Welcoming the Guest
Now, barring some total collapse on PER's part, the team challenging for promotion to the First Division league was all but set in stone. And naturally, the challengers were PER and PSG.
"So, here's the thing... Just like last time with the Second Division promotion match, the First Division promotion match will follow First Division rules too. Hey. Hey. You listening?"
"Uh...? Yeah... yeah...."
For some reason, the team felt even more deflated lately.
'It got worse after the PSG match...'
Starting with First Division league games, the 'pain' system became far more realistic, forcing players to grit their teeth and adapt for real. It was a problem if they were already struggling at this point.
"You guys tired? ...Fine. That's it for today. Anyway, from now on, we'll practice under First Division rules, so keep that in mind. I'll explain, but study up on the higher league rules yourselves."
With that, I headed into the coach's office. Inside, the two coaches who now helped prop up PER with me were waiting.
"How're the players reacting?"
"They seem kinda down overall. Maybe the last match was too rough? Coach, you might need to look after them mentally."
Normally, coaches handled detailed play feedback while directors managed mental care and team direction, but our setup was a bit different, so it couldn't be helped.
"The last game was super long, and their reactions weren't great either."
Lee Jong-gyu, who'd handled most of our mental care so far, chimed in.
'Yeah... Excluding Kim Do-jun and Yoon Han-gyeol who at least performed, the rest barely contributed anything.'
That aftermath might've planted doubts in themselves. Up until now, in the low-visibility Third Division, they might not have noticed, but Second Division drew real crowds.
'Viewers start nitpicking players who aren't pulling their weight around this stage.'
But if they buckled under that and lost interest, they'd just be that kind of player. I'd taught and helped them from Third Division to Second Division and beyond, but in the end, only they could make themselves better.
'Whether they stick with us or end up like Jeong Hye-yeon or Shin Seung-hyun, cut loose by me... that's on you guys.'
First Division was next. Sure, it was below my final season's level, but it was still First Division. No more kid stuff.
'The promotion match...'
Everything would clarify as it approached.
Meanwhile, everyone except me and the coaches in the office was still slumped in the living room.
"Ha... First Division, huh. Not sure we're ready."
Yi Gil-han broke the silence with his low mutter.
"We were dead last in Third Division just the other day... No wonder we haven't shown much here."
He wasn't the only one with a bowed head and grim face. The other remaining PER members felt the same, aware this win was mostly carried.
"Yeah. Chang-hyun's always bailed us out, but we can't keep doing that forever."
"Hell... I even got chewed out for not telling Chang-hyun about my prep this time..."
As negativity poured out and the mood turned funeral-like, someone stomped in loudly, yelling.
"Whoa! Everyone's here today. Did we win? I've been killing it in Hunters League sims lately too."
Out of place in the gloom, PER's kid, Lee Jeong-hun, cheeks flushed with excitement, beamed.
"Wanna see my match footage? Got some mad movie-level plays."
His chatter didn't stop. Meeting his role model Lee Chang-hyun, what they'd talked about, his training, how effective it was, how much he'd improved, earning coach praise. No one asked, but like a kid craving attention, he spilled it all.
Normally, someone from PER would've shut him down, but not today.
Yi Yeon-ju, who'd been listening quietly, suddenly stood and muttered before heading out.
"...I'm going upstairs to practice."
"Huh? Sis, it's night?"
"...Me too."
One by one, PER members rose and left. Inspired by that kid Lee Jeong-hun's energy, their youthful passion reminding them of their hunter dreams. And one lesson from Lee Chang-hyun in Third Division: not the failure itself, but what you do after mattered more.
Mistakes, getting shut down helpless—still, rising to prep for tomorrow was key.
"Huh? Where'd everyone go, Jeong-hun? Had stuff to say."
Lee Chang-hyun, emerging from the coach's office to check the third-floor rooms, asked.
"Oh, I was bragging and they didn't listen, just peaced out to practice. Jealous of my highlights, probably."
Lee Jeong-hun grinned ear-to-ear. Hearing it, Lee Chang-hyun couldn't help but smile faintly too.
Advancing amid negative feedback took real courage. Keep trying, hear no praise—most quit.
'But essential for hunters pushing forward. Especially aiming for the painful, limit-breaking fights of First Division and international leagues.'
'Hoped they'd motivate themselves...'
Seeing the third-floor living room empty save Lee Jeong-hun eased his mind a bit. Practice alone wasn't enough, but he could fill the gaps.
'Can't leave 'em be, so maybe head down?'
As he turned for the stairs, his phone buzzed.
'A guest...?'
They were up anyway, no big deal to meet, but a guest was unexpected. An American businessman bringing someone to a Second Division Korean team? No one came to mind.
That thought cut short—another text, then a call from Kim Seong-jun. The guest and Leman had arrived at PER home's first floor.
Rushing down, he met someone totally unexpected.
'John Lennon...!'
Never clashed directly pre-regression, but impossible not to know the famous active US hunter.
"Sorry for the late hour. But I'm your biggest investor, right? This much is fine. Of course it is."
With capitalist Leman implying 'I pay big, so accommodate.'
After brief greetings,
"...Saw your match today."
'John Lennon watched a Korean Second Division Hunters League game?'
Nothing special there. Probably Leman showed his investment.
'But why rush here at night...?'
No reason for Leman alone this late... must be the guest.
"Mirage Palace... Your play was impressive... Hm...."
Lennon seemed bursting with words but struggling to voice them.
So, straight to the point.
"Thanks. But the real reason for coming tonight...?"
Lennon hesitated, glancing at Leman for permission.
"...Do as you like."
With Leman's nod, he spoke.
"I want to spar with you."
A total bombshell.
On the drive to PER dorm, Lennon recalled his chat with Leman.
"Hm... So, Lennon. What'll you do meeting that player? Ask how he handled that 'chaos' state?"
He'd pondered. Learning now changed nothing. Yet he wanted to meet—why?
Even he couldn't pin it down. Long hunter life had hardened him, or so he thought.
One thing clear: no verbal questions.
"Leman. Hunters don't talk—we clash."
"..."
Leman's baffled look, but Lennon shrugged.
"To get answers, we collide. That's the American way."
"Brute method."
Unlikely tricks, but confirm: did he truly resist 'chaos' and move freely? Or luck, burst, cheese?
'That clip looked real, but too brief...'
Maybe Lennon craved proof it wasn't luck, impossible.
"Fine. Do what you want inside. But remember, he's my 'Korean Second Division' project. I won't let my investment's value get damaged."
Whatever. Lennon just laughed heartily.
"Not bullying the weak. Just... something to confirm."