The Martial God who Regressed Back to Level 2 Novel

Chapter 263

Located in New York, the World BattleNet Federation building.

In a conference room on the basement floor.

The heads of the BattleNet associations from various countries gathered.

"The countries that received messages from the BattleNet system, are there a total of 8 countries...?"

"I heard that the top 8 countries in the national rankings from last year were selected. Is that true?"

"Everyone, have you kept the secret well?"

The representative of the BattleNet Association in the United States looked around cautiously.

Representatives from various countries nodded with serious expressions.

"Yes, of course."

"We reported to the government, but they were even more cautious."

"Of course. If rumors about the 'bonus' spread unnecessarily, it could become tiresome."

As the representatives of each country discussed, they recalled the events from a few days ago.

The day when the representative team of humanity achieved victory against the dragons in battle and proudly won three league victories.

"The first three matches in the Space League have all ended."

"From now on, bonuses will be given to facilitate smooth progress in the league for all races."

People were able to see these system messages.

However, unlike ordinary people who only saw these two lines of content.

"Select a bonus item."

"The authority to select bonus items is given to the top 8 countries in last year's Champions League rankings."

A message to select a bonus item also came to the heads of the associations.

"You did well with your performance last year."

"It's an incredible authority."

"Thanks to the Sword Emperor last year, we were able to advance smoothly in the Champions League."

Including the United States and China, who always compete for first and second place.

Even the head of the BattleNet Association in Japan, who did not perform well in terms of results in 2021, was able to attend this secret meeting because the criteria were based on last year's performance.

"Hey, have you seen the bonus items?"

"Of course."

"There are so many good ones."

"An increase in player experience points or an increase in gift generation probability... all of them are necessary items for our humanity."

"But..."

The heads of the eight associations looked at each other and smiled meaningfully.

"These kinds of items, efficiency is the most important, right?"

"That's right. A bonus item that applies to everyone seems to be less efficient."

"After all, BattleNet is a game that is conducted by selecting a small number of elites. Choosing and focusing on such bonuses is essential."

The authority to select bonus items that apply to humanity.

The options given to the heads of the associations from BattleNet were more than ten.

Among them, options that apply to everyone, such as a 30% experience bonus or a 10% increase in gift generation probability.

While they are good to have, they were not conditions that would greatly advance the players.

"That's right. Rather than that, 'strengthening national bonuses' seems to be the best option..."

"Shouldn't the leading countries continue to lead humanity?"

What caught the attention of the eight association presidents, however, was the strengthened national bonus option.

Depending on the country's ranking, this option provides differentiated bonuses to players affiliated with each country.

Not only does it increase experience points and GP acquisition rate, but it also provides various other benefits.

"Yes. When I calculated it, it was a significant advantage for the top 20 countries."

"Oh. But what about the Japanese representative? After this year, their ranking is likely to worsen, right? Even though their performance hasn't been great lately since Sung JiHan left."

"Haha...! The Chinese representative seems to be exaggerating. Isn't it normal for performance to fluctuate? No matter how difficult it has been for us recently, we can maintain our position within the top 20 in the world rankings."

"Oh, I see. Well, that's fortunate then."

The Japanese association president grumbled in response to the Chinese association president's comment.

Nevertheless, when it came to strengthening national bonuses, everyone was in favor.

"Hmm. So it seems that some consensus has been reached."

"For the strengthened national bonuses... does everyone agree?"

"Yes. That's correct."

The eight representatives looked at each other and nodded.

It seemed that there had been some prior coordination before entering the meeting room, as the option was quickly decided upon.

However...

"Well then... we'll have to wait for him."

The secret meeting was not yet over.

A bonus item that would apply to all of humanity.

"There are players affiliated with the 'Space 4' area in the top zone."

"Player 'Sung JiHan' will also be given additional selection options."

"To ensure smooth league progress, please select a bonus item!"

The authority to choose belonged to Sung JiHan as well.

And soon...

Smart.

"I'm the last one to arrive."

As the door to the conference room opened, Sung JiHan entered.

* * *

"After the BattleNet main game, why were national bonuses strengthened like this...?"

The reason was here.

Sung JiHan recalled his previous life, where he finished in 7th place in the rankings despite being the practical ace of the United States.

Baron, who was ranked 1st, was difficult to defeat because of his two gift items in the status window.

But the other rankers could have won against Sung JiHan's performance, if not for his previous nationality.

At that time, he thought it was unfair when he couldn't climb the rankings no matter how active he was.

"Now the situation has changed."

In his previous life, Korea, which had fallen into ruins due to the Dungeon Portal, was in a state of disarray.

But this time, it was different.

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

It was considered a superpower that could aspire to the 3rd or 4th place in the BattleNet global rankings.

Korea, which would become a beneficiary rather than a victim of the "strengthened national bonuses."

And the cause of this change was...

"Player Sung JiHan. Have you arrived?!"

As expected, it was Sung JiHan.

When he entered, the eight association presidents stood up in unison from the conference room.

"Your outstanding performance in the previous match, where you subdued the Dragon... I was truly impressed."

"The three consecutive victories in the Space League are thanks to Sung JiHan's skills."

"Have you looked into the bonus options? We would like to hear Sung JiHan's opinion."

They approached Sung JiHan and greeted him with smiles on their faces, even the Japanese and Chinese association presidents who had been uncomfortable with him.

It was as if he appeared to be their superior.

"Sung JiHan is beyond competition as a player. He is a transcendent being."

"We must create a positive image for him."

"To defeat the Dragon so one-sidedly... How can a human do that?"

The reason they came out with such an attitude was because of the aftermath of the previous match.

Sung JiHan, who annihilated the Dragon race in one fell swoop in the first match and unilaterally subdued them in the fourth match.

The power he showed at that time made people no longer think of him as a competitor.

He became an extraordinary figure, someone to be revered.

Sung JiHan looked at them for a moment and opened his mouth.

"Regarding the bonus options, I believe the association presidents have already discussed it in advance."

"Ah. Yes. We did have a discussion among ourselves."

"Well... The 'National Bonus Enhancement Option' seems to be the best."

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

Sung JiHan looked around at the association presidents.

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

"Of course, among the options, there are also bonuses that are concentrated on top-ranked players... But if you calculate it, it is less efficient than the national bonus received by the top 20 countries."

"Wouldn't Korea, to which Sung JiHan belongs, see a significant increase in ranking this year? After the ranking selection is over this year, you will be able to greatly benefit from the national bonus."

"The national bonus will be a win-win choice for everyone!"

The two representatives, who usually growl at each other, were now united in persuading Sung JiHan.

This was not only because the privileged countries were colluding to make it known, but also because they realized when they were in the position to choose the options.

"Considering the options, the efficiency of the national bonus is too good compared to others."

Although the national bonus concentrated benefits on top-ranked countries,

in terms of selection and concentration, it was the most efficient.

Although Korea did not benefit from it in the previous life,

now that Sung JiHan was in Korea, they could fully enjoy the benefits of the national bonus.

Even if they shared their opinions with them here, there would be no losses like last time.

Instead, they would only gain from the national bonus.

However,

"I would prefer if the option selection for this time is decided through a public meeting."

Sung JiHan, who had the authority to choose the bonus options, chose public disclosure over a closed-door agreement.

"A public meeting... Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"That, well... wouldn't there be a problem? The best efficiency won't be achieved."

"From a low-ranking country, it's clear that we would oppose deciding it as a national bonus!"

The association leaders expressed their concerns at Sung JiHan's words.

And rightly so, only a maximum of 20 countries enjoy the benefits of the national bonus.

The remaining countries were at a disadvantage compared to other bonus options.

But if we were to go into a public meeting and show these option conditions, and choose to strengthen the national bonus...

Would other countries just sit still?

"Why on earth are you trying to reveal this authority?"

"I can't understand. It's clearly a proposal that benefits both Korea and Sung JiHan himself..."

"Are they trying to strengthen the concentration of the top tier? Even if it's put to a majority vote, it will be difficult to pass."

The association leaders smiled on the surface and gently persuaded Sung JiHan, but inside, they were boiling with anger.

The leaders of the top tier must make wise choices.

If it is made public, depending on the relationships between countries, it is clear that a less efficient bonus will be chosen...

Why are they doing this?

"If it is made public worldwide, we will suggest choosing an option that benefits everyone."

"A 10% increase in the appearance rate of gifts or an additional increase in experience points... These options are much less efficient compared to the national bonus. If Sung JiHan, who is now ranked first, gets banned, other human players should quickly grow and fulfill their roles... What will happen if we choose such an option?"

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

They appealed to Sung JiHan so earnestly, but...

"Then, should we turn on the Battle Tube right here?"

"Ah, no. Why on earth are you doing this!?"

"This is not just for us. The national bonus is the option that will most efficiently navigate the Space League!"

"I understand. But let's make it public."

"Ah, no..."

Sung JiHan's attitude was firm.

"Even I was planning to choose the national bonus until I got on the plane."

In the previous life, he was in a position where he suffered losses from the national bonus.

But this time, it was definitely a benefit, so Sung JiHan initially intended to choose it.

-Oh, Sung JiHan. I have a message for you.

But he was on the plane.

-You said you would give me a free prophecy last time. You just let it go, but I can't just let it pass.

After hearing the prophecy of Pithia, the servant of the gods, he changed his mind.

-Share the bonus option items you received this time with the whole world. Then new choices will come up.

-And that... will save you later.

"The bonus... will save me?"

What kind of option could there be that would save his life?

Curiosity arose in Sung JiHan, and instead of secretly agreeing to the national bonus in the secret room.

"Let's make it public."

He strongly advocated for a public meeting.

And in the end, the association leaders of the eight countries, unable to understand each other, looked at each other as if to say...

"...Understood."

In the end, they had no choice but to follow his opinion.