At the moment when the motto carved on the rock wall of the Baron Pit was discovered by players, triggering a wave of emotion across the entire internet, the central figure of the event—"Sun-Chaser Bow" Zhang Wei—was lying in a hospital bed, undergoing another round of arduous chemotherapy.
His body was weak, and his spirit was also under immense pressure.
However, when his family and visiting teammates carefully told him everything that had happened online, especially the special commemoration made for him by the officials and the news of countless strangers praying for him and being moved by his story, a long-lost brilliance rekindled in the eyes of this young man tormented by illness.
Tears silently streamed down his cheeks, but they were no longer tears of despair; instead, they were tears mixed with emotion, relief, and immense solace.
He had never imagined that his post, a momentary emotional outpouring, would cause such a huge chain reaction, nor had he expected that the officials of the game he loved would respond to the voice of an ordinary player like him in such an extremely romantic and respectful manner.
After his physical condition stabilized slightly and his spirit received a great boost, Zhang Wei insisted that his family help him log into his long-unused forum account.
He posted a new thread, titled:
["Thank You All, My Light!" — To All Summoners and Riot Games Who Care About Me]
The tone in the post was no longer one of previous sorrow and despair, but rather filled with gratitude, peace, and a transcendent strength:
"To all Summoner friends, and all staff at Riot Games, I am 'Sun-Chaser Bow' Zhang Wei.
First, please allow me to use all my strength to say: Thank you!
Thank you all for illuminating my path in the darkest moment of my life with countless messages, blessings, and Ashe's Volley in the game.
I read every single one; although I couldn't reply individually, every bit of your kindness was like a ray of light, warming me and giving me immense courage.
Thank you to my teammates, the brothers of 'Dawn Team.' I'm sorry I couldn't walk onto the Star Sea Cup stage with you, but our dream will never fade.
My greatest thanks go to Riot Games officials.
When I learned that you specifically took down the servers for me to leave an eternal mark in Summoners Rift, I cried for a long time.
Those weren't tears of sadness; they were tears of happiness.
I never thought that the passion of an ordinary player like me could receive such a solemn and gentle response.
The words on that rock wall are what I most wanted to say to this world and to all who love games.
Life may be short, but passion and kindness can be eternal.
Thank you for allowing my passion to remain in the world I love most, in this way.
My condition remains severe, and the road ahead is difficult.
But please rest assured, I will actively cooperate with treatment and bravely continue on, carrying all your blessings and strength.
Because I know that in another world (referring to Summoners Rift), there will always be a place for me.
I also ask all Summoners who are striving for life and dreams to cherish the present, cherish the companions around them, and wholeheartedly love and pursue.
Regardless of the outcome, the process of striving and the burning passion in one's heart are themselves the most precious treasures.
Finally, thank you all again.
May Runeterra forever be filled with love and courage.
—Your friend, Sun-Chaser Bow."
This heartfelt letter of thanks once again ignited the player community.
Countless people were moved by his strength and gratitude, and the wave of blessings grew even stronger.
The official account also left a comment under the post: "Keep fighting, Summoner! The Rift will always await your return!" and attached a customized "Unwavering Heart" icon with a bow and arrow design, which was gifted to the "Sun-Chaser Bow" account.
At the same time, those players and organizations that had spontaneously organized fundraising and offered help previously also received private thanks from Zhang Wei and his family.
This online event, sparked by a tragedy, ultimately evolved into a grand symphony about life, passion, kindness, and respect, with its positive social impact far exceeding the game itself.
And with the warm conclusion of the "Sun-Chaser Bow" incident, public attention, carrying this much purified and peaceful mood, once again turned to the upcoming esports feast.
The Star Sea Live platform and Riot Games officials timely released a joint announcement:
[The Star Sea Cup league of legends Invitational will officially kick off in one month!]
The announcement clearly stated that this competition would be broadcast exclusively on Star Sea Live throughout, and it released the complete list of participating teams, group stage groupings, and final offline venue information.
Officials emphasized that this Star Sea Cup aims to create the highest-spec third-party event in the country, providing a stage for all professional and semi-professional teams to showcase their strength, and will continue to explore the infinite possibilities of esports commercialization.
Perhaps influenced by the "Sun-Chaser Bow" incident, the tone of this event's promotion, in addition to the competitive passion, also added a touch of respect for dreams and reverence for life.
Officials even included a shot at the end of the promotional video showing representatives from all participating teams standing solemnly in front of the virtual Summoners Rift Baron Pit as a silent tribute to the warrior who could not participate.
The clamor of capital, the enthusiasm of players, and the attention of the media once again focused on the Star Sea Cup.
But this time, beneath the clamor, there was an added layer of strength and warmth that had settled.
Everyone looked forward to seeing what new legends would unfold a month later, when various powerhouses gathered in that virtual canyon, which also carried a life story.
The storm is about to rise again, and this time, the wind carries warmth.
(P.S.: Thanks to Can Garbage Novels Be Recommended? for the Update reminder, thanks to Can Garbage Novels Be Recommended? for two love letters, and thanks to Xiao Jiu'er 6349 for generating power for love.