novelODS Chapter 53: On the Eve of the Battle Against T1!
Chapter 53: On the Eve of the Battle Against T1!
LCK commentary panel.
"What I care about most right now is that whoever wins the championship, T1 or DRX, will make history."
"If T1 wins the championship, it will be Faker's first championship in six years, and he will be the first player in history to win four championships!"
"If DRX wins the championship, it will be the first time in history that a fourth seed has won the World Championship, which is also of great historical significance."
"Both of these situations represent a significant event for LCK, no matter who is involved!"
Other commentators also agreed:
"Yes, I agree with you."
"Especially with DRX, I really hope that Deutsche Forte can win the championship."
"Furthermore, if support player BeryL wins two championships in three years, then our region will have another representative figure, who will be a double S-series champion besides T1 club."
"Yes, it will be a legend from any perspective."
"Wow, it seems we've already secured S12."
Only one commentator tentatively asked:
"Is it possible for T1's opponent, Top Esports, to break through T1's defenses?"
"You know, Top Esports defeated DRX twice in the group stage. If they get past T1, the finals will be really hard to say."
As soon as this topic came up, everyone burst out laughing.
"Haha, we've considered that too. Although the LPL has been quite strong in the last two years, it's a weak team overall in this year's World Championship."
"Our three semifinalists will not let EDG snatch the victory like last year."
"T1 will definitely keep Top Esports out of the finals, especially since T1 has never lost to any LPL team in the World Championship, a tradition that has never been broken."
His speech won everyone's approval.
South Korean netizens were equally confident, and many commented:
"DRX is truly inspiring. I look forward to their match against T1."
"Yes, the commentator was right. No matter which team wins the championship, it will be a legend for LCK."
"As for TES, it would be good enough if they didn't get swept 3-0 by T1 in the semifinals."
"I'm leaning towards three to one, to show Fire some respect."
"Haha, yes, I really like Fire. He's very skilled, has quick reflexes, and plays very decisively. It's a pity he was born in the LPL."
"If he comes to the LCK, I support him becoming the first foreign player in the LCK!"
"Then let's look forward to the duel between Zeus and Fire tomorrow!"
…………
Major domestic forums.
"There are only ten hours left before Top Esports plays T1, I'm really a little nervous."
Can Top Esports pull off a 1-on-3 victory?
"DK has won! Samsung is out, now there are only two teams left!"
"DRX is a defeated opponent, so theoretically, only T1 is left!"
"Beat T1, and we'll be champions!"
"Top Esports, it's been so many years, let's win this once. We can't just stay in the semifinals."
"Faker! T1! They've always been our obstacles! This time, let's crush them!"
During a break from ranked matches, Lin Jin browsed the forum and saw everyone's comments. To be honest, he felt a lot of pressure.
Jack Spicy Dance half-jokingly said:
"The number of people who support us today will be the same number who will criticize us if we lose tomorrow."
Gao Tianliang also laughed and said, "No, if we lose, even more people will curse us, more than twice as many."
Lin Jin said helplessly, "Can't you say something nice?"
After finishing his ranked match, Zuo Shou yawned and said, "Ugh, I'm sleepy. Everyone should get some rest too, we have to get up early tomorrow."
"Bye-bye, bye-bye, I'm going to sleep after I finish this."
Guo Hao walked in, joked with everyone, and chatted for a few minutes.
We were supposed to hold a mobilization meeting today, but after thinking about it, we decided to cancel it.
Everyone has been under a lot of pressure these past few days. There's no need to hold another pep rally on the eve of the semifinals, as it would only make everyone more tense.
By the time they've made it this far, everyone involved is a veteran.
Guo Hao was particularly worried about Lin Jin's condition, given the immense public pressure he had faced.
Guo Hao put a hand on Lin Jin's shoulder and said with a smile, "You're in good shape, Little Fire."
Lin Jin shrugged: "I'm fine, don't be nervous, you're infecting me."
Guo Hao: "Haha, you little rascal."
"Okay, okay, everyone else isn't nervous, only I am."
"Go to bed early, everyone."
"OK, I'm going to sleep after this game."
Ten minutes later, the ranked match ended, and Lin Jin reached third place in the North American server rankings.
However, we lost this round, and our points continued to decrease, which is a pity.
Back in his room, Lin Jin lay on the bed, his mind replaying the original timeline, the semi-final match between T1 and JD Gaming.
In that match, T1 defeated JD Gaming 3-1.
Actually, JD.com also had a chance. It was okay in the early stages, but the gap in hard power between the two companies was quite large.
The toothpaste and hope are just adequate; they're not quite up to par with the T1.
In tomorrow's match, Top Esports is not the JDG team from S12; they can definitely close this gap.
His attributes are already maxed out, so he doesn't need to add any more points.
He was absolutely confident in facing Zeus.
With this confidence, Lin Jin also fell into a deep sleep.
…………
At 11 a.m., everyone gradually arrived at the lounge.
After having brunch, we prepared to head to the venue.
The arena in Atlanta is very large, capable of accommodating three to four thousand spectators. As Lin Jin entered through the player tunnel, he felt the intense e-sports atmosphere on both sides.
Every now and then, cosplayers can be seen dressed as various heroic figures.
The pre-match setup had already been done, and everyone in the lounge either looked at their phones or ate snacks while waiting for the match to begin.
The makeup artists came in and did everyone's makeup. Lin Jin and Zuo Shou also had a pre-recorded interview before the match.
After briefly answering a few questions, Lin Jin said that he didn't think the match against T1 was anything special, and the common perception that LPL teams have a destiny to beat T1 wouldn't apply to Top Esports.
The host had to translate it several times before he understood, and then he smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
When this pre-match interview aired, LPL viewers gave it unanimous praise.
"You're awesome, Huozi! It has to be you."
"Haha, Huozi's arrogance is ingrained in his bones."
"Yeah, what are you afraid of? T1, Faker, we're going to beat you!"
"T1 already got beaten once at the Mid-Season Invitational, are they going to be this arrogant at Worlds?"
"Exactly, exactly, times have changed! LPL isn't afraid of you!"
"Well done, Huozi! Don't embarrass yourself! Awesome!"
"Go Top Esports! Go Top Esports!"
The left hand put it more tactfully, saying that everyone would give it their all today.
Here at T1, we're interviewing Zeus, the top laner.
He talked about Fire, who has been performing exceptionally well recently, and thought that playing against him would be very interesting.
However, he will definitely be the victor in this duel.
"Fire, let's have a showdown of the titans!"