Yu Pings voice drifted through the stunned silence that was the player seating area. Everyone was staring at the large LCD screen in disbelief. For the last couple of weeks, the Guangzhou Esports Association had gone to great lengths to promote their team. To show to everyone exactly how skilled Goalie was and that there was no one who could beat him. Until now, no one had beaten him. But this first game against Team Shanghai changed all that. Lin Fengs Talon never looked in trouble against Goalies LeBlanc. Not really, anyways.

Team comp. Thats all there is to it, Shenyang Universitys team captain mumbled. He repeated it, this time with a bit more conviction. Team comp. Thats all there is to it. He looked away from the large LCD screen at Yu Ping. Hes right. This is all team comp. He let go of the breath hed been holding and said, Team comp. Thats all there is to it.

Yeah! Team comp! Thats all there is to it! another player shouted. He got up from his seat and looked around at the others in the player seating area. He continued, Lissandra was the perfect counter for LeBlanc! And even if that failed, they had Braum protecting Corki. And if even that failed, they still had Gragas with his Explosive Cask! They had everything to deal with Team Guangzhous team! The guy over there is right! Team comp! Thats all there is to it!

Zuo Cheng from Zhejiang University listened to the discussion and looked at the player who was explaining his understanding of what happened. And he laughed, long and loud. The people around him stopped arguing and all turned to look at him. He looked back at them and said, You blind fools! Did we watch different games or something? Goalie got schooled!

Goalies an A+ Midlaner! someone argued. Hes almost in the percentage ranking! People of his skill level play in the LPL and might even make it to Worlds! Are you really trying to say this Lin Feng from Team Shanghai is better than Goalie? Dont be ridiculous! It was a fluke, at best!

Another player nodded and chimed in, Did you guys see how much help that Lin Feng got? If it wasnt for Lissandra and Braum helping him out, he wouldve never gotten so far ahead! Team Comp! Definitely! It was definitely that!

Sun Ruinian watched the players around him argue about Lin Fengs exact level of skill and about how Team SHanghai had secured this first win against Team Guangzhou. He chuckled and shook his head. All these guys know about Team Shanghai is that Zeng Rui is a decent enough player on the Ionia server. Hes the only one from their team whos made a name for himself. And then theres the four question marks. No one knows a thing about them, except that Lin Feng beat AyDeeCee. But whats that when you compare it with all the hyping up that the Guangzhou Esports Association has done for Team Guangzhou? Theyve been shouting that Goalie is some kind of God! He sighed and said to Zuo Cheng, Drop it. Its not worth it.

But theyre blind! Zuo Cheng argued. He turned his head to look at Sun Ruinian and continued, You saw that game! Lin Feng was getting ganked and didnt get any ganks! Yet he still won! Thats skill! Hes better than Goalie! But these these idiots cant see it!

Loud protests erupted around them. Two players even broadened their tiny shoulders and flexed their miniscule biceps, trying to look intimidating. Sun Ruinian pulled Zuo Cheng down and smiled apologetically at them. It sussed the situation. He then turned his head to look at Zuo Cheng and quietly explained, What did you expect? These guys have been under the impression for months that their biggest opponent this year is going to be Goalie from Team Guangzhou. Every game until this last one has only confirmed that impression. And now, suddenly, they see someone playing better. Of course theyre looking for excuses! What did you expect?

But Lin Feng was clearly better Zuo Cheng mumbled, deflated.

Sun Ruinian smiled and replied, Yeah, he was. We know that and those guys he pointed at everyone in the player seating area. ... they know it too. Theyre just not willing to admit it yet. Give it two more games. Theyll change their tunes.

Zephyr pulled off his headset and leaned back in his chair, throwing his feet up on the desk. He glanced at Su Xue sitting next to him and said, What a game! Who wouldve thought that Team Shanghai was gonna pull that crazy win! Nice job on all the research by the way!

Su Xue took her own headset off and placed it carefully in front of her, making sure the wires didnt get twisted. She then turned her head to look at Zephyr and smiled. She replied, Thanks! I was really nervous there at the start, but I think I got the hang of it after those first few plays! It was a fun game to cast too! There was just so much happening all the time!

Youre a lucky one, Zephyr said, laughing. He rolled his neck and continued, Pretty straightforward action. There basically wasnt a dull moment we had to fill and there werent any complicated teamfights either. Kind of surprised by that to be honest with you. Mostly with Goalie. Hes the one who usually leads Team Guangzhou. But that kid did not look on his A+ game there. I dont know what it was, but he just looked out of it! Im really hoping hell be back to his normal self next game. Cause, I mean, someone of his status should really be beating every Midlaner hes up against in this university tournament.

Su Xue fought hard to keep the snort back. He really thinks Goalie is better than Lin Feng? How? She shook her head and replied, I dont know. I thought Lin Feng played it pretty well. I can totally see him beat Goalie again in the next game!

Zephyr laughed and replied, Sure, sure. Whatever, Ima take a piss. Ill be back in a minute.

Su Xue watched Zephyr get up and leave the broadcast room, biting her lips to stop herself from laughing. Only after he closed the door behind him did a smile creep up on her face. He really believed what he was saying! He really thinks Goalie is better than Lin Feng, even after that game! This is going to be so fun next game! She glanced at the monitor showing Team Shanghais soundproof booth. The five players she knew so well were sitting in a circle, discussing something. Theyre probably preparing their tactic for the next game. Come on, guys! Lin Feng! You can do this! Show everyone how good you are! Im rooting for you!

Coach Yin barged into Team Guangzhous soundproof booth, furious. He looked around the room at the five team members and shouted, What the fuck was that!? I thought you guys said you had this! You were going to beat them with their own Champions? You got your fucking asses kicked! He paused, forcing himself to take a couple of deep breaths, then continued, Goalie, what the fuck? That Lin Feng is trash! I watched it all with my own two eyes! That kid cant play for shit! All he did was farm and wait for the rest of his team to carry him! I dont give a fuck that he beat AyDeeCee or whatever. Hes not a starplayer. You are a starplayer, Goalie. Live the fuck up to that!

The interpreter strung together a quick summary from Coach Yins outburst. He looked at Goalie, waiting for a response. But Goalie wouldnt even meet his eyes. He sat behind his computer, staring at his screen. Furious himself.

I dont want to see that a second time, Coach Yin continued, barking. I want to see a focused team that is trying to win! Weve got two Korean Challengers on our team for fucks sake! How are we losing to four no-namers and that Support idiot from the Ionia server? Get your heads in the game! He focused on Goalie and concluded, Goalie. Pick a Champion youre good with. Lead the team like I know you can. Show everyone how good you really are! I know youre better than this! Now come on!

Goalie closed his eyes as he listened to the interpreter finally catching up to Coach Yin. He nodded and mumbled, Yeah. Okay. But his mind was somewhere else. He glanced across the stage at Team Shanghais soundproof booth and scrunched his eyebrows. Who is that kid? How I was careless and got upset because he annoyed me yesterday. But still, he was good. There were a few moments where I felt like I was even playing against Rake-- He shook his head violently, then slapped it for good measure. Dont be stupid. You underestimated him and he was a bit better than you expected. Readjust. Calm down and focus. Im the best player at this tournament. He looked over his shoulder at Coach Yin and said in broken Chinese, I beat him. Trust me.

Good. Thats what I wanted to hear, Coach Yin said. He then walked past Goalie and stopped behind Seo, who was staring at his feet, and asked, Now you want to tell me what the fuck was going on with you last game? I thought you were a Korean Challenger. You looked like a boosted Challenger. Did that girl on Team Shanghai boost you? That it? He briefly paused and then asked, Are you really telling me shes better than you are?

IM BETTER THAN HER! Seo screamed. He slammed his fist down on the desk and repeated, IM BETTER THAN HER!

Then show it, Coach Yin replied.

Seo gritted his teeth, white hot fury dying his face. He slowly nodded and said, I will. I will beat her. Crush her. Make sure no one remembers her face! Her ugly ass face!

After a brief interlude, the players from Team Shanghai and Team Guangzhou got installed behind their computers again and moved into Champion Select for Game 2. The large LCD screen above their soundproof booths flashed to life and revealed to the audience the six banned Champions. Team Shanghai had gone for three meta Champions, while Team Guangzhou banned Lissandra, Braum and Talon.

Looks like Team Guangzhou doesnt want a repeat from last game, Zephyr said into his microphone, his voice carried through the speakers to the audience.

Su Xue nodded and chimed in, Yeah! Three Champions from the previous game are banned!-- She stopped herself when Team Shanghai locked in their first Champion. Riven. She scrunched her eyebrows and mumbled, Riven? Is HaoBro really going with Riven?

Haobro? Zephyr glanced at Su Xue, confused. He glanced through his notebook at the names from Team Shanghai. Oh! He leaned towards his microphone and said, That does look like a Riven top! Zhang Hao is Team Shanghais Toplaner, so hed be playing her!

Team Guangzhous Toplaner sat up straight in his gaming chair. A chill was still running up and down his spine, reinvigorated every time he thought about how Coach Yin had barged in after their loss in the previous game. We cant lose again. We wont! Were going to beat these noobs! Starting with this stupid Toplaner! Hmm, Riven, huh? he mumbled. Let me show you just how much better I am than you! You only won because of Gragas! But this game, this game is going to be mine! He then clicked on the summoner portrait of Fiora and locked her in.

Team Guangzhous Jungler looked at Goalie and asked, Who? Lee Sin?

Goalie looked at Team Shanghais Champion. Riven Why would they pick her first? He took a long, deep breath and then replied, Lee Sin.

Team Shanghai were up next for their second and third pick. They went with Sejuani who was a tanky Jungler and Kalista who was one of Tang Bingyaos best ad-carry Champions.

It was Team Guangzhous turn again to pick two Champions. Seo informed his Support he wanted something defensive, so the Support locked in Leona. He then nodded at Goalie and asked, You want to pick now or want me to go first?

Goalie shrugged and said, Ill go first. Wont change my pick anyway. He moved his mouse over Fizz and locked him in.

Zephyr grabbed his microphone and shouted, Its Fizz in the mid lane! Goalie is sticking to what hes familiar with, ability power assassins!

Im really curious to see what Lin Feng is going to play, Su Xue replied absentmindedly. Her focus was still on the Riven pick. HaoBro never plays Riven. He doesnt like the style! But Lin Feng does! Are they going to lane swap? Or-- She finally realized it, her eyes growing wide. She leaned in towards her microphone and said, What if what if that Riven pick is a mid Riven?

Lin Feng laughed when he saw the Fizz pick. He leaned back in his chair and mumbled, Fizz, hmm? A bit interesting. Could be fun.

An Xin glanced at Lin Feng and shook her head. Doofus. She then turned her head around to look at Zhang Hao and asked, What you wanna play against Fiora?

Uhm Zhang Hao started, hesitating. He finally replied, Mundo. Yeah, Ill go with Dr. Mundo. That way you dont really have to gank my lane. Ill be able to hold my own.

That makes our team really AD heavy, Zeng Rui noted. He mulled over it briefly and then added, Ill go with Morgana. That way, weve still got some AP.

Su Xue jumped up from her chair, forgetting to grab the microphone, and shouted, I was right! Im right! Thats Riven mid!

But How? Zephyr asked, surprised. What kind of team comp is this? Are you sure Riven is going mid? What if this is some weird Morgana mid and Riven top and Mundo Support? Or maybe its Riven Support? She does have her Ki Burst for some crowd control

Its obviously Riven mid! Su Xue countered, grinning. Just wait until you see Lin Fengs Riven! Youll get it then!

Team Zephyr or Team EveningSnowfall? Who is going Mid? Place your bets here!Has to be Morgana, right? You want that AP damage and she wont get much damage if shes going Support!Full AD teams have been becoming the flavour of the month, so who knowsYeah, I guess. Still, weird ass team.Maybe their plan is to confuse Team Guangzhou into a surrender?LOL. Thatd be brilliant! Imagine Team Guangzhou surrendering cause they dont understand Team Shanghais team comp! Hahaha!Right!? But lets be realistic here. This has to be a stomp by Team Guangzhou. Theres no way theyre losing to that whacky ass team from Team Shanghai!

Back in Team Guangzhous soundproof booth, Goalie and Seo were caught up in a similar discussion as the rest of the crowd. But they only had 70 seconds to decide on their final pick. With 20 seconds left to go, Goalie turned to look at Seo and said, Well stick with our original plan. Doesnt matter what they do. Lock in your Champion. And Seo? He briefly waited to get his ad-carrys full attention and then continued, Calm down a bit. Play like I know you can.

Seo closed his eyes and breathed in. He then opened his eyes, locked in Vayne and then breathed out. He replied, Got it. I will.

Zephyr turned his head and looked at Su Xue. He muttered, Oh my god, you were right You were right! It really is Riven mid! Its really Riven mid!

Su Xue smiled and replied, Lin Feng has played Riven before all the way back in the high school tournament he played. That was long ago, but it was really good back then! So I thought maybe

Wow! Zephyr exclaimed. He shook his head and continued, Youve done more than just some homework. Its like youve watched every single game Lin Feng has ever played!

Su Xue giggled and replied, You could say that.

Back in Team Guangzhous soundproof booth, Goalie narrowed his eyes. Riven, huh? First Talon and now Riven? Youre trying to take the piss out of me, arent you? Thats what youre doing. First acting like you dont know who I am and now taking the piss out of me! But dont think Ill let you do that. Ill show you what I do to people who look down on me! He gripped his mouse and tightened his grip just the right amount. Then he placed his other hand on the keyboard, feeling the touch of the keys against his fingers.

Over in Team Shanghais soundproof booth, An Xin looked at Lin Feng and asked, Since youre playing Riven, you should be fine, right? I wont need to gank?

Lin Feng ruffled his hair, grinning, and said, Yep! Just camp bot! Or top You can leave mid to me!

Winter Collegiate Cup, Round of 16, Game 2

Team Shanghai (Blue) versus Team Guangzhou (Red)Top: Dr. Mundo versus FioraJungle: Sejuani versus Lee SinMid: Riven versus FizzAd-carry: Kalista versus VayneSupport: Morgana versus Leona

Welcome to Summoners Rift!

The Champions from both teams spawned on the Rift. Starter items appeared in their inventory and then they walked towards their respective lanes. There were no early invades, with both teams throwing some wards down in the river but otherwise staying near their outer towers. This gave Zephyr and Su Xue a few extra minutes to discuss the unexpected matchup in the mid lane.

Zephyr leaned towards his microphone and analysed, Riven is a relatively good pick against Fizz. She doesnt have much to worry about, especially early on. If Fizz tries to jump on her, she can just stun him with Ki Burst. And from there, well, Fizz should be happy if he escapes with his life! But that doesnt mean its hopeless for Goalie. Fizz has this great skill called Playful/Trickster. If he times it just right, he can hop on top of his pole and dodge the stun. Then he suddenly wins. Its really the first game all over. Weve got a skill matchup in the mid lane!

Su Xue nodded along with Zephyrs analysis. She then grabbed her microphone and said, Right, right, I totally agree! Youve given a great analysis! But She dragged the pause, making everyone want to hear what she had to say next. Then she continued, I predict Lin Feng is gonna stomp Goalie and win his lane in the first 10 minutes of the game!