After four years away, the King has finally come home.

Kielvj “Kielvj” Hernandez has signed with AP.Bren for the upcoming MPL Philippines Season 17, the team announced on Sunday afternoon.

The 21-year-old mid laner will transition to the EXP lane for the rising squad, taking over for Jhon “JM” Sebastian. Along with the role change, he has also been appointed team captain, tasked with anchoring the lineup with his championship pedigree and veteran leadership.

“Siguro katulad nun na nag-jungle ako, ‘yung kaya kong knowledge na maitulong kay Pangks, kahit minimal 'man, tatry ko tumulong. Kasi lahat naman tayo goal natin dito manalo eh,’ Kielvj said.

He last suited up in the league during Season 10 with Omega Esports before spending the following split in the MDL Philippines. After that stint, he took his talents overseas, continuing his career on foreign soil.

The two-time MPL PH champion with Sunsparks then suited up for Bleed Esports in MPL Singapore, before becoming one of the first to compete in China with Xianyou Gaming and DianFengYaoGuai.

He now joins a relatively intact roster led by James "Jamespangks" Mendoza, alongside Arvie "Aqua" Calderon, Jan "Shizou" Valdez, Denniel "xNova" Gomez, and Jerry "Chovskrt" Nicol, giving the squad continuity as it integrates its new captain.

Guiding the squad as well is new head coach Karl "Giee" Barrientos, who returns home after multiple stints abroad. He is best known for steering RSG Philippines to the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup title in 2022.