Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 365

367

“Well, it’s not that big of a deal. If I’m careful, I can handle one or two rounds just fine.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but still…”

Bumseok patted Diana’s shoulder, who looked worried.

“Don’t worry too much. We’re going to win today’s match no matter what. Honestly, even a draw would greatly increase our chances of advancing. Besides, I’m not seriously injured. Even if something goes wrong, I can just go to the hospital and get it fixed.”

“I suppose you’re right…”

She readily agreed. Bumseok’s words were entirely correct. Even if the wound reopened, he could simply get it stitched up again.

He glanced towards the arena and said,

“By the way, when would be the best time for me to go out there?”

“I think the second round would be ideal.”

“The second round? Why?”

“Because that’s the most efficient way to do it.”

Diana added a brief explanation.

Currently, God’s Knights planned to adopt a formal strategy. This meant sending their main force in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th rounds, and their second string in the 2nd and 4th rounds. Since their main force was nearly equal in strength and Chaos Hills would likely come out with a defensive strategy, they predicted that they would almost certainly not lose in the 1st round if they were careful.

“Ah, so you’re planning to go for a draw in the 1st round?”

“Yes, that’s right. Chaos Hills is a team that specializes in defense. If we rashly launch an attack, we could end up losing.”

“Well, I guess so. Unless the difference in power is significant, the defending team has the advantage. So, you’re saying we should aim to win in the 2nd round, when I’m competing?”

“Yes, that’s right. Actually, whether we win in the 1st or 2nd round, it’s still just one round victory. To easily secure one win, it’s better for you to compete in the 2nd round. Plus, you’re injured.”

Bumseok nodded as if he understood. It was common knowledge in the gladiator world that it was easier to get kills against second-string gladiators than against the main force. If the purpose of sending Bumseok out was to aim for one win anyway, the 2nd round was definitely the better choice.

“I see. It’s definitely better to secure the 2nd round.”

“And we need to prepare for when Chaos Hills comes out with an unconventional strategy. Even though they specialize in defense and their attack power is weak, if their main force comes out, our second string will have a hard time stopping them. It’s reassuring to have you there at that time.”

“Ah, I see. There’s an unconventional strategy. You’re right. Okay, leave the 2nd round to me. I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve our goal.”

“Yes, I believe you will. Then, please take care of the 2nd round.”

As they were talking, the heat in the Lima City Colosseum was intensifying. This was because the home fans were sending enthusiastic cheers as the start time of the match approached.

Since God’s Knights’ advancement to the World League depended on today’s match, the fans couldn’t help but be nervous. In the history of Avon’s gladiator scene, no professional gladiator team had ever set foot in the World League.

“God’s Knights! Win today no matter what! If you make it to the World League, I’ll buy season tickets every year!”

“You can’t lose today! You have to win and get to the World League!”

Soon after, the list of participants for the 1st round appeared on the electronic display, and the commentators began their remarks.

– Hello to all the fans in the arena and viewers watching on TV! Today, we will be broadcasting live the promotion tournament 3rd and 4th place match between God’s Knights and Chaos Hills, which will determine their fate. Right now, the match between Snow Girls and Faeon Rangers is unfolding in the Arkin City Colosseum. But in reality, wouldn’t the world’s attention be focused on this match?

After the announcer’s lengthy explanation, the commentator’s remarks began.

– Yes, of course. The highlight of the promotion tournament to the World League is, without a doubt, the 3rd and 4th place match. The teams in the finals have already secured tickets to the World League, while the 3rd and 4th place teams have not. Since the remaining promotion tickets will be distributed based on the results of today’s match, many fans will likely be watching with great interest.

– That’s right. But who will be the winner of today’s match?

– Well, both teams are strong, so it’s hard to predict who will win. Moreover, God’s Knights, who were thought to be somewhat more advantageous, recently suffered an unexpected accident, didn’t they?

– Ah, you’re talking about Gladiator Oh Bumseok’s injury. It’s truly unfortunate. If we were to look at their original strength, God’s Knights should have advanced to the finals.

The commentator nodded calmly.

– Yes, that’s right. God’s Knights with Gladiator Oh Bumseok is invincible itself.

– Still, the good news is that Gladiator Oh Bumseok is participating today, isn’t he? Wouldn’t that be somewhat hopeful news for God’s Knights?

– Hmm, I’m not so sure. According to the information I’ve heard, Gladiator Oh Bumseok is participating in today’s match, taking a risk. That means his injury hasn’t fully recovered yet. It’s too early to tell how much he’ll be able to perform in that condition.

– I see. Anyway, I hope Gladiator Oh Bumseok will play a big role and live up to the expectations of the home fans.

Shortly after, a signal to stand by for the match was broadcasted to the gladiators of both teams. In response, Seyia and the other God’s Knights gladiators headed to the entrance tunnel and lined up. Then, following the in-house broadcast urging them to enter, they slowly walked towards the center of the city.

Bumseok, who was watching this scene from the dugout, had a nervous look in his eyes. He couldn’t possibly be unaware of the importance of today’s match. In particular, Chaos Hills was strong in defense, so if they lost in the 1st round, it would be very difficult to proceed with the rest of the matches.

– Bweeek!

With a long whistle mixed with electronic sounds, the 1st round began. Seyia, who was in command, ordered all team members to maintain their formation and slowly moved towards the steel bridge. Since the goal of the 1st round was a draw, there was no need to cross the steel bridge first.

“Everyone, maintain your formation! Absolutely no reckless actions!”

By the time God’s Knights’ main force reached the entrance of the steel bridge, the Chaos Hills gladiators were already attempting to cross the river. In response, Seyia pulled back the formation and opened the entrance.

Fighting on the steel bridge in this state would give Chaos Hills an advantage due to the difference in elevation. The steel bridge that crossed the center of the city was in the shape of a rainbow bridge, so the higher position could be occupied as it went to the center.

At this time, the voice of the 1st gladiator, the leader of Chaos Hills, burst out.

“Everyone, stand by.”

The Chaos Hills gladiators stopped on the steel bridge. A moment of silence followed. Both teams were only glaring at each other, refraining from approaching. They knew very well that attacking first would be disadvantageous.

Bumseok, who was watching this from the dugout, gave a faint smile.

‘Huhu. Eventually, Chaos Hills will come.’

The top 5 of God’s Knights were among the few talented individuals in all the Central Leagues around the world. They wouldn’t want to go to a showdown against them, so unless the Chaos Hills coach was an idiot, they would try to win at least one round somehow. But in order to win, a battle had to take place, and God’s Knights had no intention of attacking at all. In that case, the thirsty person had to dig the well [meaning, the one who needs something will have to take the initiative]. Chaos Hills had no choice but to attack first.

Moreover, the Lima City Colosseum was God’s Knights’ home. The majority of the spectators filling the stands were fans cheering for God’s Knights.

They would know the importance of today’s match, so they wouldn’t complain even if a boring match unfolded. What they wanted today was God’s Knights’ advancement to the World League, not an interesting match.

“Chaos Hills! What are you doing! Are you scared! It looks like you don’t want to go to the World League!”

“This is frustrating! Chaos Hills! Attack quickly!”

But this was not the case for Chaos Hills. They were the villains who were interfering with the wishes of the Lima City fans. They could never allow them to fidget.

“Everyone, move forward while maintaining formation. Attack God’s Knights.”

The Chaos Hills formation, which had been hesitating, slowly moved forward. This was not due to the urging of the fans, but for strategic reasons. They were in a situation where they absolutely needed one win.

Shortly after. The first clash between the two teams occurred. Perhaps because they moved slowly, a light battle of swords and spears continued without a major collision.

“Everyone, attack! Destroy the enemy lines!”

With the sharp cry of the 1st gladiator, the Chaos Hills gladiators charged in unison. Although they were prepared with a firm stance, the God’s Knights formation was pushed back and created a crisis situation due to the sudden offensive.

However, there was no way that God’s Knights, who were far superior in physical ability, would be easily defeated. They immediately pushed back and appropriately blocked Chaos Hills’ offensive.

“Venus! Keep pushing!”

Venus held out her dual shields and faced the 7th gladiator. Seyia, who was behind her giving orders, blocked the tip of a spear flying towards her with her shield. Since Chaos Hills had many spear-shield formations, sudden mid-range attacks were very threatening.

She saw the tip of the spear flying towards her being deflected before it even reached her and looked at Nikita next to her. She knew that Nikita had appropriately extended her spear to protect her.

“Thank you, Nikita.”

Nikita threw her spear at the 7th gladiator in front of her and said,

“What? Seyia, be careful anyway. You’re the leader, so the opponent will be targeting you a lot.”

“Yes, I know.”

Seyia raised her shield a little higher and watched her surroundings. She knew very well that if she was defeated, the match would be lost. But the spear tips flying from all directions were too threatening. She had no choice but to move the formation back.

“Everyone, retreat!”

As God’s Knights moved back, Chaos Hills stopped in its place. In response, Seyia cast a doubtful gaze. She didn’t know why they weren’t pursuing even though they had seized an opportunity. And the opponent’s movements were also somewhat strange. They were widening the gap and scattering their formation.

At this time, Nikita next to her quietly murmured.

“It seems like they’re trying to change their formation. We need to be careful.”

“Change formation? Then…”

Seyia thought that the opponent might be forming a charge formation such as the Wedge Formation or the Goose Formation. Even though they were a team specialized in defense, if they were a team that had even won the Central League, they would definitely have some skill in attacking. They might take advantage of the opponent’s carelessness and launch an unexpected attack.

She immediately had Venus and Nikita switch places. Although Venus was specialized in defense, she judged that it would be better for a gladiator with a lot of match experience like Nikita to block the front in a situation where she didn’t know what strategy the opponent would take.

Soon after, the Chaos Hills gladiators, who had created the Wedge Formation, charged in unison.

“Everyone, charge! Be sure to divide the enemy!”

The Chaos Hills’ Wedge Formation, with the end of the corner pointing towards Seyia, approached rapidly. In response, God’s Knights concentrated as much as possible and blocked the front, but the impact of the collision was very large, to the point where the center was dented.

Seyia, who was compressed in the center of the formation, shouted to Iphis and Herse, who were standing behind her.

“Iphis, Herse! Run a free-roll together [a maneuver where two gladiators move in a curved line to strike the enemy’s rear]!”

In an instant, they came out of the formation and struck the rear of Chaos Hills in a curved line. It was to hit the 1st gladiator, the leader. Since the Wedge Formation was a typical attack formation, the leader was in the rear.

“It’s God’s Knights’ free-roll. Block it!”

The leader of Chaos Hills reacted sensitively. Iphis wielded a long spear, so she was capable of mid-range attacks. If they were constantly harassed from behind, it would cause problems with team command.

Soon, the 4th and 11th gladiators jumped out and ran towards them. In the meantime, Seyia straightened the formation and moved the God’s Knights’ formation to the side.

“Okay. Now come back!”

As Iphis and Herse rejoined the formation, the 4th and 11th gladiators, who had come as markers, returned again. And then, a continuous back-and-forth battle. The gladiators of both teams repeatedly advanced and retreated, greatly stimulating the atmosphere of the arena.

“These Chaos Hills are not ordinary. They’re worthy of being a gladiator team that participated in the 3rd and 4th place match.”

Diana reacted to Bumseok’s murmur.

“Yes. They’re the team that fought against Snow Girls, who were in the same league as us, and had a close match that went to a showdown.”

Snow Girls were pushed back by God’s Knights and participated in this promotion tournament as the 2nd place in the league, but they were a strong team ranked 3rd in terms of power. Since they had a close match with such a team, God’s Knights, who were missing Bumseok, had no choice but to struggle.

But she didn’t think they would ever lose. In the meantime, God’s Knights had invested a lot of money and recruited some top-tier World League gladiators. If they supported the team well, she thought they would be able to achieve the targeted draw.

“Still, there’s no need to worry too much. If we strictly consider the strategy, our main force is somewhat ahead.”

“Yes, that’s right. If we block the initial offensive well, we’ll have a chance to counterattack. If we do well at that time, we might even be able to win.”

At that time, the 6th gladiator of Chaos Hills, who was forcing a charge, collapsed to the ground. Nikita had skillfully aimed the tip of her spear towards the side and directly struck her flank.

Thanks to this, the power ratio of the two teams was 12 to 11. The 1st gladiator, the leader, dismissed everyone and went into a thorough defensive posture. It seemed that they had judged that it would be better to postpone winning the round to the next time, since one person had been defeated.

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

I’m preparing for this new work, and it’s not easy. It’s a new battle method, so there are no novels to refer to at all, and it’s hard to find related materials. I regret choosing this unnecessary material. If I had planned the new work as an ordinary novel, I would have spent a lot of time preparing it. ㅠㅠ. But I have to do what I decided to do. ㅋㅋㅋ.

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