The Beginning of a Long Night
A week's rest flew by in the blink of an eye. Maybe it was because they hadn't taken any separate breaks since the season started.
Well... especially for the original PER team members, everything must've been beyond their wildest dreams.
This mysterious new guy suddenly shows up declaring himself the team owner and director. Right off the bat, he lays down the law, clashes with the team, and somehow turns a winless squad into the top team. They even got promoted to the 2nd division.
No way they could've imagined any of that. And standing at the center of it all was me—a fact that filled me with a fresh surge of pride.
The atmosphere was changing just like before my regression. It wasn't some cold, cutthroat business relationship built solely for victories, sometimes brutal. Someone led, others followed to keep pace. They evolved together.
Of course, not everyone might stick around till the end...
But this moment? It'd stick in their memories forever.
"Whoa... where'd you get that dress? You didn't dress up this fancy last year."
"It's a... party. Even I can do this much..."
Lee Yeon-ju shot back at Yi Gil-han with a pout.
"Ahem, you two have been before, so you know the drill. This level of formalwear should blend right in."
"Yeah, pretty much. Though plenty of folks show up without going all out."
The team gathered, chatting casually as they slipped into dresses and suits. They looked hyped, buzzing with anticipation for the party.
"Wrap up prep, or we'll be late. Anyone ready, let's move. Coach, time to head out."
And so the long night of the party began.
[The Hunters Day] was a night for the hunters.
The industry's once-a-season business event and networking bash. Sponsored by the Hunters League backers, it was extravagantly grand in every way.
"Whoa..."
It was so over-the-top that even Kim Do-jun—who usually brimmed with bravado—gaped in awe.
"Dude, you'll catch flies."
The car glided through meticulously manicured gardens, pulling up to a venue that evoked an old European mansion. Fountains lined the path, ornate sculptures dotted the grounds, and sharply dressed staff greeted arrivals. Everything screamed money.
"Do you have a separate reservation?"
"We're with the Hunters League."
"Understood. Your spot is in the convention hall on the first floor. Staff will guide you shortly."
Such scenes unfolded everywhere. Other teams arrived right on time for the party—limo buses and vans unloading players in waves.
"Oh... isn't that Jin Kyung-tae?"
"Whoa, looks like Lee Min-seok from last year's audition show is here too?"
A few familiar faces, some total strangers. And a handful from my pre-regression memories.
The fun part? Most were awakened hunters, hyper-aware of the murmurs and stares. Some strutted confidently, basking in their fame. Others scratched their heads sheepishly at the direct compliments.
The world was full of all kinds of people—that much was clear.
Of course, we weren't the only ones drawing eyes.
...?
I turned at the prickling gaze. Lee Min-seok and Lee Geun-taek were chatting, glancing our way. When our eyes met, his grin sent a slight chill down my spine.
What were those two saying about me? No clue. Maybe about the audition show? Or how I'd grown so much?
"...Hey? What's up? You zoning out?"
While I was distracted, the entry line had advanced. It was our turn.
"Nah."
Whatever. Who cares what they say.
Soon, it was our group's turn. The staffer spoke up.
"Team PER? Ah...! The team that just got promoted to 2nd division. Congratulations."
As we stepped forward, he handed over a flashing neon nameplate alongside the greeting.
"Ooh... this is kinda hip."
A chorus of small gasps rose at the vibrant, high-saturation neon tags glowing in bold colors. Must've been new since last year.
"Head inside for seating first. Dinner starts at 6, so feel free to mingle until then."
"This way, please."
Even en route, the luxury vibe persisted. Buffets of Japanese, Chinese, Western, and Korean cuisine. Separate snack and dessert stations. Across the way: Hunters League memorabilia, photo zones, VR setups, and a casual arcade corner.
The hall itself featured a massive stage ringed by countless round tables.
Lots of hunters here, huh...
"Use this table during the party."
The guide bowed and left. Instantly, chatter exploded from the team.
"Whoa... insane. Hunters League really throws money around."
"You just figuring that out?"
"But doesn't this neon badge clash with the suits?"
Trivial banter laced with excitement. And it wasn't just them buzzing.
Man, it's been ages since this party...
I'd attended routinely pre-regression, but coming back post-regression made the new season feel real. Back then, as a top-tier player, I'd been mobbed from the start—autographs, contact swaps from other players, sponsor pitches. Total opposite of this laid-back vibe.
Still, no regrets. Moments like this were for savoring.
With that thought, I reached for the champagne at the table's center.
"?"
"Uh... Chang-hyun. Aren't you a minor?"
Lee Jong-gyu, beside me, said cautiously.
Oh... right?
Pre-regression, I'd been an adult, guzzling freely. Now? Minor status. The world suddenly felt unfair. Come all this way and can't even sip the good stuff? Why bother showing up?
A few teammates snickered at my frozen hand.
"What? Chang-hyun's a minor?"
Yi Gil-han gawked openly, while Kim Do-jun chimed in mockingly.
"That natural grab? Looks like you've done it before. Ahem. Not very minor-like."
Damn... couldn't exactly say it was my second life.
"Wait, you're a minor too—why're you grabbing it?"
"Me? I'm not."
"?"
Kim Do-jun's brazen confidence floored me.
"High school classmates, and you're not?"
"Even back in early education, I've repeated a few grades as a hunter."
He smirked at me, then fished out his ID from his pocket.
"Oh yeah, shouldn't you call me 'hyung' now?"
"?"
"?"
Shit. Mind blown. Info I'd never known, even after regressing.
Did that mean... not just him, but others too?
Ignoring him, I turned to the rest.
"Yeon-ju...?"
"...I graduated high school ages ago."
Yi Gil-han next—duh, that face screamed adult. I shook my head.
"Why am I the only one..."
Yi Gil-han looked hurt, like I'd slighted him. Wasn't his usual vibe. Age-sensitive, huh?
"Han-gyeol."
"Yeah, probably same age as you."
As expected. At least one ally amid the betrayals.
"Screw the rest. Let's go."
"What? Heh heh."
Grabbing Yoon Han-gyeol's shoulder, I ditched the others for the buffet.
Meanwhile, outside the venue, teams still poured in.
Amid the crowd, two hunters stood out imposingly: Lee Min-seok and Lee Geun-taek.
"I saw it."
"What nonsense without context?"
Lee Geun-taek knew exactly what he meant but played coy.
"What you gave Chang-hyun. Quite the gift. I agree he's got a bright future, but isn't it a bit heavy for his neck?"
"Too heavy...? Maybe. But if he can't bear it, that's all he amounts to."
Lee Geun-taek chuckled heartily, pleased.
"It'll draw unnecessary wariness. Honorable, sure, but no real gains. And yet... you gave it anyway. Would've been better to wait till he climbed higher..."
Lee Geun-taek didn't reply immediately.
"Right. So when should've I given it? When he topped 2nd division and got promoted to 1st? When he made the national team from 1st division? When he claimed Korea's top spot in 1st...?"
His smile vanished.
"You know none of that touches my legacy or Korea's glorious past..."
Back when nations vied for Tower relics daily. Amid that hell, Lee Geun-taek and Korea's first-gen hunters forged legends. Even Korean supremacy wouldn't make one his "successor."
"He'd only earn it by conquering the international league, restoring Korean hunters' glory... And even then, handing it over after? Just another medal for someone who's achieved it all."
"President, but that relic is..."
"No."
Lee Geun-taek cut him off.
"That's why now. When he's accomplished what I couldn't, but it's not world-shaking yet. When I see the potential in it. Thus declaring him my successor—and betting he'll relight that path."
"Big... expectations."
Lee Min-seok averted his eyes, bitter or pained. Even he, a fan of Lee Chang-hyun, thought it unreachable.
But Lee Geun-taek's eyes gleamed with joy.
"Yes... everyone will know he's my successor. He'll face wariness, envy. But trampling it all? That's the conqueror's way."