Unexpected Connection
"Huh..."
Even Lee Chang-hyun, watching the interview, couldn't help but click his tongue at the content. Yoon Han-gyeol, on the other hand, looked triumphant as if there was nothing wrong with it at all—that was the real issue.
"Not a single word wrong, so what's the problem?"
...Well, it was true that he'd planned everything and put the team together. But didn't it occur to the MVP winner that talking only about other players would confuse the casters and audience? Not that it bothered him personally.
"Still, that was a bit much. I thought Yoon Han-gyeol saw you as some kind of cult leader."
Kim Do-jun shrugged as he spoke.
"Someone like Chang-hyun hyung deserves it..."
Yi Gil-han chimed in cautiously, but why was he acting like that? "Chang-hyun player?" It sounded awkward as hell.
"Don't call me that. Just use my name like always. Age-wise, you're older anyway. Why the sudden formal crap?"
The first win was great, but the team felt overly chaotic. Was it the joy of victory? Or relief from breaking their losing streak? Hard to say. It was a good kind of chaos, though.
This team will get stronger.
It was only their first win, after all. Now that they'd tasted victory, they'd push even harder. Of course, he'd be the one turning their efforts into wins for the foreseeable future... But eventually, there'd come a time when he couldn't carry alone. That's when this team—grown together—would truly shine.
And it wasn't just the team changing. His own growth was steady too.
Bloom skill level up: Status growth acceleration activated.
Bloom skill level up: Performance of unlocked keyword skills enhanced.
Bloom rising from C- to C rank had boosted his base stats significantly.
Of course, the downside is no new skill from Bloom this time...
No point rushing it. Right now, focus on the team. Steady training kept Bloom's growth acceleration humming. That was enough. He'd already hit 3rd Division League stats, with Bloom accelerating further—and an explosive leap on unlock. Goal: Maximize growth before blooming, no regrets. Ideally, hold off until S+... but who knew.
First weekend after the win. No practice, no games—team sprawled in the dorms. Lee Chang-hyun planned to hit the Hunter Union Training Facility for solo work.
Until the unexpected message.
A game? Nothing noteworthy that weekend, right? Post-regression, he hadn't watched Hunters League much. No need—Korean league was mid-tier, immediate threats mattered more.
Connection from Hunters, The Next Generation lasting longer than expected...
Lee Min-seok might just like him. Not urgent training, so he replied positively.
Something big? 1st Division top teams maybe, but he didn't care much.
I'll see when I get there...
He'd won it all before—no hype for others. But Lee Min-seok's follow-up flipped that.
Ah... that time already. He knew the result—hadn't watched pre-regression either. Korea's team was outclassed on paper.
Korea lost the most hunters when dungeons appeared...
No 1st-gen stars in the league; past glory faded, now a backwater failing to build successors. Korea wouldn't win. Lee Min-seok knew too. Odd, but no reason not to go.
The venue: Hunters League Virtual Reality Stadium in Jongno, Seoul. Game in China, but Korean broadcast here with commentary.
"You been here before? Seems familiar."
Pre-regression, he'd swung by often... Couldn't say that, so he deflected smoothly.
"Well... 3rd Division or not, I'm a pro now."
Lee Min-seok chuckled. "Fair enough."
"Korea vs Japan, though—Japan's dominating predictions. Worth coming for a blowout?"
"Whoa, cold take? It's our national team. Japan's favored, but Korea's got solid 1st Division players."
Lee Min-seok defended them. He didn't want to be harsh—reality just sucked. Pre-regression, his league was worlds better; now, it was pathetic. Lee Min-seok wanted him to see it anyway.
"Our players aren't far behind in skills or stats. Wanted you to see this—'cause you'll be there someday. Avenge us later."
Bitter smile. "Also, got a friend on Japan's team. Meet after."
That makes sense...
High-level game first, then his buddy. Lee Min-seok's expectations clear.
That much faith in me...
Spending personal time like this? Clear message: Carry Korea's future in international leagues.
Hunters League Asian Games: Korea-Japan. As expected, slaughter. 7-2. Korea wiped seven times for two kills.
"We lost."
"Yeah. Let's meet my Japanese friend."
Lee Min-seok played it cool, but his clenched fists during the match lingered. Must hurt—an international star watching his country lag.
He messaged someone, led outside. Met Japan's rep fresh off the game.
"Good to see you!"
Lee Min-seok hugged fiercely—close pals. Mutual warmth.
"Of course. But... skipping the Korean team?"
"Pfft, whatever. Our gen's league is hopeless. Betting on the next."
The Japanese player laughed.
"This is Japan's rep, Minamino Takumi—top aggressive ranged dealer. And... Lee Chang-hyun, hot 3rd Division debut, my prospect."
Handshake. Takumi grinned.
"The guy you won't shut up about?"
"Who else?"
"Hah, first time you've dragged someone like this."
"...No talent before."
"Mind a test?"
Takumi eyed Lee Min-seok eagerly. He pondered.
"Ask him. Chang-hyun?"
Minamino Takumi... Not memorable. Not active in his era, then. Still, monster stats.
Rapid Fire (A): Projectile reload time drastically reduced. Throw two per motion.
Weak Point Attack (S): Second hit on same spot destroys area.
Swift (A): Faster movement, up to three instant accelerations.
Stats near 10—hunter limit. He'd exceeded with Bloom (C+) pre-regression, but rare. Lethal ranged kit.
Unexpected chance...
Curiosity piqued. Pre-regression unknown powerhouse, now Japan's ace crushing Korea's 1st Division. How far could he push?
Competitive fire ignited.
"Test? Sure. Let's do it."
Takumi laughed. "Gutsy kid."