Crisis at Team LTD's Home
Team LTD's home. Long, sleek glass tables stretched out, flanked on either side by rows of expensive-looking single leather sofas. And the people sitting there were mostly the new coaching staff injected into LTD for this season—beyond just the manager and coaches, there were team power analysts, Hunters League tactics experts, technical coaches, and even awakening ability specialists.
'So this is what they meant when LTD said they were going to train specialized personnel because they lacked talent in the lower leagues...'
LTD's coaching staff was rock-solid, no longer just one or two individuals but an entire team. From multiple angles, they observed matches, maximized their own players' abilities, and thoroughly analyzed opposing teams to secure victories.
"First, please take a look at the materials I've prepared on the table."
The man standing at the front, pointer in hand, aimed it at the beam projector he'd fired up. He was LTD's new power analyst for Division 2. On the tables lay projected data: PER players' estimated stats and abilities, synergy histories with other players, and predicted tactics they might employ. And that was just the start. Every tactic PER had used in official matches across Division 2, how those tactics were executed, and how to counter them—all replayed in detail.
'Heh... this is the terror of a major club, kid...'
With the influx of personnel, things that had been impossible before were now routine.
"...That's all. I've prepared separate player-friendly materials that simplify reading PER's predicted tactics, so just hand those out to the players."
Clap clap clap clap... Applause poured in.
"Excellent. Truly excellent. With Analyst Kim doing this much, we can't afford to lose or we'll have no face. Though... considering the strategy we've put together this time, we probably don't even need specific counters for them. Right?"
"Yes. Exactly. This match is one we simply can't lose."
The preparations didn't end there. Next up was the technical coach—a rare occurrence.
"Well... as you know, I'm just the technical coach, so no big presentation from me, but I've brought materials to share our results in advance."
This set of materials took a different angle from the previous ones. It delved into technical breakdowns: how each PER team member fought individually, their habits and styles, and detailed ways to dismantle them.
"The one that gave us the most trouble was PER's Yoon Han-gyeol. His unprecedented fighting style and swordsmanship had us struggling... but pros find a way, no matter what."
The document outlined Yoon Han-gyeol's unconscious sword trajectories, habits in specific situations, and ultimately, the optimal sword path to block his attacks.
"Of course, mastering this takes time, so we've already started training the players on it. Improving their weapon skills is just a bonus."
At those words, training footage appeared on the screen. Using VR simulations, players faced randomized sword strikes mimicking Yoon Han-gyeol. They were adapting fast, blocking at high speeds.
"Everyone's worked hard preparing. This match is going to be exciting... heh. Beat PER, then PSG. Let's aim for the top of Division 2 this season."
"Understood, Manager."
With that, the meeting wrapped up. Everyone wore calm smiles brimming with confidence, a testament to how thorough and effective the coaching staff's preparations had been.
'Everything else was great, but this has to be the best part...'
Neutralization Tactics & Weapon Skill Counters
With this alone, PER's boasted bomber combo, the tricky duo charging in, or even their space defense setup—none of it would matter. All those outdated strategies would be useless.
The day of the Division 2 match between LTD and PER.
"...Today's game... it'll be fine, right?"
"We've played plenty so far, but you're still worrying this much."
There was no doubt—this setup would let Yi Yeon-ju shine. The real concern was the opposing team, LTD. Only on game day did a standout player suddenly appear in their starting lineup.
'Lee Jun-seo...'
Memories of who was on Division 2 LTD back then had been fuzzy, but seeing his face here jogged pre-regression recollections. He was one of the players I'd run with in Division 2. But only occasionally, for key matches. He'd come down from Division 1 briefly to recover from the intense stress of top-league play.
Lee Jun-seo was originally from Division 1—the upper echelons of LTD. His ability was bizarrely unique.
Controls mana movement within a set range.
It sounded like nonsense, so abstract. But how he used it was simple.
'Freezing mana in place...'
He controlled opponents' internal mana, locking it down so it couldn't move. That alone created devastating efficiency. Fine control was tough due to the difficulty, but it was lethal regardless. Centered on him, anyone who approached couldn't use their abilities, no matter what they were.
'Pulling out Lee Jun-seo on game day... that's a nasty surprise.'
All tactics used so far needed total revision. No matter how synced Ryu Jae-jun and I were, without mana, we were done. Improvising on the spot? Our team's pool wasn't deep enough for endless options.
'It's not like I have zero ideas...'
Honestly, Division 2 was getting serious now—high enough that even viable ideas were iffy. It wasn't something we'd practiced.
"Chang-hyun. Time to change and head out for prep. Why the grim face?"
Yoon Han-gyeol spoke up. Right—no need to overthink.
'Just do what we can now.'
With this roster, an undefeated run was tough anyway. No plans to lose without a fight, of course. Back pre-regression, my longest plays were high-risk wire-walking from insane heights. Besides, you can't win every match purely on tactics from the start. Not even I, with all my experience and intel, was exempt. Even international leagues saw powerhouses face this. What mattered was reading the situation and adapting— that's where results diverged.
"Just a sec. Had a bad feeling. It's nothing. Let's go, Han-gyeol."
"...Yeah. The others are waiting."
Situations always shift. From advantageous to dire, or vice versa. Battlefields are fluid, riddled with unpredictables: opponent comps, map picks, map variables, even our own plays. All unknowable.
'But that's what makes the Hunters League fun.'
Alright, let's play along.
The commentator's words sent murmurs rippling through the stands.
"Whoa... what luck. Missed ticketing for big leagues, came for Division 2, and Lee Jun-seo shows up."
"Just wanted to see LTD's prospects, but a Division 1 star drops in. This'll be good."
The Hunters League was massive; Division 2 hadn't spotlighted it yet. But international and Division 1 felt like the "real" leagues. Lee Jun-seo's appearance was huge news.
Lee Jun-seo's fame made it obvious—no need for speculation. He locked down surrounding mana, forcing one-sided fights in his favor. This match would be no different.
[Caster]: Ah... the match is starting now.
The game kicked off in tense silence from the stands. Undefeated in Division 2 so far, the pressure was immense. And sure enough, chaos erupted immediately.
Yoon Han-gyeol, respawning to join the fray, bumped right into an LTD opponent.
"Uh, Chang-hyun. Joining up's gonna be tough."
"...Can't Air Beat out?"
"Opponent's got Air Dash, looks like."
Air Dashing against an Air Beat or Anchor user just exposed your back.
"Plus... never mind."
"..."
With that, Yoon Han-gyeol muted his earpiece mic. He sensed the foe across from him was no pushover.
'Ego Sword... no control.'
More precisely, his mana wouldn't budge. Like lead weights on his legs. No mana flow, no ability. Whatever was happening, it screamed targeted ability from his opponent.
"Tch..."
Nothing had gone down yet. But the unprecedented situation had Yoon Han-gyeol rattled.