The villain's side of the novel

Chapter 209  The Chess game

The game revolves around two fundamental rules. First and foremost, the only way to secure victory is through a decisive Checkmate, where a player's king is under direct threat and cannot escape capture.

And the second rule is time. On each player's turn, they must make their move within a specific timeframe, measured by an elegant sand timer thoughtfully placed at the side of the chessboard.

Fray and Lisa shared a silent nod, As they moved their piece as they took the opposite knight, then suddenly A surge of energy enveloped the chessboard. The villagers gasped as a spectral knight, clad in ancient armor and riding a ghostly horse, emerged from the board, charging toward Lysander and Aslan.

Aslan swiftly unsheathed her sword, meeting the spectral knight's attack with skillful parries and counters. Her movements were fluid and precise, each strike aiming for the knight's spectral form. Meanwhile, Lysander notched an arrow in his bow, his hands sparking with arcane energy. He released the arrow, and it soared through the air, hitting the spectral horse with a burst of ethereal light.

The battle was fierce, the spectral knight proving to be a formidable opponent. But Aslan and Lysander fought with unwavering determination. With each strike and arrow, they chipped away at the knight's spectral form until it finally dissipated.

As the spectral knight vanished, Fray and Lisa quickly assessed their next moves. They noticed that the innkeeper's rook was vulnerable. Working together, they coordinated a calculated attack, capturing the rook and removing one of the innkeeper's powerful pieces.

As the innkeeper frowned, he took the pawn that had taken his knight. This time, a knight holding a huge sword materialized, lunging at the burly man who stood behind the innkeeper with his massive ax.

The burly man faced the spectral knight head-on, wielding his ax with impressive strength and skill. The clash of weapons reverberated through the village center as the two warriors engaged in a fierce battle. Each strike was met with an equally powerful counter, and the ground beneath them shook with their force.

The villagers watched in awe as the battle raged on, both combatants giving their all in the duel. But in the end, the burly man's prowess with his ax proved superior, and with a final strike, he defeated the spectral knight.

The innkeeper's eyes narrowed as he observed the battlefield, realizing that his advantage was slipping away.

He moved his pieces with renewed determination, aiming to outmaneuver Fray and Lisa. But the duo stayed focused, their minds sharp and strategic.

With each move, Fray and Lisa grew closer to achieving their goal. They captured the innkeeper's powerful pieces, leaving him with limited options. The innkeeper's king was slowly but surely cornered, with no escape from the impending checkmate.

As the game raged on Fray, with a strategic maneuver, captured the innkeeper's second knight, and immediately, another ghostly knight emerged from the board. This spectral knight was also riding a majestic horse, its eyes blazing with an otherworldly fire.

Aslan and Lysander braced themselves for another battle, standing side by side to face the new spectral opponent. As the ghostly knight charged towards them, Aslan raised her sword, and Lysander readied his bow, both of them prepared for the challenge ahead.

The innkeeper's wicked grin widened as he made a daring move on the chessboard, placing his queen directly beside Fray Lisa's king. Fray and Lisa both recognized the opportunity to capture the unguarded queen, but they didn't do it as they quickly realized the innkeeper's cunning plan.

Fray glanced at Aslan and Lysander continued to battle the spectral knights, their faces exhausting and then he turned his gaze to the sand in the hourglass running out beside the chessboard, signaling their limited time. The pressure mounted as the group grappled with the innkeeper's strategy.

With seconds ticking away, Lisa's anxiety got the best of her. "What should we do?!" she asked Fray, her voice trembling.

Fray's mind raced, but he couldn't find a perfect solution to outmaneuver the innkeeper. They were running out of time, and a rash decision could lead to defeat. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts and assess the situation.

As the last grains of sand fell through the timer, Fray made a difficult decision. "We can't risk it," he said to Lisa, his voice firm. "We will surrender ."

The sand timer ran out, and the innkeeper's grin widened even more as he celebrated his victory. "Well played, my dear guests," he taunted, relishing their defeat.

Fray clenched his fists, as he turned to look at spectral knights who had disappeared just as the game ended, and Aslan and Lysander that were breathing heavily joined Fray and Lisa.

"Why did you do this!? Although the battle against two pieces, especially the Queen, was going to be hard, still you had a great chance to win," the innkeeper inquired, his gaze fixed on Fray.

Fray's jaw tensed, his mind battling between anger and restraint. "Is this the question?" he retorted, his voice laced with impatience.

The innkeeper chuckled softly, his eyes shifting to Aslan. "Haha, no, I'm just wondering. After all, I already know why you did this," he said, his gaze lingering on Aslan.

Aslan's heart skipped a beat, her eyes darting away from the innkeeper's penetrating stare. She know that if Lisa and Fray decided to take the Queen they would win the game.

Growing increasingly irritated by the innkeeper's mind games, Fray interjected with a cold voice, "You said you would ask us a question if we lose. What is your question?"

The innkeeper's smile widened, and he nodded, acknowledging Fray's request. "Hahaha, alright. I won't waste any more of your time," he said, finally getting to the point. "I will pass directly to the question."

The group held their breath, their nerves on edge as they awaited the innkeeper's inquiry.

"My question is for you," the innkeeper directed his attention to Fray, "Just a month after you entered the International Academy, you killed a group of men in the Niram Empire. The rumors say that you did this just because they insulted you. Can you please tell us now, the truth? Why did you do this?"

An eerie hush fell over the group as the innkeeper's words hung in the air. Fray's expression tightened, and he hesitated for a moment, grappling with the memories of that fateful day.

with the image of Fray standing amid the fallen men.

.....

Aslan's heart pounded in her chest as she remembered the incident. The fear and chaos of that moment flashed before her eyes, along with the image of Fray standing amid the fallen men.

.....

Zina sat by the dim light of the campfire, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, and her deep eyes fixed on the ancient book she held in her hands.

Rekia, stood watchful and vigilant at the edge of the camp, her muscular frame illuminated by the flickering flames. She had vowed to protect Zina with his life and had accompanied her on this arduous journey.

As the nights passed, Zina had delved deeper into the secrets of the book, deciphering its hidden meanings and hoping that it would reveal the solution to her affliction. Following Fray's advice she found this book in the Royal library.

According to the book, the cure she sought could be found within the depths of this very forest. And after taking confirmation from the mage, Zina and Rekia had ventured into the heart of the dark woods, but until now after more than a month, they didn't find any clue about the place of this cure.

As Zina turned another page, her brow furrowed in concentration, she suddenly heard a soft rustling in the underbrush. Both she and Rekia snapped to attention, their hands on their weapons. The forest was full of dangers, and they could ill afford to be caught off guard.

But as the rustling grew louder, it was soon accompanied by a voice, a melodic and enchanting voice that seemed to echo through the trees. Zina and Rekia exchanged puzzled glances as they listened to the voice approach.

Then, emerging from the shadows, a figure stepped into the light of the campfire. It was a young woman with long, flowing hair the color of autumn leaves and eyes that sparkled like the stars. She wore a simple gown of green and brown, adorned with leaves and flowers, giving her an ethereal and mystical appearance.