LOL: Can’t I play other games professionally?

Chapter 196 Explodes 45 seconds into the game?

In the blink of an eye, it was the last game of the first day of the group stage.

In the LCK lounge.

All SKT members are ready to go for the second time.

Bang, who had been dreaming of revenge since the end of the MSI semi-finals, finally met EDG again a month later, but his mentality was completely different from before.

I thought the team would be able to gradually recover after returning from MSI, but who would have thought that they would fall into a quagmire from which they could not extricate themselves.

Can we really beat EDG in the current situation?
Bang unconsciously had a big question mark in his mind.

"Hey, Sang Hyuk, you better do your best today. Those disappointing MVP guys have already lost one game to LPL. Losing a second time is unacceptable."

Master An's voice interrupted Bang's thoughts.

Upon hearing this, the MVPs all sat on the sofa in the corner and trembled.

Faker, who was called out, nodded lightly and walked out with his keyboard, followed closely by the other SKT members.

The KT players who didn't have any games today were all very relaxed.

The old captain Score felt thirsty and shouted to the young Chidi beside him to pour him some water.

Deft analyzed the match: "It seems like Bang has no confidence at all."

"They've been in poor form recently, it's a miracle they have any confidence." Mata, who was born to be a coach, took out his notebook and was ready to use this game as a sample to study EDG, the biggest enemy of LCK in this intercontinental game.

Soon, contestants from both sides came onto the stage through the aisles on both sides and faced the audience.

When the host called out SKT, the cheers from the audience were deafening.

The LMS director kept cutting shots to show the hysterical enthusiasm of the audience.

When it was EDG's turn, the LMS audience fell silent like a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance.

The director was also very sensible and did not cut the camera.

Judging from their previous performances, the EDG players have become very accustomed to the cold atmosphere below and are keeping a normal mind.

Lin Ruo calmly waved and responded to the few LMS spectators who expressed their support.

On the commentary stand, Char Siu and Ball Z, who were in charge of this game, are very famous figures in the League of Legends LMS region.

One is the former FW team coach, and the other is the S2 world champion jungler who transformed into a commentator.

Hearing the loud cheers from the audience, the two felt a little embarrassed and had to quickly change the subject.

"EDG vs. SKT is probably the most watched match today."

"Comparing the two teams' current form, SKT is undoubtedly in a slump. They've lost every match against strong opponents in the LCK league in recent days, so I think EDG has a better chance of winning this match."

The barbecued pork was evaluated very objectively.

Ball Z nodded in agreement and continued, "But SKT showed great form last time when they defeated Flash Wolves. Obviously, the outcome of this match is still very much in doubt."

On the EDG player bench.

After setting up the peripherals, the five people put on headphones and entered combat readiness.

At the referee's notice, the players on both sides set up their custom rooms and the BP phase began soon.

"The draft and selection process has already begun. SKT is on the blue side, and EDG is on the red side."

"If EDG can win, LPL will be first in points today. Especially as this is the Spring Split champion matchup, the win or loss will definitely have more or less impact on the teams behind."

As Char Siu was speaking, the first three bans on both sides had already been completed.

SKT's first three heroes were Thresh, Galio and Ashe.

EDG's third ban position was given to Luo, Braum and Jax respectively.

More than a month has passed, and now the bottom lane has returned to hard support laning.

In particular, Luo and Thresh have the highest appearance rate, and each side has pressed one.

"EDG suppressed Rakan, and SKT suppressed Thresh themselves. Kalista should be unable to be used."

"The reason Kalista has become so strong in recent patches is because she relies on powerful attacking abilities like Rakan and then uses them to attack the opponent," char siu commented. "With this attack, SKT will probably have a hard time using their strategy against FlashWarriors."

"But I was still quite surprised by Ashe's performance. It seems SKT is really worried about the players' individual abilities."

Ball Z had a different opinion on this, saying, "This is perfectly normal. After watching so many matches, Lin Ruo's Ashe's celestial arrows are incredibly accurate. Giving them to EDG is like having a teamfight initiation position. It's a unique option that really shouldn't be given away."

After the player-based phase ended, SKT took the lead in locking down Jayce on the first floor of the blue side.

EDG followed closely and quickly decided on the combination of crocodile and excavator on the first and second floors.

Looking at the BP, the commentator laughed and said:

"The Digger buff is huge. I don't think Huni's Jayce will be able to perform well in lane against EDG's first two picks. On the contrary, I'm more worried about him being caught as a super ghost."

On the SKT player bench.

Huni was thinking the same thing at this moment.

But luckily Jace was not in his hands.

Peanut took the initiative to lock the spider for himself on the second floor.

Faker decided on Shen on the third floor.

BallZ suddenly realized and said, "If Shen goes to top and Jayce switches to mid, SKT should have already planned it. If Shen faces Crocodile, then the lane will definitely be much more comfortable."

SKT's BP undoubtedly effectively utilized the position swap strategy to avoid Jayce's bad situation in the early stage.

but…

"Faker rarely uses Jayce mid in his career, right? If I remember correctly, this should only be the third time."

It's not that he doesn't believe in Faker's ability.

It’s just that the Big Demon King seems to be born not suitable for using heroes like Jayce.

But since it has been chosen, there is nothing more to say.

EDG also quickly counterattacked and locked down Syndra on the third floor.

He is completely capable of fighting against Jayce in the middle lane.

Both sides entered the second round of ban selection.

SKT killed Caitlyn and Tam.

EDG eliminated Jyra and EZ.

Entering the pick phase, EDG thought for a moment and prioritized locking Sivir.

"EDG still needs to secure their late game. Sivir has strong lane pushing abilities, so they won't necessarily be suppressed in lane. However, without Tam, facing a strong lane opening from Shen is still a bit risky."

"Also, to be honest, Sivir was picked too early because SKT could just use Alistar to counter you."

Ball Z expressed his opinion.

Since Sivir's spell shield cannot withstand Minotaur's WQ combo at the same time, Minotaur poses a huge threat to Sivir.

Not only in online battles, but also in team battles.

"It's possible."

Char Siu nodded and watched SKT first take down the stable Xayah, then began to hesitate in the last hand, but finally locked on the Minotaur during the countdown.

"I think EDG must have a way to react correctly, so they deliberately kept the support in the counter position. It's definitely not possible to just pick anyone randomly."

This is also the reason why SKT hesitated.

I'm worried that EDG might have a trick up their sleeve.

Until they saw EDG pick Radiance, all SKT members didn't know whether to be happy or depressed.

Lux's choice has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that it can indeed prevent Minotaur from aggressively attacking in the lane, and the consumption ability in the lane and team battles is also good.

The problem is undoubtedly that it is too fragile.

If Minotaur attacks Lux first, there is a high chance that she will be killed instantly.

"Actually, Lux's shield in the mid-game can easily counteract Jayce's poke. I think EDG is very thoughtful. And no matter what, the draft and ban game between the two sides was very exciting throughout the game."

Char Siu is already looking forward to the upcoming game.

"Then the blue side SKT team, top laner Shen, jungle Elise, mid laner Jayce, and bottom lane duo Xayah and Alistar."

"EDG on the red side, top laner Crocodile, jungler Jarvan IV, mid laner Syndra, bottom lane duo Sivir and Lux."

"Both teams are ready. Let's move on to the final match of the first day of the Rift Rivals Asia group stage. EDG, returning from their MSI victory, will face off against the three-time LCK champions SKT."

As Qiu Z finished speaking, ten people from both sides quickly entered the Summoner's Rift.

Compared to the cold Kaohsiung scene.

The huge Shanghai Central Plaza was packed.

The cheers for EDG resounded throughout the stadium.

At the start of the game, both sides made small moves. SKT gathered and attempted to invade the upper jungle area. The factory manager who was responsible for guarding the river entrance operated the excavator and retreated while speaking in the voice chat:

"Jayce and Spider are at the entrance of the jungle area."

As for the others, it is difficult to judge based on the narrow field of view of the excavator.

And from God's perspective.

The figures of Shen and Minotaur were also prominently listed.

"Is SKT trying to invade and gain vision? Counter-jungling shouldn't be possible, as mid and top don't have lane control at the start."

"And EDG is also making moves."

Char Siu's gaze shifted to the bottom lane.

Scout Syndra at the entrance of the middle jungle area made a quick exploration and found no trace of the red team's heroes in the area around F6.

It is highly unlikely that an AD will participate in a top jungle invasion, unless they want to switch lanes, and even that is unlikely, so no matter where Alistar is, Xayah is likely to be in the bottom lane.

I'm not sure whether it's under the tower or in the triangle grass. Of course, it's also possible that it's crouching in the grass on the bottom lane.

EDG didn't bother to explore every bush one by one.

From the very beginning when A Guang came down, his goal was very clear, which was to try his luck by stealing some triangle grass.

If you don't get into trouble, just leave.

Ball Z, watching from the commentary booth, couldn't help but brighten up. "EDG's move was quite strategic, having Mingkai at the entrance to the top jungle area draw SKT's attention. That way, it's highly unlikely they'll even anticipate an invasion." "That's right. The jungler hasn't even come down yet. Conventional thinking suggests EDG can't counter-invade, so SKT is even less likely to anticipate Crocodile is currently in the bottom lane."

Char Siu couldn't help but sigh.

Just looking at Xayah's positioning, it undoubtedly proves SKT's negligence in judgment.

Because at this time Bang and EDG were just as expected, they were just swaying in the triangle grass.

In the dragon pit, separated from him by a wall, Lux was quietly waiting.

Sivir took the crocodile and stuck in the outer wall of the dragon pit, ready to attack from the corner at any time.

The next moment, EDG arrived at the right time and took action immediately.

The two people in front were aiming directly at the triangular grass.

When Bang, who was hiding in the grass, saw Sivir and the crocodile appear in his sight, before he could turn his head, a binding halo came out from the wall and enveloped him for no reason.

The agile Xia suddenly became unable to move.

Crocodile flashed and then stun with W. Under the double control, Xia had no chance of escape.

first blood.

Lin Ruo took Bang's first blood in just 45 seconds.

"Oh my God, Bang is gone in less than a minute!" Despite Char Siu's exclamation, the scene remained calm.

At the same time, Shanghai Central Plaza was in turmoil.

[Well done, 666.]

[What a good trick to openly repair the plank road while secretly attacking Chencang. ]

[Like invading? Sorry, we're invading too.]

【We invade only to kill people, so there is no need for jungle. 】

[Hahaha, EDG's games are still awesome.]

On the SKT player bench.

Bang was speechless and heartbroken after being tricked again.

"It's okay, it won't affect much."

Wolf tried his best to comfort.

Since he had already been exposed, there was no need for him to continue invading, so he returned to the city.

Minotaur's move to the upper jungle area at the beginning of the game was purely for sightseeing.

Because without him, the little peanut spider was still able to safely set up spies at the red buff.

Lin Ruo returned to the city and bought a long sword.

Wild monsters appear at 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Neither side went online immediately.

With the equipment bonus, Sivir just needs to develop safely in the early stage. Lin Ruo will not think of using this to suppress the opponent. If he pushes the line too fast, he may be ganked by the spider at level 3, so he naturally chooses to help open the line.

And on SKT's side.

Bang thought that because he gave away the first blood, the opponent in the laning phase was no longer a match for EDG's bottom lane, and he was too lazy to go up and waste blood in vain, so he helped Spider to open the red buff and delayed going online.

So when the bottom lane groups on both sides actually came online, the line of troops was still stuck in the middle position and could not move.

After eating the red, Peanut continued to brush F6, choosing the fastest way to reach level three.

After switching the screen, he saw that the situation in the bottom lane was giving him no idea.

In addition to attrition, the EDG duo did not deliberately push the line. Instead, they controlled the line of troops to approach their own defense tower, which was more stable than expected.

"Be careful, I won't come here to hunt crabs.

After the instructions, Xiaohuasheng decided to go up and get the blue buff first. He would probably have to wait until he finished clearing a round of jungle before he could get back on track.

Thinking this way, I just took the blue upgrade to level 3.

The figure of the factory manager excavator appeared in the middle lane and ganked, reducing Jayce's health.

Seeing that Faker was fine, Peanut patiently cleared the three groups of jungle before returning to the lower jungle area.

His target is the river crab, and then he will look at the situation in the bottom lane to measure the opportunity to take action.

However, he doesn't have to look for opportunities. His team's lineup is fighting for the middle and late stages, and as long as there is a smooth transition in the early stages, it will be considered a success.

But we still need to pay attention to Sivir's development.

In contrast, the radical factory manager doesn't think so.

After killing the stone beetles, he didn't even care about the river crabs. He turned around and went to the top lane to catch the flash of the steel shadow.

"Clearlove has changed so much."

Peanut couldn't believe it.

EDG now attaches as much importance to early-game rhythm as KT, the most representative team in LCK.

After comparing, Xiaohuasheng unconsciously switched the screen to look at the situation in the bottom lane.

The military line is still in the center, slightly leaning towards EDG.

Before reaching level 4, Bang had no choice but to use up all the small medicine bottles, but his health was still not full.

It’s simple, EDG’s consumption is too intense.

If he wants to take the lead, he has to move forward, and if he moves forward, he has to be beaten to a certain extent.

For example, this wave.

He was standing on the periphery and just launched a normal attack when a circle of light came out from the grass and flew towards him.

Bang subconsciously blocked the basic attack, turned his head and retreated to avoid it, but the result was unexpected.

Lux's predictive Q once again restrained Xia.

When Tian Ye retreated, he threw out the E skill light ball to slow down and then exploded, and then accompanied it with Sivir's steady spinning blade not far away to attack back and forth.

Smooth combination of skills.

The blood volume dropped directly to half.

During this period, the EDG duo did not perform a single close-range basic attack.

The Wolf bull head is like a wooden stake, just stand there and look at it.

I go up and attack, but no one comes over to attack me. How can I attack normally?

The only thing Wolf can do is to take advantage of the situation and occupy the bushes while Lux has no skills to retreat.

"Push the line, then go home and resupply."

With nothing to do, Wolf came out of the grass to put pressure and move around.

Our artillery vehicles are about to perish.

Sivir took a step forward and tried to eat it.

How could Wolf let him take advantage of this? He saw the opportunity and charged forward like a bull, knocked him into the air with a combo of W and Q, and activated the E skill to ring the bell.

Bang saw an opportunity and controlled Xia to move forward and consume the opponent's energy.

But Lux's passive high-damage basic attack made him quickly give up the idea.

Taking a step to the left, Sivir's second goal was scored with a spinning blade that hit him in the face.

Bang's face darkened, he used his Q skill to throw out a dagger, barely depleting the damage, and quickly retreated.

Minotaur turned around and stepped back to block the skill, but Lux's glowing halo just passed by him.

Unable to react in time, Xia froze in place again.

Use Lux's E skill to throw out a light ball that explodes instantly, and Tian Ye goes to the face and uses a basic attack to ignite.

Following closely behind, healer Lin Ruo accelerated forward and started to launch a series of normal attacks with a ricochet motion.

Seeing that his health was low, Bang used all his skills, including healing and flash.

What was waiting for him was Qi Qi's follow-up steps. After a few chasing normal attacks, Sivir took the kill as expected.

Bang suffered his second death in this round.

"Ah, EDG completed the line kill so easily?" The commentator's face was full of astonishment.

How did Bang die?

Because he was hit by Lux's Q skill twice in a row, he didn't know how to describe his poor positioning.

You are the champion AD carry.

Ball Z understood his partner's meaning and said subtly, "Honestly, this death was really abstract. The first one was okay because I was hitting Q, but the second one was just..."

He couldn't figure it out.

Originally thinking that the bottom lane push would fail, Peanut, who had already returned to the city, couldn't figure it out.

"what's the situation?"

Wolf angrily looked at his red-faced companion and said, "No, why don't you move or use your healing speed to dodge?"

Bang was completely numb when he was questioned.

The reason why he didn't move was actually very simple. He thought that Minotaur could help him block.

Wolf thought so at first, but the fact is that he didn't do it, and Lux's Q skill still missed and hit Xayah.

Wolf realized it later and gave up the argument. The fact that he couldn't figure it out now was another problem.

I went up and used the WQ combo to prevent Sivir from being eaten by the artillery, and at the same time to help the AD push the line quickly so that they could go home.

So why come up and fight?
Wouldn't it be better to just stay at the back and clear the soldiers quickly?

Are you still afraid that he won't be able to kill the Minotaur in one second with full health and a medicine bottle?
Wolf felt that Bang had completely lost his mind. He dared to come up and fight even though his health was not healthy.

He traded his health for lane rights, intending to help the AD quickly push the lane into the tower so they could escape and go home, but the AD ended up thinking of another faster way to go home.

Wolf wanted to criticize, but felt that if he said anything more, the game would become even more unplayable.

(End of this chapter)