Jin's Reponse

Due to the risk of being ganked, Jin didn't push hard during the second minion wave.

"My, for a moment there, I was sure you'll push," Cato said.

"The risk not worth it," Jin said matter-of-factly.

"Yes, that's true." Cato nodded. "But, I expected you to underestimate them all the way. So, I'm glad to see that you're not throwing caution to the wind entirely." 

"Some risks are worth it, some not. Also, I can't fully underestimate them. They managed to give you trouble, after all."

"That's... true, I suppose." Cato's ever-present smile twitched slightly. "But, I assure you, we would've won this game even without you."

"Maybe. But, it's unnecessary risk," Jin argued. "This team should not lose, even in scrims." 

"True, true. After all, we're the 'regional champions', right? We have to win it all, both in scrims and in official games."

"Right."

"So, may I know what's your plan from here on out?" Cato asked. "Are you going to push again in the next wave?" 

"Yes. Once Jungler gone, I push."

"I see." Cato nodded. "Keep in mind that your opponent seems to be an expert in defense, so he might be able to block you. So, please try to not force it too much."

"Unlikely. Defending is all he knows. His skill level not high."

"Perhaps, but we can't rule any possibilities out. This is only the second time we see him in action, after all."

"Hmph. Alright." [Honestly, I wasn't expecting to see a hyper-defensive player on that team. Wasn't "offense" their entire team's mantra? But, turns out they had a "trump card" like this.]

There was no denying that Phoenix's defense stood head and shoulders above the rest of his team's. Even though Jin usually didn't think much of the skill level of anybody in this region, he still had to admit that Phoenix handled the previous push quite efficiently. That technique of drawing the swordsmen to the side required delicate execution, and Phoenix deserved at least a 7/10.

[It seems I'll have to ramp up my aggression.] Jin concluded. [I won't be able to snowball much until I crack this guy's defense. But, will they give me enough freedom to do that?]

Judging by the previous game, Stratus' strategist enjoyed applying remote pressure by making the Jungler stick around Top. In fact, he had done exactly that in the most recent wave, too.

This time, Jin respected the presence of the enemy Jungler and chose to not push. But, was that caution really warranted against opponents of this pitiful level?

[Well, if I want to be objective here, then yes, this warranted some caution.] Jin conceded. [After all, they did push the Leopards team to a corner, and Vanishing contributed plenty toward that.]

Despite Jin's personal feelings about the region's low skill level, he had to admit that a certain degree of caution was required. When Vanishing was nearby, Jin couldn't be as bold as he would have liked to be.

[Well, this round she's in Bot.] Jin analyzed. [And, there aren't any signs of her rotating over here.]

The next minion wave was about to clash in the lane, yet a ward revealed that Vanishing was still hanging around Bot Jungle. And, there was no chance of that reveal being falsified, as Vanishing was playing Drow and not Ninja in this game.

Technically, Drow could also create a "clone" that would be spotted by a ward. However, Drow's clone couldn't move around the way Vanishing was doing right now, therefore she had to be the real deal.

[Even if she starts rushing over here now, she wouldn't make it in time to do anything.] Jin concluded. [Looks like I got myself a free ticket to do whatever I want this round. Good.]

This was a green light to be as aggressive as he wanted this round. Therefore, it was time to go all in!

Most likely, Phoenix will play this round as cautiously as the first one. Nonetheless, there was a good chance that he would also try to hit Jin at least once, just as he tried before.

[No matter how passive of a player he is, I can't imagine any competitive player who wouldn't get at least a little annoyed when his opponent is being so disrespectful.] Jin thought. [So, I'll have to be on the lookout for that.]

Despite that, he executed his usual bold clearing technique as if he didn't have a care in the world. He approached the bowmen, blew them to bits, and then rolled toward the swordsmen to continue the onslaught.

Essentially, he was parading as he pleased on the enemy's turf. No self-respecting opponent would let something like that pass without punishment.

[I hear your steps.] Jin perked his ears to the max. [Here it comes.]

Creak. Creak. Creak. The Druid's footsteps had a distinctive sound to them, that of wood hitting against the ground. Therefore, even without looking, it was easy to tell that the enemy was drawing nearer.

[Now!] Jin turned around and unleashed his Scourge skill. In an instant, his sledgehammer transformed into a thorny metal whip and extended all the way to the enemy!

[Spot on.] Jin nodded in satisfaction. [And, he fired a shot at me, just as I hoped.]

Everything went down exactly as Jin envisioned. Phoenix crept up on him in order to shoot a basic attack, and Jin gladly accepted the damage this time. In exchange, he stunned Phoenix in place with the scourge attack.

Furthermore, Jin's minions got enraged since the Druid's basic attack struck home. They sought revenge for this atrocity and focused their fire on the stunned foe.

The swordsmen wouldn't make it in time to hit the stunned target, but the bowmen quickly got into position and fired one round of arrows. And, since Phoenix didn't get the chance to set up his shield, every shot hit his HP directly.

In the meantime, Jin rolled forward to get away from the enemy minions, who were aggro'd on him. They'll end up catching up to him eventually, but that was fine. This entire play was all about trading HP. And, Jin was confident he'll come far on top in this exchange.

WHISH! Jin lashed at the stunned foe with his scourge! A single strike erased over 15% of Phoenix's HP. On top of that, the bowmen were already nocking their arrows for a second round.

Most certainly, the enemy was sweating right now.

[O-Oh no!] Ben shuddered. [I have to get back to the tower! Fast!]

He rolled away as soon as the stun ended. Since the goal was to reach the Turret as quickly as humanly possible, Ben rolled straight toward the tower area. But, that might've been a very bad decision...

[Oh, he's so close!] Ben gulped. [I didn't realize he got all the way here. The isn't good...!]

SWISH! The scourge crackled once again, hitting Ben in the middle of his roll!

Yes, Apprentece was actually close enough to land that hit, even though Ben was rolling directly toward his tower, inside his own territory. How was that possible?

[Oh, stupid me.] Ben shook his head. [I saw him rolling away from my minions, but I didn't register just how deep he rolled into my territory. He might even hit me one more time after this...!]

Ben finished the roll, but he was almost certainly still within Apprentece's attack range. He couldn't verify that for sure with his back turned to the enemy, but he was almost convinced that this was the case. 

[And, even if I'm not, then he'll catch up to me in no time. Druid is slower.] Ben frowned. [I have to use the shield now.]

Activating Gaia's Protection this early was far from ideal. Like this, the shield might not last long enough to fully tank the minions at the tower. 

However, that was the least of Ben's concerns at the moment. Why? Because SLASH! The whip crackled once more!

This one basic attack shattered Ben's shield to pieces. Yes, just like that, in one single blow.

In fact, the attack was even stronger than the shield. So, not only did it destroy the shield, but it also hit Ben on top of that. The damage was negligible compared to the 15% it would've normally erased, but it was nonetheless a little frustrating.

[It's so strong. I can't even fully shield it.] Ben frowned. [And, now I have no shield against this push...]

Not only did Ben lose over 35% from this entire exchange, but he was also left without his best defensive tool for the upcoming push. Without the shield, it was impossible for him to aggro the minions and tank their hits; he had to leave it to the tower.

[I was completely outplayed this round.] Ben thought. [I told everybody I was going to be "okay", but maybe that's not so true… B-but! I can't lose heart here! I have to do what I can from this position!]

Ben swallowed strongly and pressed on toward his tower. An entire enemy legion was chasing him down, but he ignored them and continued running.

Judging by the footsteps, the Orc stopped chasing him midway. It seemed that Apprentece decided to take a break and get rid of Ben's remaining swordsmen first.

Whish. Slash. Swish. The scourge struck thrice, eliminating one swordsman with every blow.

[This entire play was amazing.] Ben gulped. [He traded 10% of his HP in exchange for taking almost 40% of mine. And, his entire minion wave is still alive...]

In short, the situation was devastating. The enemy minions chased Ben all the way to the tower, thirsting for blood! What a disaster!