Paradise of the Complacent
After the match against LTD ended in victory, the hottest topic among the PER team members wasn't anything else—it was LTD's post-game interview.
'A game that ends in a win for once, and the biggest buzz in the team is the opposing team's interview...'
But the opposing team's interview was controversial enough to warrant it. Excuses like "we couldn't perform at our best" or "our team is still superior in skill" after losing the match? From the fans' perspective, it must have been not just unconvincing but downright pathetic.
"They dragged in a First Division player and then what? Condition issues? Artifact variables? Do they think First Division matches are played without artifacts?"
"...Yeah."
Centered around Kim Do-jun, who was venting his frustration, the PER team members had gathered closely, deep in discussion.
'Kim Do-jun at the center... That's not easy.'
This bizarre occurrence probably wouldn't happen again anytime soon. But even setting that aside, Kim Do-jun's points were spot on. It was a chance to learn exactly what kind of interviews you should never give.
"And after losing, they say what? They still think LTD is better? No more mistakes next time? Just give me one more shot against LTD... If I do the interview, I'll tear them apart..."
One thing was clear: from now on, Kim Do-jun could never be sent out as the interviewer for a match against LTD.
'If that guy goes out there like that...'
Agh. He didn't even want to imagine it. It might end up generating more buzz than LTD's interview this time.
"Yeah, their interview did rub me the wrong way. Felt kinda condescending. Anyway, the next match is the really important one, right?"
While Kim Do-jun and the team had been chattering away, Yoon Han-gyeol tossed the ball over to this side.
Well, yeah. No matter the interview drama, that wasn't what mattered now. It was all in the past.
"Right. LTD's interview? Whatever. That's done and dusted. What counts is the next match."
"Huh? Even if we lose to them, we're locked in for the 1-Second Division promotion/relegation matches, aren't we?"
Well, true enough. Even a loss to PSG would leave PER in second place in Second Division, as long as they held their current points. The 1-Second Division matches allowed two teams from Second Division, so qualification was guaranteed.
But...
"Sure, but our goal isn't just 'getting in' to the promotion matches, is it? That's why we need to keep up strong performances. Even against PSG."
If it was just about qualifying, they could coast like this. But the real target wasn't mere participation—it was victory in the 2-First Division promotion matches, something no one had ever achieved. And to win those, they'd need to show decent results even against PSG.
In other words, this upcoming match was like a test run for the promotion battles.
"Analysts say PSG has the skill to hit mid-table even in First Division... You getting the picture? You know what level that means. If you ever dreamed of being a hunter, you've probably watched enough First Division league games to be sick of them."
"Just because our points are similar doesn't mean our power levels are... Got it."
"......"
PER's home fell into a brief silence.
They were probably recalling what they'd seen of First Division games back when they were aspiring hunters. The enemies they'd face in the promotion matches.
The quiet stretched longer than expected.
'Even running at the top of Second Division, they probably only remember First Division's 9th and 10th place teams losing—and think those are way out of our league.'
"So, feeling it now?"
First Division's lower ranks were only remembered for defeats, while PER had nothing but recent wins to draw from. Plus, the new First Division rules on top of that.
"Dude, thinking about it, First Division teams seem kinda OP?"
"You realizing that now?"
"Nah, didn't hit me watching from my room..."
Guys like Lee Jun-seo, who had made them sweat bullets in today's match, were the baseline for First Division.
"But wait, if that's the case, isn't it wrong to say PSG could hit mid-table in First Division?"
"Yeah, they're just chasing points like us."
'Sigh... Can't exactly spell it out for them.'
PSG hadn't shown their full power in any match yet. From what he'd seen with Piercing Eye—both returnees he knew and unknowns—LTD's real threat had been just one guy, Lee Jun-seo. PSG had at least double that.
Honestly, even a loss to PSG wouldn't derail First Division promotion; their power level was that high.
"Anyway. I think the analysis calling them First Division mid-table material isn't far off. If it's really tough for you guys, we could just plan to take the L against PSG and focus on the promotion matches."
The PSG match would be tougher than LTD, but those words weren't sincere. He was curious what the PER crew really thought.
'Might be more efficient to skip PSG prep and jump straight to promotion training. But...'
The heights he aimed for—at the pinnacle of the Hunters League—were never about efficiency. It demanded extreme perfection, endless drive for improvement. Stripping away every unnecessary bit, pouring everything into every match. That obsessive grit forged perfection.
'We're nowhere near that level yet... But what do you say?'
No need to wait long for answers.
"What? Just throw it and move on? You nuts? This match is perfect for a grand finale..."
Kim Do-jun was first to shout, maybe nursing regrets from sitting out this one.
'What the hell's he prepping anyway...'
Normal stuff wouldn't faze PSG, but the ambition was nice.
"Do-jun's right..."
"We've only played winnable games so far. We were winless in Third Division once. Ha."
"Chang-hyun, you've pulled us through before, like today. Feels kinda irresponsible saying that, huh? Haha."
Yi Yeon-ju, Yi Gil-han, Yoon Han-gyeol.
"Scared after one LTD match? Weak talk."
"Better to win—boosts our value."
"This vibe... Guess I should chime in. Uh... Let's do our best?"
Ryu Jae-jun, Han Ji-su, and even Kim Yu-hyeon, still a bit awkward in the team.
"Psh, even if, with hyung popping off shots bang bang bang, it's one-shot city anyway."
And finally, eavesdropping trainee kid Lee Jeong-hun.
'They've caught the fire good.'
Even after his veiled threat, they wanted to go for it. The old PER, scarred by losses, was gone—replaced by a new team. It wouldn't be easy, challenges ahead, but if they kept this mindset, it'd be great.
"President Lee Geun-taek. Here's the list of remaining hopefuls for this Second Division Hunters League season."
"Hm... As expected, once they decide to stay, they have no intention of climbing. Young talent with no fire... Good skills, but no dreams of shining in the international league. Tsk tsk..."
"But... you know it too, sir. First Division matches aren't easy battlegrounds for today's hunters."
Even hearing his secretary, Lee Geun-taek clicked his tongue.
"Talking about the pain those First Division Hunters League games bring? Back when I was active in the Tower, I died countless times—pains that wouldn't even register now. Not quick fades, either; full agony. And these kids quit First Division over a little hurt when there's no real death? These days..."
Tsk.
One big difference between First Division and Second Division: pain reproduction rate. The top reason players couldn't adapt to First Division.
Awakened superhumans had tough bodies, but minds were still human.
"Sir, say that these days and they call you a boomer."
"Let 'em. My mind's set... Plus, aren't those types blocking other promising Second Division kids from rising? Chang-hyun'll handle it, but..."
For Lee Geun-taek, PSG's lineup was a thorn. He saw their pain reproduction rate dropouts—capable of shining in First Division—as leeches on the league's growth.
'PER needs to beat at least those guys...'
His fist clenched. Even a PER loss wouldn't kill promotion odds, but he hated them hogging spots while freeloading. Sentimental, sure—most pundits and polls favored PSG. He was anxious.
Hell, he thought PSG had the edge too.
"Ugh... We should just tweak the rules or something. Can't we do anything?"
"You know First Division barely fended off removing pain reproduction by blaming international league. This is the best we got, sir."
"Sigh... Warm and cozy isn't always good..."
Lee Geun-taek sighed naturally. Maybe this was why Korean Hunters League was declining.
The Tower wasn't a real Earth threat anymore, but still a warzone of opportunity. The international league there sorted artifact and resource disputes.
In that context, coddling hunters in greenhouses hurt national interests—and the industry.
"Cops catch thieves, soldiers guard the nation... even if blood spills. Cover your eyes from fear and pain, and there's no future..."
"...Sir."
"What's the point? Next gen handles the next gen..."
Long retired from the frontlines, Lee Geun-taek could only hope the seeds he'd planted grew through adversity in the right direction.