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.
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 first three matches in the Space League have concluded.]
[From now on, bonuses will be given to facilitate smooth league progress for all races.]
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 heads 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?"
"No, that's the correct judgement."
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 the right 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 heads stood up from their seats as he entered the room.
"Your dominant performance defeating the dragons in the last game was truly impressive."
"The Space League 3-game win streak is all 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 it if we decide on a national bonus in public…!"
The association heads 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,
-You overlooked the free prophecy last time but I couldn't just let it pass.
Having heard the prophecy from Pythia, a disciple of the Martial God, he changed his mind.
-Share the bonus option items you received this time with the world. New options will emerge then.
-And that… will save you later.
'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 make it public," he strongly advocated during the public meeting.
And eventually, as if unable to understand each other, the association heads of the eight countries looked at each other.
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