LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

The promotional video caused an instant uproar online as soon as it was released.

EDG's "Demon King Descends" has dominated major forums, online communities, and Weibo's trending topics.

Holy crap! This promotional video editing is amazing! Are the official channels basically making Mozi the final boss?!

[16-0! EDG is absolutely stomping this season! I ask you, who else can compare?]

Is this the oppressive aura of the Demon King? While other teams are still vying for the right to challenge, EDG is already sitting on the final throne, waiting for them.

[Mo Shen's last sentence was so pretentious! But I love it! That's the confidence of a strong person!]

[V5 is a bit of a pity. Rookie did his best, but the loss to EDG was too demoralizing. It felt like the whole team's spirit was shattered.]

Honestly, this season, apart from JDG and TES, those two super teams that can really challenge EDG, the other teams feel like pushovers.

Although fans of various teams were fiercely defending their teams in the comments section, stubbornly shouting "the playoff version is different," "BO5 and BO1 are two different games," and "warning against a comeback from 0-2 down," everyone knew in their hearts that the bloody "16-0" undefeated record was like an insurmountable mountain, weighing heavily on the hearts of all LPL viewers.

……

EDG Esports Club Base.

Although the outside world has praised them to the skies, the atmosphere in the training room is not as relaxed as one might imagine.

As the top seed in the regular season and a guaranteed spot in the double-elimination bracket finals, they have a long off-season.

This is both an advantage and a disadvantage—the advantage lies in being able to wait for the enemy to tire themselves out and to keep their best moves hidden while studying their opponents;
The disadvantage is that if you don't play for too long, your skills can easily cool down, and you may lose your understanding of the current version due to a lack of practical experience.

Most importantly, the version has changed.

Riot Games seemed to disapprove of EDG's unstoppable dominance and released an emergency patch for version 12.15 just before the playoffs.

This nerf was extremely drastic: it weakened the shields and healing of enchanter supports, reduced warrior items (Bloodthirst, Death's Dance), and significantly increased the tankiness of hard supports and tanky top laners.

"Isn't this targeting way too obvious?" Jiejie frowned as he looked at the update announcement. "It's practically written 'nerf EDG' on their faces. Our signature top-mid-jungle warrior system has been nerfed by more than half."

Meiko pushed up his glasses, his expression grave: "With the nerf to enchanter supports, the bot lane's laning pressure will decrease significantly. If the enemy picks a late-game carry like Zephyr or Sivir/Yuumi to stall the game, coupled with a tanky frontline, we'll have a very difficult time in the early game."

Everyone's eyes turned to Su Mo in the corner.

At this moment, Su Mo was not frowning and studying the version announcement like others, but was "torturing" random players in the Korean server's Challenger tier.

On the screen, he was playing top lane Karma one minute, top lane Zilean the next, and then top lane AP Nautilus...

It highlights the character's "inhumanity".

Hearing his teammates' comments, Su Mo took off one of his headphones and chuckled, "The strong adapt to the meta, the weak complain about it. Riot nerfed fighters and buffed tanks, which means..."

He pointed to the massive Titan on the screen, smashing people with its anchor:

"The era of heavy-armor mages and utility top laners has arrived. Isn't this pretty friendly to our LPL? I like this kind of flashy style."

Meiko's lips twitched: "But for you, Brother Mozi... no, it seems like you play everything, your hero pool is bottomless. Oh well, whatever."

At this moment, the factory manager came over with a notebook, looking expectant but also a little worried: "Brother Mozi, your AP Titan... looks good in ranked games, the damage is incomprehensible, but won't the margin for error be too low in a competition? What if you're behind and it's just a super minion?"

"We'll see when the time comes. We'll play it by ear. The draft is flexible," Su Mo said casually, as he used his Titan's ultimate to lock onto the enemy AD carry.

"Hmm," the factory manager nodded, making a few notes in his notebook, "So what are your thoughts on JDG and TES?"

Su Mo thought for a moment, his eyes sharpening: "Whether it's JDG or TES, their core strength lies in the bottom lane and the jungle. 369 has been obsessed with tanks lately, and Wayward's performance has been inconsistent. As long as they pick a monster in the top lane that can push the lane, provide support, or even one-shot people, their top half of the map will be paralyzed."

He turned to look at the jungler beside him: "When their jungler is forced to come to the top lane to help that poor top laner clear the wave, Jiejie, your stage has arrived."

Jiejie's eyes lit up, and she immediately understood: "Got it! This is a siege and reinforcement attack! You in the top lane are responsible for drawing fire and keeping the enemy jungler tied up in the top lane, while I'm responsible for controlling the dragon and crushing the enemy bot lane!"

"Smart." Su Mo snapped his fingers. "So, don't worry about version nerfs. As long as you don't lose your mind, there's always a way to overcome difficulties."

……

As the playoffs begin, the battles in the Rift are becoming increasingly fierce.

In the first round, OMG surprisingly defeated FPX 3-2, and the dark forces seemed to be making a comeback, but unfortunately it was short-lived.

In the second round, LNG, led by Doinb, staged an amazing comeback, coming back from 0-2 down to defeat BLG 3-2 in a truly incredible game.

In the third round, WBG faced off against LNG. TheShy once again pulled out the Kalista that SuMo had made him fear, but the effect was not good. Instead, he was overwhelmed by Ale's Jax, and WBG was eliminated 1-3, bidding farewell to the summer.

Finally, the tournament reached the semi-finals, a double-elimination format.

In the upper bracket, JDG swept LNG 3-0 cleanly, demonstrating their formidable operational strength. 369's barrels left Ale completely bewildered, proving that he was more than just a "3" card.

In the lower bracket, TES and RNG staged another fateful showdown, the "Pig vs. Dog" battle (although the main characters were no longer there).

The two sides played a full five games, with the battle being extremely close. In the end, JackeyLove risked his career with a forward flash, helping TES narrowly defeat RNG 3-2 and advance to the winners' bracket.

The opponents for the winners' bracket final have now been determined.

EDG vs TES.

On one side is EDG, the undefeated champions with a 16-0 record in the regular season.

On one side is TES, a team with a hot hand, fresh from a bloody battle, and known as the "Northern Expeditionary Army".

The day before the match, in order to generate buzz, the organizers arranged a trash talk session between the two players.

On camera, TES's top laner Wayward (Dahuang), despite having been previously dominated by Su Mo, still forced a signature smile for the sake of the show:

"Although Mozi is very strong, I've been practicing a lot of secret weapons lately. And I'm not the newbie who could only play Gnar anymore. This time, I'll withstand the pressure, and even if I fall behind, my teammates will carry me! This is a team game!"

JackeyLove grinned mischievously, his face brimming with youthful collagen: "We lost to EDG in the regular season because we weren't fully awake; we were still in the adjustment period. Now it's the Sailors duo in playoff mode. I think Viper and Meiko need to be careful, don't get killed in lane by us. Our bot lane is very aggressive."

He didn't dare to pick a fight with the top laner, after all, he knew Mozi was petty (scratch that), and Mozi was the type to really pick on someone during a match...

The camera then switched to EDG.

In the dim light, Su Mo faced the camera, expressionless, and said only one sentence:

"I've heard from everyone that TES is on a roll lately, with an unlimited potential and the ability to carry in every lane."

He paused, straightened the collar of his team uniform, his eyes indifferent:
"But we at EDG never work overtime."

This arrogant trash talk sparked heated discussions across the internet.

mad! So crazy!
But this is exactly the Su Mo that fans want to see!

……

March 8, 22 p.m.

Shanghai Hongqiao Performing Arts Center.

The LPL Summer Split upper bracket finals have officially begun!
The fans of both teams divided the stadium into a sea of ​​red and black, with deafening cheers.

In the commentary booth, three heavyweight commentators, Guan Zeyuan, Miller, and PDD, gathered together.

"Alright! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the LPL Summer Split Winners' Bracket Finals!" Guan Zeyuan opened with passion. "Today's match can be described as a preview of the World Championship Finals! The undefeated EDG versus the in-form TES! It's going to be a clash of titans!"

PDD adjusted his glasses and let out his signature laugh: "Hehe, this top lane is going to be interesting today. Wayward has improved a lot recently, and his mentality is much better, but facing Mozi, the Demon King... to be honest, I'm still worried for him. I heard that Mozi has been playing some weird AP Nautilus and top lane Karma lately, I wonder if he'll bring them out today to mess with his mentality."

Miller nodded: "Yes, the version changes are a test for EDG. The draft has begun! Let's see what TES, as the challenger, will do on the blue side!"

The first draft phase has officially begun.

TES clearly did their homework, with their first three bans being extremely targeted:
Fiora, Riven, Rengar.

These three heroes, in Su Mo's hands, are truly capable of forcing people into retirement; they absolutely cannot be let go.

EDG, on the red side, eliminated the currently extremely strong bot lane champion:
Zeli, Lucian, Kalista.

Target the bottom lane and put pressure on TES's two carries.

TES's first pick: Ahri.

This is Knight's signature move, and also the strongest mid-lane roaming tempo-setter in this version; it's a must-pick or must-ban.

EDG countered by securing Vi and Lissandra.

The classic "lock combo" is also EDG's most proficient fixed-point demolition system, which is effective against all fancy tactics.

TES's second and third picks: Monkey King + Sivir.

Since EDG released Monkey King, Tian naturally took advantage of this opportunity and, together with the late-game carry Sivir (a top-tier carry in the current meta), TES built an extremely strong team fight system.

EDG's third pick: Aphelios.

Now that Zeli was gone, Viper brought out his signature hero to ensure a strong late-game damage carry.

The second round of bans.

EDG Bans: Yuumi, Leona. Banning Sivir's best partner and strong engage support.

TES Bans: Lena and Tahm Kench. To prevent EDG from using their backhand protection.

TES's fourth pick: Karma.

Mark locked in Karma, forming a "twin-turbo acceleration system" with Sivir, and the whole team accelerated into battle.

EDG's fourth pick: Nautilus. Meiko took Nautilus, adding a hard CC and initiation option, forming a "strong CC trident" with Lissandra and Vi.

Finally, only the top laners for both sides remain to be determined.

TES's fifth pick was the most reliable option for Wayward—Ornn.

This is the strongest tank in the current version. Even if it is pressured in lane, it can still fight and use its ultimate ability in team fights. In the late game, it can also upgrade the equipment for its teammates. It can be called a "jack-of-all-trades" in this version.

“Ornn…” Guan Zeyuan analyzed, “This is where TES’s cleverness lies. Since they can’t beat you in lane, they’ll pick the tankiest champion to tank. No matter how strong you are, Su Mo, you can’t tower dive and solo kill a full-health Ornn, right? As long as Wayward plays it safe and doesn’t feed, TES’s teamfight composition is invincible.”

All eyes were on EDG's fifth-floor top lane counter pick.

Su Mo looked at the honest and simple Ornn on the screen, his eyes showing no emotion whatsoever, and even a hint of mockery.

"Ornn?" Su Mo chuckled, his finger lightly sliding across the mouse. "Where in this world are there so many carefree slackers? So-called tanks are nothing more than moving pieces of meat in the face of an absolute blade."

He turned to look at Jiejie:

"Jiejie, get me the stain."

Jiejie was stunned for a moment, then realized: "Brother, this...this is too cruel! This is forcing Dahuang to its death! Are they really going to take that?"

Su Mo said calmly, "Just choose. Protect me, and I'll guarantee you a C."

As Jiejie pressed the confirm button, a cold figure wearing red glasses, a dark cloak, and holding a silver crossbow appeared on the BP interface, accompanied by a line full of murderous intent!

Let us hunt down those who have fallen into darkness!

Night Hunter——Vayne!
"I go!!"

In the commentary booth, PDD instantly jumped up from his chair, letting out his signature pig-like squeal: "Top lane Vayne?! Mozi is going all out! When the enemy picks a pure tank like Ornn, he pulls out Vayne as a last resort! This is simply a dimensional attack! It seems his torture-style playstyle is about to make a comeback!"

Miller exclaimed, "That Vayne pick was absolutely amazing! EDG's lineup has Lissandra, Vi, and Nautilus all with lock-on crowd control; whoever tries to dive Vayne is doomed! This is a four-protect-one strategy! But they're not protecting the ADC, they're protecting the top laner!"

The cheers from the audience exploded instantly, with countless people standing up and shouting.

Vayne top lane!

This is Su Mo, who's incredibly arrogant!

The lineups of both sides are determined:

Blue side TES: Top laner Ornn, jungler Wukong, mid laner Ahri, AD Sivir, support Karma.

Red team EDG: Top lane Vayne, Jungle Vi, Mid lane Lissandra, AD Aphelios, Support Nautilus.

The game has finished loading.

Su Mo's Vayne starts with a Doran's Blade and a health potion, with the Lethal Tempo rune and Flash and Ghost summoner spells.

This setup represents the ultimate tension and the ultimate killing intent.

As soon as he logged in, Su Mo didn't sneak into the bushes to ambush people like he used to. Instead, he swaggered to the front of the minion wave, bypassing the melee minions and blocking Ornn's face.

Wayward's Ornn cautiously followed the minion wave, intending to use his Q skill to last-hit a ranged minion.

The moment Ornn raised his hand, Su Mo moved.

Q! [Dodge and Ambush]!
Vayne easily dodged Ornn's Q [Volcanic Eruption] with a side roll, and at the same time, she landed a powerful basic attack on Ornn!

A!

A!

Follow up with another basic attack to trigger Power Attack (if Power Attack is equipped) or stack Lethal Tempo.

Wayward was startled and quickly retreated.

But Su Mo, maintaining the maximum attack range of 550 yards, raised his hand once again.

Another basic attack.

Ornn immediately lost a significant amount of health.

But this torment was only the beginning.

For Wayward, the next three levels were a long and agonizing ordeal.

Su Mo's control over distance was simply outrageous.

You advance, I retreat (A).

You retreat, I'll chase A.

You want to finish me off? Take this three-hit true damage.

Want to experience the thrill? Put your E on the wall.

The game has been going on for two and a half minutes.

Wayward's Ornn was only level 1.5, with only one-third of his health remaining, and 3 last hits.

Su Mo's Vayne was already level three, having farmed all the minions and firmly blocking the minion wave at the push position, preventing Ornn from farming or even getting close to the turret.

Wayward huddled in the bushes, watching the lowly minions die one by one, his heart bleeding.

"Jungler...can you come and help me?" Wayward's voice was tinged with resentment. "I really can't play anymore. This Vayne won't let me farm, she won't even let me breathe."

Tian's monkey glanced at the top lane and his scalp tingled: "Bro, it's not that I don't want to help, but this Vayne is at full health with Ghost. If I go in at level three, and their jungler counter-ganks, or Vayne pulls off a play, our top and jungle will be completely wiped out. And Vi might be nearby. Just bear with it, just bear with it. You're Ornn, you're useful in team fights."

Tolerate?
How can I tolerate this...?

Just then, Su Mo started pushing the lane.

A large wave of minions pushed into the tower.

For a top laner, the minion wave under the tower is life or death. Wayward couldn't wait to last-hit that valuable cannon minion.

Just as Ornn raised his hand to attack the cannon minion, Su Mo's Vayne suddenly launched an attack!
A, Q roll to reset basic attack, A!

Instantly, two layers of [Holy Silver Crossbow Bolt] marks were applied to Ornn!

Wayward panicked and seized the opportunity, using his E skill [Fiery Charge] to try and knock Vayne up. If she could get knocked up and take the tower's damage, he might be able to turn the tables and get a kill!

But Su Mo's reaction was as fast as a script.

E [Devil's Judgment]!
Just as Ornn activated his E skill and charged forward, the massive crossbow fired a giant arrow!
"Oh!"

Vayne's giant arrow slammed Ornn, who was on his way to teleport, to a halt and pinned him heavily to the ruins of the turret!

Interrupted! Dizziness!
Snapped!
The third basic attack landed, unleashing a devastating burst of true damage from the three-hit ring!

Su Mo activated [Sprint], his body becoming a blur as he frantically darted around the edge of the turret's attack range.

Move A, move A, move A again!

Each crossbow bolt was like an invitation from the Grim Reaper.

Ornn's health dropped rapidly, and Wayward, who had just woken up from his stun, panicked and tried to use Flash to escape.

But Su Mo anticipated and flashed, directly bypassing the turret's attack range and chasing into the bushes in front of the second turret, where he unleashed two basic attacks.

"collapse!"

Another Third Ring Road exploded!

Ornn's thick health bar was finally depleted, and his massive body crashed to the ground.

Although Su Mo took three hits from the tower, thanks to the lifesteal from Doran's Blade and the healing from Triumph, he still had over a hundred health points left and calmly walked out of the tower.

"First Blood!"

Single kill!

Moreover, he tower-dived at level 3 and killed a full-health Ornn tank!
"My God!!" Guan Zeyuan exclaimed in shock, his voice cracking, "A level 3 tower dive solo kill on Ornn! This is the tough Ornn! Su Mo's E skill interrupting Ornn's charge was simply divine! Vayne's damage calculation and positioning are simply art!"

PDD shook his head, looking sympathetic and even somewhat empathetic: "This guy's mentality has collapsed. Playing a tank and getting poked like that by Vayne really makes you question 'why am I even playing this game?' It's not just physical torture, it's mental torture too. This top lane game is over."

After getting the first blood, Su Mo, escorted by Jiejie, cleared out another wave of minions before heading home.

Upon returning home, I immediately crafted the Vampire Scepter and Attack Speed ​​Boots.

This build is clearly meant to: I'm going to stay in lane, drain you dry, mash you up, and beat you until you're traumatized.

Six minutes, Level 6.

Wayward had finally reached level 5 and wanted to use the supplies he had just collected after returning home to hold off some pressure under the tower.

However, Su Mo had already reached level six.

Moreover, he also saw a jungler named Vi emerge from the river...

"Damn it..." he couldn't help but curse inwardly, already knowing his fate. (End of Chapter)