novelraw Chapter 201 : Consumed by Fear (1)
Chapter 201 : Consumed by Fear (1)
Consumed by Fear (1)
CrazySmurf, Finals Day.
Before the main event, the third and fourth-place match was held.
"Ah, it's finally GG! Set 3 is over!"
"So, third place goes to 'Kkrukkru', and fourth to 'ThereIsNoBadChampInTheWorld'!"
"That was an excellent match! It was truly a clash of equals!"
Wanggeom and the commentators quickly launched into their commentary as soon as the match ended.
"Watching this match, I can't help but think about something again."
"Caster Wanggeom? What are you thinking?"
"Are you building up for another joke?"
The commentators turned to Wanggeom at his words. While preparations were being made for the main event—the finals—the three had to fill the audio.
"No, I'm being serious. You saw how skilled both teams were? And yet both were completely defeated in the semifinals. This might give viewers the wrong impression."
"Exactly, their opponents were just too strong. PerG-Day and Money Damas are outstanding—these teams weren't lacking."
"I agree with that. Sadly, for these two teams, the level of competition was simply too high in this tournament. Frankly, if this were two years ago, they would've been contesting for first or second place."
― That's right, lol."
― True, lol. When teams of similar skill clash, the potential really comes out."
― ???: Urgh... why did we have to meet PerG-Day and Money Damas in the semis!"
― Come on, lol. Are we calling this an 'honorable death'?"
― They did well, why are we complaining, haha!"
As the viewers laughed in chat, wanggeom quickly changed the topic. It was time to introduce the finals.
"Now! But the world of competition is always cold and ruthless! After fierce competition, only two teams remain! The finals between PerG-Day and Money Damas awaits us!"
"That's right! This is the long-awaited finals! And let me tell you, this is no exaggeration. We have an enormous crowd tuning in right now!"
"Wow, I never expected this many people. Those who watched yesterday's MCK finals know—thanks to Elephant showing up and personally talking about the event, interest has skyrocketed."
Wanggeom responded with genuine awe.
"Amazing! Right now, our viewer count is almost 300,000! Not total views for the tournament, but people watching this broadcast at this moment! Plus, there are nearly 50,000 international viewers on the secondary stream—making it 350,000 in total!"
"It's staggering. Far more than a second division league! The average MCK Challengers League viewership is about 50,000, and even the main MCK that finished yesterday averaged 400,000. But here at CrazySmurf—350,000!?"
"This makes you wonder: can we really keep calling CrazySmurf an amateur tournament?"
"I feel like I say this every season, but honestly, this is the most legendary event ever!"
The chat agreed in droves.
― Wasn't the opening group stage already a record breaker?"
― Yeah, lol, viewership has been skyrocketing since PerG-Day's matches."
― Ah lol, it's thanks to Godple that Elephant promoted the tournament too."
― Let's be real, everyone here's riding on the Purple Coin train this event, lol."
― It's not the tournament that's legendary, it's the legendary smurf joining, that's the story!"
In the meantime, wanggeom received the signal that preparations were finished, and promptly wrapped up his commentary.
"We can't keep this huge crowd waiting any longer! The final battle of CrazySmurf, the finals, is about to begin!"
"At last, it's starting! I can just tell—even before watching, that this one will be all-time!"
"That's right. And unlike previous rounds, the finals are best of five—three wins to take the championship! We get more of these amazing games!"
Up to the semifinals, it was best of three; but the finals were different.
"Yes! It might go the distance. That's great for us viewers, but for the players, it's a critical issue."
"Having played through the semifinals, both teams have already revealed parts of their strategies. It's going to be a key viewing point how they've prepared to counter each other."
"Let's see if both teams have equipped themselves with enough tactics! The finals, set one, begins now!"
With Wanggeom's declaration, the screen switched to both teams facing each other.
― PerG-Day! PerG-Day! PerG-Day!"
― Undefeated run! Go for legendary status!"
― Spoiler: PerG-Day will sweep 3-0."
― Uhwooper! Uhwooper! Uhwooper!"
― Money Damas! Money Damas!"
― Winner takes all the prize money!"
― In team games, it's gotta be Money Damas, lol."
The chat exploded with cheers for both teams. But the majority clearly favored PerG-Day.
There was one reason for that.
― Ah lol, with Elephant's coaching, how could they lose?"
― If you're a TierOne fan, cheer for PerG-Day!"
― Pure brilliance! Pure god! Pure perfection!"
― TierOne and PerG-Day both ending with victory, okay Matjji?"
Because of Elephant's interview, tierOne's fans were rallying behind PerG-Day.
"Okay, the first set's ban/pick phase has begun!"
"This is their first direct clash! We'll see who each team wants to target!"
"It's like a first impression. It's brief, but you can get the overall feel. These choices will impact future sets too!"
With the ban/pick phase underway, the commentators' eyes grew wide.
"What is this!?"
"Wow, I usually plan my commentary in advance so I'm ready for unexpected picks, but everything I prepared is useless now!"
"I'm suddenly getting a headache! My predictions have already been completely shattered!"
The reason for their sudden distress:
"Money Damas didn't use a single ban card on Purple! Is this even possible?"
"I'm racking my brain—what's the reason? With this, yami—Perfect Yami—gets through!"
"Is it possible Money Damas doesn't know about Perfect Yami? No way! There must be a reason!"
Money Damas had used their ban cards on the main champions of Genome, skullkim, and Bakjapcho.
As a result, Lee Gyeongbok was able to select his champion as desired.
"I suspect it's for reasons similar to LattePro's approach. The strength of Money Damas is the synergy between teammates."
"Exactly. This is clearly about focusing on team versus team, on team value. That's why Caffeine didn't focus his ban cards on Purple either. Although, to be safe, he still banned Yami."
"Could it be that Money Damas prepared a Yami-specific counter? Otherwise, this ban/pick phase can't be explained."
With that, wanggeom moved on to PerG-Day's ban/pick. Time was limited, so they couldn't focus solely on one team.
"As I said before, money Damas wants to force a team-versus-team style. So PerG-Day also focused on lowering their opponents' team value."
"Right. It was a direct mirror on the same lanes. Ban cards hit mid and bottom laners on both sides."
"They didn't target the jungler, donkak. That's confidence! It shows they believe Purple can handle Donkak!"
Soon, with the allotted commentary time up, both teams completed their picks. The commentators' jaws dropped at the revealed champions.
"Ah! As expected, here it is!"
"Purple's Yami! Perfect Yami!"
"I never thought we'd see Perfect Yami in a tournament! Now I'm really hyped!"
As expected, Lee Gyeongbok's champion was none other than Yami.
― Ah lol, you just can't get enough of Perfect Yami!"
― Game's over, lol."
― If the K-Hokage appears, you just win, right?"
― Legend returns, wow."
― Legendary right in game one!"
The chat was filled with hype. But the commentators' reactions shifted instantly.
"In response, money Damas picks... ah!"
"Donkak picks Fiddlesticks! He's locked in Fiddlesticks!"
"Whoa! This is their secret weapon! They kept this hidden until the finals!"
Money Damas's jungler, donkak, picked the champion 'The Harbinger of Terror', fiddlesticks—a champion not used in scrims or previous matches.
"Money Damas has revealed their hidden card! Picking Fiddlesticks definitely means he's prepared as a Yami counter!"
"That's it. With Fiddlesticks's 'fear' effect, even Perfect Yami can be locked down! That's what they're betting on!"
"If you've ever experienced this kind of status effect, you'd know—it's simply impossible to control your champion!"
Fiddlesticks's skill applies the 'fear' status effect. The duration might not be long, but its impact was easily enough to neutralize Yami.
"This means they won't try to fight head-on. Donkak knows there's no chance if they do. So, during the jungle phase, he'll try to tie up Yami and then escape!"
"That's right, that's plenty. And in team fights, he can just knock Yami out of the equation. Then fight with the rest of his team and win! That's the calculation!"
"This is basically telling both teams to play with their junglers off on their own. Daring, but effective strategy!"
Now understanding the intent behind the ban/pick, the commentators calmed down and continued.
But the fans' views were different.
― Wow;;; as expected, money Damas' experience shows."
― If they prepared Fiddlesticks, didn't they already expect to face PerG-Day in the finals?"
― They're so good, it's no wonder their predictions are perfect, lol."
― Yeah, lol, looks like Money Damas is following the Uhwooper formula."
― If so, then shouldn't the formula say they're meant to lose, lol."
― Science win! They'll win anyway!"
― Trust in Purple!"
― Now it all depends on how well Donkak can play Fiddlesticks."
― Just watch for yourself!"
― Let's goooo!"
With everyone's attention focused, set one began.
* * *
PerG-Day grouped up early to guard against an invade.
Soon enough, Lee Gyeongbok's brow twitched.
'Pulling away like this means...'
Once the teams got close enough, his divine energy picked up on Money Damas's intentions.
He understood what their aim was and smiled faintly.
"This is good enough. Everyone, go back to your lanes."
"Huh?"
"Already?"
"Isn't that risky..."
Before his teammates could even finish worrying, the enemy appeared on the top and mid lanes.
"Ah, it's not an invade?"
"Lord, please preserve your body!"
His relieved teammates scattered. Lee Gyeongbok immediately headed for the opposing jungle.
Meanwhile, skullkim and Bakjapcho, who arrived slightly late to bottom lane, pinged frantically on the minimap.
[〉Bot missing!]
[〉Be careful!]
There were opponents in top and mid, but bottom was totally empty.
This made Eclipse and Genome panic as well.
[〉Wait, is this a bait?]
[〉My lord! I'm on my way!]
[〉No, we'll back you up!]
[〉Fall back!]
Everyone was frantic except Lee Gyeongbok, who remained calm.
"It's fine."
He spotted Fiddlesticks—Donkak—lurking in the distance and smiled.
"Just focus on your own lane phase."
To his teammates, it was an emergency. But to Lee Gyeongbok, it was nothing. He'd already read Money Damas's entire path.
Top and mid showing themselves was just a fake—no invade. Donkak and the bottom duo were lying in wait in the jungle for him to arrive.
Nevertheless, he deliberately threw himself into their trap.
'The fear effect is definitely...'
Even before he could finish thinking, a chilling menace swept his entire body. Fiddlesticks opened its mouth and unleashed an ear-splitting scream.
The reason Donkak had picked this champion—Fiddlesticks's skill, 'Terrifying Form'.
"That's it!"
"Got him!"
The AD Carry and Support, who were hiding in the brush, sprang up in excitement. But Lee Gyeongbok couldn't see them.
As the fear effect hit, his vision narrowed to the size of a peephole, his skill resource chakra drained, and, most of all, his body wouldn't move.
"There's a line from a novel I like."
Donkak's voice rang out in front of him. In his cramped vision, fiddlesticks charged, wielding an enormous scythe.
"Three fight as one."
With those words, a three-man assault descended upon him.
* * *
The commentators groaned in unison.
"Ah! Money Damas's ambush succeeds!"
"This is tough! Back-up from mid or bot won't make it in time! No items and fear on top of that! Even for Purple, this is impossible to escape!"
"PerG-Day! Are they really going to give up first blood so easily? That's going to create a huge snowball! An enormous one!"
They all took it for granted that Lee Gyeongbok would die. But the ensuing situation caught them off-guard.
"Whaaaat!? What is happening!?"
"Purple has dodged? Was that luck!?"
"No, it wasn't! Purple! He's dodging everything!"
The barrage of projectiles, the flowing chain combos from Fiddlesticks, the flawless team-up play Money Damas was known for—all of it.
Yet Lee Gyeongbok dodged all of it without any trouble.
"But the fear effect isn't over yet! The icon is still above his head!"
"How can this be!? Wait! Now, even a counterattack! Donkak is flustered!"
"He recovers the lost chakra! Uses hand signs, another hand sign! Donkak gets knocked back!"
The commentators' eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Their volume rose naturally, not by force.
"Did the fear effect get patched!? What is this!?"
"The vision must be terrible! You know that hot air balloon vision test at the optometrist? This is narrower than that!"
"But vision isn't the problem! Moving your body at all is supposed to be impossible! Fear overrides your controls, making them move in the wrong direction!"
While the commentators were baffled, the chat was full of laughter.
― Lol, godple already trained for this?"
― Honestly, if it was his first time he might have lost, but it isn't, right?"
― Based on that adaptability he showed in the past, he'll just lose a bit of HP at most, lol."
The fans already knew.
Purple had experienced something similar before.
― That Demerc run is really paying off, huh?"
― Back then, he literally wore an evil spirit like clothing!"
― Honestly, compared to that, fear is kid's stuff, lol."
It was thanks to experience from Demon Must Cry—especially from attacking the Wrath's domain—that he was so prepared.
Wanggeom, watching the chat, verified the info.
"Ah! We've just learned Purple is already used to this kind of mechanic!"
"Used to it? Is that even possible!? But with Purple, who knows! In this case, now it's Money Damas who are in trouble!"
"That's right! Originally, this should have ended instantly, but now they're getting counterattacked!"
"Oh, look! The icon's fading! Is the fear effect ending!?"
Again, their expectations were wrong.
[First Blood!]
[PerfectPlay's Bounty]
Before the status effect could even end, a kill message popped up.
The Support had fallen.
"First blood! Purple takes the first kill!"
"Money Damas had a big plan, but it's falling apart! The picture they tried to draw has been ripped apart!"
"Amazing! He saw a kill angle even while feared! Purple has surpassed the system itself!"
The commentators raised their voices in excitement. The heat spread to the viewers.
― That's it! That's Perfect Yami!"
― Transcending the system, lol, insane!"
― Go ahead, draw your 'big picture' all you want!"
― Big-Plan-Rip! Big-Plan-Rip! Big-Plan-Rip!"
― When you're a genius, you won't be bound by systems, lol!"
― Donkak, lol, was begin cocky thinking he'd win."
― ???: Three fight as one (he really said this)"
― Can we stop with the orchard jokes please..."
― When will the crow drink poison next!"
Three fight as one.
But if you turn that phrase around:
― Doesn't matter if it's three or however many, doesn't matter, lol"
― No one can beat Perfect Yami, no matter who comes."
― Now, the 'Perfect-Snowball" is rolling!"
That "one" had the power to take on all three, no matter who came.