Episode 217: An unexpected escape
Even though Lee Geun-taek had put up a pretty tempting prize for this ranked match, not all players were paying attention to the ranked match.
Even though there is something good at stake in ranked matches, the main event for hunters is, of course, the 7v7 regular Hunters League.
It was not surprising that the LTD players, who reigned supreme in Division 1, were not paying much attention to ranked matches.
I just read the news articles in passing and saw the flow. It had no meaning beyond that.
What was of greater interest was not the ranked matches, but the current state of the regular league and the direction it would take in the future.
“Hmm… … PER is better than I thought.”
“You saw it back then, during the practice match.”
Kang Jun-hyeok blurted out something to Lee Jin-han. Was it because it wasn’t a particularly pleasant memory?
“They say there haven’t been many games yet, but their performance is definitely good. If things continue this way, they might actually face each other again in the postseason.”
Lee Jin-han kept watching PER’s game and kept estimating. Then, a team member came in and broke the mood.
It was Lee Garam who usually spoke in a rude manner.
“Then this match is especially important? The teams that are still undefeated are our LTD, SAA with Jin Su-hyeok, and PER.”
At the tip of the finger that Igaram pointed to, the next matchup for the regular league was visible. The match between SAA and LTD, which were marked as undefeated, was scheduled.
“Which one will strike first… …?”
This match could have easily knocked one team out of the race for the lead. Once a weakness is exposed, other teams in the Hunters League will use their analysts to hound you like a school of piranhas.
‘Of course, in addition to that, the key is how much stamina you can show even if you lose.’
I thought it would be an interesting match no matter what.
From the position of a silent observer from above.
“But, shouldn’t Junhyeok oppa contact Jinsoohyeok? There must be a lot of players on that team who won’t be happy if they lose this time.”
“Unnie Garam? There are quite a few teams that lost to PER in the first part anyway, so it’s not a big problem, it’s just that the loss is a bit bitter, right?”
“It’s not really a problem. Our LTD and SAA make up most of the players in the Korean Hunters League national team, so what would happen if PER beats SAA?”
“ah……!”
Of course, there won’t be any big changes right away… …but there’s a high possibility that there will be changes.
“So they must be really sharpening their knives. They’re always giving away points in the international league, but they still want to go. It feels like they’re giving and taking. Isn’t it?”
Igaram said with a self-deprecating laugh.
‘Point vending machine… …’
Rather, Kang Jun-hyeok doesn’t care who wins or how the national team changes because of it. No matter what happens. Even if he himself can’t go to the Korean Hunters League as a national team member.
I vaguely hoped that Korea would do well in the international league.
My mouth felt bitter.
***
Meanwhile, at SAA’s home, analysis of PER was in full swing.
“By the way, I think I was acting like a brat in [Hunters: The Next Generation] the other day. He’s already in Part 1.”
At that time, Lee Seong-jin, who was participating in the Mana Equipment Training Instructor, spoke to Jin Su-hyeok.
“I told you back then that I could sprout. Judging from the interview and my record, I think I’ve been stepping on all the right paths to get there.”
“Talent… is that what it is?”
“Well, I don’t know. You know, things like [Mana Equipment] can help you get used to talent a little faster, but in the end, it takes absolute time.”
It is not said that you can use mana equipment well by simply following along with the techniques known in physical education.
It was also very important to use mana equipment to break free from the limitations of thinking and to use it in a variety of skillful ways depending on the situation.
And that was something that could only be supported by the time one had spent using it.
“… … Perhaps he learned it from an unknown hunter, or perhaps he has been practicing and thinking about something similar since he was young.”
The density of time each person spent and the time they spent engrossed in doing something were also different.
This was the reason why it couldn’t be attributed to talent alone just because he rose quickly.
The two of them briefly reminisced about the past and chatted away.
The coaches in front came out again and raised their voices.
“Okay. Enough chit-chat. So, the solution to [Dimensional Gate Strategy] is Joo-Hyun’s ability. [Great Attraction].
“They’ll gather, create a dimensional gate, and move at the same time to take advantage of their numerical advantage. If we use Juhyun’s ability to join first and form a formation, there won’t be any problems.”
“For other strategies, we will proceed with the countermeasures we have prepared in advance. Do you understand?”
The manager and coaching staff were even more enthusiastic about this match, perhaps because they were even more aware of its importance.
“Especially Jin Soo-hyuk. You. Do you know what’s important this time? If you just listen to it half-heartedly and make a mistake during the match, what are you going to do?”
The director continued to nag Jin Su-hyeok, who was mumbling and feeling annoyed.
I scratched my ears and tried to express with my whole body that I didn’t want to hear it, but it had no effect.
Because the nagging only increased.
However, something else was lingering in Jin Su-hyeok’s mind.
‘Anyway, we’ve already confirmed the flow of this game and our team’s strategy. There probably won’t be many variables. He’s a trustworthy coach even if he nags at us a lot.
More than that… … .’
What kept lingering in Jin Soo-hyuk’s mind was not the next Hunters League match.
Rather, it was the guy who kept rising in ranked matches.
I couldn’t hide my excitement at the prospect of fighting that guy.
How on earth did he come up with that method of utilizing mana equipment? What kind of appearance will he show in a showdown with me? Who is he…?
Jin Su-hyeok personally guessed that there weren’t many candidates, probably because he was a player with quite a long career.
‘Considering his abilities and the fact that he’s hiding his weapons, he might be Kang Jun-hyeok. Judging from his height and aura, he might be Lee Min-seok who secretly came to Korea to cause trouble.’
That opponent was an opponent, but I never wanted to imagine losing to a guy wearing a mask and suppressing his abilities.
Even if the opponent is Lee Min-seok, the best Hunters League player in Korea.
Because Jin Su-hyeok himself should still be the best individual player.
“Coach. In the end, if we summarize this match, Seongjin hyung will back me up, and I will defeat the opposing ace one-on-one. I have already looked at all the details. I even did some battle simulations.”
“Oh my… … You’re doing it again.”
The director’s nagging has started again, but I guess it’s okay.
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Because I thought that no matter how many players came to the Korean league, no one would be able to keep up with me in 1-on-1 individual skills.
It was a natural confidence.
***
The night before the game. Not only were the lights on in Team PER’s analysis room, but every single member of the team was awake.
Normally, I would sleep well the day before a game, but this time it was different.
‘Jin Su-hyeok… … I’ve seen him before, but he’s the worst when it comes to breaking through 1-on-1.’
The problem is that if you can’t get through 1v1, you start off at a strategic disadvantage against SAA, who are very good at forcing 1v1s.
So, we are now faced with a situation where there is no answer in terms of strategy formulation.
“Like when we faced Jo Ara last time, isn’t there a way?”
“It’s different now than it was then. I don’t know if that kind of map will come out or not, and I don’t know if my opponent will be able to handle it. I can’t gamble on that.”
“Hey, instead of attacking from close range like in the previous part 3, how about using something like [Bomber Tactics] to bind them in an invisible place and then strike them?”
“Would that work for the first division players?”
Han Ji-soo looked at Lee Jong-gyu with a pitiful expression.
But he was a coach after all… … It was funny and a little sad to see him being criticized and crushed by the players’ strategies.
‘But it seems like you’re taking good care of your mental health, so it should be okay… … It seems like you’re even taking care of your diet these days.’
I even thought that maybe it would be more suitable to change careers to player manager.
“Anyway, it won’t work with just any tactic.”
“But still. The [Dimensional Gate Strategy] we used last time was pretty good, Senior Gilhan. Can’t you show it to me again?”
This time, Lee Seo-hyun smiled brightly and asked for Lee Gil-han’s consent, but… …
Even that was the same.
I could only shake my head and speak coldly.
“As I’ve always said, the basics of strategy formation are to adapt to your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. However… … your opponent has the ability to help you join forces very quickly. Exploiting their weakness with [Dimensional Gate Strategy] probably won’t work.”
I constantly exchanged opinions with my teammates and coaches, but no particularly good ideas came to mind.
However, since I’ve been playing with mana equipment a lot lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe I could use this to create a breakthrough…
I couldn’t get a clear grasp of its true nature.
‘Should we go with the blackout strategy that was popular in Europe, like when we dealt with Im Min-sol?’
No. He had already shown his weakness once. Jin Su-hyeok would have probably seen the match, so he would have cut off the air anchor and run away before the Mana Protector could even close the roof.
Does that mean there are other strategies that can be imitated with mana equipment? There aren’t as many as you might think.
From the beginning, many of the strategies in the Hunter’s League were created based on the special abilities of the team members, so it was inevitable.
Because only some abilities can be created with mana equipment.
My worries have deepened, but… …
“It’s too late. It’s been more than a day or two since we’ve had a meeting like this. Let’s do our best tomorrow. I need to take care of my condition. Well, let’s call it a day!”
I heard Lee Jong-gyu talking to the gathered team members.
‘You cut it off at an appropriate time.’
In this regard, I definitely thought Lee Jong-gyu was okay.
Anyway, it’s something I have to worry about, and I think that Lee Jong-gyu knows pretty well what each player can do and what needs to be done to get the best performance.
“This time… … was it really difficult?”
“I guess so.”
The players slowly went into their rooms, and soon the analysis room became quiet.
Lee Jong-gyu kept saying something as if he was trying to help with brainstorming, and I was responding, but it wasn’t a very productive conversation.
“But Dojun. It’s late, and I understand how you feel, but is it okay if you don’t go to sleep now?”
‘… … Kim Do-jun?’
“Well… … It’s nothing. I made a mistake last time. It’s just like that.”
“What, you’re worrying about that? Do I look that petty?”
“That’s not true, but I feel like it’s not working out well. If you don’t have any ideas, would you like to go and check out my mana workshop?”
‘Mana Workshop… Was that why you asked for some space at home the other day?’
by the way.
“Why are you saying something like that, as if you were shyly asking your lover to go eat ramen? It’s so disgusting. I’m not even thinking straight. Good. Show me around.”
There aren’t many mainstream Mana equipments, so I don’t know all the minor ones.
Maybe there’s something pretty good?
fantasy,
