Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 343

345

The World Cup qualifier third match between the Avand and Merjan teams was a fierce back-and-forth. Merjan took the 1st and 3rd rounds, while Avand, led by Beomseok, secured the 2nd and 4th rounds. The 5th round ended in a draw, resulting in a tie.

Beomseok couldn’t quite break through Merjan’s solid defense, manned by their key players. Consequently, the Avand team tied for first place with Merjan, both with 7 points.

“We’ve arrived. Please exit the vehicle.”

As the hotelier opened the rear door of the gleaming black limousine, a sharply dressed Beomseok emerged, looking noticeably bewildered.

He’d been idly reading a book at the training camp when a hotel employee suddenly barged in, insisted he change into a pre-selected suit, and escorted him to this hotel. His first instinct was to subdue them, but he refrained upon learning that Rebecca was behind it.

He had been expecting something like this.

‘But how did she win over that notoriously picky Director Clark?’

It was incredibly difficult for outsiders to gain access to the team’s training camp. This was to prevent leaks of training footage and strategic information, and to protect the valuable pro gladiators. The fact that the hotelier had barged in was impossible without the director’s explicit permission.

“Whatever. None of my business…”

Muttering to himself, Beomseok took in the hotel’s brightly illuminated facade. The massive hotel, nearly 80 stories high, was bathed in soft, inviting lights, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. He walked past the dazzling fountain and entered the hotel.

“Welcome.”

Another Elf hotel employee greeted him and led him inside. It seemed certain that this was where Rebecca would be. Following the gently curving escalator, he arrived at a luxurious restaurant with dark wooden tables.

‘Quite a crowd.’

The restaurant was bustling with people. It was the end of the year, and as the clock approached midnight, marking the arrival of the new year, year 56 [likely a year in the story’s world]. Moreover, with snow predicted, many couples were seeking a romantic evening. Of course, most parties consisted of men and Elves.

He turned to the hotel employee guiding him.

“Is it here?”

“No. We need to go further in.”

Following the guide, Beomseok passed through the rows of luxury restaurants and finally arrived at a small private room on the 3rd floor. Inside, a table covered with a lace-trimmed white cloth was set for two, creating an intimate setting for a couple’s meal. However, Rebecca hadn’t arrived yet, making the scene look rather lonely.

The Elf hotel employee seated Beomseok and bowed politely.

“Is there anything you require?”

Beomseok, slightly loosening his tight necktie, replied, “Just a glass of water.”

The Elf hotelier immediately picked up the porcelain pitcher in the center of the table, turned over the glass, and poured water into it.

“Anything else?”

Beomseok took a sip of water and then asked, “By the way, when will Rebecca arrive? It’s a bit awkward being alone.”

“Rebecca left when you left your house, so she should be arriving shortly.”

“Hmm. Is that so? Okay. Then you may go.”

“Yes. Have a pleasant evening.”

After the hotel employee left, Beomseok waited. After a few minutes, the door opened, and a blonde beauty in a black fur coat entered. It was Rebecca.

“Beomseok. Did you wait long?”

“Not really. I just got here.”

She smiled gently and hung her coat on the hanger by the door. Beomseok swallowed hard. Rebecca was wearing something incredible.

A passionate red dress, impressively short, revealing her thighs and a generous amount of cleavage. Moreover, the zipper running between her breasts was a tantalizing detail.

The thought of lowering that zipper and revealing Rebecca’s nakedness flashed through his mind.

She tilted her head slightly, smiled with her eyes, and walked towards Beomseok’s seat, her sandal-heeled shoes clicking softly on the floor. Then, she crossed her bare legs and gazed at him intently.

“Were you surprised by the sudden invitation?”

“Hmm. A little. But what’s this all about?”

“Just a dinner invitation. I owed you a dinner, so I wanted to repay you. And I also have something to discuss.”

Beomseok felt a surge of anticipation. He hoped Rebecca might offer him a valuable gift.

“Hahaha. Is that so? Dinner aside, what’s this ‘something to talk about’?”

“It’s about business.”

“What business?”

“What else could it be? The sponsor contract for the God Knights.”

Somewhat disappointed, Beomseok rested his chin on his hand and looked at her. He’d hoped for a pleasant New Year’s Eve, but it seemed it would be business-oriented.

“Sponsor contract? Isn’t there still plenty of time left on the equipment sponsor contract?”

“No. It’s the main sponsor contract. There’s about half a year left, so we should start working on it now.”

Indeed, the main sponsor contract between God Knights and Rainbow Group was set to expire at the end of the next spring season. Without preparation, they risked entering the next season without a primary sponsor.

“I suppose so. So, Chaplin Sports will remain our main sponsor?”

“Not exactly. Chaplin Electronics, run by my uncle, will be the main sponsor.”

Chaplin Electronics was a massive company, second in its industry. Securing such a company as a sponsor was nearly impossible unless you were a world league team in a major sport. Their primary goal in sponsoring sports teams was promotion, and outside of the world league, it was difficult to achieve the desired brand exposure.

Beomseok took a sip of water and said, “Is the Chaplin family showing us special consideration?”

“Not really. Actually, my uncle initially requested this sponsorship offer from me.”

Surprised, he gave Rebecca a questioning look.

“Hmm. Why?”

“Recently, the promotion analysis team submitted a report concluding that a sponsorship contract with the God Knights team is the most suitable for Chaplin Electronics’ future growth plans.”

“Is that so? What’s the reasoning?”

“Currently, Chaplin Electronics is ranked second in the industry, and they’ve realized that capturing the female customer base is essential to reach first place. And Beomseok is more popular with women than any other professional athlete, including gladiators. Moreover, he’s recognized among Elves, who often manage household chores, so they see a significant benefit in home appliance sales.”

Understanding, Beomseok nodded. Unlike other men, he advocated for and personally practiced showing affection to ordinary women, earning him support from many. Additionally, the team’s values resonated with Elves, making them an attractive sponsorship target for Chaplin Electronics.

“But is that all? Even so, Chaplin Electronics wouldn’t offer us a sponsorship contract based on that alone.”

“Well, there are several other reasons. Beomseok’s promising talent is already widely recognized, placing him among the world’s top 3 gladiators, and God Knights has a high chance of advancing to the World League this year. So, they’re making an offer to secure us preemptively.”

Beomseok had no particular aversion to Chaplin Electronics, so he welcomed the offer. However, the crucial point was the sponsorship amount.

“How much will it be?”

“For a 4-year contract, 1.5 billion Krang [currency in the story’s world].”

It was a somewhat ambiguous figure. Adequate for a Central League team’s sponsorship, but a potential loss if God Knights advanced to the World League next year.

Instead of committing to a main sponsor at that amount, it might be better to wait and see if they advanced to the World League and find another sponsor. The typical main sponsor cost for a World League team was at least 3 billion Krang for a 4-year contract.

“Hmm. That might be difficult. I intend to get our team into the World League next year or the year after. We have the potential.”

“Of course, I know. So, there are some options included here.”

“What options?”

“A special bonus of 1 billion Krang upon advancing to the World League, and an additional 500 million Krang will be paid every year we remain in the World League.”

Beomseok now looked satisfied. That meant he could earn up to 4 billion Krang during the contract period.

“Hmm. Not bad conditions.”

“In addition, if we finish the league in the top 7, we get an additional 100 million Krang, 200 million Krang for top 3, and 500 million Krang for winning the championship. Also, if we lift the GA Cup [likely a tournament] and League Cup, we get 200 million and 100 million Krang respectively.”

He trembled slightly. The options were substantial. The maximum sponsorship fee he could earn in a year was 1.3 billion Krang.

“Ahem. This is no joke.”

“Well, most World League teams have those kinds of options.”

“But are there any other special benefits?”

“It depends on Beomseok’s decision, but there is one more minor option.”

“What is it?”

“The basic sponsorship of 1.5 billion Krang will be provided immediately. You can then use that money to recruit another gladiator, increasing our chances of advancing to the World League.”

For Beomseok, it was the most appealing offer. God Knights had recently earned a lot of revenue from ticket sales and GA and League Cup games, but they also had significant expenses due to business promotions and repaying the 100 million borrowed from LHN. The team’s remaining funds were only 300 million Krang, making it nearly impossible to recruit a World League-level gladiator. He’d planned to take a break during this winter transfer market, but now recruitment funds were shimmering before his eyes.

“Can we do this? I’ve never heard of a pre-paid sponsorship…”

“That’s true, but Chaplin Electronics wants God Knights to quickly acquire a good gladiator and advance to the World League as soon as possible. That’s much more beneficial for their promotion.”

Hearing those words, Beomseok decided to accept the offer without hesitation. He liked the sponsorship amount, but the pre-payment was even more attractive. With that money, he could buy another outstanding gladiator, giving him an advantage in the promotion tournament next spring.

“Okay, I’ll accept it.”

“That’s an excellent decision. You will never regret it.”

While they were talking, the employees came in and filled the table with delicious food. He broke the bread in half and continued the conversation.

“By the way, Rebecca, how is team life?”

At those words, Rebecca immediately lowered her head. She was still upset about being excluded from the game against the Merjan team and resentful about being told she wouldn’t participate in future games. But she didn’t want to gossip, so she vaguely glossed over it with a general answer.

“It’s okay.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But I feel sorry because it seems like my lack of skill is harming the team.”

Beomseok gently shook his head. Except for a few key gladiators, there weren’t many as skilled as her. In fact, she was among the top candidates.

“Are you saying that because of the game against Merjan? That’s not it. Well, the director was too harsh. It wasn’t just you who made a mistake at the time…”

Rebecca deeply agreed with Beomseok’s words. The Avand team lost the first round against Merjan because Violet fell first. Then the 7th gladiator in charge of her was attached to her, and she was inevitably hit in the back.

It wasn’t fair for the director to blame her so harshly.

“Well, that’s true, but I made a mistake too. If I had been more careful, I wouldn’t have been easily attacked.”

“Hmm. There is that aspect, but the director’s intention in blaming you wasn’t just that.”

“Then what was it?”

“I think he’s pushing you to improve. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have arranged for us to have dinner together like this today.”

She slightly pouted her lips. He allowed her to have dinner with him today because of the contract and the importance of supporting the Avand team. He was a person who would do anything to make the Avand team stronger.

“Yes. I hope so too.”

“Hahaha. That’s really true. In fact, the director knows very well that you’re not using your full strength. So, he used shock therapy last time…”

Rebecca’s eyes widened.

“Is, is that really true?”

“Hmm. Yes. Director Clark is no ordinary person. He has the ability to fully recognize that you have some hidden potential.”

“Did Beomseok tell you?”

He shook his head. If he confirmed it, the story wouldn’t progress.

“No. The director noticed it first and asked if you couldn’t use your full strength. So, I just said yes.”

She trembled her eyes. Clark was famous for being picky, but he was a promising director known as a great director.

Several World League teams had sent him offers, and Chaplin Whisper had also nominated him as a candidate for the next director along with Vincent. If such a director and Beomseok both acknowledged it, the probability that she wasn’t using her full strength became even greater.

“I, I see. Thank you for letting me know.”

“What. Well, let’s have a toast in the spirit of working hard.”

Beomseok, who lightly tapped the glass, looked at her and sent a lewd gaze. He was convinced that she would fall for him soon. Rebecca was now glancing at him with a worried expression.

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

ㅠㅠ. Lignus doesn’t upload his writing. ㅠㅠ. He was debating whether to play Diablo 3 or not, but in the end, he must have fallen for it. ㅠㅠ. I strongly dissuaded him in the comments. ㅠㅠ.

Then everyone have a nice day, and I’ll see you again tomorrow.