Inside JD Gaming's club.
"Doesn't it feel like TES isn't giving us any pressure at all?" Hope rubbed his fingers together. The second game had been broken open straight from the bottom lane, making the win come far too easily.
To be honest, today's JackeyLove was equivalent to Uzi back in the day — the goal that many ADCs chased after.
Not only because JackeyLove had won a Worlds championship, but also because of his oppressive laning ability.
It was just that after leaving IG, he never seemed to find a truly suitable support…
The reputation was huge, but the results never followed.
"They swapped players — both support and top lane," Yagao said while gnawing on his finger, his voice slightly muffled.
"Dine, right? Then the bottom lane pressure drops again. Doesn't that mean bot lane is free?"
"TES being in bad shape overall is normal. Otherwise they wouldn't be on a five‑loss streak," JDG's coach shot Hope a glare. "We're here to train. This is just a scrim."
They'd all been playing professionally for years — winning one scrim and already getting this cocky?
Everyone knew the 'scrim kings' were TSM. They were nearly invincible in World's scrims.
And what about on stage?
They got farmed for experience every single time and still hadn't made quarterfinals.
Scrims were reference only. The real goal was finding your own problems. Using scrims to judge opponents was pure stupidity.
Hope shut up after getting scolded.
Fine — then they'd just keep smashing TES's bot lane in game three.
369 listened quietly, feeling a wave of emotion.
He used to be TES's top laner. Later, the coach had pointed at him and scolded him for 'rebellious phase syndrome', while jungler Karsa had mocked him — "Is it really that hard to practice one champion for a whole split?"
His confidence had been shattered.
For a time, he genuinely believed he was just a second‑rate top laner.
Yet after leaving TES, he found his confidence again at JDG.
The coach trusted him. He could pick whatever champion he wanted.
Now JDG had three wins and sat fifth in the standings.
Compared to TES's five‑loss start and last place, the difference was night and day.
Life really was unpredictable.
"Brother Fan, are you nervous about this scrim?"
"Not nervous," Lin Fan shook his head.
"Then why aren't you talking? We've been communicating for ages. If I can get Draven this game, I'll play him — you should pair me with a hard‑engage support."
"Yeah, Brother Fan, communicate more," Wayward said excitedly.
After all, Duke had lost both games. If Wayward played well and won this one, his standing with the coach would rise.
"…"
At that moment, Lin Fan's attention was completely on Earth Online.
Yes — he had two windows open.
One was the Earth Online PC client. The other was the League of Legends client.
That was why he hadn't said a word since entering the lobby.
With two losses already on the board, the team atmosphere was tense. Lin Fan's silence only made it worse.
JackeyLove tried to ease the mood by getting Lin Fan to say something.
At the same time, Luo Sheng walked up behind Lin Fan.
"Don't be nervous about scrims, just play normally—"
He stopped mid‑sentence.
Because he saw Lin Fan's screen.
He was actively playing another game.
This was a scrim.
Skipping solo queue and playing other games was one thing — doing it during scrims was another entirely.
Was this a challenge to his authority?
Coaches weren't delivery boys like in S3 or S4 anymore.
They had real power.
Even star players weren't exceptions.
For example, SMLZ had been benched immediately after clashing with his coach.
Once core interests were threatened, these 'minor' losses didn't matter.
Fine. After this scrim, Lin Fan could be sent straight to the academy team.
Luo Sheng's face darkened.
Mark had already noticed Lin Fan's multitasking.
In his heart, he could only give a silent thumbs‑up.
Impressive.
Scrimming while multitasking in front of the coach — truly the first in the league.
Lin Fan could only sigh helplessly.
The rewards were just too good, and time was limited. This fish absolutely had to be touched.
Robot. Vladimir. Even bonus awareness and mechanics.
Skipping this task would be something he'd regret forever.
With both sides ready, the ban‑pick phase began.
Blue side: TES.
Red side: JDG.
TES banned Jayce, Zoe, Renekton, Aphelios, and Ornn.
JDG banned Draven, Poppy, LeBlanc, Jarvan IV, and Jinx.
"Coach, what support should I pick?"
Seeing JackeyLove lock in Zeri, Luo Sheng initially wanted Lin Fan to pick Yuumi.
But after glancing over — and seeing Lin Fan still playing Earth Online — he snapped:
"Pick whatever you want."
After today, you're gone.
"Okay."
Lin Fan immediately locked in Heimerdinger.
"A wise choice," he nodded. Any other support would just get crushed — Heimer could at least fight back.
"Brother Fan, what is this?" JackeyLove finally broke. Seeing Heimerdinger completely shattered his composure.
"It's fine. I've tested this pick. It's strong."
On JDG's side, everyone exploded.
TES's comp was obvious — Irelia top, Viego jungle, Viktor mid, Zeri ADC.
That Heimerdinger was clearly support.
But no matter how you looked at it, Heimerdinger didn't belong in support.
Messing around in scrims?
"Didn't Dine queue into Uzi yesterday? Picked Heimer support and made hot search."
"Really? Then stay sharp. Might be something new. Let's learn from it." The coach patted Missing on the shoulder.
JDG locked in Kennen last.
Their final lineup:
Top: Kennen
Jungle: Lee Sin
Mid: Corki
Bot: Kai'Sa + Rakan
"Brother Fan, how do I play Zeri with Heimer support? This is my first time."
"Don't rush. I'll handle the poke. Rush level two — once we hit two, we fight."
"Really works?"
"It works. Heimer support is strong."
TL: If you want to read ahead by at least ten chapters, patreon.com/EdibleMapleSyrup