The list of the top four teams was finalized, standing like four majestic peaks on the treacherous path to the ultimate throne.
The Capital Gymnasium, after a full day of peak confrontations, temporarily returned to tranquility, but the tension in the air did not dissipate; instead, it weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like the low pressure before a storm.
For the four teams that successfully advanced, a brief celebration was followed by more intensive preparation and strategizing, deeply ingrained.
In the hotel's training area, lights burned brightly all night, permeated by an atmosphere distinctly different from before, much more somber.
The atmosphere in the training room of the 'Breaking Army' team was more like a highly efficient operational command center.
There was no superfluous conversation, only the crisp clicking of keyboards and mice, and Han Feng (Sharp Edge)'s extremely concise commands.
"Vision."
"Control the Dragon."
"Force a team fight."
They had just finished reviewing their match against the Shu Road Mountain, focusing on analyzing the reasons for falling into a passive state in the early game.
Although they ultimately turned the tide, Han Feng's face showed no joy, only a calm analysis as precise as a surgeon's scalpel.
"Our early invasion was anticipated; their vision control was very tricky.
Next time we encounter a similar situation, Wang Hao, your route needs to be adjusted." Han Feng pointed at the map trajectory on the screen.
Wang Hao (Gui Shu) nodded, his eyes sharp: "Understood, they exploited the time difference of that ward."
They showed no particular emotional fluctuation regarding the upcoming Lingnan Tiger.
In the eyes of 'Breaking Army', all opponents were targets to be analyzed and defeated; no matter who the opponent was, their goal was only one—to crush all obstacles with overwhelming force and claim the championship.
Their training focused more on extreme lane pressure, perfect timing for jungle resource control, and how to end the game as quickly as possible when ahead.
This was a cold and powerful self-confidence built on absolute strength.
They were like a war machine preheated to its maximum, waiting only for the command to unleash destructive power.
Compared to the cold rationality of 'Breaking Army', the atmosphere in the Lingnan Tiger team's area was more fervent and full of fighting spirit.
Having just endured a tough battle with Snowfield Wolf, they gained a clearer understanding of their shortcomings and, at the same time, greatly tempered their mentality.
"That wave was my fault, I was too hasty." The ADC player rubbed his hair, recalling several aggressive movements during the match.
"It's okay, winning is what matters." The captain, also the team's shot-caller, patted his shoulder, "'Breaking Army' is not Snowfield Wolf; their ability to seize opportunities is stronger, we cannot afford any more such mistakes."
Their training focused on refining the details of team coordination and strategies for dealing with adversity.
The coaching staff repeatedly played replays of 'Breaking Army's' matches, trying to find a sliver of exploitable weakness in their seemingly flawless operations.
"Look here, after taking the Baron, they habitually recall to update their equipment at this time; we can exploit this time difference..."
"Although their vision is tight, when transitioning offense, this position occasionally leaves a gap..."
The team members gathered, their eyes focused, occasionally offering their own opinions.
They were well aware of the strength gap with 'Breaking Army', but this did not make them fearful; instead, it ignited an even stronger desire to challenge.
They were the fierce tigers of Southern Guangdong, eager to fight against the strongest opponents, even if bruised and battered, they would bite off a piece of the opponent.
This tempered fighting spirit made them like a beast with taut muscles, poised to strike.
The atmosphere in the 'Heavenly Palace' team's training room was exceptionally steady, even carrying a hint of Zen.
They had just come through a macro battle with Changan Prefecture, and although they won, the process was not easy.
"Our tempo could be a bit tighter." The coach pointed at the review data, "There were a few opportunities in the mid-game; if our decisions had been more decisive, the game could have ended ten minutes earlier."
The players listened quietly; no one argued or defended.
As a veteran powerhouse, they possessed rich experience and strong self-regulation abilities.
Their training focused more on tactical diversity and on-the-spot adaptability.
Against the upcoming Forbidden City Peak, they prepared multiple lineup schemes, from early game aggression to late-game team fights, striving to cope calmly in any situation.
"Forbidden City Peak's bot lane is very strong; we need to give more consideration in champion select (BP)."
"Their jungler likes to focus on the upper half of the map; we can consider opening a breakthrough from the bot lane."
The communication was steady and rational, like playing a grand game of chess.
There were no passionate shouts, only the calm strategizing of those in control.
This composure, refined by enduring trials, was their greatest reliance in challenging the throne.
They were like a bottomless ancient pool, calm on the surface, but with surging undercurrents within.
The atmosphere in the Forbidden City Peak team's area was the most complex.
Playing on home turf, carrying the expectations of countless fans from the Capital City, the excitement of narrowly winning a five-game fierce battle had not completely subsided, immediately followed by the immense pressure of facing the giant 'Heavenly Palace'.
"Dragon Soul, that last wave was played beautifully!" Teammates were still savoring the ADC 'Dragon Soul's' incredible performance in the decisive game.
"It's because everyone protected me well." Dragon Soul smiled, but his eyes carried a hint of imperceptible fatigue.
Continuous high-intensity matches, especially the mental exhaustion of the decisive game, took a huge toll on the players.
Their training was filled with a sense of urgency.
The coaching staff, on one hand, had to help the players calm down from the excitement of the intense battle, and on the other hand, had to urgently study 'Heavenly Palace's' tactical system.
"'Heavenly Palace's' macro play is almost flawless; we must play our own tempo and not fall into their rhythm."
"Our mid and jungle need to be more proactive; we can't let them control map resources so comfortably."
The players were exceptionally focused during training, but occasionally showed some anxiety.
Home-field advantage was a motivation, but also a heavy burden.
They yearned to defend their honor on their home ground and prove the strength of the Capital City's esports, a yearning that sometimes transformed into an eagerness to achieve quick results.
They were like a fully drawn bow, full of power, yet stretched to its limit, needing the most precise guidance to shoot the arrow to the bullseye.
Four teams, four distinctly different atmospheres, intertwined and clashed in the confined space of the hotel.
When they met in the corridor, they nodded to each other, and in the instant their eyes met, it was as if sparks flew.
It was a silent competition between top-tier powerhouses, an undisguised craving for the ultimate throne.
As night deepened, the lights in the training rooms remained stubbornly lit.
The clicking of keyboards, the strategizing on whiteboards, the hushed conversations of team members... together composed the most moving symphony on the eve of the finals.
It's the calm before the storm.
This brief tranquility was the last breath before the tempest.
When the sun rises tomorrow, at the Forbidden City Peak, only the true king will have the last laugh.
(P.S.: I'm exhausted, but I still chose to add an extra chapter tonight.
Thanks for Wuchen Jiuying Yemeng's praise tonight, *chuckle* *chuckle*.
After reading this chapter, I look forward to receiving your 'power of love' from Wuchen Jiuying Yemeng.
I hope we run towards each other and don't make me work overtime silently tonight.)