APGD 48

Chapter 48

Debut: 99th Year
Pro Gamer

Song Gi-hak’s mouth unconsciously dropped open as he stared at Lee Do-soo’s monitor.

“What… is that?!”

His pupils, now as large as lampshades, shook violently.

It was as if Corqui had come alive right in front of him.

The agile movements that dodged the enemy’s skills were so fluid, and the kiting that seemed to read every opponent’s intention was astonishing.

Would it feel like this if Messi, at the peak of soccer, casually dribbled past elementary school kids?

A level at least three tiers above the rookie team members.

In other words, a completely different class.

“What on earth did I just witness?”

It was a kind of power that didn’t even need words.

A shiver ran across his body, raising the hairs on his arms.

His head felt buzzing and numb.

“Could it be that what he showed in the previous match wasn’t even his full power?”

Song Gi-hak had somewhat expected Lee Do-soo’s performance today.

Yes, to some extent.

He had held considerable expectations.

But even so, not to this extent.

“Could there really be such an overwhelming gap between him and our third-string starters?”

This was beyond expectation.

Lee Do-soo’s skill and talent surpassed imagination.

How could an amateur, about to join a pro team, display such a performance?

“Come to think of it, has he ever shown a single flaw today?”

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t find the slightest fault.

Basic skills, laning concepts, in-game operations, judgment, leadership… even his understanding and mastery of non-primary ADC characters.

Everything from A to Z was nearly perfect.

Not an exaggeration.

With this level of carry, he could easily compete with the S-tier mid-laners of the first team.

The thought kept surfacing in his mind.

Then, he heard voices.

“Whhaaat?! He’s clearing all that by himself?”

“Wow! That Tactic Maker has insane physical ability!”

From a short distance away, two men’s genuine admiration reached him.

They were analysts from the Bears team.

“How does a true mid-laner handle ADCs so smoothly?”

“Among recent prospects, he’s definitely one of the all-time greats.”

“The class difference is huge. He’s blatantly unbalanced compared to the others.”

“Exactly. Why would he even try to enter the academy? He’s not even fit for amateur level—he’d easily surpass Division 2 or 3.”

“With that talent, he could set the record for the highest mid-laner value in Korea within two years.”

The analysts, seemingly forgetting to be reserved, poured out honest praise.

Song Gi-hak briefly turned to them.

His gaze met one of the analysts.

“Oh! Sorry, Executive Director! Was my voice too loud?”

“Hahaha, no! It’s fine, just watch comfortably.”

“Yes!”

Song Gi-hak turned his gaze back to the front.

“To set the record for the highest mid-laner value in Korea within two years…”

The Bears’ analysts were known for their high standards.

Their role required pinpointing players’ weaknesses and habits, so their perspective was sharp and often harsh.

And yet, even these analysts were giving such high praise?

He couldn’t help but chuckle.

He recalled his earlier conversation with Ra Yeon-mok:

“Executive Director, you’ll see it in this match. There’s a rare case where a single player can even bend the ‘world stage.’ And Lee Do-soo is that kind of monster.”

At the time, Song Gi-hak had laughed it off, thinking it was just Ra Yeon-mok’s obsessive fondness.

But the reality in front of him?

“I need to reassess Lee Do-soo’s value from scratch.”

As if reading his thoughts, Ra Yeon-mok gave a meaningful smile.

“How is it, Executive Director? Your impressions after seeing the monster with your own eyes?”

Ra Yeon-mok spoke calmly and plainly.

No raised voice, no humming. Yet the words struck hard.

“I suppose I underestimated him.”

A bitter smile formed naturally on Song Gi-hak’s face.

“Lee Do-soo’s strength isn’t just speed or physical ability. He perfectly understands the ball. So in any situation, he instinctively makes the best decision.”

“….”

“You must have noticed. He doesn’t just copy standard plays. Even with new patch versions, he finds creative ways to fit the team’s style.”

Ra Yeon-mok’s eyes sparkled as he continued.

“Especially, Lee Do-soo comes up with strategies and tactics even I can’t imagine. That’s why his nickname is ‘Tactic Maker!’”

“That’s high praise.”

“Yes. Even the strategy in the first set was all his idea.”

“!!”

“All of it—the bans and picks, laning plans, in-game operations, tactics—everything that led to victory started in his head. Naturally, he also optimized them himself!”

Unexpected.

He had assumed the strategies came from the brilliant strategist, Ra Yeon-mok.

“All of that came from Lee Do-soo’s head?”

Song Gi-hak crossed his arms and rested his chin on his finger.

“A flashy, physical, genius-type player specialized in strategy. How many players like him exist in the entire league? Even ignoring the fact he’s an amateur with no pro team experience.”

“….”

“So I ask you again sincerely. Whatever it takes, please secure Lee Do-soo today!”

Ra Yeon-mok bowed deeply, eyes darkened by fatigue but shining with life.

A gentle smile curved Song Gi-hak’s lips.

“Don’t worry. I won’t miss him either. He’s the best raw gem.”

After the second set, the score was a clean 2:0 win.

But by Song Gi-hak’s suggestion, they played one more game—the third set.

Though they won the second set, it had been a comeback victory in content.

So the team was excited for a chance to improve their earlier performance.

For the third set, no unusual strategies or psychological plays were used.

Like the previous rookie team, everyone picked their strongest characters.

As a result, they achieved a crushing victory, just like the first set.

[Victory!]

Seeing the victory screen, I took a deep breath and removed my headset.

Park Yong-won and Jeong Jo-jun did the same—more like throwing them onto the desk in excitement.

“Waaah!!”

“We won!!”

Then came Kang Ha-neul:

“Yes! That’s our team!! We poured everything into the final set! Nice!!”

Everyone rushed over to me.

Hugs more intense than high-fives.

I was spun around with them a few times.

Wow, dizzy.

This energy was even higher than the Seoul regional selection.

“Calm down, everyone! I can’t breathe!”

I managed to slip out of the group.

There stood Moon Seong-bit, awkwardly distant.

Despite the past two days’ efforts, we hadn’t fully bridged the gap with him.

“Nice play.”

I smiled and extended my hand.

True to form, Moon Seong-bit barely changed his expression.

A slight smile, but he came a few steps forward to slap palms with me.

“Nice play…”

Other teammates gave quick high-fives with Moon Seong-bit.

Then, outside the practice room window, I noticed ‘him’.

“Hmm…? Hando-chi?”

Hando-chi, the Bears’ former first-team support, known as the “great wildcard.”

He may have briefly entered the practice room during the first set.

Judging by the door and timing, he was watching the rookie team’s practice.

Ra Yeon-mok approached briskly:

“Excellent performance today!! Especially Lee Do-soo! Your situational judgment and focus were amazing! Perfect till the last game!”

He grabbed my hand, shaking it up and down violently.

Strangely addictive.

“Thank you, Coach Ra.”

My gaze shifted naturally to Song Gi-hak.

He had been observing us with his arms crossed, now walking toward me.

“Good work. That was very entertaining. I almost lost track of time watching the games.”

“Thank you.”

He scanned the team’s faces, then smiled at me.

“I’ll positively consider your previous request. Based on that, let’s proceed with negotiations again. Right now.”

It was time for the second negotiation table.