Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 287

“Yo. Our Beomseok has really hit the big time. Going to places like that. Congratulations. Hahaha.”

Beomseok frowned as he exited the banquet hall and said,

“This isn’t the time to celebrate. The atmosphere here is unsettling.”

“What’s unsettling? Is something bad happening?”

“Yes, it is. I just overheard something very serious.”

Beomseok explained in detail what he had heard from Ben earlier, also mentioning the expected damages. Lexter, who had been listening intently, shouted with an angry expression. Because Bluebird was a non-profit organization, it didn’t operate like a typical corporation. If that agenda really passed, no one knew what kind of trouble might arise in the future.

Lexter couldn’t contain his anger and exclaimed,

“Why is this even happening!”

“I have a feeling the Black Society is trying to undermine us.”

“Why?”

“The submitter of this agenda is Cooper’s faction.”

Lexter frowned. Considering the close ties between Cooper’s faction and the Black Society, the possibility was certainly high.

“Damn it… They’re resorting to every dirty trick in the book.”

“Yeah, well.”

“But Beomseok, what are you going to do now?”

“I don’t know. This happened so suddenly, I don’t have a solution. Many gladiator teams will probably agree, and there’s no way to stop them. Most of the people in a neutral position are likely to support Cooper’s faction.”

“Other people are agreeing? Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The more teams that adopt our system, the more insecure the existing teams will become. In fact, even with the same power, we are more advantageous because of the elves’ fighting spirit. Moreover, we have lower team operating costs and no dividends to shareholders, so we have a significant financial advantage. And if we have money, we can recruit top-tier gladiators without hesitation. They may not show it, but they must be quite uncomfortable inside.”

Lexter bit his lip and said,

“Damn it, this is so unfair. How can the weak survive?”

“That’s true, but we can’t just roll over and die, can we?”

“Of course not. I’m not going down alone. Find out the names of the bastards who voted for that agenda today and bring them to me.”

“Why?”

“I’m going to tell the Chief of the Federal Police Agency to make an example of a few of them. No one is clean, especially these guys. Team management itself is full of loopholes.”

Beomseok shook his head. That kind of after-the-fact treatment wouldn’t solve the problem. The agenda presented here would be put to a general meeting, where at least ten thousand people would exercise their voting rights. This kind of example couldn’t sway all of them. The best way was to bury it before it even got that far, right here at today’s banquet.

“That won’t work. It’s like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted [taking action too late to prevent harm].”

“Well, yeah… Ah, Beomseok. How about we do this?”

“How?”

“We’ll announce to the media that we’re recklessly recruiting gladiators. Then the existing teams will be scared, right? Teams that are frequently targeted for recruitment will collapse.”

It was a good idea, but it was too provocative. It was better to solve it rationally now. The moment they made this threat, they would have to maintain a hostile relationship with the existing forces.

“I’ve thought about that too. But while the effect is significant, the side effects are considerable. It’s better to resolve it with a softer approach for the future.”

“But there’s no other way. Beomseok, think carefully. If we mess up this time, we could be kicked out of the league. Then, unless we create our own league and become independent, we’ll have to sit around doing nothing.”

Suddenly, a gleam appeared in Beomseok’s eyes. It would be difficult to create a league, but it could be used as a bargaining chip. Dividing the league was like threatening the vested interests of the existing forces. If a new league received public support and grew significantly, it would split the gladiator market.

‘The problem is that the possibility is slim.’

The possibility of a new gladiator league growing was extremely low. Fans were unlikely to come and watch minor leagues when there was already a large system like the Federal Professional Gladiator Association [the main governing body for gladiatorial combat].

However, creating a new league was a card for negotiation. Regardless of success, if it was plausibly presented, it could influence the existing gladiator forces.

“Captain, I’ll hang up now. I have something urgent to do.”

“What is it?”

“I’m creating a bargaining chip, and I’m running out of time.”

“Okay, I understand. Then be sure to let me know the results later.”

“Yes, I will.”

Beomseok hung up and began to devise a rough system for the new league. It was a matter of combining the promotion and relegation system in the game with the professional sports system in reality, so he could finish it quickly.

After completing all the work, Beomseok went straight to Vice President Louis. First, he needed to assess the atmosphere. He asked the other gladiator officials sitting around for their understanding and continued the conversation with Vice President Louis.

“Vice President Louis, how are you?”

“Oh, you’ve come? Ben said you were very surprised and went outside. Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. But is it true that Cooper’s group has proposed adding the requirement of forming a corporation as one of the conditions for entering the professional league?”

“That’s right. I just found out and I’m worried. There’s no time, so there’s no way to deal with it.”

Beomseok sighed deeply. Judging from Louis’ expression, he felt that things were flowing in an unusual way. He couldn’t even make eye contact with Beomseok now.

“Sigh~ Then what’s the overall situation right now?”

“Well, the first agenda seems easy to resolve because the Ibrahim faction is taking the lead in blocking it, but the second agenda is a bit difficult. Everyone is showing a favorable reaction, so my persuasion isn’t working.”

As expected, the result was as expected. TNGL Broadcasting was a company of an economic group that had a close relationship with the Ibrahim faction.

The Ibrahim faction had no choice but to step up and block the first agenda. However, the latter agenda was beneficial to most professional teams except for some, including Beomseok. Perhaps even the people under Vice President Louis’ faction were secretly hoping for it, although they didn’t show it.

Beomseok looked at Louis with a serious expression and said,

“Vice President, who do we need to persuade to resolve this situation?”

“We need to persuade the Ibrahim faction first. If we combine my forces with theirs, it will be more than half.”

Then the goal was set. If they could persuade the Ibrahim faction, the number of votes would exceed the majority, so the problem would be solved.

“Hmm. Then if we can change Chairman Ibrahim’s mind, it will be resolved.”

“That’s right. But persuasion won’t be easy. I keep trying to negotiate on this matter, but they’re not even responding. And even if I and Chairman Ibrahim agree, there’s no guarantee that we’ll exceed the majority. Because it’s a matter of vested interests, there may be members of our organization who don’t listen to us.”

“Is that so? Then what should we do?”

“For a sure result, it would be better to bring in one small faction. Or rather, that would be better for persuading Chairman Ibrahim. If there are many factions supporting you, the chairman will feel burdened.”

Beomseok, who was convinced, looked at the tables in the far corner on the opposite side. It was the place where the Angela faction was located. Angela was a bit naive, so if he could match her mood well, she was very likely to help him.

He quickly looked at Louis and said,

“How about the Angela faction?”

Louis stroked his chin for a moment, then nodded.

“The Angela faction… small but a very good card. Ms. Angela is a member of the economic group and maintains a good relationship with Chairman Ibrahim. If we can persuade her, she will probably be quite helpful. But can you persuade her? Ms. Angela is stubborn, and once she says no, it’s absolutely no. If she already feels favorable to Cooper’s agenda, there will be no conversation.”

Beomseok smiled slightly.

“That’s why it’s even easier. Once you gain her trust, she believes you to the end.”

“What does that mean? Are you saying you’ve gained Ms. Angela’s trust?”

“Yes, that’s right. I received help from her when I solved the Sheila case before.”

Louis nodded. He had heard that Beomseok had caught the tail of that Theresa, and her mother, Angela, had provided a crucial clue.

“Really? If you’re so confident, go ahead and try. I’ll keep persuading the other factions and Chairman Ibrahim.”

“Okay, I understand. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

He hurriedly left the place and headed to where Angela was sitting. She was currently having a meal with some faction officials and her daughter, Theresa.

Beomseok made a short cough to clear his throat.

“Ahem. Hello, Ms. Angela.”

Angela, who was cutting meat, looked at him and jumped up. It had only been one meeting, but she couldn’t possibly not recognize Beomseok, who had given her great satisfaction.

“Ah! Mr. Beomseok. Welcome!”

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. Come on, sit here.”

Angela pushed away the middle-aged faction official next to her and made room. Beomseok, who had an embarrassed expression, sat down while staring at Theresa, who was glaring at him as if to kill him.

It was the first time he had seen her in person, but he had experienced her mind-reading during the Sheila case, so he was always watching her with caution. Rubin’s death at that time was a shock to Beomseok as well.

“Ah. Yes, thank you. But who is the beautiful lady in front of me?”

Instantly, Angela glared at Theresa with a cold gaze. No matter how much she was her daughter, she was jealous that she was receiving Beomseok’s attention. Theresa quickly composed herself and greeted him.

“Hello, I’m Theresa.”

Angela reluctantly said in a cold voice,

“My. She’s also my daughter.”

“Ah. Is that so? I said she was beautiful. She resembles her mother, Ms. Angela.”

It wasn’t just a polite remark. Angela and Theresa looked so much alike that they could be seen as sisters. Well, mothers and daughters were the same bloodline.

Angela, who had rapidly changed her expression, had a smile full of her face. It was because it was a compliment to her beauty.

“Hahaha. Mr. Beomseok, really. We’re mother and daughter, so it can’t be helped.”

Beomseok, who scanned Theresa’s black hair like silk and her thin body, slightly opened her character window. She was a formidable enemy, so he needed to find out information. Thinking about what he had suffered during the Sheila case, his neck still stiffened.

————————————————-

Name: Theresa Angela.

Classification: Modified Human (13 years).

Affiliation: Desert Scorpions GC.

Fame: 8371.

Notoriety: 1369.

Favorability: 0.

H Status: None.

Stamina: 5200/5200.

Sociality: 98+10, Strength: 58, Stamina: 52.

Agility: 59, Sense of Balance: 59, Intelligence: 100+10.

Mental Strength: 100+10. Judgment: 100+10, Skill: 100+10.

Luck: 98+10.

Current Skill/Potential: 824/824.

————————————————

Trait: Hera’s Mind Reading.

Special Notes: She is the leader of the world league team Desert Scorpions GC and the daughter of Angela, the head of the Angela faction. She is trusted by the team’s coach for her advice through excellent future predictions. Her heart is wicked, so caution is required.

————————————————

‘What? Who is she?’

Theresa’s stats were truly amazing. Intelligence, Mental Strength, Judgment, and Skill stats were at their peak, and Sociality and Luck were also at 98.

Moreover, the trait ‘Hera’s Mind Reading’ was a unique trait that he had never seen before, a fraudulent trait that only one person could possess in any situation. In other words, it meant that it could not be copied even with Beomseok’s ‘King of Doppelgangers’.

‘Damn it. Shit! Even if it’s a unique trait! How can there be such a scam!’

The trait ‘Hera’s Mind Reading’ included two options. The first was the passive ability to add +10 to all mental abilities, exerting the same effect as Emma’s ‘Excellent Knowledge’. But the second option was so spectacular that his jaw dropped.

It was the active ability to recognize the events that would occur one hour later for a specified matter when activated. Although there was a limit time of one day and a restriction that he could only know what would happen within one hour for one matter, Beomseok couldn’t help but be afraid.

Fighting someone who knows the future was never going to be easy.

‘This. I really need to be careful. If I make a mistake, I’ll be the one who gets hurt.’

Beomseok decided not to bring up the main point for now. Somehow, he had to make her use that trait first so that things could work out well. If the fact that he wanted Angela’s help was known to Theresa, he couldn’t imagine what kind of interference would come.

He turned his head to Angela, closing the information window.

“Ah. Ms. Angela, didn’t the Youth Business Federation do something bad to Vice President Louis’ daughter last time?”

She shook her head in embarrassment. Just thinking about that incident made her feel dizzy. No matter how young they were, there were things in the world that they should and shouldn’t touch. Vice President Louis had built the second largest force in the Federal Professional Gladiator world and had many influential friends, so if they acted recklessly, the Economic Group could also suffer a big loss. But the Youth Business Federation had childishly played with his daughter, and there was no such reckless thing.

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

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