Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 409

The 17th league match against the Dark Hyenas resulted in a 3-1-1 (wins-draws-losses) victory for the Gods Knights. Despite a draw in the first round, Zakid’s defeat significantly impacted the Dark Hyenas gladiators’ morale. Furthermore, Beomseok’s use of the spear from the second round onward allowed him to showcase his peak performance.

Following this, the Gods Knights won their 18th and 19th matches, concluding the fall season in a tie for 5th place.

“Ah, damn it! Everyone else is having fun, so why am I the only one stuck here racking my brains!”

Beomseok, diligently typing away in his office, voiced his frustration. While everyone else enjoyed their vacation after the season’s end, he was stuck at his desk, battling an unexpected headache.

His winter vacation plan involved relaxing to his heart’s content and then, towards the end, recruiting Yossiah from the World Walker Auction Market. However, the Ancient Warriors and Chaplin Whisper disrupted this peaceful plan. They were causing unprecedented turmoil in the usually calm World League by engaging in a large-scale recruitment war, the likes of which had never been seen before.

If their actions weren’t checked this season, not only the Gods Knights but also some of the top teams would suffer significant setbacks.

‘Sigh, nothing I can do.’

Beomseok grumbled before returning to his keyboard. Since things had unfolded this way, what choice did he have? He would simply have to inflict a severe punishment on the evil forces that had disturbed his peaceful rest.

Currently, Chaplin Whisper was known to be targeting Bormia and Irolita. The Ancient Warriors were eyeing Irolita, Rakami, and Madel, and were also pushing for a trade involving Rebia and Tiela. From this, two key points emerged.

First, both teams had overlapping interest in Irolita. Second, the Ancient Warriors might unexpectedly be unwilling to invest heavily.

‘Perhaps the Ancient Warriors are trying to make these transfers on the cheap this time.’

Beomseok’s reasoning was straightforward. Rakami and Madel, the Ancient Warriors’ targets, were gladiators with owners, and their market values were relatively low.

They were worth roughly less than one-third of the market price, meaning both could be acquired for less than the cost of a single ownerless elf gladiator. Additionally, the plan to acquire Rakami and Tiela through gladiator swaps, like Rebia, would incur almost no cost.

‘Also, if they put Prisika on the market this time, they can raise some funds. Maybe they intend to add those funds to this money and recruit Irolita and Madel.’

If so, the Ancient Warriors could assemble an outlandish squad by investing less than the value of one S-class gladiator. While impressive, it also felt like they were getting too much for too little, stirring a sense of envy in Beomseok. He felt a strong urge to throw a wrench in their plans.

‘If that’s the scenario, it means Prisika might not appear on the Walker Auction Market…’

The most likely avenue for selling Prisika was the World Walker Auction Market. Despite her outstanding skills, it was the best place to sell the troublesome elf gladiator, who would be 29 next year, for the highest price. But why was Beomseok expressing doubt? The World Walker Auction Market was held at the very end of the winter transfer market period, and as an auction, predicting her selling price was impossible.

Even if they were planning a low-cost deal, the value of an S-class gladiator couldn’t be easily dismissed. They needed a funding plan and to recruit accordingly. But relying on the World Walker Auction Market for funds, with its unpredictable outcome and late timing? That was a recipe for disaster.

Since the Ancient Warriors were a corporation, mismanaging funds could lead to bond defaults and bankruptcy.

However, Beomseok’s predictions might not be entirely accurate. If the team had already secured substantial funds, the situation would change completely. In that case, Prisika’s sale at the World Walker Auction Market would be irrelevant.

‘If I knew the Ancient Warriors’ financial situation, it would be certain… Should I ask Margaret? No, even for her, this would be difficult. There are too many avenues to investigate.’

Raising several billion Krang [currency in the World League] wasn’t easy. Beomseok could recklessly ask Aula for funds, but a large sports team like the Ancient Warriors likely had diverse funding sources.

They might stagger bond maturities to avoid simultaneous overlap and seek loans from multiple banks. They would also have internal funds and potentially receive money from Chairman Ibrahim’s numerous gladiator teams.

No matter how skilled Margaret was at gathering information, she couldn’t grasp all these routes quickly.

‘I can’t ask them directly. Of course, they wouldn’t tell me. And I can’t just focus on the Ancient Warriors. Chaplin Whisper is even more urgent.’

Chaplin Whisper was Beomseok’s real concern. While he didn’t know the exact amount, Chaplin headquarters’ guaranteed loan indicated a massive stockpile of ammunition.

Beomseok lacked specific countermeasures. They were targeting Irolita and Bormia, owned by the Devil Sprits, who were on the verge of court receivership [similar to bankruptcy protection].

Desperate for any income, they wouldn’t consider the World League’s balance of power and would sell their gladiators to the highest bidder. Moreover, the Devil Sprits would inevitably be relegated to a lower tier after this transfer market.

Of course, there was no need to get involved in the bloody transfer war of the top teams.

Beomseok shook his head and picked up the receiver. Unable to find an answer alone, he needed to exchange ideas with his business partner.

Soon after, Julian appeared on the hologram screen in front of Beomseok.

– Hey, Beomseok. Good call. I was just about to contact you too.

Sensing his feelings, Beomseok sighed.

“You don’t have a solution either?”

– You too?

Beomseok offered a futile smile, resting his chin on his hand.

“You know this means the end for both of us, right?”

– I know, but there’s nothing we can do. Do we have money? Do we have fame? We don’t have any merit to show the gladiators we want to recruit, so there’s nothing we can do.

“Tch. I guess so. Then how about we narrow it down, one by one?”

– Narrow down what?

“Simply put, let’s decide which gladiators to give up on and which to recruit.”

Julian nodded in agreement. Already at a disadvantage, they couldn’t indiscriminately throw money around. Clearly defining what to prioritize and what to skip was the best strategy.

– Then we should exclude Irolita and Bormia for now, right?

“Of course. Trying to recruit them would be pointless. They’re cards we have to use strategically.”

Beomseok and Julian reasoned that these gladiators involved significant strategic elements. They were the most expensive S-class gladiators on the market, and Irolita was being targeted by both Chaplin Whisper and the Ancient Warriors.

A sincere attempt to recruit them would be risky, potentially losing them a valuable strategic asset.

– That’s right. We have to make their values skyrocket and put a burden on Chaplin Whisper and the Ancient Warriors.

“Yeah. But we have to pretend to be running for them anyway. More competitors mean a higher price.”

– Of course. But we have to be careful. Reckless price increases could backfire.

That was true. If they drove the price too high and other teams dropped out, they would be stuck with the bill.

“Then how about we involve other teams in their recruitment?”

– Ah. You mean Real Heroes and Forest Elves?

“That’s right.”

– But is that necessary? Those teams are also aiming for the championship. They won’t sit back and watch; they’ll definitely try to disrupt things. They might even reach out to us first.

“Hmm. Is that so? Then we don’t need to interfere. We can wait for their offer.”

– Yeah. Then what about Tiela?

Beomseok was firm on that point. He wanted to give up immediately.

Her team was the Forest Elves, with a strong gladiator squad, and they were a typical championship contender, prioritizing outstanding gladiators over money. Recruiting her seemed impossible without offering a gladiator of similar skill.

“Why are you asking about her? You know our team can never recruit Tiela.”

– Hehe. I guess so. Your team doesn’t have any gladiators to trade.

“No, it’s a relief. How about your team recruits her?”

Julian immediately waved his hand. The only Dark Hyenas gladiator suitable for exchange was Zakid, and selling him would be insane. Without him, their team would be just another team.

– You know that’s not possible either. And Tiela is scheduled to be traded for Rebia, weakening the Ancient Warriors somewhat. No need to lose focus in this urgent time.

“Why ask if you know that so well? Of course, we have to pass on Tiela.”

Julian scratched his brown hair awkwardly. Mentioning Tiela was pointless.

– Anyway, the gladiators we have to recruit are decided. It’s Rakami and Madel, isn’t it?

It was a natural conclusion, but Beomseok looked dissatisfied. He had created his own harem team, but he felt uncomfortable bringing in elf gladiators who already had owners. But he had no choice. Ignoring them would cause headaches next year.

“I guess so. But the problem is their greed for money. Everyone is pushing for a transfer because of money this time.”

– That’s right. But Madel is better among them.

“No, why?”

– There’s information that the owner wants his elf to win the league in addition to money. Madel’s team, Horror Veres, has never won before, and there’s almost no chance of winning.”

Beomseok chuckled. Horror Veres was Shaila’s former team, known for a fun-focused strategy and a low win rate. Their squad was decent, maintaining a mid-tier position, but winning was impossible.

“Hehehe. I guess so. Then Madel has some potential, right?”

– Yeah. Our team is also close to being a championship contender. And the possibility will be even greater in the future. But there’s one thing…

“But what?”

– We’re not as good as the Ancient Warriors. If they recruit Irolita and Rakami, their strength will be really strong. Unless their recruitment fails, it will be difficult to recruit Madel.

“In the end, to recruit her, we have to completely thwart the Ancient Warriors this time?”

– That’s right. But to thwart the Ancient Warriors, we have to hand over Irolita to Chaplin Whisper following Bormia.

Beomseok grabbed his forehead, feeling a throbbing headache. It was too convoluted, making it hard to choose the best move. He couldn’t strengthen Chaplin Whisper just to recruit Madel.

“Then how about we have Real Heroes or Forest Elves pick up Bormia in addition?”

– That would be good. Even if Chaplin Whisper takes Irolita, the balance of power will be maintained.

This was a satisfactory move. Each team would have about two S-class gladiators. The three-way system of Gods Knights, Dark Hyenas, and Chaplin Whisper, with Beomseok, Zakid, and Amelie, would be maintained for the next season.

The problem was one unexpected variable: Prisika.

If she went to the World Walker Auction Market and returned to the World League, a very difficult situation would arise. Depending on her destination, the three-way system could become a one-way system.

No, if she went to Forest Elves or Ancient Warriors, it would be a four-way system.

But there was no need to mention this to Julian. They were allies now, but future competitors. The Gods Knights had to catch Prisika when she returned.

“Hehehe. I see. I especially like the fact that our teams can rise to the championship. It’s surprisingly very satisfying.”

– Hehehe. You’re right. If we recruit a good gladiator next summer, it will definitely be like that.”

Beomseok laughed heartily and said.

“Hahaha. But if you betray me, you’re dead.”

“Hahaha. You know what will happen if you betray me?”

The plan they had set up now had a high probability of failure unless the two teams cooperated organically. In addition, if one of them betrayed the other for their team’s benefit, the remaining team would be left out in the cold. Without trust, this transfer strategy could not be carried out.

At that moment, Beomseok’s communicator received a call. He knew the caller well, and it seemed he had to end the call with Julian.

============================ Author’s words ============================

I drank cool beer with my friends because it was hot, but now it’s even hotter. I’m getting drunk. Oh my god, I’m going crazy. I should have drank less…

Oh, and I said last time that I would do 10 consecutive chapters around this weekend, but I think I’ll have to postpone it a bit more. I took it lightly, but 10 consecutive chapters are no joke. Please understand. Give me about ten more days.

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