IRAJAS Chapter 47

Xu Shengwei once again fell under Lin Lan’s arrows, sending a message full of discontent: “Again.”

This was already the fifth solo match Lin Lan played with him today, and he was getting tired of it and was getting bored.

Using the excuse of going to the restroom, he asked Jiang Jin to play a game for him, sneaking away to the balcony for some leisure.

Jiang Jin was miserably deceived, taking Vayne, a champion he had no idea how to play. Right from the start, he was hit by a combo from Xu Shengwei, losing half of his health and having to timidly stay behind to farm minions.

It seemed that Xu Shengwei had given up on killing him. Just when Jiang Jin relaxed for a moment, Xu Shengwei suddenly flashed, pinning him against the wall and finishing him off with three shots, adding an Ignite to secure the kill.

The unexpected attack startled Jiang Jin, who became flustered. How come, in just two days, Xu Shengwei learned to play mind games?

After the kill, Xu Shengwei stood still, not moving from his spot. A message appeared on the public screen: “Are you going easy on me?”

Jiang Jin, feeling bitter, replied: “It’s not Lin Lan playing.”

Xu Shengwei sent a message saying, “Sorry for the disturbance,” and then quickly logged off, leaving Jiang Jin bewildered. What just happened? Was he being looked down upon for being too bad?

When Lin Lan returned, he saw Jiang Jin looking frustrated, his face showing both anger and reluctance to speak. Lin Lan patted his shoulder, asking, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Jin shook his head but couldn’t hold back and asked Lin Lan after a while, “Is it difficult to get along with Xu Shengwei?”

“It’s quite challenging. I heard from the training camp people that he never interacts with others and is quite independent.”

“He plays AD Carry, and he doesn’t communicate with the support? How does that work in the game?” Jiang Jin couldn’t comprehend. “Isn’t teamwork essential?”

“He relies solely on personal skills. His rank is decent, barely reaching Grandmaster in solo queue, but when it comes to competitions…” Lin Lan shook his head, indicating that it was not enough. “We need someone experienced to guide him.”

Jiang Jin nodded at first but suddenly realized something, “Lin Lan, you’re not trying to train him, are you? You two clash in positions. If you’re training him, aren’t you just creating problems for yourself?”

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. “I heard Coach Zhang say they want to bring Xu Shengwei up as a substitute… I know you won’t be replaced by him, but just in case…”

Lin Lan quickly stopped his unfounded speculations, “Having substitutes is a precaution. In case something happens to me, Xu Shengwei can step in.”

There was another thing Lin Lan hadn’t told Jiang Jin. He looked at him seriously, “Jiang Jin, your playstyle as roaming support fits well with Xu Shengwei’s lone-wolf personality. Regardless of how you play, he can still farm aggressively. Given some time, once you two coordinate, it won’t be any worse than when you played with me.”

Lin Lan rarely had such a serious moment, causing Jiang Jin’s heart to race. “Why are you talking like you’re giving final instructions?”

Lin Lan maintained his seriousness for only five seconds, then reverted to his laid-back demeanor. “Just kidding.”

Jiang Jin was about to be scared to death. He punched Lin Lan in the chest, “Don’t play such jokes with me again.”

Despite Jiang Jin looking like a homebody, the punch had quite some force. Lin Lan rubbed his chest, feeling frustrated, thinking that the online Jiang Jin was much easier to mess with. In reality, if Jiang Jin couldn’t argue verbally, he’d resort to physical means.

While they were goofing around, Xiao Shengjing was busy with his own affairs. Having just finished dealing with his tasks, he came out and bumped into Lin Lan and the others laughing. He couldn’t help but smile too.

“Lin Lan,” he waved at him, “come over here.”

Lin Lan took off his headphones and trotted over. “What’s up, Captain?”

“Xu Shengwei’s substitute application has been approved. He’s now officially added to the DT roster as a free agent, ready to play at any time.”

Lin Lan took the documents, casually flipped through them, and realized he couldn’t understand them, so he put them back. “Captain, your efficiency in handling matters is indeed impressive.”

Xiao Shengjing seemed to appreciate Lin Lan’s flattery. He smiled and remembered something. “Oh, and your new contract has been drafted. After tomorrow’s match, Brother Mu will personally sign it with you. If you have any requests, feel free to include them; no need to be polite with him.”

Lin Lan did have a request to make. “Alright.”

“By the way, Captain, can you do me a favor after tomorrow’s match?”

“What favor?”

“I’ll tell you when the time comes.”

Xiao Shengjing looked at him with a hint of caution. “You’re not asking me to change your keyboard, are you?”

“Am I that kind of person?”

“Yes, you are.”

Lin Lan widened his eyes, desperately trying to defend himself. “Captain, how can you think of me like that? The last mouse was something you willingly bought for me. I didn’t want it, but you insisted on giving it to me, insisting on thanking me for my efforts. In case you insist on buying me a keyboard tomorrow and feel the need to thank me, I can’t refuse…”

He was cut off halfway as Xiao Shengjing grabbed the back of his neck, pushing him back into his seat. “Train well and stop daydreaming.”

Lin Lan’s strength wasn’t a match for Xiao Shengjing’s, and he couldn’t climb back up.

Teammates witnessing this scene burst into laughter.

Indeed, only Lin Lan could rein in the captain, and only the captain could rein in Lin Lan.

…

After an intense training session, the next day’s match quickly approached.

This was DT’s 12th match in the Spring Tournament. Winning would secure their fourth-place position, but a loss would drop them to fifth.

Their opponents were KIG, a standard powerhouse with individually strong players known for their late-game prowess, often referred to as the gods of the late game.

Once dragged into the late game by KIG, even seasoned powerhouses like FFO would find it challenging to secure victory, let alone a team like DT, relying on Lin Lan’s performance in the late game, with a weak early game.

Before the start of the match, predictions from various quarters overwhelmingly favored KIG. Renowned commentators, retired players, and even some popular streamers were unanimous in believing that KIG had the match in the bag.

The reasons were twofold: the significant gap in strength between the two teams and KIG’s playstyle perfectly countering DT. With these factors combined, it seemed almost impossible for DT to avoid defeat.

In the eyes of the public, DT appeared to be heading into an inevitable loss. From the moment they entered the arena, they faced countless skeptical glances.

During their entrance, they encountered KIG’s players. The way KIG’s players looked at DT resembled the disdainful gaze one would cast upon defeated opponents, making no effort to conceal the provocations in their eyes.

Even their top laner stopped in front of Lin Lan, casting a very impolite gaze as he scrutinized him from head to toe. “You’re Lin Lan, right?”

Lin Lan recognized him. Tink, KIG’s top laner, Zou Hao.

A highly self-confident player with outstanding individual skills, Tink dared to be aggressive in his playstyle. His bold approach was well-received in the LPL, especially in a role not known for producing top players.

Therefore, his professional career has been remarkably smooth, encountering few setbacks. He is currently a key player for the KIG team and has forcefully led the team to the World Championship with his individual skills. Currently, he ranks among the top three top laners in the LPL.

Lin Lan does acknowledge his prowess in the game, but as a person, he lacks the understanding of maintaining a good relationship with others.

Tink particularly enjoys bullying unknown newcomers and has been exposed for his bullying behavior within the team. Eventually, due to personal conduct issues, he was expelled from the team and had no choice but to become a streamer. However, his skills declined as he continued streaming.

Later, Lin Lan encountered him a few times in ranked games. Every time, Tink would blame his own mistakes on the mid-lane, attracting his brainless fans, mostly lower-ranked players with a poor understanding of the game. These fans harassed Lin Lan incessantly. Finally, fed up with it, Lin Lan faced Tink in a game and switched to the top lane, killing him repeatedly.

Not only did Lin Lan outplay him, but he also used Tink’s signature champions. This blow to Tink’s reputation made his fans realize his true skill level, and his career as a streamer gradually came to an end.

Lin Lan snapped back to the present, looking at Zou Hao in front of him.

The current him is the him from four years ago, still not expelled from the team, enjoying success, and displaying arrogance and disdain in his actions and words.

As Zou Hao walked away, he glanced provocatively at Lin Lan. Turning his head, he seemed to be saying something to his teammates, likely nothing good.

With KIG’s taunting, everyone’s expressions weren’t too pleasant. However, they couldn’t find a way to vent their frustrations.

Jiang Jin, concerned about Lin Lan’s feelings, said, “Ignore him, he’s got issues.”

Lu Shi chimed in, “Exactly, he clearly has issues. Let’s not pay attention to him.”

Saying this, each of them put an arm around Lin Lan’s shoulders, desperately changing the topic.

In reality, Lin Lan wasn’t bothered by it. People like Zou Hao, who would eventually face the consequences of their actions, didn’t deserve his attention. Nature itself would take care of them.

After a tense preparation, DT embarked on this seemingly inevitable battle. As both teams’ members entered, Zou Hao from the opposing team continued to glance disdainfully at Lin Lan from across the stage.

The cameraman captured this moment, and the live chat exploded with comments. The tension of the match had ignited even before it began:

[Tink is really disrespectful, isn’t he?]

[He clearly doesn’t respect others.]

[The game hasn’t even started, and he already thinks others can’t beat him?]

[So hilarious, truly a lane-bullying top laner.]

Initially, public opinion leaned towards DT, but as the match progressed, a gradual shift occurred.

On the screen, Zou Hao dominated Wu Tianqi, farmed so effectively that even Xiao Shengjing dared not go to the top lane, and in the mid-game, directly focused on bursting down Lin Lan.

Wherever Lin Lan was on the map, if the distance was sufficient, Zou Hao would instantly flash to engage, either forcing Lin Lan to use his flash or sending him back to the base. This playstyle prevented Lin Lan from getting the necessary farm.

As the game progressed, DT’s late-game damage output became insufficient. Lin Lan, the only significant damage dealer, would get instantly engaged by Zou Hao whenever he dared to show himself.

Jiang Jin was just a support, with limited ability to protect Lin Lan. Xiao Shengjing, a jungler, had a restricted impact in team fights.

The top lane and mid lane, which were supposed to provide support, witnessed one getting killed repeatedly and the other staying invisible the entire time, allowing Lin Lan to be constantly engaged with flash plays.

These scenes frustrated the audience, making their hearts ache. No wonder Zou Hao dared to taunt DT like this; it was because DT was not performing up to expectations!

The crystal exploded, and KIG secured the first victory.

This time, regardless of how Zou Hao taunted them, the audience no longer spoke up for DT. Instead, they believe that DT brought this upon themselves.

When you’re weak, you have to take the hits.

After the beating, DT returned to the lounge, reflecting on the recent events. Each person’s mindset suffered to varying degrees.

The cruelty of esports lies precisely here—win and you’re a king, lose and you’re a loser. No matter what the losing side does, it’s considered wrong.

Coach Zhang couldn’t find words to console them. He urged them to quickly regain their composure within the limited time available because time waits for no one, and the second game was about to begin.

Lin Lan closed his eyes for a brief rest. In the previous match, he deeply felt Zou Hao’s malicious intent towards him, time and time again, igniting a bit of anger even in his typically laid-back personality.

It seemed like the opponent was deliberately provoking him.

Thinking about this, Lin Lan decided to wash his face to cool down.

On the other side, Lu Shi and Feifei, having finished using the restroom, couldn’t help but express their frustration on the way back. “Originally, Wu Tianqi should have been able to handle the pressure. Who would have thought he’d collapse like this? The captain went to help him without even finishing the jungle camps, and he still died. It messed up the captain’s rhythm completely. I was anxious watching it in the lounge…”

Feifei nodded in understanding. He had wanted to criticize Wu Tianqi a long time ago but didn’t dare to. “The top lane collapsed too quickly. I hadn’t even started farming, and the first turret was already gone. Lin Lan suffered too; they kept targeting him, constantly looking for him in team fights, giving him no room to breathe.”

“If I could play, I’d want to step in for him, but I really can’t. With my age, my reaction speed just can’t keep up. Wu Tianqi can clearly play, but he doesn’t listen to commands. It’s infuriating.”

“Probably because of the share issue, still causing trouble.”

“Ha, he still wants shares? The shares were given to Lin Lan long ago. Only he doesn’t know about it…” Lu Shi was getting carried away and didn’t expect to run into Wu Tianqi just around the corner, nearly scaring himself to death. “Damn!”

Wu Tianqi was tall and imposing, standing face to face with suffocating pressure. Lu Shi widened his eyes, pupils filled with disbelief. He bit his teeth and asked, “Who did you say got the shares?”

Lu Shi’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly realizing he had caused trouble. He quickly explained, “No, no, I was just talking nonsense.”

Clearly, Wu Tianqi didn’t believe him. He took two steps back, gritted his teeth, and said, “I wondered why Lin Lan has been so diligent lately.”

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He forcefully hammered the door, causing everyone to shudder. Full of rage, he roared, “So I’m the only one who doesn’t know? Am I a damn fool? Alright, go ahead, gang up and play me! You’re all supposed to be on the same side, and I’m the damn outsider!”

Feifei stepped back, afraid of being implicated.

Lu Shi hurriedly explained to him, but no matter what he said, Wu Tianqi didn’t believe it.

He aggressively found Coach Zhang, grabbing him. “I’ve dedicated myself to DT for so many years, and this is how you treat me? You give shares to Lin Lan; what does he amount to? He’s only played for a few months, and that outweighs my years of contributions? Do I look like a fool? You’re all just fooling me!!”

The argument attracted a crowd of onlookers, and staff quickly stepped in to mediate. Wu Tianqi, infuriated, overturned the table.

His face turned red, and he shouted, “Bite the hand that feeds you, burn the bridge after crossing it, huh? If it weren’t for me back then, could you even make it to LPL? Huh? I’ve invested my time here, and this is how you treat me?”

Coach Zhang tried to reason with him, “DT has treated you well, and besides, the issue of shares is decided collectively; it requires a vote…”

“Isn’t it you guys making the decisions?” He got angrier as he thought about it. “Whose decision is this exactly? Is it Xiao Shengjing? Just because I don’t accept his authority, you all want to kick me out? Who does Xiao Shengjing think he is? Is he the emperor of DT? Are his words divine decrees? I just won’t accept him; I damn well won’t! No matter how you betray me, I won’t accept him!”

After finishing his words, he violently kicked the table, swearing. “Damn!”

Xiao Shengjing didn’t argue with him; he coldly watched him, like a mad dog attacking.

Initially, some people tried to advise Wu Tianqi, but as he continued his outburst, everyone tacitly stopped speaking, standing around and watching him in silence.

Wu Tianqi cursed for a long time, and no one responded. Feeling uncomfortable with himself, he said, trying to justify, “Do you know how many teams outside are trying to recruit me? I stayed in DT, followed your arrangements, gave up my original playstyle, and played 4-protect-1 for you. And now, you want to abandon me just like that. I’m really a big scapegoat, huh? I could live well even if I leave DT, but without me, you can’t make it! You won’t survive without me!”

This statement deeply offended Coach Zhang. He was so angry that he nearly fainted, and the team had to support him to sit down. The rest area was in chaos.

Lin Lan, returning after washing his face, only then learned that something was wrong with the team. Wu Tianqi, seeing him from a distance, seemed eager to rush over and start a fight.

“Lin Lan, tell me, on what grounds? Huh? What gives you the right to take my shares! Give my shares back to me!”

Wu Tianqi had gone mad; with every step he took, someone tried to hold him back. Even Xiao Shengjing hurried over, positioning himself in front of Lin Lan.

“Brother Wu, calm down, please.”

“Tianqi, don’t act like this; we’re all teammates here.”

“If there’s an issue, let’s discuss it later. Let’s finish the match first.”

Seeing everyone taking Lin Lan’s side, Wu Tianqi felt both angry and distressed. “He took what originally belonged to me!”

“The shares were not signed; it wasn’t finalized. How can you say he took it from you?”

“Moreover, Lin Lan’s contributions to DT are evident to everyone. If it weren’t for him stepping up initially, DT wouldn’t have made it to the LPL. He rightfully deserves a share of these stocks.”

“Lin Lan didn’t take your shares; he earned them.”

Everyone spoke up for Lin Lan, criticizing Wu Tianqi and considering him unreasonable.

Wu Tianqi had never received such treatment in DT before. Lin Lan not only took his shares but also his position.

“Okay, okay, okay…”

He repeated three “okays” while stepping back towards the door.

Then, with a vengeful look and a hatred for revenge, he forcefully smashed the equipment in his hand. “To hell with this match, play it yourselves!”

After saying this, he ignored the staff’s attempts to stop him, forcefully pushed through the crowd, and determined to leave the scene. He even took off DT’s jersey, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it twice.

Those two stomps made everyone feel uncomfortable. Coach Zhang, already dealing with hypertension, was so distressed that he clutched his chest, nearly collapsing onto his chair. “Troublemaker, this troublemaker…”

The rest area was in chaos, and the match had to be continuously delayed.

Many were left dumbfounded by this sudden turn of events, unsure how to respond. Coach Zhang, regaining his composure, quickly made a decision, “Lu Shi, get ready to go on.”

Lu Shi, aware that he had caused trouble, turned pale. He apologized profusely to everyone, then took out his own equipment.

Regardless of the situation, the match had to go on.

Even if they were to lose miserably, they couldn’t accept defeat without a fight.

However, saying it was one thing; for Lu Shi, who had been thoroughly defeated in practice matches, he lacked the courage to step onto the stage. He knew he was not on the same level as the LPL players. Moreover, after the recent incident, his hands trembled holding the equipment, rendering him unfit to play.

Seeing his distress, Lin Lan grabbed his hand reassuringly. “It’s okay.”

Lu Shi, who usually joked around, suddenly teared up. “I’m sorry. I spoke without thinking. I’ve caused trouble for you…”

Lin Lan held his hand, furrowing his brows in contemplation.

After a while, as if making a certain decision, he casually walked forward. Bending down, he picked up the equipment that Wu Tianqi had thrown on the ground and blew away the dust.

Everyone initially thought he was just cleaning up the aftermath. Then Lin Lan inserted the equipment into the computer, beginning to calibrate the devices until they matched his preferred settings.

Everyone was stunned, “Lin Lan, what are you doing?”

While adjusting, Lin Lan casually remarked, “Let me play top lane.”

As soon as these words were uttered, everyone was shocked.

Coach Zhang struggled to catch his breath, “What did you just say?”

“I’ll play top lane, and Xu Shengwei can take the AD role,” Lin Lan said seriously. His expression didn’t suggest he was joking at all. “KIG excels in the late game, and I can deny them that.”

At that moment, a certain killing intent seemed to flash in Lin Lan’s narrowed eyes.

Everyone was dumbfounded. In unison, they held their breaths, deeply affected by Lin Lan’s resolute righteousness. It felt as if something silent was slowly awakening.

Thinking Lin Lan was sacrificing himself for Lu Shi, Lu Shi anxiously grabbed his arm, “Lin Lan, are you crazy? You’re on the rise now. You’re playing so well. Are you trying to ruin your future?”

Jiang Jin was also bewildered, staring at Lin Lan as if he were witnessing Lin Lan break his own wings to protect DT.

Xiao Shengjing furrowed his brow tightly. He was a very composed person, but even at this moment, he couldn’t remain calm anymore. “Lin Lan, have you thought about how the public opinion will turn if you lose?”

If Lin Lan lost, they wouldn’t see the pressure he bore behind the scenes. They would only mock him for overestimating himself. It could even become fodder for criticism throughout his entire professional career.

Zou Hao wasn’t an ordinary top laner; he was in the top three of the LPL rankings. His strength was undeniable, and Xiao Shengjing doubted Lin Lan’s ability to beat him.

“Lin Lan, don’t ruin your future. Have you really thought this through?”

Lin Lan nodded, “I’ve thought it through.”

He had indeed considered it. He felt responsible for this situation, and at the same time, he stood to gain from it. Playing top lane was a field he had limited experience in, with only the knowledge gained from regular ranked games and the occasional tactical lane swap during competitions. This position was filled with unknowns for him.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Lan, for the first time, felt the challenge in the realm of esports. A long-lost sense of excitement surged within him; he hadn’t felt this way in many years.

For DT, and for himself.

This match had to be won, not lost.

…

During the long wait, many spectators lost their patience. They had no idea what had happened to cause such a prolonged pause.

After an agonizing half-hour wait, the match was finally about to begin. The commentators on stage explained the reason for the recent pause: “Due to DT’s starting top laner, Tianqi, inexplicably leaving the venue, some chaos ensued. The situation is now under control. DT’s personnel adjustments are as follows: the AD carry position is temporarily filled by substitute player DT丶xsv, and the top lane is temporarily taken by DT丶kiner. Due to the sudden incident, DT did not report the roster changes promptly, resulting in a delayed match. The officials have decided to penalize them with three banned champions for three games…”

The commentators on stage continued their commentary, but the atmosphere online had completely descended into chaos.

[What?]

[Huh?]

[Huh???]

[Top lane Kiner?]

[Did the commentator read the ID wrong?]

[…?]

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Translator’s corner:

Let’s add another huh there… Huh?!?!?

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA lol