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.

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

simply, gesturing for her to sit

enigmatic and often cold man, was agreeing to play chess with

prove herself, not just to him but to

took her seat confidently. Four carefully reset the board, his

if he were

black?" he asked,

take white," Nnenna said, knowing that white had

pushed her pawn to d4,

to seize control of the center. She wanted

a brow, impressed by her choice. Without hesitation, he declined the gambit, solidifying his defense with a pawn move to e6. His style was clear, calculated and cautious, preferring control over

pieces danced across the board with precision, knights leaping into strategic positions, pawns advancing to create barriers, bishops lurking like predators waiting for an

them grew thick

launched her bishop deep into Four's territory, threatening his knight. She leaned forward

while simultaneously setting a trap. His moves were

layers of intent, like hidden puzzles

I expected," Four said suddenly, breaking

I hoped," Nnenna replied, her lips curving into

to anticipate her every move, blocking her

miscalculated, or at least, that's what it seemed. He moved his queen to

as she spotted the flaw. She could capitalize

a trap?' she wondered, but her instincts told her otherwise. She decided to trust herself and moved her rook into position, threatening his king. The room