Chapter 146: 20, Breaking A Sweat On Your Neck?
The clamor in the arena lingered, assaulting everyone’s eardrums.
On the big screen, the stark red “Victory” and the frozen match timer narrated the just-concluded events in an almost absurd manner.
Only now did many viewers snap back to reality, subconsciously glancing at the end time and rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
“Fifteen minutes?! It… ended already?” a viewer murmured, voicing the thoughts of countless others.
They had anticipated the advantage brought by unconventional tactics, they had expected EDG to win, but no one dared to imagine that against the formidable SKT, EDG would end the match in such a humiliating fashion in a professional game!
“I haven’t even taken my pants off yet… no, I’ve only had one sip of my drink! The game was just too exciting, I didn’t have time to drink.”
“This is outrageous! In all my years watching matches, I’ve never seen such a quick game in the World Championship finals! And against SKT, no less!”
“Was SKT treated like bots? Is this the SKT I know? Even the Great Demon King Faker couldn’t do anything…”
“This lineup is just monstrous, Taric and Master Yi are invincible!”
After a brief moment of shock, the audience in the arena immediately erupted into discussion.
The spectators who had been sitting to watch the match now stood up in unison, excitedly conversing and gesturing with their companions or unfamiliar neighbors, their faces flushed with excitement.
Restroom? No one even considered it.
At this moment, everyone’s topic of conversation centered on the same point: EDG’s Taric-Master Yi combo and the unstoppable Unreal!
“This Master Yi is unbelievable! He cuts down anyone he sees, one-shotting them!”
“As soon as Taric’s ultimate goes down, Master Yi charges in like it’s a buffet! He carves through them like butter.”
“What kind of garbage lineup did SKT pick? No crowd control at all, just feeding Master Yi stats?”
“It’s not that SKT is weak, it’s that EDG’s strategy is too overpowered! Look at Master Yi’s development: tower diving at five minutes, level eight at seven minutes, full build at twelve minutes… how are you supposed to play against that?”
The live stream room was even more bustling with discussion than the arena.
【1507! This might be the shortest record in professional esports history? A match that ended in only fifteen minutes. 】
【Congratulations to SKT for setting the record for lasting fifteen minutes in a single match. 】
【I declare, from this day forward, Summoner’s Rift belongs to U! 】
【Unreal: Heard you guys are the reigning champions? 】
【Faker is stunned, his expression is about to break. 】
【Coach Kkoma is probably smashing his laptop backstage! 】
【What’s the psychological shadow area for SKT! 】
【Wait, winning one game and acting like you’ve already won the championship? Even if you win the championship, do you get a skin for the Mid-Season Invitational? 】
【The Korean fans are frantic seeing their idols get beaten so badly. 】
【Isn’t this a club match? Are we bringing nationality into it again? And isn’t EDG’s AD Korean? I don’t know what you guys are getting so worked up about. 】
In these short fifteen minutes, EDG, with an ultimate, utterly dominating slaughter, announced their arrival to the world.
This was not just a victory; it was a message to everyone that the throne of the era, SKT’s dynasty, was not unshakeable!
And at this moment, the suffocating low atmosphere in SKT’s player seats formed a stark contrast with the roaring excitement in the stadium.
Faker slowly took off his headphones, looking at the defeat on the screen with pursed lips, his face devoid of any expression.
He had competed for years and experienced countless defeats, but this was the first time he had suffered such a devastating loss without being able to fight back!
They all knew, trouble had just begun…
What EDG brought to the table was not a simple trick, but a nearly unsolvable system.
If it couldn’t be deciphered, a nightmare of the entire BO5 awaited them.
Because a pick/ban phase isn’t just about banning your opponent’s preferred heroes.
The arena lights focused on EDG’s player seats.
Li Fan smiled and high-fived Clearlove next to him, a trace of exhilaration after a brutal victory on his face.
In the past, he only dreamed of crushing SKT; today, he finally got to trample them and dominate Faker!
This was a completely different experience.
Clearlove also showed a smile of relief. After all, facing SKT, with Peanut present, he felt like he had stacked buffs, and he didn’t have much confidence in this match…
The first game with the unconventional strategy was won so easily.
Instantly, he felt energized, and his state was completely different.
His Taric this game could be considered the easiest “support” in history… but what does being a support matter? Winning the game is what counts, and others can’t even be supports.
However, there were still two tough games ahead.
Only by winning them all would it be a true moment for celebration.
Coach Kuaisu Xing, in the backstage lounge, watched his players’ relaxed expressions on the screen and let out a hearty laugh.
SKT backstage lounge.
The moment the door was pushed open, the players, heads down, were a stark contrast to the spirited, kingly team on stage.
Faker silently walked to a chair in the corner and sat down, staring at the ground… Bang and Wolf looked somewhat dazed, as if they hadn’t fully recovered from being slaughtered by Master Yi.
Being taken down in fifteen minutes felt both shameful and powerless.
The opposing team’s fifteen-minute item build was equivalent to their twenty-plus-minute build. How could they possibly win?
Head coach Kkoma took it all in, took a deep breath, and clapped his hands forcefully to draw everyone’s attention.
“Alright, lift your heads,” his voice was steady. “It was just one game, forget it. Remember, we are Three-time Champions, legends in the history of League of Legends. Even if we lose the Mid-Season Invitational, what does it matter? We can just win it back in the World Championship later.”
The players all looked up at his words.
Kkoma walked to the tactical whiteboard: “In this game, we lost due to strategy, not skill. They meticulously prepared this… combination and caught us off guard. They even picked a lineup with no crowd control, which is why Master Yi played so comfortably. If we had picked heroes with crowd control, would Master Yi have been this comfortable?”
He paused, his gaze sweeping across each player: “And this kind of unconventional strategy just proves one thing: they are afraid of a direct confrontation with us!”
“If they thought they could beat us with raw strength, why would I research this unconventional strategy? Don’t you agree! We are a team with three championships. Both our players and our tactical system are stronger than EDG’s!”
A championship is the best proof…
“They think they can win the next BO5 with such underhanded tactics? Too naive. Since we can’t deal with this Master Yi for now, it’s simple… just ban him on the first pick slot.”
“Next game, we’re on the Red Side. In the first round, we’ll ban Master Yi. I don’t believe they can pull out a second strategy like this!”
“Without this absolute core, they will have to return to their conventional tactical system,” Kkoma’s tone was full of confidence. “At that point, it will be a real fight of laning and operations. Tell me, will we lose to EDG in our strongest area?”
“Of course not!” Bang clenched his fist. He had wanted to get revenge for a long time, and after being utterly dominated by Master Yi in the first game, he was truly enraged…
EDG backstage lounge.
“Well played, brothers!” Coach Kuaisu Xing stepped forward, patting each player on the shoulder, an uncontrollable smile on his face. “Pushing through SKT in fifteen minutes, you’ve made history!”
Li Fan sank onto the sofa, and a cup was handed to him.
He looked up, slightly surprised to see that Scout was the one handing him the water.
Scout showed no particular expression, and Li Fan took the cup.
While Scout wasn’t difficult to get along with normally, this was the first time he had actively poured water for him.
Usually, he would only go to the water dispenser next to him to get himself water if Kuaisu Xing explicitly asked him to.
After handing over the water, Scout’s gaze briefly flicked to Kuaisu Xing beside him. Seeing the coach looking at them with a smile of approval, seemingly pleased with the scene, he finally relaxed…
Rather than being scolded by the coach to get water, it was better to just pour it now, saving him from further embarrassment in the lounge.
Being scolded constantly during this time had taken a toll on his self-esteem… and he was able to retain some dignity.
Kuaisu Xing was very satisfied at this moment. A substitute is a substitute. A substitute must show an attitude towards the starters.
You don’t have many chances to play, so just pour water after the match. It’s better than the club paying you for doing nothing.
This was why he asked him to pour water.
Everything was for the club…
Then he clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“First game, brilliantly played! It’s a great start to our BO5!” his voice was loud and full of power. “But everyone, snap out of it. This is just one game, it’s not time to celebrate yet! I want us to lift the championship trophy in the center of the stage!”
“SKT will definitely make a fierce comeback in the next game, and our Master Yi strategy is likely gone…”
The players all suppressed their smiles and nodded seriously.
They all understood that surprise tactics are effective precisely because they are unexpected. Once the opponent becomes wary, their effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Kuaisu Xing’s gaze swept over each player, finally landing on Li Fan.
“We have only one goal: 3:0! Take them down!”
Li Fan was the first to place his hand on top.
“3:0!!” Mouse, Meiko, and then Clearlove, Zet, everyone stacked their hands together!
The cameraman in the lounge recorded this moment in its entirety.
The short rest period ended, and amidst the deafening cheers of the crowd, both teams’ players once again took the stage and entered their seats.
On the big screen, the screen switched to the draft phase for the second game!
“Hello, audience friends, welcome back to the 2017 MSI Mid-Season Invitational Finals. After EDG’s shocking quick victory in the first game, we are about to witness the second game!”
On the commentary desk, Wa Wa said eagerly: “After the fifteen-minute ordeal of the last game, my heart is still racing. It was too exciting! I wonder what kind of excitement both teams will bring us in this game!”
Miller chimed in: “That’s right, EDG’s Taric-Master Yi combination in the first game completely subverted our understanding of this game. So, will EDG have any new tricks in this game? After all, SKT will never let the Taric-Master Yi combination through again. Let’s wait and see!”
“The draft has begun! EDG on the Blue Side, their first pick… directly banning Peanut’s Lee Sin!” Su Xiao Yan said.
“A very standard ban, showing respect for Peanut’s signature hero.”
It was SKT’s turn on the Red Side. Without any hesitation, SKT’s first ban locked in Master Yi.
This was something everyone expected.
After being so thoroughly beaten last game, they certainly wouldn’t let Master Yi through again.
“Here it comes, they banned Master Yi as expected!” Wa Wa’s voice was filled with excitement. “SKT is showing through their actions that they can’t deal with this Master Yi, so they won’t let you play him!”
“Very decisive, no stubbornness. This is what makes SKT so smart,” Miller analyzed. “They can admit that a certain strategy is strong and then counter it in the most direct way. However, with this kind of pick/ban on the Red Side, I think they are still under a lot of pressure.”
The live stream chat instantly scrolled by.
【They’re scared! SKT is actually scared. 】
【Are you saying that LGD, who went home in the quarterfinals and was stubborn enough to let their opponent pick Garen, isn’t scared? 】
【This is how a smart team plays; if you can’t beat them, you ban them. 】
【I knew they wouldn’t let him through a second time. These people in the live stream chat are like bots, no wonder their ranks are so low. 】
【Fast forward to SKT realizing they still can’t win even after banning Master Yi! 】
【Let’s hope so. It’s been a long time since we won the World Championship. Last year, our best result was quarterfinals. We really need this Mid-Season Invitational championship to save us. 】
On EDG’s player seats, no one showed any surprise at this ban.
Naturally, if they couldn’t deal with it, they would ban it…
“See? I told you they wouldn’t dare let him through again.”
“As expected. Let’s go fight them!”
SKT, on the Red Side, had no choice but to consecutively ban the currently strong jungle picks Zac and Sejuani.
This left several key heroes for EDG available.
“Lucian, Ivern, Galio… they’re all out!” Miller’s voice carried a hint of surprise. “SKT’s bans are really restrictive. EDG can still get their most familiar system. As long as they play around the mid lane, EDG’s win rate can be very high!”
“There’s no other way. Honestly, I can’t think of any way to deal with Master Yi right now. He’s too overpowered, his development is beyond timelines… diving for a kill at level five, ignoring turrets to get kills at seven minutes. I wonder who developed this. It’s incredible! Whoever thought of this is a genius!”
EDG on the Blue Side locked in Galio in the first pick with almost no hesitation.
“First pick Galio! Is EDG going for a support system? This hero is extremely versatile in the current meta, and Unreal plays him really well. You might think he’s an aggressive mid laner, but in reality, a farming mid laner is also terrifying, and the support style is also amazing…” Miller said this with pride, as this was the first time an LPL mid laner had been so all-rounded.
The previous mid laner, Wei Shen, had obvious weaknesses, especially after playing Tianya Mingyue Dao, his state completely vanished.
Unreal doesn’t have this problem; he can play other games extensively.
Kkoma’s brow immediately furrowed.
He had anticipated EDG might pick Ivern or Lucian, but this Galio pick was truly unexpected.
Were they that confident SKT wouldn’t play Ivern?
However, with Ivern picked, there were fewer mid-lane pairings for him, which was a bit troublesome.
They ultimately chose the same mid-jungle combo from the previous game: Olaf and LeBlanc.
“LeBlanc and Olaf! SKT doesn’t intend to change their mid-jungle from the last game,” Su Xiao Yan said. “However, this combination has extremely strong early-game aggression and jungle dueling potential. It seems SKT is determined to gain an advantage early on.”
Facing SKT’s aggressive mid-jungle, EDG calmly locked in Lucian and Ivern in the second and third picks.
“Here it comes, Lucian and Ivern! EDG is bringing out their familiar system from this season!” Miller said.
However, this system was already known to everyone, so Kkoma wasn’t under as much pressure…
In the subsequent draft, SKT placed some restrictions on the bot lane, while EDG responded by limiting the top lane champion pool.
Finally, both teams’ lineups were set.
Blue Side EDG: Top Lane Galio, Jungle Ivern, Mid Lane Lucian, Bot Lane Duo Ashe and Karma.
Red Side SKT: Top Lane Cho’Gath, Jungle Olaf, Mid Lane LeBlanc, Bot Lane Duo Caitlyn and Zyra.
Last time they tried the Ardent Censer system, it didn’t feel very comfortable, as the Ardent Censer item slowed down support itemization too much.
In that case, it’s better to pick a bot lane with a strong laning phase and just crush them!
That way, the Ardent Censer item can’t be built.
“EDG’s lineup: Lucian against LeBlanc, Ashe and Karma against Caitlyn and Zyra. At least in lane, they won’t be at a disadvantage. The key is the support and protection provided by Galio and Ivern!”
“When it comes to team fights, that’s when the lineup shines. The issue now is ending the game earlier; otherwise, dealing with Cho’Gath will be a bit difficult…”
With Cho’Gath’s tankiness, Lucian and Ashe will have a very tough time.
SKT has a very solid frontline.
And in small-scale team fights in the early to mid-game, Olaf and LeBlanc’s engages, combined with Zyra’s ultimate, if they can break EDG’s defense lines early on, their winning chances will be very high.
This is a typical SKT-style offensive lineup.
Both coaches once again met at center stage for a handshake.
Accompanied by the deafening cheers of the crowd, the second game officially loaded, and ten heroes descended upon Summoner’s Rift!
“Alright, the second game has officially begun! Let’s see if either side has planned for a level 1 engagement!”
“SKT has Zyra and LeBlanc, their level 1 engagement is not weak. They seem to be intending to invade EDG’s jungle!” Miller noticed SKT grouping up and heading towards EDG’s lower jungle.
They wanted to disrupt Ivern’s jungle clear rhythm…
But honestly, it’s not easy, because of Ivern’s passive, SKT cannot achieve this.
If they don’t engage before the jungle camps spawn, by the time the camps spawn, they will be level two, making it even harder for SKT to win. So, SKT only attempted it and then disengaged.
Both mid laners brought Ignite and Flash as their summoner spells this game, indicating they both planned to play very aggressively and secure kills in lane.
Both mid laners brought Ignite and Flash as their summoner spells this game, both fully intending to play very aggressively and secure a kill in lane.
Since the level 1 teamfight yielded nothing, both sides quickly separated and entered the laning phase.
The director immediately focused the camera on the most heated mid lane.
As the minion waves met, Li Fan’s Lucian and Faker’s LeBlanc immediately began their first exchange.
Lucian raised his hand and auto-attacked LeBlanc, and almost simultaneously, LeBlanc stomped on his face…
“Both sides traded at level 1! Both triggered Thunderlord’s Decree! But Lucian triggered his passive Silver Bolts, landing two consecutive auto-attacks. Lucian gained a small advantage in this trade!” Wa Wa commented at a rapid pace.
However, Faker’s execution was equally skilled.
He utilized LeBlanc’s ability range advantage to kill three melee minions faster, securing lane priority first.
The camera quickly cut to the bot lane.
As everyone had predicted, SKT’s bot lane, with the duo of Caitlyn and Karma, the lane bullies, displayed terrifying dominance from level 1.
Zet’s Ashe and Meiko’s Karma were completely suppressed under their turret, finding it difficult to even approach and gain experience.
Honestly, this shouldn’t have happened, as Karma and Ashe’s laning ability isn’t weak…
But they were out-ranged and constantly kited, and Karma’s crucial Q-R combo missed.
The SKT fans in the audience, upon seeing this, finally erupted with the most enthusiastic cheers and screams since the start of the game!
The suppressed frustration of an entire game was now released.
“Yes! That’s how you play!”
“This is the SKT we know!”
“Without their tricks, they are nothing!”
“Bang! Wolf! Crush them!”
The few SKT fans in the live stream room also started to speak up at this time.
【Look! This is true strength! 】
【EDG’s true colors are showing, right? 】
【The difference in bot lane! 】
【I said it long ago, relying on trickery won’t get you far! 】
The game time reached a little over three minutes, and the mid lane minion wave was near the river’s centerline, close to EDG’s turret.
Faker’s LeBlanc suddenly moved forward aggressively. He glanced at the minimap; Peanut’s Olaf had finished his blue buff and was heading towards mid lane!
So, he needed to poke some of Lucian’s health. LeBlanc instantly used her W to dash towards Lucian’s face!
“Faker initiated, dashed with W, Phantom Chain and Sigil of Malice hit accurately! Unreal’s health dropped quickly…” Wa Wa’s surprised voice rang out.
However, Li Fan did not choose to retreat, taking the damage for free. Instead, he violently clicked his mouse forward!
Relentless Pursuit!
Lucian slid forward with a nimble dash, auto-attacked, and simultaneously locked onto LeBlanc, igniting her!
“Unreal didn’t run, he chose to fight back! Dashed forward with his E, applied Ignite! He wants to trade!”
At this moment, both mid laners were playing incredibly aggressively, because they both knew the junglers were already en route to mid lane.
“But… Clearlove! Clearlove’s Ivern arrived faster!” Su Xiao Yan was very excited.
After all, Ivern’s jungle clear is just farming, which is much faster than Olaf’s.
Seeing Ivern emerge from the intersection, Faker was startled and immediately realized something was wrong.
Without hesitation, he pressed Flash!
With a flash of golden light, LeBlanc instantly moved to the side, attempting to create distance from Ivern and escape towards Olaf’s direction.
“Faker flashed decisively! But Clearlove followed up with a Q! Can he hit?” Wa Wa held his breath.
A vine flew from Ivern’s hand, aimed directly at LeBlanc as she landed her flash, but LeBlanc performed an extreme small dodge, and the vine grazed her body.
It missed!
“He dodged it! Faker dodged Ivern’s Q with his movement! He can dodge that too?” Wa Wa’s voice carried a hint of regret.
However, it was precisely this subtle movement to dodge the skill that caused a momentary pause in LeBlanc’s retreat path, bringing her into Lucian’s attack range!
“But LeBlanc’s position is blocked! Lucian can auto-attack her!” Miller roared.
Auto Attack!
Piercing Light! A silver light hit LeBlanc.
Now!
Li Fan, without hesitation, used another Flash to follow up and unleash two shots! He took down LeBlanc’s last sliver of health!
“First Blood!”
“Killed him, Unreal! He used W to dash forward and land an auto-attack to get Faker’s First Blood!!”
However, the crisis was not over!
Peanut’s Olaf had finally arrived, with the speed boost from Sprint, charging directly at the low-health Lucian!
“Olaf is here! Unreal is in danger! He just used his Flash…” Miller’s heart tightened again.
Peanut’s eyes were fierce as he calculated the distance and threw his axe, which flew towards Lucian with a piercing whistle! If this axe hit and slowed him, combined with Sprint and subsequent auto-attacks, it was highly likely he could trade with this Lucian who had no Flash!
At the critical moment, Lucian made a small, sharp angled dodge, narrowly missing the fatal axe!
Clearlove demonstrated his seasoned experience.
Ivern waved his hand gently, and a bush of magic instantly appeared at Lucian’s feet!
Peanut lost sight of Lucian on his screen!
With his target lost, Peanut became flustered for a moment, while Clearlove and Li Fan’s attacks did not stop.
Ivern’s auto-attacks and the bullets fired back by Lucian accurately hit Olaf.
Olaf’s hero characteristic is that the lower his health, the faster his attack speed.
Peanut had intended to fight back with his low health, but his current health bar was not in good condition. Under the concentrated fire of the two, his health instantly dropped below half!
More critically, Ivern’s Bushwhack exploded, dealing damage and slowing him!
Li Fan retreated and kited, watching his abilities. His E, Relentless Pursuit, was about to come off cooldown.
The moment the cooldown ended, Li Fan’s eyes sharpened. Lucian slid forward again with a fluid dash, and unleashed two shots with Holy Bolts!
“Lucian’s E is back up, he dashed forward for two shots! Olaf’s health is critical!”
Seeing the situation turn dire, Peanut attempted to retreat, but it was already too late.
Lucian followed up with two steps, and a final auto-attack easily finished him off!
Double Kill!
“Double Kill! Unreal got a double kill in mid lane! Not only did he get LeBlanc’s kill, but he also took down the assisting Olaf!” Wa Wa was completely ecstatic.
With such a significant advantage at three minutes, the game felt like it was opening up again.
“Perfect execution, so calm and confident to dodge crucial skills, and combined with Clearlove to achieve this incredible 1v2… no, a 2v2 double kill! EDG’s mid and jungle completely outmatched SKT’s mid and jungle in this head-on clash!” Su Xiao Yan excitedly began to clap.
“Wow…” Miller was speechless, only able to express his amazement.
The entire Rio Olympic Stadium erupted!
All the audience, regardless of who they supported, were captivated by this spectacular play and erupted in thunderous applause and cheers!
After all, apart from the Koreans present, Brazilians give applause to whoever plays well.
“Unreal! Unreal! Unreal!”
Li Fan took a deep breath, listening to the double kill notification in his ears and the roaring cheers from the entire stadium.
“Nice, Brother Kai was super cool that play.”
Clearlove also smiled: “You were even cooler.”
The pressure on the top and bot lanes was instantly relieved.
With how fed mid lane is, I can just passive this game again…
Inside EDG’s backstage lounge.
“Nice, beautiful!!” Coach Kuaisu Xing fiercely clenched his fist the moment Li Fan’s double kill notification popped up.
“With two kills in hand, this mid lane is our absolute core. Even if you’re SKT, so what? In the face of absolute individual skill and early game advantage, you have to fall back!”
He knew exactly how dominant Li Fan was once he gained such an advantage.
However, the smile on his face didn’t last for more than a few seconds before the director’s camera panned to the bot lane.
Just as Wolf’s Zyra seized the moment Karma stepped forward, she landed a precise E, Root, trapping Karma. Caitlyn immediately followed up with a trap, chaining the crowd control!
Although Zet’s Ashe tried her best to output damage in return, SKT’s bot lane duo’s damage was simply too high.
In the end, Karma was forced to use her Flash and Heal to barely escape back under her turret with low health, and Ashe also lost her shield.
“With both summoner spells gone, the next few minutes will be even tougher.”
The game time reached six minutes.
Li Fan’s Lucian had reached level six, while due to his previous death and lost lane experience, Faker’s LeBlanc was only level five.
With a minion wave carrying a cannon minion, Lucian entered SKT’s turret range.
Faker’s LeBlanc stood under the turret, cautiously preparing to use abilities to last hit.
However, just as LeBlanc raised her hand for an auto-attack to last hit the cannon minion, Lucian moved, auto-attacking LeBlanc!
“Is Unreal going to make a move? He dashed into the turret with E!” Wa Wa’s surprised voice rose sharply.
Simultaneously, Piercing Light forced out LeBlanc’s W ability!
But it was useless, his Q followed up… LeBlanc’s backside was illuminated by the W ability.
“So much damage! LeBlanc’s health is very low!” Miller’s voice was filled with tension, as the dive and kill meant Lucian’s health was also not healthy, making this move very risky.
LeBlanc quickly used her second W to dash back…
“Holy Shot!”
He spewed out fiery silver bullets, pouring them onto LeBlanc!
“Ultimate! Lucian activated his ultimate! Can he kill him?”
Faker desperately dodged and weaved, but the confined terrain behind the turret and the speed boost from Lucian’s W meant that most of Holy Shot’s bullets landed on LeBlanc’s fragile body!
One, two, three…
LeBlanc’s health bar disappeared like an avalanche!
“Unreal is still outputting damage while tanking the turret! LeBlanc is going to die!!”
As the turret’s second attack was about to land on Lucian.
“EDG Unreal has slain SKT Faker!”
The system notification for a solo kill echoed through the Summoner’s Rift!
And Lucian had already pulled out after taking the third turret shot.
His health was down to a sliver!
He didn’t die!
“He killed him, dived and solo killed Faker! Unreal dived and solo killed Faker’s LeBlanc at six minutes! He tanked three turret shots and he didn’t die!!”
“Wow, what damage is this! So confident, he knew LeBlanc had no Flash, he knew his damage was enough, this is Unreal! This is the face of our LPL!” Miller’s voice carried immense pride.
“Invincible, this person is too invincible…” Su Xiao Yan could find no other adjectives.
The entire stadium ignited once again!
This time, the cheers and applause even surpassed the previous mid-jungle double kill!
After all, dive kills are the most exciting in any scenario.
“Awesome! Holy shit!” The other teammates shouted almost in unison.
With how strong mid lane is, getting a solo kill directly…
【Holy shit! Solo kill! Dived and solo killed Faker! 】
【Is this Lucian a monster? 】
【Double kill at three minutes, solo kill at six minutes, this mid lane is unplayable. 】
【EDG is stable this game! If this rhythm continues, it’ll be 3:0! 】
【Koreans, speak! Where’s the hard strength? 】
【Don’t rush, the game just started, SKT has great operations. 】
【But Unreal is so fed, how do they deal with him? 】
As the bullet comments suggested, a super fed Lucian’s pressure in the mid-game was devastating.
At seven and a half minutes, Peanut, controlling Olaf, once again came to mid lane, trying to find an opportunity, even if it was just to force Lucian’s Flash or lower his health, to relieve the immense laning pressure on Faker.
However, the moment he poked his head out from the river brush, Clearlove’s Ivern appeared from the other side.
Clearlove didn’t even initiate an attack, he just stood behind Lucian.
“Peanut still wants to move mid, but Clearlove is right behind him to counter-gank, he can’t do anything! Going up now is just feeding!” Wa Wa said with a smile.
“This is the deterrence of mid-jungle synergy. I have a mid lane advantage, and my jungler can roam infinitely in your jungle and around mid lane, rendering your jungler useless!” Miller analyzed.
Clearlove turned around and took control of the Rift Herald in the top lane…
Peanut, helpless, could only retreat and continue farming.
Faker in mid lane was still firmly locked under his turret…
But SKT is SKT after all, their strong ability to seize opportunities still existed.
The game time reached nine minutes.
In the bot lane, EDG’s duo, who had been suppressed, were extremely cautious with their positioning because Meiko was missing both summoner spells.
However, Wolf found a perfect opportunity.
Zyra flashed forward, and her E, Root, precisely ensnared Karma.
“Zyra flashed E! She rooted Meiko…” Su Xiao Yan exclaimed.
Bang’s Caitlyn reacted extremely quickly, instantly casting her W, Yordle Snap Trap, under Karma’s feet, and simultaneously landing a headshot!
Meiko shielded herself, but the burst damage from Caitlyn and Zyra was simply too high.
Zet used Volley to slow Caitlyn and cast her ultimate, but they were too close, and Zyra’s ultimate was cast immediately afterward. The bot lane duo could not change the tide of the battle.
In the end, Bang’s Caitlyn finished her off with a Peacekeeper!
“SKT Bang has slain EDG Meiko!”
Lane kill!
“SKT found an opportunity in the bot lane! Meiko couldn’t escape without her summoner spells!”
“SKT is still strong. They can kill you with a single mistake. EDG’s bot lane tower is probably going to fall now.” Miller frowned.
The SKT fans in the arena finally witnessed the counterattack they had long awaited, erupting in passionate cheers.
“That’s it! Fight back like this!”
“This is the best bot lane in the world!”
At ten minutes, SKT successfully destroyed EDG’s low-health bot lane tower.
Meanwhile, Clearlove summoned the Rift Herald, and in cooperation with Li Fan’s Lucian, launched an assault in the mid lane!
The Rift Herald charged into SKT’s mid lane tower, which was already at low health, and it instantly fell.
“The towers were traded, but EDG traded a more important mid lane tower. This leaves SKT’s jungle wide open!”
The economic gap between the two teams remained around fifteen hundred. Although EDG had a lead, they hadn’t pulled ahead significantly.
However, the completion of a crucial item shifted the balance of the game.
Ivern built an Ardent Censer!
“An Ardent Censer! Clearlove’s Ivern built an Ardent Censer! Although the bot lane was suppressed and Meiko’s Ardent Censer was slow to complete, Clearlove is unaffected, and his Ardent Censer can be given to the person who needs it most, Lucian!”
The attack speed and lifesteal provided by the Ardent Censer are a massive boost for ADCs like Lucian, who rely on auto-attacks interspersed with abilities!
With the power spike from the Ardent Censer, EDG began to actively seek out team fights.
They utilized their vision advantage to secure a dragon first and further compressed SKT’s jungle vision.
At fourteen minutes, through mid-jungle coordination, EDG consecutively destroyed SKT’s top lane tower and bot lane second tower! The economic lead widened to three thousand!
“The rhythm is completely in EDG’s hands! This Lucian’s damage is too terrifying now, and with the Ardent Censer buff, SKT doesn’t dare to engage!” Su Xiao Yan said.
At sixteen minutes, Li Fan’s Lucian’s item build included Essence Reaver, Rapid Firecannon, and B.F. Sword. He began to roam the mid and bot lanes, applying pressure.
EDG’s members gathered and easily secured the second spawning Rift Herald!
The Rift Herald will respawn one more time before Baron Nashor spawns.
“Let’s group up and push mid! They’re going to use this Herald to push high ground!”
EDG’s five members, with the Rift Herald, advanced directly towards SKT’s mid lane high ground tower.
SKT was forced to defend with their entire team.
A team fight that would decide the victory erupted before the high ground!
Huni attempted to be the frontline, but Ivern’s Q skill hit the backline, and he decisively engaged!
A Guang seized the opportunity, using Heroic Entrance to slam directly into SKT’s backline, knocking up Caitlyn and Zyra!
“Galio used his ultimate to engage! He knocked up two people!”
Faker’s LeBlanc and Peanut’s Olaf simultaneously cut into EDG’s backline, targeting Lucian!
The scene instantly became chaotic! Skills flew everywhere!
However, Li Fan’s Lucian, protected by the Ardent Censer and Meiko’s Karma shield, kited backward while dealing damage, executing perfect operations, dodging crucial crowd control with his dash, and spraying the frontline with Holy Shot!
Thanks to the protection of the Ardent Censer, even if Lucian took full damage, he just wouldn’t die!
Ultimately, this team fight resulted in a brutal exchange of lives.
EDG paid the price of losing their top and jungle, while SKT lost their top, jungle, and two others from the bot lane, with only Faker’s LeBlanc escaping at low health.
“EDG won this team fight! They can destroy the mid lane high ground tower and crystal!” Wa Wa shouted excitedly.
EDG’s remaining two members, cooperating with the Rift Herald, successfully destroyed SKT’s mid lane high ground crystal!
The economic lead instantly widened to five thousand!
Watching the match from backstage, kkoma was so angry he was banging the table!
“SKT’s mid lane high ground has fallen! EDG has gained absolute initiative!”
The match entered the Baron Nashor vision control phase after twenty minutes.
Both sides set up vision around the Baron pit and constantly engaged in tug-of-war.
At twenty-two minutes, a turning point appeared once more!
Peanut’s Olaf was attempting to clear wards in EDG’s vision blind spot, but was spotted by Meiko’s placed vision.
“Olaf is very deep in their territory!”
A Guang’s Galio didn’t hesitate, flashing forward directly. His W skill, Durrand Shield, taunted and accurately hit Olaf!
“Flash taunt! Olaf is CC’d!”
Almost the instant Olaf was taunted, Li Fan’s Lucian emerged from the side!
He dashed forward with his E skill, followed by two auto-attacks with Pierce the Light empowered by his passive, and combined with Essence Reaver and Infinity Edge’s critical damage, he instantly dealt a burst of damage!
Peanut’s Olaf hastily activated his ultimate to cleanse the crowd control, but he couldn’t withstand the explosive damage from Lucian.
“He’s dead! Olaf is dead! Peanut is down!!”
“Baron! EDG can go for Baron!” Su Xiao Yan shrieked.
SKT’s remaining four members attempted to harass, but without their jungler, they dared not approach… Cho’Gath was just left at critically low health by a burst of Lucian’s bullets.
EDG’s five members steadily secured Baron Nashor!
“Baron Nashor has been slain by EDG!”
Carrying the Baron Buff, EDG recalled to resupply before launching their final push.
At twenty-four minutes, EDG’s army pressed forward, heading straight for SKT’s top lane high ground!
Under dire circumstances, SKT chose to initiate a team fight.
Huni’s Cho’Gath flashed to silence Lucian, and Faker’s LeBlanc also engaged once more.
However, the massive difference in equipment and economy, coupled with the Baron Buff, rendered SKT’s resistance futile.
Li Fan’s Lucian, protected by the Ardent Censer and his teammates, dealt explosive damage, like a mobile turret! He began his frantic kiting!
“Unreal is still dealing damage, he just won’t die! Caitlyn is down! LeBlanc is killed! SKT is about to collapse!” Miller spoke rapidly.
“He took all the damage like a tank… but his health just wouldn’t drop.”
In the end, the team fight resulted in a five-for-one exchange. EDG only sacrificed their support Karma, while SKT was team-wiped!
“Team wipe! They can go for the game now! EDG is going to win!”
Next, with super minions, they effortlessly destroyed the two Nexus towers that were left undefended.
A symbol of immense victory appeared once again on the screen at EDG’s player bench!
“They won! Two to zero! EDG has taken another win on the MSI Finals stage, holding three match points!” Miller shouted with all his might.
“Congratulations EDG! In this head-to-head clash, they defeated the powerful SKT with Unreal’s god-tier Lucian and their team’s perfect execution of decisions! They are only one step away from the championship!”
The entire venue erupted!
【2:0! Sweating buckets, right? 】
【EDG’s performance is truly incredible, could they actually win this championship? 】
【He’s a key piece of the championship puzzle, Unreal is definitely vital! 】
