The awe-inspiring glory and clamor of the opening ceremony gradually subsided, but the atmosphere inside the Capital Gymnasium did not cool down in the slightest; instead, it was like a spring compressed to its limit, accumulating even more fervent and intense energy.
The lights focused on the player booths on either side of the main stage, resembling futuristic battleship cabins, with huge circular screens clearly displaying the game footage and real-time player cameras.
The first round of sixteen BO3 (best of three) matches would be conducted in multiple batches, and among the teams scheduled for the first batch were the highly anticipated dark horse, the "Spark" team, and the "Bronze Wine Goblet" team from the ancient Capital City.
At the commentary desk, rigorously trained official commentators were already in place, their voices echoing throughout the venue through high-quality speakers: "Greetings, Summoners, and welcome back!
The exciting moment has finally arrived; let us immediately dive into today's first match, 'Spark' versus 'Lingyun Pavilion'!"
The "Spark" team continued their signature aggressive offensive style.
Their jungler (ID: Prairie Fire) invaded the enemy jungle at the start, attempting to replicate their previous successful strategy.
However, "Lingyun Pavilion," as a strong team from the Eastern Division, had clearly done their homework.
Their vision control was extremely cunning, allowing them to anticipate Prairie Fire's movements, and their mid and top lanes quickly rotated to support, ultimately surrounding Prairie Fire.
"First Blood!"
The system announcement sounded, and Prairie Fire, the jungler, gave up first blood, a poor start to the game.
A gasp of regret erupted from the "Spark" fan section below the stage.
The camera cut to Prairie Fire in the player booth; his lips were tightly pressed, and his face was somewhat pale, clearly not expecting his signature playstyle to be thwarted so early.
In the subsequent game, "Lingyun Pavilion" played steadily, continuously snowballing their early advantage and giving "Spark" no chance to turn the tide.
The "Spark" team's proud fighting rhythm was completely suppressed, and their ADC, Chasing Star, barely had any room to perform.
Ultimately, the game ended in twenty-eight minutes, with "Lingyun Pavilion" taking the first game.
Inside the "Spark" team's player booth, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.
Their mid-laner, Ink Stain, rubbed his temples, while the support quietly discussed the previous game's mistakes with Chasing Star.
After a short break, the second game began.
With their backs against the wall, the "Spark" team adjusted their strategy, opting for a composition more focused on late-game team fights, attempting to stabilize the early game.
This time, they performed well, farming steadily with "Lingyun Pavilion" for twenty minutes, with their gold being roughly even.
The turning point occurred during the team fight for the second Rift Herald.
Both sides gathered in the mid-lane river, and the "Spark" team initially secured a favorable position and started the Herald.
Just as the Herald's health was critically low, the "Spark" team's top-laner (ID: Stalwart Rock) made a fatal mistake—his crucial crowd control ability, [Unstoppable Force], at extreme range, actually... missed!
This missed ability granted "Lingyun Pavilion's" core carry a precious, pressure-free environment to deal damage!
"It's over!" the commentator exclaimed.
"Lingyun Pavilion's" ADC was like a wild horse unleashed, unleashing full firepower and instantly melting "Spark's" front line!
"ACE!"
A zero-for-five ace!
"Lingyun Pavilion" then secured Baron, instantly widening the gold gap to nearly eight thousand.
Inside the player booth, Stalwart Rock stared blankly at his gray screen, his hands leaving the keyboard, trembling slightly.
The camera clearly captured his instantly reddened eyes and his incredulous, self-reproaching gaze.
His teammates beside him were also silent; no one spoke, but the suppressed, agonizing pain of falling short almost overflowed from the screen.
Below the stage, "Spark's" fans were silent, many female fans already covering their mouths.
Old Li, watching via live stream, also couldn't help but sigh: "Ah... what a pity, if that ability had hit, the outcome might have been completely different."
Despite the massive disadvantage, the "Spark" team bravely resisted for a few more minutes, but ultimately, they were unable to turn the tide.
The moment their nexus exploded, Stalwart Rock finally couldn't hold back, lowering his head and quickly wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his team uniform.
Those silent tears were more heartbreaking than any loud sob.
0:2.
The "Spark" team, this team that carried the hopes of countless dark horses, regrettably stopped at the top thirty-two, ending their journey in the National Tournament.
As the members of the "Spark" team walked out of the player booth with their heads bowed, the entire audience gave them a long, enthusiastic round of applause.
This applause was for their excellent performance, and even more so for their courage in giving their all, as well as for the tolerance and encouragement shown to those who made mistakes.
Meanwhile, on another match screen, the battle between the "Bronze Wine Goblet" team and a young team also entered a heated phase.
In the first game, "Bronze Wine Goblet," relying on their rich experience, steadily secured the win through exquisite macro play.
In the second game, the young opponents showed astonishing momentum, taking a game back with their fast-paced offense.
In the decisive game, both sides gave their all.
The match fell into a stalemate for a time, and at a crucial moment, "Bronze Wine Goblet's" veteran support (ID: Old Wine) stepped up, initiating a god-tier Flash engage, controlling three opponents, and opening the door to victory for his team!
"Nice! Old Wine! Still got it!" the commentator shouted excitedly.
Ultimately, "Bronze Wine Goblet" defeated their opponents with a score of 2:1, successfully advancing to the top sixteen!
The five veterans, with an average age of nearly thirty, embraced each other excitedly in the player booth.
Their faces didn't show the wild elation of younger players, but rather a deep sense of emotion from having endured hardships and seeing their dream continue.
Below the stage, their story moved countless spectators, and the applause was prolonged.
The first day of matches continued amidst such complex emotions, interwoven with tears and laughter.
There were teams like "Spark" who left with regret due to mistakes, and also legends like "Bronze Wine Goblet" who advanced with difficulty through resilience and experience.
When all the matches of the first day concluded, eight teams advanced, and eight teams bid farewell.
Under the spotlight were the smiles of the victors; in the shadows, the loneliness and unwillingness of the defeated.
But no matter who they were, the moment they stepped onto this stage and dared to challenge for the highest honor, they had already earned respect.
Mistakes and tears are the most cruel and real aspects of competitive sports; and to rise from mistakes, wipe away tears, and continue forward is the eternal core of the esports spirit.
The smoke of the first day's battles dissipated, but the fight was far from over.
The advancing teams would continue to climb towards the peak, while the departing teams would carry this valuable experience and regret, becoming stronger versions of themselves on their future path.
Because here, there is never a shortage of strong individuals who win matches, and even less a shortage of courage to draw one's sword again after losing a match.