159. The night before the game
The Korean Hunters League was divided into three divisions, from Division 1 to Division 3, each with slightly different levels of difficulty.
When going from Part 3 to Part 2, there were various terrains, maps, neutral monsters, and relic variables. And when going from Part 2 to Part 1, the game’s appearance changed significantly due to the increased reproducibility of pain.
But, that was all within the game.
‘Actually, perhaps more important are things outside the game… … .’
It was a common story. It was the story of a baseball player who was doing very well in his home league, but then went to the American major league and was ruined, so he ended up returning to the domestic league.
The Hunters League wasn’t much different from this. If we were to use an analogy, the 2nd and 3rd divisions would be like the domestic leagues, and the 1st division would be like the major leagues.
The moment they step into the first division, the players stand in front of an unprecedented number of spectators. And at the same time, they are exposed to a large number of officials.
What that meant was that the player was taken apart and analyzed piece by piece.
In the 2nd or 3rd divisions, there could be variables due to the player’s unexpected abilities and equipment, but when you go to the 1st division, the number of such cases decreases significantly.
A power analyst for each Hunters League team who watches all the matches and analyzes the opposing team. And an Awakened expert. And so on.
This was because teams in the first division tried to win the competition by hiring them in large numbers as they had large sponsorships.
“Weaknesses… … Weren’t those things exposed a lot when you were an applicant?”
Even as a team, it is common practice to analyze the opponent and find weaknesses, so it was inevitable that players would do the same.
So, it was natural that Jo Soo-yeon came to see me, Jo A-ra.
‘Of course, I’m a bit hesitant about whether or not I can help with that… … .’
Was he close enough to help Jo Soo-yeon? It was definitely subtle. He wasn’t close enough to give her the information he thought about and analyzed on his own, but it was also subtle enough to just coldly say he didn’t know about it.
Anyway, he’s a guy who thinks well of me and respects me as a player, but I didn’t want to do that.
Then, on the other hand, what about Lee Chang-hyun?
‘… … What do I think of that guy?’
It was a problem I had never thought about. At first, he was a bit arrogant. But he showed unexpectedly outstanding skills, and he was an excellent but arrogant applicant. And now… …
‘… … .’
Anyway, regardless of skill, it was true that I liked Jo Soo-yeon more than Lee Chang-hyun.
‘Well, then I guess there’s no reason not to help.’
It’s something that hasn’t happened in recent years, but it must be incredibly stressful for a player if a first division team gets relegated to the second division.
It’s like being backed into a dead end and slowly suffocating.
Especially if the opposing team is a team that keeps breaking new records and is on the rise.
“Weakness… … Okay. I’m also a Hunter’s League player, so let’s analyze it slowly. First of all… … As you saw in today’s match, as an Awakened, your abilities are outstanding, but… … .”
“Outstanding, but… … .”
“Considering how powerful that ability is, its mana reserves seem ridiculously small.”
“Mana reserves?”
After hearing what I said, Jo Soo-yeon became lost in thought.
Perhaps it’s time to rethink this match in light of that.
‘But maybe I’m right.’
In fact, this wasn’t a weakness that was only revealed in this game.
Even in [Hunters – The Next Generation], there were situations where I could practically win everything on my own.
If only I had enough mana… … of course.
Even though he defeated Kang Jun-hyeok in this match, he also gave up on the match due to mana exhaustion.
‘Player Kang Jun-hyeok used Mana Expansion several times and caused so much chaos, but he didn’t fall because he ran out of mana.’
Perhaps, if Kang Jun-hyeok had entered endurance mode until Lee Chang-hyun’s mana ran out, the winner would have been the opposite.
“Ah… … I think there are definitely some parts like that. This time, the attack power was good, but there were weaknesses in those areas.”
The ability to devise strategies, give orders to team members, and have strength of character. They are all excellent.
But it is certainly not without its weaknesses.
“Well… … In the second or third divisions, they don’t analyze players intensively to find their weaknesses. That’s probably why they don’t show up.”
“Haha. That’s right. I guess I just thought it was too difficult, sis… … It feels a lot better when you talk to other people.”
Jo Yeon-soo spoke nonchalantly as if she hadn’t come to dig up information on purpose, but her intentions were obvious.
‘You said it was good to talk to someone else… … You just came here to find PER’s weaknesses.’
I got the feeling that maybe because the child was young, he had a hard time hiding his feelings when he spoke.
But since I’ve decided to help, I should help you properly.
“So, if your team is going to attack, Lee Chang-hyun should go with a strategy of draining his stamina. Keep inducing attacks so that he gets tired of his own strength.”
“Hey, you too, Sister. You’re going to attack with our team. I just thought of this and that while watching the game today… .”
Oh, man. I guess it’s better to just say it.
“Your team, will you participate in this first division promotion match?”
“……yes.”
Jo Soo-yeon’s expression quickly became gloomy.
Yeah, it’s going to be bloody. And it’s going to be quite stressful.
“It’s just a few words from a senior who speaks from experience. Just listen to it gratefully. If I were on that team, I would take advantage of their weakness… … .”
“Oh… … There’s a method like that. With this, I think we can conquer even the strongest team members. As for the other team members… … Honestly, our team wasn’t pushed back at all. Really… … Thank you so much, Senior Jo Ara.”
It seemed like he was very stressed. He looked at me with bright eyes, holding my two hands tightly as if it was burdensome.
“Yeah… yeah. Work hard.”
I didn’t really intend to help Jo Soo-yeon that much, but it didn’t feel bad when I saw her so happy.
‘Yeah. It’s just exploiting the player’s weaknesses anyway. That’s something all first division players experience. It won’t make much of a difference if I say it.’
Of course, it’s still PER. And Lee Chang-hyun is not from a first division team, but is trying to come up from the second division. That’s also just a difference of a hand.
It’s something you’ll experience later, but experiencing it now won’t make much of a difference.
‘Or, if you lose by giving out some information in the first division promotion match, it would be at that level.’
No matter how well you do in the lower leagues, it is very common for you to fall behind after being promoted to the higher leagues.
***
PER’s home ground was in full swing preparing for the upcoming first division relegation match.
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“It seems like the last match against LTD really helped motivate the players, just like you said. Everyone’s spirit is different after the last match. The spirit.”
Lee Jong-gyu, who had become a mental care specialist coach at some point, said:
‘Um… … definitely.’
From the perspective of watching the practice together, I could clearly feel the difference.
After hiring a technical coach, we accumulated a database and measured the results and amount of practice each time, and there were many areas where we improved considerably since then.
Of course, my fiery feedback from the LTD match after that game may have had an impact.
“You conveyed it directly through images and made me feel it! Do you think you can make it in the first division like that?”
“Can you really call that swordsmanship now? If you’re going to swing your sword in such an obvious way, just dump your team and get a job at a sushi restaurant. That’s the kind of swordsmanship that’s only good for hitting dead fish.”
I thought I was usually pretty kind in teaching my teammates, but when I thought about going up to the first division, I couldn’t help but speak harshly.
Division 1 is a league where the damage inflicted upon defeat is double that of lower leagues.
There were quite a few players who gave up on Hunter due to trauma caused by losing matches, pain, etc.
‘If that doesn’t happen… …I have no choice but to speak more harshly.’
If only I could be their trauma. That wouldn’t happen.
I have to roll him until he dies.
As I was reaffirming that determination, Coach Lee Jong-gyu opened his mouth again.
“By the way, these days, the players seem to be very scared. They seem to be stressed more than they look. When I see the kids, I try to hug them and stuff.”
As I talked a lot with the players about mental care, it seemed like we talked a lot.
“I guess there are more people watching than before, and the pressure is greater. And every time I play, I get sick, so… … I can’t help it.”
“No… … That’s not it, you… … .”
While he was talking, Lim Seong-tae, who was in charge of coaching the players’ training and skills, came in.
“Oh my. Everyone worked hard today. Tomorrow is finally here. The day of promotion to Division 1.”
“It seems like we finished a little early because it’s the last day of preparation. How are the kids’ conditions?”
“Everyone has been pushed to the max. I think I can show my full potential.”
“oh…….”
Until recently, it was said that it would be difficult for each player to fully demonstrate their skills under the first part rules.
It seemed like the form had improved a lot.
“Ah. But Mr. Owner, is it okay if you don’t practice separately? It seems like you haven’t had much personal time lately because you’re busy taking care of the players… … Should I take care of you or help you right now?”
‘Hmm… … I definitely haven’t been able to do much personal training lately… … .’
Anyway, I was used to the rules and pain of the first division league. I was used to those penalties… … and I had the confidence that I could be the best player on this team.
“The other players have finished training, and I’m sure you’re tired now, Coach, but it’s okay.”
After all, I know myself best. So, if something gets stuck, I don’t mind discussing it.
“I’m glad to hear that the training went well, Coach Im Seong-tae. The kids were having a hard time, so I hope that their sweat paid off. How about tomorrow… Do you think we can win?”
Coach Lee Jong-gyu, who was listening, said to Im Seong-tae.
“Hmm… … To be honest, I think our team has a slight advantage. Our PER team members are still weaker than the opposing team… … But our team has a club owner who beat Kang Jun-hyeok.”
Well, that’s definitely true.
If that doesn’t work, I’ll just beat them all up. Now that [Mankai]’s rank has risen to a certain level, my form is quite good if you look at it objectively.
“I don’t think Coach Lee Jong-gyu needs to worry too much. It wasn’t like that during practice, but I’ll cover up all the kids’ mistakes and give the orders for the actual game tomorrow. Then, everyone go inside and rest.”
Unless you bring a bunch of mana equipment specialized in blocking attacks and use a holding tactic, you can hold out until your mana runs out.
I think I’ll win pretty easily.
Well then, I guess I’ll go in and get some rest now.
I was about to turn off the lights in my room and head to bed.
At some point, Lee Jeong-hoon approached me.
It seems like it’s growing quite well these days. Even though it may not be of much help right now, it’s a solid insurance policy that’s like a honey pot.
‘No matter how late it is, it will definitely grow before the Hunters League is established in the Olympics.’
While I was looking at it with such a happy heart, Lee Jeong-hoon spoke first.
“That… … match is tomorrow, right?”
“okay.”
“I will go see it and cheer you on!”
Lee Jeong-hoon shouted and turned around like a new employee who had been disciplined by the military.
This is going to be a first-tier promotion/relegation match that’s getting a lot of attention.
I think I need to show off my cool side.
fantasy,
