As Viktor's exclamation reverberated through the hall, a spark of exhilaration ignited within him, manifesting in an infectious grin etched across his face. For someone who had grown up enduring endless sibling rivalries and conflicts, this rush of excitement was a rare and tantalizing sensation. The game of "Chess" lay before him, its intricate pieces and checkered board beckoning him to delve deeper.
Whispers of ancient heroes and tales of far-off lands spoke of the origins of this game, yet within the confines of his own home, it remained an enigma. His father, stoic and reserved, never broached the subject, and the inhabitants of the castle seemed oblivious to its existence. How then, did Viktor possess the knowledge to engage in this cerebral contest? As he gazed upon the checkered board, a flicker of recognition stirred within him, as if dormant memories were awakening from their slumber. Though the rules eluded him, there lingered a familiarity, a sense that he had danced this intricate dance before.
A figure dressed in pristine white approached the table with two rings displayed on outstretched palms. With a ceremonious air, he placed the rings into their hands before stepping back, allowing the gravity of the moment to settle upon them. Confusion furrowed Viktor's brow as he looked up at the man, his curiosity piqued.
"Uh... What exactly is this for?" he asked skeptically, examining the gleaming silver band encircling his finger. The man's warm smile served as an invitation, beckoning Viktor to uncover the mysteries concealed within the ring's intricate design.
"It's an anti-magic ring," the man explained simply, his voice carrying an air of authority. "In previous games, we've encountered players who used mind magic such as telepathy to cheat. With this ring, even tier four magic is rendered null, ensuring a fair game without the risk of cheating." He shifted his focus from the ring to Viktor's eyes, awaiting acknowledgement.
"Did that explanation suffice?" he inquired, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Viktor's mind was elsewhere, processing the information given to him. When the man asked for confirmation, Viktor snapped back to reality, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"I-I apologize... I understand," he stammered, a rosy hue creeping up his cheeks in embarrassment. As the commotion continued, more people gathered around them, eager to witness the unfolding event.
"Is William Jules really fighting against a kid?"
"I always had a feeling about that guy."
"He gives me the chills."
"I heard the kid challenged him."
The whispers and gossip spread through the crowd as they watched with interest.
"Now that I think about it, wasn't that the same kid Mr. M announced as a potential heir?" one voice speculated, breaking through the murmurs of the crowd.
"You mean the one with white hair? He's a prince?" another voice exclaimed in disbelief, drawing curious looks from those nearby.
The murmurs of the small crowd swirled around Viktor, the center of attention as he stood facing his formidable opponent, William. As their eyes met across the glossy wooden chessboard, a sense of anticipation hung in the air.
"What about the girl that was with him?" a third voice chimed in, diverting attention to Viktor's companion.
"I don't know, but she was undeniably beautiful," remarked someone from the crowd, eliciting murmurs of agreement.
"Agreed, she was my type," added an older man, his comment earning him a few sideways glances.
Meanwhile, Viktor couldn't help but overhear the chatter swirling behind him as he glanced back at William, the anticipation building within him. 'This guy must be really good... But it's understandable for people to show concern; after all, I'm just a little kid.'
A wide grin adorned William's face as his gaze remained fixated on the chessboard below. Viktor's breath caught in his throat at the sight. Perhaps he had bitten off more than he could chew. Why had he challenged this formidable opponent in the first place? What did William possess that Viktor desired? Doubts gnawed at his resolve, tempting him to abandon the match then and there.
But then, a glimmer of determination flickered within him. The rune, glowing faintly in one of the bodyguard's pockets behind him, served as a silent reminder of his ultimate goal. The rune wanted Viktor - and Viktor wanted the rune.
The air grew thick with anticipation as both players and spectators alike held their breath, hanging on the precipice of the impending match. With meticulous precision, William completed the setup of the board, each piece finding its designated place.
"No... I'm already committed to this. All I have to do is win," Viktor murmured to himself, a quiet resolve settling over him.
The board, an 8x8 glossy wooden box adorned with alternating squares, served as the battlefield for their cerebral duel. A myriad of figurines, starkly contrasted in black and white, awaited their commands. Viktor's gaze swept over the pieces, absorbing their distinctive shapes, before settling on one figure positioned at the back middle.
"The White King," he whispered. At that moment, memories flooded his mind, fragments of a different life cascading into his consciousness. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing glimpses of a past he hadn't fully comprehended. Viktor had always harbored a nagging sense that his life was not entirely his own, but now, the chessboard illuminated a deeper truth, elucidating facets of his identity that had long eluded him. Amidst the flood of memories, one thing remained clear - his innate talent and love for the game of chess.
William proudly displayed the ring now encircling his finger, then turned to face Viktor. "Ready for your move, kid," he taunted, daring Viktor to outsmart him.
Viktor's hand hovered over the chessboard as he mentally calculated his first move. With a confident gesture, he chose a pawn from the front line and advanced it two steps forward. It was an understated yet strategic move, setting the tone for the game ahead.
As each player made their moves, the tension in the room mounted, the clicking sound of the chess pieces filling the air. In silence, Viktor and William faced off in a battle of wits.
Viktor's strategy unfolded systematically, with William responding in perfect symmetry. But as the game progressed, Viktor noticed a subtle pattern in William's approach. It wasn't just copying - William was meticulously arranging the board to his advantage.
While Viktor's movements were replicated effortlessly by William, each of William's actions seemed to be carefully planned attacks on Viktor's vulnerable spots. With each exchange, Viktor found himself retreating and losing more of his forces while William's position grew stronger.
It was almost as if William could predict Viktor's every move before he even made it. Doubt crept into Viktor's mind - was William truly a skilled strategist or was there something more sinister at play?
As the game dragged on, Viktor's suspicions grew stronger, fueled by the unsettling realization that William was outplaying him at every move. Was his opponent truly a master strategist, earning his reputation as a fearsome competitor? Or was there something more sinister at play?
Despite his doubts, Viktor clung to the assurance given by the man in the suit - cheating was impossible. Yet as William continued to dominate the board, Viktor couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to this enigmatic opponent than meets the eye.
As he pondered his predicament, a mix of frustration and determination coursed through Viktor. True, he was just a child with limited knowledge of the game he found himself caught up in. But deep down, a nagging feeling persisted that there was something hidden beneath the surface. Despite the odds stacked against him, Viktor couldn't ignore his gut instinct.
But voicing his suspicions would be useless; who would believe the words of a mere child? The fear of being dismissed as an immature brat lingered over him, threatening to weaken his resolve.
If he wanted to emerge victorious, Viktor knew he had two options: think faster, think harder, or expose William's cheating. And above all else, recognition for his intellect is what Viktor craved most in life.
From a young age, he had shown a remarkable aptitude for strategy and planning, inherited from his mother who was also a skilled strategist. But Viktor was more than just a bright mind; he possessed an unparalleled ability to anticipate and plan ahead.
And then it hit him - perhaps that was William's gift as well. Maybe he could tap into his opponents' minds and foresee their next move before they even made it? Or perhaps it went beyond that, some extraordinary power of foresight beyond human comprehension?
William, known as "The Champion of Games," held an impressive reputation. But if William was a champion, then Viktor would rise even higher. In ancient tales, champions defeated monsters, beasts, and demons. And if William stood in his way, Viktor was determined to prove himself as a force far more formidable than any opponent could imagine.
With a sudden clarity, the truth of the situation crystallized in Viktor's mind. A fierce determination ignited within him – for while a champion may be formidable, a god transcends mere mortal limitations. He would rise above and become the "God of Games," casting aside William's attempts to belittle and manipulate him.
Viktor's usually relaxed expression hardened at the realization that he had been played for a fool. The disdain for his opponent simmered, threatening to boil over as he pondered the motives behind William's deceit. Was victory so vital to William that he would resort to cheating? What could he possibly stand to gain - glory, bragging rights?
Despite these questions, one thing remained clear to Viktor - he was not one to be trifled with. Though the world, and even the Grishan Empire, barely acknowledged his existence, he refused to be relegated to the shadows. He may have lacked accolades, fighting records, or even a recognizable face, but within him burned an unquenchable fire.
In stark contrast, William's transgressions loomed large. He embodied everything that Viktor despised - a cheat, selfish and devoid of honor. The filth that dared underestimate him needed to be taught a lesson, and Viktor would be the one to deliver it.
"Vikky!" A familiar voice shattered the tense silence and dragged Viktor back from the depths of his thoughts. His lips pulled into a soft smile at first until his gaze fell upon Emeline forcefully making her way through the spectators. The smile vanished in an instant, replaced by steely resolve. It was time to put an end to William's deceit and claim his rightful place as the true master of the game.
She reached Viktor and began playfully punching him with puppy eyes, gradually escalating into more aggressive blows before Viktor sent a small bolt of electricity to shut her up.
To outsiders, it may have seemed like a playful exchange between a crazy sister and her younger brother, until Emeline fell silent. But to William, it was something far more nefarious.
Yet, despite the ring on Viktor's finger supposedly blocking up to Tier Four magic, he still managed to shock her. Confusion and fear flickered across William's face as he watched on.
"Vikky, why did you leave me all alone?" Emeline shouted as she continued to throw punches at Viktor with seemingly no effect. His mind and focus narrowed, blocking out everything else.
"..."
"..." He met William's shocked and confused expression with his own determined one. And if one looked closely enough, they could see one thing on Williams face-
Fear...