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.

truly respected, and seeing her eagerness piqued

gesturing for her to sit across

and often cold man, was agreeing to play chess with

had to prove herself, not just

Four carefully reset the board, his long, slender fingers placing

if he were already envisioning the game

he asked,

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

She pushed her pawn to d4, then

classic strategy, one designed to seize control of the center. She wanted to go on the offensive early and

her choice. Without hesitation, he declined the gambit, solidifying his defense with a pawn move to e6. His style

danced across the board with precision, knights leaping into strategic positions, pawns advancing to create barriers, bishops lurking

unshakable. The tension between them grew thick as Ikenna watched

playstyle became apparent as she launched her bishop deep into Four's territory, threatening his knight. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes

while simultaneously setting a trap. His moves were subtle yet

piece he moved carried layers of intent, like

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

you're as good as I hoped," Nnenna replied, her lips curving into a small

He seemed to anticipate her every move, blocking her

happened. Four miscalculated, or at least, that's what it seemed. He moved his queen to h5, an aggressive

could capitalize on this

wondered, but her instincts told her otherwise. She decided to trust herself and moved her rook into