Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: Finals (2)
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When he first heard that Ada Bomber had advanced to the round of 16, the Hunter from Diamond Club had laughed it off with easy confidence. But when the news came that Jeong Su-hyeon had made it to the quarterfinals, his smirk vanished.
And now, right before his eyes, Jeong Su-hyeon was breaking into the semifinals, securing his spot in the finals. The Hunter's face, glued to the monitor screen, grew stiffer by the second. Finals berth confirmed. That meant Kim Ju-seong would face off against this Jeong Su-hyeon punk in the championship match.
His phone buzzed. The Hunter scowled at the name on the screen. He picked up cautiously, hunching over like a whipped dog, plastering on a fawning smile.
"Oh, yes, boss. What's up? Ah, yeah... I see. Yes, I've seen the news. Don't worry about it, sir. No, really. Our Ju-seong's got this. Once he wins the whole thing, all that low-rent buzz will fade away, and it'll be all about Ju-seong. Then we drop his heartbreaking backstory, do a few promo rounds on TV, and poof—Ada Bomber will be ancient history."
The Hunter hung up, anxiety etched across his face. They had to win now. Ada Bomber Jeong Su-hyeon—the one who'd stolen all the spotlight—had climbed all the way to the top, eclipsing Kim Ju-seong's hype entirely. He glanced at Chun-bae.
In the corner of the waiting room, Chun-bae was, as usual, glued to his phone game. Some rhythm game, from what he'd heard, but the Hunter had no clue what it actually was.
"Hey, Chun-bae. Put the game down and come here."
He called out from his seat. Chun-bae shot him a quick glance and said,
"Just a sec. Finishing this."
"Ugh... damn kid."
The Hunter bit back a torrent of words and decided to let it slide, just this once. With the finals right around the corner, there was no point picking a fight now. Chun-bae finally pocketed his phone and shuffled over. The Hunter took a deep breath and said,
"Listen, Chun-bae. We have to win this, no matter what. You get me?"
"Yes."
"Use your strongest buff, no holding back. Don't worry about anyone around. I'll handle crowd control at the door. Got it?"
"Yes."
The Hunter ground his teeth. They had to win, absolutely. If they lost, even he—the guy who'd pushed this plan so confidently—would be in hot water.
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The finals were electric with heat. I could hardly believe I was smack in the middle of this frenzy, about to fight. Could I really pull this off? Could I actually win? Could I beat Kim Ju-seong? Even in the waiting room, the roar from the arena shook the walls.
I wasn't alone in there. Seong Ha-yeon the Hunter was there, along with Yu-jeong sunbae and Ichie. Next to Ichie sat her uncle, Ichigaya Noboru, humming a little tune. And crowding the cramped space were about seven guys in black suits, clustered together.
Ichie's uncle said to me,
"Came to cheer for the finals today. Since we're here cheerin', ya gotta win, y'hear?"
"Yes, thank you."
I bowed my head to him in thanks. Seong Ha-yeon spoke up.
"Give it everything. We'll be cheering for you."
"Yes."
I decided to shove aside the rumors about Kim Ju-seong manipulating his powers or pulling strings behind the scenes. No point dwelling on it—win or lose, I'd give it my all. Raising suspicions without proof would just make me look pathetic. Yu-jeong sunbae said,
"Don't give up, okay?"
Something in her words felt loaded, and I stared blankly at her. She smiled back. I nodded. Her support gave me a boost.
The monitor announced the fighters' entrance. I donned my helmet, grabbed my spear and shield. Sunbae waved. Ichie yelled "Fighting!" Seong Ha-yeon nodded. I opened the door.
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The moment the door shut, the cheerful supporters' faces hardened. Ichie's uncle, Ichigaya Noboru, spoke.
"Heard the situation. Not content with riggin' Ichie's match, now pullin' more scams? Won't stand for it."
Seong Ha-yeon nodded, then grabbed a board marker and faced the arena map on the wall. The massive venue doubled as a concert hall and multipurpose space, full of rooms. She planned to search every one for anything suspicious. No clue where the buff was coming from, so they'd check it all.
"Our goal: while our Bomber holds out, we sweep the place and find the bastard buffing him. Got it? Could be a higher-rank Awakener, so if you spot 'em, don't fight—message right away."
The suited men behind Noboru nodded sharply and barked,
"Yes!"
Ichie said,
"Why didn't you tell Su-hyeon oppa?"
"Waitin' would just distract him. And if by some miracle it's not rigged or no buff, throwin' the match on suspicion could get him hurt worse."
Ichie nodded like she got it. Seong Ha-yeon pocketed the marker and said,
"Let's move."
The suits surged out en masse. Noboru strolled after them leisurely. Kim Yu-jeong and Ichie grabbed their gear and followed. As Seong Ha-yeon headed out, she eyed the sword Ichie was carrying.
"Hey, is that a real sword?"
Ichie nodded like it was obvious. Seong Ha-yeon let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"Be careful. Waving that around, you won't be able to handle the consequences."
Ichie nodded and said,
"I won't kill anyone."
Seong Ha-yeon eyed her uneasily, then said,
"You stick with me."
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In a dim corner of the gym corridor—far from the roaring finals—two men huddled close. The one in glasses, head tilted up from a stooped posture: Kim Chun-bae. Opposite him, scanning for eyes: the Diamond Club Hunter. He shoved Chun-bae into the room.
"Hurry in. Get ready now—Ju-seong just went up. Buff him right away."
"Yes."
Chun-bae nodded meekly and stepped inside. Unlike the creaky door, the room was spacious and tidy. A conference space for arena staff, now rented under the guise of "[Championship Celebration Party]."
A catered buffet steamed on tables, set for Kim Chun-bae, Kim Ju-seong, the Hunter, and a few guests. A stage for Ju-seong's victory speech. One room over, straight ahead: the finals platform where Ju-seong stood. Chun-bae pulled a penlight from his pocket, took a deep breath. He wedged it between his fingers, thrust his hand skyward, and yelled.
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡ Misaki-chan Summon Love Love Idol Buff / All Stats UP / Duration: Match Length
"Hup! Come out! Misaki-chan!"
A glow erupted from Chun-bae's chest, and from it popped a beautiful girl with a radiant smile. Flowing pink frilly dress, long golden twin-tails. Eyes sparkling like a galaxy. Chun-bae reached out in rapture. Misaki-chan giggled, clasped his hand tight, and shouted,
"Yes! Your love-love idol, Misaki-chan! Ready to soak up tons of Misaki-chan's love-love power and give it your all today? If you're pumped, raise your hands high and scream!" "Woooooo! I love you, Misaki-chan!"
"Yes! Thank you, Master! Let's go strong today! Love-love! Moe kyung!"
"Kyung!"
The Hunter outside snorted at Chun-bae's bizarre yell. Leaning on the door, phone in hand, he fiddled idly. No hitches in the plan. Everything perfect. Refs disabling detectors. Two Diamond Club Hunters in the S-rank VIP seats.
Ada Bomber's rampage ended here. His fame would pass to Kim Ju-seong, the man who crushed him. The Hunter mused: Today marked the debut of Diamond Club's first entertainment Hunter, Kim Ju-seong.
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I tilted my head up. Kim Ju-seong stood across from me, glaring down with arrogant eyes. I'd never felt inferior to him. Didn't care what he thought of me. But his current stare rubbed me the wrong way.
I shook my head and met his gaze. The match hadn't started yet. He stretched languidly, flexing his muscles to the crowd's roar.
"Woooooo!"
Taut muscles, blazing eyes full of killing intent. He was a beast coiled to strike. I could hear his teeth grinding. Kim Ju-seong was telling me: Surrender if you don't wanna die. Or I'll smash you mercilessly.
I grinned back at him. Even with the helmet, he'd know I was smiling wide.
Kim Ju-seong's face hardened, breath heaving. Amid the cheers, I muttered,
"Bring it, you roided-out pussy."
"You fucking bastard..."
The effect was tremendous.