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.

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

he said simply, gesturing for her to sit across from

man, was agreeing to play chess with someone he barely knew? It

had to prove herself, not just to him but to

the board, his long, slender fingers placing each

purposeful, as if he were already envisioning the

or black?" he asked, his tone

take white," Nnenna said, knowing that white had

the Queen's Gambit. She pushed her pawn to d4, then to c4, offering Four her pawn as

seize control of the center. She wanted to go on the offensive early and

hesitation, he declined the gambit, solidifying his defense with a pawn move to e6. His style was clear, calculated and cautious, preferring control

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

unshakable. The tension between them grew thick as Ikenna watched the

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

retreating to safety while simultaneously setting a trap. His moves were subtle yet dangerous, forcing

every piece he moved carried layers of intent,

expected," Four said suddenly, breaking the silence. His

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

the weight of Four's intellect. He seemed to anticipate her every move,

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

flaw. She could capitalize

decided to trust herself and moved her