"So? Did you win?"

"We finished the regular league in first place, but we'll only remain this year's champion if we win the Korean Series as well."

"Even so, finishing the regular league in first surely means a high chance of winning the Korean Series too, doesn't it? You promised a championship within two years, and it looks like you'll keep that promise in one instead of two."

"No. I'm aiming for the championship in year two."

Tak-hyeon tilted his head and asked, "Finishing first in the regular league means you go straight to the Korean Series, doesn't it? Am I wrong?"

"That's correct."

"And yet even so, this year's championship isn't your goal—next year's is? So you think we won't win this time?"

"Yes. I think it will be difficult this year."

"Hahaha."

Tak-hyeon burst out laughing at the absurdity of it, tapping his fingers on the desk as he asked, "What's the reason?"

"The reason is nothing complicated. Having finished the regular league with such an overwhelming record, the players and even the coaching staff have fallen into complacency. Even though our opponent hasn't even come up yet, they're already showing signs of letting their guard down. If this continues, we'll never win."

Tak-hyeon's expression hardened at Seong-ho's words. Idleness and complacency were the things he despised most.

Seeing Tak-hyeon's darkened mood, Seong-ho offered words to ease it.

"But if we take this as a lesson, I believe it will lay excellent groundwork for building a dynasty."

At that, Tak-hyeon looked at him with interest, and Seong-ho explained in a calm voice, briefly, what was to come.

"If we lose the championship to complacency, the team will learn that they must give their all in every circumstance. A squad and coaching staff who've realized they must stay fully committed, never letting up until the very final moment of the game, will become the foundation of a dynasty that can never be toppled."

Tak-hyeon wore a satisfied expression at Seong-ho's words. That was exactly the kind of team he wanted.

Tak-hyeon tapped the desk and said, "Then couldn't you…