LPL didn't want me? I joined SKT instead!

Chapter 24 Taking Command

The air in the training room seemed to freeze.

Only the hum of the computer's fan sounded particularly jarring in the deathly silence.

Everyone looked at Xiao Yan as if he were a monster.

Keep in mind, sitting opposite him was Faker! The man known as the "Demon King," possessing the most exceptional macro-level awareness and leadership in League of Legends history. For the past few years, SKT has been the ones dominating their opponents through superior macro-management. When has it ever happened that SKT, especially with a temporary team led by four academy trainees, was suffocated to death by superior macro-management?

The feeling is like a young boy who has just learned to play chess and completely crushes AlphaGo on the chessboard.

WoIf stared wide-eyed, oblivious to the snacks falling from his hand to the ground. Bang, on the other hand, had a complex expression, a mixture of shock and an indescribable sense of apprehension.

Faker sat in his chair, his fingers gently stroking the mousepad, his brow slightly furrowed, seemingly still reviewing the suffocating 23 minutes that had just passed.

Just then, Xiao Yan stood up.

Instead of showing the elation of a victor, he walked over to Faker and said in a calm, even sincere tone, "Sang-hyeok hyung, the reason this game turned out this way is not because my operational skills are really that much better than yours."

Faker looked up, peering at Xiao Yan through his round glasses with a puzzled expression.

Xiao Yan pointed to the mini-map on the screen and explained, "It's because I know you too well."

"I've studied every single one of your ward placement habits, every roaming opportunity, even how you like to use minion waves to stall for time when you're at a disadvantage—I've analyzed all of that countless times." Xiao Yan's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly echoed throughout the training room. "My strategy today isn't about winning the game; it's specifically designed to 'counter Faker.'"

"I knew where you were going, so I waited for you there in advance; I knew what decisions you would make, so I cut off your escape route in advance."

"It's like playing cards; I've seen your hole cards, that's why I can win."

These words gave Faker face while also revealing the truth.

But the shock felt by those around them was no less.

A strategy specifically designed to counter Faker? And it actually worked?

What does this show? It shows that Xiao Yan not only has terrifying skills, but also a mind that can see through "gods"! Being able to deconstruct Faker's operational system proves that his tactical literacy has reached an extremely terrifying level.

Faker paused for a moment, then the seriousness on his face disappeared.

He is not a sore loser. On the contrary, as a professional player with an extremely strong desire to win, he respects the strong more than anyone else and is even more eager for his team to win.

Faker looked at Xiao Yan, a relieved smile slowly spreading across his lips. There was no resentment in that smile, only appreciation for the younger generation and anticipation for future matches.

"A loss is a loss, excuses are meaningless." Faker pushed up his glasses, stood up, and scanned the entire arena before finally fixing his gaze on Xiao Yan.

"Since you can see through my commands and devise such a perfect counter-tactic—"

Faker paused, then said in an almost authorizing tone, "Then, the command for the rest of the game is yours."

These words shocked everyone present.

This is Faker! The absolute core and brain of SKT. His willingness to relinquish command means he's willing to follow Xiao Yan's orders during the game, willingly becoming a sword in Xiao Yan's hand!

This is a tremendous honor and a heavy trust for any newcomer.

Coach Kouma, standing to the side, also remained silent.

He had initially worried that Xiao Yan, being young and impetuous, might become arrogant after defeating Faker and disrupt the team's atmosphere. However, Xiao Yan's tactful and emotionally intelligent remarks completely dispelled his concerns.

More importantly, Kouma is an expert.

As Xiao Yan said, the fact that he could devise such a meticulous operational trap against Faker proves that he possesses world-class command skills.

"Since Xianghe has said so—" Koma finally spoke, breaking the whispers around him. He gave Xiao Yan a deep look, his eyes flashing with ambition. "Then it's settled."

"In the next training match, and the official matches that follow, as long as Xiao Yan is present, the early game tempo and team fight command will be crucial."

"Xiao Yan will be fully responsible."

In SKT's training room, there was no sense of estrangement due to the change in command; instead, there was an added touch of eerie warmth.

"Gurgle—gurgle—"

Xiao Yan was staring at the screen adjusting the runes when he heard a very faint swallowing sound. He didn't need to turn around to know what was happening.

Fakr, looking like a thieving mouse, was huddled in his gaming chair, holding a limited-edition cherry-flavored cola he'd "borrowed" from deep within Xiao Yan's wardrobe, sipping it with a satisfied expression. Caught red-handed, Lee Sang-hyeok wasn't embarrassed at all; he simply adjusted his glasses and blinked innocently, as if to say, "I saw it was about to expire, so I helped you get rid of it."

Xiao Yan shook his head helplessly, then pulled open Faker's drawer, expertly pulled out a packet of seaweed, and stuffed it into his mouth: "We're even."

WoIf and Bang were laughing so hard they were doubled over, and Huni was even whistling. This relaxed and cheerful atmosphere made the originally tense preparation period less oppressive.

But the laughter vanished instantly when the draft screen for the training match lit up.

Today's scrim opponent is JAG. Although this team didn't make the playoffs, they are known for their "bladder-like" games and possess the most suffocating defensive capabilities in the entire LCK, earning them the nickname "the swamp of the LCK".

"In this round, follow my command." Xiao Yan's voice came through the earpiece, as calm as a precision instrument.

"Received." Faker was the first to respond, his tone showing no hesitation.

Game start.

In this game, Xiao Yan did not choose his signature offensive hero, but instead picked Varus, paired with WoIf's Tahm Kench.

"Huni, don't push the lane too far up the top lane. Hold the position in the bush in front of the tower." Xiao Yan said while last-hitting minions and glancing at the top lane. "The enemy jungler is the farming style like Master An. He'll definitely check the top lane in the first three minutes. Don't give him a chance."

Huni originally wanted to control Rumble to go and roast the enemy tree, but after hearing the command, he suppressed his impulse and obediently started controlling the lane.

Sure enough, two and a half minutes later, JAG's jungler, Jarvan IV, appeared in the river. Seeing that the minion wave was in a very bad position, he could only leave in frustration.

"Peanut, don't invade the enemy jungle. After clearing the bottom half of the map, come to the bottom lane and counter-gank." Xiao Yan ordered again, "Teddy in the enemy bottom lane is getting anxious; he wants to trade blows."

As soon as he finished speaking, JAG's bottom lane duo, who were indeed suffering from Xiao Yan's long-range attacks in the early game, tried to make a strong push.

"Now! Attack!"

At Xiao Yan's command, the previously timid Tahm Kench suddenly flashed and licked people, while Peanut's Lee Sin emerged from the shadows.

There were no fancy maneuvers; it was purely about overwhelming numbers and exploiting information asymmetry.

FirstBlood!