novelraw Chapter 171 : No Matter the Matchup (2)
Chapter 171 : No Matter the Matchup (2)
No Matter the Matchup (2)
The reasons people play games are all different. Yet, if you were to pick out a commonality amid those differences, it would be "fun."
Of course, even the very concept of "fun" could only be felt differently by each person.
That was because not only did each player have their own desired enjoyment, but every *genre* of game sought something different as well.
'This is fun.'
Mystic League pro gamer, elephant. The fun that he felt was also different from everyone else.
Among the many games out there, there was a reason why he came to prefer "Mystic League," and among the champions in that game, why he always favored "predatory junglers" in particular.
'How long has it been since I've felt like this?'
The enjoyment he sought came from the satisfaction of his "competitive spirit."
It was also why Elephant had long suffered from "last-game syndrome."
Although his skill grew each day, his opponents could not keep up with his standard.
'This guy is the real deal.'
But now it was different.
Just facing Lee Gyeongbok made every cell in his body awaken; it finally felt like a real showdown.
Compared to this moment, even the "last games" he had so avidly sought until now felt fake.
'If I let my guard down for even a moment, I'll lose...!'
Elephant devoted his full focus to the opponent before him.
Even the slightest distraction would decide the match.
Because of that, the commands and map-reading a jungler had to do were long gone from his mind.
'This composure isn't bravado.'
That was why Elephant could study Lee Gyeongbok more closely. Different from himself, his opponent radiated confidence.
That only fueled his competitive spirit. Why couldn't he put pressure on this man?
'Am I not yet in full condition?'
It couldn't be.
He knew his own state best. He could say with certainty that he had broken through his highest *limit* yet.
'Or is it a gap in experience?'
That made no sense either.
There was no way a streamer like him had played Mystic League more than he, a pro gamer, had.
Besides, the champion he had chosen wasn't his usual Yami or even Barzan.
'Then why on earth...!'
In his puzzlement, he clenched his teeth.
His champion, lagnel, mirrored this by baring his fangs and contorting his face.
Even after countless clashes, what was this gap he felt deep inside?
'How can someone not get hit even once...!?'
It couldn't be dismissed as mere feeling—there was just too much clear evidence. That gap stacked up and showed on the reduced stamina bar.
Unlike himself, Lee Gyeongbok's stamina bar remained full.
'If this keeps up, I'll lose in the end.'
The point for retreat was already long past.
If he turned his back, defeat would be assured.
Elephant realized he had no choice but to make his move.
He took in a deep breath.
Perhaps sensing the change in his breathing, Lee Gyeongbok's eyes went wide for a second.
'Now!'
Elephant let out a loud cry, but the sound that burst forth was an entirely different, beastly roar.
It was Claw Tracker Lagnel's skill, "Beast's Howl."
'A clean hit!'
This skill affected the balance of enemies in range and partially restored his own stamina.
Normally, it was best saved for teamfights, but now wasn't the time to be picky.
'This is my comeback!'
A smile bloomed naturally.
Perhaps thanks to the skill effect, Lee Gyeongbok's spear slipped harmlessly past his side.
Elephant seized the opening and slashed with his claw.
"... Huh?"
For a moment, his thoughts ground to a halt.
Barzan, who should have been directly ahead, was nowhere to be seen.
But trained from years as a pro, his brain instantly deduced the reason.
"I look forward to seeing your full condition."
He heard a voice behind him, as if to confirm his suspicion. Elephant didn't even bother turning.
'It didn't miss...'
That's because before him, barzan's afterimage appeared.
'He threw the spear!'
At some point, his position was now in direct line with the flag he'd planted. He'd been so focused on the opponent that he hadn't noticed.
The instant he realized, he tried to dodge, but it was pointless. He himself had tried not to create distance with Lee Gyeongbok to maintain momentum.
"Wow."
So he didn't even feel angry. Floating as he clashed into the afterimage, what left his lips was simply admiration.
"That was insane."
The match was decided.
He had lost, his opponent was the victor.
[First Blood!]
[PerfectPlay Tier1_Elephant]
A system message appeared as if to prove it, coloring his vision gray.
After dying and respawning at base, he looked at his now-translucent body and let out a wry chuckle.
[〉Huh?]
[〉That was first blood!?]
[〉Did Elephant really lose a jungle fight?]
[〉Wow......]
Soon, messages of shock from his teammates followed. Elephant quickly typed in chat.
He'd lost the duel but the game wasn't over. He knew, calmly as a pro, what he had to do for victory.
[〉From now on, the mid laner gives the orders.]
Surprisingly, this meant relinquishing his own role. Naturally, his teammates questioned his decision.
But Elephant wasn't done speaking.
[〉I'll personally mark Purple.]
[〉If not, we're bound to lose.]
It became clear after facing him.
He couldn't face that player and give orders at the same time.
[〉This is my command.]
That was a pro's call.
* * *
Meanwhile, the chat was in a festival mood.
― Elephant down! Elephant down!
― I can't believe he actually won this, lol
― So, who's the real Claw Tracker now? So, who's the Claw Tracker!?
― First blood? Nah, that's Perfect Blood!
― Counter? You mean, a cash register? Counter? Cash register?? LOL
― Cash register lol
― Lol compatibility or not, nothing works against Godple!
― No items battle? Is this really the Elden fan I knew?
-???: Don't come unless you're at full condition
― Even Diamond-level Deceit carried this, perfect
Viewers were full of praise.
And understandably so—Barzan II had defeated Lagnel, the counter champion. And not just anyone's Lagnel, but Elephant's.
[〉As expected from our boss!]
[〉Glory to the lord's victory!]
[〉Wow... he actually beat Elephant]
[〉We trust you!]
Not only viewers, but teammates too, added their acclaim.
How could anyone remain calm in this? Yet, Lee Gyeongbok was skilled at doing what others couldn't.
"As expected, a pro is a pro. That was the toughest match I've had in Mystic."
He answered gently with a faint smile, drawing viewers' attention.
― Lol instantly refilling his Purple confidence
― Lol if you only reward Elephant, that's not fair~
― Yo, you haven't even played Mystic for that long!
― Diamond tier (barely played)
― Toughest match (under 10 games)
― Hyung? Then where does that put your match with Genome?
Amused by the viewers' playful remarks, Lee Gyeongbok played along with the mood.
"Staffer Ji didn't take that long... Ahem! Anyway, I'll leave it at that—we're busy now."
His reply sparked laughter in the chat. Lee Gyeongbok quickly changed topics.
After all, some people—though a minority—could take a joke seriously.
"We need to widen the lead before Elephant respawns. I'm heading for a gank."
He turned his focus toward the underperforming bottom line—but oddly, the enemy seemed distracted.
'Is it because Elephant got taken out?'
In truth, it was due to Elephant giving up shot-calling, but his guess was close.
Either way, it was a golden opportunity.
"Lure them out just above bottom lane. Pretend to run, and I'll initiate—just join in, no need to reply."
He issued an order to the bottom duo. Having proven himself in battle versus Elephant, the two quickly acted as told.
Everything that followed went according to Lee Gyeongbok's plan.
[PerfectPlay notme-himfirst]
[PerfectPlay nother-mefirst]
Between chained skills and teamwork, the opposing bottom duo fell immediately. Before chat could react, Lee Gyeongbok recalled to base.
"I'll set up my build."
He quickly bought items, and with the money from three kills, completed his desired setup.
-?
― What kind of build is this?
― Barzan usually needs to stack health or defense...
― These are all movement speed items?
― What's going on here?
― Never imagined this build!
― Wait, is this all for ganking?
― Lol if it's all speed, get that play going!
― Is this the unique build of Perfazan?
Chat was filled with curiosity and speculation.
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled as he moved.
"It's for ganking, sure, but that's not all."
His words drew even more question marks in the chat. He kept on, heading toward the Red Trant buff.
"Lagnel is a predatory jungler, right? But what happens if he can't 'prey'?"
-?????
― What's he talking about?
― Professor! Surprise quizzes not covered by the Geneva Convention!
― Lol what does Geneva have to do with this
― You mean, you're going to starve him of resources?
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled and replied.
"Correct."
Thanks to move speed items, he arrived at Red Trant in no time.
"I'll try to secure the creeps and mess up their ganks."
He went straight to work.
As he started the hunt, the viewers caught on.
― Perfect counter-jungling ON!
― Lol, going to rely on Red Buff for damage?
― Lol, forced fasting meta
-(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)
― If it's Godple, he might just pull it off.
― Lol, elephant's really about to turn into an herbivore
― Lol, isn't Elephant already a herbivore!
― Herbivore jungler LOL
The comedic mood soon shifted as Lee Gyeongbok dove into the jungle after grabbing Red Buff, once again defying expectations.
"Anyone trying this, listen up: this is a battle of time. So, do this..."
Instead of taking creeps normally, he hit a bunch scattered around to draw aggro, then moved to other areas.
-?
― You're... herding creeps?
― Are you playing a whole different game again?
― And with Barzan, of all champions?
― Lol, surprisingly, this is possible?
― Lol, creeps can only chase in a straight line with their AI
He herded the creeps together—then it was time to chain skills.
Red Buff applied its effect to skills, so as he lined up the creeps, all took sustained damage.
― Lol the gold is piling up fast
― Never underestimate Black Company's collection prowess!
― Lol, even creeps are donating to Godple!
― Guess they're all Korean-made creeps after all
― If they're Korean-made, makes sense!
― If they're made in Korea, just give all your gold to Godple!
― What the heck LOL!
Once done, Lee Gyeongbok sped off again—over mid, and toward Blue Guardian.
With Blue Buff in hand, elephant respawned.
"I'm curious to see how Elephant handles the jungle now."
Lee Gyeongbok made the remark as he cleared more creeps.
― Seriously, this must be so frustrating
― Comes back to the jungle and there's only grass left, lol
-???: What? Give me back my creeps!
-???: Does Lagnel know what it means to be full?
― Surrender resistance LV99999
― Jungler (now perma-laner)
― Not just a settler, more like a funeral arrangement LOL
― Jungler or laner, they'll both die—may as well arrange the funeral
― Lol, full refund at maturity!
― The one getting the refund's Godple, right?
― Lol you've lost it
Viewers burst out laughing, picturing Elephant's reaction.
Yet a pro stays a pro.
"You came back faster than I expected?"
Probably tipped off by teammates, elephant found him again.
"Got the buffs too, huh... You're really not easy."
Elephant frowned, seeing the two auras glowing around Lee Gyeongbok.
But he didn't back down.
'If I dodge this fight now, the gap will only widen.'
If he let Lee Gyeongbok go now, he'd only return even stronger. Elephant's eyes sharpened.
'Luckily, his items are all just move speed buffs.'
Deciding quickly, he grabbed the snare rope at his waist and flung it.
Lagnel's third skill, "Prey Capture."
If landed, the target is immobilized. Usually used for enemies trying to escape Lagnel.
But Lee Gyeongbok was not about to fall for such a straightforward skill.
'Of course he'll dodge!'
Elephant anticipated his movement and pounced.
Another jungle fight broke out.
But this time, it was different. While last time their weapons had clashed fiercely, now his claw repeatedly struck empty air.
And that wasn't all.
"Push your lanes if you get the chance."
Elephant's eyes went wide as Lee Gyeongbok's lips moved—though he couldn't hear the sound, clearly he was giving orders on team voice chat.
'He's shot-calling too!?'
Lee Gyeongbok was even more relaxed than before. Item boosts gave him far more room to maneuver.
"I've got Elephant locked down, so don't worry about ganks. But play it safe on bottom, they could counterattack."
Elephant's eyes grew wild.
A previously unknown emotion swirled inside.
"And make sure you clear the lower jungle when you can. Don't worry about me."
At first, he thought it was wrath, as if he was being belittled.
But soon he changed his mind.
'No, he's not disrespecting me.'
Because he was focused on him, he could see it.
'He's doing this because he really can.'
Lee Gyeongbok's ceaselessly moving eyes—not just watching him, but clearly attentive to the minimap and other champions too.
He knew, being a jungler himself. He then realized the nature of the feeling.
'What is this...!'
That feeling was awe, then followed by a sense of aspiration.
Like a climber gazing at a high, dangerous mountain—frightened, yet compelled to conquer.
To Elephant, Lee Gyeongbok had become such a presence.
Once finished giving orders, those piercing eyes locked onto him once again.
Elephant sensed a chill run through him, but nonetheless smiled.
― Lol he's giving shot-calls even now?
― Elephant is at full condition now
― He's even faster than before!
― But no match for Godple, right?
― This is Diamond tier?
― Lol, elephant is usually Grandmaster
― Now do you believe Diamond=Grandmaster?
― Diamonds, keep quiet!(wham)
― The Grandmaster-destroying Diamond smurf appears!
― Doesn't everyone know Godple is "Perfect tier"?
― In the Perfect tier, you win, period
Fight two ended even faster than the first. It wasn't just items—now Lee Gyeongbok had creep buffs as well.
― Lol 2 kills!
― That's not even snowballing, it's a literal avalanche!
― Lol that avalanche wiped out all the creeps
― Natural-disaster-level streamer
― Honestly, the jungle now belongs to Godple
― Really, even the laners are going to start eating jungle
― Elephant's crying!
― Retirement reason: Purple
― Retirement lol
Lee Gyeongbok took a shallow breath and checked chat.
"Elephant isn't weak at all. He's a pro, right?"
Saying that, he briefly recalled the past.
'Gyeongbok, becoming a pro gamer means starting a game you can't quit until the end.'
That was what Baek Kangmin, a coach who tried to recruit him back in school and is now a head coach, used to say.
Though their paths never crossed for long, he'd never forgotten the intuitive sense he had, picked up by his divine energy.
'A person chosen by that coach wouldn't give up so easily.'
Lee Gyeongbok smiled and moved once more.
"Since Elephant's a pro, I'll give him my all too."
― That's what you call a true ex-pro's resolve
― Godple's 100% carry performance? I can't miss this!
― Pro mode ON!
― Lol, so now he's killing everyone?
― Lol, straight to another gank
― Huh? But you're just passing by?
Viewers soon questioned his direction.
"Jungle's in the bag—now it's time to control the whole game."
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled in reply.
The viewers guessed where he was headed.
― No way...
― He's going for the Elemental Shrine, isn't he?
― Wait; he's taking on the Elemental already?
― Hyung! Are you sure about this?!
― Lol, that's the zero-to-hero bus, right there
The Elemental Shrine.
A place where elemental creeps of various elements randomly spawned. They also granted buffs.
The difference was that Blue Guardian and Red Trant gave buffs to the slayer only, but the Elemental gave teamwide buffs. And defeating it was much more difficult.
― Don't you usually need two or three people?
― Yeah, at this point in the game you need three
― It's possible to solo, barely
― But only with full item setups!
― Doing it with speed items alone is really tough
― On top of that, barzan can't even pull off a good damage cycle
― Hyung! At least take Genome along!
― Staffer Ji! What are you doing? Get over there!
― Lol, staffer Ji is busy looking for a new job
― Looking for a new job, lol
Viewers bantered, but there was real worry, too. Lee Gyeongbok replied:
"Can't Elephant solo it too?"
― Elephant's done it before
― There are people who've soloed it, honestly
― But not with Barzan speed build!
He dismissed the doubts with a single line.
"Then it's not that no one 'can' do it with this combo, just that no one 'has' yet."
At that alone, the chat's mood flipped.
― Lol that's Purple confidence for you
-???: Have you even tried it?
― Chairman?
― True embodiment of capitalism...!
― Lol, if it's Godple, he'll just pull it off as usual!
― Lol, you have to watch Godple's stream with your heart, not your head
― No, just use your eyes, seriously
― Lol, such an obvious statement but it got a real laugh
Nothing he'd ever declared had failed to come true.