the obnoxious law (my friend decided this title)

No fear could be traced in his smile. He never bowed his head to the Lord, he only stood there listening. He also gave off pride. Alan smiled.

'I do desire a game of chess. But a normal match would be too boring. I added a little more challenge to the game. I hope you don't mind.'

'Let's just do it already. We don't have all day.'

Ever since he lost, Alan's love for chess increased profoundly. He meticulously studied and practiced it. Now, he could give chess GrandMasters nightmares.

He prepared for the day when he would have the chance to play with Charles again. While waiting, he grew bored of the game he once loved. When you reach Grand Master level, chess is, except a few moves, only a memory game where one recreates the moves previous players had made.

He started focusing on blitz chess, where there is limited time. After a few years, he grew bored. He started playing it blindfolded. Still, it only kept him going for a few years.

He decided to combine both and came up with this version, where he remained undefeated amongst all.

'We will be playing rapid mental chess.'

Alan slyly grinned. The rules were simple. It's regular chess with a few additional rules. Players are given a time limit of 10 seconds for each turn. They must make a move within that period. Otherwise, their turn will be skipped.

Players are not allowed to see or touch the board. They will be playing the game purely on memory. However, as humans are flawed beings and can make mistakes, two people will be playing chess in another room. They are only allowed to move the pieces the real players tell them to.

'Alex, refuse. There must be another way.'

Jason told Alex. Playing a game mentally as difficult as chess was already impossible. Adding a time limit made it unimaginable. But Alex wasn't concerned. He looked like he had already won.

'Don't worry, I won't take long, Jason.'

Alex assured him. Alan was excited to play and quickly made the arrangement. Jason went to the second room as Alex's partner. Alex relaxed on the sofa in front of the Lord.

The Lord's heart danced with joy to play against the superhuman. He prayed that in the least, it may be a good game. None had doubts about their victory.

'I will let you decide the color.'

The Lord offered.

'Of course, I'll be black. I'd feel guilty beating you without at least one advantage.'

Alex enjoyed the soft sensation of the furniture. Two men with clocks came to measure the time. Jason was in the next room. The game began as Alan spoke.

'd4.'

A frequent opening where one can do many things.

'Knight f6.'

Jason placed the Knight. Alan was grateful Alex had played an uncommon opening so it wouldn't be a memory game from the start.

'Oh. Then Bishop g5.'

The Bishop was threatening the Knight, but Alex couldn't care less.

'c5.'

Alan was surprised at this move. No ordinary player could do this. They would instead move their Knight to save it.

'Not a knight player, I see. Bishop f6.'

The Bishop captured the Knight.

'Pawn g f6.'

The Pawn took the Bishop.

'd5.'

Alan brought forth his Pawn.

'Queen b6.'

The game was off to a rare start. Commonly, any good player develops his Queen in the end or middle, but Alex took it out very early.

'Queen c1.'

Alan followed suit and developed his Queen.

'f5.'

--Making his pawn advance without support, what is Alex thinking?

Jason moved the Pawn.

'c4.'

Alan blocked Alex's Pawn.

'd6.'

Alan was delighted by Alex's unique play.

'Knight c3.'

'Knight d7.'

The orders would come out right when their turn starts.

'g3.'

'Bishop g7.'

There was little chat between the players.

'Knight f3.'

'Knight f6.'

--So, he plans to take control of the center.

Alan played his move.

'Knight d2.'

With this, the e4 square was protected twice.

'Nice move….but I don't give a shit. Knight to e4.'

'Alex, are you sure?'

Jason asked from the second room. Even Alan was surprised. No matter how you viewed it, it was a bad move.

'Jason, don't waste time.'

Alex replied hastily. Jason hesitantly placed the Knight.

'I don't know if you're a genius or a mad man. Knight d e4.'

'e4.'

Alex casually replied. Both of his Knights were captured. The moves went on.

'Bishop g2.'

'Queen b4.'

'Castle on kings' side.

'Queen c4.'

Alex captured a pawn.

'Bishop e4.'

It was like there was another competition going on between them on who could make their move faster.

'h5.'

Both kept grinning.

'h4.'

'Bishop g4.'

'Rook e1.'

'Castle on Queen's side.'

The game had entered the middle phase.

Both players were equal in exchange, but Alan was ahead in developing and seemed to be in a better position than Alex.