League: I really didn't tank!

Chapter 263 Genius Translation

The break between the group stage and the knockout stage is very short.

QG的比赛被定在5月20号，KT的比赛定在5月21号，决赛在5月22号，三天连打。

QG, as the top team in the group stage, had their match held a day earlier and could rest for a day, while KT had to play back-to-back matches.

Of course, it's hard to say which one is better.

You could say QG took a day off to rest and prepare for the next round, or you could say KT had a hot streak playing back-to-back games. But based on experience from the next few years, these are usually just excuses used by the losing team's fans to justify their actions.

In the days following the end of the group stage, QG continued their daily training in the rest room, and also gave media interviews and filmed promotional videos. The days passed quickly.

Time quickly came to February 20th.

Around noon in Rio, Chen Dongqing followed the team through numerous checks and sat down in the lounge.

It's exactly one o'clock now, two hours before the match starts.

Before the competition started, Chen Dongqing took out his phone and browsed the forum.

According to the time difference, it is currently midnight in China.

With the match approaching, domestic forums are buzzing with discussions about today's game.

[A rational analysis suggests that QG needs to win a few more matches!]

QG would definitely lose if it wasn't a 3-0 score!

What time does the game start? I have to work tomorrow, Saturday. I'm so frustrated.

Me too. I stay up all night to watch one game and then go to sleep, and check the results again tomorrow.

No problem, we can easily beat G2.

Because the first semi-final was scheduled for Saturday, which is a holiday, many viewers chose to stay up all night to watch the best-of-five series.

Of course, there are still quite a few office workers who work on Saturdays. Some people just can't stay up all night, so they decide to watch a movie and then go to sleep.

However, the problem isn't too big. In the eyes of domestic viewers, G2 is utterly vulnerable, the kind of team that would make anyone jump out of their chair if they were drawn by them.

Like I said before, is there even a need to watch QG's matches? They'll just wake up to another victory!

QG's matches are worry-free, unlike some teams where you wake up one morning, glance at the results, and find out they've been eliminated by Vietnam, causing your blood pressure to spike and making you laugh in frustration.

Chen Dongqing continued browsing posts for a while and soon saw a post reposted from the Taiwanese underworld forum.

This forum is quite unique. It's already 2017, but the forum's style is still the same as it was twenty years ago, with an all-black background and the title in a thin, gray font that's quite difficult to read.

The replies below were even more unbearable; the gold font against the black background made it feel like reading an inscription on a tombstone.

However, the content of this reposted post is quite interesting.

[Interview] QG really showed their loyalty this time!

They helped us vent our anger by killing the racial knights, and they also helped us eliminate TSM and GAM. They really made a huge contribution to the Electro Wolves' advancement this time!

It's alright, they were just playing a normal game.

But they didn't choose us as their opponent in the semifinals, which is already very kind of them.

But it's not very useful. I don't think KT is doing much better either.

[The main problem is that top laner Mimi is too weak. Which of this year's top four top laners could he beat?]

[Let's leave Mimi Egg alone and let him farm minions on the top lane. Just watch Fengtang and Karsa.]

The post seamlessly transitioned from initially thanking QG to later criticizing Mimi Egg.

Surprisingly, the notoriously hostile forums towards the LPL didn't show much malice towards QG this time.

There's no way around it, QG really showed their loyalty these past few days, there's no denying it now.

The comments section of this reposted post was filled with laughter from the anti-QG forum members, who all said that QG had cured LMS of their stubbornness.

Chen Dongqing was amused by the post. For a moment, he even hoped that FW could defeat KT and enter the finals. He wanted to see what kind of face Taiwan would have then.

Just then, Uzi came over and patted Chen Dongqing on the shoulder, "Going to the bathroom?"

"..." Chen Dongqing put away his phone. "Let's go."

The two left the dressing room and headed towards the restroom. As they passed the entrance passage, Chen Dongqing peeked at the stage.

As the match approached, spectators began to enter the stadium.

Just like the start of the group stage, the stadium was packed with 60,000 spectators. The Brazilian team really gave us face.

Chen Dongqing could even see many people holding QG's pure white team flag, which would surely create a magnificent scene when they went on stage.

Suppressing a hint of anticipation, Chen Dongqing went into the restroom. Unexpectedly, there were two athletes in black team uniforms whispering to each other in the urinals.

Judging from the English text on the back, one is G2's ADEven, and the other is G2's mid laner Perkz.

"Hey, Luka," Even said, "Remember to help the bot lane a lot in the later match, QG's ADC is a monster."

Perkz rolled his eyes. "Is this something I can decide? QG's mid laner is having a tough time too!"

"Shit," Even said helplessly, "Why did QG choose us as their opponent? This is really too troublesome."

"What's so difficult about this? Even if we play KT, what difference does it make?" Ah P said. "The worst that can happen is we lose. For us, making it to the semifinals is already a success. Actually, I can't wait to go back to my hometown and go fishing."

Reaching the top four is considered a success, and that's no exaggeration.

Because reaching the MSI semifinals really does have benefits.

According to the rules set by Riot Games, regions that enter the knockout stage of MSI will have special privileges in the World Championship that same year, meaning the number one seed will enter Pool 1 and take the top spot in their group.

Therefore, based on the results of this year's semifinals, the four teams in Pool 1 will come from the LPL, LCK, Europe, and LMS regions respectively.

Even the number one seed from the North American region can only be placed in pool two and wait for allocation.

So theoretically speaking, G2's achievement of reaching the quarterfinals is already a source of pride for their region.

"Allright," Even sighed, "I hope we can win a game today, but not lose too badly. The pressure of laning against Uzi is just too much."

Perkz laughed and said, "Then you have to think about Expect (G2's top laner). You're only laning against Uzi, but he's laning against Ilex!"

Even chuckled when he recalled the expression on his team's top laner's face when it was confirmed that they would be facing QG in the semifinals, which eased the tension of the match considerably.

Both of them shuddered simultaneously, then pulled up their pants and turned around.

Two people were standing behind them.

Even and Perkz felt a chill run down their spines.

They were discussing QG when they discovered the person in question was right behind them, leaving them both incredibly embarrassed.

Even looked at the kind-faced, handsome man in front of her, made way for him, and stiffly greeted him, "Hi."

Chen Dongqing smiled and nodded, then stood in front of the urinal and began to unbuckle his belt.

G2's two centers quickly walked away.

"Do you think they can understand what we're saying?" Even asked, scratching his head.

"I don't know," Perkz shrugged. "But I remember Ilex's English was pretty good."

"Then let's hope they don't understand," Even prayed awkwardly.

Meanwhile, inside the toilet.

Uz tilted his head and asked, "What kind of gibberish were those two talking about?"

Chen Dongqing thought for a moment and said, "Even said he'd make things difficult for you in the match and put some pressure on you."

"?" Uzi turned around. "You didn't just randomly pick something, did you?"

"No," Chen Dongqing said calmly. "That's what I heard."

Chen Dongqing's English is so-so, only good enough for everyday conversation. From the conversation between G2, he only heard words like "shameful" and "stressful," which were roughly the gist of it.

Uz's eyebrows shot up, and his temperature began to rise sharply. "Putting pressure on me? Good grief, you've never died before, huh?!"

Uzi decided to give them a tougher beating later.

After the two finished using the restroom, Uzi told the QG team about his remarks, which immediately caused another stir.

"Good grief!" Xiangguo rolled up his sleeves. "These guys from G2 are so arrogant! We'll have to teach them a lesson later!"

With the match about to begin, Coach Cui seized the opportunity to explain the tactical arrangements against G2.

The tactic is simple – play your own game.

"There's not much to say about G2. They have a balanced overall strength, with their mid laner being relatively outstanding. We're not afraid of teams like that at all. We just need to play our own rhythm well, guard against their mid-jungle synergy, and victory will be a piece of cake."

No one in QG had any objection to this.

If we were to create a pentagram representing the five positions of both teams, QG's pentagram would completely encircle G2, with the only difference being a slightly smaller gap in the mid-lane.

If QG were to say this, it wouldn't be considered arrogant at all.

Of course, we must not be careless.

After all, G2's third-place finish in the group means they must have something special to offer.

"Enough talk, all we need to do is give it our all!" Linko said excitedly. "I believe that with your level of play, winning 3-0 shouldn't be a problem. Go for it!"

"Alright, welcome to the Rio Olympic Stadium! This is the venue for the 2017 Mid-Season Invitational!" Guan Zeyuan shouted from the commentary booth, "The semi-final match between QG and G2 is about to begin!"

"I believe this is a highly anticipated showdown," Remember added, "but I think it's relatively easy for QG to win today. After all, judging from their performance in the group stage, QG, with their ten-game winning streak, is clearly in better form!"

Immediately afterwards, the director switched to the data of the two teams, and it was immediately clear that QG's data was significantly ahead.

In terms of average gold lead or average kills, QG outperforms G2 by more than double!

The third commentator, Su Xiaoyan, quickly spoke up. She held a notebook in her hand, which indicated her responsibility for data analysis. She spoke eloquently, revealing many things that were previously unknown to others.

"Flash Wolves' performance in the LMS region this year has been quite remarkable. They achieved a 14-game winning streak in the regular season, becoming the fourth team in the world to achieve this feat. Their dominance is truly astounding."

Su Xiaoyan laughed as she said this, adding, "But compared to our QG, their dominance is still quite lacking."

To date, only four teams have achieved a perfect regular season record five times.

First is SKT in the winter of 13, second is FNC in the summer of 15, third is QG in the summer of 16 and spring of 17, and fourth is Flash Wolves in the spring of 17.

However, it is worth mentioning that among these four teams, only QG in the Spring of 17 achieved the feat of winning all individual games and making it to the playoffs, making their achievement absolutely unique!

The three commentators were also very proud of QG, and they were glad that such a team appeared in their LPL.

They really can't imagine what it would be like if such a dominant team appeared in the LCK.

The three then discussed the data and the possible drafts/bans for both sides.

"If nothing unexpected happens, QG will likely choose the blue side, which will be a huge challenge for G2, who will be on the red side, in their draft phase!"

"Actually, they don't have many options. In the first round, they only have four heroes to deal with: Fiora, Jayce, Caitlyn, and Kennen. If they only have three ban slots, they can only try to ban three and then find a way to deal with the one that is released."

"If you ask me, I think it's better to let Jayce out. After all, he's not as threatening as the other three, who can all carry four opponents!"

The three commentators each gave a sentence, clearly explaining G2's current predicament.

Soon, a sound came through Guan Zeyuan's earphones.

Colonel Guan raised his voice, immediately ending the conversation, and then said, "Alright, the first ban/pick phase is about to begin. Let's see how the bans clash between the two sides!"

The camera cut to the scene, panning across the faces of both players, revealing that both looked remarkably calm.

QG remained calm because they were confident of victory.

G2's composure stems from their innate optimism.

Their only concern is whether they will lose badly today, never whether they will lose at all.

Soon, the BP screen suddenly switched to the camera.

"Okay, we can see that QG, who had the first-choice side, proactively chose the blue side in the first game. Because of Kennen, the blue side still has a greater advantage in this version!"

Based on their performance in the group stage, all teams can now confirm that AD Kennen is indeed a strategy worth picking first. This significantly increases the importance of the blue side.

"The BP panel appeared a little late this time; both sides have already completed their first three bans. Let's take a look at their ban choices!"

Guan Daxiao's gaze swept over the bans from both sides, and then he nodded.

The ban was exactly as expected.

"On the blue side, QG banned Poppy, Olaf, and Syndra, three very targeted bans. On the other side, G2 banned Fiora, Kennen, and Caitlyn!"

Seeing that his three bans were all predicted correctly, Guan Daxiao revealed a smug smile, and then continued, "QG's bans are quite targeted. The audience may not know, but G2's jungler Trick's Olaf had a 100% win rate in the 2017 season! Obviously, QG has done some research on G2!"

As for Syndra, needless to say, with LeBlanc being nerfed to a pulp in this version, she is one of the few fig leaves that Perkz has.

There is also something worth noting here: in the past, QG would usually ban Zyra and then keep Karma and Lulu on both sides.

But this time, they didn't do that.

Because they had already planned out the draft for this game: no matter which of the four heroes the opponent had to ban, they would definitely pick the remaining one.

If you ban Zyra but allow Karma and Lulu, it's like you're helping the enemy team ban Zyra, because they'll inevitably pick both champions.

So we have to play all of them this time.

Based on this theory, both sides made their first three moves very quickly.

The blue side made their first move, and QG immediately locked in Jayce. This was an absolutely confident choice, and there was no room for doubt.

Immediately afterwards, G2 quickly locked in Lulu and Karma, choosing to release Zyra.

According to G2's data, QG's support Ming has never played Zyra, always banning her himself, so they let QG have her.

Their judgment was indeed correct; Shi Senming's Zyra was indeed mediocre, after all, he had not experienced the baptism of the S6 World Championship.

With Uzi on the team, Xiaoming's Zyra doesn't need to be too good; just passing grade is enough.

There's not much to say. Ashe and Zyra are the team composition, and G2 will pick Kog'Maw to pair with Lulu, focusing on the late game.

Upon seeing this, Uzbekistan's eyes narrowed.

Why would you pick Kog'Maw to counter my Ashe? And you even boasted before the match that you'd put pressure on me?

You're so arrogant!

Entering the second round of BP.

G2 countered by banning Lee Sin and Elise, trying their best to block QG's top and jungle synergy, while QG banned Gragas and Maokai, entering the champion selection phase.

"Red team G2's fourth pick, they've chosen Galio!" Colonel Guan said. "This Galio should be for the top lane."

Galio's damage wasn't that high in the reworked version, but his tankiness and support capabilities were excellent, so he's usually used as a top/mid duo now.

It's fine for withstanding Jayce's pressure.

Jayce for top lane and Ashe for bot lane have already been picked.

QG's last two draft picks were aimed at enhancing the laning advantage of these two heroes, hoping to defeat their opponents through the laning phase in both the top and bottom lanes.

With this policy in mind, the answers to the remaining two options become clear.

Gordwei needs a mid laner who can break through Karma's lane dominance.

Xiangguo needs a jungler with strong rhythm control.

QG actually has a hidden trump card, but this time Banbazi gave the choice to the players.

"Give me the prince," Xiangguo immediately replied.

Without a second thought, Godway said, "Give me Crystal Maiden. I can roam after I reach level seven."

"OK, no problem." Coach Cui snapped his notebook shut and said, "When facing G2, let's try to hold back a few of our moves. I believe you can win with your raw strength."

"Okay, no problem." Chen Dongqing glanced at the lineup and said confidently, "Just wait for our triumphant return."

At this point, G2 had made their final choice – Graves.

The lineups for both sides are now finalized.

Blue side QG: Top lane Jayce, Jungle Jarvan IV, Mid lane Lissandra, Bot lane Ashe and Zyra.

Red side G2: Top lane Galio, Jungle Graves, Mid lane Karma, Bot lane Kog'Maw and Lulu.

"Both teams have initiation and protection, and both have enough damage output; there were no issues with the draft!" Remember exclaimed loudly. "The only difference is that G2, with Graves and Kog'Maw, is more late-game oriented, while QG's three carries are all early-to-mid-game champions!"

"It's another classic spear and shield matchup!" Colonel Guan said with a laugh. "This is QG's favorite matchup, because their spear is the sharpest in the world!"

Many teams are wary of QG's early and mid-game offensive capabilities, so they choose a relatively conservative lineup and bet on the late game.

But in reality, this is the situation QG would most like to see.

They studied SKT for a whole year last year and beat SKT for a whole year. Their specialty is dismantling the turtle shell!

The camera pans to an aerial position, slowly surveying the entire scene.

Countless people held flagpoles and waved the pure white QG team flag, creating a white ocean in the audience, with surging waves.

With millions of players watching, the first match of the semi-finals kicked off with a bang!

The match against G2 won't take too long; it's expected to be resolved in two chapters.

(End of this chapter)