They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 14: The Game of Minds

Ikenna's face darkened as he realized the inevitability of defeat. No matter which move he made, Four's next would be checkmate.

"Checkmate," Four said, his voice steady as he slid his queen into position.

Ikenna leaned back, stunned. "I underestimated you."

"You really did." added Nnenna.

The man smirked, his eyes meeting hers briefly before turning back to Ikenna. "You didn't underestimate me. You overestimated your control."

The room was silent for a moment as the reality of the game sank in. She found herself clapping softly, unable to hide her admiration for the sheer brilliance she had just witnessed.

Ikenna stood, slapping Four's shoulder with a grudging smile. "I'll win next time."

Four simply nodded. "We'll see."

As the pieces were reset, she couldn't help but ask, "How did you do that? I thought you were losing!"

Four smiled faintly, unlike his usual indifference. "Chess isn't just about what's happening now. It's about what could happen five moves ahead. You don't win by reacting. You win by planning."

She nodded, letting his words sink in. This wasn't just a game of chess, it was a battle of minds. And this man's mind had proven sharper.

"I want to play against you next," Nnenna said, her voice brimming with determination as her eyes locked onto the chessboard. She had completely forgotten about their physical therapy session in her excitement.

Four, sitting across from her with his ever aloof expression, paused to consider her challenge.

few things he truly respected, and seeing her eagerness piqued his interest. He gave a slight nod, his face reverting

he said simply, gesturing for her to sit across

interaction in stunned silence. Four, the enigmatic and often cold man, was agreeing to play chess

had to prove herself, not just to him

carefully reset the board, his

move he made seemed purposeful, as if he

he asked, his tone

knowing that white had

bold opening, the Queen's Gambit. She pushed her pawn to

control of the center. She

hesitation, he declined the gambit, solidifying his defense with a pawn move to e6.

into strategic positions, pawns advancing to create barriers, bishops lurking

between them grew thick as

into Four's territory, threatening his knight. She leaned forward

setting a trap. His moves were subtle yet dangerous,

that every piece he moved carried layers of intent, like hidden puzzles waiting to be

Four said suddenly, breaking

Nnenna replied, her lips curving into a small smile. She wasn't intimidated. In fact, she

game progressed, she began to feel the weight of Four's intellect. He seemed to anticipate her every move, blocking her attacks before they could gain traction. His control over

what it seemed. He moved his queen to h5, an aggressive position

could capitalize on this and turn the game in her

moved her rook into position,