Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bae Joo-hyun (Irene) encounters Xu Junyan (Xuyang) in the elevator, where he's eating Shin Ramyun dry.
• Xuyang offers Irene some, and she accepts, finding it surprisingly delicious.
• Xuyang leaves, and Irene laughs to herself about the encounter.

Character Developments

• Irene shows curiosity and a willingness to try new things, breaking her usual serious demeanor.
• Xuyang demonstrates his adaptability and openness to new experiences, enjoying instant noodles dry.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and Trying New Things: Irene's willingness to try dry instant noodles shows her curiosity and openness.
• Cultural Exchange: Xuyang's learning of Korean and Irene's experiencing dry noodles represent cultural exchange.

Character Interactions

• Irene and Xuyang: They share a light, humorous moment, breaking the ice between them. Irene's laughter at the end suggests she enjoyed the interaction.
• SKT Team: The team's somber atmosphere after losing to a low-ranked team contrasts with Irene's joyful moment, highlighting the team's current struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT loses to KDM, the weakest team, after benching Faker.
• Pirean, who orchestrated Faker's benching, feels guilty and shocked by the loss.
• Xu Junyan joins SKT and suggests playing with Faker in the next match to guarantee victory.
• kkOma, after considering Xu Junyan's request, decides to let Faker and Xu Junyan play together in the next match.

Character Developments

• Pirean: Realizes the mistake of benching Faker and feels guilty after the loss.
• Xu Junyan: Shows confidence in his abilities and requests to play with Faker.
• kkOma: Weighs the pros and cons before making a decision to let Faker and Xu Junyan play together.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of underestimating Faker's importance to SKT.
• The pressure and expectations on Xu Junyan as a foreign mid laner in the LCK.
• The dynamics of team synergy and the importance of fitting with Faker.

Character Interactions

• Faker and Xu Junyan: Anticipate playing together and seem eager to prove themselves.
• kkOma and Xu Junyan: Discuss Xu Junyan's request and kkOma makes the final decision.
• Untara and Pirean: Feel helpless and unwilling to accept Faker and Xu Junyan playing together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• kkOma decides to use Xu Junyan in the next match against KSV.
• Faker and Xu Junyan duo queue, causing envy among the team.
• Xu Junyan reads Korean netizens' reactions to SKT's loss and sees the intense criticism and hate towards the team and Faker.
• kkOma officially confirms Xu Junyan's inclusion in the team for the next match against KSV.

Character Developments

• kkOma: Struggles with the decision to use Xu Junyan, ultimately deciding to trust him.
• Xu Junyan: Shows confidence and determination, ready to face the intense criticism and expectations.
• Faker: Shows support and enthusiasm towards Xu Junyan, duo queuing with him and helping him integrate into the team.
• Korean Netizens: Express intense criticism and hate towards SKT and Faker after their loss to KDM.

Significant Themes

• Trust and belief in one's abilities and teammates.
• The pressure and expectations that come with being a part of a successful team.
• The intense criticism and hate that comes with being a public figure in esports.

Character Interactions

• Faker and Xu Junyan: Show camaraderie and support, duo queuing and helping each other integrate into the team.
• kkOma and Xu Junyan: kkOma shows concern and support for Xu Junyan, while Xu Junyan reassures him of his capabilities.
• Korean Netizens and SKT/Faker: Show intense criticism and hate towards SKT and Faker after their loss to KDM.

Key Plot Points and Events

• RNG posts on Weibo, congratulating Silence (Xu Junyan) for reaching the top of the Korean server but refusing to accept him due to "unspeakable reasons," implying match-fixing.
• LPL clubs and the official account simultaneously post on Weibo, refusing to accept Silence, creating a trending topic (#23).
• Xu Junyan posts on Weibo, mocking the LPL's hypocrisy and declaring he'll beat them all at the World Championship.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan becomes more determined and defiant after realizing the LPL's united front against him.
• RNG and other LPL clubs show their manipulative and opportunistic nature, willing to believe and spread rumors to gain favor.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy and manipulation: RNG and LPL clubs use passive-aggressive tactics and false accusations to maintain their image while targeting Xu Junyan.
• Unity against adversity: Xu Junyan feels isolated but more resolved after seeing the LPL's united front against him.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan vs. RNG and LPL clubs: Xu Junyan becomes more antagonistic towards RNG and the LPL after they refuse to accept him without evidence.
• LPL clubs vs. Xu Junyan: LPL clubs show their willingness to believe and spread rumors about Xu Junyan to gain favor with RNG.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Junyan (Silence) posts on Weibo at 2 AM, hinting at a shocking announcement.
• His post sparks outrage among LPL fans (Royal Hooligans), who interpret it as mocking the LPL and RNG.
• Uzi, RNG, and other LPL clubs repost and condemn Xu Junyan's Weibo.
• LPL officials suspend Xu Junyan for 10 years, effectively ending his professional career in the LPL.
• RNG members celebrate Xu Junyan's downfall, but Xiaoming discovers a post on Instagram hinting at a major announcement from SKT about a new top laner.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan remains defiant and provocative, leading to severe consequences.
• Uzi and RNG members show arrogance and schadenfreude towards Xu Junyan's misfortune.
• Xiaoming appears conflicted and empathetic towards Xu Junyan.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and animosity between LPL and LCK fans.
• The impact of social media on professional players' careers and reputations.
• The consequences of provocative actions and words in the professional gaming world.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan's Weibo post sparks a backlash from LPL fans and clubs.
• RNG members celebrate Xu Junyan's suspension, but Xiaoming's reaction hints at a potential twist.
• The LPL officials take severe action against Xu Junyan, effectively ending his career in the LPL.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT officially announces Xu Junyan's signing on Korean Instagram, which spreads to Weibo.
• The Royal Hooligans, RNG fans, initially mock Xu Junyan but are later proven wrong by SKT's announcement.
• Some LPL casual viewers, influenced by the Royal Hooligans, initially believe Xu Junyan is guilty but later question RNG's narrative due to lack of evidence.
• The casual viewers become enraged when they realize the truth and engage in a war of words with the Royal Hooligans.

Character Developments

• The Royal Hooligans: Initially arrogant and smug, they become disbelieving and shocked when proven wrong.
• LPL Casual Viewers: They evolve from being influenced by public opinion to questioning RNG's narrative and eventually becoming enraged.

Significant Themes

• The power of public opinion and its influence on perception of truth.
• The importance of evidence and critical thinking in forming opinions.
• The consequences of extreme fan behavior and its impact on the narrative.

Character Interactions

• The Royal Hooligans vs. LPL Casual Viewers: Initially, the Royal Hooligans mock and ridicule the casual viewers who defend Xu Junyan. Later, the casual viewers fight back, leading to a verbal battle.
• SKT and Faker: They confirm Xu Junyan's signing, causing the Royal Hooligans to realize the truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Junyan, after being banned from LPL, joins LCK's SKT, becoming teammates with Faker.
• Xu Junyan trolls RNG fans (Royal Hooligans) on Weibo, causing them to retaliate.
• Xu Junyan receives two new titles: "Stock God!" and "World's Number One Solo Competition Champion".

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan: Shows resilience and confidence in the face of adversity, gains new titles and support from some LPL fans.
• Uzi and RNG fans: Become increasingly frustrated and desperate, resorting to personal attacks against Xu Junyan.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity (Xu Junyan).
• The power of online communities and fan bases (RNG fans and LPL casual viewers).
• The impact of titles and reputations on individuals (Xu Junyan's new titles).

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan vs. RNG fans: Xu Junyan trolls and provokes RNG fans, causing them to retaliate.
• Xu Junyan and LPL casual viewers: Xu Junyan gains support from some LPL fans who appreciate his resilience.
• Xu Junyan and Uzi: Unspoken rivalry and tension between the two players, with Uzi feeling threatened by Xu Junyan's success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT prepares for their upcoming match against KSV, who recently won the World Championship.
• kkOma arranges intense practice matches, with Xu Junyan and Faker debuting together and performing exceptionally well.
• SKT wins 8 out of 8 practice matches, averaging around 25 minutes per match.
• kkOma expresses confidence in their chances against KSV and believes winning will silence critics about Xu Junyan's addition to the team.

Character Developments

• kkOma: Confident in his team's abilities and willing to take risks, as seen in his past decisions that led to successful outcomes.
• Xu Junyan: Shows improvement in his Korean language skills, understanding most of what others say and speaking with better pronunciation.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of expectations and criticism, particularly surrounding Xu Junyan's addition to SKT.
• The importance of winning to prove oneself and silence critics.
• The power dynamics between teams and players, with SKT's three championships contrasting with the perceived lower status of an "foreign aid."

Character Interactions

• kkOma and Xu Junyan: kkOma expresses confidence in Xu Junyan's Korean language skills, and Xu Junyan continues to study Korean.
• Faker and Xu Junyan: They continue their duo queue journey without voice communication.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Junyan's LCK debut is announced via a Weibo post by 'Letme', which fans initially believe is a paid, fake announcement.
• SKT's match against KSV is about to begin, with Xu Junyan set to play as SKT's top laner.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan remains calm and focused, ready for his debut.
• 'Letme' is revealed to be a fan of Xu Junyan, trying to support him against the Royal Hooligans' skepticism.
• The Royal Hooligans, initially mocking and disbelieving, are left speechless and embarrassed as Xu Junyan's appearance on stage confirms his debut.

Significant Themes

• Belief and trust in one's abilities and potential.
• The power of social media and its influence on public opinion.
• The dynamics of fandom and the impact of disbelief and doubt.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan's fans (Yan fans) vs. the Royal Hooligans: A war of words on Weibo, with the Royal Hooligans initially mocking and the Yan fans defending Xu Junyan's honor.
• Xu Junyan's calm demeanor contrasts with the Royal Hooligans' arrogance and disbelief.
• Commentator Roaring Emperor humorously introduces Xu Junyan, highlighting his handsomeness and capturing the audience's attention.

Key Plot Points & Events

• LCK introduces foreign players for the first time, with SKT signing Xu Junyan.
• Fans protest SKT's decision, but many female fans change their stance due to Xu Junyan's appearance.
• SKT's coach, kkOma, is surprised by the fans' reaction.
• SKT and KSV face off in a crucial match; both teams have strong records.
• SKT bans Galio, surprising Xu Junyan, who adjusts his in-game title accordingly.
• SKT picks Sejuani, then Ashe and Braum, surprising commentators and viewers.
• KSV targets mid-lane bans, but SKT continues to pick bottom lane champions.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan gains popularity among female fans due to his looks.
• kkOma is surprised by the fans' reaction to Xu Junyan and shows concern for his team's strategy.
• Blank feels awkward and uncomfortable due to Xu Junyan's arrival and the failed palace intrigue.

Significant Themes

• The impact of appearance and first impressions, particularly in South Korea's idol culture.
• The pressure and expectations on Xu Junyan as the first foreign mid-laner in LCK.
• The strategic decisions made by coaches and the surprise factor in professional gaming.

Character Interactions

• Female fans react positively to Xu Junyan's appearance, changing their initial protest into support.
• kkOma and Xu Junyan communicate about pick order and strategy.
• Blank feels uncomfortable around Xu Junyan due to the recent events and his new role within the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT bans top lane champions in the second round, removing Ornn and Fiora.
• KSV locks in Xayah for Ruler.
• SKT picks Darius and Karma, surprisingly, to support Xu Junyan.
• KSV picks Camille for Upset.
• The game begins with SKT vs. KSV.

Character Developments

• Faker shows strong support for Xu Junyan by picking Karma as support.
• Xu Junyan maintains a calm demeanor despite the pressure.
• Upset is determined to counter Xu Junyan.

Significant Themes

• Support and mentorship (Faker supporting Xu Junyan).
• Pressure and performance (Xu Junyan's first game with SKT).
• Rivalry and competition (SKT vs. KSV, Upset vs. Xu Junyan).

Character Interactions

• Faker and Xu Junyan: Faker shows explicit support for Xu Junyan, picking Karma to protect him.
• Upset and Xu Junyan: Upset is determined to counter Xu Junyan, seeing him as a threat.
• SKT and KSV: The two teams face off, with each team having distinct strategies and compositions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Darius (Xu Junyan) surprises Camille (SKT's mid-lane substitute) near the red buff, initiating a fight and driving her back with his aggressive play.
• Kha'Zix (Ambition) arrives to relieve lane pressure, but Darius engages again, this time with Camille's E skill interrupted, and Ghost activated.
• Darius fights both Camille and Kha'Zix, killing Camille and chasing down Kha'Zix, ultimately killing him with a well-timed level-up and Sejuani's assistance.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan (Darius) demonstrates confident, aggressive play, showing high counter-gank awareness and a willingness to take risks.
• Ambition (Kha'Zix) shows quick reaction and strategic decision-making, but ultimately falls to Darius's calculated moves.

Significant Themes

• Aggressive playstyle and its risks/rewards.
• Calculated risk-taking and strategic decision-making.
• The impact of champion abilities and runes on early-game dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan (Darius) pressures and ultimately kills SKT's mid-lane substitute (Camille).
• Xu Junyan (Darius) chases down and kills Ambition (Kha'Zix) with a well-timed level-up and Sejuani's assistance.
• Xu Junyan (Darius) communicates with Blank, coordinating counter-ganks and preventing unnecessary Flash usage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Junyan (Silence) secures first blood against Upset (CuVee) with a 1v2 play, predicting Kha'Zix's (Ambition) gank.
• Xu Junyan dominates the lane, controlling minion waves and zoning Upset, leading to a solo kill at 5:30.
• Faker supports Xu Junyan's Scuttle Crab attempt, securing a kill on Kha'Zix with a well-timed tether.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan demonstrates exceptional laning skills, strategic thinking, and mechanical prowess, winning over his teammates' respect.
• Upset struggles against Xu Junyan's dominant play, learning from his mistakes and vowing to improve.
• Faker continues to exert pressure mid-lane and supports his teammates, showcasing his versatility and game sense.

Significant Themes

• The importance of laning phase dominance and understanding minion waves.
• The impact of early game deaths on jungler development and team dynamics.
• The strategic value of vision control and objective management.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan and Faker work together to secure objectives, demonstrating strong communication and coordination.
• Xu Junyan's dominance in lane puts pressure on Upset, affecting his gameplay and decision-making.
• The SKT team voice chat shows camaraderie and mutual respect, with teammates praising Xu Junyan's plays.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Faker and Silence (Xu Junyan) gank top lane, killing Ambition and securing a 3-0 score for Darius in 6 minutes.
• SKT's bottom lane also secures a kill, making the score 4:0.
• Xu Junyan manipulates vision to recall undetected and gank KSV's top jungle, killing Ambition again.
• Upset's fans criticize his performance, comparing him unfavorably to Xu Junyan.

Character Developments

• Faker and Xu Junyan display exceptional game sense and coordination, leading to successful ganks.
• Upset becomes more passive and cautious due to his fans' criticism and his team's lack of support.
• Xu Junyan gains confidence as he successfully defends against a gank attempt by Upset and his teammates.

Significant Themes

• The importance of game sense and coordination in League of Legends.
• The impact of fan expectations and criticism on a player's performance.
• The difference in skill and confidence between experienced and inexperienced players.

Character Interactions

• Faker and Xu Junyan work together seamlessly, demonstrating their understanding and trust in each other's abilities.
• Upset's teammates offer support and encouragement, helping him regain his confidence.
• Upset's fans criticize him, affecting his mindset and playstyle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Junyan's Darius secures a triple kill in a 1v4 situation, showcasing exceptional skill and game sense.
• He becomes the first LCK player to achieve a 6-0 score on Darius.
• SKT's mid-laner, Xu Junyan, demonstrates his ability to carry the team, raising hopes for SKT's season.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan: Proves himself as a formidable mid-laner, capable of carrying games and playing various champions, not just Darius.
• Faker: Though not directly involved in this chapter, his association with Xu Junyan through duo queueing hints at his approval and support for the new mid-laner.

Significant Themes

• Carrying: Xu Junyan's performance highlights the importance of a strong mid-laner in carrying the team to victory.
• Teamwork: SKT's players coordinate well to support Xu Junyan's aggressive plays, while KSV struggles with their own coordination.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan and Faker: Their duo queueing history suggests a level of trust and mutual respect between the two players.
• SKT vs KSV: The interaction between the two teams showcases SKT's superior teamwork and coordination, while KSV struggles to keep up.

Key Plot Points and Events

• KSV's top laner, Upset, is heavily losing his lane against SKT's top laner, Xu Junyan, with a CS difference of 63 (100-37).
• Upset is unable to fight back and struggles with Xu Junyan's aggressive playstyle.
• KSV attempts to contest a dragon but is outplayed by SKT, leading to the loss of two top lane turrets and the inhibitor tower.

Character Developments

• Upset's confidence and skill are questioned as he struggles against Xu Junyan, with some speculating he might be "knocked out" by SKT's mid-lane reinforcement.
• Xu Junyan shows improved confidence and skill, pushing his advantage and destroying KSV's inhibitor tower.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between KSV and SKT, with KSV appearing weaker despite their recent championship win.
• The impact of age and experience on a team's performance, with Samsung's decline attributed to age-related factors.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan and Upset's intense top lane rivalry, with Xu Junyan dominating the lane and Upset struggling to keep up.
• KSV's internal communication and decision-making, with Ambition trying to guide his team through the difficult situation.
• SKT's teamwork and coordination, with Faker leading his team to outplay KSV and secure a significant advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT and KSV engage in a slow, operation-heavy match, avoiding fights and focusing on strategic play.
• SKT gains a significant economic lead, with Upset's Camille struggling against Xu Junyan's Darius.
• SKT initiates a Baron Nashor fight at 20 minutes, aiming to finish off KSV.
• KSV contests the Baron Nashor, with Upset attempting to initiate a team fight by locking down Darius.
• SKT flawlessly counters Upset's initiation, killing him and Darius, and pushing into KSV's team.

Character Developments

• Upset's Camille struggles against Xu Junyan's Darius, highlighting the economic disparity and Camille's vulnerability.
• Ambition demonstrates his strategic prowess by commanding KSV's positioning and reminding them of their champions' advantages.
• Faker and Xu Junyan showcase their mechanical skill and teamwork, perfectly countering Upset's initiation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic play and teamwork in League of Legends.
• The impact of economic disparity on champion matchups and team dynamics.
• The tension and excitement of high-stakes, late-game team fights.

Character Interactions

• SKT's commentators, Roaring Emperor and CT, engage in lively and synchronized commentary, highlighting the excitement of the match.
• Faker and Xu Junyan demonstrate strong teamwork and communication, perfectly executing a counter to Upset's initiation.
• Ambition and Faker issue commands within their respective teams, showcasing their leadership and strategic prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT's mid-laner, Xu Junyan (Silence), plays an exceptional game as Darius, securing a quadra kill and leading SKT to a dominant victory over KSV in less than 25 minutes.
• SKT's decisive team fights, perfect coordination, and aggressive pushing lead to the destruction of KSV's inhibitors and nexus.
• KSV struggles to keep up with SKT's aggressive playstyle and falls behind economically, leading to their defeat.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan (Silence): Proves his worth as SKT's mid-laner, showcasing exceptional mechanical skill, game sense, and team play. His performance silences critics and earns praise from casters and fans.
• Ambition (Kha'Zix): Feels ignored and embarrassed as his team focuses on the team fight while he's left to contest the Baron alone.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Coordination: SKT's victory is a testament to their strong teamwork and coordination, with each member playing their role effectively.
• Adaptation and Growth: SKT, once criticized for their weak start to the season, demonstrates significant improvement and adaptation under Xu Junyan's leadership.
• The Power of a Carry: Xu Junyan's dominant performance on Darius highlights the impact a strong mid-laner can have on a team's success.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan and Faker (Karma): Their combination proves formidable, with Faker supporting Xu Junyan's aggressive plays and providing crucial crowd control.
• SKT vs KSV: The match showcases the stark contrast between SKT's aggressive, decisive playstyle and KSV's struggling defense.
• Fans and Casters: Both on-site fans and casters react positively to SKT's victory and Xu Junyan's performance, with many previously critical fans now expressing support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• RNG fans initially mock SKT's loss, claiming KSV threw the game.
• Xu Junyan's fans and Faker/SKT fans unite to defend SKT and Xu Junyan, overwhelming RNG fans with logical arguments and truth.
• RNG fans, triggered, threaten retaliation but are continuously outmatched in the argument.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan's fans gain confidence and unity, feeling supported by Faker/SKT fans.
• RNG fans become more hostile and desperate, resorting to threats.

Significant Themes

• Fan loyalty and unity: Xu Junyan's fans find unexpected support from international fans, fostering a sense of belonging and strength.
• Truth vs. lies: The argument between fans highlights the power of truth over baseless accusations and lies.
• Resilience: RNG fans' ability to bounce back from setbacks is showcased, albeit in a negative light.

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan's fans and Faker/SKT fans bond over their shared support for Xu Junyan and SKT, creating a united front against RNG fans.
• RNG fans and Xu Junyan's fans engage in a heated argument, with RNG fans becoming increasingly hostile.

Key Plot Points and Events

• SKT team members relax after winning the first match.
• Blank tries to ingratiate himself with Xu Junyan, offering him a laptop and inviting him to dinner.
• The second match begins with high anticipation from both SKT and KSV fans.
• KSV bans Darius, Galio, and Ryze; SKT bans Kalista, Gangplank, and Sejuani.
• KSV picks Azir for Crown; SKT picks Trundle for Xu Junyan and Jarvan IV for Blank.

Character Developments

• Xu Junyan maintains a calm and collected demeanor, showing no signs of arrogance despite his impressive first match.
• Blank becomes submissive and tries to curry favor with Xu Junyan, fearing for his starting position.
• Crown, KSV's mid laner, is picked to play Azir, suggesting a change in strategy due to Upset's mental state.

Significant Themes

• The impact of mental state on performance (Upset vs. Xu Junyan).
• The importance of team dynamics and unity (SKT vs. KSV).
• The role of signature picks and champion pool (Trundle for Xu Junyan, Azir for Crown).

Character Interactions

• Xu Junyan and Blank: Xu Junyan maintains a neutral stance, while Blank tries to befriend him.
• SKT team members: They display camaraderie and team spirit, cheering together before the match.
• Fans of both teams: They engage in heated debates and arguments in the live broadcast comments, reflecting the tension and excitement of the match.