032. The Eve of the Storm
Seven people. Enough to call a full team, but sparse enough to feel light if you wanted. And right now, they had gathered here to form just that—a single unit.
"So, no objections to me taking captain?"
Standing before them, Lee Chang-hyun was steadily building his disposable squad. Surprisingly, Yoon Han-gyeol was on the same team, yet he showed no interest in stepping up as leader. If anything, he seemed to back Lee Chang-hyun's claim wholeheartedly.
Staring at me with those sparkling eyes like it's no big deal...
Lee Chang-hyun couldn't read the guy at all. Getting that kind of gaze from someone he'd beaten time and again? Honestly, it was unsettling.
"Alright, let's start with strategy."
"Got it!"
Aside from Kim Do-jun and Yoon Han-gyeol, the rest of the team was made up of unremarkable players. That meant the plan had to lean heavily on those strengths.
"Yoon Han-gyeol and me. You'll agree we're the strongest two here, right? So we'll build around us as the mains."
Lee Chang-hyun grabbed a black marker and slashed lines across the main whiteboard in front of them. One side for the enemy base, one for theirs. In the middle, he circled the neutral monster formation.
"Like the opponents will probably do, the most effective strategy on this Gods' Battlefield map is to grow strong and then clash in a team fight. We'll base ours on that. But with Lee Geun-taek as a wildcard this time, a few of us—including me—will run a curveball play."
To sum up Lee Chang-hyun's explanation:
From the starting point, they'd prioritize growth like usual—slaying monsters, farming items, slowly pushing toward the neutral zone. But Lee Chang-hyun, Yoon Han-gyeol, and Kim Do-jun wouldn't join in. The moment the match started, they'd charge straight into the neutral monster formation, aiming to scout Lee Geun-taek first.
"Lee Geun-taek?"
Yoon Han-gyeol echoed the question. A fair one.
"Yeah. I'm planning to take him out."
The lively chatter died instantly. The shock hit them that hard.
And soon enough, a voice cut through from one of them.
"Lee Geun-taek's on the other side. You crazy? What are you three gonna do against him? Even with his power restricted..."
A cold, cynical tone. It came from Park Ji-won, the ranged dealer who was basically a stranger to the group, having just joined.
The team hadn't gelled yet, and it was too soon to respect each other's skills. Her doubt made sense.
But that doesn't make her wrong.
Valid concern or not, he owed them an answer.
"I know you crushed the dropout mission and shone in survival. Props. But don't think that makes you top dog in Korean hunters. Don't strut like you're hot shit in front of the real pros."
Park Ji-won's words dripped with sarcasm. Guess he'd rubbed her the wrong way back in the dropout mission.
Kids are such a hassle...
He needed to address the doubt, but he wasn't about to indulge some inferiority complex outburst. He opened his mouth to clap back—
"Everyone knows Lee Geun-taek's a beast. You think Chang-hyun doesn't get that? He's carried every round so far. They've got reasons for this."
Before Lee Chang-hyun could respond, Yoon Han-gyeol jumped in.
What's his deal...?
The guy who'd only ever clashed with him—thanks to the audition show—suddenly defending him? It felt off. A chill ran down his spine. But hey, if the fanboy wanted to back him up, fine. And it wasn't wrong anyway.
Whatever. Focus on what mattered.
"Of course, I'm not saying we'll face Lee Geun-taek head-on fair and square."
Lee Chang-hyun's eyes gleamed. This was the start of rewriting audition history.
***
In the Hunter Union Training Facility's broadcast room, they were filming pre-finale footage amid the bustle. Mostly predictions and quick intros for league newbies.
"For viewers unfamiliar with Hunters League, could you give us a brief rundown?"
"Hunters League is mainly 7v7 matches. Depending on the map, it breaks into three phases: 'farming'—slaying monsters, leveling up, grabbing items; 'mission'—claiming neutral monsters or points; and 'team fight'—all seven clash."
"So basically, farm gear, do missions, then brawl?"
"Close enough. The fun part? Players mix mana gear and superpowers, creating wild team fight variables. Maps change missions too, so games unfold in all sorts of ways."
A hologram map appeared before the three judges as Lee Sang-hyuk explained. Dense forest split by a massive waterfall. Towering god statues carved like they were mid-battle. A perfect fit for Gods' Battlefield.
"And this finale features a joker: current Hunter Association President Lee Geun-taek."
"We get the players, but what's his role?"
"Fun twist—he's picked 'neutral monster.' Basically plays like one."
"Rookies fighting Lee Geun-taek head-on? Can't wait!"
"Exactly."
"But he's a pro among pros, first-gen hunter. Won't he steamroll the newbies?"
Fair point. The stat gap alone, plus honed superpowers, meant seven-on-one wouldn't cut it.
"That's why he's handicapped. All stats dropped by about 2 points each."
"Two whole points? Pros say decimals matter—even then, he's ahead, but not overwhelmingly."
"Plus, 14 players vs. one. Should be a show. Haha."
"One word for fans hyped for the finale?"
"Tons of you waiting, I bet. We've got surprises lined up. Top prospects vs. the ultimate vet, Lee Geun-taek— it'll be epic. Tune in!"
Lee Min-seok's closing line killed the camera light. "Good work!" echoed around. Broadcasters grouped up and filtered out, leaving a messy vibe.
The three judges stayed put. They still had shop talk—and the finale mattered to them.
"Thoughts on this finale? Min-seok hyung's been all-in on Lee Chang-hyun, like a fanboy. Betting on him again?"
Even Jo Ah-ra had to admit: Lee Chang-hyun had delivered, exceeding expectations every time. She nodded he'd win.
But Lee Min-seok threw a curveball this time.
"Nah... I don't think Lee Chang-hyun takes it."
He grinned.
"What does it mean that Lee Geun-taek jumped into the neutral camp himself?"
"Judging winners up close...?"
"Yeah. But that leaves no room for Lee Chang-hyun."
"Why?"
Jo Ah-ra might not get it. Lee Min-seok had pieced it from first-gen tales overheard.
"His edge is mobility and sniper shots. Useless against Lee Geun-taek. The president's killer at intercepting ranged dealers—you can't win at distance. Insane close combat, pursuit... Unless you one-shot him, no chance. And tactics? Experience gap is night and day. Lee Chang-hyun's tricks worked on amateurs. Not here."
Jo Ah-ra pushed back.
"But they nerfed him—stats limited. Gap's not huge. Worth a shot, right?"
Lee Min-seok shook his head.
"Handicap changes nothing. Means no mercy. First-gens danced with death—loss was death. Active first-gens are monsters. Outliers. Lee Chang-hyun's toast. Watch Yoon Han-gyeol and Yoo Hye-ju instead. Her Holy Ground heals let her hang in close range—the only counter."
Jo Ah-ra pouted. No denying his logic.
"Well, no 'absolutes' in Hunters League. Could happen."
Lee Min-seok wrapped neutrally, but quiet Jin Su-hyuk chimed in.
"Agree mostly with hyung... but this game might have a shot."
"..."
"It's the Gods' Battlefield map."
Jin Su-hyuk smiled meaningfully. Lee Min-seok finally got it, flashing a wry grin.