What Makes a Winning Team?
Reviewing what made a winning team. It was the question he'd agonized over most before his regression—and now, even if his grasp was still fuzzy, he had some sense of it.
'The Hunters League is a 7v7 team game, so you can't help but think this way.'
With each player holding just a seventh of the share, it was a game where no one could win alone. And after much deliberation, he'd arrived at his own answer.
First, in any situation, a crack—a single player who could steer the game into unexpected turns. A crack. Then, top-tier players capable of following that crack.
That was the base. And since he could fill the crack role himself, all he needed were top-tier players who could sync with his abilities.
Of course, that wasn't the end of it...
'The rest comes down to harmony of abilities and tactical synergy.'
Naturally, as hunters, their superpowers were paramount. Harmonizing them was key, too. Even just combining seven players' powers into a single powerful attack pattern could propel a team to the top ranks.
Though aiming for multiple championships that way was tough.
The real issue was crafting combinations beyond that—it was incredibly hard. You couldn't just recruit any player you wanted, and teams had limited financial resources.
'So, with my overwhelming information advantage from regression, which team should I choose now?'
Picking one wasn't easy. Every team had its peak eras, ups and downs in form. Constantly switching to the ideal team wouldn't be feasible.
After much thought, his conclusion was...
'The absolute best is having 'my own team' where I can recruit players freely...'
That way, he could build a powerhouse with long-term plans, scouting promising talents with explosive potential.
The question was whether it was even possible. But after regressing, why not take a shot at building a team?
"Um... we'll match the 300 million contract bonus! Salary negotiable separately. Feel free to add any other conditions you want!"
'300 million contract bonus plus some options as the ceiling... Money isn't my top priority anyway.'
Now that he'd solidified his thinking, the key wasn't the amount. It was how freely he could assemble his desired teammates.
The problem? Even if he lured them in once, there was no guarantee they wouldn't leave later...
Still, better to state his terms outright.
"How about this? I want to build a team with the guys I choose. Can you make that happen?"
Most scouts' faces twisted at that. They'd probably half-expected it, but it was a condition too tough to meet.
'Money just for Lee Chang-hyun, and now he wants us to recruit his preferred teammates too... That's impossible.'
That was the consensus among the scouts. No one jumped to respond.
Huh... Even after showing such skill, this is as far as it goes?
From their perspective, he was a unique prospect who might shine in 3rd division, but unproven for 2nd or 1st. Handing over team-building authority was too risky.
Conversations after that revelation lacked substance.
"...Looks like that's it for today's negotiations. Contact us anytime if you change your mind."
"Haha... This is awkward. I'll check with our manager—if we can sweeten the deal, I'll reach out first."
"Sure. See you."
With that, the scouts huddled in groups, chatting as they filed out competitively.
Their expressions weren't bright—they'd never imagined a rookie pushing this hard.
'Well... For a typical rookie, that'd be generous treatment...'
But for him, it held little appeal. Unavoidable.
'...'
One scout lingered, refusing to leave. Staying alone after everyone else left—must have a special offer.
"Anything else...?"
"You might've heard, but I'm Lee Jong-gyu, scout for PER... Regarding your final condition, we can meet it to some extent, so I wanted to talk separately."
PER? He drew a blank. Seemed like a 3rd division team barely hanging on with one squad.
'If they'd ever reached 1st... no, even 2nd division, I'd remember. Probably not a real contender...'
His subtle expression made Lee Jong-gyu fidget and press on.
"Our budget isn't huge, so we can't match others' contract bonuses. But we can build the team around Chang-hyun."
"Around me? What about the other players on the team?"
Even teams dangling unconditional perks had balked at that. But Lee Jong-gyu, unfazed, continued with a bitter smile.
"Most of our players' contracts end next season. Re-signings are iffy. So, in rebuilding with new rookies, we can heavily incorporate your input."
Hm... So that's the situation. Financially shaky team, clearly.
Didn't matter much. What he needed was control over the team, not cash.
"But 'heavily incorporate my input' sounds vague. Doesn't guarantee anything, right? And... can you only bring in rookies? That means a team of nothing but rookies... What am I supposed to trust there...?"
Of course, it wasn't a great deal. Vague conditions pretending to favor him.
No malicious intent, but precision was key here.
'If I'd nailed down details like this before regression, I might've played without unlocking Bloom via contract.'
Lee Jong-gyu paled. Team woes aside, he lacked real authority.
Still clinging to hope, he blurted desperately.
"How about meeting our owner? He's got his eye on you big-time—told us to sign you at any cost."
Lee Chang-hyun didn't budge, so Lee Jong-gyu left his card and departed.
"Please... consider it positively. Just meet the manager."
"Got it. I'll think it over favorably."
Alone in the private room, silence settled.
A famous 3rd division powerhouse with 300 million plus picks of one or two teammates? Or PER, bottom of 3rd division, where he could influence all rookie selections and wrest real power from the manager?
Depending on execution, either could work.
'Though my choice is basically set.'
Lee Chang-hyun closed his eyes in the quiet hush.
After a moment's reflection, he ran into Kim Do-jun right outside.
"How'd it go? Any good hauls?"
"You were waiting?"
He'd entered alone, so he hadn't worried. Guess Do-jun had stuck around outside.
'Or maybe he finished his own contract talks.'
"Yeah. I'm with Seoul Hunter Academy this season anyway. Just waited out here. You're a free agent, right?"
"For now."
"Team picked?"
"What'd they offer?"
Kim Do-jun's eyes sparkled like it was his own deal.
'Well... gotta be intriguing even if it's someone else's business.'
He'd be curious too. And as fellow pros, no harm spilling.
"300 million contract bonus. Salary separate. Seems standard."
"Whoa... damn."
Kim Do-jun gaped. Probably worlds apart from his academy pay. Academy was development; this was 3rd division combat-ready.
"So, which team you joining?"
"Still... thinking."
Not decided. Ideally, scrape soul-deep cash via coins, stocks, lottery, buy a team outright... but no time.
Buying a club needed seed money, and headaches galore.
Next best: PER, tailoring new rookies to him... but could rookies alone form a solid seven-man lineup?
Decision still in limbo.
"Offers that good?"
"Tacked on a clause: build teammates around me."
Meaning, make him the core. Not easy.
Top rookies sparked bidding wars; cherry-picking impossible.
"Dude... you nuts? Even after your performance, as a rookie demanding teammates molded to you? What about the existing roster?"
"Exactly why it's tricky."
"Ha... never mind."
Kim Do-jun figured he'd blown all chances with overreach.
...Overreach?
'Fair point, kinda...'
The crux: Show even greater skill, and the story changes.
If he proved beyond instant 3rd division starter— a true prodigy overflowing for more—teams would have to yield.
Had he overlooked something so simple?
"You got a point."
"Finally dropping that clause?"
Kim Do-jun beamed like it'd been his burden. Funny—worrywart or busybody? Nice guy regardless. Good synergy too: a fast-sword brawler like him created openings for a sniper.
"Drop it? Nah."
"Then...?"
Kim Do-jun's face twisted oddly.
"Simple. If they can't meet my terms now, I just make myself pricier, right?"