Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 43

A few days later, Stephanie and two other gladiators from the team departed. Although their time with the team had been brief, around 100 days, their departure was felt, as strong bonds had formed. Beomseok arranged a farewell dinner, and heartfelt tears of gratitude were shed. They were deeply appreciative of his care and consideration.

The ease with which they transitioned to a professional team was entirely due to Beomseok’s actions. Typically, transfers involve intense negotiations, often over minor sums, and sometimes offers are even rescinded. However, Beomseok readily accepted the professional team’s initial offer, ensuring a smooth and unobstructed advancement for them.

This was a selfless act aimed at revitalizing the team’s atmosphere, a fact unknown to the departing gladiators, further fueling their gratitude.

‘Alright. Now that the elements potentially disruptive to the team’s harmony have been removed, the focus shifts to replenishing the roster.’

Currently, God’s Knights comprised 18 gladiators, one short of the 19 required for matches. This deficit stemmed from Stephanie and the two others transferring to professional teams. However, Beomseok had 8.62 million Crang [currency unit]. While not an extravagant sum, it was sufficient to replace the departed members.

As Beomseok prepared to post a gladiator recruitment advertisement on his computer, Lemi approached him.

“Um, Master.”

Beomseok, poised to finalize the number of recruits and click ‘OK,’ turned around.

“Hmm, Lemi. Yes, what is it?”

“Um, Director Vincent urgently requests to see you today. What should we do?”

Vincent was the director of Dragon Knights, Lemi and Oscar’s former team. Beomseok knew him well from their trade negotiations. Though somewhat taciturn, he was a decent person.

“Really? What does he want to discuss?”

“He mentioned an urgent need to recruit gladiators and wishes to speak with you.”

Beomseok tilted his head, puzzled. Dragon Knights, a championship contender in the Wide League based in Deloy Metropolitan Government, was not a team that would typically approach an amateur team like God’s Knights. While Beomseok himself or some of his elves might be tempting acquisitions, he had no intention of selling them, rendering the situation perplexing.

“I doubt a meeting is worthwhile. You understand that, right, Lemi?”

“But this situation is slightly different. He’s proposing a six-month short-term loan, not a permanent transfer.”

A loan involved lending players for a specified period in exchange for a fee. As a full transfer wasn’t executed, the player would return to their original team after the contract expired. If the terms were favorable, it could be advantageous for Beomseok. His gladiators would gain exposure on the Wide League’s grand stage, potentially enhancing their skills and experience, while also generating a modest fee.

He consulted the calendar on his computer. It was August 30th. After tomorrow, all transfer activities would be suspended.

“Isn’t he rushing things a bit? Only two days remain for negotiations.”

“That’s precisely why he urgently wants to see you today. There are numerous details to finalize.”

Beomseok paused, then rose from his seat. He owed Vincent a favor, making a conversation worthwhile.

“Okay. I’ll meet with him. What time should I go?”

“He’ll be at the training camp all day, so anytime is suitable. However, he prefers you come as soon as possible.”

Beomseok nodded and gestured towards the closet. He was currently in training attire, which would be disrespectful for the visit. Despite their familiarity, some courtesy was necessary.

“Lemi, could you fetch a suit and dress shirt from the closet?”

“Yes, one moment.”

Lemi promptly retrieved a suit and a freshly ironed shirt. As Beomseok extended his arms, she personally assisted him in changing.

“Then, Lemi, I’m off to see Director Vincent. Please oversee today’s training. Don’t slack off just because I’m absent.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

Having received her assurance, Beomseok went to the veranda and summoned a flying taxi. He could have used Aaron [his personal vehicle], but it was providing a comfortable resting space for the team members who had completed their training. He couldn’t inconvenience them for his work.

He boarded the taxi and headed to Hubby City, the location of the Dragon Knights’ training camp.

– Customer, we have arrived at the Dragon Knights team training camp. The fare is 189 Crang.

As Beomseok reached for his electronic notepad to pay, he heard another electronic notification.

– Payment completed. Have a nice day.

A familiar man in his 30s with a welcoming smile stood before the taxi door, which was slowly opening. It was Arnold, the Dragon Knights’ trade manager. Judging by the electronic notepad in his hand, he had just covered the fare. Beomseok straightened his clothes, exited the taxi, and shook Arnold’s hand.

“Oh, it’s been a while, Team Leader Arnold.”

“Yes, it has, Beomseok. Come, Director Vincent is waiting. Let’s head inside quickly. We have a lot to discuss today.”

Guided by Arnold, Beomseok entered the training camp and walked towards the office building in the distance.

“Oh, by the way, what prompted the sudden loan request from our team?”

“Nothing particularly special. It’s simply a request to bolster our team’s depth. As you may know, we’re on a winning streak and poised to win the league this year. However, the future is uncertain. We need to secure a strong bench of gladiators to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. We aim to win the championship this year and perform well in the promotion tournament to reach the Central League.”

Beomseok frowned slightly. From Arnold’s explanation, it seemed Dragon Knights sought gladiators as backup options in case of emergencies. In that scenario, his loaned gladiators would likely see little playing time, hindering their development. It would be more beneficial to keep them on his team, focusing on training and teamwork. While he would forgo the loan fee, God’s Knights’ primary objective was to compete in the Area League next spring.

Having decided to decline the offer, Beomseok responded casually.

“Ah, I see. I’m envious.”

“Hahaha, no need for envy. The Central League is a prestigious stage, but only 160 teams worldwide belong to it. Even if we’re fortunate enough to be promoted next year, the prospect of competing and surviving against those teams is daunting.”

“That’s true. It’s difficult to get there, and relegation is always a threat.”

“That’s why we’re planning significant investments to recruit skilled gladiators. It’s too late to rebuild the team after promotion.”

Beomseok nodded, sharing the sentiment. Regardless of a team’s dominance in its current league, many struggle upon entering a higher league, facing the risk of immediate relegation.

Without proactive team strengthening, the initial joy of promotion would be fleeting, followed by the harsh reality of relegation.

To remain in the upper league for the subsequent year, a team needed to achieve at least 17th place in the league standings.

“Yes, of course, you must do that. It would be disappointing to be relegated immediately after struggling to reach the Central League.”

Before they realized it, Beomseok and Arnold had arrived at the office building and stood before the reception room door, the same location where Oscar and Lemi’s trade had occurred.

“Let’s go in. Director Vincent is waiting inside.”

Arnold opened the door and entered first. He bowed to the older man seated on the sofa.

“Hello, Director Vincent.”

“Oh, welcome. I’ve been expecting you. Come, have a seat.”

Vincent, rising quickly, personally guided Beomseok to a seat. Arnold ordered tea and snacks via the intercom and sat beside Vincent. Breaking the silence, Beomseok spoke first, eager to express his rejection of the loan offer and attend the morning training.

“Director Vincent, please tell me what you need.”

“Hmm, yes. As I mentioned to Lemi, I was hoping to borrow some gladiators from your team.”

“Yes, I heard about that from Team Leader Arnold on the way here. But who specifically are you interested in?”

Vincent clasped his hands tightly and looked Beomseok in the eye.

“You. Oscar. Erpina. Those three.”

Without hesitation, Beomseok decided to exclude himself. He was essential to the team, and his absence would significantly disrupt their operations.

“Hahahaha, I’m sure you understand that’s impossible. If I leave, the team’s core will be gone.”

Vincent immediately expressed his disappointment, as if anticipating the response.

“I suppose not. Actually, I wanted you the most. I watched the GA Cup match where you played, and I was incredibly impressed. I almost became senile and had to be taken to a facility. Hahaha.”

“You’re too kind.”

“Not at all. Your swordsmanship has reached a state of perfection, beyond improvement. It’s as if Amelia, who retired long ago, has returned as an active player.”

Amelia was a legendary gladiator who had retired approximately 30 years prior. She primarily used a whip, and her attire resembled that of a woman in SM [sadomasochism] play, earning her the nickname ‘SM Queen.’ Her fighting style was terrifying for opponents. She would ensnare them like a snake and hurl them down, the resulting shock damage still holding a Guinness World Record. Furthermore, opponents struck by her powerful whip would invariably break down and be eliminated.

So much so that the director of a rival team competing for the championship stated that his team would never win a World League championship until she retired.

Beomseok, being involved in the gladiator world, was well-aware of her, having heard countless stories.

“Hahahaha, it seems you’re trying to flatter me to sway the negotiations. I won’t fall for it. Hahaha.”

Vincent chuckled at the joke.

“Was I caught? That’s a bit disappointing.”

“Now, let’s stop joking and get down to business. We’re amateurs, so it’s not a big deal, but isn’t tomorrow the deadline for Dragon Knights?”

Director Vincent couldn’t afford to waste time. Amateur teams experience frequent player turnover and can recruit players at any time, regardless of the transfer window. However, professional teams adhere to specific transfer periods, such as from the beginning of July to the end of August, and for one month in January. After tomorrow, it would be nearly impossible for Dragon Knights to recruit gladiators.