Chapter 36: A Fight to the Bitter End

January 22, 7:00 PM. Shanghai Super Brand Mall.

As the first weekend of the Spring Split drew to a close, the highly anticipated showdown between EDG and WE arrived right on schedule.

"Good evening to our friends watching live at the venue and online. You are currently tuned into the 2017 LPL Spring Split regular season match between EDG Electronic Sports Club and WE Electronic Sports Club. I am your commentator, Guan Zeyuan."

"And I am your commentator, Hao Kai."

From the commentary desk, Guan Zeyuan’s teasing voice rang out: "Today’s match is going to be a real treat. It’s a clash between two top-tier powerhouses, and with the Chinese New Year holidays starting right after this match, there’s a half-month break on the line. For two teams with some of the largest fanbases in the league, whoever loses will have a miserable time during the New Year."

"It’s certainly not easy for the fans to have a peaceful New Year, is it?"

Under the studio lights, the bald commentator Hao Kai—whose head shone like a lightbulb—smiled and offered a serious analysis. "Actually, what I’m looking forward to most in today’s match is the tactical duel. WE has the best coach in the LPL right now, Homme, while EDG has brought in the former ROX coach, Nofe. Plus, EDG’s AD carry, Lin Ruo, mentioned in his post-match interview after the first game that EDG intends to change their playstyle and move away from pure objective-focused operations. I truly can’t wait to see these masters go at it."

Guan Zeyuan nodded in agreement. "Then let’s all look forward to the match ahead."

As the players from both sides took the stage, an endless roar of cheers erupted throughout the venue.

"EDG, go!" the female fans screamed until they were nearly hoarse.

The "60E" (WE fans) were equally unyielding.

The fans of both teams traded barbs, their rivalry so intense they looked ready to tear each other’s hair out in the stands.

The war of words in the live stream chat had been non-stop since the start of the broadcast. Haunted by past grievances, the atmosphere for this match was explosive.

[Down with the "Domestic Illusion Gods," restore harmony to the LPL.]
[EDG is a scourge upon the nation, they deserve to be purged. Time for a reckoning tonight.]
[Let’s go down in flames together. Get that trash jungler and that useless support out of here to die.]
[RNG fans officially support WE. Beat that guy named Lin Ruo into the ground.]
[I just love seeing you guys lose and throw a pathetic tantrum.]
[A team that couldn't even beat our second-string IM last year—don't know where they get the nerve to be so arrogant.]
[Sisters, don't let them bait you. We at WE are just a small team starting over; we wouldn't dare compare ourselves to the LPL’s 'Crown Prince' team.]
[How dare you speak ill of our great national power grid (EDG). Immediate penalty loss.]
[One-minute Bo5 warning.]
[Just a casual passerby, hasn't WE gone bankrupt yet this year?]

In the EDG player booth, the team members settled in with their mice and gear, each wearing a different expression.

A-Guang picked his nose and said with a hint of worry, "I heard WE swept NB in their last match. They’re looking pretty fierce."

Upon hearing this, LoveLing looked expectantly toward his side. "Brother Lin, to be honest, I really want to go home and have a good New Year."

Lin Ruo was leaning back in his chair, rocking slightly. He waved a hand dismissively. "Go cool off somewhere. Whether you have a good New Year has nothing to do with me. If you play like trash and lose, who can you blame? If you want to win, just try acting like a decent player for once."

"I can't act like a decent player, Brother Lin. I just want to be your dog."

Ever since the practice match against KT yesterday, LoveLing’s loyalty to Lin Ruo had reached one hundred percent. There was no helping it—following Brother Lin in the bot lane meant eating three square meals a day. He didn't want to be this subservient, but his own lack of skill left him no choice. And besides, does skill even matter? Hugging a strong thigh is much better.

"Reporting to Brother Lin, I’ve practiced my 'Chu Xun' (gank) routine. Today, I’ll show you a brainless gank bot lane for your entertainment."

"Brother Lin, feel free to come to my top lane to eat some minions whenever you have time," A-Guang offered, not wanting to be outdone in showing his loyalty. He had been a top-tier criminal yesterday, and only Lin Ruo’s insane damage output had saved his skin.

"Seriously, do you two have to be so gross?" Tianye often felt like he was completely out of sync with his neurotic teammates.

Scout adjusted his glasses and commented, "A bit funny, actually."

Nofe sat clutching his notebook, staring at the opposing booth as usual, trying to decipher their pick-and-ban strategy through eye contact.

"Coach Nofe, please put on your headset. The draft is about to start," the beautiful referee nearby reminded him.

Snapped back to reality, Nofe coughed and clenched his fist. "Stay focused."

After a week of integration, he could finally add the word "dynamic" to describe his focus. It was a progress worth celebrating.

"They're laughing and chatting over there. It’s like they don't even take us seriously," Condi muttered in the tense WE booth.

957, the top laner, couldn't help but glance over. The opposing AD carry was rocking back and forth in his chair with gusto.

"They are a bit arrogant, aren't they?"

957 clapped his hands to adjust the team's mood. "It’s fine, it’s fine. We’re the challengers. If they can be that relaxed, we should be even more relaxed. If we lose, it’s no loss; if we win, it’s a huge profit."

"Play well; we absolutely have a chance to win this," Homme said, standing behind the team. After a year of honing, he believed the team’s strength had reached a breakthrough point and was no worse than anyone else's.

The camera cut to the big screen at the venue, and the match officially entered the pick-and-ban phase.

EDG immediately banned Maokai while on the blue side.

"Huh?" Guan Zeyuan looked stunned. "What does EDG mean by banning Maokai first? Are they really changing their top lane playstyle?"

Hao Kai thought for a moment and said, "It’s very likely. I feel like there’s a high probability they’re forcing the opponent to show their top lane pick first to save a counter-pick for Mouse. If they don't pick it, EDG will just ban Nautilus and Poppy later."

Although it looked like EDG was heading in that direction, Guan Zeyuan was still skeptical. "To be honest, can Mouse’s champion pool even handle new changes? Is it possible that EDG is just feinting, thinking that if WE doesn't pick first, they'll just ban one and take one later to limit the top lane options?"

"That is certainly possible as well," Hao Kai nodded.

In the WE booth, all the players were shocked to see the Maokai ban. The experienced Homme stuck to the original plan and banned the powerful Camille on the red side.

EDG’s second ban targeted Condi’s signature champion, Rengar, and their third ban was Corki.

WE responded by banning Scout’s signature champion, Syndra, and followed up with LeBlanc for their third ban.

The intention to target their opponents could not have been more obvious.

The draft entered the first round of picks.

"EDG didn't take one after banning one. They aren't really planning something big, are they?" Guan Zeyuan was already holding his head in his hands. The excitement of this match was starting to exceed his expectations.

"Is it possible EDG just locks in Jayce or Ryze first?" Hao Kai guessed, his voice full of excitement.

No sooner had he spoken than EDG locked in Zyra for the support position.

"Oh, playing it safe and locking in the current evergreen support, Zyra," Hao Kai said, slightly disappointed.

Guan Zeyuan continued the commentary: "WE locks in Ryze and Caitlyn for their first two picks. It looks like they are going to stick to their strategy of playing through the bottom lane."

Immediately after, EDG locked in Kha'Zix and Cassiopeia for their second and third picks.

WE responded with a firm pick for Elise.