LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

Faker looked at Su Mo, his eyes behind his glasses showing no sign of dejection, but rather a stubborn fire unique to veterans.

After bidding farewell to the T1 team, Su Mo walked to the center of the stage and bowed deeply to the audience.

"EDG! EDG!"

Cheers erupted once again like a tidal wave.

……

The post-match interview area.

As the undisputed MVP of the match, Su Mo was invited to the interview area.

The person in charge of the interview this time was his old acquaintance, Yu Shuang.

Yu Shuang was wearing a well-tailored blue and white porcelain cheongsam today, looking dignified and elegant, but the tenderness in her eyes was almost overflowing the moment she saw Su Mo walking over.

"Welcome our MVP, Mozi!" Yu Shuang handed the microphone to Su Mo, her smile brighter than a spotlight. "First of all, congratulations to EDG for winning the opening match! And in such a... you could say 'brutal' way, they defeated T1. How are you feeling right now?"

Su Mo took the microphone, looked at the still-energetic audience below the stage, and said with a smile, "I'm in a pretty good mood. After all, it's on the world stage, and being able to get a pentakill with my favorite hero feels pretty awesome."

Yu Shuang blinked and asked, "Speaking of champions, everyone was surprised that you locked in Riven when facing one of the strongest top laners in the current meta, Aatrox, and with T1 banning three of your signature champions. Was this a pre-planned ultimate move?"

"I guess so." Su Mo said casually, as if chatting about everyday things. "Actually, I didn't think too much about it at the time. I just felt that Zeus's Aatrox wasn't putting enough pressure on the team, and I wanted to add some excitement to the match. Besides, the broken sword is reforged, the knight returns, and that line is quite fitting for today's atmosphere."

A cheer and applause immediately erupted from the audience.

Yu Shuang then asked, "Zeus seemed to encounter some... difficulties in the laning phase today. What's your opinion on this young prodigy?"

Su Mo thought for a moment, then toned down his joking tone and said seriously, "Zeus is very talented and his mechanics are very refined. Today, he mainly suffered from a lack of experience and composure, and my level 1 trade disrupted his rhythm. If he can adjust his mindset, he will be a very formidable opponent in the future. Of course, this only applies to the future."

These words both gave Zeus face and maintained the domineering presence of a king.

“One last question,” Yu Shuang looked at Su Mo, her eyes sparkling, “After today’s Group A matches, you’ll be facing C9 and FNC next. What are your goals for the rest of the group stage?”

Su Mo held up one finger to the camera: "There is only one goal: to advance with a perfect record. I don't want to waste too much time in the group stage. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are the real battlefields."

After the interview ended, Yu Shuang turned off the microphone and, in the brief moment the camera cut away, whispered to Su Mo, "I'll give you an extra meal when we get home tonight."

Su Mo raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Oh, then I'd better wash myself clean."

Yu Shuang blushed and pushed him away: "You're being indecent! Go back and rest!"

……

Back to the backstage lounge.

The atmosphere at EDG was relaxed and enjoyable, but there wasn't any excessive revelry.

Abu and the factory manager/coach were writing and drawing on the tactics board. When they saw the players return, they led the applause.

"Well played! Riven completely crushed T1's morale this game." Abu said with a smile. "But don't get cocky, everyone. T1's ability to adjust is top-notch. In the second round, they will definitely make more extreme plans targeting the top lane."

Su Mo slumped on the sofa, unscrewing a bottle of water: "Let them target me then. As long as they dare to ban five top laners, I'll bring out a sixth. By the way, are we not playing tomorrow?"

"Yes, tomorrow is the match between Group B and Group C." The factory manager glanced at the schedule. "We don't play C9 until the day after tomorrow."

According to the schedule, Group A, where EDG is located, will have a day off after the opening match.

The subsequent analysis of the situation then unfolded.

Group A situation:
EDG (1-0) is currently in the lead.

Although T1 (0-1) lost, their overall strength is still second in the group.

While FNC and C9, both European and American teams, have home advantage and the ability to create entertaining plays, they still lag behind Chinese and Korean teams in terms of raw skill.

"C9's mid laner Jensen and bot laner Berserker are quite something, especially Berserker, a former T1 trainee, who plays very aggressively," Scout analyzed. "However, as long as Mo's top lane is strong, it won't matter how fed their bot lane is."

Group B Outlook (JDG's Group of Death):
JDG, G2, DK, EG.

This group is also known as the "wild core group".

Kanavi, Jankos, and Canyon—these three junglers at the same table would be a sight to behold.

"I'm optimistic about JDG," Jiejie said while eating a banana. "Kanavi's recent form is insane, and after Mozi's 'special training,' 369's ability to withstand pressure is top-notch. As long as 369 doesn't feed, JDG has a good chance of winning against G2 and DK."

As Jiejie predicted, JDG displayed overwhelming dominance in the second day of the match. Kanavi's signature Kindred, paired with Yagao's Zoe, completely disrupted G2's strategy. 369's Ornn held off three tower dives by G2's top and jungle, ultimately securing a kill. While not as spectacular as Su Mo's performance, his performance was still rock-solid.

Group C situation:
RGE, TES, GAM, DRX.

This group is full of uncertainty.

TES is known for having a "ceiling of champions, floor of qualifiers".

Whether Ah Shui is in a god-like or demonic state directly determines the fate of TES.

As for DRX... as the fourth seed from LCK, Deft led a group of newcomers through the play-in stage, and their mid laner named Zeka has been on fire lately.

"Ah Shui and his team are in trouble." Meiko frowned as he watched the TES vs. GAM match on stream. "They played too recklessly, diving the tower when they had an advantage and giving away a win, almost getting a comeback. If they play like this against DRX, they're definitely going to be in trouble."

Group D Preview:
Gen.G, RNG, 100T, CFO.

The main theme of this group is Gen.G vs. RNG.

Chovy vs. Xiaohu.

Although Chovy joked around with Su Mo before the match, he's known as a last-hitting machine during the game. Gen.G, as the LCK's number one seed, is also one of the favorites to win this championship.

“RNG is in a bit of a predicament.” Su Mo looked at the schedule on the big screen. “Their entire team just had COVID-19 and their form hasn’t fully recovered yet. It’s probably going to be tough against Gen.G, but they should be able to qualify, as long as they don’t lose to wildcard teams or North American teams.”

……

Two days later.

EDG faced their second opponent in the group stage – the North American powerhouse, Cloud9 (C9).

On this day, Madison Square Garden was completely transformed into a blue ocean.

C9, playing on their home turf, enjoyed a level of cheering comparable to that of the finals.

"C9! C9! Let's go C9!"

The deafening shouts were an attempt to put pressure on EDG, who were playing away from home.

BP phase.

C9 clearly learned from T1's mistakes, but they also fell into deeper despair.

Ban Riven? Ban Fiora? Ban Gangplank?

Should we let Jessie go? Should we let Camille go?
In the end, the C9 coach gritted his teeth and banned Riven, Gangplank, and Jayce.

Then, I'll steal Fiora!
C9's top laner Fudge confidently declared: "Since you have such a deep champion pool, I'll just steal your signature champion and see how you handle that!"

Su Mo's brow twitched as he looked at the Fiora he had locked onto on the opposite side.

"Playing Fiora in front of me?"

Su Mo instantly locked onto a hero that silenced the entire arena.

Weapon Master - Jax!

"Take this as a warning!"

The outcome of the match was entirely predictable.

Fudge's Fiora is like a baby learning to walk in front of Su Mo's Weapon Master.

He held onto his E skill Counter Strike firmly, precisely blocking Fiora's crucial Q every time.

In just 12 minutes, Su Mo destroyed the top lane tower.

At 18 minutes, Su Mo's weapon master, carrying a street lamp and protected by Jiejie, chased after the five C9 players like a god of war.

The cheers from the North American audience went from deafening at the beginning to complete silence at the end, and many people even began to switch sides and chant "Mo's" name.

In 24 minutes, EDG destroyed C9's base.

Su Mo's record: 9-0-3.

In the remaining matches, EDG was unstoppable.

Facing the veteran European powerhouse FNC, Su Mo picked Vladimir for the top lane. He farmed safely in the early game, then unleashed a devastating ultimate in the late game, completely melting FNC's once-proud teamfight formation.

The first round of the group stage has ended.

Group A Standings:

EDG: 3-0
T1: 2-1
FNC: 1-2
C9: 0-3
EDG has demonstrated unparalleled dominance.

Su Mo, on the other hand, won MVP in all three matches, playing three different heroes.

The ID "Mo" has become the most terrifying nightmare in the S12 group stage.

All the teams are studying how to counter him, but they've come to the same conclusion: don't go to the top lane, you'll just get fed.

During the short break, Su Mo received official promotional photos from Riot Games.

In the photo, he is wearing an EDG team uniform, holding a broken Riven sword model in his hand, with a disdainful look in his eyes.

The background is the Statue of Liberty in New York, but the torch in the Statue of Liberty's hand has been photoshopped into the silver dragon cup in Su Mo's hand.

Su Mo looked at the photo, casually forwarded it to Weibo, and added the following caption:
"New York is bustling, but not hot enough. I'll add some more heat when we get to San Francisco."

The group stage schedule is in full swing.

After a short break, the second round of group matches, also known as the "do-or-die battles for qualification," officially began.

The atmosphere in the second round of Group A was noticeably more intense than in the first round.

C9 and FNC are fighting tooth and nail for that theoretical chance of qualifying, while T1 is determined to get their revenge in this round.

October 13, New York, Hulu Theater.

The highly anticipated rematch between EDG and T1 in the second round of the group stage has begun.

The atmosphere at the scene was even more somber and fervent than that of the opening match.

T1 fans waved red light sticks, trying to drown out the few black team flags with their cheers; they were desperate for revenge. While the LPL audience was slightly smaller, their spirits were no less, with shouts of "EDG, go!" echoing throughout the stadium.

In the commentary booth, Wawa adjusted his headset and said, "Alright, viewers, welcome back to the S12 World Championship Group Stage! I don't think I need to say much about the next match. It's the pivotal battle in Group A, and also T1's revenge match!"

Miller chimed in, "Yes, T1 got completely wrecked by Mozi's Riven in the last game, and Zeus has definitely been holding back these past few days. T1 chose the blue side this game, so it seems they came prepared and wanted to get their revenge in the draft."

PDD adjusted his glasses and chuckled, "I have a feeling today's draft will be very exciting. Zeus is a very ambitious player, he definitely doesn't want to be constantly pressured."

On the large screen, the BP interface lit up.

Blue side: T1
Red Team: EDG
T1's first three bans were incredibly fast, almost as if they were fueled by some kind of venting anger.

Exile Blade Riven!
Fiora, the Grand Duelist!
Camille, the Steel Shadow!

Miller gasped: "Three! They've given all three bans to the top lane right off the bat! That's incredibly generous!"

The commentator joked, "Zeus's been traumatized by this, he definitely won't let Riven through. That means there will be a lot more strong champions in the current meta."

EDG's first three bans were much more conventional:

Yumi, the policewoman, and the Tsar.

The Yuumi system and Faker's recently hot Azir were both removed.

The selection phase has begun.

T1, first floor, instantly locked in Pig Girl.

"Banning instead of picking, Maokai and Sejuani are the two major jungle tanks in this version. T1 picked Sejuani first, and it seems that Oner will have to play the role of a utility champion."

EDG responded quickly on the first and second floors: Twisted Treant + Aphelios.

Jiejie got the top-tier (T0) Treant Protector, while Viper locked in the backup carry Aphelios.

On the second and third floors of Terminal 1, without any hesitation, they revealed their fangs:
Lucian + Nami.

"The Luna duo!" PDD shouted, "T1 is still T1! Even after losing a game, they still have absolute confidence in their Luna in the bot lane! This game is going to be another fierce battle in the bot lane!"

EDG's third-floor support pick is Lulu, the Fairy Witch.

It was used to protect Aphelios and also to deal with Luna's burst of power.

The second round of bans.

T1 continued to target the top lane, banning Jax.

"Four already! This is the fourth top lane ban!" Miller exclaimed, amused. "T1 is going all out!"

Immediately afterwards, T1 banned Scout's Viktor, the Mechanic, as their last pick.

EDG banned Akali and Yone.

This prevented Zeus from using Yone to rely on skillful plays and also shut down Faker's assassin picks.

The final two choices are the players.

EDG's fourth floor picks Lissandra for Scout first.

"Use their own methods against them! Faker's Lissandra may have lost the last game, but his ability to find opportunities was indeed strong. Scout will just use that next time!"

The pressure is now on T1.

On the fourth floor, Faker locked in Ryze.

"Ryze! Faker's Ryze!" The crowd cheered; this was the Demon King's signature champion.

Finally, only T1's top laner (fifth pick) and EDG's top laner (fifth pick) remained.

At this point, there aren't many top lane champions left outside.

All eyes were focused on Zeus's portrait.

What will he choose? Tanks to withstand the pressure? Or...?

The profile picture on the fifth floor of T1 flashed a few times before finally settling on a handsome profile picture.

Jess, the Guardian of the Future!
The moment the lock was made, the T1 fans at the scene went wild!

"Jayce!! Zeus pulled out his signature Jayce!" Wawa's voice instantly rose an octave. "With four top laners banned, Zeus chose to trust his own skills! He's going to use Jayce's long-range advantage to suppress Mozi!"

Miller analyzed, "This Jayce pick is really risky. If he gains an advantage, T1's mid-game poke ability will be unstoppable. But the problem is, what heroes does Mozi have to counter Jayce? Fiora, Camille, and Jax are all out of the meta."

The camera pans to the EDG players' bench.

Su Mo looked at the locked-down Jess on the opposite side, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

The next moment, EDG immediately confirmed their hero selection.

"I am... the end of the world!"

The authoritative voice resounded throughout the venue.

"Sword Demon!!!"

The three commentators shouted in unison.

PDD slammed his fist on the table: "So tough! Absolutely tough! Facing Zeus' Jayce, he countered by pulling out Aatrox! This is practically a live tutorial!"

Miller was so excited his face turned red: "This is the legendary 'forward and backward hand tutorial'! Mozi is telling the world that there are no useless heroes, only useless summoners! Since you, Zeus, dared to pick Jayce, then I'll challenge you with the meta's best hero, Aatrox!"

The live stream chat exploded instantly:

[Crazy crazy!]

[Isn't that a bit too confident? Theoretically, Jayce should be able to kite and control Aatrox against him.]

[Upstairs, that's an ordinary person, this is Brother Mozi!]

[369 trembled in front of the screen: I know this plot inside and out.]

[Zeus: Oh no, I've become a stand-in?]

The final lineup is confirmed:
Blue side T1: Top lane Jayce, Jungle Sejuani, Mid lane Ryze, AD Lucian, Support Nami.

Red Team EDG: Top - Aatrox, Jungle - Maokai, Mid - Lissandra, AD - Aphelios, Support - Lulu. (End of Chapter)