, having defeated her marker, Number 6, and come to support the main camp.

The Orion Petz gladiators tried their best to defend, but with only six team members left, they couldn’t withstand the Gods Knights’ fierce attacks. They were soon subjected to coordinated attacks and fell one by one, and Round 1 went to the Gods Knights.

“Amazing! Gods Knights! They’ve truly transformed into a team with nothing to fear!”

“Well done, Nikita! You’re the star of this victory! A performance worthy of a World League gladiator!”

Nikita, hearing the fervent cheers pouring from the stands, waved her hands in response, seemingly in a good mood. Although she had left the glamorous World League and come to the humble Wide League in the backwaters, she was happy. She had found an owner and was now the star of the stage, receiving plenty of love from the fans. Back when she was with Menex Odinz, she had always played a supporting role, constantly out of the fans’ sight.

“Everyone did well! Take a good rest for a while!”

Beomseok, returning to the dugout, ordered the Round 1 participants to rest and approached Diana with a satisfied expression. He wouldn’t have been able to dream of signing Nikita if it hadn’t been for her. Beomseok hadn’t been particularly keen on signing Nikita at first.

He patted Diana’s shoulder with a pleased look.

“Diana, Nikita’s performance was good, wasn’t it?”

She couldn’t possibly not know, and she nodded as if it were obvious.

“Yes. It was absolutely excellent.”

“Hahaha. It’s all thanks to your recommendation. By signing Nikita this time, the Gods Knights’ strength has been upgraded by one level. I feel like there’s really nothing to fear now.”

“Yes. That’s true in the Wide League. I don’t know about when we go up to the Central League.”

Beomseok shook his head and spoke with a confident tone.

“I know your concerns, but there’s no need to worry too much. If we fill in one or two good players in the summer transfer market next year, I’m confident we can survive even in the Central League. Our kids will have grown by then, too.”

“That’s true, but… I don’t know if we can get up there so easily.”

Beomseok looked puzzled at Diana’s worried expression. With their current strength, promotion was a foregone conclusion. In the promotion tournament, an average of three teams from each of the 16 Wide Leagues were promoted, so simply winning three straight games or winning two and losing one, then winning one more, was enough to get promoted. With their current strength, they could easily achieve those results.

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

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