You've only been playing for half a year, and you've already reached the finals?

Meanwhile, in the backstage lounge of T1.

Backstage, the T1 players were discussing similar topics, with Faker at the center.

"In my opinion, the main problem in the last game was that I played too greedily."

Bengi said, "If it weren't for that wave of vanguards, our rhythm would actually be very good."

The T1 members all nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

The draft in the first game was really good, so good that even when they were at a huge disadvantage later on, they did not completely lose their ability to fight back, and even saw a chance to turn the game around at one point.

If the situation is slightly better, even if it's just a draw, team fights will actually be much easier to win.

"Last game, it was definitely my fault." Faker patted his face, his expression extremely serious. "I didn't play well."

Lee Sang-hyeok has never been one to deny things, and of course he knows where the problem lies.

If he hadn't lost the lane, forcing the bot lane to send someone to help the mid lane; if he hadn't failed to defend against Sylas's engage; if he hadn't been solo-killed on the side lane...
If he hadn't been at such a disadvantage against Phi, this game wouldn't have been so difficult!

After a five-year hiatus, Lee Sang-hyeok finally returned to the finals stage, but his performance in the first game was so terrible that he was naturally dissatisfied.

"It's okay, bro," Gumayusi reassured him. "It's only one game, the best-of-five series has just begun!"

Beside Little Lu Bu, the other three also looked serious, as if the defeat had not affected them much.

To be honest, none of T1's younger members are exactly known for their nerves.

On the stage of the finals, mentality is especially important. Those with poor mentality will be weak in big competitions, their performance will be severely distorted, and their strength will be reduced to less than one-tenth.

However, king crabs with a good mindset can perform even better than usual in major competitions, and the difference between them is actually quite significant.

All five members of T1 belong to the King Crab family, making the finals several times more difficult than usual.

"Let's teach Phi a lesson next round, Sang-hyeok hyung!" Oner said from the side. "We can't let this guy keep getting cocky!"

"There's no need." Faker shook his head with a smile. "Don't come to help me next game. Just play your own game. If we want to win, we still need you guys."

After the first game, Faker truly understood that he could no longer beat Phi in lane.

It's pointless to bleed the side lanes dry but only manage a draw in the mid lane.

It would be better to unleash the full potential of all four teammates in the laning phase and let them make breakthroughs.

T1 may be at a disadvantage in the mid lane, but they won't lose.

Hearing their elder brother's instructions, the four little ones seemed to be injected with boundless strength, their fists clenched and their teeth clenched.

We absolutely must win this second game!
At this moment, the MVP of this round is being displayed on the big screen at the venue.

A photo of Ming Jing and Silas appears on the left side of the screen, looking quite imposing.

As for the data, it is equally outrageous.

KDA:7-0-6
Damage percentage: 28.22%
Percentage of injuries sustained: 26.43%
Counter-economic difference: 4369
Back in China, far across the ocean, the JDG team watched the scene unfold on their live stream and marveled at what they saw.

"These numbers are outrageous." Toothpaste lay on the chair, his fat arms casually draped over his head.

Because of his melee assassin role, Sylas is destined to be unable to deal explosive damage, but this output is definitely not low.

"This is nothing," Zoom chuckled. "For Mingjing, if his damage output is less than 30%, it's definitely not considered as dealing any damage."

Zoom will probably never forget the incredible performance of Mingjing in the S10 finals, where his average damage output exceeded 40%.

In comparison, this 28% output share is really not enough.

Of course, data cannot fully capture Mingjing's greatness.

Sylas's R-Flash from the Vanguard was something that no amount of data could buy; it was no exaggeration to call it the winning move.

"It's a good thing that Mingjing is dealing less damage."

Toothpaste casually remarked, "That just means their teammates are awesome!"

The toothpaste's statement is actually a self-deprecating joke.

A saying often circulates online: "After Jing left JDG's protective umbrella, he realized that there was no rain outside at all."

After all, JDG in S10, apart from their AD carry, were inferior to DWG in all four other positions. The fact that they were able to win can only mean that JDG is really strong.

Since he already has the championship in hand, he doesn't care about these opinions, and he won't be jealous or resentful of Mingjing's current teammates because of them.

He even wished that Ming Jing's current teammates would be even more formidable.

After all, judging from the first game, EDG's victory was not as easy as it seemed; on the contrary, it was quite difficult.

Both the top and bottom lanes were at a disadvantage, and Mingjing was carrying the team entirely.

To put it bluntly, it's no different from JDG in S10.

If this trend continues, it's really hard to say who will win or lose.

The break time passed quickly, and the two finalists returned to the stage.

Mingjing put on his headphones and heard his teammates' voices.

"Holy crap, that guy's expression is kind of scary," Flandre said. "Zeus's eyes are incredibly fierce."

"Oh, really?" Ming Jing was somewhat surprised.

After all, in Ming Jing's impression, Zeus was a refined and easy-going young man who never showed any signs of losing his composure.

Why are you so energetic this time?

Unfortunately, he was already seated, so Mingjing couldn't see him clearly from the side. He could only see Faker leaning back in his chair, resting with his eyes closed.

"Aren't you afraid?" Meiko laughed. "The other team picks red again this game, they're definitely going to counter you."

"What's the use of being afraid?" Flandre shrank his neck. "Can't I just pick Ornn to start a turtle?"

After losing the game, T1 opted to change their strategy, moving to the red side, clearly indicating that something big was coming their way.

EDG was plagued by the virus during the knockout stage and struggled to advance, leaving them no time to delve into the game's meta.

In contrast, T1 swept all three teams to a draw, having rested and prepared, and no one knew exactly what they had prepared.

In the second game, the draft phase began quickly.

With both sides switching sides, the ban order naturally undergoes a dramatic change.

Although the situation of being placed on the blue side was sudden, it must be said that the pressure on the draft was indeed greatly reduced.

This allows EDG to avoid targeting specific meta picks and simply ban T1's signature champions.

Without much thought, EDG banned Lucian and Lena, directly targeting the bot lane.

In contrast, T1's ban slots seemed a bit tight, as they directly banned Caitlyn and Yuumi.

Maokai narrowed his eyes slightly when he saw the ban.

"Galio and Aatrox are both still outside, so the enemy can only ban one of them."

Maokai said, "The other team is probably going to let Aatrox through, should we ban him?"

Which is scarier, the current version's hero Aatrox or Mingjing's Galio?
It's obvious without even thinking that T1 will ban the latter.

This brings us back to the question we discussed earlier: T1 deliberately picked the red buff and let Aatrox through, which most likely means they have a strategy to counter Aatrox. Should they ban him?

EDG's answer for the first game was to ban, since EDG was on the red side and banning Aatrox was only natural.

However, since they were on the blue side in this game, it's a bit unreasonable for them to ban Aatrox just because of a little suspicion.

"Just give it to me," Flandre said. "Aatrox is a very difficult champion to counter. I don't believe he can pull off any fancy moves."

“Okay.” Maokai nodded, and after communicating with Flandre, he banned Jayce as the third pick.

As expected, T1 banned Galio as their third pick, entering the selection phase.

But as EDG secured the first pick of Aatrox, T1 immediately retaliated!
Previously, T1's strategy for dealing with Aatrox was simply to use Jayce and Gwen, but this time, with Jayce banned, they didn't lock in Gwen. Instead, they chose a new pick that had never been seen before.

"One to Cut, One to Seal!"

"Yongen!" The JDG guys sat up abruptly upon seeing this, their eyes grave.

Is Yone a good matchup against Aatrox? The answer is definitely yes.

Yone, a well-rounded warrior, is bound to have an easy time against a clumsy opponent like Aatrox.

But that's not the point.

The key is the significance behind this hero.

This is a hero that T1 kept hidden until the finals, even going so far as to actively pick the red buff to reveal.

This is terrible.

On the EDG players' bench, everyone was discussing solutions.

“The main problem is that Aatrox and Yone can’t fight each other when split pushing in the mid-to-late game.” Mingjing pointed out the core of the problem. “I need to pick a mid laner who can split push with Yone. Anyway, the enemy will definitely reserve the counter pick for the mid laner, so I’ll pick first.”

The factory manager nodded. "So, what are your thoughts?"

Mingjing's answer quickly appeared in EDG's picks—Akali, the Rogue Assassin.

There aren't many mid-lane champions who can handle Yone.

But once that pick was made, Faker's strategy became clear. He immediately picked his signature Ryze to stabilize the mid lane and pass the ball to Zeus.

The lineups for both sides were quickly finalized.

Blue side EDG: Top lane Aatrox, Jungle Sejuani, Mid lane Akali, Bot lane Sivir and Lulu.

Red Team T1: Top lane Yone, Jungle Fryego, Mid lane Ryze, Bot lane Varus and Karma.

Because both sides coincidentally chose to increase their strength in the top half of the map, EDG locked in a farming-oriented carry, Sivir, for their bot lane.

On the other hand, T1 stuck to one path and locked in an extreme lineup.

When JDG saw this draft, several players started to frown.

"None of these three lanes have lane priority?" Toothpaste couldn't help but scratch his head. "Isn't the pressure too much?"

There's really nothing we can do. In terms of laning ability and champion pool, T1's top and bottom lanes are clearly superior. And Mingjing, who should have had a lane advantage, locked in Akali, a champion that is easily countered, in order to fill the gap in the top lane. It was inevitable that all three lanes would be at a disadvantage.

Seeing this lineup, the JDG players knew that a tough battle was coming.

However, things took an unexpected turn as the competition began.

EDG's disadvantages are not as great as imagined.

Mingjing in the middle lane had no disadvantage at all.

Ming Jing's abilities are undeniable, and he's even got a signature hero from the past, so he's obviously not someone to be easily suppressed.

Furthermore, Faker chose Ryze instead of overpowered champions like Lissandra or Malzahar, so Mingjing didn't actually face much pressure. After a few minutes of laning, they were even trading kills.

The bottom lane was slightly worse; although the duo was constantly being pushed, they didn't fall behind in last-hitting.

Sivir is actually a counter to Varus, since her magic shield can block charged arrows, but she can't gain lane control due to Karma's pressure.

But ensuring your own development shouldn't be a problem.

Only Flandre in the top lane fared poorly. After a few minutes of laning, he was riddled with wounds by Yone's twin swords and couldn't even leave the tower.

This is just the beginning. As both sides replenish their equipment, Yone's advantage will only grow!
Fortunately, Jie Jie filled the gap perfectly. He used the information from Saint Gun to calculate the time when Zeus's ward would disappear and grabbed him almost at the exact moment the ward disappeared!

Zeus didn't notice the ward disappearing at first. By the time he realized it a few seconds later, Sejuani had already circled behind him.

EDG's top and jungle players combined control and offense, easily defeating Zeus!

And it's not over yet.

At six minutes, T1, relying on their mid and bottom lane priority, grouped up to control the dragon.

However, EDG's mid and jungle were prepared for this. Mingjing seized the opportunity, using recall as a cover, but actually roamed to the top lane with JieJie and sent Yone back to the fountain!

Yone, who was highly anticipated by T1, suffered a dismal 0-2 record right from the start.

Seeing this, countless EDG supporters smiled.

This is just right for my stomach, isn't it?
As long as Yone doesn't get ahead and the two carries can develop to the late game, there's absolutely no chance of losing this game!

But the reversal came very quickly.
Surprisingly, even after Zeus died twice, Flandre was still no match for him.

The best proof is the finishing blow.

1-0-1的剑魔对上0-2的永恩，补刀甚至还落后了二十刀！

This resulted in the top laners' economies remaining even.

This also led to T1 showing no fear during the nine-minute vanguard team fight, choosing instead to engage head-on.

This team fight was particularly crucial for EDG.

After all, the dragon has already been lost, and if the vanguard is lost as well, the situation will be far too passive.

It's time to believe in the God of Flight again.

Mingjing did not disappoint the audience's trust. With only the generator, Akali seized the moment when Ryze did not have W, used her ultimate to enter the fray and set up a smoke bomb.

When Gumayusi saw Akali enter the arena, he got goosebumps all over and turned to run away!
Ming Jing was like a deadly Grim Reaper, hitting his target precisely with an E attack, and then flying straight away with the second E attack!

Gumayusi turned around and unleashed his ultimate ability, Chains of Corruption, but in a flash of golden light, Akali used Flash, narrowly missing the Chains of Corruption!

Even if Akali's equipment is not good, it is incredibly easy for a level 7 mid laner to kill a level 6 AD carry. AQR2 followed by AQ, Akali completes the kill and leaves gracefully.

But no sooner had Mingjing left than Zeus's Yone stormed onto the field.

Because the team fight was intense, T1's mid and jungle were fighting on the front line, which forced Sivir to use her shield and Flash.

Both supports were only level 5, and Meiko's Lulu couldn't provide much protection, so Viper had to rely on himself.

Zeus had been waiting for this moment.

Yone, who was 0-2, entered the fray with a Q-flash, knocking up EDG's bot lane duo, and then followed up with his ultimate, [Sealed Dust Slash]!
Yone flashed past, using his ultimate skill to bring the EDG duo together!
Immediately afterwards, Foygo's ultimate move, "Pain to the Heavens," came crashing down and instantly killed Viper!

"Zeuuuuuuuuuus!" The Roaring Emperor drawled, his excitement undisguised, "He still stepped forward!"

Viper's death marked the beginning of EDG's collapse in team fights.

After all, Mingjing didn't have much fighting power left after killing Gumayusi, while on T1's side, Yone and Fryego became stronger and stronger after killing Viper!

With the tide turning against each other, EDG had no chance to fight back in subsequent team fights. Flandre's Aatrox failed to create any miracles in the river, getting stunned by Ryze's EW combo and then hacked to death by Yone.

A fierce 3-for-1 exchange occurred, bringing the kill score to even, but EDG was now down by a full 500 gold.

And this doesn't even take into account the subsequent benefits for the Vanguard.

Not long after, the vanguard crashed headfirst into EDG's bottom tower, instantly widening the economic gap between the two sides to over a thousand.

And it's not over yet.

As both sides entered the lane transition phase, Faker's Ryze began to play a role.

Facing the Holy Gunner's Aatrox, he was unrestrained, quickly pushing the bottom lane minion wave, and then immediately roaming to the mid lane.

Also roaming over was Yone, the champion of Zeus, and a five-man gank on the mid lane from T1 came out of nowhere!
With the powerful movement ability "Warp" blocking their path, the EDG duo had no chance of escaping and were killed under the tower.

Akali, who was in a state of high spirits, arrived late and kicked Fryego, who had chased her into the tower, to death, but it was still too late to reverse the loss.

The JDG players just shook their heads at the sight.

"That's it." Toothpaste had already sealed EDG's fate. "With this lineup, Mingjing can't carry them."

Mingjing's economy is actually quite good. Akali currently has a luxurious 3-0 record. With Sorcerer's Shoes and Protobelt in hand, she can solo kill any player on the field, even Yone.

But so what.

Even if T1 loses Yone and Varus, they still have Ryze.

Faker never hesitates to step up when the team needs him to.

He first relentlessly attacked the side lane with Holy Gun's spinning top, and then used his unique ability to read the situation to frequently roam and control the pace of the game with his ultimate and teleport, taking down one kill after another.

Viper's Sivir hasn't reached her power spike yet, and Flandre's Aatrox is also struggling to make an impact. EDG simply can't find anyone to counter Ryze, and can only watch their disadvantage grow larger and larger!

A 23-minute Dragon Soul team fight.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, Akali activated the second stage of her ultimate ability and flew straight towards Xiao Lu Bu!

Little Lu Bu was startled and quickly used Flash, but at the same time a golden light shone!
Ming Jing actually used R-Flash to extend the range of his ultimate skill, forcibly emptying Xiao Lu Bu's health bar!
Little Lu Bu watched as the screen went black again, and he felt completely numb.

He really has no other options.

How did this damn thing survive?
But the next second, Little Lu Bu saw his jungler, Foyego, use a W flash to stun Akali, and immediately laughed again.

Fortunately, T1 won.

Countless skills from T1 were unleashed on Mingjing's Akali, finally killing him.

“Shut down!”

With Mingjing's bounty falling into Faker's pocket, EDG lost all hope and suffered a crushing defeat.

The rest was a foregone conclusion. T1 snowballed their lead, securing both the Water Dragon Soul and the Baron Nashor. Finally, at 32 minutes, with a 13,000 gold lead, they pushed down the bar and ended the game!
"GG!" Roaring Emperor spread his arms wide in the commentary booth: "Let's congratulate T1! Both sides are back to square one!"

Below the stage, countless spectators erupted in applause, cheering for the exciting back-and-forth battle between the two sides.

Smiles finally appeared on the faces of the five T1 players, and they quickly walked towards the players' lounge.

The finals have only just begun! (End of Chapter)