Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 280

Godz Knights defeated the Fly Wolves in the 5th round and won the tournament. The Fly Wolves, who approached the game with a relaxed attitude, couldn’t withstand the Godz Knights, who were eager to win at their owner’s request. In the end, Beomseok pocketed a whopping 54 million Krang [a fictional currency] in prize money, slightly increasing his transfer funds.

A few days later, the main gladiators of Godz Knights, except for Beomseok, were called to the Avand World Cup regional team to participate in the World Cup preliminary round. The Avand World Cup team ultimately finished 2nd in their group, a disappointing result considering their strong squad. However, in reality, it was an expected outcome. Unfortunately, bordering Avand was the Arkan regional government, with Zeon, Chaplin Whisper’s hometown, as its capital.

Woo-oong. Woo-oong.

High above, where clouds spread like a vast landscape, a flying car sped away from the sun. Inside, Beomseok and Esther were intently reviewing electronic documents and talking.

“Esther? How are the season ticket sales going?”

“Yes. We’ve sold 22,000 tickets so far.”

“That’s not a lot, is it? I thought we sold quite a few until last year.”

“That’s true, but the ticket prices have increased significantly since we moved up to the Central League, so it’s unavoidable. They’re a whopping 12,000 Krang.”

12,000 Krang was enough to buy a decent hologram TV. Naturally, it was a significant expense for the average person. Unless they were very passionate about gladiatorial combat, they wouldn’t be eager to spend that much.

“This is a problem. We need strong season ticket sales to raise funds for gladiator recruitment. If we only sell 22,000 season tickets, it’ll be very difficult.”

“It’ll probably improve. Looking at the daily sales graph, unlike last year when it dropped sharply, the daily sales are declining at a slower rate. I think fans are just hesitant because of the sudden price increase, but they don’t seem completely opposed to buying season tickets.”

Indeed, Godz Knights had been consistently delivering exciting performances for the fans. Although limited by their squad size, they focused on attack-oriented games and steadily increased their visibility through documentaries and promotions on LKS broadcasting. In addition, they acquired Nikita, a highly anticipated player, and this year they even advanced to the Central League, the upper tier. Considering all this, it seemed unlikely that fans would abandon them.

“Well, I suppose so. It’s not like we’re arbitrarily raising ticket prices. Fans will understand that the increase is standard practice for advancing to the Central League.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

“Then, what’s our total revenue so far?”

“Currently, it’s 213.28 million Krang after taxes.”

It was still a considerable amount, so Beomseok nodded. 213.28 million Krang was 40% higher than the typical sales during their time in the Wide League.

“As expected, being in the Central League is worth it. I was worried about the slow sales, but in reality, we’ve earned about 40% more than last year.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then, how are the team emblem product sales going?”

“We’ve earned 33 million Krang after taxes.”

Beomseok’s eyes lit up, pleased with the increased sales compared to last year.

“That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?”

“Yes. It seems that fan loyalty has increased since we moved up to the Central League, becoming the only Central League team in Lima City for all sports. Especially in gladiatorial combat, we’re the first.”

“Hmm, I see. Good. Are there any other sources of income?”

“We’ve received 28 million Krang in other sponsorships.”

Even the sponsorship funds had increased significantly. A faint smile appeared on his lips, indicating his good mood.

“Heh heh. This is quite a bit…”

“Yes. The promotional impact has increased that much due to our advancement to the Central League.”

“I guess so.”

“And we received an additional 19 million Krang.”

Beomseok’s head snapped around, wondering why they had received such a large sum of money.

“Where’s that from?”

“From the sequelae [after-effects of a disease or injury] treatment medical corporation run by Susan.”

“Ah! Really? Is the medical corporation finally making money?”

“Yes. Moreover, word seems to have spread about her skill, and sales are steadily increasing, so she’ll likely earn even more next year.”

Beomseok nodded, as if it were natural. When treated by Susan, sequelae treatment is always successful, and there’s a 5% chance that stats will increase by 2. The treatment period is short, and the lowest price is only 600,000 Krang, so customers are invariably satisfied.

He shuddered, recalling the money he had invested in the meantime. The harvest season had finally arrived.

“Good. Anything else?”

“There are no other sources of income. Now, I’ll tell you about the expenses. Currently, 53.3 million Krang has been spent on gladiator salaries.”

It was more than 50% higher than last year’s salary, but Beomseok agreed without much comment. He was well aware of this, having been involved in the salary negotiations.

The gladiator with the highest salary in Godz Knights was undoubtedly Gelsomina, who received 18 million Krang. It was a 50% increase compared to last year, but he had boldly agreed to it as promised. Emma received 5.6 million Krang, Chiria 3.8 million Krang, and Siya 5 million Krang. All of them were about twice as high as before, but it was necessary to keep the gladiator squad intact. If even one of them left the team, Godz Knights would face significant difficulties.

A total of 20.9 million Krang was spent on the remaining candidates and the second-tier gladiators, exactly 25% higher than last year due to the salary increase option given upon promotion.

“Yeah, I see. Any other expenses?”

“13.75 million Krang will be spent on the salaries of the coaching staff, office workers, and other staff.”

This item also increased significantly compared to last year. Not only did Esther’s salary increase to 800,000 Krang, but 6 new coaches and 9 office workers were added.

Beomseok cleared his throat and continued the conversation.

“Ahem. What’s the next item?”

“We’ve allocated 10 million Krang for dignity maintenance expenses, and 38 million Krang will be spent on additional training facilities.”

This expenditure was also understandable. Dignity maintenance expenses covered basic needs, including meetings between gladiators and fans. Raising the gladiators’ profile and increasing fan loyalty were essential. Adding training facilities was also necessary to increase the gladiators’ growth rate.

“Anything else?”

“30 million Krang will be spent on event expenses.”

Beomseok’s eyes widened.

“Why have the event expenses increased so much? It seems to be twice as much as last year?”

“It can’t be helped. We’ve increased the supporters’ support funds by about two times, and the prize costs will be high.”

“I understand that the supporters’ support costs are unavoidable because we’ve advanced to the Central League, but why the prize costs?”

“Since the entrance fee to the Central League is expensive, fans have to spend a lot of money to attend. Compensation for this is essential. It’s also a marketing strategy to attract fans with a certain standard of living. They won’t be interested in ordinary prizes, so we need to invest a little more.”

Since the entrance fee had risen to a burdensome level, it was difficult to expect a rapid increase in ordinary fans. To fill the vast Lima City Colosseum, they had to attract wealthy fans who could spend 12,000 Krang without hesitation.

“Sigh~ I guess so. Any other expenses?”

“55.4 million Krang will be spent on stadium rental and this year’s operating expenses.”

“Really? Is there anything else?”

“Yes. That’s all the expenses.”

Then the total available funds were about 813 million Krang. This money would disappear if they bought Cazella and Renka, soon emptying Godz Knights’ vault and leaving only a 100 million Krang IOU [I Owe You, a written acknowledgement of debt].

Beomseok leaned back in his seat and sighed deeply, feeling suffocated.

“Sigh~ Even after moving up to the Central League, we’re still poor.”

“It’s only this much because it’s our team. Other teams would have spent several times as much. Godz Knights doesn’t need a gladiator manager, and the salaries are relatively low.”

That was true, but he was still worried about the future. He wanted to recruit one more player even in the coming winter, but if the situation remained like this, there would be considerable setbacks. He needed a few more sources of income.

“Esther, is there any other place where funds can come from?”

“Well, I don’t think there are any special sources of income. However, as I mentioned earlier, we expect some additional income from season ticket sales.”

Even so, the income was limited. It seemed far from enough to buy the gladiator he wanted.

‘Well, it’ll work out somehow. If not, I can just wait until the promising players grow up.’

Before he knew it, Beomseok’s flying car was descending into the center of a city. It was Dart City in the Ionic regional government, the home city of the Fire Hawks. He was about to meet with the Fire Hawks team’s trainer in a nearby restaurant to recruit Renka.

Beomseok, who arrived with Esther in front of a classy luxury restaurant, entered the door.

“Welcome.”

An elf employee wearing a black uniform bowed 90 degrees to him. Beomseok looked around the ornately decorated interior.

“I made a reservation, but I don’t know where the room is.”

Esther intervened. She was the one who made the reservation.

“It should be under the Godz Knights team. And the contact is Mr. Braham.”

“Ah, is that so? Then please follow me. I’ll guide you.”

Following the employee, they arrived at a room with a table for four. It was a private space, ideal for a serious conversation. He sat down with Esther and waited. Braham, who was supposed to negotiate, hadn’t arrived yet, perhaps because they were early.

Soon, at exactly 12 o’clock, a middle-aged man with brown hair opened the door and entered. It was Braham from the Fire Hawks team. He got up from his seat and greeted Braham politely.

“Welcome, Mr. Braham.”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

He shook hands and sat down in the seat opposite Beomseok, as directed. Beomseok opened the menu on the table and handed it to him. Since it was a meal and a conversation, he wanted to order first. He believed that people are more generous when they’re full.

“Well, what would you like to have?”

Braham looked over the menu and seemed slightly surprised. He had expected it to be expensive, but the price range was extraordinary.

“Wow. I don’t know if I’m receiving too much hospitality.”

“Don’t worry about it and order comfortably. Just think of it as a promotion treat. In fact, the Fire Hawks team helped us a lot in our promotion.”

He was likely referring to their battle with East Winds. The Fire Hawks had a close match with them in the quarterfinals, going all the way to a shootout. Naturally, this would have benefited Godz Knights, who faced East Winds in the semifinals.

“Hahaha. I guess I can think of it that way. To be honest, I was a little bitter because only Godz Knights got promoted while our team fell, but I’m going to spend as much as I want today.”

“Then I’ll be happy too.”

Braham looked through the menu and chose bouillabaisse [a type of French fish stew]. It was a stew made with seafood and various spices, and the price was relatively low.

Perhaps he was uncomfortable with being treated to such an expensive meal.

“I’ll have bouillabaisse.”

Beomseok glanced at him and made a slightly annoyed expression. It seemed that negotiations would be difficult today.

Renka was the team’s number one ace gladiator, so the Fire Hawks team was reluctant to sell her. Selling their franchise star carelessly would draw a lot of complaints from fans. Braham’s ordering a cheap meal suggested he would maintain this stance.

“Ahem. Then I’ll have bouillabaisse too.”

When Beomseok ordered the same menu, Esther called the employee and ordered three bouillabaisses. After a moment of silence, Beomseok spoke first, ready to begin negotiations in earnest.

“In fact, the reason I asked to meet with Mr. Braham today is to finalize the recruitment of Renka.”

Braham looked at him silently, showing his disapproval.

“As I told you on the phone before, that’s a bit difficult. Renka is our team’s ace and franchise star. Moreover, she has a cheerful personality and good skills, so she’s loved by many fans. Selling such a player would be a significant loss for our team.”

“But you clearly announced that you would sell her for 400 million Krang, didn’t you?”

“That was just for show. I didn’t expect any team to actually buy her for 400 million Krang.”

Frustrated, Beomseok tapped the table with his finger. Renka was his top priority, and he had to bring her under his command no matter what.

“Can’t you reconsider? 400 million Krang is enough to buy several pretty good gladiators, isn’t it?”

Braham couldn’t deny that. If he added a little more to 400 million Krang, he could buy two Renka-class gladiators. Then the Fire Hawks team would have the potential to aim for the Central League next year.

“That’s true, but gladiators aren’t just about skills. It’s also very important how much they’re loved by the local fans. Our Fire Hawks team earns a considerable income from the sales of team emblem products with her number on them.”

“But we’re talking about 400 million Krang, aren’t we?”

“Of course not. I was just giving an example of how much Renka is valued by the fans.”

Beomseok crossed his arms and frowned slightly. It seemed that today’s negotiations would be difficult. To persuade someone who doesn’t want to sell, he had to raise the price, but that was challenging given Godz Knights’ current financial situation.