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.

seeing her eagerness piqued his interest. He gave a slight

he said simply, gesturing for her to sit across

stunned silence. Four, the enigmatic and often cold man,

heart raced. She had to prove herself, not just to him but to

seat confidently. Four carefully reset the board, his long,

seemed purposeful, as if he were already envisioning the game

or black?" he asked, his

take white," Nnenna said, knowing that white had the

She pushed her pawn to d4, then to c4, offering Four her pawn as

classic strategy, one designed to seize control of the center. She wanted to go

his defense with a pawn move to e6. His

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

The tension between them grew thick as Ikenna

playstyle became apparent as she launched her bishop deep into Four's territory, threatening his

to safety while simultaneously setting a trap. His moves were subtle yet

that every piece he moved carried layers of intent, like hidden

Four said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, almost

as good as I hoped," Nnenna replied, her lips curving into a

began to feel the weight of Four's intellect. He seemed to anticipate

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

eyes widened slightly as she spotted the flaw. She could capitalize on this and turn the game in

wondered, but her instincts told her otherwise. She decided to trust herself and moved her rook into position, threatening his king. The