Please translate this text 301 based on the context of the previously translated texts 300,299,298. please translate it exactly as it is but also keep it natural and make sure to covey the original meaning.


Text 301:

<2레벨로 회귀한 무신 301화>
[대한민국, 결승 진출!]
[메이지 클래스를 얻게 된 검왕, 대한민국을 결승전으로 이끈 1등 공신이 되다.]
[약점이 사라진 한국 대표팀, 이제 미국을 마지막 상대로 앞두다.]
-와, 내 살아생전에 우리나라가 결승 가는 걸 보게 될 줄이야…….
-그니까. 아무리 성지한이 있다고 해도, 밴당하면 4강 위에는 이기기 힘들 거라고 생각했는데…….
-영국한테 1패 당한 거 빼고 죄다 이겼음 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-만약 미국마저 3:0으로 이긴다면, 세계 2위는 영국 되는 거임?
-미국을 어떻게 3:0으로 이기냐 ㅡㅡ; 설레발 자제 좀요
영국전을 제외하곤, 결승전까지 3:0으로 압승을 거두며 올라온 한국 대표팀.
하지만, 결승전 상대 미국은 차원이 다른 강적이었다.
-애초에 배틀넷의 인터페이스랑 언어 자체가 미국 때문에 영어잖음 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-인도까지야 성지한 출전 안 해도 이겼지만, 미국은…….
-우리 서포터진의 희망 소피아도 미국에서 밀려 가지고 온 거 아닌가요
-ㄴㄴ 레벨이 딸려서 못 들어간 거임. 미국 서포터진에 들어갔으면 TOP3엔 들어갔을 거임.
-TOP3…… 미국은 소피아급 서포터가 일단 3명 이상이란 이야기네 ㄷㄷ
4강전에서 중국을 3:1로 꺾고 온 미국.
객관적인 전력은 그들이 한국을 크게 압도하고 있었다.
그나마 한국이 비빌 만한 것이라는 검왕이 있는 전사진과, 윤세아가 합류하며 더욱 강해진 궁수진뿐.
그리고 이 두 클래스도 상대해 볼 만하단 거지, 미국을 이길 수 있단 이야기는 아니었다.
전사, 궁수는 동등이라 쳐도.
마법사, 서포터 클래스 쪽은 압도적 열세를 보였으니.
배틀넷 전문가들은 한국이 분전할지는 몰라도.
결국엔 미국이 이길 거라고 모두가 예측하고 있었다.
다만 결승전의 변수라면.
-만약 성지한이 밴만 안 당하면…….
-우리가 이길 수도 있어.
단연, 성지한이었다.
바로 전에 치러졌던 길드 미션에서, 현 인류의 랭커와 현격한 차이가 있음을 보여 주었던 성지한.
그는 일단 출전만 하면 게임을 폭파시키는 치트키였다.
-1, 2경기에서 한 게임만 건지고, 3, 4, 5경기에서 성지한 밴이 두 번만 풀리면 우승이다.
-아, 근데 이번에 너무 밴 잘 당하던데 ㅡㅡ 성지한 출전한 게임이 한 게임이야. 인도전 3경기.
-그게 다 결승전을 위해 스택 적립한 거임.
-ㄹㅇ 이제 귀신같이 밴 피하고 결승전 MVP 되실 예정임 ㅋㅋㅋ
4강전까지는 한 번밖에 출전하지 못한 성지한이었지만.
그러니까 오히려 액땜한 거 아니냐고, 한국 팬들은 희망회로를 돌리고 있었다.
물론 미국 팬들은 이와는 정반대로.
-성…… 이번 토너먼트에서는 운이 없는 거 같아. 그의 불운을, 내일까지만 기원하도록 하지.
-맞아. 내일 후론 그는 불운해서는 안 돼. 세계수 엘프와의 일전도 남겨 두고 있다고.
-1, 2경기 이기고 밴 1번만 당해도 미국의 승리다.
-성을 제외하고도 한국은 강팀이 맞지만, 그래도 우릴 이길 순 없지.
성지한의 불운이, 내일 결승전까지만 지속되기를 원했다.
“와, 미국…… 세도 너무 세다.”
배틀넷 센터의 전력 분석실.
윤세아는 미국과 중국의 4강전 경기를 보면서 한숨을 쉬었다.
미리 보는 결승전이라고 세간에서 평가했을 정도로 화제를 불러 모았던 이 경기는.
미국과 중국이 서로 숨겨 놓았던 카드를 모두 꺼내 들고, 자신들이 지닌 전략 전술을 총동원해서 명승부를 연출해 낸 경기였다.
한데 이 게임의 스코어는 3:1이었지만.
여기서 보이는 전력 차이는, 이 점수보다도 꽤 큰 차이가 났다.
“2경기는 미국이 좀 방심해서 진 거네.”
“맞아. 마법사 배런이 결정적 실수를 했어. 그가 아니었다면 3:0으로 미국이 중국을 압도했을 거야.”
“배런 아저씨는 상태창 2개를 지니고 있으면서 왜 저런대…… 언제 발컨에서 벗어날까?”
“평생 저럴 거다.”
옆에서 성지한이 리플레이를 힐끗 보더니, 그리 단언했다.
중요 경기에서 새가슴이 되는 건, 배런의 전매특허였지.
“안 되겠다. 삼촌이 이번에 결승전에 꼭 나와 줘야겠어.”
“밴만 풀리면 얼마든지 끝을 내주겠다만. 결승전에서의 운은 어떨지 모르겠네.”
“이제는 좀 풀릴 때도 됐지! 한 게임은 우리가 이길 게. 두 경기 잡아 줘!”
“그래, 기대하마.”
성지한은 고개를 끄덕이며, 허공을 바라보았다.
그 모습은, 마치 시스템 메시지를 보는 느낌이라.
전력 분석실에서 미국 선수들의 활약상을 같이 지켜보던 윤세진이 성지한에게 질문했다.
“처남, 그런데 뭐 보고 있나? 혹시 또 퀘스트 같은 거라도 뜬 건가?”
“아, 배틀넷 마켓 좀 뒤지고 있었습니다.”
“마켓? 삼촌 무슨 물건 찾아?”
“알고 보니 이종족이 마켓에 자기 수련 영상을 올린 게 있더라.”
성지한은 그러며, 며칠 전의 일을 떠올렸다.
*   *   *
클래스 이종무해.
이걸 전직하고 딱히 써먹어 본 적이 없었던 성지한은, 저번에 만귀봉신을 통해 이 효과를 제대로 맛본 후.
더 활용할 방법이 없나 고민하고 있었다.
그때.
-이종족의 경험…… 주인, 배틀넷 마켓에 뒤져 보는 게 어떻겠나?
최근 오랫동안 성지한의 팔 안에서 침묵을 지키고 있던 아리엘이, 그에게 방법을 알려 주었다.
-마켓에 그런 것도 팔아?
-영상구로 검색하면 별게 다 나온다. 뭐 사실, 쓸모없는 자료가 대부분이긴 하지만…… 이종족이 어떻게 힘을 쓰는지가 궁금하면 어느 정도 간접 체험은 될 거다.
그리하여 검색해 본 배틀넷 마켓의 ‘영상구‘.
아리엘 말대로, 그 키워드로 검색된 것에는 별의별 영상이 다 있었다.
“아하, 삼촌이 그래서 요즘 자꾸 허공만 바라봤구나. 이종족 수련 영상…… 도움 돼?”
“일단 마켓에 돌아다니는 영상구 중 95퍼센트는 쓰레기야. 그중 반 이상이 이종족 교미 장면이지.”
“교, 교미?”
“어. 이 이종족 놈들은 왜 자기들 생식 장면을 마켓에 뿌리는지 모르겠군. 거기에 알 낳는 건 뭐 이리 많은지…….”
성지한은 그간 폐기했던 영상구들을 떠올리며, 미간을 찌푸렸다.
이종족이 힘을 사용하는 방식을 알려고 했는데, 어째 나오는 건 대부분 영양가가 없었다.
우주에 이렇게 변태가 많았나.
“1GP짜리 영상구는 백프로 그런 류였지.”
“그, 그렇구나? 그럼…… 나머지 5퍼센트는?”
“그건 좀 쓸모 있었어.”
이종족의 수련 영상.
그것은 성지한에게, 진흙 속의 진주 같은 존재였다.
비록 마켓에 뿌린 영상이니만큼, 대부분이 수박 겉핥기식이고 심도 있는 수련 방식은 나오지 않았지만.
‘이종족이 힘을 사용하는 거 자체가 신선한 자극이었지.’
밴으로 인해 경기에 출전하지 못하고, 계속 대기 상태였던 성지한은.
그렇게 마켓을 뒤적거리면서, 클래스 이종무해를 써먹었다.
“수련 영상. 내가 봐도 도움이 되려나?”
“글세, 나는 클래스 효과 때문에 도움이 되었지만, 일반 사람들은 전혀 도움이 안 될 거야. 날개를 움직이는 감각이나, 자기 꼬리를 떼고 도망가는 느낌…… 이런 게 일반 플레이어에겐 별 영감을 주지 못할 테니까.”
“아, 그런 종류구나…….”
“궁금하면 하나 보여 주고.”
“응, 하나 봐 보자.”
“처남, 나도 볼 수 있겠나?”
성지한은 고개를 끄덕이며, 인벤토리에서 이종족의 수련 영상구를 꺼내 둘에게 넘겨주었다.
“어떻게 재생하는 거야?”
“만진 상태에서 플레이라고 이야기하면 가상현실처럼 나와.”
“오…… 역시 배틀넷의 신문물.”
겉으로 보기엔 마법사의 수정구슬 같은 그 물건을 만진 채, 플레이를 외치는 두 부녀.
“……더 멀리 나는 법? 뭐야, 등을 어떻게 움직이는 거야, 얘네.”
“입에서 불을 만드는 종족의 경험 같은 건 전혀 써먹을 곳이 없어 보이는군…….”
둘은 곧, 영상을 재생해 보고는 전혀 이해하질 못하겠다며 이를 성지한에게 다시 건네주었다.
둘은 각자 워리어와 아처 클래스에서 거의 정점에 다다른 플레이어였지만.
그런 이들도 영상구에서 얻어 갈 건 없어 보였다.
‘이종무해가 없으면 역시 이건 쓸모없는가. 하긴, 이종족 다큐멘터리를 VR로 보는 거나 마찬가지니.’
일반 플레이어에게야, 영상구 구매는 허공에 돈을 날리는 행위.
하나 이종무해를 지닌 성지한에게는, 이는 매우 쏠쏠한 효과를 나타내고 있었다.
‘이번에 영상 봐서 오른 무혼이 벌써 5다.’
밴당해서 벤치에서 영상구를 재생한 것치고는 상당했던 스탯 상승.
성지한은 그렇게 시간 여유가 있을 때마다 이종족 영상구를 재생하기로 마음먹으며.
배틀넷 마켓을 뒤지고 있었다.
그때.
“처남, 잠깐 밖에서 이야기 좀 할 수 있겠나?”
전력 분석실에 같이 있던 윤세진이, 성지한에게 위로 손짓을 했다.
옥상에 가자는 제스처.
성지한은 배틀넷 마켓 창을 끄고는, 고개를 끄덕였다.
“그러죠.”
*   *   *
배틀넷 센터 옥상.
“날이 좋군.”
윤세진은 그렇게 이야기를 꺼내며, 하늘을 바라보았다.
‘금빛이 짙어지는군.’
토너먼트가 진행되면서, 조금씩 색이 진해졌던 윤세진의 황금 안광.
그 빛은, 지금 이 순간 가장 강렬하게 빛이 나고 있었다.
“성좌께서, 도움이 되었냐고 자네에게 물어보라 하셨네.”
“결승까지 온 것은 매형의 덕이 컸지요. 도움이 상당히 되었다고 전해 주십시오.”
“그런가. 다행이군, 그럼…….”
번쩍!
윤세진의 눈에서 빛이 터져 나오더니.
황금의 보호막이 형성되며, 두 사람과 외부의 공간을 격리했다.
“도움을 주었으니, 한 가지 질문을 좀 해도 되겠는가.”
“길가메시인가.”
“그렇다.”
“뭐가 궁금한데?”
“네 퀘스트 보상, 뭐지?”
기껏 강림해서 물어보는 게 퀘스트 보상인가?
성지한은 피식 웃으며 대꾸했다.
“그런 사소한 거에 관심이 있는 줄은 몰랐군.”
“같은 종족 내의 경기 우승 가지고, 퀘스트가 나왔단 이야기는 들은 적이 없었다.”
“그래? 난 주던데.”
“그래서, 퀘스트 보상이 무엇이냐? 아니, 무얼 받아도 상관없다. 다만.”
윤세진의 몸에 강림한 길가메시는 본론을 꺼냈다.
“혹여나, 그 보상으로 성좌 후보자가 확정되는 거라면…… 지금 당장 클리어하지 않는 걸 추천하지.”
“왜지? 너, 나보고 변수로 남아 있으라 하지 않았나.”
어떻게 알았는지는 모르겠지만, 퀘스트 보상에 대해서 눈치챈 것 같은 길가메시.
성지한은 어설프게 이를 부인하기보다는.
-나는, 네가 계속 변수로 남아 있길 바란다.
-네가 성좌 후보자가 되기 전까지, 무신은 손해를 감수하고서라도 널 계속 노릴 거다.
예전에 그가 자신에게 해 주었던 말을 떠올리며, 그에게 반문했다.
“내가 성좌 후보자가 되면, 네가 원하는 대로 난 ‘변수’가 되어 있을 텐데?”
“그렇지…… 하나, 일에는 순서가 있는 법. 너는 성좌 후보가 되기 전에 롱기누스의 손에서 살아남아야 한다. 그를 이겨 내야 한다. 그래야 네가 진정한 변수가 될 수 있다. ‘세 번째’를 깨울 수 있다.”
그러며 길가메시는 성지한에게 강렬한 안광을 발했다.
“무신을 극복하기 위해선, 이 방법뿐이다. 인류를 위해서라도 너는, 그리고 우리는 계획된 순서를 따라야 한다. 아이야, 나의 충고를 가슴에 새기거라. 나의 말을 따르거라.”
그렇게 길가메시가 성지한을 ‘아이’라고 지칭했을 때.
성지한은 자신도 모르게 고개를 끄덕이며, 그의 의지에 순응할 뻔했다.
‘인간’이라면, 당연히 들어야 할 것만 같은 길가메시의 말.
하나 체내의 무혼이 반항하듯이 꿈틀거리며.
지금까지 체험했던, 이종족의 경험이 떠오르자.
“인류를 위해서라…… 대의는 거창하군.”
성지한은 인간에게 절대적인 ‘왕의 명령’에 반항할 수 있었다.
“하지만 날 납득시키지 않는다면, 그 말은 따를 수 없다.”
그리고 그 모습을 본 길가메시는 놀란 듯 눈을 살짝 크게 뜨더니.
“……호오. 나의 말을 완벽하게 거역하다니. 좋아. 그래야 ‘변수’가 될 법하지.”
오히려 기꺼운 듯이 웃었다.
그러면서도.
“그래도 이번 일탈은 막아야겠구나…… 네게 이번 우승은 허락하지 않겠다.”
그는 마지막까지 명령조로 말했다.
*   *   *
그리고 다음 날.
=드디어 1경기 밴, 셀렉트 시작합니다……!
=어…… 미국에서, 성지한 선수를 밴하지 않습니다…….
결승전 1경기부터, 이변이 발생했다.

Text 300:

The World Champions League group stage matches began in earnest.

The games proceeded smoothly.

[England match, 3:1 victory! South Korea's national team ends the game in 4 matches]

[Saudi Arabia match, 3:0 complete victory! Supporter Sophia reveals her true value on the Supporter map.]

[Canada match also 3:0, no upsets.]

The Northeast Asia League, known as the most difficult in the world.

The Korean national team, who came through as 1st place, found the main event group stage matches much easier in comparison.

"This is easier than the regional league."

"Back then, not only were the opposing countries strong, constellations kept popping out, it was no joke."

"Right. This time, it's very comfortable."

Even when facing Taiwan, the lowest ranked in Northeast Asia, they had been troubled by Dongbang Sak's avatar appearing.

The national team players felt at ease advancing to the main event.

And on top of that.

"Even if the Supporter map comes out, we won't be pushed back since we have Sophia-nim."

"Wasn't the Saudi Supporter ranked in the top 5 for Supporters? It's amazing to beat that person with buffs."

"The buff effect was tremendous."

The newly added force, Supporter Sophia.

Although it was just one person added, she greatly contributed to raising the power of the Korean national team.

Originally, if the Supporter power was strengthened like this with just one addition.

The opposing country could ban that player to halve this power-up effect.

But Korea had a player that must be banned unconditionally, Seong Jihan.

"Since player Seong Jihan keeps getting banned, the other players are doing great."

"But it's not like they can not ban player Seong Jihan either."

"Our country seems to have really gotten stronger."

"As long as we don't get sniped with a Mage map like against England, I think we can really win the championship this time?"

The Korean national team, who only suffered 1 loss against England in the 3 group stage matches.

That was the result of a Mage-only map being selected and Seong Jihan being banned.

England proved the only way to deal with Korea through this match.

But this was only possible if Seong Jihan was banned and the map selection aligned.

It was a victory formula that relied heavily on probability.

However, there was one thing that bothered even the triumphant national team.

[Seong Jihan, who hasn't played even once, will he be able to break through the 50% probability in the tournament?]

[The probability of being banned 4 times in a row at 50%? 6.25%. It's about time he gets through at least once!]

The ban that opposing countries cast on Seong Jihan as if it was natural.

It was hitting the mark too well.

-I wanted to see Seong Jihan-nim sweep the opponents, but he keeps sitting on the bench 

-It's rather good, The group stage opponents are all weak anyway so it's fine, get banned here and have the ban lifted in the tournament 

-But it's an independent trial anyway. There's no guarantee he won't get banned again

-Well, except for maybe the US and China, even if Seong Jihan is banned, it seems manageable... With Yoon Sejin, Yoon Seah, and Sophia added, there's a key player in each position.

-Sophia joining the national team was a masterstroke.

But perhaps because they won the group stage completely.

People didn't take this phenomenon too seriously.

The probability of 50% hitting 4 times in a row was rare, but it definitely existed.

Rather, Korean fans were encouraged by the national team's power that had become even stronger despite Seong Jihan being banned.

"There's a lot of praise for Sophia. You should have come to Korea earlier."

"I wanted to come~ But it's fun. The national team too. It's a bit disappointing not being able to play with Jihan though..."

"Uncle is really good at getting banned. Does 50% probability hit this well?"

In a waiting room at the BattleNet Center.

Seong Jihan and his group were resting there, discussing the recent 3 matches.

"Still, brother-in-law, you'll get through in the tournament, right? You won't keep getting banned forever."

"Even if I keep getting banned, Korea's power is now reliable so it's fine. Let's freeload to the championship."

"Eek, but it seems difficult to beat the US or China without Uncle..."

"That's right. And you have to win to clear the quest, right? Jihan has to play no matter what."

In the waiting room with only Seong Jihan's family and Sophia.

Sophia, thinking everyone here was trustworthy, brought up the quest Seong Jihan received.

Then Yoon Sejin, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Quest?"

"Ah, you didn't know?"

"Dad wasn't there at that time."

"Yeah, I didn't know. Brother-in-law, was that the 'situation' you had to win for?"

He asked Seong Jihan curiously.

Outwardly, it seemed like a simple question from family.

But.

'The light is shining again.'

Seong Jihan once again spotted a golden light in Yoon Sejin's eyes.

A subtle golden light that others wouldn't notice.

"Yes, but, Your eyes are emitting a golden light."

He openly talked about this.

"What? A golden light from my eyes?"

"Yes, how is your constellation these days? Did you do well with the task ordered by the 'King of Humans'? That light is very similar to that constellation's."

"Is that so? Strange. I couldn't feel it at all. Where is it?"

At Seong Jihan's words, Yoon Sejin looked at the mirror in the waiting room.

He tilted his head and widened his eyes as if he was really puzzled.

"Can't you see it with your eyes either, brother-in-law?"

"That's right... Well, since the gap with you is so huge, you can probably see what I can't."

"......"

"I couldn't carry out the task given to me by the constellation well."

"Is that so."

"They told me to find an artifact from the ancient times, and gave me a rough location, but it was like finding a needle in a sand beach. I came back this time because of the national team schedule. I'll have to go again after this is over."

As if he couldn't find the golden light no matter how much he looked, Yoon Sejin turned his head away from the mirror.

And somehow, he had a satisfied smile on his lips.

"I can't see it in my eyes, but it's good that the constellation's golden light is shining on me..."

"Is that good?"

"Of course it's good! Doesn't it mean the power of the great 'The King of Humans is dwelling in me? I should strive to receive more power by following his orders."

"...Dad. Is the constellation that great to you? It's like believing in a god."

"God? The King of Humans is a being greater than gods. If I devote myself to the constellation, I can even rescue your mother."

"Even Mom?"

"Yes. The constellation said if I faithfully carry out the given mission, they will solve this matter too."

No, even when he first received a sponsoring constellation, he didn't show this kind of reaction.

Seong Jihan frowned.

'This somehow reminds me of when he was obsessed with Shizuru before.'

Although not obsessed with a woman like back then, Yoon Sejin was now starting to show religious faith in the constellation.

Yoon Seah, seeing that, seemed to recall past memories.

She watched Yoon Sejin with a gloomy expression.

"Hmm... It reminds me of the Shizuru incident from before."

"What, how can you compare Shizuru with the constellation! Shizuru simply brainwashed and used me, while the constellation showed me the way!"

Yoon Sejin raised his voice at Yoon Seah's words.

"Ah, okay. Dad. Why are you getting excited?"

"Ah, hmm... I'm sorry, Seah. I got worked up suddenly. I didn't mean to..."

"Hey, it can... happen, you know?"

"...I'll go get some fresh air."

As if startled by his own words, he apologized to Yoon Seah and left the room.

"...What's up with Dad?"

"That, the Sword King's constellation is the King of Humans, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"I heard players who have the King of Humans as their constellation have quite a strong faith. Some even build temples, saying the King of Humans is the savior."

"...Temples?"

"Well, players have a lot of money. They were building these huge mud towers."

"Really?"

"Yes, here..."

Swish. Swish.

Sophia searched the US players' SNS and showed it to Seong Jihan.

Top rankers solemnly bowing in front of huge mud towers they built.

Among them were several players who participated in the previous guild battle.

[Pay respects to the savior of humanity, the constellation 'King of Humans'. All of humanity is indebted to him. Worship him and show the savior the minimum courtesy.]

-What the heck...

-Has Louis gone crazy?

-No, why is the man who broke crosses saying there are no gods doing this?

-Once someone like that falls into a cult, it's even harder for them to get out :(

-Who the heck is the King of Humans? There are quite a few players like that.

Louis, a top ranker from the US.

He was famous for being a troublemaker, posting photos of drinking, gambling, and inappropriate sexual photos with top stars on his SNS.

But since having a constellation, he had practically converted to a religious person.

"This guy has become a decent person."

"That's true, but isn't it scarier that he's doing something he didn't do before?"

"Right. Eek, will Dad... end up like that later?"

Just a few years ago, he was the most proud father in the world.

Now, worried about what trouble he'll cause, Yoon Seah's forehead wrinkled.

Seong Jihan saw that and went outside.

It was to check on Yoon Sejin's condition again.

However.

"Brother-in-law, you came out."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I made you worry for nothing."

Yoon Sejin bowed his head slightly to Seong Jihan with a composed face.

Then he soon spoke with a joyful expression.

"The constellation gave me a message. The constellation said they will always fully support you."

"...Is that so?"

"Yes. To do this, the constellation gave me something."

"What is it?"

"A class."

Yoon Sejin opened his status window and showed the class section to Seong Jihan.

"...This is."

"Yes. The constellation eliminated the Korean team's weakness."

In his class section.

'Mage' was added.

* * *

A tight tournament schedule due to the Space League.

=The round of 16 opponent has been decided as Germany!

=Because of the Space League, the match is held again after only 2 days of rest!

=I'm worried if our country's players will be okay physically.

=The 1st match begins. Once again, player Seong Jihan is banned.

In the tournament where Seong Jihan was banned.

The player who received the most attention was none other than Yoon Sejin.

Of course, this was partly due to the Sword King's power.

=Ah...! The Mage map is selected.

=Then the 1st match will be a bit difficult...!

=Huh. But. Player Yoon Sejin is... participating?

=What? This, this is a Mage map, you know?

But more than that, the sight of the Sword King participating in the Mage class map brought even greater surprise to the viewers.

-What the?

-The Sword King was a Magic Swordsman...

-No, but even if a warrior is summoned, the distance between the two towers is far...

-?? What nonsense are you saying. The Sword King rides his sword and flies around

- You're a game noob, The game is set from the moment the Sword King is summoned.

The Mage map, Korea's only weakness when Seong Jihan was banned.

This strategy, the only way Germany could lean on Korea.

The Sword King who suddenly appeared completely trampled on it.

=The, the Sword King! He slaughters all the Mages!

=And he's gotten even faster than before! His skills have improved by leaps and bounds!

=The German staff, they have a dumbfounded expression! They had to take the 1st match no matter what, but they don't know how to deal with the Sword King who suddenly appeared!

=We can't believe it either, how would they feel!

The Korean national team whose weakness disappeared.

Naturally, the result of the round of 16 match was also 3:0.

And such game results continued.

=Ah, player Sword King. He even overpowers player Massid!

=The match against Argentina is also 3:0...!

=He easily crushes the quarterfinals too. Except for the 1 loss against England, he hasn't lost even once!

Quarterfinals against Argentina 3:0.

=Player Seong Jihan! He finally plays in the 3rd match of the semifinals! It's his first appearance in this Champions League!

=Ah, as soon as he appears, the Indian players' base is blown up...!

=The Indian players lose the will to resist the overwhelming force...

Semifinals against India 3:0.

As the Sword King obtained the Mage class, the one-sided game flow continued until the finals.

And.

=The finals opponent is the US...!

=We meet last year's defending champion in the finals!

The World Champions League, now only the last match remained.

Only the US match was left.

Text 299:

The World Champions League.

For Seong Jihan, this tournament was actually not very meaningful.

After all, his main focus was on humanity's ranking in the Space League.

And to prepare for the clash with Longinus, he had to put effort into training every day.

Seong Jihan had planned to leave the Champions League group stage matches to other Korean players.

'Then when the timing was right, I was going to just sit there and use up my ban cards...'

However, due to the quest he received this time, Seong Jihan's view of the World Champions League completely changed.

'The matter about the constellation candidate, it was Pythia's suggestion.'

Saying it was to save Seong Jihan's life, Pythia had informed him of the 'Chasing the Stars' option that could make him a constellation candidate.

The gap between humanity's 1st place Seong Jihan and 2nd place was still huge, so the Chasing the Stars option remained in effect.

At this rate, with time, Seong Jihan would be able to become a constellation candidate.

Especially by the time the Champions League winner was decided, the deadline for becoming a constellation candidate would also arrive.

Even without the Celestial Cube's quest, there wasn't much time difference anyway until he became a constellation candidate.

However.

'Still, it's significant that they're giving this as a reward.'

If the Celestial Cube really gave rewards suitable for the user's situation,

it could be inferred that advancing the constellation candidacy by a month or two was very important.

'Hmm... Could it be that Longinus's descent is not far off?'

The constellation Longinus, wielding the Spear of Judgement.

No matter how powerful Seong Jihan had become, if a constellation directly descended, the scales would inevitably tip in their favor.

Perhaps the Celestial Cube's reward was to prevent this.

'For now, I must win no matter what.'

Even to become a constellation candidate, Seong Jihan decided to take the World Champions League seriously.

"What should we do for Korea to surely win?"

As people gathered one by one and Seong Jihan brought up the topic while watching TV,

"Oh, Uncle seemed uninterested... But your heart is pounding after seeing the group draw, right?"

"According to experts' evaluations, the most important thing against our country is luck. Whether player Seong Jihan gets banned or not has a decisive impact on the match."

"1st and 2nd bans are mandatory, and from the 3rd it's a 50% chance... If we're really unlucky, the owner could get banned all 5 matches."

"And they'll definitely pick the Supporter map too. Even though Uncle showed Supporter prowess last time, without Uncle, our country's Supporter power is lacking after all."

"England, whose Supporter power is similar to ours, is said to only bring out the Mage map. After all, Mage and Supporter are our country's weaknesses."

Everyone chimed in about the Champions League.

The strategies other countries were preparing against Korea largely fell into two categories.

The first was banning Seong Jihan.

The second was selecting the Supporter or Mage maps.

"Then we should recruit talented Mages and Supporters from Korea."

"That's... right? But finding players with national team-level skills isn't so easy..."

As Lee Hayeon trailed off,

"Me, me!"

Sophia, who brought her plate from the kitchen, raised her hand high.

"National team-level player! Supporter, lacking in Korea! Here I am!"

"Ah..."

"Well, we do have Sophia-nim as a Supporter."

"But didn't the US national team call up Sophia? If she's on the roster, she can't play for both, right?"

"Ah, my level is still lacking so I wasn't called. The US national team has a very high level requirement."

The US national team, composed of only the world's best players.

To be selected as a national representative there, no matter how good one's gift was, they had to surpass the level limit set by the national team.

In Sophia's case, she fell slightly short of that, so she couldn't make it into the US national team lineup.

"But Jihan kept saying why bother naturalizing..."

"That was because of the Sword King's case."

Perhaps because of the case of the Sword King, who went to Japan last year and dealt great damage to the Korean national team,
Seong Jihan did not welcome foreign players going out of their way to naturalize and come over.

In the first place, at this time when the Space League was most important, he felt there was no need to go that far for a national competition.

Until now, Seong Jihan had not agreed with Sophia's naturalization either, but now the situation was different.

"Sophia, want to come? To Korea."

"Re, really?"

"Yes, we must win this time."

"Wow!"

Perhaps surprised that Seong Jihan accepted after she brought it up herself, Sophia's eyes widened.

"What's up with you, Uncle? You kept telling her not to come."

"I received a quest to win."

"...There's even a quest like that? Uncle, are you playing a different game from us?"

"It was suddenly given."

At the mention of receiving a quest, the people around looked at Seong Jihan with surprised faces, but only for a moment.

Lee Hayeon pondered deeply and put forth her opinion with a serious expression.

"If it's because of a quest, how about publicizing this to the world? Against strong countries like the US and China, the outcome could be determined by whether the owner is banned or not."

If they ended up facing the US in the finals,

and the US coach was lucky enough to realize a 5-ban on Seong Jihan, the outcome of that match would be hard to guarantee.

So Lee Hayeon suggested openly demanding the championship through publicizing this.

"Would it go that far, Unnie?"

"If the Jihan says he needs to clear a quest, people should naturally accept it. Plus, the Daegi Guild's effects have greatly increased this time, so everyone's being more cautious. For one championship, they'll probably concede."

Seong Jihan and the Daegi Guild were so important to humanity,

she was confident they could sufficiently negotiate and have others concede the Champions League championship.

However,

"No, it's a bit much to openly reveal the quest details to the whole world."

Seong Jihan rejected this proposal.

'There's no need to openly demand the championship and invite needless wariness.'

The Martial God's subordinates in Tuseong were also watching humanity's situation.

There was no need to show them Seong Jihan making a fuss over the Champions League championship.

"Rather, let's say Sophia's recruitment was actively pursued by the Korean association."

"Aha... As if the coach recruited her while the Jihan was training?"

"Yes, that narrative would be better."

"Alright, I'll contact them right away."

* * *

=Group B has been decided! Korea, England, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.

=How do you view the group draw results?

=Very good! Although England is a strong team, they don't match up to us.

=That's right. Even if player Seong Jihan can't participate in the group stage matches due to training, advancing to the round of 16 won't be difficult!

Listening to the commentators' voices saying the Group B results were favorable for Korea,

"Coach, this is Lee Hayeon..."

Lee Hayeon immediately pushed for Sophia's inclusion in the national team.

The next day.

[Round of 16 already confirmed? Group B draw results smile upon Korea.]

[Coach Noh Yeong-jun makes surprise announcement to include player Sophia in national team lineup!]

[Who is player Sophia? A promising Supporter prospect with the 'Trinity' gift.]

[The US BattleNet Association expresses bewilderment at the sudden recruitment announcement.]

The optimistic articles about the group stage results were short-lived.

As Coach Noh Youngjun announced bringing Sophia from the US to the national team, the public's attention was entirely focused here.

- Wow, Sophia is really naturalizing?

- No, she kept saying she'd come but never did, so I didn't expect it...

- Didn't Seong Jihan say there's no need to naturalize?

- Yeah, he said that while mentioning the Sword King case. That he doesn't like that.

- Hey, but is Sophia the same as the Sword King? She didn't even make the US national team lol

- So the coach made the surprise announcement despite Seong Jihan's opposition? Whoa.

- No way. There must have been some coordination.

- Yeah, no matter how much of a coach Noh Youngjun is, he can't do something against Seong Jihan's wishes.

The reactions to Sophia's recruitment were explosive.

After all, she was a card that could supplement the Korean national team's chronic weakness in Supporter power in one go.

In fact, if not for her special relationship with Seong Jihan,

rather than coming from the US to Korea, she would have been recruited from Korea to the US.

Although Lee Hayeon borrowed Coach Noh Yeong-jun's name to announce the recruitment proposal,

perceptive people were saying it was possible because Seong Jihan agreed to it to some extent.

- Then our only weakness is Mage now. Can't Massid come too? Hehe.

- Massid ended up playing as Argentina's national representative last time. So he won't be able to participate in this Champions League.

- That's a shame... Can't we recruit him next season at least?

- Well, Massid is the breadwinner of his family in Argentina, so it's a bit sorry to take him away lol

- Right, Sophia couldn't become a US representative due to lacking levels, but Massid's case is different.

- Don't we have any Mages to nurture ourselves?

- Yeah... Strangely, no Mage talents are emerging.

- Seong Jihan emerged, so that's enough lol What more do you want?

People expressed regret that if Massid was recruited too, Korea would be the definite strongest team this Champions League.

However, with Sophia joining the national team, expectations for the championship grew even higher.

And the match schedule released afterwards,

had matches against the three countries scheduled consecutively in 2, 4, and 6 days.

A considerably tight schedule.

But there was a reason for this.

- Why is the schedule so packed?

- There's a Space League match in early next month, so it seems to be because of that.

- The opponent this time is... World Tree Elves.

- Ah, those guys again?

- World Tree Elves No. 200. Rank 1.

The Space League match held in early July.

The opposing race for this game was the World Tree Elves again.

Moreover, No. 200, who was running 1st in the Space League rankings.

The Champions League had to end before the match against them.

So this schedule was arranged very tightly.

"Therefore, we will be handling the schedule at the BattleNet Center here until early July. It will be a hard march for everyone, but let's work hard for our goal of winning."

"Yes, Coach!"

Meanwhile, at Korea's BattleNet Center,

Coach Noh Youngjun was explaining this situation to the selected players.

And after finishing the schedule talk,

"Ah, and Sophia, who newly joined the national team this time. As you all know, she's one of the most promising prospects among Supporter players. She made a really difficult decision this time. Let's welcome her with applause."

He introduced Sophia, who joined the national team, to the players.

"Hello everyone~ I'm Sophia. Nice to meet you~"

Clap clap clap.

As Sophia bowed her head, applause erupted from the crowd.

Although she gave off a considerably different vibe from the Korean national team,

the national team players, knowing their Supporter power was extremely weak, welcomed her with big applause and looked at her curiously.

"Wow, her accent is really like a Korean. Just like when watching BattleTube."

"Is it true she naturalized because of player Seong Jihan?"

"Why else would she come from the US to the Korean national team?"

"But player Seong Jihan... Isn't he dating the Daegi Guild Master?"

"Well, that's true, but..."

The players whispered like that while glancing at where Seong Jihan was sitting.

They didn't dare ask him directly, but it was a situation where gossip-like interest was bound to arise.

"It's unexpected that brother-in-law let Sophia join the national team. He was so against it..."

Yoon Sejin, who had left home to find artifacts according to the constellation's will,

also returned to the BattleNet Center because of the Champions League and was watching this scene with interest.

"Dad, the coach recruited her."

"Hoho, if Jihan didn't allow it, do you think the coach would have recruited her arbitrarily?"

"Well... That's true."

Seong Jihan smiled wryly as he listened to the Yoon father and daughter's words.

Originally, Seong Jihan hadn't even agreed, but they tried to make it seem like the Korean BattleNet Association recruited Sophia because of the Champions League.

'My status was too high.'

Perhaps because Seong Jihan's position in the BattleNet industry was so high,

people naturally accepted that he agreed to this.

In fact, if he opposed, with what power would the Korean BattleNet Association recruit Sophia?

Seong Jihan roughly explained this situation to Yoon Se-jin.

"A situation arose where I have to win this time. So I brought out a surefire card."

"Is that so? A situation... It must not be an ordinary problem if even Sophia is joining."

Hearing those words, Yoon Sejin nodded his head.

"Alright, I'll also do my best to win."

In his eyes as he said that, a golden light was flickering ever so slightly.

And that,

'...That light is peculiar.'

Seong Jihan did not miss.

Text 298:

The pure white gauntlet that came out of Myriad Ghost Sealing Gods.

At a glance, it was exuding an intense energy.

'There's no item description or anything.'

Perhaps because it wasn't classified as an item in BattleNet, there was no particular explanation.

'Giving it to others seems risky, should I try equipping it?'

The constellation fragment that had threatened Seong Jihan quite a bit.

Since it came from that being, there was a risk in giving this object to other humans.

Seong Jihan brought his hand to the pure white gauntlet.

It was an object whose size didn't match a human hand, but.

Shwooo...

As Seong Jihan inserted his hand, it changed size to fit his hand and was sucked into him.

Then.

[Martial God... If I had this, could I have beaten him?]

A scene unfolded in Seong Jihan's mind.

The opponent he had just fought, with a head and 3 hands.

The process and experience of that being ruminating on the battle it had with the Martial God, researching how it could have blocked his strike.

It was indirectly experienced by Seong Jihan as well.

'This... is really completely different from humans.'

The original form of the constellation that fought Seong Jihan was an alien race with only an upper body and 6 arms attached.

The way it handled its energy was on a different level from humans.

Just as humans cannot understand how to operate wings they don't have.

The power usage method of a constellation with 6 arms was also something Seong Jihan couldn't relate to at all.

[The characteristic of the Heterogeneous Martial Resolve class is activated.]

The Heterogeneous Martial Resolve that he had changed to before but never had a chance to use.

It was activated here.

[The authority of an alien race is researched and absorbed in a way suitable for your species.]

[It is the authority of a constellation. You understand it only fragmentarily.]

The incomprehensible power operation of six hands moving.

However, the Heterogeneous Martial Resolve made Seong Jihan understand this, even if only fragmentarily, in a way suitable for him.

[Void increases by 5.]

[Martial Soul increases by 5.]

Furthermore, while absorbing the power inside the gauntlet to fit his body, it raised the two stats by 5 each.

'This is quite a nice bonus.'

Not only did the stats increase.

Changing the experience of using 6 arms to fit humanity and adding it to his martial arts was also a big help.

He hadn't fully absorbed this experience yet.

But if he made it his own, it seemed like it would help quite a bit.

Seong Jihan thought while looking at his hand where the gauntlet had disappeared.

'When I used Myriad Ghost Sealing Gods on the Succubus Queen's avatar before, there was no such effect... Is it because the 
opponent was constellation-grade? Then the constellation artifacts in Tuseong might have all been made this way too.'

But then why was the Martial God just displaying those many constellation artifacts like stars in the sky?

Seong Jihan had that question, but.

[You survived the longest in the final round of the Northern Wall.]

[Logging out from the Northern Wall to calculate the rewards for the entire guild.]

As he was logged out of the game due to the end of the guild mission, he stopped thinking about this for now.

Right now, it was time to organize the rewards from the end of the guild mission.

* * *

Special Defense Map, the Northern Wall.

Even though Seong Jihan could have chosen an individual mission here, he proceeded with the guild mission to aim for additional guild rewards.

At first, the gap between the human rankers and Seong Jihan was so huge that it was doubtful if the mission could proceed 
smoothly.

'Octane's information was useful.'

Thanks to the 'Ability Sharing' information provided by Lue Investment's Octane.

The Daegi Guild was able to reach the final round without much difficulty.

And.

[Achieved 1st place in the guild mission.]

[Earned 10 guild points.]

[Obtained the guild-exclusive title, 'Defender of the Northern Wall'.]

Although Seong Jihan couldn't continuously bring buffs from the Resting Place of the Dead.

Perhaps because the entire team survived for quite a while thanks to Ability Sharing, humanity took 1st place on the map.

In addition to earning 10 points, the Daegi Guild also gained a guild title.

[Defender of the Northern Wall]

- A title given to the guild that places 1st on the Northern Wall map.
- Raises the level of all guild options by +5.

'This is quite useful.'

Guild points that were extremely difficult to obtain normally.

The guild mission supplemented this in one go.

And these rewards weren't just applied to the Daegi Guild.

"Wow, Uncle. I got +5 residual stats from participating this time!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah. The other guild members got at least +3 too. And they received a ton of experience and leveled up... Everyone's happy they participated well."

"With good results, we should be able to receive additional GP as written in the contract!"

Lee Hayeon, the guild master who had recruited rankers for the guild mission and received a certain amount of GP.

She had agreed in the contract to receive additional GP if the rewards from the guild mission turned out to be more valuable than expected.

"Is this enough to receive more money?"

"Of course! Do you know how hard it is to get residual stats!"

"Even though it's only +3 to 5?"

"That's huge... Jihan."

"Uncle... That remark is like a chaebol not knowing bus fare."

TL/n: chaebol means a large family-owned business conglomerate.

For Seong Jihan, who had raised his stats by +10 just by absorbing a gauntlet, the value of residual points was hard to grasp.

Yoon Seah glared at Seong Jihan and asked.

"Then what rewards did Uncle get from the mission?"

"First, it's focused on guild rewards. As for individual rewards..."

Seong Jihan checked the final message.

[You survived until the end in the guild mission.]

[Level increases by 10.]

[Obtained +10 residual points.]

The rewards from this mission, reaching level 320 and gaining 10 residual points.

Seong Jihan spoke with a dissatisfied look.

"Level +10, residual points +10. It's mediocre."

"...10 is mediocre?"

"Well, I had been getting rewards from missions so far."

Every time he did a mission, an epic quest would pop up and give decent rewards.

But this time, perhaps because that didn't happen, he only received double the rewards compared to other players.

'Guess I'll raise my red stat with the residual points.'

Seong Jihan dumped the residual points he received this time into the red stat, which had the lowest value.

But when he invested 20, the red stat only increased by 1.

Considering the point investment before, the unranked Red stat had a tremendously low investment efficiency.

'It eats up a lot of points.'

Seong Jihan frowned as he looked at the Red stat that became 13.

It was the same for the other stats not increasing, but this one was a bit more severe.

"I should go train."

"Train? The group drawing is soon, aren't you going to watch?"

"What group drawing?"

"For the World Champions League."

"Ah, is it that season already?"

As June began, the rankings of regional leagues around the world were all determined.

In the Northeast Asia League, South Korea and China advanced to the main event of the World Champions League.

The group drawing for the round of 32 in the Champions League main event.

Each group would have 4 countries drawn, forming 8 groups.

"Our country became the 1st seed. It's the first time in history!"

"Well, of course, since we won everything this year."

"Eek, Uncle seems indifferent..."

"After entering the main game of BattleNet, the meaning of the Champions League has diminished a lot."

"That's true. After all, everyone's attention is focused on the Space League these days."

Lee Hayeon, who had come to the penthouse to report, nodded in agreement with Seong Jihan's words.

In the past, the Champions League of BattleNet, the only sport for humanity, was a worldwide festival.

But now, the Space League matches were taking its place in terms of topic.

After all, the Champions League was about establishing a hierarchy between countries.

Whereas the Space League had the fate of all humanity riding on the outcome of each match.

The group drawing details that would have been featured in all media in the past.

This time, it was sharing the news with the results of Seong Jihan's guild mission.

"Then Uncle, you're going to train without watching? I ordered pizza and chicken."

"...Why did you order that so early?"

"If you don't order 2 hours before the drawing, it won't come~ Even if the Champions League has lost popularity, it's still the No. 1 hit."

"That's right, Jihan Have a meal before you go. But what will you eat inside the training room?"

"I just fast."

"What, really?"

"Yeah, now that I don't need to eat, it doesn't affect me."

Seong Jihan, whose body had changed to not require food intake after obtaining the life force.

"Then you'll keep starving if you go, isn't your mouth bored~ Eat this time before you leave."

"Alright. I'll eat before I go."

He smiled at Yoon Seah's continued urging and sat on the sofa.

"Wow, Jihan. But the guild's option points suddenly increased a lot?"

"The rewards from the guild mission were given."

"The growth rate has risen tremendously again... I'll have to receive more GP from the guild members?"

"We should. The title also increased the member capacity, so please collect a lot of GP."

"Yes! I'll tell them to contact me."

While Lee Hayeon was encouraged by the greatly enhanced guild options and calling the Daegi Guild staff.

"Uncle, can I take a look at that cube from earlier?"

"The Celestial Cube?"

"Yeah, I'm curious that it increases humanity's limit."

At Yoon Seah's request, Seong Jihan opened his inventory.

The Celestial Cube that had become useless because humanity's limit wasn't set.

It was the size of Seong Jihan's palm, sitting there.

"On the outside, it just looks like a shiny cube..."

Yoon Seah examined the cube on Seong Jihan's hand from various angles.

Then she tilted her head.

"But... there's a strange pattern here?"

"Really?"

At Yoon Seah's words, Seong Jihan examined the cube.

'It's true.'

It wasn't visible during the guild mission, but now that he was in the real world, a pattern was subtly revealed.

90% was pure white, but 10% had a subtle red tint.

'Hmm... I feel Red from here.'

As Seong Jihan touched that pattern.

Flash!

The cube emitted a faint light, and the intense Red from the pattern began moving towards Seong Jihan's chest.

Although it was energy from a small cube.

It was much more intense than when he collected the remnant energy of the Fire God.

'I won't be able to take it all.'

The red pattern was filled with power.

[Stat 'Red' increases by 1.]

The Red stat that increased by 1 when he invested over 20 residual points before.

It increased by 1 more just by touching the cube.

If the Red-filled energy from the cube kept entering, rather than the stat increasing, his chest might have exploded.

But the Celestial Cube kept the limit exactly.

'...Did it have another function besides increasing the species' limit?'

Thanks for raising the stat.

As Seong Jihan was looking at the white cube with a doubtful gaze.

Swish.

From the cracks of the cube's pattern, a message window abruptly popped out.

[Assigning a quest suitable for the user's situation...]

'It's... giving a quest?'

* * *

=The group drawing for this year's Champions League main event. It's finally starting!

=Our country has been proudly assigned as the 1st seed this year! The biggest role in this was played by player Seong Jihan!

=The betting odds of bookmakers surrounding the Champions League victory, our country is 2nd after the United States! We've surpassed even China!

The Champions League group drawing ceremony began.

Yoon Seah set up the delivered food just in time and said to Seong Jihan sitting on the sofa.

"Uncle, let's eat first!"

"Ah, yeah... But why did you order so much? Is someone else coming?"

4 pizzas and 5 chickens.

Seong Jihan asked Yoon Seah as he looked at the food filling the table in front of the sofa.

"The unnies and Sophia said they're coming."

"Still, isn't this a bit much?"

"Do you know how many calories players consume? They need to eat at least this much to survive."

Yoon Seah spoke as if it was obvious, but.

"Seah, you can't lie. Jihan, Seah eats half of that by herself."

"What, no way. Unnie is no joke either! She told me to order the chicken!"

The truth was quickly revealed by Lim Gayeoung's words as she came out of the training room.

Seong Jihan laughed as he watched the two bickering.

"Order more if it's not enough. I'll eat first."

He picked up a pizza and brought it to his mouth.

Meanwhile, in front of his eyes.

[Assigning a quest suitable for the user's situation...]

The message that came out of the cube's cracks a while ago kept... refreshing.

At first, he was glad that it said it would give a quest.

'If you're not going to give it, just get rid of the message window?'

It said it would give one, but even after more than an hour, the message window just stayed there.

Seong Jihan frowned as he looked at the red message window that returned to the center even when he dragged it far away.

If you're going to give it, give it quickly, what a nuisance.

At that moment.

=Ah, our country is assigned to Group B!

=As for the 2nd seed team... England is coming in!

As Korea was placed in Group B and the opposing countries were assigned in turn.

The message window that had been displaying ... finally changed.

[A quest suitable for the user will be given.]

[Win the Champions League.]

[Reward: Designated as a Constellation Candidate]

'Winning the Champions League... This is the quest suitable for my situation?'

Seong Jihan made a puzzled expression at the unexpected quest.