Chapter 132: Captain's Battle
Liang Xiaojun's new record shattered before it could even be set.
Humiliation in the preliminaries on top of that.
Chairman Li Zemin's mood had been foul lately.
Foul enough that he'd even toyed with the idea of export controls.
If that bastard Kim Minwoo didn't come crawling with an apology in person, he planned to snap Korea's neck in one go.
But that attempt was blocked immediately.
Intense pressure from the US and its allies. He could impose controls if he wanted, but the losses China would suffer would be far greater.
So he'd been barely holding back…
“Captain's Battle? Hah, what the hell is this…?”
He crumpled the newspaper in disgust.
Nine Dragon Guild.
The pinnacle of Chinese guilds, nurtured like precious gold and jade by the Communist Party.
Their level was recognized as top-tier worldwide.
Sure, mid-tier among the top tier, but that was no small feat.
‘But these guys dare…’
Guys who were at best 2.5-tier throwing down a challenge?
Practically Kim Minwoo's lackeys?
How much of a pushover did they think China was, letting some nobody strut around like that?
Grit.
The chairman ground his teeth and picked up the phone.
Soon, the Nine Dragon Guild Master—practically his subordinate—arrived at his office.
“You called, Chairman?”
“You've heard the news, I assume?”
“Of course.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“Normally, we'd ignore it. Fighting someone that far below us would tarnish our reputation.”
“I agree. But if we sit this out, all sorts of rumors will spread.”
The chairman eyed the guild master.
“Ignoring them might just make them bark louder, oblivious to their place.”
“That's… true.”
“And the voices saying it's beneath us will fade.”
“We could send a second-tier guild or another top-tier one in our place.”
“No second-tier. You know the rough effects of those supreme elixirs, right?”
The guild master nodded.
No matter how airtight the security from the US and its allies, China had its own resources.
They'd estimated the elixir effects through meticulous analysis.
Roughly +150 to all stats.
No small boost.
Sending second-tier would mean a crushing defeat.
And they'd specifically requested a Captain's Battle.
Ten from each side, fighting until one team is completely wiped out.
“… Nam Cheolmin shoots his bow pretty well.”
Nine Dragon Guild's sole weakness.
High average, but no true world-rankers.
How many could pass talent, skill, background, loyalty—all of it?
That's why they were mid-top-tier.
“Chairman, even so. It's not one-on-one—it's ten-on-ten. The higher average wins. And my skill outstrips Nam Cheolmin's, even accounting for the elixir.”
“… Right. I know your strength well. That's why I'm curious. Why are they so confident…?”
Was top-tier worldwide for nothing?
Average levels, gear, stats, teamwork.
All had to exceed a threshold for top-tier status.
The chairman agreed—he'd once been an A-rank Awakener himself.
So he knew one elixir wouldn't bridge that gap.
Then why charge in?
“… Maybe they think we'll refuse the guild battle?”
“So they're barking now since we won't fight anyway?”
“Yes. Ignore them, and they bark then retreat. Send another top-tier, and they call Nine Dragon cowards on the run…”
“Makes sense.”
The chairman tapped his desk—a habit when pondering.
Then his eyes flashed.
“Guild Master, confident of a landslide win?”
“Absolutely. Even with the elixirs, it's 8:2 our way.”
Nam Cheolmin and he were even.
Even if he lost, the vice-guild master and others would carry it. The gap in averages sealed victory.
“Then let's raise the stakes. Crush them thoroughly this time.”
“If that's what you want, Chairman, gladly.”
The guild master and chairman's eyes gleamed.
* * *
Korea's top conglomerate, Ilsung.
Its guild, however, was just average.
Perennial fifth place.
With Lavish Guild surging, rumors swirled that Ilsung was getting pushed out…
―What? Challenging Nine Dragon Guild? For real?
―Supreme elixirs that strong?
―No one knows the exact effects?
―Yeah. Both users and suppliers keep it secret, right?
―Lol yeah. We just know it's way better than high-grade.
―Obviously lol. Since they got those, the US hasn't lost the scramble for first.
―2.5-tier beating top-tier that bad?
―No way; what legend elixir lol.
―No broadcast analysis?
―Users go dark for a month or two post-use. Impossible to analyze.
―Yeah. They level up or swap gear to muddy stats. Exact estimates unknown.
―Why hide it so hard?
―Strategic asset ain't a joke lol.
―Yeah. Military edge, diplomatic leverage, countering rivals—tons of reasons.
―True. Kinda sleazy, but they do. And since most don't care, media skips it.
Supreme elixirs went to the elite.
World rankers or near-rankers.
They were already strong; the elixirs just pushed them further.
Most Awakeners and civilians didn't care.
High-grade, maybe you could scrape by with talent. Supreme? Money alone wouldn't cut it.
Only a handful benefited.
Vague curiosity, but pie in the sky—another world.
That remained a distant dream until Ilsung’s top squad consumed the elixirs. Aside from Nam Cheolmin, its S-rankers had never expected to touch high-grade elixirs.
Even Nam Cheolmin wasn't supreme-worthy.
But they all chowed down?
Power boost unknowable.
―Nine Dragon has a weakness tho. High average, but few true aces.
―Yeah. Only core party members lol. Liang Xiaojun's SS-potential but still lowbie lol.
―If Nam Cheolmin powered up, he might know. Captain's Battle too.
―Still, maybe two wins tops then cut. Vice line gets shredded.
―Yeah. They know we won't fight—headbutting on purpose? Top-tier ignores 2.5…
Then.
[(Breaking!) China accepts Captain's Battle! Beijing Awakener Arena! May 1st, one day away!]
[(Breaking!) Nine Dragon Guild Master vows to show “untouchable 4D gap”!]
News exploded.
―They actually accepted 😨
―Pissed af;
―Beijing's massive arena; gonna steamroll proper…
―Don't expect win;; 7:3 maybe…?
Captain's Battle scheduled.
* * *
Kim Minwoo grinned at the news.
“They accepted the match.”
“… They did?”
“Why? Doubting yourself?”
Nam Cheolmin shook his head.
Two weeks of training: him and the guild transformed beyond recognition.
Impossible normally.
But it happened.
Every tip integrated instantly into their bodies.
Miraculous teaching.
‘Unreal ability.’
Nam Cheolmin, Kim Hwan-yong, eight S-ranks.
All stunned.
Value? Trillions easy.
China's Nine Dragon Guild.
Superior in levels, skill, gear—elite.
Old power? 8:2 or 9:1 best case.
Now? Different.
Supreme elixir boosts.
Skills reborn, far sharper.
‘Now, it's possible.’
Nam Cheolmin's eyes burned.
Unless Nine Dragon had a monster on Isabella’s level, its team had a high average but no exceptional peak.
“Confidence overflowing.”
“Good. To China.”
“Yes.”
Ilsung's private jet took off.
At the Chinese airport.
US and allies' ambassadors awaited. Broadcasters too.
Precaution.
Today's result could flip China out.
Might lash stupidly.
But with ambassadors and media?
‘Can't move easy.’
Fool around, international ruin. China, hyped for the match, allowed escorts readily.
‘Plus.’
Nuke handy. Reassuring.
Worst case only, but perfect threat.
Entering Beijing Arena.
Boooo!
Massive jeers.
Landmass-sized stadium: enormous.
Holds two million. Packed with Chinese.
Korea crawling up lately, annoying.
Their 2.5-tier guild challenges Nine Dragon?
Insulting.
Tickets sold out in a minute. Koreans barely snagged few—cheers drowned.
Cameras everywhere, eyes gleaming.
Li and brass probably hyping for max humiliation.
‘Thanks.’
Tightening their own leash—perfect.
Nine Dragon and Ilsung Awakeners ascended the vast arena.
Ten each.
Chinese announcer queried.
“We'll show you the might of a great nation.”
Nine Dragon confident.
Nam Cheolmin bold.
“Today, we'll show the true power of our supreme elixirs.”
Boooo!
Jeers like macros behind.
Guilds staked the Captain's Battle.
[Ilsung Guild vs Nine Dragon Guild Captain's Battle begins!]
System message.
Shield match—standard.
Nam Cheolmin first up.
Nine Dragon Master followed eagerly.
[First match in 5 seconds!]
Shing!
Guild master drew sword.
Ilsung stagnant years.
Nine Dragon always climbing.
Gap not bridged quick.
+150 stats? Laughable.
‘Nam Cheolmin. I'll break you today.’
High on one elixir, rushing in.
Koreans learn tier gap today.
[Match starts!]
Guild master lightning-charged.
Nam Cheolmin slid back smooth.
‘As expected, it was phantom-style evasion.’
China's analysts dissected Ilsung.
Habits, weaknesses—all to Nine Dragon.
Stats up don't rewrite movement.
Distance closed; eyes gleamed.
Nam drawing bow hastily.
‘Too late.’
Sword to head before aim.
‘Done!’
[Hong Tao uses Death Sentence (S)!]
Bound skill: sword thrust perfect trajectory.
Instant death on hit.
Then.
Nam Cheolmin accelerated wind-like.
Blade grazed by a hair.
‘…!’
Hong Tao's eyes bulged.
Unavoidable…
‘… Dodged?’
His face went pale. An arrow had already been drawn at point-blank range; there was no avoiding it, no matter his skill.
Thwack!
Arrow pierced heart instantly.
[Shield broken.]
[You are out.]
Hong Tao ejected.
Nam Cheolmin solid archer.
Not guild master tier.
Seven expected Hong Tao win.
Three: Nam lucky, shield chipped.
But…
[Remaining shield: 100%]
Full health win.
Unimaginable—eyes wide. Overseas media too.
‘What?’
‘Elixir that strong?’
Chinese shocked.
‘What?’
‘Full?’
‘Real?’
Nine Dragon's strongest out, shield untouched.
Anyone else? Guaranteed loss!
Captain's Battle.
No out? Keep fighting.
‘This…’
‘Bad luck, full wipe?’
Hearts pounded—not excitement.
Nam stowed bow, grinned.
“I forfeit.”
―…?
Chinese announcer tilted head.
Sudden forfeit?
Then.
‘Wait. Don't tell me…’
Knew their play.
Full wipe by Nam? “He was just strong.”
[Score: 1:1]
[Next match.]
Second: vice-guild masters.
Prior 7:3 China.
This? 8:2 must-win.
But…
Thud!
40 exchanges fierce.
Nine Dragon vice out.
Ilsung's Kim Hwan-yong grinned at crowd.
“I forfeit too.”
[2:2]
[3:3]
[4:4]
[9:9]
Tied, but all nine Ilsung forfeits.
[10:9]
[Captain's Battle ends.]
[Ilsung Guild wins!]
Final match nailed it.
Nightmare scene: eerie silence over the arena.