New Ability
Media Day had wrapped up, and the Hunters League's first match was now scheduled. Exactly two weeks from today.
Two weeks...
Not too long, but not too short either. To achieve strong results in the 2nd Division, they'd need to prepare meticulously over these fourteen days.
"Whoa... two teams picked us as the 2nd Division champions?"
The voice came from the living room of PER Team Home.
"No, Do-jun. Check the interviews more closely. Our own team voted for us."
"Still, that means one other team voted for us too, right?"
"Yeah, but..."
From the way they were talking, it seemed like they were feeling a bit intimidated now that they'd moved up to the 2nd Division. Fair enough. At their current level, thriving in the league wouldn't be easy.
Especially since those five got thoroughly beaten in the practice match against TAK.
That said, the team's strength wasn't as weak as they feared. With Kim Yu-hyeon and Ryu Jae-jun joining, the number and quality of available tactics had skyrocketed exponentially.
And it wasn't just that. Their loss to TAK last time was because the opponents' tactics fit them too perfectly—not because it was an easy defeat.
If they hadn't all wiped out at once, even one or two survivors could have turned it into a win.
So the situation wasn't as dire as the team thought. More importantly, what mattered now was how they'd spend the next two weeks.
Cramming right before the season opener can be surprisingly effective.
Plus, this was a perfect chance to test the ability he'd awakened last time: Bloom – Talent Awakening: Dream Commander.
Sharing imagined scenarios with others. It was an ideal skill for showing teammates his perspective and ideal plays, then pulling them up to that level.
Now was the perfect timing to run practice matches against other teams, give feedback, and drive the team's growth.
"The stove league felt endless with no league games, right? Your bodies must be itching."
They seemed to have done their individual training, but seeing them sprawled all over the living room, it looked like they'd slacked off a bit.
"League opener's in two weeks—fourteen days. I've scheduled a practice match against a 2nd Division team once a day for all fourteen. No more free time."
"What? A match every day for fourteen days?"
Hunters League matches were exhausting...
"That's why we've been resting until now, isn't it? Anyway, we've got a practice match this afternoon, so get ready. Head to the Hunter Union Training Facility."
"Aw, I wanted to rest more..."
"You've rested enough, Kim Do-jun. Oh yeah, you've been losing to me every time in sword practice lately. Keep it up, and you'll get released."
"What? Released?"
The team burst into giggles at Kim Do-jun's shocked face. He decided to play along with the joke a bit more.
"Tch... tastes bitter, but yeah, it's been on my mind. Does a close-range dealer who can only do flashy stuff even belong on the team... Hmm."
"That's too harsh!"
Kim Do-jun made a pouty face.
***
With an afternoon practice match lined up that day, the entire PER crew headed to the Hunter Union Training Facility.
"Oh, by the way, I'm sitting this one out."
"What?? What are we supposed to do without you?"
"Ryu Jae-jun, you take main orders. Without me, we're exactly seven players anyway."
"...Got it."
This practice opponent wasn't a top 2nd Division team. HXG—a mid-to-lower tier squad.
They had a decent stove league, from what I hear.
Without him playing, victory was iffy. But since it was practice, winning mattered less than spotting weaknesses and giving feedback.
That's why he'd sat himself out—to expose vulnerabilities more clearly.
Then.
"Ah, you've arrived."
"Nice to meet you."
HXG's players and coach appeared from across the way.
"First time seeing you since Media Day... You're the successor handpicked by Hunter Lee Geun-taek, right? The rumors are flying. Looking forward to it."
Looking forward... Yeah, right. For someone so polite, the tone screamed, We'll see what you're made of.
Pre-season mind games already?
He hadn't noticed this as a player. Coaches and directors lived exhausting lives too.
Just prove it with skill.
"Alright, if you're ready, let's start."
"...? Director Lee Chang-hyun isn't playing?"
"Nah, not today."
HXG's coach's face stiffened a bit. Probably thought he was being underestimated.
Either way, they took seats in the observation area, and the match kicked off.
The map was Great Sanctuary. An ornate indoor space like a famous European cathedral—altars, decorations, structures everywhere. But uniquely massive, so vast people looked like dots.
Basically a wide-open marble floor fight.
On such an open map, Kim Yu-hyeon would struggle to shine. If Ryu Jae-jun didn't call tactics well, they could lose easily.
But I told him in advance he'd be commanding, so he's probably prepared.
He watched intently, analyzing for hours until the end.
With Ryu Jae-jun holding the center, it wasn't a total mess—better than expected. Plenty of feedback points, though.
As he organized how to phrase it.
"Haha... Hard to judge as a player, but looks like you've got some growing pains as a director. I've got plenty of coaching experience myself—feel free to drop by and learn sometime."
HXG's coach left with a friendly smile. Humble words, but the subtext was pure condescension: amateur-level directing. The "teach you" bit treated him like a subordinate lacking skill.
Sigh...
He'd prove them wrong in the league eventually... But feedback for the team was still needed.
"Hey! What was that—taking hits like that? Come on..."
They'd lost the practice match, regrettable or not. Time for feedback.
***
After the afternoon practice and a light dinner, the massive TV in PER Team Home's living room flickered on. It was replaying today's practice match.
"...So, early-game tactics were the biggest letdown."
"Didn't know we could run it like that."
"Yeah, well, if I'm in there, I'd call every play. But there'll be times you can't sync with me and need your own judgment."
The practice match highlighted some team tactic gaps. He usually commanded, so without him, it was inevitable.
"From now on, half the practices with me, half without. That's team tactics feedback done. Now, individual critiques."
This was the real meat. Tactics mattered, but in real games, he'd call the shots—less need for on-the-fly decisions.
"First, Kim Do-jun. Good job spotting and using that invis tactic before. But relying on gimmicks means your swordsmanship is stagnant for real."
The huge TV showed Kim Do-jun's 1v1s from the practice match.
"No proper sword coach until now, sure. So starting next week, we're hiring one. But your personal skill in 1v1s lags behind your athleticism. Especially with Air Beats and Air Anchors."
In hunter fights, raw power mattered, weapon handling too—but most crucially...
How well you wield mana gear.
Those who treated mana gear like limbs could acrobatically dodge anatomically impossible attacks. Not just evasion—unexpected strikes too.
But Kim Do-jun—no, everyone except Ryu Jae-jun—was still using mana gear one-dimensionally.
"I think I'm pretty good with Air Anchors, though...?"
Kim Do-jun tilted his head.
Words weren't cutting it. Pointing out specifics—like using anchor rebound for mid-air spins—didn't click easily.
But.
"Come here."
"Huh?"
"Hurry up, you're doing nothing."
Kim Do-jun gave a weird look. Did he think he'd get a knuckle-rub for arguing?
So slow.
"Jeez."
He walked over, raised his hand.
"Wha—hey, talk it out."
Can't talk it. Some sensations defy words.
As he placed his hand on Kim Do-jun's head.
"Eek—."
Kim Do-jun flailed his arms up top.
What did you think I'd do...?
He easily dodged, placed his hand firmly.
And shared the sensation, the imagery.
Bloom – Talent Awakening: Dream Commander
Perfectly share imagined scenarios with the target.
This was the new Bloom ability awakened during their promotion win.
Light poured from his hand touching Kim Do-jun.
The imagery: From Kim Do-jun's POV in that practice game. Quickdraw flashes creating openings, Air Beats stepping through firework bursts vanishing in an instant from view. Then, pre-set Air Anchor in mid-air for instant direction change, slipping into the blind spot for a swift strike.
Not just flying up to dodge or move—that was basic. This was next-level mana gear mastery, yet exactly what Kim Do-jun could do. Better plays.
And not just once. Up once, low once—various combat styles, 1v1 techniques poured in unfiltered.
Multiple scenarios, superior ways Kim Do-jun could fight.
Then, vision snapped back—like the TV flickering off and on.
Did it work...?
Looking at Kim Do-jun, he was still out of it. Staring blankly for a moment.
Then, he finally spoke.
"What... the hell was that just now?"