Chapter 88: Checkmate

“I am thinking of joining Chess Club,” I declared, trying to sound as serious as a penguin in a tuxedo.

The reason? Oh, it’s definitely not because I’m planning to use it as a front for flirting with Sona. Nope, not at all. And it’s definitely not because I’m slightly ticked off at the system remake about Sona in the affection meter.

Nope, my decision to join Chess Club is purely strategic. I mean, what better way to flex my intellectual muscles and show off my superior brainpower than by mastering the ancient game of kings and queens? Plus, if I happen to bump into Sona while pondering over my next move, well, that’s just a happy coincidence, right?

Hearing my declaration, Sona and Rias raised their eyebrows like synchronized swimmers in an eyebrow-raising competition.

“That’s a rather unusual choice, Alexander,” Sona remarked.

“How so?” I asked, trying to keep my poker face intact.

“I know you’re a mage, and most mages tend to use their brains rather than brawn, but from your body language, I’m getting the feeling that you’re not much of a tactical player,” Sona observed, her gaze as sharp as a hawk eyeing its prey.

Rias nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Hearing their assessment, Death’s voice echoed in my mind like a dramatic movie soundtrack. “How dare they tell you that you’re not a tactician. Dear, show these two youngsters what you’re made of. Show them the scheming mind you used to steal my panties and take my anal virginity.”

I couldn’t help but blink in disbelief. Did Death just use my past exploits to defend my honor? Talk about embarrassing, yet oddly flattering. I mean, who knew my brief stint as a panty thief would come back to haunt me in the most unexpected way?

“I don’t know if she’s praising me or insulting me,” I muttered under my breath,

“What did you say?” Rias asked, hearing me murmuring.

“I was saying that I’m a pro at playing chess,” I replied quickly, hoping to steer the conversation away from my unexpected association with underwear-related shenanigans. Seriously, Death, can we not bring up my past criminal exploits at the worst possible moments?

Hearing my claim, Sona let out a chuckle that sounded like music to my ears, albeit slightly mocking music. It was like being serenaded by a choir of angels, if those angels happened to have a mischievous streak.

“Oh, really?” she said, her tone dripping with skepticism, like a popsicle melting in the summer sun. Ah, so she thinks she’s got me all figured out, does she? Well, she’s about to learn that looks can be deceiving. Or not. We’ll see how it goes.

“Then would you like to play against me? I, myself, am a pro chess player. If you even manage to corner me, then you can join Chess Club right away. But I must warn you, until now, I haven’t lost a single game,” Sona said proudly, her chest puffing out like a peacock strutting its stuff.

Ah, the sweet taste of challenge. It’s like being dared to eat the world’s spiciest chili pepper, except instead of setting my mouth on fire, it’s my pride that’s at stake. Well, challenge accepted, Sona. Let’s see what you’ve got.

She may be a good kid, but today, she’s about to experience her first defeat. And let me tell you, it’s going to be as memorable as that time I accidentally use my blood ability on albedo, when we are having sex, and it was not pretty.

I nodded at Sona. Akeno and Tsubaki sprang into action, setting up the chessboard with the precision.

“Alright then let get started.” I said as I sat on the chair infront of Sona’s table.

Sona nodded in agreement, her expression as serious as a tax audit. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she turned to her counterpart and said, “Take the first move.”

Wait, what? I blinked in surprise, like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming chessboard. Wasn’t she supposed to make the first move? Isn’t that how this whole chess thing works?

“Oh, no, ladies first,” I chimed in quickly, trying to be the gentlemanly chess player. Because even in the cutthroat world of chess, chivalry isn’t dead, right? Besides, who am I to deny Sona the opportunity to kick off this epic battle of wits?

Sona raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of amusement in her eyes, but maybe that was just wishful thinking.

Either way, the ball was in her court, or in this case, the pawn was on her square.

Sona started with placing her pawn to E-4 starting the game.

And just like that, the battle was officially underway. The pieces were in motion, the tension was palpable, and the fate of my Chess Club membership (And making Sona fall for me) hung in the balance.

With a calm demeanor that belied the chaos brewing inside, I plotted my next move. It was like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle, but hey, I thrive under pressure.

And then, like a bolt of lightning from the heavens, inspiration struck. With a confident smile, I moved my queen into position, setting the stage for the ultimate checkmate.

As the realization dawned on Sona’s face, a triumphant grin spread across mine.

“Checkmate.”

~~~

Give me your opinion and criticism about the chapter. I can only improve my story If you point out what is wrong and what is needed to change.

And leave at least one comment and review if you like my fanfic.

In my Patreon, this volume is over. You can join my Patreon for 3$, see you. With more than 100+ advance chapters posted, you won’t regret joining. All the images can only be seen in my Patreon, as I can’t upload it in Scribble Hub.

Join my Kofi to support me. You will get 45 advace chapters for $15.

/BlackBolt517

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep