Descent of the Demon Master

Chapter 568. Persuading (3)

“What kind of magic spell did you use, Yu-Min?” Oh Jin-Hyeong asked seriously.

“I'm sorry?” Park Yu-Min was greatly taken aback by the intensity of that question and retreated a little.

“What did you do to change your nature so much, dude? I told you to learn how to be more aggressive, you know? Not come back here as a bloodthirsty mad dog.”

“Uhm... Sorry about that, Director.”

“No, no. No need to apologize. This is what I actually wanted, anyway,” said Oh Jin-Hyeong. He could barely suppress his deeply-pleased grin from etching on his face. 'Yes, this is what I'm talking about!'

Oh Jin-Hyeong's team was evaluated as possessing solid combat strength, but it'd still often lose by a hair's breadth.

Next time, it'd be their turn. The next season would be when they win lots of trophies! Just how many years have they repeated those words? However, the team would always falter at the last hurdle.

Oh Jin-Hyeong used to think long and hard about why this happened and eventually discovered the reason. What his team needed was a 'crack'. [1]

This story applied to pretty much all team sports. Bringing together a group of excellent players could create a top-tier team. However, to win the league, something else was needed. Something even greater. An X factor!

What Oh Jin-Hyeong lacked in his team was a crack who could flip the match on its head! And what did that crack need to be successful? Simple. It was relentless aggressiveness.

Those who always planned ahead and went for a safer style of play could make good pro gamers. However, they could never become top stars capable of turning the match on its head.

But now... a pro possessing the quality of such a star had materialized right before Oh Jin-Hyeong's eyes!

'Kinda ironic that it's none other than Park Yu-Min, but who cares!'

A star was meant to be a star, regardless of what. In the history of Galaxy, no one's career should be as exciting as Park Yu-Min's. Of course, there were plenty of players more popular than Park Yu-Min. That was the only real blemish on his otherwise impeccable career.

Park Yu-Min's personality was the culprit responsible for his achievements being knocked down a peg. But to think he'd return after revamping his playing style like this!

“Yu-Min, you must've worked hard, dude. Congrats.” Oh Jin-Hyeong offered a heartfelt congratulations. He knew better than anyone that a pro gamer changing their play style was one of the hardest things to do in this world.

“Thank you,” Park Yu-Min gently smiled back.

“Actually... Mm…” Oh Jin-Hyeong stopped himself, wondering how he should start this conversation. Obviously, he wouldn't be this considerate while dealing with a newbie trainee. Regardless of whatever ultimatum he'd issue, the other side wouldn't have a choice but to heed it, after all! However, the story was radically different this time. Park Yu-Min was the other side in this conversation.

Even if Oh Jin-Hyeong was the team director, he simply had to be more considerate toward an esports athlete of Park Yu-Min's caliber.

“With what you've shown us today, you becoming the team's key player should've been a done deal, but... Let me be honest, Yu-Min. I can't guarantee anything.”

“That's fine,” Park Yu-Min replied without much concern.

The esports scene was basically a marathon. A one-off demonstration of a player's form wasn't enough to become a team's ace. Especially more so if the game in question was team-based and required the teammates to be in sync with each other.

“Also... Yu-Min, it's true that people's salaries have gone up on average compared to when you were still active, but... I think it'll be difficult to match your previous salary.”

“I see.”

“Obviously, you should be paid more than regular trainees. And I bet you that the team boss will only be too happy to dump a truckload of money on you after you join us. Even so... I'm gonna be honest, man. It'll be difficult to pay you as much as we used to.”

“No, Director. It's fine. Even I think that's fair. That was in the past, and this is now, anyway. I don't mind even if you pay me what all the other trainees get.”

“Eiii, that's not right. That's definitely against morals, Yu-Min. When we tell the public about your return, our team's official merch will start flying off the shelves, you know? That alone should guarantee you monthly salaries matching a first-team athlete.”

“Even so...”

“Don't worry about it. This is something my side should deal with. In any case, I hope you understand the financial side of the situation. Your salary won't be as high as before.”

“I really don't mind it, Director.”

“Thanks for saying that,” Oh Jin-Hyeong chuckled affably. 'Right... Yu-Min's always been like this.'

Park Yu-Min never really had any material desires. Back when he was doing great as a pro, he just deposited all his salaries and victory prizes in his bank account and did nothing with them. Such was Park Yu-Min's thriftiness that Oh Jin-Hyeong even had to chew the kid out for it!

Now that Oh Jin-Yeong looked back, though...

'Hah. Yu-Min's the smart one here, huh...'

None of the pro gamers who used to receive similar salaries as Park Yu-Min back then still possessed their wealth now. Many of them threw their money away by dabbling in things they had no idea about, like stock markets and investment schemes. Meanwhile, the really dumb ones recklessly spent their wealth like there was no tomorrow until they bankrupted themselves.

Considering what happened to those folks, maybe Park Yu-Min was the smart one here.

Oh Jin-Hyeong leaned in his chair and stared at Park Yu-Min. “So, when can you start?”

Park Yu-Min asked in a solemn voice. “...Did I pass, though?”

“Eh?”

“Please tell me the results first, Director.”

“Really?” Oh Jin-Hyeong chuckled in dismay, then pulled out a packet of cigarettes from his pocket. He mouthed a cigarette, lit it up, then leisurely released the gray smoke into the office. “If I don't give my approval to a dude who utterly crushed our team's ace, who should I give it to?”

Park Yu-Min's expression grew a little excited.

“Originally, I should be starting my lecture about how tough it is to make a living as a pro gamer in this day and age, but...” Oh Jin-Hyeong sheepishly scratched his head. “I don't think I can do that to you. You probably know the truth better than me, anyway. So let me save my breath. In any case, welcome back to the team, Yu-Min. We'll be in your care.”

“Thank you, Director. No, hyung.”

“No problem. So, time to give me your answer. When can you start?”

“Mm...” Park Yu-Min rubbed his chin. “I think I will need a bit of time to reorganize my life, hyung.”

“I see. I expected as much…” Oh Jin-Hyeon slowly nodded. He knew all about Park Yu-Min's circumstances, so he chose not to pursue this issue any further. “Still, things have changed a lot, Yu-Min. Unlike in the past, you're free to come and go as you please. When there are no tournaments to worry about, you can even go home for a few days, too. So, don't get too worked up about reshuffling your life, and just join us as soon as you can.”

“Heol? Really?”

“By the way, don't tell the kids about how things were like back in the day, okay? They'll think that's a story from a prehistoric era or something. And look at you like you're a monkey in a zoo.”

“Hehe…” Park Yu-Min giggled while getting up to leave. “Then, can I get going now?”

“Sure. And you did great, Yu-Min. I mean it. Contact me after you figure out when you can join the team. Also... I know you'll do a good job, but I still gotta nag you for a bit here. Don't you ever stop practicing just because you passed the test, okay? Or your form will decline. Keep gaming even while reorganizing your life. Got that?”

“Yes, hyung. Don't worry.”

“Eii... I shouldn't be saying these things to you, but... Maybe I'm getting on in years or something. Look at me, nagging you like a grandma and all…”

Park Yu-Min left behind the grumbling team director and left the office. Choi Jeong-Wu waiting nearby rushed up to him and impatiently asked a question. “Hyung! What did the director say?”

“Mm? He wants me to join the team.”

“I knew it!” Choi Jeong-Wu tightly clenched his fists in excitement.

Park Yu-Min couldn't help but chuckle when Choi Jeong-Wu rejoiced as if he was the one being hired. “Come on, dude. It's only the beginning, you know?”

“Yes, I know. It's only the beginning. I get that. And it won't be too late to celebrate after we win, right?”

“Eh? Aren't you dreaming too big too soon? I'm not going to be that helpful, you know?”

“Eiii~, hyung. Look at our team, okay? Our firepower is top-notch, let me tell ya. It's just that we miss out on victories by a hair's breadth most of the time, but people call us the Uncrowned Kings for a reason!”

“Huh? I thought it was the Perennial Runners-Up?”

“Oh, uh... So, you saw that, eh?” Choi Jeong-Wu scratched his head. “But, with you around...! We can definitely win now. Others will try even harder with you around. I'm sure of it.”

“I'm just a reserve, though. I don't think I can be much of a help other than practicing with you.”

“Urgh, hyung. You're doing it again. I already know that's not what you really think, okay?” Choi Jeong-Wu chuckled good-naturedly. Even though Park Yu-Min often self-deprecated himself, no one's flames of competitiveness burned brighter than his. 'I just know it. Yu-Min hyung will be a massive help to us.'

Even if Park Yu-Min didn't live up to the hype and failed to make the team's ace, that shouldn't really matter. The current players had become too complacent and too full of themselves lately, so Park Yu-Min spurring them on with just his presence alone would be a net gain from the team's perspective.

And those who were no different from amateurs would definitely feel something after witnessing what Park Yu-Min had achieved.

“By the way, hyung? How did you manage to change your play style? Doing something like that can't be easy, right?” Choi Jeong-Wu tilted his head in confusion.

“...I needed to survive, you see?”

“Eh?”

Park Yu-Min suddenly began shuddering in indignation as if recalling the memories was enough to make him grit his teeth. “There's this guy who'd pounce at me to rip my head off whenever I tried something in the game, you see? I tried to practice with him and before long... Well, here I am. Thanks to him, now I know that a madman going crazy out in front will make life so much easier for the people at the back…”

“Oh, uh...” Choi Jeong-Wu frowned before remembering someone. “Wait. Are you talking about that mystery friend? The one you practiced with every now and then?”

“Yeah, him. His name is Jin-Ho.”

Choi Jeong-Wu chuckled loudly. “...Huh? Didn't that hyung also play Galaxy in that manner? I guess old habits die hard, eh?”

“Nope,” Park Yu-Min firmly shook his head. “At least he was more or less human during the Galaxy days. But now? He's an animal.”

“...”

“You know what he said? It's okay to lose the war, but a man must not lose the battle. Seriously! I'm telling you, he's totally nuts!”

Choi Jeong-Wu clamped his mouth shut. Once upon a time not too long ago, Park Yu-Min's friend with the username 'KILLYM' used to turn the Battlenet upside down with his antics. Some said that must've been an alt account of a top pro gamer, while others argued that it must be an undiscovered hidden expert unaffiliated with anyone.

Although this mystery player didn't engage in many matches, that person utterly crushed famous pros whenever he decided to log in. And that man was...

'Not many people outside of our team know the identity of that mystery dude...'

Choi Jeong-Wu grimaced a little after his memories flooded in. Many people speculated that this KILLYM must've had some kind of a remarkable backstory, but the truth was much simpler. As it turned out, he was just Park Yu-Min's close friend. Close enough to bicker and quarrel while playing computer games!

'KILLYM's aggressiveness was already legendary back then, though?'

None of KILLYM's matches lasted for long. If a small opening presented itself, he'd charge forward like a raging bull to destroy his targets. Just how many pro gamers had to suffer a mental breakdown at that reckless aggressiveness? But now... Park Yu-Min was saying that back then, KILLYM was still human? And now he was more like an animal?!

Park Yu-Min chuckled hollowly. “Why don't you play against him and see for yourself? Your horizons will broaden itself, and you'll quickly learn that undiscovered worlds still exist out there.”

“I'd like to decline the offer, thanks.” Choi Jeong-Wu smiled weakly and shook his head as he still treasured his sanity.

“I thought as much. Anyway, I'll be in your care, Jeong-Wu. And...” Park Yu-Min scanned the practice area. “I wanted to say goodbyes before leaving, but... I guess it's better not to?”

“Yeah, I also think that's a better idea.”

“Hmm...” Park Yu-Min noticed Gwok Hyeon-Tae still glued to his seat and sighed softly. “Hey, Jeong-Wu... Help him get over it, okay?”

“Can't I tease him for a bit first? That brat's been too arrogant lately, so this should be a good learning experience for him.”

“Don't be like that. Weren't you the same as Hyeon-Tae in the past?”

“...Well, yeah. That's true.” Choi Jeong-Wu chuckled awkwardly while scratching his head.

All pro gamers were competitive by nature. In other words, they could get very self-centered, which meant most of them couldn't maintain amicable relationships with their peers. Everyone made this mistake at least once in their career.

Park Yu-Min patted Choi Jeong-Wu on the back. “Come on... He's your teammate, right? You gotta play nice and help him get over this loss. I'm sure Hyeon-Tae will try even harder after realizing that it's only the beginning.”

“Got it, hyung. Leave it to me.”

“Great! Okay, I'm going now. See you later.”

“Goodbye, Yu-Min hyung! Have a safe trip.” Choi Jeong-Wu waved his hand as Park Yu-Min exited the team's practice area. There was no need to follow Park Yu-Min out like the last time. After all, Park Yu-Min was the winner today.

'This feels so weird...'

How could it not feel weird when Choi Jeong-Wu's idol was returning to the scene, and now they had a chance to work together as a team? Maybe the basketball players who debuted after Michael Jordan had retired felt this way after the king of the basketball court decided to come out of retirement for one more shot at glory.

'Well, it's not to that extent just yet, but...'

Realistically speaking, the odds of Park Yu-Min maintaining top form for a long time were slim at best. This story applied to all types of comeback situations, too. Anyone coming out of retirement hoping to regain their former glory would inevitably hit the wall of reality sooner or later.

When viewed objectively, what lay in Park Yu-Min's future was no better than spending a year as a reserve before getting expelled or changing his job to an assistant coach. Still...

'Who knows what the future holds, anyway?'

Choi Jeong-Hu had a sneaky suspicion that things might not work out that way. After all, this situation involved Park Yu-Min. The one-and-only Park Yu-Min!

“Jeong-Wu hyung! Aren't you gonna practice?”

“Oh...! Hold on, I'm coming!”

The team practice session was about to begin. Choi Jeong-Wu quickly headed to his computer and secured himself into his chair. That was when he suddenly thought of something.

“Huh. Just how crazy is that mystery hyung's gameplay style, anyway? I wonder, is it really crazy enough for Yu-Min hyung to say all those things?”

Choi Jeong-Wu thought that maybe he should play against Kang Jin-Ho one of these days to satisfy his curiosity.

1. 'Crack' is a term usually used in soccer and refers to a special player who can significantly impact the game. ☜