LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

Chovy's antics eased the atmosphere in the restaurant a little, but it was more like the calm before the storm.

Just as Chovy was about to leave with the plate, another commotion broke out at the restaurant entrance.

If Chovy's appearance aroused everyone's curiosity, then the arrival of the next few people instantly silenced the entire restaurant, as if even the dust in the air had frozen.

The T1 team members, dressed in red, black, and white team uniforms, walked in.

The man walking at the front wore round-framed glasses, had a calm expression, and was even holding a book in his hand.

Lee Sang-hyeok.

One of the true gods of League of Legends, a three-time world champion.

Behind him are Zeus, a strong contender for the title of "World's Best", the genius jungler Oner, and the support Keria and AD Gumayusi, who are known as "Dr. K".

This T1 team is still considered by many to be one of the biggest favorites to win the championship this year.

Faker's gaze swept around the restaurant before finally settling on Su Mo.

Their eyes met in the air.

There was no playful grin like Chovy, nor any tense, confrontational atmosphere.

It was a unique understanding and scrutiny.

Faker walked straight to the food area. As he passed Su Mo's table, he turned to look at Su Mo and said three words in broken Chinese:

"come on!"

Two simple words, yet they sound like a declaration of war.

Su Mo put down his coffee, stood up, nodded politely, and replied with the same three words:
"You too."

Faker nodded slightly, then turned and left.

Watching the T1 members take their seats, Jiejie whispered, "That's the aura of the Great Demon King. He's much scarier than that goofy Chovy."

Meiko sighed, "This year's T1 is really strong. Although they lost to GenG in the LCK Summer Finals, everyone knows that the T1 at Worlds and the T1 in the league are two different teams. And Faker's current form... seems like a final burst of energy. But it doesn't matter, we have LieGod, the man above gods!"

Su Mo listened to everyone's flattery, remaining outwardly calm but inwardly pleased.

……

Two days later, the group stage draw ceremony was held at the famous Hulu Theater in New York.

As the number one seed from the LPL, the entire EDG team attended the event in their finest attire.

Representatives from sixteen top teams from around the world gathered at the event.

This year's S12 World Championship was packed with strong teams and was hailed as the most prestigious tournament yet.

LPL:

First seed: EDG (Undefeated Demon King, Defending Champion)

Second seed: JDG (a strong jungler team led by Kanpiange)
Third seed: TES
Fourth seed: RNG
LCK:

Seed #1: Gen.G
Seed #2: T1
Seed #3: DK
Fourth Seed: DRX
LEC (European Region): RGE, G2, FNC, MAD
LCS (North American Region): C9, 100T, EG
At the draw table, the special guest was Marin, the legendary top laner who had long since retired, who reached his hand into the draw pool.

Everyone's eyes were glued to the big screen.

According to the rules, teams from the same region will avoid each other, and the number one seed will be placed in a different pool.

The first four seeds drawn were number one.

Group A: EDG
Group B: JDG
Group C: RGE
Group D: Gen.G
"We're in Group A," Abu said, taking notes in his notebook. "Next, let's look at Pool 2."

Marin stirred the sphere again.

The first ball was opened.

T1.

A gasp of surprise erupted from the audience!
According to the principle of avoiding teams from the same region, T1 cannot go to Group D (because Gen.G is there), but at this time there is only one LPL team in Group A, so it will not have any impact.

Marin smiled slightly and placed the T1 sign next to EDG in Group A.

Group A: EDG, T1
"Holy crap!!!" Jiejie exclaimed, clutching his head. "What a small world! He's going to fight Faker right off the bat?! This whole thing feels so familiar!"

The live broadcast camera was extremely mischievous, instantly switching to Su Mo and Faker in the audience.

Faker's brow twitched slightly, but he quickly returned to normal.

Su Mo leaned back lazily in his chair, a playful smile playing on his lips, and even flashed a peace sign at the camera.

The barrage exploded instantly:

[Group of Death Already Set!!]

This is so exciting! Is the group stage a preview of the finals?

This ticket was a great buy!

The draw continues.

With each team drawn, the final group stage draw for S12 has been finalized:
Group A:
EDG
T1
FNC
C9
Group B:
JDG
G2
DK
EG
Group C:
RGE
TS
GAM
XRD
Group D:
Gen.G
RNG
100T
CFO
Looking at the group draw, Abu took a deep breath: "Group A... it's going to be tough. T1 is a given, FNC is a long-established European powerhouse, they're good at pulling off some crazy plays. C9, although a North American team, is also the so-called 'shining light of North America,' they have the home advantage, and they have a Berserker who's really good at causing trouble."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Su Mo said casually. "The strong teams are all in Group A and Group B, which means that as long as we break through, the quarterfinals might actually be easier. And..."

He looked at the T1 spot not far away and said, "Let's beat SKT as soon as possible, so we don't have to go through all that trouble in the finals."

……

Following the lottery ceremony, there was a brief media briefing.

As the focus of Group A, Su Mo was naturally surrounded by a crowd.

An ESPN reporter asked in English: "Mo, what are your thoughts on being drawn into Group A, which includes T1 and C9? Many people call it the group of death."

Su Mo took the microphone, and his fluent English surprised everyone present.
"The group of death? For me, this is just the first hurdle in the game. As for T1, I have great respect for Faker; he's a legend. But bro, aren't you too!"

“As for C9…” Su Mo paused, looked at C9’s AD carry Berserker, and smiled, “I heard that C9 is North America’s last hope? But I think they might be under a lot of pressure.”

Those around him gasped in disbelief.

Su Mo then answered some more questions before finally getting rid of the reporters.

……

It was already 9 p.m. when we got back to the hotel.

As soon as Su Mo swiped to open the door, a WeChat message popped up on her phone.

It was sent by Rita: "Come to my room, I just got back from an interview and brought some late-night snacks. 2106."

Su Mo raised an eyebrow and replied: Okay.

Arriving at the door of room 2106 in the hotel next door, Su Mo knocked on the door.

The door opened quickly.

Rita was wearing a loose silk nightgown, her hair was casually tied up, and she was holding a can of beer in her hand.

Seeing Su Mo, she stepped aside to let him in.

The room was filled with a faint scent of perfume and the aroma of fried chicken.

"Fried chicken again?" Su Mo looked helplessly at the Korean fried chicken on the table. "Sis, aren't you afraid of gaining weight?"

"Oh, it's okay to eat it once in a while. Besides, it's boneless, so it won't make you fat." Rita pulled him to sit down on the sofa and handed him a can of beer. "How was it? Did you feel a lot of pressure seeing T1 in your group today?"

Su Mo took the beer and took a sip: "If I said I wasn't under pressure, that would be pretentious. But if I said I was under a lot of pressure, that's not true. Actually, I'm quite excited."

Rita looked at him, her eyes slightly unfocused: "I love your confidence. By the way, we ran into Jensen on our way back, he's C9's mid laner."

"Oh?"

“He said that although you are very strong in the LPL, this is New York, their home ground, and they have prepared a ‘secret weapon’ to target your top lane.” Rita pouted, “It’s supposedly some kind of black technology.”

Su Mo chuckled and picked up a piece of fried chicken: "In the face of absolute strength, cutting-edge technology is nothing but flashy tricks. Do you know what I've been practicing these past few days?"

"What?" Rita asked curiously, moving closer. The distance between them instantly closed, and they could hear each other's breaths.

Su Mo looked at the red lips so close to his face and said in a low voice, "I'm practicing... my kidneys!"

Before he could finish speaking, he leaned forward slightly and kissed that soft spot...

Outside the window, the New York nightscape is dazzling and captivating.

And their happiness is just beginning.

……

October 7th, the opening match of the S12 group stage.

Madison Square Garden (Hulu Theater), New York. The opening match was guaranteed to draw huge crowds.
EDG vs T1
LPL's first seed vs. LCK's second seed.

New King Mo versus Old King Faker.

The stadium was already packed before the match even started.

Fans on both sides were shouting wildly in the stands, with red T1 support sticks and black EDG team flags intertwined.

The LPL commentary booth featured the golden duo of Wawa and Miller, along with special guest PDD.

"Alright, viewers! The highly anticipated opening match of the S12 group stage is about to begin!" Wawa exclaimed excitedly, "EDG vs. T1! This is a match that needs no motivation!"

Miller: "That's right! Mozi's debut is against Zeus! Faker faces Scout again! The draft picks in this game will be crucial!"

The players from both sides enter the arena.

The moment Su Mo stepped onto the stage, the cheers erupting from the crowd even drowned out those of C9, who were playing on their home turf.

Su Mo sat in the gaming chair, adjusting the equipment.

Across from him, Zeus, the 18-year-old prodigy top laner, was staring intently at the screen with a serious expression.

At this moment, the BP interface on the big screen officially lit up.

Blue team T1, red team EDG.

T1, having the priority to choose sides, did not hesitate and directly chose the blue side, with a very clear intention—to seize the strong heroes of the current version, or to use the pick as a substitute for ban.

In the commentary booth, Wawa's voice suddenly rose: "Alright, let's start the draft! Let's see who T1 will target in their first three picks when facing EDG!"

Before the words were even finished, T1's first three ban slots lit up almost instantly, without the slightest hesitation.

Fiora, the peerless swordswoman.

Camille, the Blue Steel Shadow.

Ocean Disaster - Planck.

The three profile pictures turned gray, indicating the account was locked.

"Wow!!" Miller couldn't help but exclaim, "This is too targeted! All three bans were given to the top lane! T1 doesn't want Mozi to get these heroes who can split push and perform well."

PDD adjusted his glasses and chuckled, "That's normal. Given Mozi's performance in the LPL, Zeus, while confident, doesn't want to make things too difficult for himself right away. These three moves are meant to force Mozi to play tanks or the standard meta fighters."

EDG's counterattack was also swift.

As the red team, they have to bear the pressure of banning the OP heroes of this version.

Yuumi the Magical Cat.

Caitlyn, the Piltover Policewoman.

Syndra, the Dark Sovereign.

"EDG has opted out of the Yuumi and Caitlyn combo to prevent T1's bot laner Gumayusi and Keria from getting too comfortable a laning phase. Syndra is being used to counter Faker's hot mid lane," Miller analyzed.

Now we come to the selection process.

T1, first floor, locked in seconds!

Aatrox, the Darkin Blademaster!
"Here he comes! The king of the patch!" Wawa shouted, "The top lane overlord who's a must-ban or must-pick in this World Championship! Zeus's most confident champion! T1 picked Aatrox, not only to give Zeus a champion he's confident in, but also to build their team fight system around him."

It's EDG's turn to choose between the first and second floors.

Jiejie asked in the voice chat, "Brother Mo, should I let you pick the hero first? Or should I let the bottom lane take it?"

Su Mo looked at the Sword Demon's avatar opposite him, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "No rush, the Sword Demon has been released, I have a way to deal with him. Let me give you something comfortable first."

Then, the lights on the first and second floors of EDG's building came on:

Maokai, the twisted tree spirit.

Ephelios, the somber moon.

"Mao! This is definitely the answer for the current meta jungler, with plenty of crowd control and the ability to initiate team fights. Viper picked Aphelios, which means they're going to go toe-to-toe with T1's bot lane in the late game," Wawa said.

The second and third floors of Terminal 1 follow closely behind:

King of Ruin, Fryegor.

Frost Witch Lissandra.

“Oner picked Fryegret, and Faker picked Lissandra!” Miller frowned slightly. “T1’s mid-jungle duo is too good at finding opportunities, especially Lissandra. This pick is obviously aimed at limiting EDG’s engage champions, especially targeting the fighters that Mozi might pick.”

EDG needs to get a mid laner on the third floor.

After a moment's thought, Scout locked in: Azir, the Emperor of the Desert.

It is also a late-game carry with the ability to push back dive heroes.

The first round of bans and bans has ended, and the second round of bans will begin.

T1 continues to target:

Fairy witch Lulu.

Leanna.

Press the button to disable two protective assists in succession.

EDG banned it:

Sivir, the Goddess of War.

Varus, the Arrow of Punishment.

Continue to compress Gumayusi's hero pool.

The selection process continues.

EDG's fourth pick is support:

Soullock Warden Thresh.

"Meiko picked Thresh! That's a very confident pick. He can protect his teammates, initiate team fights, and even interrupt Aatrox's engage."

T1, fourth and fifth floors, the last two options.

Gumayusi locked in Lucian for the bot lane.

Keria added the following item to the support roster: Nami the Tidecaller.

"The Luna duo!" Wawa exclaimed. "T1 really pulled this in! After banning so many AD carries in the second round, they still managed to pull out such an aggressive bot lane duo as Luna! This bot lane matchup is going to be intense!"

Finally, all eyes were focused on EDG's fifth floor, specifically the red Counter position.

At this moment, Zeus's Aatrox stood like a mountain blocking the top lane.

Su Mo's signature champions, Fiora, Camille, and Gangplank, were all banned.

"Brother Mozi, what should we play this game?" Meiko asked. "Or should we go for Ornn to tank the pressure?"

"Resist pressure?" Su Mo chuckled, a sharp glint in his eyes. "The word 'resist pressure' doesn't exist in my dictionary. Since he wants to use the Sword Demon to destroy the world, then I'll banish him."

"Jiejie, lock that for me."

that?

Jiejie paused for a moment, then typed two words into the search box.

The moment that image appeared on the big screen, the previously noisy Madison Square Garden fell silent for a second, followed by a scream loud enough to blow the roof off!
She was a female warrior with a broken sword in her hand and flowing silver hair.

The day the broken sword is reforged will be the day the knight returns!
Riven, the Exile!
"Riven!!!" Miller's voice cracked. "My God! Mozi locked in Riven! On the S12 World Championship stage, facing the strongest Aatrox in the current version, he pulled out Riven!"

PDD was even more excited: "This is insane! This is pure skill! Riven versus Aatrox is like dancing on a knife's edge, whoever makes a mistake dies! Mozi is telling the world that banning three of my top laners is useless, I have a vast champion pool!"

When Zeus saw Riven lock onto the mouse, his hand holding the mouse trembled involuntarily.

Riven... This champion has been absent from the competitive scene for far too long, especially in the LCK; he hasn't seen her at all this season.

Because it has a low margin for error, it's difficult to get into team fights.

But this is Su Mo's Riven!
Putting aside Riven, even a pile of shit would have a unique flavor for Su Mo to play with.

He had to be cautious.

Finally, the lineups for both sides were finalized:

Blue side T1: Top lane Aatrox, Jungle Fryego, Mid lane Lissandra, AD Lucian, Support Nami.

Red Team EDG: Top Laner Riven, Jungler Maokai, Mid Laner Azir, AD Carry Aphelios, Support Thresh. (End of Chapter)