Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG initiates a team fight at the Baron pit, decimating KT's team.
• Lucian (Xu Cheng) carries EDG with a triple kill, eliminating Jarvan IV, Xayah, and Rakan.
• EDG secures the Baron Nashor and pushes to KT's mid lane high ground, leading to a team wipe.
• EDG destroys both Inhibitor turrets, and KT surrenders, ending the game at 22:58.

Character Developments

• Lucian (Xu Cheng) reaches peak performance, carrying EDG with his damage output and decision-making.
• EDG demonstrates their synergy and teamwork, executing plays flawlessly.
• KT's players, particularly Mr. Dai, show signs of mental breakdown after the loss.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and synergy: EDG's victory is a result of their cohesive teamwork and understanding of each other's playstyles.
• Carry potential: Lucian's ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a team fight highlights the importance of a strong carry.
• Mental fortitude: KT's players struggle to maintain their composure under pressure, while EDG remains focused and determined.

Character Interactions

• EDG members communicate effectively, coordinating their actions during fights and pushes.
• KT's players struggle to communicate and coordinate, leading to their downfall.
• Lucian (Xu Cheng) and Jarvan IV (Scoer) have a tense exchange, with Lucian ultimately eliminating Jarvan IV.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG defeats KT 3-0 in the Quarterfinals, eliminating them from the tournament.
• EDG's victory is celebrated as the potential dawn of a new dynasty.
• Xu Cheng and Meiko are invited for a post-match interview.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng and Meiko maintain their composure and professionalism after the victory.
• Yu Shuang shows excitement and support for EDG's win.

Significant Themes

• The clash between China's (EDG) and Korea's (KT) strongest teams.
• The bitterness and unwillingness felt by KT after their loss to EDG.
• The excitement and jubilance of EDG members after their victory.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Meiko shake hands with KT members after the match.
• Xu Cheng and Meiko are interviewed together by Yu Shuang.
• Meiko feels envy towards Xu Cheng's possible relationship with Yu Shuang or Rita.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG defeats KT 3-0 in the Quarterfinals, eliminating them from the World Finals.
• Xu Cheng and Meiko participate in a post-match interview, expressing their feelings about the victory and their former teammates on KT.
• Xu Cheng confidently states that he is confident in defending the S Tournament championship and achieving a Grand Slam and Complete Grand Slam.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng shows confidence and arrogance in his interview, stating that he is watching Deft and Pawn "sitting down."
• Meiko expresses envy and blessing towards Xu Cheng's potential to achieve a Grand Slam and Complete Grand Slam.

Significant Themes

• The complex relationship and grudges between EDG and KT.
• Xu Cheng's confidence and ambition in defending the S Tournament championship and achieving a Grand Slam and Complete Grand Slam.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Meiko interact during the interview, with Meiko showing envy and blessing towards Xu Cheng's potential achievements.
• Xu Cheng and Yu Shuang interact during the interview, with Xu Cheng showing a sense of humor and confidence in his responses.

Summary of Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG defeats KT 3-0, advancing to the World Finals.
• EDG fans and LPL viewers celebrate and hype up EDG's potential two-time championship.
• EDG veterans Mr. Dai and Fat General join the team, reuniting with old teammates.
• EDG's commercial success and Xu Cheng's influence are discussed.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng's fame and influence continue to grow.
• Mr. Dai and Fat General's past relationship with Xu Cheng is revealed.
• Pawn reflects on his career and potential to match Faker's three championships.

Significant Themes

• EDG's dominance and potential for a two-time championship.
• Xu Cheng's impact on the esports scene and EDG's commercial success.
• The reunion of EDG veterans and their past with Xu Cheng.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng ignores Factory Director's attempts to reminisce about their past.
• Mr. Dai and Fat General join the EDG bus, causing some discomfort for Deft and Pawn.
• Abu asks Mr. Dai and Fat General about their plans for next year, causing them to reflect on their past with EDG.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Abu, EDG's coach, reveals his intention to defend the three-time championship title.
• Abu plans to poach Deft and Pawn from other teams to strengthen EDG's roster.
• Scout, EDG's mid-laner, expresses his desire to leave EDG and return to the LCK.

Character Developments

• Abu: Ambitions to defend the three-time championship title, strategic planning for EDG's future.
• Scout: Confirms his intention to leave EDG, seeks to prove himself in the LCK.
• Ai De Zhu (EDG's boss): Initially skeptical of Abu's plan, becomes tempted by the idea of defending the three-time championship.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination (Abu's desire to defend the three-time championship, Scout's wish to prove himself in the LCK).
• Team dynamics and loyalty (Scout's longing for his teammates, Abu's consideration for Scout's feelings).
• Career aspirations and opportunities (Scout's desire to return to the LCK, Abu's plan to strengthen EDG's roster).

Character Interactions

• Abu and Ai De Zhu: Abu shares his plans with Ai De Zhu, who initially doubts but later supports Abu's vision.
• EDG members: Scout discusses his intention to leave EDG with his teammates, who understand and support his decision.
• Abu and EDG members: Abu considers the potential departure of Scout and other players, planning for EDG's future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• RNG, favored by many, underestimates G2 and loses to them 2-3 in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Championship.
• G2's victory is met with shock and backlash from the LPL audience, who were expecting an easy win for RNG.
• RNG issues an apology, but fans demand the match recording to see if there were internal conflicts.
• EDG witnesses RNG's fall and understands the high expectations and potential backlash they face.

Character Developments

• RNG's loss leads to a significant shift in public opinion and increased pressure on the team.
• EDG members feel the weight of expectation and the potential consequences of losing, motivating them to perform better.

Significant Themes

• The high expectations and pressure on LPL teams, especially EDG.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents and the importance of preparation.
• The impact of public opinion and fan reactions on teams and players.

Character Interactions

• EDG members discuss RNG's loss and the potential backlash they face if they lose.
• Meiko and Ming Kai engage in friendly banter, with Ming Kai emphasizing the importance of winning.
• Factory Director remains silent but thinks about his future plans as a coach.

• EDG advances to the semifinals after RNG's elimination.
• EDG attends IG's match against AFS to show support and study their potential semifinal opponent.
• IG defeats AFS 3-2, securing their spot in the semifinals and setting up a potential LPL region championship final against EDG.
• EDG returns to the hotel to prepare for their semifinal match against G2.
• The S8 semifinals slots are confirmed: EDG vs. G2 and IG vs. FNC.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. EDG advances to the semifinals.
2. EDG attends IG's match to support them and study AFS.
3. IG defeats AFS, setting up a potential LPL region championship final.
4. EDG returns to the hotel to prepare for their semifinal match against G2.

Character Developments

1. EDG members show support for IG, demonstrating their team spirit and camaraderie.
2. EDG members express their determination to defend their championship title.

Significant Themes

1. Brotherhood and camaraderie among LPL teams.
2. Determination and focus on championship defense.

Character Interactions

1. EDG members discuss and analyze IG's match against AFS.
2. EDG members congratulate IG after their victory.

Upcoming Events

1. EDG's semifinal match against G2.
2. Potential LPL region championship final between EDG and IG.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG travels to Gwangju for the semifinals, facing G2.
• The LPL fans and officials have high expectations for EDG to win and represent the region's strength.
• The atmosphere at the venue is intense, with a mix of Chinese and European fans.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Murder) gains immense popularity and becomes a symbol of EDG's strength and the LPL's hope.
• Aphelios from G2 shows humility and respect towards EDG, unlike his online arrogance.

Significant Themes

• The pressure and expectations on EDG to represent the LPL and secure a win.
• The intense rivalry between the LPL and other regions, with fans eager to see EDG triumph.

Character Interactions

• EDG and G2 members greet each other backstage, showing familiarity from their past encounters.
• Xu Cheng and Aphelios exchange brief words, with Aphelios expressing hope for an easy match.
• The audience interacts with both teams, with Xu Cheng receiving the most fervent cheers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The 2018 World Championship semifinals begin with a promotional video featuring EDG, G2, IG, and FNC.
• Xu Cheng's segment in the video emphasizes his dominance and confidence in EDG's victory.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng: Confident and arrogant, he believes EDG will win and sees no possibility of defeat.
• Perkz (G2): Determined to prove himself on the world stage.
• Rookie (IG): Reflects on IG's journey and the pressure of representing EU.

Significant Themes

• Dominance and confidence: Xu Cheng's belief in EDG's invincibility.
• Proving oneself: Perkz and IG's desire to show their strength on the world stage.

Character Interactions

• No significant interactions in this chapter, as it focuses on individual reflections and promotional material.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG and G2 face off in the semifinals of the S Tournament.
• EDG bans G2's signature picks, including Aphelios' recent favorites.
• EDG picks Xin Zhao as their top laner, surprising everyone as Xin Zhao is typically played in the jungle.
• EDG locks in Lee Sin as their jungler, confirming Xin Zhao as the top laner.
• Both teams secure their desired compositions, with aggressive playstyles.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (EDG's top laner) shows confidence and adaptability by playing Xin Zhao in the top lane.
• EDG as a team sticks to their aggressive playstyle, not changing despite G2's strategy.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and adaptability in the face of strong opponents.
• Aggressive playstyle and team dynamics.

Character Interactions

• EDG members discuss their pick and ban strategy, showing teamwork and mutual respect.
• The audience interacts with both teams, showing support and excitement for the match.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Both teams unexpectedly lined up for an early skirmish.
• EDG's Xin Zhao (Xu Cheng) attempted a level 1 invade into G2's jungle.
• G2 was well-prepared with wards, anticipating EDG's move.
• Xu Cheng's Xin Zhao retreated at the last moment, avoiding G2's vision.
• G2's players, believing EDG was grouped, retreated upon seeing Xin Zhao.
• Xin Zhao charged at G2, causing them to retreat further.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (EDG's Xin Zhao) displayed exceptional game awareness and intuition.
• G2 showed strong team coordination and strategic retreat.

Significant Themes

• Early game aggression and invades.
• Team coordination and awareness.
• Psychological warfare and deterrence.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's Xin Zhao and G2's players had a tense, unseen standoff.
• G2's players reacted to Xin Zhao's presence, leading to a chaotic retreat.

• G2, despite their arrogance, are secretly terrified of EDG, particularly Xu Cheng (ID: Murder).
• Xu Cheng tricks G2 by making them waste time and resources, causing them to lose minion waves and experience.
• G2's mid and bot laners suffer due to the lost experience, putting them at a disadvantage.
• Xu Cheng's aggressive jungle playstyle, including a level 1 counter-jungle and a successful First Blood, puts EDG at an early advantage.
• G2's jungler, Jarvan IV, is killed by Xu Cheng, further boosting EDG's morale and economy.

Key Events

1. Xu Cheng's trickery causes G2 to lose minion waves and experience.
2. Xu Cheng's aggressive jungle playstyle results in a First Blood for EDG.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (ID: Murder) continues to display his strategic and aggressive playstyle.
• G2's jungler, Jarvan IV, shows poor decision-making and is easily defeated by Xu Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The importance of experience and minion waves in the laning phase.
• The impact of aggressive jungle play on the game's early dynamics.
• The psychological effect of fear and intimidation on a team's performance.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng's interactions with G2's jungler, Jarvan IV, highlight his dominance and G2's weakness.
• G2's internal communication shows their growing panic and desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Zhao (EDG) gets First Blood and solo-kills Jarvan IV (G2).
• EDG's mid and bot laners also secure kills in their respective lanes.
• EDG's aggressive playstyle leads to a successful level 2 dive in bot lane, resulting in a double kill for EDG.

Character Developments

• Xin Zhao (EDG) demonstrates exceptional early-game aggression and decision-making.
• G2 struggles to adapt to EDG's aggressive plays and coordination.

Significant Themes

• Aggressive early-game playstyle and coordination.
• The importance of quick decision-making and adaptation in competitive gaming.

Character Interactions

• EDG members showcase strong teamwork and coordination, with each member supporting and complementing the others' plays.
• G2 struggles with communication and coordination, failing to effectively respond to EDG's aggressive plays.

Key Plot Points & Events

• EDG's bot lane executes a daring play, with Xin Zhao (Xin) timing his abilities to hit raptors and dive the turret, securing two kills.
• EDG's top and jungle (Xu Cheng as Lee Sin and Xiang Guo) attempt a gank on Sion (Wunder), dealing significant damage and forcing Sion to Flash.
• Xu Cheng, as Xin, pokes Wunder down to critical health and kills him, securing another solo kill.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Buddha Lord) demonstrates exceptional laning ability and game sense, further solidifying his status as a global superstar.
• Wunder (G2's top laner) struggles against Xu Cheng's aggressive and skillful play, leading to his tilt.

Significant Themes

• EDG's aggressive playstyle and teamwork.
• Xu Cheng's exceptional laning ability and game sense.
• The impact of early game advantages and snowballing.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng and Xiang Guo work together to attempt a gank, showcasing their synergy and communication.
• Xu Cheng's Xin Zhao causes constant trouble for the enemy team, demonstrating his presence and influence on the game.
• Wunder struggles against Xu Cheng's aggressive play, leading to his tilt and eventual death.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Cheng (Xin Zhao) dominates the top lane, pushing G2's top laner (Sion) and jungler (Jarvan IV) to their limits.
• EDG gains a significant gold lead (2000 gold at 7 minutes) due to lane pressure.
• G2 executes a clever lane swap, top and bot lanes switching, to relieve pressure and catch EDG off guard.
• Aphelios (Irelia) in the mid lane fights Scout (Orianna) and nearly gets a solo kill, showcasing G2's resilience and fighting spirit.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng (Xin Zhao) demonstrates exceptional pressure and roaming skills, creating momentum for EDG.
• Aphelios (Irelia) proves to be a formidable carry, displaying aggressive play and mechanical skill.
• G2's team shows strategic prowess and resilience, adapting to EDG's pressure and turning the tide.

Significant Themes

• The importance of early-game pressure and snowballing leads.
• Strategic adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
• The role of individual skill and carry potential in determining a game's outcome.

Character Interactions

• Xu Cheng (Xin Zhao) and Jarvan IV (G2's jungler) engage in a constant power struggle, with Xin Zhao dominating.
• Aphelios (Irelia) and Scout (Orianna) have a tense mid-lane rivalry, with Aphelios gaining the upper hand.
• EDG and G2's teams clash in a battle of strategy and resilience, with G2 finding their footing after a successful lane swap.

Key Plot Points and Events

• G2's mid-laner Aphelios finally scores a kill, evening the score with EDG.
• EDG's top-laner Xu Cheng (Xin Zhao) returns to the mid lane to gank Aphelios, but Aphelios Flashes away.
• Xu Cheng provocatively walks into the turret range, forcing Aphelios to retreat.
• EDG secures the Rift Herald, planning to place it in the mid lane to collapse G2's defense.

Character Developments

• Aphelios overestimates his abilities, leading to a costly Flash and retreat.
• Xu Cheng demonstrates aggressive and strategic play, turning the tide of the game.

Significant Themes

• Overconfidence leading to mistakes (Aphelios).
• Strategic aggression and provocation (Xu Cheng).
• The importance of team coordination and objectives (EDG's Rift Herald plan).

Character Interactions

• Aphelios and Xu Cheng have a tense standoff, with Xu Cheng's aggressive play provoking Aphelios into retreat.
• EDG's team shows strong coordination and communication, planning to secure the Rift Herald together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• EDG wins the first game against G2 in a dominant fashion, destroying G2's base around the 27th minute.
• EDG wins the second game even more decisively, leading 2-0 in the BO5 semifinals.
• EDG's victory is celebrated by LPL fans, while G2 faces intense pressure.

Character Developments

• Xu Cheng gains significant attention for his skills and appearance, becoming a trending topic online.
• EDG members become more confident but are reminded by Abu to stay focused.

Significant Themes

• The pressure of high-stakes esports competitions.
• The impact of fan expectations and online attention on players.
• The importance of staying focused and humble in the face of success.

Character Interactions

• EDG members celebrate their victories together, with Xu Cheng becoming the center of attention.
• Abu reminds the team to stay focused and not become complacent.
• LPL fans express their excitement and support for EDG, while G2 fans face the reality of their team's struggles.

Key Plot Points & Events

• EDG defeats G2 3-0 in the S Tournament semifinals.
• EDG's victory is absolute, demonstrating their superior skill and crushing G2.
• EDG advances to the S Tournament finals, one step away from creating history.

Character Developments

• EDG members grow more confident and excited about their chances of winning the tournament.
• G2 members, especially Aphelios, are devastated by their loss and elimination.

Significant Themes

• The gap in skill between EDG and other teams is vast, leading to a one-sided match.
• EDG's journey this year has been unprecedented, with a chance to create a world-shattering miracle.

Character Interactions

• EDG members celebrate their victory and upcoming finals appearance together.
• EDG and G2 players shake hands after the match, with G2 members showing their pain and despair.

• EDG secures a spot in the S8 finals, an unprecedented achievement in the S Tournament's history.
• Abu overthinks about the potential impact of EDG winning the championship.
• Xu Cheng is interviewed by the LCK crew, with Park Ji-sun, an LCK host, showing clear bias towards him.
• Xu Cheng's interview is filled with praise and admiration from Park Ji-sun, causing a stir among viewers.
• Xu Cheng shares his philosophy: "As long as I'm not dead, I can turn the tables," which resonates with fans and puts pressure on other professional players.

• EDG wins 3-0 against G2, securing their spot in the World Championship finals.
• Xu Cheng expresses his hope to meet IG in the finals, igniting excitement among LPL fans.
• EDG returns to their hotel to prepare for the final battle, while the world celebrates their advancement.
• Memes and public opinion explode with excitement and anticipation for the LPL civil war in the finals.
• IG defeats FNC, confirming the LPL civil war in the finals.
• EDG and IG begin targeted research and practice matches for the grand finals.
• Riot Games announces the championship skin choices for the star members of both teams, sparking intense discussions and debates among fans.