Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 378

380

After a long summer vacation, the doors of the Lima City Colosseum were wide open again. The World League had begun. Hologram fireworks exploded incessantly in the sky, and the citizens of Lima City were arriving at the stadium in groups, chattering excitedly to watch the God Knights’ historic first World League match.

Arriving at the south parking lot, Beom-seok smiled so wide his cheeks hurt at the sight of the spectacular crowd. All of them contributed to the God Knights’ income.

‘Hehehe. This is a total jackpot.’

However, his expression soon stiffened. He was happy to make money, but he was worried about today’s game.

The Federation Gladiator Association gave several special privileges to newly promoted teams that year. One of them was the consideration of allowing the first league game to be held at home.

The opening match was the game where the audience would be most caught up in the atmosphere, so the home team could earn a lot of money from ticket sales. But unfortunately, today’s opponent was the Ancient Warriors. They were a strong team that won last year’s World League, and it was very unlikely that the current God Knights could win.

In other words, there was a high probability of losing the first day’s game, which could greatly disappoint the Lima City gladiator fans who came to the stadium in a good mood.

‘Still, the good news is that it’s not the worst-case scenario. If we perform well, the fans might understand and move on.’

The reason Beom-seok thought this way was because the Ancient Warriors were so strong. Since the fans would have low expectations for victory, if they showed some good performance, they could return home in a good mood with hope for the God Knights’ future schedule.

The problem was that it wasn’t easy, but he thought they could do it with their current power. This was because the God Knights were a team on a different level from other teams that had just been promoted this year.

Some experts even pointed to the God Knights as one of the teams that would enter the mid-upper ranks this year.

‘First of all, I’m here, an S1 class [gladiator rank].’

The current power of the God Knights was impressive in itself. In addition to Beom-seok, Nikita and Rezaris, who were W0 class [gladiator rank], existed, and Sheila, Kazella, Seiya, and Bertia, who were W1 class [gladiator rank], were also present.

In addition, there were Liza, Rapine, Jeremia, Iphis, Herse, and Cathy in W2 class [gladiator rank], and Rebecca, Oscar, Lenka, and Eirene in W3 class [gladiator rank]. With this level of power, if Beom-seok performed well, he thought that the main force would be able to put up a good fight.

The problem was the reserve power, which was somewhat composed of promising players. Currently, they included Matilda, Violet, Reimei, Hestia, and Venus in C0 class [gladiator rank], and Emma, ​​Lin, and Agelia in C1 class [gladiator rank].

Fortunately, there were many high-level gladiators, so only a few of the lower-ranked ones were included in the lineup for today’s match. However, it wasn’t expected that they would win a round against the Ancient Warriors, which were composed of almost S2 [gladiator rank] ~ W1 class [gladiator rank] gladiators. In other words, it seemed certain that the second-tier forces participating in the 2nd and 4th rounds would be overwhelmed.

‘Well. There’s nothing we can do about the second tier.’

Beom-seok gave up on the second tier early on. There was no need to try to solve something that was physically impossible.

Now, he had to focus on the strategy of the main force and try to lengthen the rounds as much as possible. Even if the second-tier forces lost two rounds, if the main force won at least 1 win and 1 draw, they could drag the game to the 5th round at least.

Then, at least it would look like a close match, so the fans would be satisfied.

Having organized his thoughts, Beom-seok shouted to his teammates who were lined up behind him.

“Okay. Then everyone, let’s go into the Colosseum!”

As the God Knights team entered the Colosseum along the path created by the security guards, the reporters and fans who had gathered around shouted loudly. It was because of the worry and anticipation for the game they would play today.

“God Knights, be sure to win! You must crush the arrogant Ancient Warriors!”

“Gladiator Oh Beom-seok, will you win today!”

Amid the flashes of light all around, Beom-seok stopped walking for a moment and shouted to the reporter who asked the question.

“We will definitely win! Please look forward to it!”

“But the Ancient Warriors are last year’s World League champions! It won’t be easy!”

Beom-seok shook his head. Although the Ancient Warriors were the World League champions, they were not a perfect team. Last year, their record was 30 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. They failed to win in 8 games. No one could guarantee that the God Knights would not be able to score points against the Ancient Warriors.

“That’s right, but they won’t be able to beat us easily either. The God Knights have a considerable number of excellent gladiators, including me.”

The reporter who asked the question smiled slightly and wrote an article. It wasn’t a sneer. A challenger needed the spirit of challenge to win against the opponent.

“Then, Gladiator Oh Beom-seok. I wish you good luck today.”

Beom-seok, who gave a light nod, entered the Colosseum. Director Diana and her team members were late in entering, receiving cheers and questions from fans. Beom-seok, who was waiting, headed to the home team gladiator waiting room with them.

As everyone sat down in front of their lockers, Diana shouted loudly as she passed through the center.

“Everyone knows who our opponent is today, right?”

“Yes!”

“Everyone is confident of winning, right!”

“Yes…….”

Diana glared at the long line of participating gladiators one by one. No matter how strong the Ancient Warriors were, they shouldn’t lose confidence. Gladiator matches were a battle of momentum. If they overwhelmed the opponent in this regard, even a weak team could create a miracle of defeating a strong team.

“Your voice is too small! Everyone is confident of winning, right!”

“Yes!”

Only then did everyone answer loudly. Satisfied, Diana continued with her next words.

“Good. Then, let’s start a brief strategy meeting now. Everyone knows, but if there is anyone who doesn’t know, you must listen carefully. Got it!”

“Yes!”

Diana beckoned Erica, who was standing behind her. She hurriedly stepped forward and floated a large hologram screen into the air. Then, pointing to a red-haired elf that appeared on the screen, she said in a heavy tone.

“This gladiator is Prisikaya. She is an S2 class [gladiator rank] gladiator and a very talented person who is officially ranked 3rd in the world. She used to be the strongest active player, so you all know her very well.”

Everyone, including Beom-seok, nodded. Now, she was struggling, pushed back by Amelie and Zakid, but there was no way they wouldn’t know the gladiator who had maintained the top spot for over ten years. Some of them even took up swords after seeing her performance.

Erica continued to speak.

“Prisika is a veteran gladiator who is perfect in every way. Among us, only the master [Beom-seok] can face her. If anyone faces Prisika one-on-one during the game, they must endure and hope that their teammates come to support them. Don’t attack unnecessarily and get hit. Got it!”

“Yes.”

Erica turned over a hologram screen. This time, the gladiator shown was a silver-haired elf holding a great sword. Erica pointed to her face with her finger and said.

“This elf is Revia, a world’s 9th-ranked gladiator with an S3 rating [gladiator rank]. She mainly uses a great sword and leads the vanguard of the Ancient Warriors. Compared to Prisika, her skills are much lower, but what is certain is that, just like before, no one but our master [Beom-seok] has a chance to beat her. In other words, the strategy for Revia is the same as for Prisika. Never avoid one-on-one combat, and if you can’t avoid it, just hold on!”

“Yes!”

Erica turned the hologram screen to the next one. This time, unlike before, there were pictures of six gladiators at once.

She began to explain, picking them up one by one.

“All six of them here are W0 class [gladiator rank] gladiators. The first blonde elf is Agiis, a veteran spearman. She is ranked 14th in the gladiator rankings, so you have to be very careful. And this blue gladiator is Terli, the leader of the Ancient Warriors and an excellent gladiator ranked 17th. Fortunately, she is the leader, so you won’t face her one-on-one very often, but don’t rush in alone with the intention of making a contribution. In our team, only the master [Beom-seok] can defeat her alone. Got it?”

“Yes!”

Erica nodded and pointed to the blue-haired elf in the third place.

“This child is Kalas. She mainly uses a sword and shield and is currently a key guardian gladiator for the Ancient Warriors. Rezaris knows her very well, so get up and explain.”

Rezaris got up from her seat. As Erica said, she knew Kalas very well. Until last year, she had teamed up with her at Ancient Warriors to protect the leader, Terli.

“Kalas is an outstanding guardian gladiator ranked 20th in the world. She is stronger than me in one-on-one combat. Her specialty is the Eight Rolling Steps, where even if only the guardian gladiator is left, she perfectly blocks the opponent’s attacks by rotating around the leader in a figure-eight pattern. As long as she is there, it is not easy to approach Terli, so in order to win, you must catch Kalas before the leader.”

“Everyone heard that! If we gain momentum and push the Ancient Warriors, we must catch Kalas for sure before approaching the leader, Terli. Got it?”

“Yes!”

Erica pointed to the next gladiator, a white-haired gladiator. Then Matilda, who was nominated as a candidate today, got up from her seat. She was Jasmine, a veteran gladiator who could be said to be the guide who led her to the gladiator world.

Matilda was in a situation where she was neglected by her master due to her white hair and white eyes. It was Jasmine who became her hope at this time. She also had white hair and white eyes, but she was loved by her master because she was active as a professional gladiator and earned a lot of money. So Matilda also hoped to become a professional gladiator following her, and that’s how she got to where she is today.

“I’ll explain about Jasmine.”

“Good. Explain it.”

“Jasmine is 28 years old and transferred from Hell Dryers in the last transfer season. Currently, her gladiator ranking is 28th, and she uses the same bastard sword as me. And Jasmine is a typical veteran who is strong in hit-and-run tactics. Also, since she serves a master, her fighting spirit is greater than any other gladiator. I think you’ll have to give it your all when facing her. If you show a lukewarm move or are careless, you will be overwhelmed by her momentum and be defeated in an instant.”

Erica nodded as if it made sense. This is because it almost matched what she had investigated.

“That’s right. This child’s play can be said to burn like a flame. If you stand still like firewood, you will be turned to ashes without exception. So, even if you lose, never be pushed back by the momentum. Got it!”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Erica pointed to the fifth, a brown-haired elf.

“Next is Reina. She is a veteran and an outstanding gladiator ranked 36th in the world gladiator rankings. She mainly uses a claymore, and it is not easy to deal with her, just like the gladiators mentioned earlier. You really have to be careful. Got it?”

“Yes.”

“And finally, this red-haired elf is Orga, a formidable vanguard gladiator ranked 40th in the world gladiator rankings. Although her skills are inferior, her breakthrough ability is beyond imagination, so you must stop her at the beginning of the game. Gladiator Sheila will face this child. It will be difficult, but you must stop her rush. Do you understand?”

Sheila nodded calmly. Nikita, who was more skilled than her, was there, but she had to face Revia, an S3 class [gladiator rank] gladiator.

“Don’t worry. I can stop her. I’ve gotten that much stronger.”

“Yes. I believe Sheila will do well too. To be honest, I think the difference in skill between Sheila and Orga is very small. If you don’t feel intimidated, I think you will win enough.”

“Hahaha. Erica, you know very well. In fact, when I was active as a World Leaguer before, I won almost 40% of the time when I faced Orga. It’s a bit of an unstable figure, but it’s different now, so I’ll definitely win. Strangely, I feel like I’ve gotten stronger since coming to God Knights.”

Beom-seok, who was nearby, smiled. It was natural for her to get stronger. Director Diana’s special skill increased all stats by +3, and her characteristic ‘Lewd Goddess’ was also strengthened by forming a relationship with him. Beom-seok predicted that Sheila would have grown into a gladiator who crossed between W0 [gladiator rank] and W1 class [gladiator rank].

“Okay, okay. Next is the W1 class [gladiator rank] gladiator. Currently, the Ancient Warriors have a total of 11 W1 class [gladiator rank] gladiators. It’s a very fantastic figure. I think everyone will be playing in today’s game, so the Ancient Warriors’ power today is two S class [gladiator rank], six W0 class [gladiator rank], 11 W1 class [gladiator rank], and one W2 class [gladiator rank]. It won’t be easy, but the master [Beom-seok] is here, so it will work out somehow.”

Diana intervened after Erica’s lengthy explanation.

“Erica is right. With our current power, we can’t match the Ancient Warriors. But the master [Beom-seok] is here, and this Lima City Colosseum has a very advantageous terrain for defense. And we will never be pushed back by them in terms of strength. If we defend the iron bridge well, our main force will be able to win enough. So everyone has to do their best in the game. Everyone understands, right!”

“Yes.”

Diana continued to speak.

“And as you all know, our goal today is to get 1 win and 1 draw. In other words, we’re going to drag the game to the 5th round. But if we lose 1 in the 1st round in terms of score, it’s over. No matter how well we do in the 3rd round, if the second tier loses in the 2nd and 4th rounds, we can only go to the 4th round. So everyone must try to get a draw or better in the 1st round. Everyone keep that in mind!”

“Yes. I understand!”

Soon, Diana displayed the 1st round strategy screen and began to explain. It wasn’t a winning strategy, but she had prepared a way to properly deal with the strong team, the Ancient Warriors.

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

I will upload the gladiator growth chart soon, so please refer to it. If there are any errors, please let me know in today’s episode.

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