LOL: My talent is top-tier, my professional skills are unparalleled.

Chapter 460 Clearlove↓! EDG-Kshine↑!
And finally.

May 10th has quietly arrived amidst the anticipation of countless people!

National Convention Center, Hanoi, Vietnam!
The time passed to 11:00 AM.

As the venue opened ahead of schedule, countless fans carrying their support items began to file in!

At the same time, online live streaming channels for each competition area were also opened!

In the official live stream room, the chat screen instantly became densely packed with comments!

"Come on, come on!"

"Is there an EDG match today? Is there an EDG match today?!"

"Upstairs, I know you're anxious, but don't rush, the first match today is EDG."

"Hurry up, I just want to know if Yao-ge is going to go or not!"

"Actually, Scout has been performing quite well this year, so it shouldn't be a big problem if Yao doesn't play."

"That's true... It would be great if Yao could go back to the bottom lane and play a game, sigh."

"..."

Just as the barrage of comments was flooding the screen.

Backstage at the venue.

The EDG members, having already finished their makeup, were sitting in their respective rest rooms.

"Tsk tsk, our first match is against SKT. The official team knows how to generate traffic."

Saint Gun Bro casually crossed his legs, comfortably reclining on the back of his chair, and made a casual remark.

On the sofa next to her, Meiko pouted and said, "What's there to be afraid of? It's not like we haven't won before."

To be honest, the traffic exploded.

They're definitely going to start with a royal flush!

It's safe to say that the official team not only understands how to generate traffic, but also how to play the game...

"So, is Yao going to go straight to the game today?"

As they chatted, Meiko shifted the topic to Wang Yao, a mischievous glint in her eyes:
"How about we wait until the finals and surprise them?"

Wang Yao: "..."

……

Time passed slowly as we chatted.

Before we knew it, it was 11:30 a.m.!

thump -- thump -- thump --

It was accompanied by a very rhythmic drumbeat.

Ahead, the home field.

Welcome to Vietnam!

A Vietnamese host in a formal suit stepped onto the stage and shouted in the local language, "Welcome to all the audience members who have come here!!"

"Oh oh oh!!"

Offstage, many spectators couldn't wait to shout out and respond excitedly.

These audience members came from all over the world and didn't speak the same language, but that didn't stop them from excitedly screaming together!
Watching the game live, of course.

This is exactly the kind of atmosphere I wanted!

Meanwhile, on the other side, in the LPL official commentary booth.

"Hello everyone! The group stage of the 2019 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational is about to begin! This is Vietnam, at the National Convention Center!"

"I'm your commentator for this match, Wawa!"

"I'm the commentator, Miller."

"Hello everyone, I'm the commentator, Remember!"

The three greeted the camera with smiles, looking quite energetic.

soon.

The three official commentators began to warm up the audience.

Wawa spoke first: "I heard that the opening match today is EDG's game?"

"Yes."

Remember to nod affirmatively, and added with a smile, "Moreover, EDG's opponent is also our number one rival, SKT!"

Miller, standing nearby, quickly added, "Then this match is sure to be exciting!"

"Hey, since it's EDG..."

As she spoke, the child looked around at the other two and asked, "Do you think the starting lineup will change?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Ge raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding, and chuckled, "Anyway, I definitely want to receive a message."

"But this is just the group stage, I don't think I'll necessarily play."

"Believe it, okay, let's believe it for now!"

"..."

soon.

The three chatted and laughed for several minutes.

At this moment, Wawa touched her headset, then suddenly looked up and said seriously, "Okay, then let's welcome the arrival of this year's MSI together!"

In the front row, the host had quietly left the stage at some point.

The lights in the venue gradually went out.

Finally, only the golden, hazy spotlights shone on the main stage.

On the big screen, a huge number appeared—60!

59, 58, 57...

Clearly, this is the countdown to the opening ceremony!
At the same time, the background music in the venue stopped, and everything seemed so quiet, like the calm before a storm!
at last.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, this number has reached 0!

boom!
A loud bang echoed throughout the entire venue.

On stage, the spotlight dimmed for a moment, and then all the lights converged on the center of the stage!

There, a figure was standing.

—Sarah Skinner!

As the background music began to flow, a husky yet melodious voice started to resound throughout the entire venue!
"There's no time for redemption..."

MSI theme song – Bring Home the Glory!

Off the court.

Countless spectators began waving their light sticks in rhythm with the music!
In singing.

On the large screen behind, the logos of the participating teams from various competition areas began to appear one after another!
Below, you'll find these teams' historical records from their MSI appearances!
Many wildcard teams are now left without any teams.

Meanwhile, established teams like Team Liquid (TL) have achieved results such as reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals.

but!
The two in the very center, however, are exceptionally dazzling!
EDG!

2015 MSI Mid-Season Invitational Champion, 2018 MSI Mid-Season Invitational Champion!

And, SKT!

2016 MSI Mid-Season Invitational Champion, 2017 MSI Mid-Season Invitational Champion!!
All past MSI champions are gathered here!

In addition, there's the formidable G2 and established powerhouses like TL.

This year's MSI is arguably the most competitive ever!
The four words to describe it are: a gathering of powerful forces!

at this time.

The background music in the venue reached its final climax!

So bring home the glory alive! (Heroes, driven by their legends, will ultimately return home in triumph.)

Sarah Skinner drawled out the last syllable.

next second!
boom--

The music in the entire venue suddenly stopped!

on site.

As the opening theme song ended.

The golden spotlights illuminating the main stage gradually went out.

For a moment, the entire giant stadium seemed to be plunged into darkness.

But soon.

Before the audience could react, the curtain behind the stage suddenly opened, revealing a dazzling display of golden light!
Two enormous doors are slowly being pushed open!

It was as if a switch had been flipped, and the lights throughout the venue gradually became brighter!

At the same time, the host's enthusiastic shout rang out again: "Come on! Let's welcome the first team to take the stage, from the LCS region—Team Liquid!"

"And, from the LEC region—G2!!"

The voice just fell.

As plumes of smoke rose from both sides of the stage, players from the two teams emerged from the two large doors!

At the very front, Doublelift and Caps both held their team flags high and strode forward!
Almost instantly.

A series of screams that pierced the sky erupted from the stands in front!
"TL!! TL!!"

"G2!! G2!!!"

The two teams, representing North America and Europe respectively, clearly have a large fan base.

soon.

New teams continued to emerge from the gates, and the host's voice echoed throughout the venue.

"Welcome to FW team from the LMS region!"

"And the home team—P!V!B!!"

at last.

When the last two teams took the stage, even the host paused his voice, as if to give the audience time to react.

"Welcome! From the LCK region—SKT!!"

"And, from the LPL region... EDG!!!"

As the host deliberately dragged out his voice, the entire venue turned into a sea of ​​madness!

Various banners and team flags bearing the names of the two teams were constantly being waved throughout the stands!

Some of the more excited spectators were especially enthusiastic, their faces practically contorted with fervor, almost ready to rush onto the stage! "SKT!! SKT!!"

"SKT will win!!"

"EDG!!! EDG!!"

"EDG! Invincible!"

A cacophony of shouts and screams soared into the sky!

Compared to the other teams mentioned above, these two are undoubtedly on a completely different level in terms of popularity!
quite a while.

The intense atmosphere at the scene finally cooled down a bit.

The host wiped the cold sweat from his brow and raised the microphone again: "So! Now, all six teams for the group stage are assembled! I hereby announce!!"

As he spoke, he raised his hand and then swung it down violently!
"2019 League of Legends MSI Mid-Season Invitational, Group Stage! Now, let's begin!!"

……

Let's return to the LPL commentary booth.

As the host's announcement faded.

The three official commentators also reappeared on camera.

"Uh... Okay, welcome back."

Wawa cleared his throat and said, "The opening match of the group stage will be between EDG and SKT! Let's wait and see!"

After saying that, he eagerly looked up at the large screen in front of him, as if he was waiting for something.

A few seconds later.

A new page suddenly appeared on the big screen!
Almost simultaneously, Wawa's eyes lit up with excitement: "We can see that the starting lineups for both teams have been released!"

The words fell.

Whether it was the audience at the scene or in the live broadcast room, their attention was uncontrollably drawn to it, as if by some kind of magic!
on the big screen.

SKT's lineup remains unchanged, led by veterans Faker, Mata, and Khan.

And EDG...

Top, Mid, AD, and Support remain unchanged!
Only jungle!

Behind it hangs an ID that makes countless people tremble just by looking at it—Kshine!

"Yes!" From the commentary booth, Wawa couldn't help but raise her voice, her tone filled with barely concealed excitement:
"EDG has changed their starting lineup! Wang Yao is back on the field! He's replaced... in the jungle position?!"

After saying that, he seemed to think he had misread it and couldn't help but take another careful look at the screen.

It seems... that's right?

There, clearly written: EDG-Clearlove↓, EDG-Kshine↑!
For a moment, even someone as experienced as Wawa felt a chill run down her spine!

We know EDG doesn't play by the rules, but this is ridiculous!

An AD carry FMVP and mid lane FMVP, after a few months away from competition, returned to the arena, and... he's playing jungle?!

Stop talking about him.

Offstage, the fans who were about to cheer and jump for joy were also abruptly interrupted, as if their excitement had just been choked!

Jungler?!
For some reason, the entire scene fell into an eerie silence.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Tiger Shark platform.

Deyunse Live Stream Room.

Baldy Xiaoxiao and Fatty Xika sat in front of the screen, their expressions instantly turning blank.

After a long pause, Jessica finally managed to stammer, "Playing...playing this big?"

Look at him, his mouth and eyes are wide open, his face is full of astonishment, as if he can't believe it even more than if he has seen the end of the world!
Putting everything else aside, their facial expressions are definitely on point...

Of course, it wasn't just them.

Other viewers, commentators, streamers, and even professional players from various teams who were watching the game also experienced a complete mental breakdown upon seeing this list!
The chat in the official live stream room exploded with comments!

"what???"

"Turtle..."

"Could the list be wrong?!"

"I know Yao-ge can play many positions, but! What the hell is jungle?!"

"Fine, fine, so this is how you play, EDG!!"

"No, although I also want Yao to go back to play bot lane, I'm thinking of AD carry, not jungler!!"

"..."

Undoubtedly, this seemingly outrageous move brought a small shock to everyone regarding EDG.

Let's not even talk about the LPL side.

Even on the websites of other regions, there are countless question marks flying around!
no way.

Last time Wang Yao changed positions, at least there was prior notice!
Once the transfer window closed, it was clearly stated that the player would be changing positions.

This time is different!
Who would have thought that he would return to the competition as a jungler!

It feels like Faker suddenly switched to the AD carry role while playing, giving people the illusion that 'the world has gone mad'!

At this moment, on the scene.

As everyone gradually came to their senses, the entire audience began to get a little restless!
"cough……"

In the commentary booth, Ji De also snapped out of his daze, quickly cleared his throat, and shifted the focus, saying, "We can see that both teams' players have already entered the arena!"

on the big screen.

On both sides of the players' bench, the players and coaches are all in place!

At this point, some viewers, still skeptical, went to examine EDG's lineup.

Unfortunately, the outcome will not change.

Sitting next to Flandre in the jungle position was a figure that everyone was extremely familiar with!
—Wang Yao!

After a few months.

I saw Wang Yao wearing headphones again, sitting in the players' seat.

Surprisingly, everyone's first reaction wasn't excitement, but rather... to see where he was sitting!

After seeing it clearly, the comments section went wild again!
"Holy crap, is he really a jungler?!"

"Yao-ge? Jungler? I must be crazy..."

"Good news: Yao is back. Bad news: not mid lane, but jungle!"

"As expected of you, you really only play one position a year?"

"Factory manager, you're out of luck! You've come here to usurp my position, haven't you?!"

Clearly, EDG's move has left everyone bewildered.

But soon.

Once everyone accepted this fact, other voices emerged.

"Wait a minute, do you guys think Yao-ge can actually jungle?"

"Although I really want to say no, my past experience tells me that he might not only know how, but he might also be very good at it!"

"To be honest, if Yao really knows how to jungle, wouldn't EDG consider this a reinforcement?"

"I guess so?"

"Wait, don't question it first! Jungling is different from other positions!"

Well known.

In the current EDG team, the only player whose online skill rating is not in the T0 category is the jungler!
It's not that the factory manager is particularly weak.

Rather, it's that his age limit is simply too high!

Make sense.

At his peak, the factory manager was indeed incredibly strong, invincible in domestic competitions, but truly terrible in international competitions.

As he gets older, although Clearlove can still dominate the LPL and win the Spring Championship this season with his top, mid, and bottom carries, the younger players on the international stage won't tolerate him.

If Wang Yao could perform as strongly as he does in other positions, how strong would this EDG team be...? I can't even imagine!

"Alright! Both teams are ready! Let's all look at the big screen!"

Amidst the heated discussion, Remember's voice suddenly rang out from the commentary booth, drawing everyone's attention back to the present.

Wawa got straight to the point: "Alright, the draft phase has started. We've officially entered the draft phase. EDG is on the blue side, and SKT is on the red side."

"EDG first banned Galio. In any case, they should respect SKT's absolute core player."

SKT immediately retaliated by banning Akali, who was very strong in the current meta!

Scout's Akali needs no introduction. As a damage-dealing mid-laner, no one dares to let his Akali through the net easily.

EDG banned Jayce for the second time. Jayce is currently a very good champion in the top lane meta.

Khan, though a "good brother" of the LPL region, has proven himself in countless world championships.

Therefore, we can show them respect.

SKT then banned Rakan, one of Meiko's signature champions.

A hero who explodes with power, a hero who can create miracles!

EDG's last ban was for Tahm Kench, a champion that SKT really likes to use and that is very suitable for SKT's system.

EDG's last pick was Excavator.

There's no way around it; these are Tier 1 junglers in the current version.

SKT dares not let Wang Yao, an overpowered hero in this version, pass the early game, otherwise they will be crushed.

Miller looked at the draft picks and said with a smile, "Let's welcome Wang Yao back to the competition first. To be honest, we've missed Kshine quite a bit since we've seen him for so long."

"Yes!" the doll nodded.
The commentators quickly steered the conversation back on track, with Miller analyzing:
"Speaking of which, both sides were quite bold in the first round of bans and picks. It seems like only one OP hero was banned: Rek'Sai."

"Other OP heroes weren't banned much, and Sylas, who's strong in the mid lane right now, wasn't banned on either side. EDG is on the blue side, so they could have picked this one."

Wawa nodded: "Sylas can play both mid and jungle in EDG."

Remember echoed, "Yes, and after a season, Scout's Sylas has been developed to the point where he's ready to play in matches without any problems."

"However, it seems like EDG doesn't really want to pick Sylas, Ryze! They want to steal Faker's Ryze! That's fine too! Just lock Ryze in for Scout and set the pace for the whole game."

"Ryze is actually not a very strong champion. Most people can play him, but only a few can master him."

Miller picked up the conversation, shrugging: "I don't know exactly how many you're talking about, but there are definitely three in this match."

"Whether it's Wang Yao or the renowned Faker, they are both skilled Ryze players. It's just that Wang Yao has switched to the jungle position and no longer plays Ryze."

"Therefore, it is understandable that this hero has a very high priority in the draft and ban phase between the two teams."

However, Ji De still had some concerns, adding, "But in this way, Sylas will be given to SKT. I wonder if EDG has a countermeasure against Sylas."

(End of this chapter)