Perfect World [EN]: Chapter 84

84

While Beomseok was running around busily preparing for the promotion evaluation, the day of the visit was fast approaching. He had met most of the requirements, but a sense of unease lingered. He knew Julian might try to sabotage him.

A low score in this evaluation could jeopardize his promotion. If that bastard bribed the evaluation team, it would not only affect his promotion but also deprive him and the God Knights of their chance to advance to the Area League.

Fortunately, the Black Society, also invested in a positive outcome, was doing everything possible to obtain the list of evaluation team members. The list was supposed to be confidential until the day of the evaluation, but money talks. Beomseok hoped they could acquire the list through their connections, allowing him to monitor the evaluators and prevent any foul play.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Someone was knocking on the door of the chairman’s office. Beomseok, who had been reviewing the accounting report Esther uploaded, turned towards the door and called out,

“Yes, come in.”

The wooden door opened, and Susan, the team doctor who had joined a few days prior, entered. She held a document envelope behind her back, suggesting she was there on business. She glanced around the room before approaching Beomseok’s desk.

“Excuse me, Mr. Beomseok. I have a proposal.”

Beomseok gestured to the chair in front of him.

“Ah, yes. Please, sit down and tell me about it.”

Susan pulled out the chair, sat down, and subtly observed his expression.

“Would you mind taking a look at the contents of this envelope?”

“What’s this?”

“These are items that are essential for our team’s medical room. I’d like to request their purchase.”

Beomseok took the contents of the envelope and narrowed his eyes. Inside were several pamphlets featuring what appeared to be expensive medical equipment.

He spread the pamphlets on the desk and looked at Susan.

“What kind of equipment is this?”

“An MRI whole-body diagnostic machine and a robotic arm surgical table. This equipment is used for examinations and surgical procedures. If we acquire them, we can treat gladiators injured during training immediately, without transferring them to other treatment centers, which would shorten their recovery time. I’ve researched it, and most Central League gladiator teams have this equipment.”

Beomseok picked up a pamphlet and examined it closely. Gladiator matches, unlike other sports, involved fighting with dangerous weapons, making surgical injuries common. While not a promotion requirement, having such equipment would be beneficial.

“How much does it cost?”

“According to the quotes I received, the MRI whole-body diagnostic machine is about 3.5 million Krang [fictional currency], and the robotic arm surgical table is about 7 million Krang.”

Beomseok frowned, a troubled expression on his face. A total of 10.5 million Krang. With that money, he could buy two decent Area League starting gladiators. It seemed excessive to spend so much on equipment used infrequently. He felt it was more pressing to upgrade the training facilities to Central League standards or acquire useful gladiators.

“Hmm. Do we really need to buy it now? As you know, we only have 48 gladiators, including both teams. I don’t think it’s wise to spend such a large sum on something that might only be used a few times a month…”

“That’s not entirely accurate. This equipment is quite necessary for our team.”

“Why is that?”

“I’ve been researching sports medicine, and it appears that elves with owners are significantly more prone to injuries—about 70% higher than elves owned by ordinary clubs. This is because they often push themselves to participate in matches even when they’re not in optimal condition, driven by their desire to please their owners.”

That was a valid point. Elves were known for their eagerness to please their owners, often participating in matches without regard for their physical well-being. This dedication often led to strong performances, but also to injuries from overexertion. Beomseok, who exclusively hired elves with owners, needed to consider this seriously. He didn’t want to risk weeks or months of recovery for injuries that could be prevented with a few days of rest.

“But can the equipment actually prevent such injuries?”

“Yes. The MRI whole-body diagnostic machine’s artificial intelligence examination program can assess and report the level of strain on the body. For example, Central League teams with this equipment have virtually no difference in injury rates between elves with and without owners. It detects fatigue-related injuries early and recommends rest.”

If that were the case, it was worth considering. With a limited number of gladiators, a surge in injuries could create significant problems. Investing in an MRI whole-body diagnostic machine seemed prudent.

“Okay. I’ll seriously consider the MRI whole-body diagnostic machine. But why should I buy the robotic arm surgical table?”

“The reason is simple: elves don’t have medical insurance. Mr. Beomseok, you remember how much it cost when Venus was hospitalized before.”

Beomseok nodded in agreement.

Elves weren’t covered by medical insurance, making injuries and illnesses expensive to treat. Venus’s surgery and hospitalization had cost 600,000 Krang, and even minor treatments often ran into the thousands or tens of thousands. Considering these costs, the surgical table could pay for itself within a few years.

“Hmm. I see. But can it provide the same level of treatment as a specialized treatment center?”

“Absolutely. In fact, most of the medical equipment you purchased to meet the professional requirements is for examinations, and it’s newer and more advanced than what’s available at the Mikhail Treatment Center, where I used to work. It can produce superior examination results. The physical ability and fatigue measuring devices, in particular, are hard to find even in large treatment centers.”

Physical ability measuring devices and muscle relaxants were more akin to training equipment than medical equipment. They were used to measure performance and fatigue after training and were included in the training equipment section of the professional promotion requirements. However, since Susan was the only one on the team qualified to operate them, they were placed in the medical room.

‘What should I do? Should I buy it?’

The equipment was necessary, but the high cost made him hesitant. With twice the money, he could scout a promising prospect. He was unsure whether to make the purchase.

However, he was also concerned about Susan’s reaction if he declined. Her active involvement suggested it would significantly impact her favorability.

Thump!

A woman in a suit burst into the chairman’s office. It was Emma, looking urgent. She quickly approached Beomseok and Susan.

“Mr. Beomseok, something terrible has happened!”

“What are you talking about? What’s so terrible?”

Emma pulled out her electronic notepad and opened the mail window.

“Our Black Society has obtained the list of promotion evaluation team members, and it seems the economic organization is up to no good.”

Beomseok brought the mail window into view.

“What kind of trick? Did they bribe the evaluation team?”

“That hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, the composition of the evaluation team is suspicious.”

“How so?”

“Well…”

Emma explained that the promotion evaluation team consisted of six people: five from the Professional Gladiator Association, who assessed the gladiator team composition, coaching and support staff, training facilities, medical facilities, and reserve funds, and one external person to monitor irregularities.

Each member scored their respective fields, with Professional Gladiator Association employees awarding up to 10 points per field and the external member allocating 2 points to all areas. The total score was 60 points. Even if all promotion requirements were met, a score below 36 points would disqualify the team.

Normally, this wasn’t a major concern. If the requirements were met, the evaluation team usually awarded generous scores, making disqualification due to low scores rare.

“So?”

“The external member is Gloria, the head of a radical women’s rights group. She believes that elves contribute to the decline of women’s rights and harbors extreme animosity towards them.”

“Really? What does that have to do with us? We’re just a sports club. There’s never been a place for ordinary women from the beginning. It has nothing to do with women’s rights.”

“Yes, but Gloria doesn’t see it that way. She’s a prominent figure in social circles and is often invited as an external member of evaluation teams. She consistently gives promotion teams 0 points, embarrassing sports officials.”

Beomseok’s eyes widened, and he stood up.

“Are you saying she’d do something so ridiculous just because the gladiators are elves?”

“I can’t say for sure, but it’s highly likely, given her past behavior.”

Beomseok frowned. If Gloria gave all ‘0’ points, it would deduct one-sixth of the total score. He felt uneasy.

However, he reminded himself that if the promotion requirements were met, most evaluation team members would award 8 to 9 points. If they followed this pattern, he should still earn the right to advance.

“Whew~ Since there are other evaluation team scores, I don’t think I need to worry too much.”

“No. The situation is serious on that front as well.”

“What’s so serious?”

“The person who insisted on including Gloria on the evaluation team, despite opposition, is Ross, a member of the Hyena Group’s faction. He’s also participating as a member of this evaluation team.”

Beomseok stared at Emma blankly. If Ross also gave 0 points, the God Knights would start with only 40 out of 60 possible points. If the other evaluation team members deducted just 5 points, they would lose their right to advance.

“No way! Are you saying we could lose our right to advance?!”

“Yes. I think it’s very likely.”

Beomseok quickly reviewed the list of evaluation team members, searching for Ross’s name. He found his picture and resume, proudly displayed as a reserve fund evaluator. He had worked in the sports division of the Hyena Group and was likely being manipulated by them.

“This is crazy. The evaluation team is visiting in three days, and it looks like we’re going to get backstabbed without being able to do anything about it!”

Emma looked at him worriedly.

“We need a plan. There’s still a chance if we get good scores from the others. They’re from different factions. I think we can get good scores if we meet the requirements properly.”

Like all organizations, the Professional Gladiator Association was divided into factions, often in conflict for their own interests. The downfall of one faction meant more power for another.

However, they didn’t always fight. When vested interests were at stake, they would cooperate. If Julian’s side made concessions to the factions of other evaluation team members and asked for help, they might agree to give low scores.

“That’s true, but… What if other evaluation team members have fallen for their tricks?”

“Of course, that’s possible, but we can’t just give up.”

He couldn’t give up now that he was so close to becoming a professional. He had to try to get as many points as possible.

‘Tsk. That means I have to reveal all the money I’ve saved for the trade.’

Beomseok had 135.23 million Krang. With 100 million Krang required for the reserve fund, he had 35.23 million Krang to spare. Leaving it untouched would earn points in the reserve fund section, but Ross, manipulated by the Hyena Group, was evaluating that section. He wouldn’t give a good score, so it was better to use the money to meet other requirements.

He looked at Susan. The MRI whole-body diagnostic machine and the robotic arm surgical table were expensive but helpful. They would improve the medical-related evaluation score and increase her favorability. Buying them seemed like a good idea.

“Ms. Susan, I’m going to buy the MRI whole-body diagnostic machine and the robotic arm surgical table. How soon can we get them?”

Susan, looking concerned, stood up. Buying the equipment was good news, but she couldn’t be happy when the team was in crisis.

“It’s possible as early as tomorrow. However, we don’t have enough space to put it.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll convert the lounge next to the medical room into a second medical room. There are lounges on other floors, and plenty of places to rest in the mountains around here, so it’ll be fine.”

“Yes. I understand. Then I’ll tell the equipment sales representative to bring it right away.”

“Yes. But don’t buy it yourself, Ms. Susan. Buy it through Esther. It has to be Esther.”

Beomseok emphasized Esther’s name. Her special ability, ‘Genius of Trade,’ could cut 5% of the amount in all transactions. He could save over 500,000 Krang on this medical equipment. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and he couldn’t let Susan waste more than two years’ worth of an ordinary worker’s salary.

“Yes. I understand. I will purchase it through Esther.”

“Then go quickly and make the purchase. The equipment must be ready within three days.”

“Yes. Don’t worry.”

Beomseok watched Susan’s retreating figure as she hurried out of the chairman’s office and let out a long sigh. He then engaged in a deep conversation with Emma, thoroughly discussing preparations for the evaluation team’s visit in three days.

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

Ah. I hope autumn comes quickly. It’s too hot. Fortunately, the rainy weather from late July to mid-August, which would have been the peak, made it cooler. Otherwise, I would be… Hehehe.

I hope everyone has a pleasant day. I’ll see you all tomorrow. ^^/ Episode 85

“Okay. Everyone, fly the drone cameras over here! And the writers, double-check the scripts, and the PDs [Production Directors], come here and finalize the filming plan!”

The peaceful God Knights training ground was suddenly in chaos. Dozens of drone cameras flew like a swarm of bees in the sky, and staff members who appeared to be from the technical team were busily moving around, installing broadcasting equipment throughout the training ground.

The writers carefully read the scripts, looking for any errors, and the PDs gathered to finalize the filming plan.

Everyone was a staff member dispatched from WBS Broadcasting, who came to the God Knights team today to film a specially organized program called ‘The Top 5 Promising Talents in the World of Sports.’ The purpose of this program was to discover and showcase promising talents in gladiatorial combat, baseball, soccer, and other famous sports. Hosted by the globally renowned entertainer Hamilton, the episode covering gladiatorial combat would feature Amelia, who had made her mark on the gladiatorial world with her legendary performances.

But why was this program filming at the God Knights training ground? Because Beomseok had established himself as one of the top 5 famous talents in the gladiatorial world. He had defeated Loria, a candidate from the World League team, and Jermia, a member of the second team, in the previous promotion tournament, but Amelia’s strong recommendation was a major factor. At least, that’s how it appeared on the surface.

“Hahaha. How do you know Amelia? Thanks to her, things went smoothly.”

Beomseok’s expression wasn’t very good as he looked at Lucas, who was laughing heartily. He had come early in the morning and was chattering noisily next to him. It was welcome that he came to help, but he didn’t like the fact that a ‘dirty man’s footsteps’ were being imprinted on his ‘harem territory’ [a space he considers his own, surrounded by women].

“I fought Chaplin’s daughter once at the Touji Arena opening 기념 [commemoration] tournament held in Osaha before. I think she probably took notice of me then.”

“Ah. Is that so? Anyway, it worked out well. Thanks to Amelia’s recommendation, we were able to push this through without much trouble.”

Beomseok looked around and let out a long sigh.

“Hmph~ You managed to create this project in just three days. I’m amazed.”

“Hehe. The president of WBS Broadcasting is a member of our Black Society, so this is nothing.”

“Well, if the higher-ups tell you to do it, what choice do the employees below have? It’s always the salaried workers who are pitiful.”

“Tsk. That’s how the world works. Just close your eyes and make good use of this filming.”

Beomseok crossed his arms and looked at the broadcasting staff who were running around busily.

“By the way, do you think things will go well today?”

“Of course, it will. With all these cameras, who would dare to do anything out of line? Besides, local broadcasting stations and media companies will be sending reporters en masse soon, and famous sports dispute litigation lawyers will be following the promotion evaluation team, monitoring them thoroughly. Unless they’re completely insane, they won’t be able to give a low score.”

Indeed, it was very difficult to pull off any tricks in front of all these camera lenses and reporters. There would be credible video evidence and witnesses lined up.

And Beomseok’s name was scheduled to be broadcast around the world through WBS Broadcasting. Just being selected as one of the five people from 512 local governments around the world was a big issue for the local community. That’s why local broadcasting stations and media reporters were rushing to cover this glorious occasion.

But to pull off a trick here? It was absolutely impossible unless they were prepared to receive severe social criticism. Moreover, sports litigation lawyers would be watching closely at all times. They had to be careful not to get sued one after another.

“Well. That’s certainly true.”

“However, you’ll have to pay for the lawyers’ invitation fee today. We need to minimize the appearance of the Black Society being involved. Instead, we’ll compensate you several times over for the damages caused by the previous promotion tournament and this incident, so don’t worry.”

Beomseok nodded immediately. No matter how famous the lawyers were, the cost of inviting them for just one day couldn’t be that high. He could easily cover it with the team’s funds.

“Yes. I understand. Then the only problems are Gloria, the head of the women’s rights group, and that guy Ross.”

“Hmm. I’m a little worried about Gloria, but don’t worry about Ross. He can’t come today.”

Beomseok widened his eyes and said.

“No, why?”

“There’s no one who doesn’t have dirt if you dig deep enough. I found out he has a lot of personal corruption. So he was urgently taken into police custody this morning and is being investigated. Probably, the evaluation team will be filled with someone else.”

Beomseok looked at him with a dumbfounded expression. It was a very fortunate thing, but he was worried that it was going too far.

“But is it okay? Could the economic organizations that are manipulating this from behind harbor resentment and attack the Black Society?”

“Hehehe. Don’t worry. We’ve been at war with those guys for a long time. They’re trying to kill us, so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same, right? And what’s the big deal about throwing in one small fry? If they act up, they’ll just become fools.”

“Ah. Is that so? Then can I assume that I don’t have to worry about anything with this matter?”

“Not only this matter, but it will continue to be like that in the future. Some members, including me, are planning to make a full-scale entry into the sports industry with the full support of the Black Society. We’ve already prepared a huge fund over the past year and have started buying up professional gladiatorial teams this year.”

Beomseok stopped walking and looked at him with a surprised expression.

“Is that really true?”

“Of course. Do you know the Black Cats team?”

Beomseok knew the Black Cats team very well. He had watched the game between the Great Hyenas and that team on the first day of the game, and they were a strong contender for the championship in the Avondale Area League, having defeated his God Knights in the 6th GA Cup match.

“Yes. I know them. Could it be, could it be?”

“Yes. This year, they will become a gladiatorial team belonging to the Black Society, and I will be appointed as the chairman. And about a dozen other gladiatorial teams are also expected to come into our hands. Probably, a war will begin in the sports industry based on this.”

“But is it possible? The Black Society is entering the sports business for the first time, so aren’t we far behind them in terms of connections and foundation?”

“That’s a bit of a concern, but we’re prepared. We’ve already promised to join hands with one faction of the Professional Gladiatorial Association, and we’re starting a massive networking operation. Besides, we’re not planning to get involved in other sports like economic organizations yet. We’ll focus on fighting in the Professional Gladiatorial Association, so there’s no drain on our resources. It’s a fight worth trying.”

Beomseok’s expression eased somewhat. Now that the Black Society was stepping forward to protect him, his future steps would be much easier.

“Ah, I see. Then what are the Black Society’s plans for the future?”

“First, we’re going to look for other Area League pro teams to buy in this area.”

“You have about 10 teams, and you’re going to buy more?”

“Hmm. That’s right. The purpose of our Black Society’s entry into the gladiatorial world is to build power in the sports industry. Since World League teams and Area League teams can only cast one vote in the association president election, there’s no reason to buy upper league teams. Also, I found out that Area League teams have good income compared to investment.”

It was understandable. The easiest way to win a power struggle was to replace the head of the organization with someone who suited their tastes. Then they could gain an advantage in various vested interests and key positions, and fight against the opponent comfortably.

Also, focusing on buying Area League teams had positive aspects in terms of financial management. Upper league teams made a lot of money, but in terms of efficiency compared to investment, lower league teams were much better.

For example, the salary of an Area League starting gladiator was between 5 million Krang and 30 million Krang, while the salary of a Wide League gladiator was close to 15 million Krang to 150 million Krang.

“Of course, that’s true, but there are over 10,000 gladiatorial teams worldwide. I don’t know how many lower league teams you’ll buy, but their votes can’t have a big impact on the association. I think it’s much better to use upper league teams that are often exposed to the media to create momentum.”

He was right. Frankly, even if the Black Society poured a lot of money and bought 100 Area League teams, the votes they exercised in the association would not be even 1/100th of the total. It was difficult for them to have a big influence in the gladiatorial world. It was certainly more effective to capture public opinion by owning famous gladiatorial teams. Especially in a situation where they had a strong backer like WBS Broadcasting.

“You’re not wrong, but now is not the time to wage a full-scale war with those guys. We’re just taking our first step. We need to firmly put this local gladiatorial world in our hands and slowly push up from there based on that. For now, it’s better to act as a windbreak for your God Knights team and throw votes to the factions of the gladiatorial world that we’ve joined hands with to keep those guys in check.”

Beomseok nodded in agreement. For example, even if Bill Gates had a lot of money and was famous, he couldn’t just come into the FIFA [Fédération Internationale de Football Association] association without any foundation and immediately wage a large-scale war against the current president, Blatter, just because he didn’t like him. It was an impossible story, but if he really did that, he would end up being thoroughly beaten and eventually become a legendary fool. It would be much better to build a foundation in his home country, the United States, and support other forces that were hostile to Blatter.

This was the same for the Black Society. Now was the time to focus all their efforts on building their own power.

“I see. I fully understand. But even if we don’t wage a full-scale war with those guys, we can still work on raising the teams we own to the upper leagues for the future, right? There’s nothing particularly harmful about it.”

“We fully agree with that and are putting it into practice. So, among the teams we bought this time, we’re going to have the Black Cats team and two other teams challenge the Wide League this season. And we’re going to raise at least one of them.”

“How are you going to do that?”

Lucas immediately began to explain to his question.

The teams that the Black Society was trying to advance to the Wide League this time were all top-ranked Area League teams based in the Deloy Metropolitan Government. They already had excellent power from the beginning, and they would become even stronger by additionally recruiting a considerable number of Wide League starting gladiators. Moreover, since all three teams were in the same metropolitan government, they could advance three gladiatorial teams belonging to the Black Society to the promotion tournament to the Deloy Wide League to be held in early spring next year, unless there were any major upsets.

“Then the probability of at least one team being promoted is at least 50%, right?”

“That’s right. Usually, the 1st to 3rd place teams go up to the upper league, so that’s how it comes out in the calculation. But, as I said a little while ago, we plan to put a considerable number of Wide League starting gladiators into these teams. If this much power is added to a team that is already competing for the championship, it will almost become a mid-tier Wide League team. Of course, the possibility of advancing will be even greater.”

“I see. What are you going to do next?”

“Hmm. The moment even one team goes up to the Wide League, we’re going to buy a large number of Central League starting gladiators and put them into that team. Then, after taking a year or two to refine the organization, we plan to challenge the Central League right away.”

Beomseok looked at Lucas with envious eyes. He was thinking of raising promising players to use because he didn’t have money, but he was trying to grow the team by buying expensive gladiators like pulling them out of a vending machine with the organization’s huge funds. Frankly, he wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t jealous.

He asked cautiously, hoping that some crumbs would fall.

“Then what happens to the gladiators who become useless after being promoted? You said you’re bringing in good gladiators with a lot of money, so there will probably be quite a few surplus gladiators.”

“Hmm. We have to send those kids to other teams we own in the lower leagues. Then that team’s power will be strengthened, so the possibility of going up to the upper league will increase that much, right? If we do that, someday the day will come when our Black Society has as much power in this gladiatorial world as economic organizations.”

Beomseok, who had been hoping for something, clicked his tongue with a disappointed expression. But if you want too much for free, you’ll lose your hair. He decided to soothe his disappointment. After all, he had received support of up to tens of millions of Krang so far, and as long as Emma was on his team, he would continue to receive support. There was no reason to shamelessly beg.

Woo-oong. Woo-oong.

He turned his head and looked at the distant sky at the sound of an electric sound coming from somewhere. Numerous flying cars were gathering there, and judging from the company logo on the outside, they were expected to be reporters from local broadcasting stations and media companies.

“It seems that the reporters are coming.”

Lucas, who was looking in the same direction, straightened his collar and took a step back. The employees of WBS Broadcasting were subordinates of the Black Society, so it didn’t matter, but those reporters were different. If he was photographed and the fact that he was related to Beomseok was known to the media, a difficult situation could arise.

“Hmm. That’s right. Then I’ll go back now. There’s nothing to gain from having my face known to them.”

“Yes. Please do.”

“Then you can handle things well today even without me, right?”

“Yes. Threatening, coaxing, and appeasing people is my specialty. If I can’t handle it properly when this kind of stage is set, I’m an idiot. Please go in peace.”

“I understand. Then I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Lucas approached his flying car, which was parked in the wilderness in front of the training camp, at a rapid pace.

Beomseok greeted the local media reporters who were soon getting off with a smile and answered their urgent questions carefully and diligently. They were strong supporters who would be of great help in today’s promotion.

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

Ah. I don’t know why things keep happening lately. They keep calling me out whenever they have a chance. I guess the aftereffects of staying home all the time while finishing Kingpanworld are coming back. Well, it will get better someday. Hahaha.

Then everyone have a pleasant day. I’ll see you all again at the same time tomorrow.