LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

The match has officially entered the draft phase!

"Alright, viewers! Welcome to the highly anticipated LPL Spring Split matchup! EDG vs. TES!" Miller's voice was filled with excitement as he spoke from the commentary booth. "After a short break, we see that man is back! Mo will be making his return in this clash of titans!"

Wawa also remarked, "TES must be under immense pressure right now. But this is what the LPL should be like! The strongest players, on the most prestigious stage, engaging in the ultimate showdown! I can't wait!"

Amidst thunderous cheers from the crowd, the BP interface appeared on the big screen.

This time, EDG is on the red side and has the counter pick.

TES is on the blue side and has the priority to choose sides.

"Alright, let's take a look at the strategy between the two coaches!" Miller spoke faster, "EDG on the red side, they're banning first!"

On the EDG coaching bench, Abu and Clearlove looked focused.

“TES really likes to play around the bottom half of the map this patch,” Clearlove said to Abu, pointing at the screen. “Karsa plays the jungle carry very well, especially Udyr and Hecarim. The pace is too fast, we can’t let them have it.”

Abu nodded: "Agreed. Let's first ban Karsa's best tempo heroes, and then see what they pick."

Therefore, EDG's first two bans were for Udyr and Hecarim.

"Very decisive!" Miller immediately analyzed, "EDG targeted Karsa's champion pool right from the start, not giving him a chance to get going! As their third pick, they banned Syndra, which was to limit Knight's laning pressure!"

On the other side, TES's coach, White Crescent, frowned slightly.

"They're not banning top laners?" 369 was somewhat surprised.

“They have counter picks, so there’s no rush,” White Crescent said in a deep voice. “We’ll stick to our plan. The more he tries to play fancy, the more we need to respect him. Ban Sett and Mordekaiser, which he’s used before, and add Renekton, a strong laner in this patch.”

Therefore, TES's first three bans were Sett, Mordekaiser, and Renekton.

"TES showed Mozi a lot of respect!" Wawa laughed. "They banned two heroes he had used before, plus the lane bully Renekton. It seems they didn't want to go head-to-head with Mozi in the early game, but as everyone knows, Mozi's hero pool is endless!"

After the first round of banning, the player selection phase begins.

TES, on the blue side, almost without hesitation, immediately locked in Kai'Sa, a Tier 1 ADC for Jackeylove!
"Kai'Sa! It's Kai'Sa again!" Miller said. "This champion is Ah Shui's specialty. She has burst damage, finishing ability, and self-preservation ability. There's no problem with picking her first."

It was EDG's turn to select players on the first and second floors.

"What should we pick for bot lane?" Meiko asked.

“Get the best ones,” Viper said in his signature concise tone, “Aphelios, Thresh.”

Abu and the factory manager exchanged a glance and nodded. This combination has enough strength in the laning phase and a high potential in the late game.

"locked!"

EDG quickly locked onto Aphelios and Thresh on the first and second floors.

"Aphelios and Thresh!" Wawa analyzed, "EDG is going to go head-to-head with you in the bot lane! This combination has extremely strong laning pressure!"

TES's second and third picks quickly followed up. The support chose Ryle, a champion with exceptional initiation capabilities, while Karsa secured a jungle carry champion he excels at – Graves, the Outlaw!

"Graves!" Miller's eyes lit up. "Karsa's Graves! This is going to be a jungle carry farming, then a mid-to-late game team fight contest! TES's strategy is very clear!"

On the third floor of EDG, Scout locked in Orianna without hesitation. A safest and most versatile teamfight carry.

The first round of player selection has ended, and the second round of player banning has begun.

"What should we ban?" the factory manager asked.

Su Mo slowly opened his eyes, which had been closed the whole time. He glanced at TES's lineup and said calmly, "Ban Jayce, ban Zoe."

Abu and the factory manager immediately understood. Jayce is 369's signature champion, while Zoe is Knight's specialty. Once these two champions are acquired, TES's mid and top lanes will feel a strong sense of pressure.

"it is good!"

EDG banned Jayce and Zoe in their fourth and fifth bans.

On TES's side, White Crescent's expression became even more serious.

"They still won't ban the top laner... What exactly is Mo trying to do?" he muttered to himself.

369 was also a little uneasy: "Coach, how about we ban Kennen again? Or Gangplank?"

“No,” White Crescent shook his head. “Their jungler hasn’t come out yet, so we have to limit Jiejie’s champion pool. Ban Lillia and Olaf, forcing him to pick a champion that’s weak in the early game.”

Therefore, TES's last two bans were Lillia and Olaf.

Of the ten bans, five were for the top lane! Four of them were specifically targeting Su Mo!
"Unprecedented treatment!" Wawa couldn't help but exclaim. "This is the power of a god! Before the players have even been selected, the opponent has already used up four ban slots!"

The second round of bans is over.
Now, it's EDG's turn to pick four champions!
"Let's get the jungler role for Jiejie first," Abu said.

"Brother Mozi, how can I cooperate with you?" Jiejie asked.

"Anything is fine, just pick someone who can fight." Su Mo's reply remained nonchalant.

Ultimately, EDG's fourth pick secured a jungler for Jiejie that was also very strong in the current meta – Nocturne, the Eternal Nightmare!

"Nocturne jungle!" Miller was taken aback. "This choice is a bit unexpected! But upon closer inspection, it makes perfect sense! Nocturne's ultimate, Ghostly Appearance, can create a terrifying combo with Orianna and Aphelios! Moreover, the 'lights out' tactic itself is a huge threat to a carry-heavy composition like TES!"

It's TES's turn to pick players on the fourth and fifth floors.

They locked in Viktor, a late-game carry, for Knight, and Gnar for the top lane.

Now, only one option remains.

That one belongs to Su Mo, the counter seat on the fifth floor.

Everyone held their breath.

The whole world is waiting for his choice.

Should I pick a tank to play it safe? Or should I pick a long-range champion to counter Gnar?
Just then, Su Mo's mouse moved.

He didn't linger on the hero list, but instead typed two letters directly into the search box.

Then, lock it!
On the screen, a figure wielding a giant sword, shrouded in shadow, with a pair of ferocious wings on its back, was instantly selected!

Aatrox, the Darkin Blade!
"The Sword Demon?!?"

When the Sword Demon's signature, domineering, and desperate voice line, "I am the end of the world," resounded throughout the stadium, Miller and Wawa in the commentary booth simultaneously exclaimed in disbelief!

"It's Aatrox again! Mozi's last pick is actually Aatrox!" Miller's voice cracked. "This hero hasn't appeared on the field for a long time since the S11 Spring Split due to the nerf to the Mythic item [Bloodthirsty Axe]! Is his strength really still enough?"

Wawa's eyes widened, her face full of confusion: "This...this is so unconventional! Why use Aatrox? TES's top laner hasn't even picked yet! This is practically an open pick! And in this version, Aatrox doesn't have Bloodthirst anymore, so his healing ability is greatly reduced. Can he really hold his own in team fights?"

After a full three seconds of silence, the chat in the live stream exploded!

"????????"

"I've time-traveled? Is this Season 8? Sword, come???"

"Has Mozi gone mad?! Picking Aatrox in this version? Is he trying to relive the Incheon Dream?"

"It's over, it's over, this game is over, the classic team will start their performance after getting paid."

"Pick Aatrox as a counter to Gnar? Does that make sense?"

"To be honest, Gnar is not afraid of Aatrox at all."

"You guys upstairs don't know anything! Have you forgotten how Mozi took on five opponents with Aatrox in Season 10? A Chosen hero, does he need to consider the meta?!" "It's hyped! I don't care, as long as he picks Aatrox, I'm already ecstatic! A god descended to earth, taking on four opponents at once! Charge!"

Amidst the overwhelming doubts and fervor, TES's final pick finally came into play.

With that, the lineups for both sides are finalized!
Blue side TES: Top laner Gnar, Jungler Graves, Mid laner Viktor, ADC Kai'Sa, Support Riel.

Red team EDG: Top laner Aatrox, jungler Nocturne, mid laner Orianna, ADC Aphelios, support Thresh.

"Alright, both teams are ready! Let's enter Summoner's Rift!"

With the familiar system notification sound, this suspenseful and topical duel officially began!
In EDG's team voice chat.

"Brother Mozi, your Sword Demon play is too fancy," Jiejie couldn't help but complain. "I thought you would pick Sylas or something."

"Playing Aatrox is awesome." Su Mo's answer was simple and direct, and his confidence was clearly transmitted to every teammate through the headphones. "This game I'll show you what it means to have your health bar dancing."

The factory manager, watching this choice from backstage, couldn't help but smile slightly.

Welcome to Summoner's Rift!

With the familiar system notification sound, the highly anticipated showdown officially began.

The ten contestants quickly bought their starting gear and headed to their respective positions.

However, contrary to the audience's expectations of a potential first-tier team invasion, both sides appeared unusually calm and restrained.

The atmosphere in EDG's team voice chat was focused and clear.

"Shall we go to their blue buff area and cause a ruckus at level one?" Jiejie, who was born with a mischievous gene, habitually suggested, "I'll learn Q, Mozi will learn Q, Meiko has a hook, and Viper's Aphelios will get a Azure Drake at level one. We'll be a formidable force."

"Don't go." Su Mo's voice rang out immediately. "Karsa is too experienced. He will definitely be wary of this move. TES's lineup has Gnar with Q to kite, Ryle with W at level 1 for a shield and control, and Kai'Sa's Q burst is not low either. Our only hard CC is Meiko's hook. If we miss, our formation will be broken up, and we will easily lose. There is no need to take this risk."

Meiko agreed, saying, "Yeah, Mozi is right. With this lineup, reaching level six smoothly is a victory."

"Okay, I'll listen to you guys." Jiejie immediately abandoned the idea. "Then we'll defend in our normal positions. I'll start with red buff and rush to the top half of the map to look for opportunities."

“Okay,” Su Mo replied. “Give me a signal before you come, and I’ll cooperate with you depending on the situation.”

Meanwhile, in TES's voice channel, Karsa was also setting up the opening moves.

"Be careful, don't go through the river. They have Thresh on the other side, and their level 1 team fight ability is not weak." Karsa's voice was full of the composure of a veteran. "369, go to the top lane tri-bush and place a ward to prevent them from ganking top with all five of them. We'll set up a long line at the entrance of the blue buff jungle to defend. Just go to lane normally when the minions arrive. Don't fight them in the level 1 team fight."

“Understood,” Jackeylove replied. “I’m like Q; I’m not afraid even if they really charge at me.”

"Don't be impulsive," Karsa cautioned. "Our goal is to drag the game into the late game. As long as you don't die in the early game, you have an advantage. 369, you'll be facing Mo in the top lane, which will put you under a lot of pressure. Remember, it's better to miss some minions than to give him a chance to harass you. Control your rage and wait for me."

“I understand, Karsa.” 369 took a deep breath and nodded.

And so, in a silent tactical battle, both sides chose the safest opening. There was no earth-shattering level 1 team fight, only the calm before a major battle.

The minion wave slowly reached the top lane.

Su Mo's Sword Demon and 369's Gnar officially began their laning phase.

"Alright, both sides have a stable start, and now all eyes are on the top lane!" Miller's voice firmly drew the audience's attention. "Mo's Aatrox versus 369's Gnar! This is a classic melee vs. ranged matchup, which will really test the fundamentals of both players!"

369's Gnar appeared unusually focused, strictly following his teammates' instructions.

He used his long reach advantage to try and whittle down Aatrox's health with his Q skill, Boomerang, while last-hitting minions, but he kept missing.

369 was also very careful with his positioning, always keeping a safe distance from Aatrox and never easily entering the range of Aatrox's first Q.

Su Mo's sword demon, on the other hand, appeared unhurried.

He didn't rush to push the lane, nor did he force his way in to trade blows.

He only used the edge of his Q skill, Darkin Blade, to last-hit minions, while consciously controlling the minion wave to slowly push it back towards him.

"Both top laners' laning details were very well done!" Wawa analyzed. "369 was using his range advantage to exert pressure, but Mozi's response was also perfect. He gave up contesting the first few melee minions, letting the minion wave push back naturally. In this way, the minion wave would stop in a very advantageous position for him, which would not only facilitate his development but also create excellent conditions for Jiejie's ganks."

Two and a half minutes have passed, and both sides have advanced to level two.

Su Mo perfectly controlled the minion wave, keeping it just a short distance from his own tower.

For 369's Gnar, this is an extremely dangerous position. If he wants to come up and last-hit minions, he must take the risk of being ganked by Nocturne.

369 finished off the enemy and then retreated, playing very cautiously.

Su Mo keenly sensed the other person's nervousness.

He knew the opportunity had come.

He began to consciously move forward, using his body to pressure Gnar's last-hitting space.

369 was forced to retreat and could only use his Q skill to finish off a few minions from a distance.

Su Mo's eyes lit up when the siege minion from the third wave of minions slowly approached.

He knew that 369 would never give up this artillery piece.

Sure enough, when the siege minion's health was down to half, 369's Gnar carefully moved forward two steps, trying to find a safe angle to finish off the siege minion with a basic attack.

It's now!

The instant 369 raised his hand to attack the turret, Su Mo moved!
Without any warning, Su Mo's Sword Demon activated the first stage of his Q skill, Darkin Blade!

The massive runic greatsword, carrying devastating power, slammed down towards Gnar!

369 was startled and instinctively tried to move aside to dodge, but Su Mo's timing was too precise, and he had no time to react!
boom!
With a dull thud, Aatrox's Q skill struck Gnar precisely, knocking him up!
During the brief moment of stun after being knocked up, Su Mo didn't hesitate at all and immediately followed up with his W skill, [Chains of Inferno]!
A scarlet chain flew out and struck Nar precisely in mid-air!
"I got it!" Jiejie shouted excitedly in the voice chat, "Brother Mozi, I'm here!"

"Don't rush, let's see if he pays the E first." Su Mo's voice remained calm.

369 saw himself being hit by the chains and knew that if he didn't use his movement ability, he would be pulled back to the center of Aatrox's Q skill, at which point he would either die or be severely injured.

Without any hesitation, he decisively pressed the E skill [Light Jump], but as soon as he jumped, Aatrox used EQ2 to knock him down!

Then Aatrox came up and landed a basic attack with his passive on Gnar, instantly reducing Gnar to half health.

After finishing his combo, Su Mo decisively retreated.

"He's out of E," Su Mo calmly reported over the voice chat. "His E skill has a 22-second cooldown."

"Received!" Jiejie, who was attacking the red buff, immediately marked the signal that was on its way.

After using up his only mobility skill, 369's situation became precarious.

Su Mo's sword demon began to become extremely aggressive.

He walked directly across the minion wave and stood between 369's Gnar and the ranged minions, using his body to block their path.

Although 369 has long range, he didn't dare to go over to trade blows because of the huge difference in health and the fact that the Sword Demon had all his skills available. He was afraid that he would accidentally die here.

"That's lane dominance!" Miller exclaimed excitedly. "After a perfect trade of blows, Mozi has completely taken control of the top lane! 369 is like a frightened bird now. Jiejie's Nocturne doesn't even need to show up; the mere presence of the threat is enough to keep 369 from moving!"

In TES's voice chat, 369's voice sounded a little anxious: "Karsa, he's pressing too hard. I suspect the enemy jungler is nearby. Can you come and counter-gank?"

Karsa glanced at the deep minion wave in the top lane and frowned. "I'm coming right away. Don't get hit by him. Try to stay back and wait for me to counter-gank." (End of Chapter)