《CHECK-MATE》 The Board CHECK-MATE CHAPTER 1: THE BOARD The Mind of a Genius Narration by Kaoru: "Chess" "64 squares. 32 pieces. 16 on each side. Black and white. A silent war waged in wood and time." "An infinite number of possible moves. More than atoms in the observable universe. I know each one of them." "Since I was little, I have always been fascinated by chess. A game of kings. A game of destinies." "A natural genius... they said." "Until that day." "That day." [Fade to the past] The Day the World Met Kaoru Shimizu The TV displayed overlapping images: scenes of chess games, statistical charts, and at the center, a recording of a boy sitting in front of a GrandMaster. His black eyes were as deep and empty as a black hole. Reporter: "Today, the world of chess witnesses an unprecedented feat. Kaoru Shimizu, at only 2 years old, has just become the youngest chess player in history to join OME ¨C the World Organization of Chess Players." "During the tests, he defeated veterans in less than 20 moves." The camera cuts to a snippet of the game: the opponent, a renowned chess player, wipes his brow nervously. He moves a piece. Little Kaoru, sitting in a chair too big for him, takes less than three seconds. With a cold gaze, he moves his queen. The GrandMaster freezes. He realizes too late. Reporter: "Checkmate." The broadcast shows the OME auditorium, where experts watch the replay of the game in absolute silence. Some are gaping; others, frowning. Reporter: "Kaoru does not hesitate. He does not stutter. He sees the game as if he had played that match a million times before even beginning." [Cut to the Shimizu living room] Kaoru''s mother, Sayaka, turns off the TV, sighing. ?? Sayaka: "Son, enough TV." Kaoru swings his legs on the sofa, his gaze fixed blankly. ?? Kaoru: "Mom, I want ice cream." ?? Sayaka: "Now? It¡¯s late, Kaoru." ?? Kaoru: "Yesss... daddy?" Ryuji Shimizu, his father, answers the phone. ?? Ryuji: "Yes, Victor. Yes... of course. We''ll stop by there afterwards." He looks at his wife and smiles. ?? Ryuji: "Let''s go out a bit. Our little champion deserves a little ice cream."
The Accident [Inside the car] The sky was dark, heavy clouds gathering over the city. Winter was punishing the streets with a damp and silent cold. Kaoru stared out the window, drawing a chessboard on the fogged glass. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ?? Ryuji: "So, son? Everything okay back there?" Kaoru didn¡¯t reply. He simply traced a line with his finger on the window. BEEEEEEEEEEP! The shrill honk of a truck shattered the silence of the night. ?? Sayaka: "Ryujii, look ¨C !" Everything happened too fast. BAM! The impact struck the car like a brutal punch of fate. The world spun in slow motion. The glass shattered. The engine roared and coughed smoke. Kaoru saw confused flashes¡ªhis mother¡¯s body thrown against the dashboard, his father¡¯s arm trying to hold him, the world spinning, the sound of twisting metal. PLOP¡­ PLOP¡­ PLOP¡­ Something warm dripped on his cheek. Blood? Rain? He didn¡¯t know. The car stopped spinning. An overwhelming silence took hold. In the front seat, Sayaka tried to turn her head, her trembling eyes meeting Kaoru¡¯s. ?? Sayaka (whispering): "K-ao-ru¡­" Her eyes closed. Kaoru cried. He screamed in distress. But he was strapped into his car seat, unable to do anything but watch his parents¡¯ lifeless bodies. Then, everything went black.
The Hospital ¨C Silence and Emptiness The hum of hospital machines was the only sound in the room. The heart monitor blinked in rhythmic patterns. BEEP¡­ BEEP¡­ BEEP¡­ Kaoru slowly opened his eyes. The white ceiling of the hospital reflected the cold light. [Outside the room] ?? Nurse: "And his parents? Were they saved?" ?? Doctor (in a low voice): "No. They didn¡¯t make it." The world should have collapsed for Kaoru, but he felt nothing. His gaze fell on the empty chair beside his bed¡ªwhere his parents should have been. But they weren¡¯t. A distant sound¡­ something fell to the floor. PLINK. A tear? Or just the hospital IV fluid? He didn¡¯t know.
The Road to the Orphanage The social worker¡¯s car slid along the wet road. The engine purred softly as raindrops trickled down the window. ?? Social Worker: "Are you hungry, Kaoru?" No answer. She reached into the back seat and extended something. ?? Social Worker: "Here. I heard that your favorite chess piece is the knight." Kaoru held the piece, but didn¡¯t look at it. He simply continued staring out the window. Outside, a chessboard painted on the ground in a square was being washed away by the rain. The car drove on. ?? Social Worker: "Welcome to Hoshikawa Orphanage, Kaoru."
The First Game ¨C Checkmate The pieces moved on the board. The surrounding audience murmured. ?? Spectator 1: "This boy... he¡¯s not just playing." ?? Spectator 2: "He''s dissecting the board." Kaoru showed no reaction. His eyes were fixed on the pieces, like a predator studying its prey. The GrandMaster in front of him hesitated. He realized too late. Kaoru moved his queen. Checkmate. The silence in the room was deathly. Kaoru did not smile. He did not celebrate. He simply adjusted the sleeve of his coat and stood up. From the back of the room, a gray-haired man smiled. ?? Haruto Nakamura: "This boy... doesn¡¯t just play chess. He understands it." Meanwhile¡­ [At the Cavalo Building (France) ¨C Headquarters of the Order of the ¡°Knights¡±] ?? Daisuke Ren (urgently): "Grandmaster, you need to see this, the world of chess is in an uproar!" Galahad raised an eyebrow but did not take his eyes off the board. He moved a piece with precision before finally reaching for the tablet. On the screen, a video with millions of views displayed Kaoru Shimizu¡¯s game. The caption read: ?? "Young prodigy overwhelmingly defeats a GrandMaster with ease." The recording shows Kaoru in front of the board, his gaze cold and calculating, his moves as if he had played that match a trillion times before even looking up. The opponent¡¯s expression, struck by shock, is captured at the end of the recording, where the king piece falls in a deadly silence. Galahad watched without blinking. Then, he placed the tablet on the table. ?? Galahad Kreuz (calm, but intense): "Could he be that boy who joined OME at 2 years old? What are the odds..." ?? Daisuke (excitedly): "He could be one of the best players in the world one day, if we manage to recruit him to our Order¡ª" ?? Galahad (interrupting, his voice as firm as steel): "You''re looking at this the wrong way." ?? Daisuke frowned. ?? Galahad: "It¡¯s not about recruiting him. He is already one of the best players in the world. The question is: will he be our ally... or our enemy?" "The International Championship is approaching. Who will be the new International Master (IM)..." TO BE CONTINUED¡­
Chapter II - The Return of the King CHECK-MATE

Chapter II ¨C The Return of the King

1. School Life and a New Friendship Kurogane Academy ¨C Room 25, Computer Science Class The soft hum of computers and the ticking of the clock on the wall filled the classroom, blending with the muffled murmurs of the students. Professor Hideo Tanaka, a man with sharp features and an analytical gaze, removed his glasses and ran a hand over his chin, looking at the class. Professor Tanaka: "Alright, everyone! We¡¯re at the end of our lesson. For next week, I want you to form pairs and prepare a handwritten paper on the evolution of quantum computers." The students began shifting in their seats, already anticipating the next announcement. Professor Tanaka: (raising a finger) "And before you ask, no, you cannot use AI. The Copyright AI will detect any attempt to cheat. Be creative, research, and write it by hand. Understood?" The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Immediately, the classroom became an organized chaos¡ªchairs being pushed, backpacks zipped up in a hurry, and students pairing up naturally. Sitting at the back of the room, Kaoru Shimizu remained still, his gaze fixed on the blank computer screen in front of him. As usual, no one approached him. Until an unexpected voice interrupted his thoughts. ??? "Hi!" Kaoru lifted his eyes and found a cheerful girl standing next to him. ??? "I¡¯m Hanna!" Her amber eyes sparkled with warmth, and her brown hair fell in soft layers around her face. Kaoru hesitated. Hanna: (tilting her head slightly) "Would you like to team up with me?" Kaoru blinked. Kaoru: "W-With me?" Hanna: (laughing) "Yes! Looks like we¡¯re the only ones without a partner." He averted his gaze, hesitating. He was never good at social interactions. Kaoru: (quietly) "O-Okay." Hanna: (excitedly) "Great! What¡¯s your name again? Karu?" Kaoru: (quickly correcting her) "Kaoru. Kaoru Shimizu." Hanna: (smiling again) "Nice to meet you, Kaoru!" A brief silence filled the air. Hanna took out her phone and handed it to him. Hanna: "Give me your number? That way, we can schedule a time to work on the project." Kaoru hesitantly typed in his number. Hanna: (putting her phone away) "Thanks! See you later, Kaoru." (she waved and left the classroom) Kaoru followed her departure from the corner of his eye. Whispers started spreading in the room. Student 1: (whispering) "Hanna? Talking to Kaoru?" Student 2: (chuckling) "And he accepted without freaking out?" Kaoru ignored the comments and began packing his things. Then, a loud chant echoed from the hallway.
2. The Conflict with Renji Takahara Kurogane Academy Hallways "Chess! Chess! Chess! Chess!" The sound echoed through the corridors, making several students turn in the direction of the commotion. A group of four boys advanced with energy. At the front was Renji Takahara, a tall young man with messy blond hair and an arrogant smirk. He moved confidently, as if he owned the place. Reaching the doorway of Room 25, he stopped and scanned the classroom with a predatory gaze. Renji: (crossing his arms) "Alright, folks! I¡¯m recruiting a chess player for my team. We¡¯re competing in the school tournament and making a ton of money. Anyone interested?" The room fell silent for a moment. Student 1: "How much is the prize?" Renji: (smirking) "10,000 €. But as the leader, I get 5,000 €. The rest you guys can split among yourselves." There were murmurs and some discreet laughter. Kaito, one of the group members: "Boss, we can use the Rating Scanner to find a good player here." Renji: (patting his friend¡¯s shoulder) "Good idea, Kaito!" He pulled out his phone and activated the Rating Scanner, pointing the camera at the students. Numbers began appearing above people¡¯s heads: 809, 763, 210, 103, 918¡­ 0. Renji frowned. Renji: (raising an eyebrow) "Zero!?" The room erupted into laughter. Renji: "Who¡¯s the loser with a ZERO rating?" He slowly approached, and the screen revealed the answer: Kaoru. Renji: (laughing loudly) "Hey, loser, you¡¯ve got ZERO rating! How are you even alive?" The entire class laughed. Kaoru didn¡¯t react. Renji: (shaking his head in mock disappointment) "What a waste!" He turned his attention to another student. Renji: (looking at the scanner) "You, with 918! What¡¯s your name?" Student: "Takeshi Hoshino." Renji: "Great! You¡¯re in my team now. Don¡¯t mess up, got it?" The group left, still chanting. "Chess! Chess! Chess!" Kaoru remained still, his fists clenched under the desk. Then, something in the air shifted.
3. The Mystery of Kaoru¡¯s Aura Kurogane Academy Hallways Souta Kazami, the Student Council President, walked calmly down the corridor, accompanied by his advisors Riku Asano and Mizuki Hayashi. Suddenly, he stopped. Souta: (frowning) "Did you feel that?" Riku: (glancing around) "Feel what?" Souta: (whispering) "A pressure¡­ a killing aura." He slowly turned his head and locked eyes with Kaoru, leaving the classroom. With each step Kaoru took, the air around him grew heavier. Souta instinctively took a step back. Souta: (thinking to himself) "This... this feels like a Master¡¯s aura. But how? In this school?" Kaoru walked past without saying a word. Souta: "Hey, you!" Kaoru stopped. Souta: "What¡¯s your rating?" Before he could answer, another student laughed. Student: "He¡¯s a zero! The scanner showed it!" But Souta ignored the laughter. He, more than anyone, trusted his instincts. And something about Kaoru was different.
4. The Return to Chess and the True Flame Takamura City ¨C Road to Hoshikawa Orphanage The orange sky of the evening blanketed Takamura¡¯s skyscrapers, reflecting off the massive LED screens scattered throughout the city. Kaoru walked in silence, hands in his pockets, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the asphalt. Then, something caught his eye. On the giant screen of a building, a bold advertisement appeared:
"The International Chess Championship is Coming!Incredible rewards for only the best players!Register now via QR Code."
Kaoru kept walking... His gaze, empty, seemed lost in the vibrant lights around him. But inside, something began to stir. Renji¡¯s words echoed in his mind...
"Zero rating.""What a waste!"
His fists clenched. It didn¡¯t matter. As he turned the corner, he felt it. Tick. Tock. It was a subtle sound, yet powerful. A rhythm he recognized. His eyes scanned the street until he saw it. In Shirogane Square, a small crowd had gathered around a wooden chessboard. At the center, two players faced off. One was a young blind boy, the other, an elderly chess master. Kaoru stopped. His eyes locked onto the board, and then something strange happened. The moves started appearing in his mind before they were even made on the board.
e4... Qf6... Ra5...
The old man moved his rook. The blind boy moved his queen. Checkmate. Kaoru blinked. The crowd applauded, but he remained frozen. Why...? Why did he know the moves before they happened? ??? "Do you like chess, kid?" The deep voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Kaoru turned to see the old man with white hair and a serene expression. Haruto Nakamura. Beside him, the blind boy, Shun Sukeda, smiled slightly, tilting his head in Kaoru¡¯s direction as if he could sense his presence. Kaoru felt the weight of the question. Did he like chess? For a moment, the answer was at the tip of his tongue. But then, he turned his back and walked away. The truth was¡­ ¡­he didn¡¯t know if he wanted to play again.
5. The Choice ¨C Hoshikawa Orphanage in Danger Hoshikawa Orphanage Hoshikawa Orphanage, Kaoru¡¯s home since childhood, was located in the oldest district of Takamura. Small but cozy, it had always been a refuge for children who had nowhere else to go. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. As he approached, Kaoru sensed something was wrong. The yard was empty. No children playing. No laughter. His chest tightened. Climbing the stairs, he heard raised voices coming from the director¡¯s office.
??? "...we don¡¯t have enough funds anymore! The government has cut support, and donations have decreased!"??? "We have to find a solution, Sayuri!"
Kaoru recognized the voices. Sayuri: (desperate) "If we don¡¯t get more money, we¡¯ll have to close the orphanage." Kaoru felt the world collapse around him. Close the orphanage? He held his breath. His feet carried him to his room, their words hammering in his mind.
"No... I can¡¯t let this happen."
His gaze landed on the phone on his desk. His heart pounded. The ad he had seen earlier...
"The International Chess Championship is Coming."
Kaoru picked up his phone and typed in the search bar:
www.ome.com
The screen lit up.
"Welcome to the World Chess Organization (OME)."
A button flashed:
[LOGIN OR RECOVER ACCOUNT]
Kaoru hesitated. He knew he had been part of the OME before. His mind vaguely recalled the stories he had heard as a child¡ªthat he was a prodigy, that his talent was unnatural. But he had never truly understood it. There was only one way to find out. He clicked "Recover Account."
"To recover your account, solve the Quiz Identify."
Kaoru narrowed his eyes. This test... OME would show one of his old matches, and he would have to replay every move correctly. Kaoru took a deep breath. A position appeared on the screen. And then, without thinking... His fingers started moving on their own.
e4... Nc6... Qf6... Ke8... Qf7... Checkmate.
The screen flashed.
"Congratulations. Identity confirmed."
A new voice emerged from the phone.
"Welcome back, Kaoru Shimizu."
"I am CODE, your artificial intelligence assistant."
Kaoru¡¯s mind went blank. An AI inside OME¡¯s system? Before he could react, CODE¡¯s voice continued.
"I detected your absence for 15 years, 2 months, and 22 days since your last recorded match."
Kaoru¡¯s eyes widened.
15 years?
CODE: "Your current rating is 2300. But with proper training, you could reach a rating of 3200 or higher." Kaoru felt a chill run down his spine. Even after all these years¡­ He was still far above the average. And then, the decision came naturally. Kaoru: "CODE, register me for the Regional Championship." CODE: "Registration confirmed. Your first match will be this Sunday at 4 PM." He took a deep breath. Now, everything made sense. He wouldn¡¯t play just for himself. He would play to save his home. The King had returned to the board.

6. The First Tournament ¨C The Rebirth of a Genius

Regional Championship ¨C Takamura Dome The hall was packed. Large screens broadcasted the matches live. The best regional players were there. At the center of the arena, Kaoru sat across from his first opponent. Alex Shy, rating 2650. The clocks were adjusted. The referee raised his hand. Referee: "Begin!" Kaoru closed his eyes for a moment. And then¡­ Tick. Tock. His fingers began to move. The pieces glided across the board with surgical precision. The audience murmured. Kaoru was playing like a machine. Alex started sweating, analyzing each move carefully. But before he knew it... Checkmate in 23 moves. The hall fell silent. The referee confirmed the result. Referee: "Victory for Kaoru Shimizu!" The crowd erupted in applause. Kaoru lifted his eyes to the giant screen above the arena. His rating increased to 2375. Without showing any emotion, he simply left the playing hall. He knew this was only the beginning.

7. Post-Match and the Impact of Victory

Takamura Dome ¨C Players¡¯ Waiting Room The noise of the crowd still echoed throughout Takamura Dome as Kaoru walked through the complex¡¯s corridors, his mind still processing what had just happened. The match against Alex Shy had ended in just 23 moves, a devastating victory. Now, while he waited for the next round, the whispers from the other players became impossible to ignore. Player 1: (staring at the results screen) "Kaoru Shimizu¡­ who is this guy?" Player 2: (frantically searching on his phone) "He doesn¡¯t even have a recent history! But he crushed Alex like an amateur!" Player 3: (leaning toward the group) "And the worst part¡­ his style¡­ it was perfect. I need to watch that game again." Kaoru ignored the glances and moved to a quieter corner of the room. His heart was pounding, not from adrenaline, but from a growing realization deep inside. "This... felt so natural." His fingers had moved on their own, the plays coming before he even consciously thought about them. "What¡¯s happening to me?" His phone vibrated. CODE: "Congratulations on your victory, Kaoru." He sighed and unlocked the screen. Kaoru: "I don¡¯t want congratulations. I want to understand what happened to me back there." CODE: "Your moves were executed with 99.7% theoretical accuracy. Your calculation and prediction skills appear to be returning to Master-level or beyond." Kaoru frowned. Kaoru: "I haven¡¯t played in 15 years. This doesn¡¯t make sense." CODE: (pausing) "Perhaps your talent never disappeared. It was merely dormant." Kaoru closed his eyes. Talent? Or something far deeper? Before he could reflect, a new message appeared on the screen:
"Round 2 ¨C Kaoru Shimizu (2375) vs. Akihiko Saito (2640)"

8. The Next Opponent ¨C Akihiko Saito

Kaoru walked back toward the arena, his gaze sharp and calculating. The second opponent was already waiting at the central board. Akihiko Saito. Kaoru recognized him immediately. One of Takamura¡¯s top regional players. His style was solid, methodical, defensive¡ªan impenetrable wall. The young man with dark hair and thin glasses lifted his eyes when Kaoru approached. Akihiko: (adjusting his glasses, analyzing Kaoru from head to toe) "So, you¡¯re the forgotten prodigy?" Kaoru didn¡¯t answer. He simply pulled out his chair and sat down in front of the board. The clock was adjusted. The referee raised his hand. Referee: "Round 2 ¨C Begin!" Akihiko gave a slight smile and made his first move. d4. Kaoru¡¯s brain reacted instantly, scanning hundreds of possibilities in mere fractions of a second. The arena fell into absolute silence. The two players advanced their pieces, each move filled with invisible tension. For the first time, Kaoru felt real resistance. Akihiko wasn¡¯t like Kenji. He anticipated every attack, neutralizing every threat, turning the game into a battle of patience and precision. Tick. Tock. Kaoru leaned slightly forward, his gaze now completely locked onto the board. He couldn¡¯t lose here. Checkmate had to be inevitable.

9. Meanwhile ¨C The Student Council Observes

Kurogane Academy ¨C Student Council Room On the council¡¯s central screen, the Regional Championship matches were being broadcast live. Student Council President Souta Kazami watched in silence, his eyes fixed on Kaoru¡¯s board. Riku Asano: (leaning against the desk, watching the screen) "This Kaoru¡­ wasn¡¯t he supposed to be a beginner?" Mizuki Hayashi: (checking the data on a tablet) "According to his history, he hasn¡¯t had any recorded games for years. But¡­ he¡¯s facing Akihiko like he¡¯s at the top of the ranking." Souta said nothing. He just narrowed his eyes, feeling that intense aura again. "This guy..." "...he''s different."

10. The Pressure Rises ¨C Chess at the Highest Level

Kaoru felt every muscle in his body tense. The last moves had turned the game into a warzone of controlled chaos. The audience¡¯s perception shifted. Before, they saw a mysterious stranger. Now, they saw a potential future champion. Akihiko adjusted his glasses and gave a slight smile. Akihiko: "Interesting. You play as if you have real experience." Kaoru didn¡¯t answer. He moved his queen. The air seemed to grow heavier. Akihiko stopped. For the first time, his smile vanished. The audience held their breath. The arena¡¯s monitors highlighted the game¡¯s new status:
"Kaoru Shimizu ¨C Decisive Advantage."
Kaoru didn¡¯t blink, his mind working like a machine. Then, he made the final move. Checkmate. The hall erupted into murmurs of shock. The referee confirmed. Referee: "Victory for Kaoru Shimizu!" Akihiko let out a soft sigh and relaxed his posture, closing his eyes for a moment. When he looked back at Kaoru, something had changed in his expression. Respect. Akihiko stood up and extended his hand. Kaoru stared at it for a second before shaking it.

11. The Clash Against Kenji Makabe ¨C The True Test

?? The Final Round ¨C A Duel of Titans The tension in the Takamura Dome was at its peak. The last round of the tournament was about to begin. Kaoru Shimizu, the mysterious player who had emerged out of nowhere, had already defeated some of the best regional competitors. But now, standing in front of him was his greatest challenge yet. Kenji Makabe ¨C Rating 2900. A known master-level player in Japan. A rival far superior to Alex and Akihiko. As Kaoru walked to the board, he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Kenji, a tall young man with short dark hair and an air of quiet confidence, was already seated. When Kaoru approached, Kenji slowly lifted his gaze and smirked. Kenji: (calmly) "I heard you''ve been making waves in this tournament." Kaoru remained silent. Kenji leaned slightly forward. Kenji: (mocking tone) "But don''t get ahead of yourself, kid. Talent is one thing. Experience is another." Kaoru simply pulled out his chair and sat down. The referee approached, adjusting the clocks. The lights in the arena dimmed slightly, focusing all attention on the two players. The audience was completely silent. This was the final battle. Kenji stretched his fingers and, with a confident smile, moved his first piece. 1. d4. Kaoru narrowed his eyes slightly. And then, his mind entered the game.

12. A War of Wits

Kaoru analyzed the board like a machine. Kenji was an aggressive and precise player. His moves were powerful, well-calculated, and merciless. Kaoru countered with sharp, elegant plays, dismantling Kenji¡¯s early attacks. The match became a battlefield of intellect, patience, and endurance. Move after move, the board turned into a maze of traps and counters. The audience watched in awe, completely captivated. Somewhere in the crowd, Haruto Nakamura observed in silence. A smile formed on his lips. Haruto: (thinking to himself) "He''s playing at a level beyond what anyone expected..." Even Kenji started feeling the pressure. His fingers hesitated for the first time.

13. The Final Move ¨C Checkmate

The game had reached a critical point. Kaoru made his final move. A quiet yet deadly maneuver. The moment Kenji saw it, his expression completely changed. His body tensed. His eyes widened. The realization hit him like a truck. Checkmate. A deep silence fell over the arena. Then¡ª The audience exploded into murmurs and applause. The referee raised his hand. Referee: "Victory for Kaoru Shimizu!" Kenji leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. For the first time in years, he had tasted true defeat. Slowly, he looked at Kaoru. Kenji''s arrogance was gone. He extended his hand. Kenji: (smirking slightly) "I underestimated you. That won¡¯t happen next time." Kaoru paused for a moment, then shook his hand. There was no need for words. Both understood. A new rivalry had just been born.

14. The King Rises ¨C A New Rival is Formed

Kenji left the arena in silence, but something inside him had changed. He looked at the screen displaying the rankings. Kaoru Shimizu ¨C 2600 Kenji Makabe ¨C Eliminated He smirked. "Next time, I will win." On the other side of the arena, hidden in the shadows of the stands, a figure observed Kaoru in silence. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous interest.

15. The Grand Revelation ¨C The Next Step

Kaoru¡¯s phone vibrated. CODE: "Congratulations, Kaoru. Your rating is now 2600. You have advanced to the final stage of the Regional Championship." He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. But before he could relax, a new message appeared. CODE: "Your next opponent has been determined." Kaoru opened the notification. His eyes widened slightly. On the screen, a single name appeared:
"Final Round ¨C Kaoru Shimizu (2600) vs. ???? (3000)"
Kaoru frowned. Kaoru: "CODE, why doesn¡¯t the player¡¯s name appear?" CODE: (Loading...) "Because he has no public profile on OME. Only his rating is visible." Kaoru felt a slight chill. "Who is this guy?" And then, he smiled. Chapter III – The Invisible Opponent CHECKMATE

Chapter 3 ¨C The Invisible Opponent

(Fade-in. The sound of a metronome echoes in the darkness. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Each beat resounds as if marking the inevitable passage of time.) Scene 1: The Shadows of Fate I was never afraid of the dark. It had always been there, wrapping around me like a silent veil, a constant companion that never left my side. I was born without knowing light. From my earliest moments in the world, I learned to perceive life differently. Sounds were invisible maps that I followed: the creak of the floorboards when someone walked, the rhythm of my mother¡¯s breathing as she slept, the chime of the bells on the door whenever the wind blew. But what I never understood, what I could never accept, was the way people spoke about me. Even without seeing them, it hurt. The hesitation in their voices. The disguised pity. The weight of their whispers. "Poor boy..." "He¡¯ll never be normal." "What can a blind person do besides depend on others?" Those words were like invisible knives stabbing into me. I didn¡¯t understand what it meant to be normal, but I knew that, to the world, I wasn¡¯t.
The Days with My Mother If there was one place where I felt safe, it was in my mother¡¯s arms. My mother, Aiko Sukeda, had a gentle voice, a tone that always carried warmth even on the coldest days. She sold flowers from a small stand on the main street of Takamura, and whenever she returned home, her hands smelled of lavender and chamomile. When I was very young, she would carry me to the garden behind our house. Aiko: (smiling) "The sun is shining today, Shun." I lifted my face to the sky, trying to imagine what the "sun" was. I could feel its warmth on my skin, the soft breeze passing through my hair, but I could never fully grasp what my mother saw. One night, as we sat together on the tatami mat in the living room, I asked: Shun: (softly) "Mom... what are colors like?" Aiko was silent for a moment, thinking. Then, she took one of my hands and placed it over her chest, where her heart beat steadily. Aiko: (gently) "Red is like this. It¡¯s warmth, it¡¯s life, it¡¯s when you feel your heart racing because you¡¯re happy or because you¡¯re afraid." She then guided my fingers to her face, letting me touch her soft skin. Aiko: "Blue is like this. Gentle, calm. Like the water of a river flowing slowly." I smiled slightly. Shun: (whispering) "And black?" She hesitated... Then, she squeezed my hand a little tighter and whispered: Aiko: "Black isn¡¯t bad, Shun. Black is like a starless night¡­ but within it, you can find any light you want."
The Tragic Winter That winter was cruel. Aiko went out to sell flowers every morning, even when the wind was biting and the snow covered the streets. My father, Tetsuo, worked in a factory, returning home late at night, too exhausted to speak. And then¡­ the day came when everything changed. I still remembered the scent of jasmine tea that morning. I heard my mother humming softly as she put on her scarf. Aiko: (laughing) "Stay inside, dear. It¡¯s too cold today. When I come back, I¡¯ll make that sweet bread you love." I smiled. Shun: "Promise?" Aiko: "I promise." She left, the sound of her footsteps fading at the entrance. I stayed home, listening to the wind outside. The day passed slowly. Time dragged on like a heavy mist. And then, something changed¡­ The doorbell rang. My father opened the door. There was a brief conversation, followed by a long silence. Then, a different sound. Tetsuo fell to his knees. The floor creaked. Hearing that, I knew. My mother would never come home again. And suddenly, I felt my tears fall. After all, the heart doesn¡¯t beat fast only when we¡¯re happy or afraid¡ªbut also when the tears fall¡­
Scene 2: The Lost Boy and Chess After that, the house felt empty. My father, once strong, became a shadow of himself. He spoke less, worked more, and when he came home, he just drank in silence. I spent a lot of time alone. For months, I wandered the streets of Takamura aimlessly, trying to fill the void inside me. That¡¯s how I found Shirogane Square. That day, the square was lively, full of people talking and warming themselves under the faint winter sun. But what caught my attention was a different sound. Tick. Tock. It was something sliding across the wood. I followed the sound to a bench where an old man was playing chess against a younger opponent. [The old man had white hair and a serene expression. His fingers moved slowly, with absolute precision. His opponent was tense, staring intently at the board.] Then¡­ I heard it: "Checkmate!!!" The younger man sighed and stood up, defeated. I remained there, listening¡­ That¡¯s when the old man¡¯s voice cut through the silence. Haruto: (warmly) "Hey, boy. What are you doing here? Are you lost?" I flinched. I hadn¡¯t expected to be noticed. Shun: (hesitant) "I just¡­ heard a new sound." Haruto was silent for a moment. Then, he picked up a piece and lightly tapped it against the board. Tick. I reacted immediately, recognizing the sound. Haruto smiled. Haruto: "This sound?" Shun: "Yes!" Haruto: "Interesting¡­" He called me over, took my hand, and guided me to the board. Haruto: "This is a chessboard. Feel it." Haruto: "The game I was playing is called Chess." Haruto: "Chess isn¡¯t about sight. It¡¯s about feeling, anticipating, thinking. If you can listen to the board, you can see the game in a way no one else does. Come, touch the pieces." I obeyed. I touched the pieces slowly, memorizing the shape of each one. And then, for the first time, I saw. Not with my eyes. But with my mind. It was like the tea my mother drank¡ªaddictive. (Fade-out. The scene darkens.)
Scene 3: Me Against the Board (Fade-in. The sound of murmurs. A grand hall. The sound of Kaoru¡¯s footsteps echoes.) The hall was filled with an unsettling silence. Kaoru walked along the red carpet of the arena, each step echoing in the immense Takamura Dome. The characteristic scent of polished wood and bright lights lingered in the air, mixed with the invisible electricity of rising tension. He had already gone through two intense matches. He had already felt the pressure, the weight of the stares, the murmurs of astonishment when his victory against Kenji Makabe was confirmed. But now¡­ now it was different. Ahead of him, at the center of the arena, the final table awaited. And sitting on the other side of the board, surrounded by an impenetrable aura of serenity, was Shun Sukeda. Kaoru stopped when he saw the boy. At first glance, he seemed like just an ordinary opponent¡ªslim, pale-skinned, with white hair falling slightly over his face, hiding his eyes. But it was his posture¡­ the way his hands rested on the board with an almost reverent touch, as if he was already inside the game before it had even begun. Kaoru kept walking. That face seemed familiar. A flash came to his mind¡ªthe sound of chess pieces sliding in Shirogane Square, the old master Haruto Nakamura observing calmly, and that blind young man, unshaken, dominating the board without ever needing to see it. "It¡¯s him." As if sensing his presence, Shun lifted his head slightly. His eyes, though blind, seemed to pierce through Kaoru in a different way. There was no arrogance in them, no curiosity¡­ just a silent certainty¡ªthat this match would be fun. Then, a small smile appeared on his lips. Shun: (soft, but certain) "I feel like we¡¯ve met before¡­ your scent and your footsteps are familiar to me." His voice was calm, unwavering. Kaoru felt something about this boy bothering him. It wasn¡¯t fear¡­ but a feeling that he was about to face something he had never experienced before. For a moment, he hesitated. But then, with the same coldness he had always cultivated, he replied: Kaoru: "Yes¡­ in Shirogane Square." Shun nodded slightly, as if he had already known before Kaoru confirmed it. From the other side of the table, the referee finally approached. A man in a pristine suit, holding a clipboard, stopped beside the board and raised his voice. Referee: "Final match of the Takamura Regional Championship! Kaoru Shimizu vs. Shun Sukeda!" The crowd erupted into excited murmurs. The cameras adjusted their focus. Giant screens displayed the faces of the two young prodigies¡ªone, a mystery who had emerged from nowhere; the other, a silent legend whose name was already whispered in the OME (World Chess Organization). Kaoru took a deep breath and pulled out his chair. He sat down slowly, adjusting his position. His eyes never left the boy in front of him. But Shun didn¡¯t move. Instead, he ran his fingertips over the board, feeling the pieces like a conductor preparing to lead his symphony. It was a subtle movement. Simple. But Kaoru felt the temperature of the arena change. "This guy..." The crowd held its breath. Shun placed his fingers over the white pieces. No rush. No hesitation. And then¡­ Tick. Tock. The match had begun.
Scene 4: Renji¡¯s Wounded Pride (Fade-out from the arena. The vibrant sound of the crowd slowly fades, replaced by the soft hum of a television. The screen darkens for a moment before revealing a luxurious but tense environment.) Takahara Family Residence ¨C 10:03 PM The cold glow of the television illuminated the spacious living room, casting diffuse shadows over the wooden-paneled walls. The blue glare of the screen reflected off the glass table in the center of the room, next to a carelessly discarded remote control. Renji Takahara was slumped in a black leather sofa, his body rigid, his expression unreadable. His gaze, usually full of arrogance, was now fixed on the screen, analyzing every detail of what he was seeing. The live broadcast of the Takamura Regional Championship focused on the two finalists. Commentator: "And now, ladies and gentlemen, we witness an extraordinary duel! On one side, Kaoru Shimizu, the young player who emerged from the shadows to challenge the best players in the region! On the other, Shun Sukeda, the enigmatic blind prodigy whose talent transcends sight!" The name made something inside Renji twist. His fingers clenched tightly against the fabric of the sofa. "Kaoru Shimizu?" He blinked, as if his brain needed an extra second to process. The camera zoomed in on Kaoru¡¯s face. His sharp gaze, his expressionless posture. "It can¡¯t be..." Renji¡¯s eyes narrowed. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, scrutinizing every detail of the broadcast. The same guy he had humiliated days ago at school. The same one the Rating Scanner had classified as zero. The same one who had never drawn anyone¡¯s attention. And now¡­ there he was. In the final of the regional championship. Renji¡¯s mind spun with confusion and disbelief. "How?! How did this trash get here?" He clearly remembered the moment the scanner displayed that humiliating number. Zero. A total failure. But now¡­ Kaoru didn¡¯t look like a failure. He looked like someone who belonged at that board. It took a moment for the realization to sink in, and when it did, it brought with it a burning wave of irritation. His chest rose and fell slowly, but his fists were already clenched, his nails digging into his palms. Kaito, one of his henchmen, sitting beside him, let out a nervous chuckle. Kaito: (trying to ease the tension) "H-hey, boss... are you seeing this? That¡¯s the guy from our school, right? He made it to the final?!" The sound of something creaking echoed through the room. Kaito looked down and noticed Renji¡¯s knuckles had turned white from how hard he was gripping the sofa. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! He didn¡¯t respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the screen, as if he were seeing a ghost. Renji: (low voice, full of tension) "This doesn¡¯t make sense." Kaito: (confused) "What?" Renji: (gritting his teeth) "That guy¡­ that bastard¡­ he was a zero rating. How did he make it to the final? How did he beat Kenji?!" His mind tried to find a logical explanation. Maybe he had cheated. Maybe he had been hiding his true level all along. Maybe¡­ The thought hit him like a punch. "Had he been holding back the entire time?" The idea was unbearable. He remembered the moment he ridiculed Kaoru in the classroom, how he had publicly humiliated him in front of everyone. If Kaoru had really been a high-level player all along, and had been hiding it¡­ "Did he let me do that?" Renji felt his stomach churn. The rage rose like fire, burning away any trace of rationality. And then, he smiled. Not a smile of amusement. Not a smile of satisfaction. It was a dangerous smile. Renji: "Let¡¯s see how long he lasts before I destroy him."
Scene 5: The Global Broadcast and Expert Analysis (Fade-in. The image of the Takamura Dome arena appears on the screens, accompanied by the vibrant sounds of the crowd. The aerial framing showcases the grandeur of the event, with giant screens displaying the faces of the two finalists. The blue and gold lights reflect off the central board, creating an electrifying atmosphere.)

OME Broadcasting Studio ¨C 10:07 PM

The screen transitions to a luxurious broadcasting studio, located at the World Chess Organization (OME) headquarters. Two commentators sit behind a glass desk, equipped with holographic monitors displaying real-time game analysis. The studio is modern, with dark tones and cool blue lighting, emphasizing the seriousness of the event. Commentator 1 ¨C Daisuke Moriyama (a former Grandmaster, now a chess analyst): Commentator 2 ¨C Alina Petrova (former women¡¯s world champion and expert in advanced tactics): The broadcast begins with a shot of the commentators.
Daisuke Moriyama: (smiling at the camera)"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final of the Takamura Regional Championship, one of the most exciting tournaments of the season! I¡¯m Daisuke Moriyama, and I¡¯m here with the brilliant Alina Petrova to bring you every detail of this historic match!" Alina Petrova: (waves to the camera, with a sharp smile)"It¡¯s a pleasure to be here, Daisuke! And what an incredible tournament we¡¯ve had so far! For those watching around the world, this final isn¡¯t just a battle for the regional title¡ªit could be the gateway to one of the biggest events on the international circuit!" Daisuke: (nods, excited)"Exactly, Alina! Let¡¯s quickly explain what¡¯s at stake for our viewers!" (The screen splits, showing holographic graphics with information about the tournament and upcoming events.)
How the Takamura Regional Championship Works ?? Format: Knockout system with rapid-time matches.?? Competitors: Only the best players from the Takamura region, with ratings above 2200 Elo.?? Finalists: Kaoru Shimizu (2600 Elo) vs. Shun Sukeda (3000 Elo).?? Champion¡¯s Prize: £¤10,000,000 (approximately $65,000), plus an automatic invitation to the Japanese National Chess Tournament.
Upcoming Competitions and the Path to the World Championship (A graphic displays the progression of the tournaments, with arrows pointing to the next stages.) ?? Next Stage ¨C Japanese National Tournament?? Date: In 2 months?? The top 8 players in Japan will compete for a spot in the Asian Chess Tournament. ?? Asian Chess Tournament?? Date: 6 months after the National?? The top 4 players from Asia advance to the OME World League. ?? OME World League?? Date: Next year (to be announced)?? Only the 16 best players in the world will face off in an elite event, culminating in the ultimate challenge against the reigning World Champion!
(The screen returns to the commentators, who exchange enthusiastic glances.) The Importance of the Global Broadcast Alina Petrova: (excited)"And the most incredible thing, Daisuke, is that this final isn¡¯t just being broadcast in Japan! The World Chess Organization (OME) has made sure this match is being shown worldwide! We¡¯re live for millions of viewers in over 50 countries!" (The image transitions to various locations worldwide, showing different groups watching the match.) ?? Times Square, New York ¨C A giant screen displays the image of Kaoru and Shun at the board. Pedestrians stop to watch, curious about the young Japanese prodigy. ?? Moscow, Russia ¨C Inside a traditional chess club, grandmasters and players follow the broadcast, discussing the match¡¯s moves in real time. ?? Tokyo, Japan ¨C At the OME headquarters, officials watch the final. Some have neutral expressions, while others show a gleam of interest¡­ and perhaps concern. ?? Shirogane Square, Takamura ¨C Haruto Nakamura, the old master who trained Shun, watches the broadcast in silence. His gaze is fixed on the screen, a small smile forming.
(Back at the Takamura Dome, a group of journalists gathers near the stage, ready to capture the first words of the champion.) Reporter 1: (excited, holding the microphone)"Kaoru Shimizu! The world wants to know¡ªhow does it feel to win this tournament?" Kaoru looks at the sea of cameras and microphones extended toward him. He takes a deep breath. And simply¡­ turns his back. A hush falls over the crowd. The audience murmurs, confused. The reporters exchange glances. Kaoru walks away from the stage without saying a word. (The camera focuses on Renji Takahara, watching from his home. He grits his teeth, his eyes shining with something between rage and¡­ curiosity.) Renji: (low, murmuring to himself)"So, this is what you¡¯re like?"
Scene 6: The Invitation to the National Tournament (Fade-in. The energy of the Takamura Dome lingers, but for Kaoru, the noise begins to fade. The intense glare of the spotlights seems distant now. The trophy is still in his hands¡ªcold, heavy¡ªbut he doesn¡¯t hold it as a symbol of glory¡­ he just feels it, as part of a journey he doesn¡¯t yet fully understand.) He descends the stage steps, his movements controlled. The cameras flash, journalists shout questions, but Kaoru keeps walking, never looking back. "I won." The thought still feels abstract. He doesn¡¯t feel euphoria, nor exhaustion. Just a strange sense of continuity. As if this victory were just another move on the chessboard¡ªnot the end of the game. He walks through the underground corridors of the stadium, where the noise fades into echoes. Then¡ª A voice echoes down the hall. ??? "Kaoru Shimizu." Kaoru stops. The voice is firm, controlled, carrying a silent authority. He turns slowly. A tall, imposing man stands a few meters away, dressed in a perfectly tailored gray suit. His expression is calm, but his eyes are piercing¡ªanalyzing Kaoru as if he already knows everything about him. (The cold fluorescent lights of the hallway reflect subtly off the golden emblem pinned to his suit: the symbol of the OME.) Kaoru studies the man for a moment before speaking. Kaoru: (calm, but alert) "Who are you?" The man doesn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he holds out a black envelope with a gold seal embossed in high relief. Without hesitation, he extends it toward Kaoru. ??? (with a slight smile) "My name isn¡¯t important. What matters¡­ is the invitation I bring." Kaoru takes the envelope. He already knows what¡¯s inside before even opening it. Slowly, he breaks the gold seal and slides his fingers over the thick paper. His eyes scan the words: ?? "Congratulations on your victory. You are now officially invited to the Japanese National Chess Tournament. Prepare yourself. The real game is only beginning."
Scene 7: The Birth of a New Legend (Fade-in. The roar of the crowd still echoes through the Takamura Dome. The golden glow of the giant screen illuminates the chessboard, where the pieces rest after battle. At the center of the screen, a single name shines like a seal of fate.) ?? Champion of the Takamura Regional ChampionshipKAORU SHIMIZU (The deafening applause shakes the stadium. The flashing lights reflect off the crystal trophy, which stands on a polished wooden pedestal at the center of the stage. Cameras adjust their focus, capturing every expression, every detail of this historic moment.) Kaoru remains still. The chessboard is still before him, the pieces frozen in their final positions. His heart beats fast, but not because of the cheering crowd¡ªit beats for something else entirely. He slowly lifts his gaze toward Shun Sukeda. The blind boy is already standing, maintaining the same calm demeanor he had throughout the entire match. His face shows no sign of frustration or regret. Instead¡­ there is a serene smile. Shun: (with a slight nod) "That was a good game." Kaoru hesitates. The words don¡¯t come immediately. Shun notices the silence and, with a soft tone, adds: Shun: "I think you understand now." Kaoru presses his lips together. He doesn¡¯t need to respond. Because yes¡ªhe understands. He extends his hand, and Shun firmly shakes it. (The gesture is simple, but it carries immense weight. In the middle of a packed arena, with the world watching, a new mutual respect is born.) The stadium explodes into cheers and applause.
Scene 8: The Award Ceremony (The scene fades to the main stage, where a large crystal trophy rests atop a polished wooden pedestal. The lights reflect off its surface, creating dazzling beams across the stage.) The announcer¡¯s voice fills the stadium. Announcer: (enthusiastic)"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new champion! After an extraordinary journey, facing some of the best players in the region, KAORU SHIMIZU is the grand winner of the Takamura Regional Championship!" (The crowd rises in a wave of applause. Giant screens replay key moments of the match, highlighting the final move¡ªKaoru¡¯s knight checkmate that ended the battle.) Kaoru ascends the stage steps with steady steps, but his expression is not one of someone dazzled by glory. He looks at the trophy. Touches the cold surface of the crystal. His distorted reflection stares back at him. The weight of victory settles in his hands. But not because of the title. Not because of the money. But because, for the first time, he feels that he belongs on the chessboard.
(Meanwhile, at the Hoshikawa Orphanage, Sayuri Minase and the children watch the event on television. The young ones cheer, jump on the couch, and shout Kaoru¡¯s name. But Sayuri¡­ just smiles. A smile full of pride¡­ and tears.)
Scene 9: The Global Impact of Victory (The camera cuts to different locations around the world, where the tournament broadcast is being aired.) ?? Times Square, New York ¨C A giant screen displays Kaoru holding the trophy. People stop to watch, their curiosity piqued by the rising Japanese prodigy. ?? Moscow, Russia ¨C Inside a prestigious chess club, grandmasters and players analyze the match in real time, discussing Kaoru¡¯s unexpected brilliance. ?? Tokyo, Japan ¨C At the OME headquarters, executives and analysts review Kaoru¡¯s performance. Some remain neutral, while others exchange intrigued glances. ?? Shirogane Square, Takamura ¨C Haruto Nakamura, the old master who mentored Shun Sukeda, watches the broadcast in silence. His sharp gaze remains fixed on the screen. A slight smile forms on his lips.
Back at the Takamura Dome, a group of journalists gathers near the stage, eager to capture Kaoru¡¯s first words as champion. Reporter 1: (excitedly, holding the microphone)"Kaoru Shimizu! The world wants to know¡ªhow does it feel to win this tournament?" Kaoru looks at the sea of cameras and microphones reaching out to him. He takes a deep breath. And then¡­ He turns his back to them. A stunned silence falls over the arena. The audience murmurs, confused. The reporters exchange glances. Kaoru descends the stage steps, walking away without a word. (The camera zooms in on Renji Takahara, watching from home. His fists clench as he glares at the screen. His anger is still there¡­ but now, so is something else¡ªcuriosity.)
Scene 10: The Invitation to the National Tournament (Fade-in. The distant cheers of the arena still linger in the air. But for Kaoru, the noise is already fading. The golden lights feel less intense now. The trophy remains in his hands¡ªbut not as a symbol of glory. It is simply a reminder of what¡¯s ahead.) Kaoru walks through the dim corridors of the stadium, where the sounds of the outside world fade into echoes. And then¡ª A voice calls out. ??? "Kaoru Shimizu." Kaoru stops. The voice is firm, controlled, carrying an undeniable authority. He turns slowly. A tall, imposing man stands a few meters away, wearing a perfectly tailored gray suit. His expression is calm, but his piercing gaze analyzes Kaoru with a precise intensity¡ªas if he already knows everything about him. (A golden emblem is pinned to his suit¡ªthe symbol of the World Chess Organization (OME).) Kaoru studies the man before speaking. Kaoru: (calm, but alert) "Who are you?" The man does not answer immediately. Instead, he extends a black envelope sealed with golden wax. Without hesitation, he holds it out to Kaoru. ??? (with a subtle smile) "My name isn¡¯t important. What matters¡­ is the invitation I bring." Kaoru takes the envelope. He doesn¡¯t need to open it to know what¡¯s inside. Slowly, he breaks the seal and unfolds the heavy paper. His eyes scan the words. ?? "Congratulations on your victory. You are now officially invited to the Japanese National Chess Tournament. Prepare yourself. The real game is only beginning." (Kaoru reads it carefully, absorbing the weight of the moment.) There is no time to process his victory¡ªbecause a new challenge has already arrived. Kaoru folds the letter neatly. His fingers glide over the smooth black paper. He should feel hesitation. But he doesn¡¯t. For the first time, he wants to continue. He looks up at the man, who watches his reaction carefully. Kaoru doesn¡¯t ask anything. Doesn¡¯t say anything. He simply slips the envelope into his jacket pocket and walks forward, passing the man without looking back. (The camera lingers on the man for a moment. A slight smile forms on his lips.) (Fade-out. The sound of Kaoru¡¯s footsteps echoes through the corridor. The lights flicker softly as he disappears into the distance.) "The game continues."
Scene 11: The Voice in the Silence (As Kaoru walks through the Takamura Dome corridor, the envelope for the National Tournament still weighs in his pocket. His steps are light, but his heart beats fast¡ªnot from anxiety, but from something he finally recognizes as excitement.) The cold glow of fluorescent lights flickers occasionally, casting elongated shadows on the polished floor. The outside world, with its crowd and flashing cameras, feels distant. Here, there is only silence¡­ and the echo of his own thoughts. But then¡ª BEEP. A mechanical sound cuts through the quiet. Kaoru stops immediately. His phone vibrates lightly in his jacket pocket. He furrows his brow and, without rushing, pulls out the device. The screen lights up with a peculiar notification: ?? CONNECTION ESTABLISHED¡­ID: CODE Kaoru blinks. "Her again." CODE. The World Chess Organization (OME) artificial intelligence. The digital entity that recognized him instantly when he accessed the OME system weeks ago. He swipes his finger across the screen, accepting the notification. A soft synthetic sound precedes the familiar voice¡ªcalm, precise, almost human.
CODE: "Congratulations, Kaoru Shimizu." Kaoru keeps his gaze on the screen for a moment before replying.
Kaoru: (quietly, but direct) "You already knew I would win?" A brief pause.
CODE: "Statistically, your victory had a 68.2% probability after your third match in the tournament. However, unpredictable human factors prevent me from determining the outcome with absolute certainty."
Kaoru lets out a small breath, spinning the phone between his fingers.
Kaoru: "And now? What''s the next game?"
CODE: (without hesitation)"The Japanese National Tournament. I assume you have already received the official invitation in an envelope."
Kaoru doesn¡¯t respond immediately. His eyes drift along the corridor, absorbing everything. Wondering how CODE knew about the envelope, minutes after it was handed to him...
Kaoru: (curious) "CODE. How did you know about the envelope?"
CODE: "It is common for the OME to personally deliver a formal invitation to players after the competition, inviting them to the next tournament. Typically, this happens one or two business days after a verified victory."
Kaoru narrows his eyes.
Kaoru: "If it takes at least two days to be delivered, how did you know I had already received it? Who was the man who gave me the invitation?"
For a moment, silence. The answer doesn¡¯t come immediately. The CODE system, always quick, this time hesitates. Then, finally¡ª
CODE: "Unfortunately, I cannot provide further information on this matter."
Kaoru frowns. "It hesitated?" The OME¡¯s artificial intelligence had never hesitated before. "Something¡¯s wrong." Kaoru realizes that something is off about the OME. Something hidden.
Kaoru: "And what if I don¡¯t want to go?"
The answer comes instantly.
CODE: "Then the invitation will be canceled, and your progress within the OME will be frozen."
Kaoru closes his eyes for a second. "If I stop now, I go back to anonymity." "I go back to being just another orphan in Takamura." "I go back to having no purpose." He presses his lips together. CODE, almost as if predicting his decision, adds¡ª
CODE: (calm, but with a faint trace of artificial curiosity)"But you want to continue, don¡¯t you?"
Kaoru opens his eyes. For a moment, he doesn¡¯t answer. Because he doesn¡¯t need to. He already knows the answer. He slides the phone back into his pocket and resumes walking down the corridor. CODE¡¯s voice echoes one last time before the connection is cut:
CODE: "Welcome to the world¡¯s chessboard, Kaoru Shimizu."
(The corridor lights flicker one last time before the screen fades to black.) (Fade out: End of the chapter.) CHAPTER IV - THE WORLD CHAMPION This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.