056. The Supporter Who Overwhelms Dealers
[Currently tied for 2nd place, PER vs. LTD clash! Pre-match short interview]
This match between PER, who had climbed from the bottom ranks to the top, and LTD, last season's 1st place team, was drawing quite a bit of attention. Perhaps because of that, a pre-match interview had been specially scheduled.
The interview, featuring LTD Director Lee Hyung-geun, me, and the caster, had been written up into a brief article and posted online...
[Caster]: Yes, PER may be the challengers, but they've been shaking up the league with their incredibly innovative tactics—the so-called "Bomber Tactics" that everyone's talking about. Director Lee Hyung-geun of LTD, do you feel you've prepared countermeasures to some extent?
[Lee Hyung-geun]: Of course. If we weren't prepared, I probably would've turned down this interview. (laughs) "We'll try hard. We'll do our best." Losing after spouting obvious lines like that isn't my style.
'Well... no matter how good the tactics are, if you use the same one for too long, other teams are bound to study it.'
It wasn't wrong to say LTD had researched it and come up with some countermeasures. We'd been using this tactic for a good while now, after all. Honestly, it had more than served its purpose.
[Caster]: As expected from the director of last season's 1st place team—you want to let the results speak for themselves! Now, if you don't mind, could you perhaps hint at how you'll counter PER?
Lee Hyung-geun glanced my way at the caster's question, then continued with a sly, unpleasant smirk.
[Lee Hyung-geun]: You might think I'd never reveal it here in advance... but honestly, I don't think PER could do anything about it even if they knew right now. So, here's a little hint: We're planning to debut a new friend this match. That enough for you?
What he made sound so grand was just a common tactic used when the opponent's strategy wouldn't crumble easily. It was so predictable and routine that it held no real nutritional value.
'The issue isn't using a new guy—it's what kind of new guy that new guy is.'
Anyway, it looked like it was going to be fun. I'd openly provoked LTD at the previous media day, so losing wasn't even on the table.
[Caster]: LTD's roster doesn't change easily, so a new addition has fans buzzing with excitement. And so, PER declared war on LTD early in the season, while LTD counters with a bold new face. We look forward to this clash between the two teams!
That wrapped up the interview. Both before my regression and now, Director Lee Hyung-geun was someone I just couldn't stand.
'A new face, huh...'
Hmm... Honestly, even thinking back to before the regression, no one specific came to mind right away. The only ones etched strongly in my memory were the top guys I'd clashed with at the highest levels... Improvising on the fly would probably be key.
Of course, unlike my casual musing, the community reactions popping up on my phone were blowing up.
Reactions to PER had been overwhelmingly positive from netizens lately. Watching the team grow bit by bit was a proud moment for me too. Sure, we still had a long way to go...
But there was something else in the community that caught my eye even more.
Clicking the hyperlink led to a NutTube video of a hunter's sparring footage. Up until I hit play, I was pretty complacent.
'LTD aren't idiots—they wouldn't leak footage of their secret weapon.'
But that thought didn't last. I froze when I saw the face in the video.
'...Ryu Jae-jun?'
Of course, unlike my shock, the match was about to start right away.
"What's up, Chang-hyun? We gotta head in soon."
Yoon Han-gyeol's words snapped me back, and I headed into the arena. It was the thrilling pulse I'd felt only rarely since regressing.
"Yes, thank you for waiting. It's PER on a 3-game win streak versus LTD, the undisputed kings of what was once the 3rd division league, also riding a win streak. What do you think?"
"This is a match everyone's been waiting for. Especially since Player/Director Lee Chang-hyun said this at media day: '3rd division league? Honestly, the level is low.' 'LTD better wash their necks and wait.' Fans and insiders are fired up... Word is LTD's sharpened their blades."
The commentator did a cheeky impression of me, drawing laughs from those around.
"Exactly. But looking purely at current form and performance, can PER's ironclad "Bomber Combo" pierce LTD's fortress? Lots of analysis on the defenders versus the attackers—fortress and missiles. What's your take?"
"I think LTD will counter PER's combo. Mana Bombers' destructive power isn't something you block with teamwork or defense alone, but as they hinted in the interview, they're debuting a very special player this time."
With the commentator's gesture, a screen behind showed a player's profile.
Ryu Jae-jun
"This player—I dug around and found some intriguing footage. A battle vid, and it matches. So my prediction: PER's Bomber Tactics get neutralized by this guy."
"Oh... really? PER's tactics have been solid so far, but it's all been bombers... If that crumbles, it's basically defeat, right?"
"Yes. Or maybe they've prepped Plan B. That'll be the key watchpoint."
In short: Can PER's tactics really be neutralized? Can a neutralized PER beat LTD?
Lee Geun-taek pondered the noisy commentators on screen. How this battle of wits would play out. And whether the kid could overcome it.
'Living long leads to stuff like this... Whichever wins, I can smile about it.'
No time for mixed feelings—the match kicked off in a flash. If only I'd known about that guy on their roster sooner... But no helping it.
Ryu Jae-jun. Before regression, my first junior when I joined LTD in the 3rd division. One phrase summed him up:
'The Supporter Who Overwhelms Dealers'
I'd forgotten until his name dropped at match start, but his debut impact was huge—even for me. At this point in time, he probably had an S+ rank skill: Wave. And that power alone was enough to counter our team's tactics...
'Bad luck.'
That was all I could think. Knowing a counter existed didn't change our options.
"Chang-hyun?"
Yoon Han-gyeol called my name over team voice.
Ah... Got lost in thought too long?
"Yeah. Same Bomber formation as last match. But this time, as soon as the three of you link up, missile the enemy. Hit 'em fast before they group."
"...Picking them off one by one might burn through Mana Bombers quick. You cool with that?"
"Yeah, do it. Once Mana Bombers are out, Han-gyeol and Ji-su join the main force."
We couldn't wait for them to clump like before and bomb in one go. Time for fine-tuned adjustments.
"Wh-what about me...? What do I do when Mana Bombers run out...?"
Lee Yeon-ju's voice leaked through the earpiece late.
"Stand by for now."
With that, the team sprang into action. Teammates converged on me as the Bomber trio briefed enemy coords and movements.
"Enemy's gathering in the building around map 6 o'clock... Should we just bomb that? Might wipe 'em all."
"What did I just say?"
"..."
Well, without knowing Ryu Jae-jun's power, you could think that. But orders had to stick—split thoughts led to fatal mistakes.
They were still executing properly, at least.
"[228,21,0] coords!"
"Got it!"
Like minds linked, the callout led straight to Yoon Han-gyeol's sword striking true. Sure enough, post-explosion, one enemy down.
Enemy team massing at 6 o'clock building; our side, me included four strong, as they took two casualties. Yoon Han-gyeol, Han Ji-su, Lee Yeon-ju trio's pinpoint bombing.
"This'll be easy? LTD's nothing special."
"Three Mana Bombers left. They're clumped, hard to hit singles. Send swords in and charge?"
'Hmm...'
All-out war now anyway. No harm testing even if pointless.
"Mana Bomber in, then all four charge before the dust settles."
"OK."
"Got it."
I knew Ryu Jae-jun's abilities and counters, but the team needed to see Bomber faith tested. That's why varied tactics matter.
Words barely out, Yoon Han-gyeol's Mana Bomber sword shot off—but it never reached the LTD building.
Piiing— a high-pitched screech like nails on chalkboard erupted.
A gale so fierce it threw off balance hit. I was far, just the wind; close up, intense mana waves must've swept through.
And I saw the aftermath clear as day.
Boom. Boom boom boom!
Yoon Han-gyeol's Ego Swords exploded midair, repelled by the waves before hitting the LTD-held building.
"What the hell."
One of the PER members muttered lowly, the words echoing.