•Tianhuan vs Yaoguang
On May 8th, Saturday afternoon, the people in Tianhuan went over to Star City's Esports Center after having their dinner.
Ye Shaoyang had been here twice before. Once was when Chi Shuo had pretended to be a coach and cheated him into going over to watch Huowen and Jingzhe's match. The other was when he came to watch Tianhuan and Beimu's playoffs match. However, this time, he will be heading to the center with a player's identity and will be able to head right into the backstage.
As soon as they entered backstage, they ran into an acquaintance——Yao Mu, one of the anchors in Whale Streaming.
Yao Mu and Ye Shaoyang's gazes met, and she immediately walked to him with a smile, “Xiao Bai? What a coincidence.”
The two often teamed up and streamed together, but this was their first-time meeting in the real world.
Ye Shaoyang greeted her politely. “Nice to see you, Mu-jie. Are you here as a commentator today?”.
Yao Mu replied with a smile. “Mn. I reckoned I'd probably be able to see you backstage.”
She quickly introduced the man standing next to her, “This is Dong-ge. We are the commentators for today.”
The male commentator who was wearing a white shirt and had a graceful bearing shook hands with Lin Feng and Chi Shuo respectively.
“Good luck with the match later. Mu-jie and I will be going off to prepare now,” He said.
Lin Feng said, “Okay, we won't keep you any longer.”
Dong-ge, whose ID is Dong Yu, was a seasoned commentator. He had been active in the professional scene since S3 and belonged to Chi Shuo's master's generation. He would only be invited to attend important matches such as the semifinals or finals. He was also frequently invited to be a commentator in world championship matches and was extremely fluent in English.
Chi Shuo was pretty surprised to see him backstage. It seems like the league attached great importance to today's match.
Ye Shaoyang said jokingly, “Mu-jie, be more merciful later and don't scold us.”
Yao Mu smiled gently and directed a supportive gesture toward Ye Shaoyang. Ye Shaoyang nodded in response to this. The two commentators turned and walked to the commentators' booth on the second level with a huge stack of information material, making some preparations in advance.
Tianhuan arrived at the backstage lounge.
The screen in the lounge would show the things that were happening on-site in real-time. The number of fans that came to the live venue this time was more than the regular matches, and the attendance rate of the entire center exceeded 70%. There were people at the back who were holding up huge support banners, and on them were the chibi-style drawings of all five Tianhuan players. Even the Ragdoll cat Ye Shaoyang raised was included. The fans were pretty attentive.
The lens began shooting the viewers sitting in the VIP section in the front row.
Chi Shuo spotted someone familiar to the eyes and whispered to Ye Shaoyang, “Look over there. Your little brother's here.”
Ye Shaoyang followed his gaze and looked over. Sure enough, he found Qin Rui sitting in the third row at the stands, his hands holding up a LED board that said 'Lieyang, you can do it!'. He was even wearing a headband in the shape of a small sun.
Ye Shaoyang was a little touched, and said, “I haven't seen him in a long time. I want to head back home after finishing the rank-deciding matches and get some gifts for Xiao Rui along the way.”
Chi Shuo replied, “Alright. Since your house is nearby, you can just ask the coach for leave when the time comes.”
The match was about to start. Coach Lin stood up and advised everyone again for the last time, “Relax and don't get affected by the outside world. In the field, we talk with our strengths. There's no need to waste any saliva with them.”
Everyone nodded collectively to show that they understood.
When it was 18:40, the big screens cut to the commentators' booth.
Yao Mu wore a white one-piece dress, her long hair covering her shoulders. She had a gentle smile on her face.
“To all the viewers in the audience, welcome to Star City's Esports Center. We're coming to you live from the second round of the regular season's S/A rank-deciding matches of the Official Gods War Pro League!”
“The S/A rank-deciding matches will still be using the best-of-three format, but what makes it different from the groups stage is that the 'cumulative picks and bans' mode would be used. It means that the heroes that were used before can't be used again. It'll truly be a test of the players' hero pools.”
“Yes, this arrangement is fairer and would ensure that the final teams to enter Group S are those that have greater strength. That's because entering Group S in the second phase is also equivalent to securing a spot in the Top Eight!”
“Next, let us invite the teams that would be taking the stage today. Please give them a warm round of applause.”
The suspending stage in Star City's Esports Center was designed to be futuristic, just like a flower. When the players enter, they will take the glass elevator down from the second floor. The center of the stage will be lit with dazzling lights and there will be moving light beams at the edge of the stands from Zone A to H, just like a flower slowly blooming.
The elevator stopped in the middle of the stage. The five Tianhuan players, sporting their neat uniforms, walked out side by side and bowed to the viewers. Yaoguang's players followed by also stepping onto the stage.
The screams below the stage were deafening. This team was very good in marketing and promoting themselves, and their level of popularity was pretty high.
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The host decided to do a little warm-up and said, “According to international practice, there will be a trash talk segment before the game in rank-deciding matches. Which team wants to start first and trash talk the other team?”
The microphone was passed to Yaoguang.
Yu'mao received it and said smilingly, “We won't be polite in today's match——we'll destroy you and let you know what's the gap between Group A and Group S!”
Deafening screams and applause filled the venue.
Upclose, this Yu'mao indeed looked very handsome and had a good and tall figure. He was the type that could earn a living just by relying on his looks and coupled with the team's support and the fact that he also had some strength, it was no wonder he could afford to be so arrogant.
It was very common for there to be a trash-talking segment during matches like this where the competing teams would trash talk each other. It was purely for the broadcasting effect.
However, Chi Shuo was too lazy to even express anything on his face to Yaoguang. He simply gave Yu'mao a blank look.
Seeing that no one in Tianhuan was going to answer and fearing that the atmosphere would get awkward, the host's forehead beaded with cold sweat. He gave a dry smile and said, “Does anyone on Tianhuan's side have anything to say?”
Ye Shaoyang smiled as he took the mic and said, “Good game.”
The viewers: “??”
Yaoguang's players: “???”
The screen of the livestream rapidly filled up with comments.
【Xiao Bai's 'Good game' makes an appearance again】
【Hahaha, he annihilated Yu'mao and his nonsense with just two words】
【Previously, Xiao Bai had also said 'Good game. ^_^' to Brother Fish. He has already become a dead fish】
【Xiao Bai said 'Good game' with a smile. Hurry and help Yaoguang pray for the worst!】
Yaoguang's fans were also giving out sarcastic remarks.
【Lieyang is indeed as arrogant as they said. They haven't even started competing and he's already saying 'Good game'?】
【Waiting for Tianhuan to receive a round of face-slapping!】
【There's a huge difference in skill level between Group S and Group A. Don't play tricks and just stay in Group A instead】
The strong smell of gunpowder filled the air. Sensing that everything was about to get out of control, the host hurriedly continued, “Then, may I get both teams to enter the soundproofed room. I look forward to the wonderful performance everyone will be putting out later!”
The screens cut back to the commentators' booth.
Yao Mu started, “Let us introduce the participating players from both teams.”
Each player's profile and stats would be shown on the big screens along with the commentators' introduction. The cameras inside the soundproofed room would also take close-up shots of their faces at the same time.
“As part of Tianhuan's front line this season, Zhuhuo often chooses anti-pressure tanks or initiators. Although his stats aren't too dazzling, the top laner's ability to initiate team fights and tank are extremely crucial and is also the reason for Tianhuan's numerous victories in team fights. His contribution in team fights cannot be overlooked.”
“Tianhuan's Shuoyue is also the extremely popular Captain Chi. He currently has two MVP titles and although his kill count isn't high, his participation rate is 95% and he has 89 assists. He's ranked among the top three in the entire pro league. As a jungler, his assist count is much higher than the supports from many other teams, we can only say… that he plays the support jungler too well.”
The lens was aimed at Chi Shuo.
Chi Shuo's face was void of any expressions and gave off a cold feeling of 'just shoot if you want to, just don't bother me'.
The fans in the livestream were almost dead from laughter.
【There's no doubt about Chi Shuo's support jungler. He gives up his buffs and kills everyday】
【Shuoyue: Why don't I just change my profession and be a support instead?】
【You'll understand once you see Lieyang's stats. Practically all of Yueyue's kills were given to Yangyang!】
Sure enough, when Ye Shaoyang's profile appeared…
It wasn't exaggerating to say that his stats are extremely blinding.
“Tianhuan's Lieyang is the new mid laner Team Tianhuan debuted in S10! He is a player that has pleasantly surprised us. His total kill count is currently first in the entire league; Tianhuan has played in 10 matches and 20 games, and he has taken 96 kills with his average kills per game being 4.8. He is indeed deserving of the title 'mid lane demon king', a killer machine!”
Ye Shaoyang saw the camera in front of him light up and he waved to the lens cooperatively.
The screens displayed an image of his smiling face and excited screams erupted in the center once again.
“He obtained a killing streak in every game that he played.” Yao Mu felt a sense of pride in her heart, and her pitch rose as she spoke.
“Debuting with a pentakill, and frequently winning MVP in subsequent games. As of now, Lieyang has already won 16 MVP titles and is also ranked first in the MVP ranking list.”
“The reason why Tianhuan's Lieyang had gotten so many MVP titles is largely due to them starting from Group B and having consecutive victories. If they started from Group S, they may not have been so successful.”
“Yes. Lieyang is ranked first for the time being, but whether he can keep holding onto this rank is the question. Let's hope Lieyang can keep up the good work!”
“Tianhuan's Jiangshui had adapted pretty well from his change of mid laner to support. His assist count is high, and he is ranked fifth in the league's ranking for supports. Qu Jiang's plays in the previous matches were also excellent and he initiated fights outstandingly.”
“Tianhuan's Fanxing is also a newcomer that debuted this season. He currently has two MVP titles, and his kill count isn't high. However, the allocation of Tianhuan's resources are mainly focused on the mid laner, so his stats are reasonable.” Yao Mu continued, “I've seen the previous matches. Little Xing is always improving, so we're really looking forward to his performance today.”
The sound of thunderous applause filled the scene.
Although there were many black fans and water armies insulting Cheng Xing on the internet, Tianhuan's fans liked Little Xing a lot. Besides, he didn't really make any blunders in the previous matches and had been giving his all in dealing damage.
He's a newcomer, so he definitely must be given some room for growth. Newcomers like Lieyang who could directly become demon kings are few in numbers after all!
Both commentators carried on introducing Yaoguang's players.
“Yaoguang's Yu'mao debuted in this season with a pentakill and also frequently won the title of MVP in subsequent matches. He's currently ranked third on the MVP ranking list. This newcomer is very talented and has a deep hero pool.”
“That's right. His average damage output per game is as high as 44% and he is Yaoguang's main DPS.”
“It can be seen that players from both sides had already made their preparations. Let's start the first picks and bans stage!”
The picks and bans display appeared on the big screens.
It was also a test on a coach's strategy layout as it was cumulative picks and bans. The heroes that were used in the first round couldn't be used in the second. Hence, they couldn't just simply plan according to their current situation. They also had to consider their subsequent games.
Yaoguang was assigned to the blue side in the first round and would receive the first ban.
They directly banned the marksman. It was obvious that they planned to let Yu'mao destroy the bottom lane.
The heroes that Cheng Xing played well with lately such as the Wind Nymph and Master Archer were all banned, while Coach Lin banned the Radiant Shield and the Blessed Light who were tanky supports.
As expected, Yaoguang locked in the Godly Sniper. This was Yu'mao's signature hero and the one he used to achieve a pentakill in his debut. He would snipe long-range, with a single shot crippling his enemies.
When it was Tianhuan's turn, the first and second pick locked in the Princess of the Blood Clan for the marksman and the Forest Envoy for the support.
Yao Mu's eyes brightened and she commented, “Tianhuan's plan is pretty good. The Godly Sniper isn't able to kill with a single shot in the early-game. The Princess of the Blood Clan can activate life-steal after using her big move while the Forest Envoy can heal. Even if they were sniped by enemies, they can still level up steadily as long as their health replenishes.”
Dong-ge nodded and continued, “Yes. However, the Princess of the Blood Clan relies on her ult to deal damage, and her attacks are mostly mid-ranged. She will suffer losses if she faces off with the Godly Sniper who's a long-ranged hero.”
One was long-range while the other was short-range. Yu'mao can attack Cheng Xing, but Cheng Xing wouldn't be able to attack him.
Facing off would definitely incur losses.
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But as long as Cheng Xing doesn't die and withstand the pressure, he'll be a monster once he develops into late-game.
Yaoguang's second and third pick locked in their heroes for the mid lane and jungle decisively. They chose Demon Executioner for the jungler and the Destruction Mage for their mid laner. Both were also long-ranged heroes.
“Is this the poke comp?” Dong-ge questioned.
The so-called poke comp refers to a team taking advantage of their long-ranged attacks to shave off their opponents' HP and cripple them during the time when their opponents couldn't reach them. This way, one side would be on full health while the other side would be on critically low health during team fights, hence it would be very easy for their opponents to collapse.
Yao Mu chipped in, “To deal with the poke comp, they would need to go around the back and slay the enemy DPS. If not, they would suffer in team fights and constantly get kite by their opponents. Would Captain Chi run the jungler core? Or would Tianhuan's third pick continue to secure their top lane?”
Tianhuan's third pick chose the Man of Steel who was an extremely meaty tank.
You can only shed off a single layer even if you snipe me.
This hero can be used to tank at the front.
Dong-ge said, “Seems like Tianhuan will still be choosing their top and bottom lanes in the first phase, leaving the mid laner and jungle for the last.”
Yaoguant's coach was extremely happy, and he immediately banned the Stealthy Rogue who posed a great threat to a team's back line. He also banned the assassin mage Abyssal Lord, who could flash and cut into the back line.
Tianhuan followed by banning two top laners—the Holy Knight and the Vampiric Duke.
Yaoguang swiftly locked in the top laner Dark Angel and the support Six-Winged Angel.
“They're seeing the poke comp through to the end. The Dark Angel has long-range control skills too.”
In the soundproofed room, Coach Lin commented, “Yaoguang's comp this time is pretty good, and it seems like they've put in some effort into practicing it. The top laner can immobilize people from a distance away while the jungler can stun people from mid-range. The mid laner and marksman will shave off our HP using poke. We'll be crippled by them before the team fight has even started.” He looked at Ye Shaoyang, “Shaoyang, will there be a problem if you run the Goddess?”
Ye Shaoyang had a smile on his face, “It's not a problem.”
Chi Shuo said calmly, “We can kill off one first before they start acting out their plan.”
Coach Lin simply nodded, “Alright. Fourth and fifth pick, please choose your heroes now.”
Tianhuan's fourth and fifth picks swiftly locked in their heroes.
Jungler: Ninja.
Mid laner: Destiny Goddess.
Screams broke out at the scene and the comments in the livestream kept coming in at breakneck speed.
【F–k, even the fortune-telling goddess is being taken out】
【Whether the Destiny Goddess would win or lose, is it all up to fate?】
【Ninja's ability to cut into the back line isn't as good as the Stealthy Rogue, but they can split up and hide from the enemies' snipes. This selection is pretty good】
【Coming over from Xiao Bai's livestream, Xiao Bai's Destiny Goddess… I'll pray for their opponents in advance】
Seeing this, the smile on Yaoguang's coach's face was slightly stiff. Why did he have a feeling that his picks and bans have been calculated by his opponents?
Yaoguang's coach took a deep breath. Ignoring the uneasiness rising in his chest, he said, “By choosing a bursty mid laner such as the Destiny Goddess, they definitely have plans to directly cut into our back line. Support, you must be on alert and protect well. Make sure to keep a close eye on Tianhuan's mid laner and jungler!”