Chapter 195: Declaration of War Across Thousands of Miles ( Words)
The LCK Spring Finals has come to an end. SKT defeated KT in five games and got the ticket to MSI representing the LCK region.

However, when the crystal broke, the four players on SKT, except for the top laner, moved in an unexpectedly consistent manner:
They first collapsed on the gaming chair and let out a long sigh, then looked at each other, exchanging the strong and indissoluble feeling of relief in each other's eyes.

This was the deciding game, and the win was really a fluke.

Although the top laner was severely suppressed in the first four games and couldn't get up at all, at least he knew how to behave and fight after being beaten up.

In the fifth game, Park was completely crazy.

If he plays like this in a ranked match, his teammates will scold him to death.

Despite being at an absolute disadvantage with the top lane being turned into an ATM, SKT was still able to defeat KT with difficulty. In addition to the overall performance of the four young players, there were too many lucky and uncertain factors.

Ryu, who was in the lead, picked Zed but was killed by Faker. In a key team fight, the support blinded the opponent's IMP and won the game. Blank even fought hard to get a Baron...

Several low-probability events came together to finally carry the black hole in the top lane into the finals.

It’s not easy. It’s really not easy.

In sharp contrast to the relaxation and relief of the four little ones, Park Jae-yoon's face looked very ugly, even uglier than after losing the game.

Considering that even the word "war criminal" is not enough to describe his performance in the game, it is hard not to wonder if this guy bought it.

But what a pity, at least this time, he really didn't buy it.

What made Park Jae-yoon unhappy was his terrible gaming experience in this round.

After four rounds of torture, even if SKT jungler Xiao Hei is not a particularly smart jungler, it is impossible for him not to notice one thing:

The middle and lower ones are the real fathers.

Especially after seeing the opponent's mid laner suddenly lose his mind and blindly pick Zed, Xiao Hei's thoughts suddenly became clear.

A senior from a parallel world possessed him at this moment. Blank ignored the countless calls for support from the top laner and chose to focus on the middle and bottom lanes.

This allowed the two core players to take over the game even though the top lane was destroyed.

Considering that he also stole a Baron, he should be the second one to eat after Faker at SKT's celebration party.

But the middle and lower levels of protection were in place, and Park Jae-yoon would have spent his days in jail.

He was already losing in the laning phase, and no one was watching him. He didn’t even get any kills in the last few teamfights, and his record was an extremely ugly 0-5.
But no matter how stupid he is, it is impossible for him to undermine his teammates in public when everyone is paying attention to him.

So he could only suppress his inner uneasiness as much as possible, trying to show the joy of victory while staring at Li Xianghe's back.

This is a damn version!

It shouldn't be a big problem, right?
It's just a poorly performing version...

I am the e-sports star they have worked hard to create!
Park Jae-yoon knows the real operation strategy of the LCK official at present:
Make gods.

As a major entertainment country, South Korea is well aware of the necessity of creating stars.

A truly popular product is more valuable than ten or a hundred ordinary stars.

During the Glory era, they were committed to creating stars. The five major titles in China were shouted out by fans, while the five major titles in South Korea were the official term.

When it comes to the LCK era, they just follow the same pattern.

As for Park Jae-yoon, an e-sports celebrity who has already experienced star-making, his experience of transforming from Glory during his peak period is another good gimmick.

If he can achieve the same level of performance and dominance in two completely different e-sports games, there is no doubt that he will become the only god in the Korean e-sports circle.

Such a unique god will undoubtedly be a powerful weapon for the development of South Korean e-sports market in the country and even the world.

Park Jae-yoon did perform well, and his performance before the tank version was quite remarkable. He had a considerable advantage over the LCK's small top laners who had not yet grown up at that time.

The league was able to give him most of SKT's MVPs, and the plan to create a god went on very smoothly.

As for the playoff version of the meal performance...

Who hasn’t had a time when they were not used to a certain version?

Didn’t the Blue Rain next door also fall to the semi-finals because they couldn’t adapt to the version?
Although his performance has been gradually declining since the playoffs, after all, he played Noxus and Crocodile well, so it is not too difficult for him to win an MVP.

However, Park Jae-yoon also knew how badly he performed in the finals.

He was beaten in every match, but it was Faker in the middle lane who was making great progress, and Deft in the bottom lane and the opponent's IMP also fought back and forth.

Park Jae-yoon could only hope that those people above would not drastically change the plan they had been carrying out for so long because of the performance of one game.

A game... shouldn't be that serious...

Not so much...

……

Very much.

In a conference room, the LCK finals were being replayed on the screen.

When seeing Park Jae-yoon's Fiora being suppressed under the tower by Smeb and not even daring to farm the minions, several people couldn't help shaking their heads.

"too poor."

"Who can be convinced by such performance?"

"How can LCK stars be beaten by rookies over and over again?"

A quiet but clear voice echoed in the conference room, and many people had bluntly expressed their disdain and doubts about Park Jae-yoon.

In fact, Park Jae-yoon’s analysis is not without reason.

The strength gap between Smeb and him is indeed not as big as imagined, and the version factors did have a huge impact on the direction of this decisive battle.

But he forgot one thing:

The so-called star-making is all about traffic and recognition from the audience.

Especially someone like him who aims to break the circle and create stars.

For many viewers who don’t play League of Legends much, or even haven’t played it at all, they have no idea which versions are the best.

They couldn't even understand the details of the game.

In the minds of these audiences, the only factors that determine the strength of two players are their performance on the field and the record of wins and losses.

Park Jae-yoon was defeated five times by rookie Smeb on the final stage, and was hit head-on.

It would have been fine if he was just like Lightmi in the parallel world, being suppressed by dozens of knives every time, but he chose to fight Smeb head-on and was repeatedly killed.

Killing is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching moments in League of Legends.

This has almost completely destroyed the initial impression of him of all passers-by who watched the game.

Passersby will not care how many hidden reasons or objective factors there are for his death.

They would only see that Park, who was boasted to the sky, was killed by a single player, and then was killed again by a single player, and then he hid under the tower and refused to come out, and was killed by the newcomer on the opposite side.

Is this the so-called star player?

It's really funny.

"We have been supporting IPX players for such a long time, and it doesn't feel good to suddenly replace them." Someone expressed doubts.

But I immediately received a rebuttal from others:
"But if we keep going like this it will only get worse!"

“Heroes like Fiora and Riven that focus on operation, fighting, and are extremely technical are the easiest to create famous scenes and attract fans.”

"If IPX can't play this kind of aggressive heroes well, should we expect him to become famous by playing Maokai, Centaur and Malphite?"

"Fans love to watch extreme individual moves and gorgeous scenes!"

The person who was speaking clearly understood the game, and he hit the nail on the head about Park Jae-yoon’s real predicament.

Whether it is League of Legends or any other game, as long as it is a battle, it is always a tightrope-walking performance of personal heroism, which is the best way to write a legend.

It's like a parallel world. Why is it that in the entire 23 years, Brother Bin of BLG never beat 369 even once, but was able to crush 369's popularity worldwide?
It is because compared to the steady 369, Brother Bin, who has a more distinct personality and is more aggressive both on and off the court, is more likely to attract fans.

Compared to Ornn, Santy, and Udyr, the audience prefers to watch Shen, Gwen, and Twisted Fate in the top lane.

Not to mention the other horse-faced god, the fact that he became the most popular top laner in LPL is not just because he won the first championship.

Playing with meat is not as exciting as playing a warrior or assassin walking on a tightrope.

Park Jae-yoon's failure to play aggressive heroes like Sword Princess and Riven is a capital crime in the god-making plan.

No matter how strong he is or how many honors he has, unless he can create a huge gap between himself and all other contestants, he is destined to not be the only god they expect.

The man who questioned him remained silent after hearing this. After a moment, he slowly said, "But we can't just give up on our previous investment, right?"

At this moment, Ryze, who was sitting in the main seat and staring at the screen, who was trying his best to save the team from danger, suddenly made the final decision:
"Let's give IPX a warning first! His performance this time is really too outrageous!"

"If he can wake up and make up for this loophole, maybe there is still a chance."

"If you can't do it, then just cooperate with us and gradually transfer our attention to the young people!"

His words immediately silenced all the chattering people.

After a while, someone finally tried to speak: "In that case, who should be awarded the FMVP?"

Although if Park Jae-yoon is not considered, there is almost no suspense about this candidate.

But in order to ensure the absolute authority of the person in charge, this question still needs to be asked.

Sure enough, the person in the main seat smiled and said, "Give it to the young mid laner!"

"I don't know why, but I always have a feeling."

"He has the chance to become the new generation legend of LCK!"

……

Main stage.

Obviously, winning the championship was the highlight moment that fulfilled all the hard work of the entire season, but the SKT players did not seem to be too happy.

Even the process of shaking hands, holding the cup and giving speeches seemed to be done reluctantly, as if they were forced.

Needless to say, Park Jae-yoon's emotions were very low. Even though he still had a business smile on his face, Lee Sang-hyuk could feel the low pressure on him.

The jungler and the support were in fear. In order to win, they almost let the top lane go in the last game. They were very happy when they won, but when they came to their senses, they started to worry about the reckoning from Park Jae-yoon.

Given Park Ben's status, they are not as dazzling as the middle and lower two people. If they make trouble, they may even risk losing their jobs.

After all, the youth training camp lacks everything except talented young people.

So much so that even though he won the championship, he was still uneasy.

As for Lee Sang Hyuk and Kim Hyuk Kyu, they have a clear conscience and no worries, but they just can't be happy.

Although at the beginning, their original intention of becoming a professional was to make money and change their destiny.

But as their horizons broaden and their experiences grow, their understanding of e-sports is also deepening.

Before the finals, Li Xianghe took some time off to watch the LPL Spring Finals in the name of learning tactics from other regions. Now, recalling the unity, hard work, passion and touching moments shown by the two teams in that game, especially the brotherly atmosphere of the five members of Fanhua,
Look at the championship you won.

Li Xianghe just felt uncomfortable.

After perfunctorily wrapping up the championship interview, it was time to announce the FMVP.

Except for Park Jae-yoon who was in high spirits, no one else was very excited.

They were all teenagers of 17 or 18 years old and didn't know much about those twists and turns.

However, the young players of SKT also knew that the ambitious Park would not miss such an important honor.

This is the first FMVP since the establishment of LCK.

They have become accustomed to a life where they do the dirty and tiring work first, and enjoy the good and simple things first.

Perhaps this is the fate of being on the same team with star players.

"The winner of the 2024 League of Legends Baseball League Finals Most Valuable Player is—" the host stretched out his voice.

Li Xianghe suddenly felt like laughing.

On the LCK side, according to the process, when the FMVP is announced, it will not be read out directly, but a highlight clip of that player will be played.

He was very curious about what the organizers had to do to edit out a highlight compilation from Park Ben's five disastrous performances?

It can’t be all scenes of escaping and finishing off the enemy, right?

As the host's voice sounded, the big screen slowly went dark.

Then, a calm male voice sounded:

"Disaster is always one step behind me!"

After hearing these words, the first person to react was Li Xianghe.

"This is... Ryze's line!"

Is it possible...

The screen lit up, and a bald man with dark blue runes all over his body and a large scroll on his back strode forward in the canyon.

On his head, there is a simple and domineering ID:

Faker!

As the big screen began to play Faker's highlights from the five games, including single-point breakthroughs, instant kills, team fight dragons, etc., the whole audience burst into deafening cheers.

In the eyes of the audience, Faker, who performed well in all five games and saved the team from dire straits many times, is the most powerful interpretation of the six words "most valuable player".

He deserves this FMVP!

But for those in the know, life is not so easy.

The moment Lee Sang-hyeok saw his Ryze appear, his first feeling was uneasiness.

How could it be me?
What should Park Ben do?
He knew very well the personality of his teammate in the top lane.

Not to mention stealing his honor, even if you don't do what he wants, you have to be careful for the next few days and not let him find any loopholes.

Otherwise, just wait for him to make a fuss about the issue.

I actually snatched his FMVP today?
Suddenly my whole body stiffened.

But just then, someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Li Xianghe was startled and turned around. It was none other than Park Jae-yoon.

All the muscles on his face were twisted a little, but he still tried his best to put on a kind and friendly smile:
"Sang Hyuk, you did a great job. I'm so happy for you to have grown to this point!"

Li Xianghe could clearly feel the slight trembling of Park Jae-yoon's hand on his shoulder.

Obviously he was not so calm inside.

But for some reason, he didn't seem to hear any sarcastic meaning in Park Jae-yoon's insincere congratulations.

It seemed like he really came to congratulate himself for winning the FMVP.

In fact, the moment the FMVP result came out, Park Jae-yoon really felt a surge of blood rushing to his head.

He almost couldn't hold it in and punched Faker in the face.

But, he is Park Jae-yoon after all, the real him, and the biggest beneficiary of South Korea's e-sports star-making program.

You can say that he is not worthy of his position, or you can say that he lacks the ability.

But he must not be a fool to have survived in such a cruel environment in South Korea.

The FMVP has been announced, so even if he really does cause trouble for Faker, it would only be out of impotent rage.

It can even be said to be counterproductive.

Park Jae-yoon knew that he was able to get to where he is today almost entirely thanks to the support and strong promotion from above.

If he can be lifted up high, he can also be thrown down hard and smashed to pieces.

If the higher-ups want to force the FMVP award on him, it’s actually not impossible.

After all, the NBA next door can force the FMVP to be awarded to the deputy goat instead of Wen Zi and Davis who performed better and more crucially, so why can't LCK do the same.

The reason why Faker was able to win the FMVP was not only because his performance was good enough, but also because it was a warning to him from above.

Tell him that the higher-ups are very dissatisfied with his performance, which will be detrimental to his future star-making potential.

If you continue to be stubborn, you will be abandoned.

As for Faker, he was just a tool used to warn him, nothing more.

After thinking through all these points, even though he felt a thousand grievances and anger in his heart, Park Jae-yoon did not dare to say anything to Faker.

I don't even dare to express it in private.

Firstly, it is the teaching of the deputy goat that when the performance on the court is poor, you can only make up for it by performance off the court.

Secondly, only if he wholeheartedly supports any decision made by the LCK decision-makers will he be worthy of continuing to be a star.

He would never go against the alliance, not even think about it.

Therefore, the anxious SKT players were stunned to see that Park Jae-yoon not only did not get angry, but congratulated Lee Sang-hyuk instead.

Even Li Xianghe himself couldn't believe it.

He didn't pay much attention to the subsequent award ceremonies and other things, and most of his energy was used to be on guard against Park Jae-yoon.

However, one day or two after the spring finals, not only did Park Jae-yoon not cause him any trouble, but even his usual bossy style in the team disappeared.

The attitude towards several young people has improved a lot.

Not only has the number of ranked matches increased significantly, but I have even started to work hard to train my Fiora and Riven in ranked matches.

Off the court, apart from the media reports that Park Jae-yoon was in poor condition due to food poisoning before the game, no one was able to control the rhythm of Lee Sang-hyuk and others.

Everything was so calm.

Could it be that the sun is rising from the west? Li Xianghe thought it was really a ghost.

……

While Li Xianghe and others were still fighting wits and courage with the air, the White Eagle Country.

"The winner of the LCS Spring Season Finals MVP is...C9.Impact!"

The moment the host announced the FMVP winner, Zheng Yanyong suddenly couldn't breathe.

It wasn't that he was ganked by the redneck policeman, but because his four teammates had a good understanding of each other. They hugged him from different angles and started to make a noise.

Suddenly, five heads with different styles were seen gathered together, squeezing Zheng Yanyong so hard that he almost choked to death.

"Well deserved! My brother!" The mid laner, Danish mid laner Bjergsen patted Zheng Yanyong's back vigorously.

"Ahem... Thank you, brother. It's all thanks to everyone." Zheng Yanyong, who had finally caught his breath, said modestly.

"What are you saying about being humble, bro? How can you, a Korean, be more humble than a Chinese like me?" The bottom lane player, Chinese-American Peng Yiliang, also joined in the fun.

There is not so much modesty in the White Eagle Country, and whether or not you can win an award depends entirely on your ability.

Zheng Yanyong's performance was amazing enough that everyone in C9 was convinced that he won the FMVP.

Amidst the pushing and shoving, it was time to accept the award speeches.

"Impact, you are about to represent the LCS region in the upcoming MSI. Is there any opponent you want to meet?" The beautiful host of LCS asked with a smile.

"The opponent I want to meet..." Zheng Yanyong thought about it, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

He raised the microphone and said loudly: "Before I joined C9 and fought side by side with the brothers now, I was in the training camp of a team in my hometown of South Korea."

"I made some important friends there, but also had grudges with some people."

"Oh!!!!" The audiences in the audience loved to watch this kind of scene of grudges and immediately started to make a noise.

"Luckily, just two days ago, that team also won the LCK Spring Championship, and we will meet them in the MSI arena."

"I'm looking forward to that day!"

The speech, which was neither humble nor arrogant and had a story to tell, was very much to the taste of the White Eagle Country audience.

Bathed in the cheers, Zheng Yanyong's face was full of smiles, but his mind had already drifted back to the day he decided to leave and the night he had dinner with Li Xianghe.

"Sang Hyuk, you've grown so strong and won the FMVP in LCK. I'm so happy for you."

"But after half a year of fighting in the White Eagle Country, I became more determined than ever before in my original idea."

"Compared with the e-sports environment in White Eagle Country and China, the e-sports environment in South Korea is already in a critical condition."

“Honor, competition, and even victory or defeat have all become commodities that can be measured in money.”

"In such an environment, an outstanding young person like you will either gradually degenerate or be buried."

"Brother, together with my teammates, will beat you up hard while everything can still be salvaged!"

"Get ready!"

　The first update is brought to you.

　　Next week is exam week and I also have to review, so there may not be as many updates in the future, but I will still try my best to ensure it.

　　I hope everyone can understand and not support the books so that the bad authors can still have food to eat.

　　Kowtowed.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)