Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 96

Villain on the Mound – Episode 96

That evening.

The four people in charge of Ha-seong’s training all gathered.

“Ha-seong has truly outstanding cardiorespiratory endurance. It’s similar to that of top-class players in the EPL [English Premier League],” said one trainer.

“His weight training capacity is the same. We measured his RM [Repetition Maximum, the maximum weight he can lift for one repetition] today, and his current ability is excellent, but his potential is also amazing.”

“He eats a ridiculous amount. I’ll have to look at the data tomorrow, but if his nutrient absorption is also excellent, his body’s recovery will be faster than before.”

The eyes of the three people who had shared their surprising observations turned to Barton.

“Barton, what about you?”

“Didn’t you find anything special about Ha-seong?”

Barton shook his head, a fed-up expression on his face.

“I found out why Ha-seong throws such fastballs. His body is unbelievably flexible. When I touched his muscles, they were as flexible as a gymnast’s. The range of motion in his joints is the same.”

After listening to Barton’s report, Leonard said in a serious voice, “So, what is it? Ha-seong has cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, digestive ability, and even flexibility?”

“You have to see it that way,” Barton confirmed.

“Isn’t he a complete monster?” Leonard exclaimed.

“At this level, he would have reached the top-class level not only in Major League Baseball but in any sport he chose,” Sam added.

The other three nodded at Sam’s words.

Even having just one of those attributes would be considered a blessed body. But Ha-seong had everything an athlete could have.

And he overcame the genetic disadvantage often attributed to Asian athletes.

“If his body is this good, shouldn’t we increase the overall amount of training even more?” one of them suggested.

“I was thinking something similar. If we increase the training level and push him to his limit, he can reach the next stage in a short amount of time.”

“If we increase the amount of training that much, we’ll have to pay more attention to what he eats. It’s better to increase the amount and create a diet that provides a more even intake of nutrients.”

The three began to adjust the schedule they had planned in advance.

The amount of training increased, and the amount of food increased. Barton, who was watching this, thought to himself, comforting Ha-seong in his mind.

‘At that level of schedule, you’re as good as dead. After all the training is over, I’ll have to make sure he recovers well.’

Barton was at least thinking about Ha-seong’s recovery.

* * *

From the next day, Ha-seong’s training began in earnest.

The first thing Ha-seong did after waking up at 5 a.m. was to measure his body composition.

After that, he would eat the breakfast prepared by Leonard.

“I’ve prepared a breakfast menu of oatmeal, fruits, salad, and fish. It won’t make you feel bloated, so it will be easy to consume,” Leonard explained.

It was a diet that was considerate of him, but the amount was enormous.

It wasn’t easy to consume nearly a thousand calories of food in a state where he hadn’t been awake for long.

However, Ha-seong ate all the food without complaint and began to prepare to go out.

‘Amazing,’ Leonard thought.

Leonard couldn’t help but admire Ha-seong’s appetite, who didn’t leave a single piece of vegetable.

‘I’ll be able to check his recovery speed from today. It would be best if his absorption ability is as good as his appetite.’

He was already looking forward to what the results would be.

While Leonard was looking forward to it, Ha-seong, who had finished showering, headed to the training center.

When he arrived at the center, Sam was waiting for him.

“We’re going to start full-scale training from today. There are many ways to increase cardiorespiratory endurance, but in the end, there’s only one goal: to sufficiently torment the heart and lungs.”

“Hoo! Hoo!!”

Of course, Ha-seong didn’t answer.

He was currently sprinting on the treadmill.

Sam’s voice was audible, but he wasn’t in a relaxed enough situation to answer.

“The best way to torment the heart and lungs is running. But it’s not good to just run aimlessly. You have to give the heart and lungs, which have been tormented for a long time, a rest.”

Cardiorespiratory endurance also has its limits. Therefore, it’s better to give it a rest than to just overload it.

“The cycle of rest-load-rest-load continues, and it’s a method mainly used by elite athletes who go to the Olympics. Looking at your cardiorespiratory condition, it seems like you’re already doing intervals, right?”

At the same time as the question, Sam slowed down the speed.

Thanks to that, he had time to nod.

“As expected. Then your cardiorespiratory system must be trained. So, shall we go a little harder?”

“Huh?”

At the same time as Ha-seong expressed his doubts, Sam began to increase the speed.

“Let’s push the limits of your cardiorespiratory system by drastically reducing the rest time.”

“Kkeuaaak!!”

With a scream-like shout, Ha-seong started running again.

When the morning training was over, it was time for another meal.

“We have prepared a high-protein meal to prepare for the afternoon training. Opinions are divided in academia as to when it is best to consume protein, before or after training. Are you aware of this?”

“Yes…….”

“I think it’s a meaningless debate. I think you should consume it both before and after training.”

“Ah…….”

‘This human is not normal either,’ Ha-seong thought.

Regret came, but they were the people he had chosen.

If he followed the program they had set up, his body would succeed in another evolution.

‘These guys’ training methods are very systematic. Above all, they are well-coordinated.’

One plus one doesn’t necessarily have to be two.

Especially in human affairs, troubles can arise between them. But these people are different.

They were eccentrics who were only interested in their own fields.

They were people who had no interest in other fields or fame. That’s why they listen to the words of experts in other fields.

They modify the program accordingly and try to create synergy.

‘And since it’s difficult to get an experimental subject like me, all obstacles to cooperation disappear.’

Ha-seong is classified as a Major League Baseball top player.

In addition, when his body data was checked, he was at the top in all sports categories.

On top of that, he was young and had plenty of potential.

It was a welcome thing for them to be able to confirm their research on Ha-seong.

‘I can accept it because I know that their research will be successful.’

Ha-seong focused and devoted himself to training.

* * *

After a week, Ha-seong’s body began to change.

‘He’s getting cut,’ Ha-seong observed.

The unnecessary fats that had accumulated without strictly following the diet were being cut off, and his body was becoming slimmer.

However, the density of his muscles was increasing, and he was turning into a more sculpted physique.

In addition, as he focused on weight training, his muscles became larger and more defined than before.

‘Muscle growth is also accelerating as the amount of food increases. Eating well is more important than exercise after all.’

His skin also became cleaner and more elastic.

It was evident that exercise was making his body healthier.

“I have to move faster today,” Ha-seong said to himself.

One schedule was set for lunchtime.

The magazine company called Player of the Year (POTY) was coming to interview him.

This magazine, known as POTY, was the most famous magazine in the sports sector.

Not only baseball but also soccer, American football, tennis, etc.

The best player in each sport was selected and decorated the main cover of the January issue.

The POTY that Ha-seong was the main model for this time was the version that was distributed throughout the United States.

In Europe, the popularity of tennis and soccer was overwhelmingly high, so the top players there decorated the cover.

‘It’s a big deal that POTY is paying attention to me. I never thought this magazine would contact me first.’

He had been a model for the Korean version of POTY several times.

But he never dreamed of the American version.

That’s why he immediately accepted when he first received the call. He wanted to do something he hadn’t been able to do in the past.

‘I’m already looking forward to it.’

Ha-seong looked forward to the POTY shoot and proceeded with his morning schedule.

* * *

The POTY filming crew visited the resort.

The filming preparation went smoothly because they had obtained permission from the resort in advance.

“We have prepared the makeup, so please feel free to prepare,” a crew member said.

“Thank you,” Ha-seong replied.

The schedule with POTY was simple.

A photo shoot for the cover and a brief interview were conducted.

“We have prepared a total of three outfits for you to wear today. One is the Vigor uniform you requested, and the other two are suits and casual outfits.”

Originally, Ha-seong was supposed to prepare these outfits.

However, POTY was a magazine with its own established filming method, so they prepared it.

Ha-seong didn’t really want to pay attention to it, so he listened to their request.

Of course, wearing the Vigor uniform was at the request of the company.

‘The uniform is the first product I’m collaborating with.’

Originally, team uniforms rarely release original products.

Most jerseys are purchased by baseball fans.

That’s why they usually buy uniforms that symbolize the team.

However, Vigor was releasing a limited edition in accordance with its contract with Ha-seong.

‘The design is not bad.’

The scarcity was increased by releasing only 1,000 pieces of clothing worldwide.

All uniforms were signed by Ha-seong, and it was decided that all proceeds from the sale would be donated.

‘The uniform is just a means of promotion. Gloves, baseball shoes, and many other models will be released one after another.’

If this is successful, Vigor will successfully establish itself in the baseball market.

That’s why even the head of Vigor’s US branch was here.

It was evident how important it was.

“If you’re ready, let’s start filming,” the photographer announced.

Ha-seong organized his thoughts as he moved to the temporary studio they had prepared.

‘If you want publicity, I’ll make sure to blow it up. If Vigor does well, I’ll do well too.’

His contract with Vigor was a kind of running guarantee contract [a contract where payment is tied to sales performance].

In particular, it was decided that the sales of products with his name on them would be settled every quarter.

He had signed a contract similar to Michael Jordan’s, and this ratio changes flexibly depending on how well he performs.

‘It’s insignificant now, but depending on his future performance, it’s no different from a pension.’

He must sign the contract again after the two-year contract expires.

If he is still performing as well as he is now, he will have complete control over the contract.

This is because he is fully involved in promoting Vigor Baseball.

Whatever conditions he sets at that time, they will find it difficult to refuse.

‘Besides, if I switch to a starter this year, the contract conditions will change.’

A two-year, $2 million exclusive contract.

Although it is limited to sports brands, this amount is not very high.

However, if he switches to a starter, the contract size will increase to a maximum of $5 million.

It depends on the final result, but he will receive more than twice the model fee at once.

‘First of all, promotion is the top priority.’

“Good! This time, I’ll take a picture of you throwing the ball,” the photographer instructed.

With the photographer’s words, Ha-seong looked at the camera and lightly threw the ball up with a smile.

Click!!

The flash went off, and Ha-seong’s appearance was captured in the camera.

* * *

After all the filming was over, Ha-seong had an interview with POTY.

“You had a great season this year. You can say that you have achieved the best goal you can achieve as a rookie.”

“That’s how it turned out,” Ha-seong replied modestly.

“Currently, many experts are looking forward to Ha-seong’s performance next season. As a closer, what are your plans……”

“Wait a minute,” Ha-seong interrupted, raising his hand to stop the reporter’s question.

“I have something to say.”

“What is it?”

“I’m going to stop being a closer now.”

“Yes?”

“Being a closer is no longer fun. I plan to switch to a starter.”

It was a bombshell declaration.