Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 406

The Lima City Colosseum buzzed with fervent energy, enough to chase away the cold. Seated in the dugout, Beom-seok watched the arena below through the clear acrylic wall. The dome screen in the ceiling was open, and delicate snowflakes drifted down.

But soon, the ceiling began to close, and the lights flickered on, one by one. The change was inevitable as the snowfall intensified. Although heating wires beneath the arena floor naturally melted the snow, a heavy accumulation would disrupt the match. Closing the dome was the only option.

Beom-seok returned to his seat and adjusted his spear, trying to focus before his upcoming showdown with Zakid. Just then, Diana approached.

“Master, are you really going to fight as a free-roamer [a player who isn’t tied to a specific position or strategy] in today’s match?”

“Why do you ask? It was decided at yesterday’s final strategy meeting.”

“Yes, but I’m wondering if it’s truly necessary.”

Diana glanced at Beom-seok, subtly looking around.

Beom-seok’s decision to free-roam stemmed from his insistence on a one-on-one duel with Zakid. Diana worried it would be better for him to join the main forces against the Dark Hyenas.

The God Knights and the Dark Hyenas were evenly matched. Making Beom-seok a free-roamer could tip the balance against them.

Beom-seok knew this, but he simply smiled. Zakid excelled in swordsmanship but struggled in team battles.

Unlike Beom-seok, Zakid had spent his life in kendo [a Japanese martial art of swordsmanship], focused on individual matches. While he had recently transitioned to a gladiator, he couldn’t match Beom-seok’s team battle experience from countless parties and raids.

“You’re right. If we fight as a unified force, we can likely win today without much trouble. But to become the strongest swordsman, I need to defeat Zakid in a one-on-one duel.

In a team battle, the skills of our fellow gladiators would interfere, and we wouldn’t truly know who is stronger.”

“But still…”

“And if I defeat Zakid, victory is practically assured. The power difference between the teams is significant with or without us. I understand your concerns, but leave today’s match to me.”

Beom-seok’s expression was determined, bordering on stubborn. Diana, as an elf under his command and his manager, couldn’t sway him.

“Well, I can’t change your mind. But are you truly confident?”

At those words, Beom-seok’s confidence wavered slightly. He couldn’t guarantee victory against Zakid. He was optimistic, but the match could hinge on a single, minor mistake. Their skills were that closely matched.

“I honestly don’t know who will win.”

Diana sighed deeply. “Well, Zakid is certainly skilled.”

“That’s right. But this opportunity is only for today.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Zakid won’t be my opponent next season. Today’s match is the last consideration I’m giving him.”

Still confused, Diana tilted her head, unable to understand his confidence.

“Why?”

“It’s simple. I’ll become physically stronger, and after this winter vacation, our Lima City Colosseum will have a forest area.”

“Ah, I see. You’re unmatched in forest battles. Zakid is only familiar with wide dojos or plains, so he won’t stand a chance.”

Beom-seok nodded, as if it were obvious. Zakid’s swordsmanship was honed in the dojo. He didn’t know how to adapt to other terrains. His defeat against Tiela proved this, as he couldn’t even touch her in the forest.

“Exactly.”

“It’s a shame Manager Clark’s proposal wasn’t implemented sooner. If the home colosseum had been completed last summer, you would have won 100% today.”

Beom-seok looked puzzled. He could easily handle Zakid today if he wanted to.

“What are you talking about? We’ve only fought once, but I’ve been fighting with a handicap against Zakid. If I wanted to win without holding back, I could easily do it today.”

“What? You’ve been fighting with a handicap? Really?”

He pointed to the stream flowing in the center of the arena. “Yes. If I lure Zakid to the stream and fight, I can easily win. He’s terrible at underwater battles.”

“Then why haven’t you done that? Why are you fighting so hard?”

“Well, the true joy of victory comes from defeating an opponent at their best. Defeating a lion that fell into the water isn’t a true victory.”

Diana shook her head, bewildered. Prioritizing morality in a gladiator match where winning is everything was beyond her.

“Master, the opponent will use any means to win. Professionals focus on results.”

“Of course. But Zakid isn’t like that. So, I’m making concessions.”

“How is Zakid not like that?”

“He’ll probably follow me into the stream even if he knows it’s a disadvantage. He’s that stubborn when it comes to swordsmanship.”

“Still, you can’t keep fighting like this. As a professional, you have a duty to win and entertain the fans.”

Beom-seok nodded calmly. “That’s right. So, I’m going to defeat Zakid today and end it. Then it will be proven that I can beat him even on flat ground, so there’s no reason to avoid battles in other terrains. Either way, I’m going to win.”

Diana still seemed reluctant and clicked her tongue. Still, if he won today, he’d be facing Zakid at full strength, which was some consolation.

“Okay, you have to win today.”

“Of course. I have no intention of losing.”

“Then I trust you, Master. Please lead our team to victory.”

“Don’t worry. We will win.”

As they spoke, a message announced the waiting period for admission. Beom-seok gripped his long spear and stood up. The revenge match was about to begin. He went to the entrance tunnel, encouraged his gladiators, and stood at the front of the line.

– Now, both teams of gladiators, please enter the arena.

Hearing the referees’ urging, Beom-seok walked into the arena with a dignified air. He smirked when he saw the man standing out among the gladiators in spotted suits coming from the opposite tunnel. It was Zakid. He was so huge that he stood out anywhere.

“Go Beom-seok, defeat Zakid today! You can do it!”

“You’re not the old you, Beom-seok! You can definitely win, so don’t be nervous. Just do what you usually do, and you’ll win.”

The fans cheered enthusiastically, looking forward to the match between Beom-seok and Zakid. Beom-seok raised his spear-wielding hand in response, and the cheers grew even louder. The fans were excited by his confident actions.

“Yes! That’s the confidence we need!”

“I believe you’ll win today!”

Beom-seok, near the central stream, nodded towards Zakid across from him as he left the main camp, inviting him to a one-on-one battle. As expected, Zakid came out without hesitation, eager for a proper match.

‘Okay, let’s prepare.’

Beom-seok distanced himself from the main camp, stepping back slowly. Getting too close to the stream could be seen as an ambush attempt. While Zakid wouldn’t care, there was no need to appear dishonorable in front of the fans. He would fight Zakid fairly today.

– Peeep. Match start!

As soon as the round started, Zakid jumped across the stream without hesitation, trusting that Beom-seok wouldn’t interfere.

Zakid, having safely crossed, slightly raised one corner of his mouth and approached. “You’re not interfering with the crossing? Can I take that as confidence?”

“Yes. I’m going to defeat you fairly today.”

“Your courage is admirable. But is it possible?”

“Possible…? It’s not a matter of possibility. You’ll be in trouble if you underestimate me today.”

“Well, have you fixed your habit?”

“Habit?”

Zakid glared at Beom-seok, displeased. His past defeat was due to that unique habit.

If he hadn’t fixed it, he couldn’t win, let alone put up a fight. He was angry that Beom-seok wasn’t even aware of it. Zakid had trained rigorously for today’s match.

“Are you kidding me? Gelsomina must have told you what it was. You did hear her, right?”

Beom-seok wore a sly expression. He had heard it from Gelsomina, despite his pride. She spoke casually, so he inadvertently found out.

But it didn’t matter. He had roughly realized it while training Liza.

“Ah, I’ve heard it.”

“Good. Then you’ve fixed it, right? This will be an interesting match. Hehehe.”

Beom-seok slowly shook his head. He knew about the habit, but there was no reason to fix it.

“No, I didn’t fix it.”

“Are you kidding me! Do you want to lose today?”

“No. It makes me even more confident in winning. It’s not a habit, it’s a combat instinct. I’m disappointed you can’t distinguish between instinct and habit.”

Zakid turned red and quickly approached, insulted. “Don’t provoke me! I won’t fall for that!”

“Hehe. Remnant explained it, didn’t he? He knows about my habit.”

Zakid stopped and looked back and forth between Beom-seok and the dugout. He had never heard of it.

“Even my master knows, what are you talking about?”

“Well, if he didn’t tell you, there’s a reason. I can’t tell you either. But if you target my weakness, you’ll be hit. Erase it from your mind if you don’t want a quick match.”

Zakid distorted his face and gripped his sword tightly. Since the match had started, they couldn’t keep arguing. He didn’t know if Beom-seok was telling the truth, but he would find out. “I’ll personally reveal how far your confidence goes.”

“Anytime. Come.”

Zakid approached with fierce momentum and swung his sword. Beom-seok, stepping back to avoid it, chuckled at the boar-like figure. But he didn’t underestimate Zakid.

A strong energy emanated from the sword that grazed his right shoulder. Zakid was the only gladiator who could give him a fierce battle, but only on flat ground.

Beom-seok, lying horizontally, cut through the air with fierce momentum.

Spear. Squeak. Clang.

After several exchanges, Beom-seok jumped back and distanced himself. Zakid, attempting a powerful blow, frowned. He had attacked recklessly, thinking Beom-seok couldn’t evade in the air, but the spear deflected the sword. He even attacked with a crescent blade using a pulling motion.

Zakid barely avoided it and ran towards Beom-seok. “Here I come again!”

“Come anytime!”

Their swords and spears collided, bending with a tearing sound, unable to withstand their strength.

But Beom-seok, at a disadvantage in strength, ended the power struggle and stabbed deeply with his spear, driving Zakid away to prevent him from approaching. The battle between sword and spear depended on distance.