ENG has never played a practice match against DT. The only regular season encounter was when Lin Lan was still playing in the top lane. As a result, facing DT now feels overwhelming.
Qi Mo’s head is starting to ache. He vaguely regrets following the coach’s decision not to engage in practice matches with DT. Is it now backfiring on them?
The AD carry in the bottom lane complains about Lin Lan’s fast execution, claiming they can’t handle it, and the support expresses frustration, saying their best efforts are in vain.
The jungler is already grumbling, “If only we had agreed to practice matches with them. Who knew Lin Lan playing mid would be this insane…”
Not mentioning this would be better, but once the topic is brought up, the coach regrets it deeply. In the regular season, DT’s coach had humbly requested practice matches, but ENG, considering themselves superior, refused just like with IB. Even when DT made it to the playoffs, ENG still saw them as the least threatening team. Thus, they declined practice matches, focusing on dealing with JIO instead.
That’s not all; during an interview, Qi Mo trash-talked a bit, mentioning the incident of DT’s practice matches being rejected by them. The interview exuded a deep-seated sense of superiority.
Once the interview was out, many people ridiculed DT, claiming they were overestimating themselves and deluding themselves into thinking they could face ENG. However, the next day, JIO unexpectedly lost.
What kind of team is JIO? It’s a team that ENG has to be on high alert against, and they unexpectedly lost to DT. This makes people worry about ENG’s fate.
Will ENG also face an unexpected defeat, just like JIO?
Countless messages flooded in, and sometimes the coach, looking at online news, felt a lingering sense of trauma. The more he thought about it, the more he regretted it, feeling like ENG had picked up a stone and smashed their own foot.
As the main person in charge, the coach grew more and more afraid. He firmly stated, “We absolutely cannot afford to lose again. Remember the lesson from JIO, and don’t take it lightly.”
Qi Mo nodded; there was only one solution now: “Use that lineup and force Lin Lan to go to the top lane; it will be much smoother.”
“Alright, let’s go with that lineup.”
During the brief break, the barrage erupted in a flurry of arguments.
Some viewers brought up ENG’s refusal of training matches against DT, provoking mockery. Combined with ENG’s recent loss and their previous refusal to practice with others, especially the subtle comments made during interviews, it seemed particularly laughable.
[666, the noble team that refuses training matches.]
[Hurry up and lose, who do you think you are?]
[So hilarious, refusing training matches, can you handle it now?]
[No sympathy for ENG after they lost.]
[Coach is a complete idiot.]
Not only were the haters criticizing, but even ENG’s own fans joined in. They couldn’t understand why ENG, knowing that DT was in the same bracket and a clash was possible, had the confidence to reject training matches.
Still think DT can’t beat JIO? Can’t even collide with them?
Heh, the last team with such thoughts has already packed up and left in a hurry.
ENG’s coach was criticized from every angle, and some audience members were audibly upset, saying, “Is this coach a complete idiot?”
Qi Rong wasn’t a fan of ENG, but the mid-laner was her cousin, so she couldn’t help but ask, “Is not playing training matches a big deal?”
The guy in the hoodie replied to her, “If it’s a decision made by mutual agreement, it’s not a big deal. But DT invited ENG to play training matches during the regular season, and it was rejected several times. They invited them again before the playoffs, but ENG’s coach arrogantly declined. He even mentioned this in an interview, causing quite a stir. If ENG can win everything, it’s fine, but if they unexpectedly lose to DT, it could get awkward.”
Moreover, during the pre-match trash-talking segment, ENG’s jungler mocked this situation, arrogantly stating that they didn’t need low-quality training matches, indirectly referring to DT.
If they really lose, it’s going to be quite delicate.
The guy in the hoodie had a look of anticipation, “If they actually lose in this match, their coach is definitely going to be in hot water.”
Qi Rong was a bit worried, “It won’t affect the mid-laner, will it?”
“No, Qi Mo is the backbone of ENG’s mid-lane, with two years of experience and a good reputation. In the gaming community, when criticizing ENG, people usually steer clear of mentioning Qi Mo.” The guy in the hoodie finished speaking, a bit skeptical, “Aren’t you a fan of DT?”
“Oh, I’m just curious…”
With the scores tied, the third game returned to the same starting line.
This wasn’t a good sign.
People familiar with DT knew that Lin Lan’s skills would become increasingly formidable as the game progressed, making it more disadvantageous for ENG.
DT had priority in choosing sides, and Coach Zhang chose the red side, keeping the last counter pick.
However, no one expected that ENG would ban Sion and first-pick Ornn.
Ornn and Sion had similar roles and skill sets, both suitable for the mid-lane and favored by Feifei in this patch.
Typically, no team would ban Feifei’s Ornn. One reason is that Feifei himself isn’t proficient enough with it, and secondly, banning Ornn leaves Sion as a substitute. It’s not practical to use both ban slots for Feifei, so most teams don’t bother.
ENG naturally wouldn’t adopt such a strategy. They choose to ban one and pick another, completely cutting off Feifei and Lin Lan’s flexibility.
DT’s greatest strength lies in this flexible drafting, and once you counter Feifei, this tactical approach becomes ineffective.
Coach Zhang, caught in a dilemma, had to come up with a solution.
After banning Ornn, ENG let Rakan through, providing the most potent Xayah-Rakan combination for Xu Shengwei and Jiang Jin.
Their pick seemed flawless, but in the next moment, ENG chose Galio for the mid-lane. No matter how powerful the Xayah-Rakan combo is, it can’t withstand Galio’s ultimate engage.
Coach Zhang had to scratch his head. Even though ENG’s tactics weren’t as sophisticated as JIO’s, their individual skills surpassed JIO’s. Any slight disadvantage in the draft could affect the overall game.
Feifei suggested, “I can go top and play Jayce.”
Lin Lan was the first to reject, “They will target you, and you won’t be able to handle it.”
Everyone was awaiting Lin Lan’s response, as if, at this moment, only Lin Lan could save them. Lin Lan pondered for a while, “I’ll go top, and I’ll pick Gnar first.”
He left the last counter for Feifei, indicating that he would be targeted. As expected, upon seeing Lin Lan pick Gnar, the opponents promptly selected Lulu as support, aiming to restrict Lin Lan’s engagement.
With the hero selections at this point, the struggle within DT was palpable. At every step, ENG secured the heroes they wanted, while DT was forced into a defensive position.
The final counter-pick went to Feifei. He initially considered choosing Twisted Fate to match the tempo with Qi Mo, but then he questioned his own worth. Could he really compete with Qi Mo in terms of tempo?
In the end, he opted for Bard to flex into the side lanes.
As soon as this lineup was finalized, Lin Lan had a premonition that they would lose. His teammates sensed it too, but they remained focused on playing this match seriously.
At the beginning, the commentators predicted that DT’s chances of winning were only around 40%, and the course of the game unfolded nearly as they expected. Lin Lan had a slight advantage, but the mid-lane struggled to hold its ground. The bottom lane, though potentially advantageous, couldn’t withstand the impact when Galio’s level 6 ultimate came crashing down, resulting in a tumultuous bottom lane.
With lanes collapsing, Xiao Shengjing’s rhythm could only be lost. Despite Lin Lan gaining an advantage, he would be consistently restricted by Lulu in team fights, missing the optimal moments to unleash his fury.
No matter how they played, it seemed like an insurmountable battle, a continuous string of losses. Resources were given up repeatedly, and defensive towers kept crumbling.
The commentators asserted that DT had no chance in this game. They had lost five outer turrets while ENG had only conceded one, creating a deficit that felt akin to being imprisoned.
Even though losing the game wouldn’t be a big deal for DT at this point, everyone felt a sense of apology towards Lin Lan. He led the lanes, survived countless near-death situations, and initiated team fights repeatedly. There was an unmistakable feeling that he deserved better.
Lin Lan genuinely wanted to win, though he didn’t express it verbally. Everyone could sense that he truly desired victory, displaying a level of focus and determination unlike any other time!
Jiang Jin gritted his teeth and persevered, while Feifei, not wanting to disappoint Lin Lan, exerted his utmost effort. Xu Shengwei, not willing to see Lin Lan lose, also showcased his best form.
Xiao Shengjing, more serious than ever, stated, “Pay attention to the bottom lane minion wave, the dragon will respawn in 15 seconds, and we must establish vision in the jungle.”
The five players formed a tightly-knit unit, executing the best team fight they could muster. Yet, in this clash, they keenly felt the immense gap between themselves and ENG.
It was like facing an insurmountable mountain.
They erected fortress walls, impervious to any blades.
The commentators’ voices on stage were filled with excitement, even breaking into distortion: “ENG wiped out DT! The minion waves are in a perfect position, allowing them to push onto the high ground in one go! DT hasn’t respawned yet, and ENG has a golden opportunity!”
The first to respawn, Jiang Jin rushed forward like a madman, only to be intercepted by Ornn and killed in less than 2 seconds right in front of the Nexus.
Submerged in the fountain, he helplessly watched as they demolished the inhibitor turret, immersed in a profound sorrow from which he couldn’t extricate himself.
Why, even when the outcome is seemingly insignificant, does losing still bring about such deep sorrow?
Suddenly, Lin Lan uttered, “Xayah-Rakan is a trap.”
In the face of an imminent loss in the game, it was unexpected for Lin Lan to remain so composed in analyzing the situation. “Xayah’s strength lies in close-quarters control, while Rakan counters close-quarters champions.”
As the Nexus was about to explode, Lin Lan paused for a moment and continued, “They calculated that we wouldn’t abandon a potent combination like Xayah-Rakan intentionally. By deliberately allowing it, they picked Lulu to seemingly counter my entrance, but, in fact, it was to counter the Xayah-Rakan combo. Lulu escorted Galio aggressively engaged in the bottom lane, making it impossible for the Xayah-Rakan combination to develop.”
Indeed, although Xu Shengwei secured an advantageous champion in this game, his development was worse than before. In team fights, he was completely ineffective, and Jiang Jin’s Rakan was countered.
Jiang Jin had to admit, “What a grand strategy!”
With the Nexus exploding, DT lost this round, and ENG successfully secured two match points, entering a decisive game of their own. DT couldn’t afford to lose any of the remaining two matches.
Back in the lounge, Coach Zhang, seeing his team dejected, tried to console them, “It’s okay. Brother Mu said even if we lose, the prize money will still be paid.”
However, Lin Lan was still staring blankly at the screen, which was replaying highlights from the previous game. His gaze seemed distant, and nobody knew exactly what he was looking at.
Jiang Jin whispered to Xiao Shengjing, “Lin Lan seems to care a lot about the outcome of this game.”
In their minds, Lin Lan had always been the least concerned about winning or losing, but today, after three games, Lin Lan hadn’t even mentioned hunger. After the match, he continued watching the replays, more serious than ever before.
Xiao Shengjing couldn’t stand seeing him troubled, so he poured a glass of water for Lin Lan and grabbed some biscuits, saying, “Have a little to fill your stomach.”
Lin Lan turned around and took the offerings. But his thoughts remained on the screen. “What do you guys think, which side will ENG choose in the next game?”
Feifei thought, “Probably the blue side. They’ll continue with the same champion selections as the last game, and the result will be the same. We’re still going to lose.”
This statement seemed to trigger something in Lin Lan. He suddenly turned to Feifei, “Can top lane Bard play against Ornn?”
Top lane Bard is a strategy invented in Korea. In the early game, it can counter some melee tanks, and in the mid-late game, it offers semi-tank capabilities, crowd control resistance, and poking ability—a strategy that can be quite annoying for opponents.
At the same time, Bard is also Feifei’s most proficient champion. After briefly envisioning the lane matchup, he firmly told Lin Lan, “I can play it.”
With this, all issues were resolved. Lin Lan quickly outlined his strategy and asked Jiang Jin, “In the bot lane, with Xayah against Lulu, and Galio also coming down to engage, can you handle it?”
After the torment of the previous game, Xu Shengwei felt there were many areas where he hadn’t performed well and was eager to make a comeback. He answered directly on behalf of Jiang Jin, “We can handle it.”
Lin Lan jotted down the last champion, drew a few lines, and dismantled all the formations used by the opponents in the previous game.
After the final stroke, Lin Lan finally smiled. He turned to Coach Zhang and said, “Coach, I think this lineup will work.”
Coach Zhang had seen many tactics, but when he saw Lin Lan’s, he couldn’t help but commend, “Beautiful.”
…
The fourth game arrived as scheduled. The team that won the previous match had the priority in selecting sides, and as expected, ENG chose the blue side.
Having the blue side granted them the first pick, and everything unfolded just like the previous game. They banned Sion, snatched Ornn, DT took the Xayah-Rakan composition, and ENG responded with Galio.
The commentators were puzzled, “Isn’t this the same as the last game?”
In the previous game, DT lost in a similar manner.
Have they not figured out a strategy during the 15-minute discussion?
After ENG picked Galio, DT discussed for a long time, ultimately revealing Bard.
In the last game, DT’s Bard was picked in the final slot. Now, picking it earlier seemed like a change in strategy, yet also like no change at all.
This…?
ENG’s jungler blurted out, “They gave the counter pick to Lin Lan.”
However, they racked their brains but couldn’t figure out what kind of champion Lin Lan could choose that would both lane against Ornn and set the overall pace of the game.
“Lin Lan is probably still going to pick Gnar,” Qi Mo frowned, not entirely certain, “He might be bluffing us, making us think we won’t dare to pick Lulu.”
But their Lulu was initially chosen to counter the Xayah-Rakan composition, and countering Gnar was just a side benefit. Therefore, Lulu was a definite pick.
ENG locked in Lulu, and all nine champions on the field were confirmed, leaving only DT’s last counterpick.
Commentary analysis: “Currently, Gnar is the best solution for DT, but picking Gnar would be no different from the previous game…”
As the game progresses, ENG fans have already seen the dawn of victory; it’s time to seize it!
The last champion appears on the screen, surprising everyone.
Lin Lan did not choose Gnar but selected Sylas, the Unshackled!
Sylas, the dark mage with chains trapped in the depths of the underworld. Born in darkness, imprisoned in hell, and ultimately breaking free and gaining power through his own strength.
Why did DT choose Sylas?!
Sylas is a mid-lane mage with some assassin attributes, and in this version, he can’t really play in the top lane!
The commentator suddenly realizes something: “Is Kiner going to play Sylas in the mid-lane? So, is Bard going to the top lane?”
Bard can be played in the top lane, just by building a tank item, allowing for a semi-tank poke playstyle, which can be quite annoying.
Sylas’s most powerful ability is his ultimate, which allows him to steal and use the enemy’s ultimate, making him stronger as his opponents become stronger!
Galio’s strength lies not in his laning phase but in his ultimate support. Sylas stealing his ultimate allows him to provide support just like Galio!
Looking at ENG’s other champions, like Ornn, Lulu, and Varus, each with powerful ultimates, isn’t it clear that they are paving the way for Sylas?
When ENG sees Sylas, everything goes black before their eyes, and all their strategies are instantly dismantled.
The commentary analysis concludes with admiration for DT: “Their ability to pivot in the draft is truly extraordinary. ENG thought they had them locked down, but DT managed to bring out Bard in the top lane…”
The brilliance of the red side is showcased here, possessing the unique counterpick that can change the entire game!
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