Player Selection
The scene I'd glimpsed through the window of the director's office kept replaying in my mind. Yi Yeon-ju embracing Jeong Hye-yeon, then Jeong Hye-yeon's retreating back as she left. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.
But it was undeniably necessary. You can't set off on a journey overloaded with useless baggage. To embark on a proper one, you have to strip away everything that's not essential—keep only what's truly needed.
I knew it was unavoidable, yet a corner of my heart still felt uneasy. Inevitable, I guess.
I fiddled with my phone, wondering if I should at least send Jeong Hye-yeon one last message, but in the end, I texted someone else instead. A polite request to ensure she transferred to another team smoothly, without any hassle.
It was a message to Kim Seong-jun.
'He can handle that much, right...' Kim Seong-jun was essentially one of Leman's subordinates, and Leman was on good terms with Chairman Lee Geun-taek. Plus, as a hands-on staffer, he'd be better at handling it than going straight to the chairman myself.
I let out a deep sigh, closing my eyes to calm my mind, when the door to the director's office swung open. Yi Yeon-ju stepped in—uncharacteristically bold.
"Why... why...!"
She was breathing heavily, clearly agitated, her cheeks flushed red. Yet her voice came out small, almost a whisper.
'Probably because it's what I half-expected.'
Knowing they couldn't stay together forever. For Yi Yeon-ju, Jeong Hye-yeon had been a longtime teammate from the early days at PER—someone she'd shared everything with. It had to hit harder for her. First team, no transfers before. I got it.
But understanding didn't change the fact that it had to be done. If we weren't stopping here.
It could be delayed, but eventually, it was inevitable.
"Why didn't you stop her..."
Yi Yeon-ju's voice crept out, tiny and trembling.
"And do what with her?"
I had to judge coldly. Sure, building a team as one unified whole was ideal, but it couldn't be just anyone. That's reality.
"It was necessary. My decision as owner and director. For PER to get stronger, it had to happen."
Even if it made me look heartless, no choice. Victory's sweet fruit always comes with a bitter aftertaste. You can't claim it without paying the price.
"Instead, we'll claim the top spot in First Division for sure. Gotta make it something Jeong Hye-yeon can brag about, right? No embarrassment that way."
Yeah, that's how it should be. From the start of my regression to now, that goal had been constant. But realizing again how many people passed by without ever stepping into the spotlight—it made that goal feel heavier than ever.
PER had become a Second Division team, undergoing constant changes inside and out.
Once Jeong Hye-yeon and Shin Seung-hyun's departures wrapped up smoothly—faster than expected—everything else progressed like clockwork. Kim Seong-jun was handling the fine print of negotiations, so talks with the other players wouldn't be tough.
Just confirm they wanted to stay, of course, and no one would turn down better terms.
'Plus, Leman's budget was generous enough that we didn't have to haggle endlessly...'
"They can really offer this much? I've had teams pitch similar before... but honestly, didn't think our team had this kinda cash."
Yoon Han-gyeol shrugged, grinning. What a grateful guy.
"Now that we're using this building, you feel nothing?"
"Sponsor’s loaded now? Yeah. Expectations rising for next time."
Meanwhile, Kim Do-jun gaped at his salary bump, satisfaction written all over his face—though his words said otherwise.
"This all? You promised a fat stack when I joined."
"Yeah? Not enough? Then quit."
"Nah, don't say that. On second thought, it's solid."
It was a damn good deal, and I could see him bluffing. Nearly gave him a talking-to but held back.
Yi Gil-han and Yi Yeon-ju were much the same—eyes wide at sums they'd never seen. But now in Second Division, aiming higher, they sensed the expectations and accepted it quietly.
Yi Yeon-ju, especially attached to Jeong Hye-yeon, seemed lost in thought during her signing.
And so, my first contract renewals as PER's owner wrapped up. A moment to realize what I hadn't seen in my past life.
People who faded into the shadows without ever gracing the bright stage. The stage every hunter dreamed of—but only the chosen could stand on.
I wanted to step onto it again.
While Leman's rep handled office work and contract details, other tasks loomed. Naturally, recruiting new members.
'Down to 6 from 8. League minimum is 7 for Hunters League entry, but we need extras too.'
More players meant richer tactical options. Not just benchwarmers this time—we had to plan accordingly.
My decision: Post a public test announcement via the Hunter Association for new recruits.
'Season's over, most unsigned...'
With Leman's deep pockets, time to hook a big fish.
Applicants flooded in at PER's team home, second-floor training room. Buzzing crowd—mostly Third Division, some Second Division. And a familiar face: Ryu Jae-jun.
'If he just wanted to see me, skip the line. Why's he down there?'
Long history with the guy, but he always had that unknowable side.
"Coach Lee Jong-gyu. Let's start."
The recruitment test began.
Coach Lee Jong-gyu herded the applicants while I watched from the spectator seats in PER's second-floor practice room.
Today's test to separate wheat from chaff: Hunter Survival.
Not the standard format—some looked baffled.
'Eh, they can complain all they want. Gotta do it.'
Good reasons for the preliminary filter, though.
Too many to evaluate one-by-one. And I'd trained players via Hunter Survival before—similar logic.
'It reveals nearly all stats anyway.'
Plus, my long pre-regression career meant I'd seen tons of teammates change; I could spot talent at a glance.
'Versatility of abilities. Synergy with our team. Personal skill.'
Focus on those three.
'Versatility and synergy via Piercing Eye... personal skill's easy.'
Just toss 'em in Hunter Survival—the metrics pop right out. Who grabs kills best. Survives longest. Finds relics sharpest.
As Hunter Survival kicked off, standouts emerged fast. Flashy dealers mowing foes. Evasion experts dodging everything. And...
Kiiing—
Thud.
Ryu Jae-jun, the support overwhelming dealers, shone brightest. Tough crowd, though—top-tier applicants thanks to our sweet offer.
"That guy's Kim Yu-hyeon, right?"
"Yeah. Second Division vet, sat out this season for personal reasons."
Explains why he didn't look like a rookie. Made me think: I'd expected one or two max, like Ryu Jae-jun level. But this talent? Had to test him myself.
"Set me up to join the game. Direct matchup."
'Salary's solid, options great... and they cover all taxes? Can't pass this up.'
For Kim Yu-hyeon, desperate for cash, it was a dream deal. Hunters League comeback? Might as well pick the best offer.
...First Division's a stretch anyway. Stack cash in Second Division.
'Not like I'm weak there.'
Self-assessment held up—he topped kills in this Hunter Survival test with dazzling skill.
'Good thing one season off didn't rust me.'
Still viable. Long career in Second Division ahead with these terms. Thin but steady...
Building kills gradually, then—unexpected chase. Someone closing fast.
'Catching up this quick?'
Unbelievable. His Fortification was tailor-made for 1vMany.
Best he'd seen for crowd control.
'Ryu Jae-jun... and Lee Chang-hyun?'
Two tails. Bad sign—limited spots.
Then, as tension peaked, Lee Chang-hyun closed in.
'Wait... seen him before?'
Familiar face, name ringing bells—no recent contacts, though. Not the point.
He'd entered Fortification range. Game on.
Felt his edge immediately—matching kill speed was no fluke.
'Air Anchor and Air Beat usage is insane.'
Beyond proficient—like extensions of his body. Owned the air like home turf.
'This guy's really Second Division?'
Worries aside, Fortification ruled here. Hidden turrets amid terrain would unleash on him.
He swung in via Air Anchor as expected...
"...!"
Mana Bombers slammed the camouflaged turrets precisely.
Kaboom!
'No way...'
Worst matchup. Pinpoint detection. Perfect setup for one-shots.
Kim Yu-hyeon sweated—this test might cut him despite few slots.
'Why's the competition this fierce?'
Tense, then Lee Chang-hyun, mid-air, spoke up.
"Thought you had a shot? Dream on."
The bomber. Mocking tone.
Laughed at him assuming exposed turrets meant victory. Mood soured fast.
'Thinks he's hot shit? I'm Second Division mainstay. Who the hell is this punk...'
Talent acknowledged, but years in Second Division, experience—no laughingstock.
Resolve hardened: Take him down, even if it costs everything.
'I'll kill that bastard before I go to hell.'
Kim Yu-hyeon vowed: No graceful exit.