Please translate this text 264 based on the context of the previously translated texts 263,262,261. Please translate it exactly as it is but also keep it natural and coveying the original meaning. thank you.

Text 264:

<2레벨로 회귀한 무신 264화>
뉴욕의 배틀넷 연맹에서 알려진 뉴스는, 금방 전 세계에 널리 퍼졌다.
그냥 3경기 끝나고 보너스를 받는 줄로만 알았던 사람들은.
옵션 항목을 보고는, 각자 전문가로 빙의되어서 분석에 들어갔다.
-보너스 옵션? 이거 고르는 거였어?
-8국 대표와 성지한에게 선택권이 있었다고?
-이 내용 공개 안 되었으면 영영 모를 뻔했네;
-무슨 일로 공개했대? 이런 건 뒤에서 합의하는 게 아니었나 ㅋㅋ-이거 효율은 국가 보너스가 최고 같은데?
-실질적으로 20개국만 혜택받는 건데 그걸 고르는 건 좀 그렇지 않나. 형평성 문제 일어날 거 같은데.
-그래도 20개국 소속 플레이어가 인류 대표팀의 90퍼센트를 이루는데…… 정예만 키우는 게 맞지 않음?
보너스 옵션 중에서 가장 이슈가 되었던 건 역시 국가 보너스.
워낙 다른 옵션에 비해 효율이 좋았기에, 사람들은 이것을 두고 갑론을박을 벌였다.
그리고 이 사실이 알려진 지 3일 후.
“이제부터, 보너스 옵션 선택을 위한 회의를 시작하겠습니다.”
뉴욕 배틀넷 연맹의 공개 회의실에는.
각국의 협회장 대표들이 모두 모인 채, 서로 조심스레 대화를 나누었다.
“오늘, 어떻게 진행된다고 합니까?”
“선택권을 지닌 대표들이 연설을 하고, 각국의 협회장 대표들이 보너스 옵션에 투표를 한다고 하더군요.”
“신기하네요. 옵션 선택은 결국 8국 대표와 성지한 선수만 할 수 있는 거 아닙니까? 자기들끼리 결정해도 되었을 텐데…….”
“성지한 선수가 강하게 공개회의를 주장하자고 했다더군요.”
“저희야 좋지만. 왜 굳이…….”
원래라면 투표권도 없어야 할 협회장들.
성지한이 자리를 마련해 준 덕분에 권한은 얻게 되었지만.
그가 왜 이런 선택을 했는지에 대해선, 의문이 생길 수밖에 없었다.
“글쎄요…….”
“성지한 선수가 마지막에 연단에 올라간다고 합니다. 그럼 그의 생각을 알 수 있겠죠.”
“한데 멕시코 협회장님은 어디에 투표하려고 하십니까?”
“저희는 기프트 발생 확률 증가에 하려고 합니다. 걸출한 선수 한 명이 나오면 나라 순위가 뒤바뀌는데. 저희도 그런 운을 노려봐야지요.”
인류 전체의 효율을 보자면 국가 보너스가 낫다지만.
TOP 20위 안에 들지 못하는 나라에게는, 그저 상위 국가의 들러리를 서는 격이었으니.
각자의 입장에서 무슨 옵션을 선택할지 눈치가 오가는 가운데.
드르르륵.
“오.”
“드디어 들어오는군요…….”
8국의 협회장과, 성지한이 회의실로 입장했다.
*   *   *
“……이러한 연유로, 저희 영국은 ‘국가 보너스’ 옵션을 선택해야 한다고 결론을 내렸습니다.”
돌아가면서 연설을 하는 8국의 협회장.
전 세계의 이목이 집중된 가운데, 이들은 모두 기존의 입장대로 국가 보너스 옵션 선택을 주장했다.
-역시 강대국들, 자기들 유리한 대로 주장하는구만 ㅉㅉ-아니, 근데 우리한테도 좋은 거 아님 저거?
-ㅇㅇ…… 우리도 배틀넷 업계에선 강대국 라인이잖아.
-요즘 랭킹 포인트 벌어들이는 거 장난 아니던데. 내년에 TOP 10은 무조건 들고 5위도 노려볼 만할걸?
-성지한도 성지한이지만, 검왕이나 윤세아도 배틀넷에서 포인트 많이 벌어들이니까…….
-그러네. 우리도 잘나가는구나? 그럼 국가 보너스 찬성해야겠네?
한국 시청자들은 국가 보너스에 찬성하는 입장이었지만.
-국가 보너스라니…… 그럼 상위권 국가만 혜택을 독점하는 거 아닌가!
-이렇게 된다면 나라 간의 격차는 영원히 좁혀지지 않을 것이다.
-지금이야 분위기가 좋다지만, 배틀넷 순위가 떨어진다면 던전이 마구 생길 텐데…… 그때 자국을 지켜야 할 플레이어들이 균등하게 성장해야 하는 것 아닌가?
20위에 속하지 않는 국가의 사람들은 이에 대해 탐탁지 않아 했다.
그리고 이런 생각은 회의장에 참석한 각국 협회 대표들에게도 마찬가지여서.
“인류 대표팀을 위해서라지만…… 결국 자국 이기주의 아닙니까?”
“중위권 국가부터는, 이 보너스는 거의 효과가 없는 수준입니다.”
“저희는 국가 보너스 옵션에 반대합니다.”
많은 나라의 대표들이 이를 공개적으로 반대했다.
‘역시 이럴 줄 알았어.’
‘옵션을 공개하는 게 아니었는데…….’
‘이거, 한국에도, 자신에게도 좋은 거잖아. 왜 성지한은 이런 선택을 한 거지?’
시끌벅적해진 회의장 상황이 그대로 생중계되고.
8국의 협회장은 원망 섞인 눈으로 성지한을 바라보았다.
왜 쉽게 합의 보고 끝낼 걸, 어려운 길로 가려고 하는 건가.
한편 성지한은, 팔짱을 낀 채 상황을 지켜보고 있었다.
피티아의 예언대로라면, 공개한 후 새로운 선택지가 나와야 했는데.
추가된 옵션은 전혀 없었다.
‘예언…… 쓸모없나. 새로운 선택지가 나온다더니.’
생각해 보면 피티아가 자신을 노스트라다무스라더니, 딱히 세상이 1999년에 멸망하지도 않았지.
“자. 그럼. 마지막으로, 성지한 플레이어의 말씀이 있겠습니다.”
8국의 대표가 연설을 끝낸 후.
마지막으로 연단에 올라서게 된 성지한은 발걸음을 천천히 옮겼다.
짝짝짝짝…….
다른 대표가 올라올 때에 비해, 거센 박수 소리가 터져 나오는 회의실.
공개회의를 주장한 게 성지한임을 알고 있는 타국 협회장들은, 그에게 매우 호의적인 태도를 취했다.
그리고.
-오 성지한 차례임?
-휴 안 늦고 방송 켰다.
-회사에서 몰컴 중인데 앞자리 부장님도 똑같은 거 보시네 ㅋㅋㅋ-우리 회사는 아예 직원 다 보라고 틀어 놓음 ㅋㅋㅋ성지한 차례가 되자, 안 그래도 전 세계의 이목이 집중되었던 이번 회의의 시청자 숫자가 폭증하기 시작했다.
인류 최고의 플레이어가 굳이 이런 공개적인 자리를 마련한 이유가, 드디어 나올 차례였으니까.
연단에 올라선 성지한은 자신에게 쏟아지는 시선을 덤덤히 마주했다.
굳이 공개회의를 진행한 만큼, 그만의 복안이 있을 거라고 기대하는 눈빛.
‘그런 거 없는데.’
성지한이 입꼬리에 쓴웃음을 지으며, 말문을 열려고 할 때.
[세계 랭킹 1위입니다.]
[상위 구역, ‘스페이스 4’에 소속되어 있습니다.]
[스페이스 리그에서 3회 이상 MVP를 받았습니다.]
[소속 종족, ‘인류’ 1/5의 주목을 받습니다.]
[소속 행성을 완전히 아우르는 성좌가 존재합니다…… 존재하지 않습니다.]
[행성 ‘지구’의 ‘성좌 후보자’에 오를 조건을 모두 달성했습니다.]
모든 조건을 달성했다는 메시지와 함께.
[히든 보너스 옵션이 드러납니다.]
[히든 보너스 옵션, ‘별을 쫓는 자’가 활성화됩니다.]
피티아의 예언이 실현되었다.
*   *   *
성지한은 연설 직전, 새로 추가된 옵션을 바라보았다.
[별을 쫓는 자]
모든 플레이어가 이른 시기에 ‘성좌 후보자’가 될 자격을 얻은 플레이어를 쫓아갑니다.
1등과의 격차가 벌어지면 벌어질수록, 모든 면에서의 성장률이 크게 증가합니다.
1위가 그 자리를 오래 유지할수록, 이 효과는 강화됩니다.
만약 이 옵션이 적용된 상태에서 1등이 순위를 300일 이상 유지할 시.
그 플레이어는 정식으로 ‘성좌 후보자’가 됩니다.
‘흠…….’ 랭킹 1위이자, 성좌 후보자가 된 플레이어와의 격차를 좁히기 위해 마련된 보너스 옵션.
이것이 주는 버프 수치는, 언뜻 계산해 보아도 지금 가장 많이 거론되는 국가 보너스를 훌쩍 뛰어넘었다.
‘근데 이거. 정작 나한테는 효과가 없군.’
혼자 저 멀리 앞서 나가는 플레이어와 보조를 맞추라는, 보너스 옵션 ‘별을 쫓는 자’.
1등을 추격하라는 버프 효과인 만큼, 막상 1등에게는 성장 보너스를 주지 않았다.
오히려 후발주자들에게 추격의 기회를 주는, 손해 보는 거나 다름없는 옵션.
하지만 성지한은 맨 마지막 줄을 주목했다.
‘300일 동안 계속 1등 하면, 성좌 후보자가 될 수 있어.’
용족과의 스페이스 리그 경기 이후, 랭킹 1위로 올라선 성지한.
2위로 떨어진 올리버와의 격차는 크지 않았지만.
성지한은 계속 1위를 계속 유지할 자신이 있었다.
‘이거랑 내 목숨이랑은 뭔 관련인진 모르겠지만…….’
피티아의 예언 중, 이게 목숨을 살릴 거라는 건 이해가 가지 않았지만.
그걸 제외해도, ‘별을 쫓는 자’는 충분히 선택할 만한 옵션이었다.
“성지한 선수…… 왜 가만히 있지?”
“긴장했나?”
“그가 긴장할 사람입니까? 그것보단 뭘 보고 있는 것 같습니다만…….”
“허공을 누르는 게, 시스템 메시지 같군요?”
성지한이 연단에 올라서서 잠시 침묵을 지키고 있자, 웅성거리는 협회장 대표들.
“여러분. 지금, 새로운 옵션이 추가되었습니다. 8국의 협회장께서도 한번 확인해 주시겠습니까?”
“이, 이건…….”
“아까만 해도, 분명히 없었는데……!?”
성지한의 말에, 협회장들은 옵션을 확인하고는 두 눈을 부릅떴다.
아니, 조금 전만 해도 없던 게 언제 갑자기 생긴 거야?
“새로 생긴 옵션은, ‘별을 쫓는 자’입니다. 여기서 말하는 별은, 물론 저구요.”
그러면서 공유되는 옵션 내용.
-와 이거 뭐냐…… 1등이랑 격차가 벌어질수록 버프를 준다고?
-인류한테 딱이네? 효과도 국가 보너스보다 훨씬 낫고.
-근데 성지한은 버프 못 받잖아 이럼 ㅡㅡ
사람들은 버프 효과에 감탄하면서도, 성지한이 여기에 제외된 것에 대해서는 우려를 나타냈다.
하지만 막상 당사자는 이에 전혀 개의치 않고.
“보너스 옵션은, 이거로 가도록 하죠.”
“……저, 정말 괜찮으시겠습니까? 성지한 선수께서는 효과를 받지 못할 텐데.”
“괜찮습니다. 그거 없이도, 계속 1등을 유지할 거니까요. 성좌 후보, 욕심이 나는군요.”
오히려 300일 이상의 장기 집권에 대한 자신감을 드러냈다.
“당사자가 그렇게 말씀하신다면야…….”
“저희는 적극적으로 찬성합니다.”
성지한 말고는, 모두가 유리한 보너스 옵션 조건.
비록 ‘성좌 후보자’ 항목 하나가 조금 신경 쓰이긴 했지만.
‘성좌 후보자…… 결국 후보일 뿐 아닌가?’
‘거기에 다른 성좌보다, 차라리 같은 현대인이 성좌를 하는 게 나을지도 모르지.’
‘이 옵션, 후발주자에게 엄청난 메리트다. 일단은 성장이 중요해.’
협회장들은, 먼 이야기 같아 와닿지 않는 ‘성좌 후보자’보다.
실리를 중시했다.
“그럼 투표에 들어가겠습니다.”
“개표 결과는…….”
“만장일치로, ‘별을 쫓는 자’가 이번 옵션으로 통과되었습니다!”
땅. 땅!
만장일치로 통과된 보너스 옵션.
국가 보너스 이야기할 때만 해도 분란의 조짐이 보였던 회의실은, 이로 인해 극적으로 화합이 된 상태였다.
“공개회의를 하자고 한 이유가…… 이 옵션 때문이셨습니까?”
“성지한 플레이어. 이것도 혹시 예지몽이었나요? 정말, 생각지도 못했습니다!”
“그것참. 미리 귀띔이라도 해 주셨으면 좋았을 걸요……!”
8국의 대표들은 며칠 전과는 달리 환한 얼굴로 다가와 너스레를 떨었다.
“미리 말씀드리면, 예지가 퇴색될 수 있어서요.”
성지한은 살짝 미소를 지으며, 그들에게 답하면서도.
‘옵션을 활성화한 메시지 하나가 신경 쓰이는군.’
별을 쫓는 자가 활성화되었을 때 떠올랐던 메시지 중, 특이했던 글귀를 떠올렸다.
[소속 행성을 완전히 아우르는 성좌가 존재합니다…… 존재하지 않습니다.]
‘이거…… 존재한다는 거야 만다는 거야?’ 인류 출신 성좌야, 없지는 않았다.
무신의 종들만 해도, 롱기누스부터 피티아까지 죄다 성좌 아니었던가.
물론 그들이 지구를 완전히 아우르는 성좌인지는 모르겠다만.
‘피티아와 연락이 되면, 이에 대해 물어봐야겠군.’
*   *   *
무신의 별, 투성.
그 중심에는, 무신이 뇌신에게서 강탈한 신왕좌가 자리하고 있었다.
번쩍! 번쩍!
사방으로, 폭발하던 신왕좌의 빛은.
슈우우우……!
무신이 앉아 있던 중심부로 모여들더니, 강렬한 뇌기가 모조리 그 안으로 빨려 들어갔다.
하나 신왕좌에서, 마지막까지 그에게 흡수되지 않고 번뜩이는 건 붉은빛의 뇌전.
‘……주인께서, 적뢰는 끝까지 흡수하질 못하시는군.’
동방삭은 멀리서 그 모습을, 가라앉은 눈으로 지켜보았다.
그때.
한참 기운을 흡수하던 무신이 나직이 음성을 내뱉었다.
[동방삭.]
“예. 주인이시여.”
[뇌신의 잔당을 추적하는 일, 어찌 되었는가.]
“피티아가 따라잡는 중입니다.”
[너도 가서, 잡아 와라.]
파지지직…….
동방삭은 신왕좌에서 끝까지 흡수되지 않는 적뢰를 바라보면서.
가라앉은 눈으로 답했다.
“……알겠습니다.”



Text 263:

In a conference room located on the third basement floor of the World BattleNet Association building in New York,

representatives of the BattleNet associations from various countries had gathered.

"A total of 8 countries have received messages from the BattleNet system..."

"Just like they said, it would be the top 8 ranking countries from last year. It's really happening."

"Has everyone kept the secret well?"

The American First representative cautiously looked around as the representatives from various countries nodded seriously.

"Of course."

"We've reported to our governments, but they were even more cautious about not spilling it."

"It's necessary. We don't want stories about the 'bonus' to spread and cause us headaches."

The national representatives discussed, recalling the events of the past few days.

On the day that the human representative team triumphed in the battle against the Dragon Race, claiming a good mood from the three wins in the league,

[The Space League's first three matches have concluded.]

[Now we will give a 'bonus' to facilitate smoother progress for all races in the league.]

People could see this system message, but unlike the public who only saw these two lines,

[Please choose a bonus item.]

[The right to choose a bonus item will be given to countries ranked 1st to 8th in last year’s Champions League.]

An additional message inviting the association presidents to choose a bonus item appeared.

‘Glad we did well last year.’

‘What immense power.’

‘Thank goodness for the Sword King's performance in the Champions League last year.’

Notably, the United States and China, rivals for the top 1 and 2 spots every year, and Japan, which had not been performing well in 2021, were allowed to participate in this secret conference due to the basis of last year's rankings.

"Have you taken a look at the bonus items?"

"Of course."

"There are lots of good ones."

"Additional experience bonuses for players, increased gift generation probability… all items necessary for us humans."

"But..."

The 8 country representatives smiled meaningfully at each other.

"Efficiency is most important for these items, isn't it?"

"Indeed. Bonus items that apply to everyone seem to have less efficiency."

"BattleNet is ultimately a game played by a small selection of elite players. We must focus and choose our bonuses wisely."

The right to choose the bonus item that will apply to humanity.

The options given by BattleNet included more than a dozen possibilities, such as a 30 percent bonus to experience and a 10 percent increase in gift generation probability,

which, while good, weren't exactly game-changers for the players’ development.

"Right. ‘National Bonus Enhancement’ seems to be the best option... right?"

"The leading countries should continue to guide humanity, shouldn’t they?"

The focus of the 8 national presidents was the national bonus enhancement option.

This option provided differential bonuses to players based on the ranking of their country, including increases in experience and GP acquisition, among other benefits.

“It‘s true. According to calculations, the countries up to the top 20 spots benefit significantly."

"Oh, but how does the Japanese representative feel about this? It will be bad for you once this year's rankings are out, especially since the Sword King is gone and recent performances haven't been good."

"Ha! The Chinese representative speaks too much. Whether our performance has been good or bad, we can certainly maintain our position within the top 20 world rankings."

"Ah. Is that so? Well, that's reassuring."

The Japanese association president chafed at the Chinese president's teasing.

Still, regarding national bonus enhancement, they were all agreeable.

"Hmm. It seems we've reached some consensus."

"Does anyone disagree with enhancing the national bonus?"

"Yes, that's correct."

The 8 representatives looked at each other and nodded.

The option was quickly decided, perhaps due to some prior coordination before entering the conference room.

However,

"Then... we'll have to wait for him."

The secret conference was not over yet.

The bonus item to be applied to all of humanity.

[A player affiliated with 'Space 4' Area has been detected.]

[Player ‘Seong Jihan’ is also given the additional option to choose.]

[For smooth league progression, please select your bonus item!]

Seong Jihan had rights to choose as well.

Soon afterward,

Knock, knock.

"I guess I'm the last one."

Seong Jihan entered the room as the door to the conference room opened.

*  *  *

‘After the main BattleNet game, I was wondering why the national bonuses were so strengthened…’

So this was the reason.

Seong Jihan recalled how in his previous life, even though he was the true ace of the United States, he only managed to rank seventh,

second only to Barren, who was difficult to surpass due to his two status windows gifts.

No matter how well he performed, his rankings just wouldn't rise, which he thought was quite unfair at the time.

‘Now the tables have turned.’

In his previous life, Korea's rankings plummeted, and it ultimately fell into ruin due to the dungeon portals.

But this time was different.

In this life, in 2021, Korea was not facing the threat of annihilation.

Instead, it was viewed as a superpower capable of challenging the 3rd and 4th place in the BattleNet world rankings.

Korea, which would benefit from the ‘national bonus enhancement,' and the cause for this was.

"Player Seong Jihan. You've arrived!"

All 8 national association presidents stood up from their seats as he entered the chamber.

"Your dominant performance defeating the dragons in the last game was truly impressive."

"The Space League 3-game win streak is thanks to player Seong Jihan."

"Have you looked at the bonus options? We'd like to hear your opinion, player Seong Jihan."

They approached Seong Jihan, greeting him with full smiles across their faces.

It seemed as though he was regarded as the superior to the association presidents,

an exceptional being beyond competition.

"The dragon’s onslaught was so easily overcome... how can a human even do that?"

They approached Seong Jihan in a submissive demeanor, a result of his impact on the previous game.

The power Seong Jihan demonstrated in dominating the Dragon Race after one game appealed to everyone to not see him as a competitor anymore,

but as an extraordinary figure to be revered.

Seong Jihan looked at them briefly before speaking.

"It seems the presidents have already discussed some ideas about the bonus options."

"Yes, we have talked among ourselves."

"That... 'National Bonus Enhancement Option' seemed to be the best."

"National bonus... Is that better than the other options?"

Seong Jihan scanned the room.

The representatives from the United States and China, who would benefit the most, quickly spoke up.

"Of course, there were bonuses that would focus on the top players, but when calculated... they're more inefficient than the national bonuses for the top 20 countries."

"And with player Seong Jihan's ranking expected to rise greatly this year, once the rankings are set again, Korea will be able to enjoy the benefits of the national bonus."

"The national bonus is a win-win choice for everyone!"

The two normally disagreeable country representatives cooperated to persuade Seong Jihan.

It also symbolized the collusion of the privilege-bearing countries to solidify their position.

‘When it's your turn to choose, you understand. Compared to the others, the national bonus is too advantageous.'

While the national bonus focused benefits on the higher ranks,

from a perspective of selectivity and concentration, it was the most efficient.

In his previous life, Korea didn't benefit, but now it could reap the rewards with Seong Jihan.

Joining them in agreement wouldn't hurt as before, and it only promised benefits through the national bonus.

However,

"I'd like to make the option selection in a public conference."

Seong Jihan, who had the authority to choose the bonus option, preferred public consensus over a backroom deal.

"A public conference... you say?"

"Yes."

"That's a bit... Would there be no problems? We wouldn’t get the best efficiency."

"Lower-ranked countries will definitely oppose if we decide on a national bonus in public...!"

The association presidents expressed concerns at Seong Jihan's suggestion.

After all, only a maximum of 20 countries would enjoy the national bonus benefits.

The rest would be at a disadvantage compared to other bonus options.

But if we go into a public conference, show these conditions, and choose the national bonus enhancement,

would the other countries just stand by and watch?

‘Why on earth does he want to go public with this power?’

‘I can't understand. It’s a proposal that would certainly benefit Korea and Seong Jihan himself...’

‘Is he planning a top-strata concentrated bonus option? Even if we vote on that in a general assembly, it would be hard to get it passed.'

The presidents smiled outwardly but were seething on the inside.

The leaders of the top echelons needed to make a wise choice.

If it went public, lower-efficiency bonuses would be selected due to the interests of each country...

Why was he doing this?

"If it's made public, everyone will opt for a bonus that benefits all."

"Boosting the gift appearance rate by 10 percent or adding experience... such options are insufficient compared to the national bonus. If player Seong Jihan, now the number 1, gets banned, other human players also need to grow quickly to do their part... What happens if we choose such an option?"

"Right now, no one knows we can 'choose' such options. If we agree among ourselves and move on, there won't be any issues."

While pleading earnestly to Seong Jihan,

"Shall we turn on BattleTube right here?"

"Ah, no. Why do you...!?"

"This isn't just for us. The national bonus is the option we need to efficiently navigate through the Space League!"

"I know. But let's do it publicly."

"Ah, no..."

Seong Jihan's stance was firm.

‘I also planned to choose the national bonus before boarding the plane.'

In his previous life, the national bonus meant a loss for Seong Jihan.

But this time, it was undoubtedly a benefit, so he initially intended to choose it.

-Oh, Seong Jihan. Can you see the message?

But in the airplane,

-The bonus option you received from that previous prophecy... You may have overlooked it, but I couldn't let it go.

Having heard the prophecy from Pythia, a descendant of the Martial God, he changed his mind.

-Share this bonus option with the whole world. Then a new choice will come up.

-And that will... save you later on.

‘A bonus... to save me?’

What kind of option would come out that could literally be life-saving?

Curiosity aroused, Seong Jihan preferred to negotiate publicly over a backroom agreement.

"Let's go public with it."

Eventually, the 8 country association presidents, unable to understand his rationale,

"...Alright."

In the end, they had no choice but to go along with his opinion.

Text 262:

In the space league match against the dragons:

Looking at the game trend from the first match, humanity seemed to be losing momentum with a score of 3:0, but the result ended up being a 3:1 victory for humanity.

=Dragon Race representative. You must regret giving Seong Jihan two wins now!

=Indeed! They couldn't have expected to be pushed back so one-sidedly in the fourth game!

=Humanity surges forward with a pleasant three-match winning streak!

Humanity, which had been in 5th place, pulled the 2nd ranked Dragon Race down.

-It feels great to win three in a row~
-Why is Seong Jihan so ridiculously strong himself? The level difference is insane;
-It feels like he's getting stronger and stronger, LOL 
-I was annoyed when I saw him as an opponent, but now that he's on my side, it's such a joy...

People enjoyed feeling the overwhelming power Seong Jihan displayed in the fourth game.

-But is Seong Jihan's good time over now...? He's going to be the focused target of ban cards for ranking 1st from the next game, LOL
-Staying in 2nd place continuously would be difficult, wouldn't it?
-That's impossible. Seong Jihan would have to stop playing altogether for that to happen, right?
-We'll have to settle for displacing the enemy's ban cards.
-But since we're facing new teams, they won't hit Seong Jihan with the 1st place ban right away. So we’ll secure at least one win in the series, right?
-Doesn't that mean we'll keep ending up with 1 win and 3 losses? -_-

Viewers, concerned that Seong Jihan might face concentrated targeting after becoming ranked first, still celebrated today's victory.

Meanwhile,

after the BattleNet game had ended, the Red Dragon Altarkaizen, who had been recalled to the coaching room, repeated in disbelief,

[...I can't believe it. To lose like this... How could such a mutant come from such an insignificant species? I shouldn’t have given away those two wins...]

The once-confident dragon was repeating his disbelief, his head now sunk to the floor.

[You will log out from the coach's room shortly.]

Seong Jihan glanced at the system message appearing before him, then addressed Altarkaizen with a question.

"Hey, do you know anything about the Dragon Lord?"

[...Why bring up the Dragon Lord all of a sudden?]

"He might become my sponsor."

[What, what?!]

The mention jolted Altarkaizen to raise his head.

[Impossible...How could the Lord be your sponsor... to such a lowly creature as you...!]

"Who was it that got beaten by the lowly one?"

[Grrr...!]

"Anyway, do you know anything?"

[...Even if I did, do you think I would tell you?]

"You seem ignorant then. You really are a distant branch."

Seong Jihan, who had asked out of time to spare before logging out, didn't expect much from Altarkaizen's side.

He was about to logout when,

[You have an urgent message from the ‘Constellation of the Dead Star’.]

[This Constellation has been blocked. Would you like to unblock?]

Just as the World Tree Yggdrasil had once suggested when proposing to Seong Jihan,

The ‘Constellation of the Dead Star' sent an urgent message.

‘I should unblock it then.’

Despite repeatedly urging Seong Jihan to take the lead, this Constellation might be useful for gathering information.

Upon unblocking, the Constellation promptly sent a message.

[The ‘Constellation of the Dead Star’ recommends accepting the Dragon Lord’s sponsorship.]

[However, he emphasizes not to give in too easily to whatever he wants.]

'He recommends accepting sponsorship?' How unexpected.

Seong Jihan's eyes widened.

While he was adamantly opposed during the time with the cosmic tree Yggdrasil, he was surprisingly positive about the Dragon Lord.

‘I’d like to ask other Constellations too, but Brahma was already finished off by the Martial God.’

The entity ‘Thunder God’ had vanished from the list of sponsoring Constellation.

Instead, Seong Jihan reached out to Ariel, who had been silent the whole time since the battle with the Dragons.

He even speculated that she herself might be the Shadow Queen Constellation.

There might be some information she knew.

"Ariel, do you shadow elves know anything about the Dragon Lord?"

[...I know something, but we cannot speak of it. However…]

"However?"

[Since you've already been marked as an enemy of the World Tree Elves, it might be worth hearing out.]

Seong Jihan tilted his head.

It didn't really matter since they weren't exactly amicable with the World Tree Elves anyway.

"Is the Dragon Lord an enemy of the elves? That doesn't quite make sense considering how subservient dragons are to the elves."

[What do you mean subservient...!]

"Isn't it true? You always get flustered and never disagree."

[You...]

On the other side of the coaching room, Altarkaizen angrily responded, but Seong Jihan coolly replied.

Having fought directly, the Dragon didn't seem the kind to be dominated by elves.

But recalling the last relegation, the Dragon Race's planet always fell behind the elves.

The reaction from Altarkaizen always bristling at the mention of elves but never denying it combined to suggest the relationship indeed favored elves.

‘Might as well hear out the story.’

Seong Jihan accepted the sponsorship proposal sent by the Dragon Lord.

That's when,

[Player Seong Jihan has accepted the ‘Dragon Lord’ from the Great Constellation’s sponsorship proposal.]

[The ‘Dragon Lord’ intends to formally sponsor the player by summoning them to his lair.]

[Player Seong Jihan does not qualify to respond to a 'Constellation's' summoning due to lacking ‘Constellation’ status.]

System messages streamed across, stating the summoning was impossible due to the lack of a Constellation status.

‘The requirements sure are stringent.’

To be summoned to the Dragon Lord's lair, one needed the status of a Constellation.

Would the sponsorship procedures properly take place?

As Seong Jihan pondered this while staring at the message,

Krak...!

The body of Altarkaizen, at the far end of the room, suddenly began to twist.

[Ahh... Ah...!]

The Red Dragon, whose head was twisted beyond recognition and could hardly scream, soon burst into flames from within its head.

And from inside those flames, a voice different from Altarkaizen's spoke.

[Hmm... So this is the Bronze League. Of course, I assumed naturally you were a Constellation...]

"The Dragon Lord?"

[Yes.]

Flames...

Beginning from Altarkaizen's head, the fire blazed on and completely swallowed his body.

Initially, the fire took on the form of a dragon, but then it compacted into a giant orb.

[That’s rather good. To show such talent even though you are not a Constellation.]

"Why did you offer me sponsorship?"

[I will tell you if you come to my lair.]

The Dragon Lord was reluctant to discuss things outside, suggesting a more covert conversation.

So is this the end?

Swoosh!

Seong Jihan extended his palm toward the large orb.

"So until I become a Constellation, there's no sponsorship from you, Great Constellation?"

[You are bold. That’s good. One must demand what they are due.]

Swoosh...

The ball of giant flames extinguished in an instant at Seong Jihan’s gesture.

Out of the extinguished flames, a fist-sized red gem appeared.

[Be satisfied with this, for now.]

"What’s this?"

[The Dragon Heart.]

"The one from the Red Dragon earlier?"

[Indeed.]

"So, is he dead?"

[No. He is not dead yet. Encased within the Dragon Heart, sealed away.]

The Dragon Lord's words had scarcely finished when flames erupted from the gem once again.

[My descendants will keep the flames alive for their survival.]

"Hmm..."

[You should trample such rebellion and dominate the Dragon Heart. Extinguish its fire completely and absorb it, or make it yours including the flames. Whatever you do, making the Dragon Heart yours will result in a greater gift from me later on.]

A forebear, the Dragon Lord, tasked Seong Jihan to firmly control and command his offspring.

Seong Jihan didn't grasp why he was given the Dragon Heart, but it was compelling.

‘Let’s take the offer.’

The display of fiery might from the Dragon Heart was overwhelming; he decided to keep it for now.

[Be quick to become a Constellation then.]

"Got it. But can I ask you something?"

[What is it?]

"What is the Great Constellation?"

[A being above the Constellations, who rules over them. It’s a necessary qualification to become an administrator of BattleNet.]

"A rank below the administrator."

[Correct.]

Seong Jihan nodded, recalling when he received the Seed of Life from the green administrator.

‘The green administrator... such a remarkable entity.'

When he received that suspicious seed under the guise of an apology, it was disconcerting.

Yet, it turns out to be a high-ranking existence.

Compared to the Dragon Lord, who is under the administrator, the World Tree Elves already command an administrator.

This hierarchy might relate to the elves' superiority over the dragons.

‘Hmm... Still, it might be tactless to ask the Dragon Lord about the elves.'

It was okay to directly ask Altarkaizen, seeming less consequential,

but with the Dragon Lord potentially offering sponsorship, there was no need for sensitive questions.

"Alright. I'll do my best."

[I look forward to it.]

Flash!

With the Dragon Lord’s departure,

[Logging out.]

BattleNet seemed to be waiting impatiently to discharge Seong Jihan from the coaching room.

And then,

"Ah. Player Seong Jihan! You’ve finally back!"

"Was there any trouble inside?"

Reporters who were waiting to conduct a winner's interview with Seong Jihan started barraging him with questions.

"Am I late?"

"Yes. Davis logged out immediately after the game ended last time but It’s already been an hour now..."

"People were getting worried."

"An hour has passed?"

The conversation with the Dragon Lord hadn’t seemed that lengthy.

‘How strange.'

Was this also the power of the Great Constellation?

Seong Jihan shared the thought with the reporters.

"Player Seong Jihan! Would you be willing to do a winner's interview?"

"But first... What is that giant ruby you're holding in your hand?"

"Oh, this. It’s a gift from a dragon."

"That's... a gift from the dragon?"

"Yes. They gave it generously."

Fwosh...

The Dragon Heart in Seong Jihan’s hand erupted in flames in protest to his words.

"It... it's on fire!"

"Ah, it's fine."

Swoosh...

Seong Jihan nonchalantly absorbed the fiery energy into his body, his eyes shimmering.

'This could be quite useful.'

The fiery mana from the Dragon Heart had a purity far exceeding expectations.

"Let’s do the interview then."

"Yes. Understood!"

With an unexpected item gained, Seong Jihan smiled and proceeded with the winner's interview.

*  *  *

Humanity, having achieved a three-match win streak in the Space League and rising to 5th place, was facing fewer threats from dungeon portals than before the game, cruising along smoothly in the league.

-GP prices are down, and life has definitely gotten better.
-I went bankrupt betting on GP… -_ - if I had known, I would have trusted Seong Jihan...
-Seriously, who bets against humanity? LOL

While there were a few victims, the vast majority savored the newly stabilized world with a sense of relief.

At that time, everyone, regardless of nationality and race, was united in celebrating the victory.

However, this calm was short-lived.

[The first three matches of the Space League have concluded.]

[From now on, a bonus will be provided to ensure smooth progress in the league for all species.]

[Please choose a bonus item.]

A seed of discord dropped onto the harmonious humanity from BattleNet.

Text 261:

Boom! Bang!

After a massive explosion swept through, Valhalla, built upon a huge mountain peak, burst apart completely, and even the mountain that supported the building was half-destroyed.

Yet,

"There wasn't much to it."

Seong Jihan, who had been swept up in the explosion, reemerged unscathed.

And behind him, Yoon Sejin managed to stand up, albeit in a wrecked condition.

During the first Dragon Flare, the Sword King was already nearing death.

Having successfully blocked the second attack, Seong Jihan owed it largely to having absorbed the blast himself.

"Thanks for the blocking, but next time, I’ll resist it myself. I can’t afford to become a burden."

"Understood."

Yoon Sejin managed a bitter smile, and Seong Jihan nodded in response.

[To withstand Dragon Flare with such lowly power... You’re surprisingly strong.]

"You're quite formidable yourself compared to other dragons."

Dragon Flare — the ability to cause an instantaneous, massive explosion.

Its power was even more formidable than the attacks unleashed by dragons in games conducted within Space 4 Area.

'It’s strange. I would think dragons from Space 4 would be stronger than the newly promoted ones from the Bronze League.'

Space 4 was an exclusive league where only stellar players from the universe were drafted.

Dragons participating there should naturally be stronger than those from the Bronze League.

Yet, the Red Dragon Altarkaizen boasted a larger body and more powerful strength than those he met before.

[Other dragons? Where did you see them?]

"I've encountered them in the Universal League."

[They were just ordinary dragons. I am the progeny of the Dragon Lord. There's no comparison between them and me.]

"A distant branch you said, remember?"

[Even a branch bears a different caliber.]

Flurry of flames!

As Red Dragon's massive body, the four heads of the Fire Dragon absorbed earlier, rose from his body. Each head had the appearance of a different race, contorting in apparent agony before retracting into Altarkaizen's body once more.

[Such an ability to assimilate eggs is not something ordinary dragons possess.]

"A Dragon Lord’s power is to eat its own eggs? Sounds like trash to me."

[...You cannot understand. The blessing of being able to merge with Altarkaizen is beyond measure.]

"I don't see it."

[Then behold.]

With a grand spread of his wings, the Red Dragon's fiery energy soared, forming dozens of letters in the air all at once.

[Kill each other.]

Under the dragon’s command,

Yoon Sejin behind Seong Jihan grimaced.

“Argh... Get away!”

Whoosh!

Yoon Sejin swung his twin swords at Seong Jihan.

Although the blackened sword had partially melted, and Yoon Sejin's physical condition wasn't optimal, making his sword strikes less sharp, he was still under the control of the dragon's command.

Still, under the dragon's command, he was being controlled.

“My body isn't listening... Take me down, Jihan.”

"Alright."

Without hesitation, Seong Jihan took the swords and disarmed Yoon Sejin.

"Rest for a moment."

He then hurled Yoon Sejin far beneath the mountainside.

Even in this controlled state, Seong Jihan showed no mercy. Yet, he didn't kill Yoon Sejin as per Altarkaizen's orders.

[It's truly peculiar how you're completely immune to the dragon's commands.]

Looking at Seong Jihan, who was not swayed by the dragon's command, Altarkaizen viewed him puzzledly.

How could such an irregularity arise from an insignificant race?

[I must conduct a proper experiment.]

Up until now, Altarkaizen regarded Seong Jihan as an "experimental subject" without losing his composure. However...

"Now, I must deal with you seriously."

With a flourish of his spear, Seong Jihan unleashed a barrage of attacks.

Fundamental divine art, Fusion of Divine thunder and phoenix: Crimson Thunder cannon

An outpouring of red lightning strikes from Seong Jihan's spearpoint tore through the barriers and skewered the dragon’s body in one strike.

[...What is this attack...?]

In the first and fourth matches, Seong Jihan's attacks were merely light sword strikes. But now, his Crimson Thunder cannon Technique, reinforced by the Crimson Divinity Art, was devastating.

Altarkaizen, who had previously been injured by a simple sword strike, found himself melting rapidly under Crimson Thunder cannon Technique. His physical form dissolved into crimson lightning.

"Is this all the dragons have to offer?"

[Gah...!]

"Looks like I can't even conduct experiments. Too weak."

[You insolent...!]

Returning the taunt, Seong Jihan watched as the dragon's melting body tried to regenerate, but.

"Let's see if you can withstand this."

As Seong Jihan's figure disappeared, the dragon’s body split into multiple sections.

*  *  *

The Red Dragon Altarkaizen.

A solitary giant whose presence threatened humanity.

Once he entered a 1:1 combat with Seong Jihan, he was hopelessly outmatched.

=Seong Jihan is dominating. He’s even playing with the dragon!

=This must be the nth time that that dragon's body has crumbled, right?

=The opposing dragon is unable to put up much resistance!

=But still… Quite tenacious in reviving...! It would be nice if he could just die already!

Altarkaizen, whose body had disintegrated from Seong Jihan’s attacks, turned into a flame dragon, replacing his vanished body with fire.

This time, though,

Silently,

his body transitioned back from flame to flesh in an instant and regenerated.

[You! Kill yourself...!]

As soon as Altarkaizen revived, he attempted to control Seong Jihan with the dragon command.

However,

"Is that the dragon command? It doesn't work, you know."

Swoosh!

Ignoring the dragon command, Seong Jihan’s shadow sword slashed the dragon in one strike.

The battle was unilateral.

-The dragon appeared to be quite strong at first... Why did it turn into such a punching bag?
-Didn’t Seong Jihan withstand titans and dragons before? How could this bloodline of the Dragon Lord handle him one-on-one LOL🤣
-Seong Jihan>>>>>> Dragons>>>>>>> The rest of humanity...?🤔
-That seems to be the case from the looks of today's game.

The Red-Maned Dragon Race that had dominated the game from match one.

It seemed like humanity would lose the fourth game too, due to the Dragon Flare wiping out the warriors in one blow, but,

Seong Jihan, the sole survivor, was now beating the dragon decisively, and humanity felt relieved.

However,

-Wow, this guy just won't die, huh? Ugh.
-Is this what the Space League is all about? Why are there only these immortal beings?
-From elves to now this guy, they just keep coming back to life, seriously.

Despite the dragon's body being destroyed, and Yoon Se-jin's physical state not being normal, the sight of the Red Dragon transforming into fire and regenerating left viewers anxious, wondering if the game might turn around if it dragged on.

‘I’ve used Crimson Divinity enough by now.'

On the other hand,

Meanwhile, having grown accustomed to using the Crimson Divinity Art through training with the dragon sandbag, Seong Jihan decided it was time to end the game.

Zzzt!

A more powerful crimson lightning enveloped the entire body of Altarkaizen but,

From where Altarkaizen disappeared, flames surged, revealing him in his fiery dragon form.

[This monster...! During the hidden boss fight, you must have been concealing your power! However, you won’t be able to defeat me before this game ends! If time runs out, victory will be ours...!]

Now aiming to drag the game out for a win, Altarkaizen had given up on actual combat.

While Seong Jihan and Yoon Sejin, who was thrown down the mountain, outnumbered the dragons in survival count.

Considering the unique nature of dragon entities, it’s possible that dragons could be considered 50 survivors due to four egg summons.

=Dragons are calculated as 10 individuals per entity, right?

=Since four eggs were summoned as dragon entities... humans could potentially have 50 survivors.

=If it keeps dragging on without dying, we might actually lose the fourth game as that dragon has predicted!

[You will be banned starting from the next game!]

Even as a flame dragon with renewed vigor, Altarkaizen boasted while Seong Jihan continued his relentless assault.

Seong Jihan frowned upon seeing the dragon reviving no matter how potent the attacks were.

'The dragons I met before didn’t have such regenerative capabilities. Is it because Altarkaizen has a unique bloodline?'

Using Crimson Divinity, infused with void power, should have made such regeneration less effective.

Yet, Altarkaizen was resisting the void and showing infinite regeneration.

At this rate, the game could indeed be lost due to running out of time.

Seong Jihan decided to investigate the cause.

Fundamental Divine Arts: Annihilation God's Secret, Ice Heaven Sword Rain

Seong Jihan’s Shadow sword Eclipse froze over and ascended towards the sky.

Krakkrak!

The sky around the sword crystallized rapidly.

'The sword rain will now search for that source of life.'

Ice Heaven Sword Rain, the ability that pinpointed the cause of the Chieftain's revival,

Seong Jihan hoped the sword rain stretching out would detect the dragon's anomaly.

But,

'Eh? Where’s it going?'

Krak! Krak...!

From the icy sky, the sword rain, which should have spread downward, was flying upwards instead.

Then,

The ice vanished as the sword rain followed it into the sky.

=That skill... looks like what was used to subdue the orcs.

=Why is the ice ascending to the sky though?

=Ah. Now it’s gone completely out of sight!

The commentators, who were expecting the game to end as soon as Ice Heaven Sword Rain appeared, were taken aback as it vanished into the distance.

Despite an overwhelming one-sided battle, could they really lose because of running out of time?

But then,

"Hmm..."

Seong Jihan, feeling where his shadow sword Eclipse had aimed, “Come back.”

He retrieved the flying Eclipse.

[Did you lose your composure due to the urgency of time? You used the skill in a strange place.]

Looking at Seong Jihan like that, Red Dragon Altarkaizen sneered, but...

"The sword flew toward the sun."

[What?]

"Is the sun the source of your regeneration?"

[Hmph. This is a power unique to dragons connected to the Dragon Lord's bloodline! You're wasting your skills and talking nonsense!]

"Is that so? Let's test it."

Seong Jihan's sword, swirling with void force, expanded the shadows.

[Warp!]

Although Altarkaizen tried to escape as far away as possible from the incoming strike,

"This map is too small."

Seong Jihan quickly caught up and thrust his sword downwards.

Fundamental Divine Arts, Dark Shadow Technique - Shadow Divine Blade

Swoosh...!

An exploding shadow energy.

The darkness consumed Altarkaizen's body and instantly became a giant pillar, stretching towards the heavens and the earth.

[Foolish speculation! Look, I will revive again.]

Within the pillar of darkness, Altarkaizen, transformed into a dragon, regenerated from his sword-infused body. However...

[Mmm...]

The flames, unlike before, were definitely weaker.

[What... My eggs...!]

And the four flame dragons he carried were conspicuously losing power.

"It's the sun."

[How...?]

Altarkaizen tried to question how he knew about the origin of his power, but the flames that had transformed him into a dragon quickly faded into the darkness. He could no longer speak.

[The fourth game is over.]

[The humans win.]

[Seong Jihan is selected as the MVP of the fourth game.]

And the system message floated up.

Seong Jihan, unsurprisingly, gazed at the victory and MVP selection message but,

[The 'Dragon Lord', the Great Constellation is interested in you.]

[He wishes to sponsor you. Would you accept?]

He was taken aback by the subsequent message, immediately following the game's conclusion.

Not only was he surprised by the Dragon Lord’s name offering to sponsor him right after the game ended.

'It's a Great Constellation...'

The Great Constellation was a term he hadn’t encountered before.