No Matter the Matchup (1)
Elephant looked on with indifferent eyes as the opposing team's Temple collapsed.
〈Victory!〉
As those two longed-for characters appeared before him, elephant and his teammates threw both arms up in the air.
"Wow! That was truly amazing!"
"As expected of Elephant!"
"So this is what a pro gar is like..."
"Thanks to you, I think I'll rank up!"
Despite the outpouring of gratitude and cheers, he simply bowed his head.
"No, the ga was fun."
On the surface, it seed like a humble answer. But the emotions he felt inside were far from it.
When the ga ended and Elephant returned to the lobby, he let out a deep sigh.
"Ah, seriously, this is driving nuts..."
He sat down, rubbing his face with both hands. He had won the ga, but his stress had only built up more.
'Why is this so ssed up?'
That match had been even less satisfying than the previous one.
However, his frown was soon replaced with a self-deprecating smile.
'Who am I blaming right now?'
He knew the reason better than anyone else. The tier, which had once been Grandmaster, had dropped to Master, and now all the way down to Diamond.
There was no way he could be satisfied with Diamond-tier gas.
'How did things even get this bad?'
The coach and teammates all told him it was fine, but he knew the real reason.
His skills were wildly inconsistent.
"It's that damn 'last ga' syndro..."
There wasn't any slumping without reason.
The issue was a jinx that had beco almost like an obsession. Among the fans and community, people called it 'last-ga syndro.'
[-What's up with Elephant?]
[-I checked his match history and his last ga was kind of a throw, lol]
[-Is his last-ga syndro flaring up again?]
[-Aren't anti-fans targeting him on purpose?]
[-When will full-control Elephant co? Only want to play then.]
Those comnts rattled through his mind.
Elephant's performance, surprisingly, was more affected by his previous ga's results than by the current match itself. If he enjoyed a ga to his own satisfaction, he could carry his montum into the next one.
But the opposite was true as well—if he wasn't satisfied, his form would drop. And so, whenever he had an important match coming up, he played ga after ga until he felt satisfied.
'Should I ask the guys for help?'
Today, none of his gas had been particularly satisfying. He considered playing with his teammates, but quickly shook his head.
'You can't keep asking them for favors like that.'
He wasn't the only one who needed to manage his condition. If he dragged his teammates into his sorting-out sessions, it could actually harm them.
'At this rate, am I going to fall to Platinum?'
In the end, he played alone most of the ti.
Depending on team luck, he racked up both wins and losses, and as a result, his tier dropped. At least, queuing as a group in ranked flex felt better with the team's synergy.
'I really shouldn't stay up too late today.'
Elephant glanced at the clock. Even if he managed to have a 'satisfying last ga' after much struggle, if he played too many, his condition would drop and he'd underperform in actual matches.
The increasing ntal burden darkened his expression.
"In the jungle, the elephant is king."
But being a pro, he was skilled at handling his ntality. He slapped his cheeks loudly and stood up.
"Tomorrow, I'm going back to the first division."
He couldn't afford to give up, since the first division promotion match was coming up. With that, he started queueing again, bracing himself.
'Please, let this next ga be a satisfying one!'
The match popped, and he was back at the champion selection screen.
"This is Elephant from TierOne. Let's have a good ga."
He politely introduced himself to his teammates. Thankfully, his reputation as a jungler hadn't been in vain.
While the team thanked and cheered him on, he stealthily scanned the enemy team. And among them, a familiar ID appeared.
"Purple...?"
PerfectPlay.
Even soone not particularly interested in strears like him had heard the na. That's how often this guy ca up in the community.
He was the one who had rediscovered Yami, a champion forgotten by both pros and ranked gas, as well as normal gas.
Elephant, being a jungler too, had even seen 'Perfect Yami' in action before.
[〉Wait? Is this actually Purple?]
[〉Since Geno's here too, looks like the real deal]
[〉Whoa;; this ga's gonna be tough]
[〉But hey, we've got Elephant, lol]
His teammates quickly spotted him and started typing in chat.
'I don't know who Geno is, but if it's Perfect Yami...!'
A spark of excitent flickered in Elephant's eyes. He'd only seen it in videos, but he knew—Perfect Yami's owner, Purple, was the real thing.
'This ga could be the one!'
With champions on random pick, no one knew what would be chosen. But there was no real reason for Purple not to pick Yami.
Full of anticipation, elephant selected his best champion, 'Claw Tracker,' Lagnel.
As his form changed into a scar-covered tiger-human, chat lit up instantly.
[〉Whoa? Elephant's playing Lagnel?]
[〉Lol, and we get to watch this live?]
[〉Elephant, please grab this one by the scruff!]
The picks finished and the background shifted.
But as soon as the enemy team was revealed, elephant let out a gasp.
"... Barzan?"
Instead of a traditional ninja in a gi, he saw the portrait of a domain lord clad in golden armor.
Seeing that, elephant grew a bit gloomy.
"We've got this!"
"Wow, the perfect counter, right here."
"Looks like luck's finally on our side!"
"Just give us commands and we'll follow, no questions asked!"
His other teammates, in contrast, raised their voices with confidence.
By coincidence, lagnel was the counter pick to Barzan.
* * *
anwhile, Lee Gyeongbok was also checking out the enemy team's picks.
― Insane;;; They picked Lagnel
― Of all tis, the counter pick, sheesh
― What about compatibility?
― Lagnel's that strong?
― Elephant's best jungle champ
― This match is gonna be a sweatfest, lol
Viewers watching the champion picks couldn't hide their worries.
'Is it really that bad?'
Lee Gyeongbok was puzzled. No matter how bad the matchup, couldn't it be overco with skill?
― MP. GG win rate 29%:71%;;;
― Barzan's at 71?
― No, lol, lagnel is at 71%!
― If the two clash 10 tis, lagnel wins almost 7 tis
― It's not called a counter for nothing
― But if it's Purzan, maybe things'll be different?
One of the viewers, perhaps to help those new to Mystic League, posted the win rates.
"Ssshh, of all things, it's Lagnel."
Geno frowned and spoke up, imdiately drawing everyone's gaze.
"It's not that I doubt our boss's skill. But if it was just against any player, fine—but Elephant is the problem."
― Lol, if it were a regular player, no one would worry
― Honestly, elephant's way better than Diamond;;
― He's a specialist at carnivorous junglers, lol
― If he loses the gank and jungle fights, it gets too tough;;
― They'll have to clash eventually, that's for sure
Elephant was a master at predatory, gank-and-fight oriented junglers like Lagnel. He'd likely hunt Lee Gyeongbok rather than just focusing on farming.
With chat agreeing, geno turned to Lee Gyeongbok and said,
"I don't know what shape you're in today, but if you're feeling strong, it'll be hard to guarantee a win."
"Then I, your loyal retainer, shall assist you."
Suddenly, Eclipse butted in. Gyeongbok smiled and waved his hand.
"No, I can't leave top lane unattended."
― Knight Mode ON!
― It was so natural that I wondered why he was refusing, lol
― Seriously, what's with the concept?
― Right, you absolutely have to defend top
― If he takes off his helt, he'll probably be sulking, lol
-???: Haaa, my lord has dismissed ...
― Lol, yeah right
Eclipse's line lightened the mood. Gyeongbok smiled as he issued commands.
"Let's look at the long ga here. Everyone, focus on farming your lanes."
"Huh? But what if they invade?"
"My lord, it's dangerous for you to roam alone!"
With that order, both his teammates and the chat beca worried again.
― Going into the jungle alone against Lagnel?
― Shouldn't everyone group up to defend?
― Yeah, in ranked, invades are more likely
― Lol, surely Godple has a plan
Gyeongbok quickly explained,
"To be frank, there is a skill gap between the teams. Even just by tier alone, it's clear."
With those words, two Gold players made awkward faces. Gyeongbok waved his hand with a smile.
"I'm not blaming you. It's just that if a 5v5 breaks out right away from an invade, we're likely to suffer more. It's actually easier for to retreat if I'm moving alone."
The enemy team had one Diamond and four Platinums. Team PerG-Day had three Golds.
Even if you left out Eclipse, the difference couldn't be ignored.
"Hmm... Got it. But please call for support anyti."
"If you seek , I'll co without hesitation."
Eventually, the team agreed and spread out to their lanes. Gyeongbok headed for the jungle.
"Hopefully, elephant cos alone."
― Please let the enemy team act separately, lol
― No matter how good Godple is, 1v5 is too much
― I'd be reassured if it were Perfect Yami
― Lol, barzan's not doing 1v5, no way
― Godple actually gets worried?
Viewers took his words as concern. But that wasn't it for Gyeongbok.
"Actually, I just want a 1v1 against Elephant."
This filled chat with question marks. 1v1? But Lagnel is a counter—didn't he just explain that? Had he already forgotten what he'd said?
"Maybe you don't know, but I was once preparing to be a pro gar too."
He answered with a laugh.
"I'm curious how skilled current pros are."
-?
― Godple, you wanted to be a pro gar?
― You didn't know? Are you not Korean?
― What? Is he a dual citizen?
― Lol, dual nationality
― If you didn't watch the live interview, you must be a foreign Matjji
― Oh, didn't TierOne try to recruit him too?
― If he'd gone pro, he'd have been Elephant's senior, lol
― Purple senpai!
― Get rid of him!
The viewers recalled his personal story.
― But then he might not have beco a serious gar?
― These days, pros can still stream though, lol
― That sort of parallel universe wouldn't be 'Perfect'
― Lol, is this the 'Perfect-universe'?
― Purple confidence is really admirable!
He showed zero nerves against a pro. His usual attitude reassured his viewers.
That mood beca even more solid.
"Oh, it's not a level 1 invade."
On the minimap, the enemy champions were showing up on each lane. The feared 1v5 was not going to happen.
But the viewers' comfort was short-lived.
Suddenly, Gyeongbok stopped and rolled his eyes.
-????
― What's this? Is he hinting at sothing?
― What's he seeing?
― I don't see anything?
― Lol, what would a Trooper see anyway
There was nothing odd to be seen.
Which made Gyeongbok all the more delighted.
'So this must be what being a pro gar is like.'
His divine energy sensed the threat radiating from Elephant.
But it wasn't visible, nor were there any rustling sounds from the bushes.
'Let's see...'
Gyeongbok pretended to look around, stealthily showing his back.
At that very mont, lagnel literally 'pounced' from the bush.
A leap easily five ters high, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. The effect of Lagnel's passive skill, 'Sky Ambush.'
'Getting used to falling from that height couldn't have been easy.'
Elephant's assault was frighteningly fast, but Gyeongbok's reflexes were quicker.
He swiveled his body and quickly analyzed Elephant's approach.
'Even in the air, he controls his balance. He's not scared and faces head-on.'
This wasn't just a pro in na. A smile crept to his lips.
"Wow."
With a 'clang' of steel and a soft exclamation. Gyeongbok's spear had deflected Elephant's claw.
― Whoa, lol
― He was already stealthed!?
― What kind of reaction speed is that!
― Are they setting up for a legendary fight right from the start?
― Wild stuff!
Viewers gasped in awe. Elephant, apparently impressed, also smiled.
"This is Elephant from TierOne. I was hoping to see Perfect Yami, but it's a little disappointing."
Attacks followed the greeting. Gyeongbok swung his spear to block and replied.
"Oh? So you know ?"
"I'm a jungler, after all."
The conversation continued alongside intense exchanges, but their breathing was steady. Gyeongbok soon spoke again, a little sheepishly.
"Uh, sorry. This is actually my first ti hearing of Elephant..."
He considered bluffing, but chose honesty. After all, it would be clear he didn't know anything when the VOD ca out later.
― You're roasting him here?
― What kind of ntal ga is this, lol
― Is this smurf actually taunting a pro gar?
― Perfect Deceit ON!
― Did you know? Purzan has a skill called Deceitful Breath!
― This is a player passive skill!
Viewers burst out laughing at the unexpected exchange.
"Is Coach Baek Kangmin still around?"
"How do you know the director?"
"Oh, he's a director now, huh?"
The ongoing Q&A had viewers grinning even more.
― Lol, calm, casual conversation while fighting!
― They're making small talk because it's awkward not to recognize each other, lol
― Isn't this bone-breaking, not ice-breaking?
― Bone break, lol
― So Godple really was a pro gar trainee
― Wait, does that an Director Baek knows Godple personally?
But that was only for a mont. As the skirmish intensified, both fell silent.
― Whoa;;; Elephant is crazy good too
― His form's really good today?
― But looking at the skill matchup, this is rough;;
― Lagnel sticks so close
― He needs to, so the skills get locked out, lol
― The only reason he's still going is pure chanics
― Yeah, if it were just regular Barzan, he'd be insta-gibbed lol
Barzan's skills were largely useless in close combat. Knowing that, elephant never gave up any space, so Gyeongbok had to rely purely on spear skills.
'A weakness isn't really a weakness.'
And Elephant, more than anyone, experienced that firsthand. Every ti he thought he'd found an opening, it was already closed off by the spear.
More than once, he was lured in and nearly had a heart attack. It only sharpened his concentration.
"I heard your form is inconsistent, but you're not at full power right now, are you?"
At that, elephant hesitated and had to retreat.
― Gasp
-???: Not the level I was expecting
― Is this a ntal fight instead of a jungle fight, lol
― You know Purzan deals "emotional" damage instead of magic?
― It's not magic damage; it's damage to the heart
― But for real, he's so calm not even Elephant can respond
― They haven't even landed a clean hit on each other, wow
― Elephant's shocked by Perfect Deceit!
Viewers took it as Deceit. But Elephant felt sothing different.
'He figured out my condition just from that?'
No matter how much of a slump he was in, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
That only showed up in pro gas.
'Is he just poking, or does he really know...'
Instead of replying, elephant launched another offensive. During the exchange, Gyeongbok planted his flag and spoke again.
"If you get a little pumped up, you'll probably do even better."
A smile appeared on his lips.
There was no mockery or arrogance, just a pure, genuine enjoynt.
But despite that smile, the mood changed drastically.
'His stance?'
Up until now, Gyeongbok had held his spear short to encourage close combat.
But during that brief lull, he had switched to a longer grip.
It was a subtle change to an outsider, but Elephant noticed instantly.
"Here I co."
With those words, Gyeongbok's spear ca rushing in.
Elephant hurriedly raised his claw to parry the completely changed spear trajectory.
'Completely...'
With the sound of tal scraping, sparks exploded and his vision was montarily whited out. In that instant, a chill ran down his spine.
The spear blade coming from his blind spot—he instinctively raised his arm to block.
'This is different!'
With the flag's movent buff and the altered spearwork, elephant was suddenly driven to the edge.
If not for his pro experience and the skills he'd developed dealing with his jinx, he would have already lost.
But that only bought him ti, not a different result.
"Gah!"
The first blow landed, his health bar falling sharply. But he smiled.
'This is it.'
The shock, the awakening sense of danger, survival instincts reignited—his senses grew sharp all over again.
He realized at once.
'This is what a real "last ga" feels like!'
Compared to previous "last gas," this was on another level.
If before he'd been swimming underwater, relying on any tool just to breathe, now he felt like he was standing fully on land.
"Looks like you're feeling a bit better now."
Seeing Elephant's expression, Gyeongbok withdrew lightly, twirling his spear. Elephant grinned back at him.
His champion was a tiger-man, so his large fangs were on full display.
"There's sothing Coach Baek Kangmin used to say a lot. Does he still say it?"
Gyeongbok laughed and set his stance.
"Gas are supposed to be fun."
"He still says that all the ti."
With that, elephant charged in. Their battle was now on a different level entirely.
And it wasn't just those two.
― Is this fight for real?
― This isn't a joke, my chest is swelling up, lol
― How is this a no-items early jungle fight?
― Lol, if it's Godple and Elephant, who needs items?
― This is epic, lol
The viewers were loving every second.
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