CS: The Last Dance, a Dance That Leads to Professional Success

Chapter 93: Making it into the Legendary Group means they're aiming for the top spot! What about the Champion Group?!
"Holy crap! G2 really advanced to the championship with a 3-0 record? That's unbelievable!"

"When I saw the Dark Map 1 ruins disappear, I thought it was all gone, but I didn't expect the Nuka and the town to come back!"

"Nuclear is actually okay. Dark has been targeted by Breathing Bro and hasn't gotten many kills, but the Town map is a complete micro-management mode activation!"

"What do you mean 'little agent'? This is clearly a violent agent! Even frying fish isn't this brutal!"

"That was definitely a bit violent. That triple kill with the sniper in the mayor's office really brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of K's peak!"

"I feel that Little Fireball actually played very well today. In most of the tactical instructions of Wu Zhuge in the small town map of map three, he actually had the upper hand over Little Li, but in the end he still lost. It can only be said that G2's pure firepower is stronger."

"There's nothing we can do, that's the difference in stats between the grooves! The marksmanship is far superior!"

Zhuge's Breath: When will I ever have such a powerful and capable general?!

"Then hurry up and leave B Little Flame. Stop being a free blood transfusion bag for European CS. Go to a team that can compete for the championship!"

"Hopefully, Old Ni will pull a fast one this time to get into the main stage venue, and please don't 'agree' at the last minute again!"

"Let's not talk about Old Ni yet. I don't remember Dark ever playing in a large-scale offline tournament like this before. Tens of thousands of spectators are watching. Don't get nervous and your legs will give way."

"."

Major CS community forums in China were instantly flooded with posts, with the refresh rate so fast it was dizzying.

The atmosphere in the 6657 live stream room was just like Chinese New Year!
Li Shan, once again using the ID "Dark666," generously gifted five Super Rockets. Accompanied by cool special effects flashing across the screen, he instantly topped the monthly rankings in the live stream!

After finishing browsing the Super Hot page, Li Shan happily switched to the Dark fan group he had created. Sure enough, it was completely buzzing with excitement, and the chat history was being flooded with messages.

"Dark is awesome! G2 is awesome!"

"A historic moment for CNCS! We've made it to the championship group!"

"My heart is pounding with tears, everyone! This is the first time a Chinese player has stood on the stage of a Major championship!"

"Who says CN is a CS desert? Dark is the most dazzling flower blooming in the desert!"

"Dark Lord! Charge! Charge!"

"I'm already looking forward to the arena games!"

"."

Everyone was incredibly excited, after all, CNCS has been so disappointing in recent years. The last time they made it into the championship group... well, there was never a last time!
This is unprecedented!
Although it's G2 and not a Chinese team, the yellow-skinned, black-eyed guy who's about to stand in the center of the spotlight is a genuine Chinese player!

Who says that decent flowers can't bloom in this FPS desert of China?

Dark has been unlocked, hasn't it?

And they bloom so beautifully!
So domineering!

In the 6657 live stream room, when the player saw Li Shan's super gift while playing with the machine, he immediately put his hands together and gave the classic blessing, "Thank you Dark66 for the super gift! May the boss live forever and have endless fun!" Then he said with a smile:

"But seriously, if Dark can maintain this godlike performance in the upcoming matches, his fans will be 'forever happy'! Okay, enough talk, let's take a look at the post-match data for Inferno Town in picture three. I estimate... it might be a bit exaggerated."

While playing with the machine, he skillfully opened HLTV's Map3 data statistics page.

As soon as the page loaded, Meng Lang's avatar in the MVP voting section below was already being clicked like crazy, with his votes leading by a precipitous margin.

When his specific data came into view, the entire live stream was once again flooded with question marks and exclamation marks:

ID: G2-Dark
K/D (Kills/Deaths): 34 / 6
ADR (Average Damage Per Turn): 156.6
Rating (Overall Score): 2.53
Holy crap! It's up to 2.5 again?! Is this rating being sold wholesale?!

[You're really getting over thirty kills every game? How the hell can you lose like that?]

[Hiss—! It really is a violent generation! So brutal!]

[Before, when watching competitions, I felt that a rating above 1.5 was considered very good. Dark has completely shattered my worldview on ratings!]

Looking at it this way, Little Flame's loss today wasn't entirely unjustified... Who could withstand that?

【.】

Looking at the dazzling array of data on the machine, I couldn't help but gasp and exclaim:
"It feels like the Dark piece of the puzzle was added to G2, it's even more amazing than the finishing touch! Do you think this G2 is still the same G2 that used to be, capable of both winning against top teams and losing to second-tier teams?"

"With such a clean and decisive 3-0 speedrun from the Challengers Group to the Legends Group, even a ten-year veteran of G2 would probably rub their eyes and wonder if they're seeing the wrong team logo, right?"

"And what's most admirable about Dark is," Play Machine added, his tone full of appreciation, "that he can withstand the pressure against strong teams and never hesitates in crucial moments. Against slightly weaker teams, he just goes on a rampage, giving them absolutely no chance! He's practically the strictest and most reliable 'father figure' for weaker teams!"

"Some viewers are commenting, '34 kills is too few, it's not up to par. Where's the awesomeness of 43 kills in a single map of Sand II?' Dude, I know you're joking, but first of all, we have to say that this time, the number of rounds in the small town map is 5 fewer than in the last Sand II map."

"Actually, there's a detail you might have missed: Dark already racked up 28 kills in the first half! In the second half, when Little Flame's shooting completely collapsed, Old Ni and the others were going all out. Dark didn't really go all out for kills in the second half; he played quite 'business-like,' basically just finishing off enemies and providing utility. But in fact, in those few rounds in the second half, he basically didn't need to finish off any enemies..."

"Yes! That's right! It's like having a 'god of responsibility' feeling! When my teammates can't hold on, I'll strike hard and carry the team forward; when they can hold on and are on fire, I'll just take a stroll and give the stage a little more space for my brothers!"

"Holy crap! Who wouldn't like teammates like this?! I like them all! Look at Old Ni, he's already so excited he's hugged Dark! And Li Shen and Kid seem to be still in line behind! Hahaha! This scene is just too insane, hahaha!"

As he played with the machine, he laughed so hard he slapped his stomach, bringing the joyful atmosphere in the live stream to its peak.

……

At the same time, in the Antwerp studio.

The moment the final point was won and the screen froze at "16:3," Lao Ni instantly ripped off his headphones, excitedly pulled off his white stockings, turned around and gave Meng Lang a tight, forceful hug, shouting excitedly in his ear:

"That's fantastic, Meng! We did it! You played exceptionally well! We're now in the championship group! The championship group!"

Old Ni's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

Even when he was excited about making it from the Challenger Group to the Legends Group, he consciously restrained himself and didn't let his expectations get too high.

Don't have too high expectations.

Throughout his career, Nikola Kovic has experienced far too many cycles of "hope → effort → closeness → tragedy (being captured)" in Major tournaments.

He was really afraid that the greater the hope, the harder the fall would be.

But at this moment, looking at his young teammate beside him, so spirited and seemingly invincible, and feeling the team's unstoppable momentum, Lao Ni could no longer suppress the surging passion in his heart!

Screw restraint!

Screw the curse!

Life is proud to be thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
They've made it to the Major championship stage!

How many teams around the world have fallen at this threshold?

So, let's just get hyped!

Coach XTQZZZ, standing behind them, witnessed this scene and couldn't help but smile with emotion.

Since the start of this Major, he had long noticed that Nick Fury's post-match celebrations always carried a subtle restraint—he understood the reason behind that caution. He never expected that today, Nick Fury would so unleash his inner elation so completely.

In that instant, the coach's gaze as he looked at Meng Lang's retreating figure held a new, profound impression, in addition to the existing ones—

catalyst!
This young man is not only a tactical stimulant, but also a catalyst for the team's passion!
...Meng Lang was equally excited, hugged the old nun back, and patted him hard on the back.

Yes!

We've made it into the championship group!

Soon, amidst the spotlight, I will step onto the offline main stage, the symbol of the highest hall of CSGO, and be greeted by thunderous cheers and adoring gazes!

About two weeks ago,
He had just escaped the power struggle within EG and was standing alone on the streets of Seattle, shrouded in night and with an uncertain future ahead. This scene was one he never dared to imagine!
But now,
But all of this really happened!
Through his own efforts, through tireless training day and night, and with the little bit of help provided by the system...
This feeling,

It's so wonderful!
At this moment, the child also came over, his face showing excitement but also a hint of curiosity. He asked Meng Lang, "Meng, we're about to play in the championship group. From this closed studio, we'll be going into those huge, noisy stadiums with tens of thousands of spectators cheering like a tidal wave. Aren't you nervous?"

The kid played a match like that once when he was in Katowice. Even though he tried to look calm, he was actually incredibly nervous inside!

After all, it was the first time.

Even with noise-canceling headphones on, he could still feel the roar of the crowd with every crucial move, and that pressure... really made him feel terrible.

Hearing this, Meng Lang simply smiled and asked, "Why would I be nervous? Aren't they all cheering for our match?"

The child was taken aback by what he heard, and looked at Meng Lang as if he were a monster, thinking to himself: This guy's mentality is really too good to be true?

Are you so sure that everyone at the stadium will be cheering for you?

It's not that you played badly.

Instead, the moment some top stars take the stage, that place becomes their home ground. Just the deafening boos they slam when they first step on stage will probably startle you.

Old Ni, standing to the side, chuckled and interjected, "Don't worry, Ilya. Even if the whole stadium boos, I believe Meng will only get more excited as the game progresses. This guy's mentality is better than you can imagine."

The child thought carefully about Meng Lang's performance all the way from the Challenger Group. Whether it was the crushing victory in a favorable situation, the resilience in a disadvantageous situation, or even the calm counterattack when facing underhanded tactics and provocations... it really seemed to be true!

This guy seems to have been born for big occasions!
After hugging Meng Lang, Xiao Li also gave him a serious thumbs up: "Meng, your performance in the third map, Town, was really crucial! Especially that clutch situation after you picked up the AWP, your performance in that round was amazing! Of course, the rest were great too!"

When Meng Lang picked up the AWP dropped by the kid and switched to A, this decision was not actually Xiao Li's idea. It was Meng Lang who made the judgment in his mind at that moment when he saw that the other side dared not touch the smoke!
Leonardo DiCaprio chose to believe.

Looking back now, Meng Lang's decision-making and timing were impeccable!

Of course, the most important thing is marksmanship.

He was so amazed by the speed and accuracy of those sniper shots fired by the sniper rifle in the mayor's office!
This guy's hand injury must have healed a long time ago, right?
That bandage must be a smoke grenade, right?

As a strategist, Leonardo DiCaprio is well aware that sometimes, no matter how well the tactics are arranged, a star player is needed to make the decisive move at the crucial moment.

And Meng Lang is G2's most reliable "heavy hammer" right now.

Upon hearing this, Meng Lang smiled and waved his hand, as always "modestly" saying, "It was the opponent who gave me the opportunity."

Hearing this, his cousin couldn't help but laugh and tease, "Is it really the opponent who gave you the opportunity? Meng, I bet those young Danes on the other side will be even more unhappy if they hear you say that, haha!"

……

In fact, the atmosphere at the Copenhagen Flame stadium right now can no longer be described as "unhappy"!

It's like hitting rock bottom.

Although they lost the first round of the qualifying tournament, they still have two more opportunities to compete for a spot in the championship group.

But that initial momentum has vanished, and morale has been shattered. Can they recover? Will they be able to advance successfully?

They themselves were filled with apprehension and uncertainty.

Sometimes, never underestimate this seemingly mystical "momentum".

Putting everything else aside, just take the Little Bees team at this Major as an example!

How confident they were when they were up 2-0 in the Challengers Group! They had crushed two teams by a large margin, and were unstoppable!

But ever since they narrowly lost to G2 in the Challengers qualifiers, although they managed to get into the Legends tier, look at their performance in the Legends tier.

Losing to NIP in the first round is one thing!

Yesterday, they were even swept 16-8 by VP in the 0-1 group!
Now their fate hangs in the balance, with four "terrifying maggots" appearing in the team, their overall performance getting worse and worse, and Zaiwu is facing a life sentence... It's hard to say that the G2 promotion match didn't deal a heavy blow to their morale and confidence.

Thinking about himself today, Breathing Bro couldn't help but sigh deeply, a sense of powerlessness welling up in his heart.

This feeling,
Really uncomfortable!

Especially at this moment, looking at the young man on the other side of the stage, surrounded by his teammates, walking towards him to shake hands after the game, Breathing Bro's eyes were incredibly complicated.

He never imagined that Copenhagen Flame, known as the "cradle of Danish talent," would have three incredibly talented and promising young Danish players!
They were tied together, but this guy, who had only been officially debuting for a year, managed to kick them all to death with his individual abilities!
Is the gap in individual ability among the new generation of players really that large now?
As a commander known for his tactics and ability to develop new talent, he longed to fight alongside such a gifted player.

Despite the sighs of regret, Breathing Bro quickly adjusted his mindset thanks to his professionalism.

When shaking hands with Meng Lang, he gripped the handle firmly and even patted Meng Lang's shoulder generously, forcing a complex smile on his face, and said, "You played exceptionally well, really. We once thought we could win, but your performance in map three... was just too exaggerated."

"Actually, it's alright, I was lucky." Meng Lang still had that harmless, shy smile as he looked at Breathing Bro.

In his heart, he was secretly calculating: the Goat value had increased again. Although the cost of purchasing simulation training for the next map would double, it was still about enough.

When I get back tonight, I'll buy your "ancient ruins"!

If we meet again then, it won't just be because you played well in picture three...

Breathing Bro naturally couldn't understand the business deal behind Meng Lang's "simple" smile. He just took it as the humility unique to Easterners. The two said to each other, "See you in the championship group if you have the chance." Meng Lang then walked towards the remaining three young players of Little Flame.

At this moment, the expressions on the faces of the three Danish prodigies were quite complex, showing resentment, disappointment, and a hint of bewilderment after being stunned.

After playing through maps one and two, they felt they were evenly matched with their opponents and were even confident of winning.

Ketu Three Towns!
The sunlight was intense, and everything became visible!
The opponent's individual outburst instantly widened the seemingly small gap between them into an insurmountable chasm.

Farlig, in particular, recalled the time when he tried to ambush someone at the banana lane parking spot but was instead headshot by the opponent with an unbelievable movement technique!
A bitter feeling welled up in his heart that he couldn't quite describe.

How could such a desolate FPS landscape in China possibly give birth to such a terrifying "man-eating flower" that can devour everything?

After the handshake session, Meng Lang, who was undoubtedly the MVP of today's qualifying rounds, especially map three, was once again "caught" by the host of "World's Best Interview," Banks, with a smile and brought to the interview area.

In live stream room 6657!

Seeing this, the man playing with the machine immediately perked up, quickly switching to the English interview stream while smiling and saying to the viewers in the live stream:

"Here we go! The interview is late, but it's finally here!"

"Holy crap! When he made it to the Legends Group last time, Dark said in an interview that his goal was to become the number one player of the year! Now that he's made it to the Championship Group, what's going to happen?"

"Alright, guys, enough joking around. Let's hear what Dark has in store for us this time!"

The viewers in the live stream were instantly filled with anticipation!
In the center of the studio, under the spotlight, Meng Lang's figure once again became the focus.

(End of this chapter)