No matter who acts, there is always a consideration of the future involved.
Dark Rising fears the terrifying power of All Gods, the gods from various factions are wary of making moves too seriously, afraid it will make them lose leverage in negotiations with the Immortal King; the pawn is cautious, worried that defeating the Immortal King might make him unhappy, thereby inviting trouble for himself.
Life is a one-way journey, all things experienced are like that speeding train; once missed, one can only disembark at the alternative stop.
"You had reservations, not placing your black piece at the most opportune moment, where it should have been placed."
"Winning against me was not your initial goal; you ought to carry through your belief. If you can't achieve this, you'll never accomplish what you truly desire."
"In your lifetime, how many goals do you have? Achieving just a few is already commendable."
The Immortal King imparted wisdom while playing against the pawn.
