Chapter 22 - A Game with Sona Sitri

As she set up the pieces, I casually asked, "You're aware I've never played chess before, right?"

Sona paused, looking up at me. "You're joking."

I shook my head. "Nope. Never touched the game in my life."

There was a flicker of disappointment before she recovered. "Then this will be over quickly."

That's what she thought.

The soft clink of chess pieces against the wooden board filled the otherwise silent room.

Sona Sitri sat across from me, her expression calm, focused—exactly what you'd expect from a master strategist.

Me?

I had never played chess before in my life.

Not once.

If I had been an average guy, this match would've been over before it even started.

But I wasn't an average guy.

I had the 100X System.

And the moment I picked up my first piece, something clicked.

It was as if a floodgate of knowledge burst open in my mind.

I moved my first pawn.

Ding!

[100X System Activated: Chess Mastery Acquired]

Strategies, counterplays, famous matches—every possible move unfolded in my head.

I saw patterns.

I saw traps.

I saw every path to victory.

My movements became sharper, more refined with each passing turn. The initial awkwardness disappeared entirely, replaced by the precision of someone who had been playing for years.

And across from me, Sona noticed.

She had started the game looking confident.

Now?

Her violet eyes flickered with something different.

Curiosity.

Focus.

And maybe—just maybe—a hint of concern.

She moved carefully now, adapting, adjusting—but it didn't matter. I had already caught up.

No—I had already surpassed her.

If I wanted to, I could end this right now.

One move.

One checkmate.

And Sona Sitri, the Chess Prodigy of the Underworld, would lose to someone who had never played before.

I stared at the board, my fingers lightly tapping the edge of my next piece.

Then I smirked.

"I could crush her right now… but where's the fun in that?"

I exhaled slowly.

Then, with deliberate slowness, I moved a knight—straight into a trap.

Sona's gaze snapped up, eyes narrowing instantly.

A single beat of silence passed.

Then she made her move.

Checkmate.

Sona sat back, her fingers steepled together as she studied me, the ghost of a frown on her lips.

The soft clink of chess pieces marked the end of the match.

Sona had won.

But she knew the truth.

"You lost on purpose."

It wasn't a question.

It was a statement.

I leaned back in my chair, stretching my arms casually.

"Maybe," I admitted. "Or maybe I just wanted to keep seeing you smile."

A tiny, nearly imperceptible twitch appeared on her lips.

Not a full smile.

But close.

She let out a slow breath before speaking again.

"My family made a bet," she murmured, quieter than before.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "Oh?"

She tapped her fingers against the desk. "If I ever lose in chess, I am to marry the person who defeated me."

I blinked.

…Huh.

She expected me to look disappointed.

Instead, I grinned.

"So… are you saying you wanted me to win, Sona?"

Her composed mask cracked—just for a second.

A faint, almost imperceptible dusting of pink graced her cheeks.

Then, just as quickly, she adjusted her glasses and turned away slightly.

"Just go to class, Malrik."

I chuckled, standing up and heading toward the door.

But before stepping out, I turned back slightly, letting my smirk linger.

"You know…" I mused, my tone teasing, "I'll win next time."

Sona didn't reply.

But as I left, I didn't miss the way she sat there for a moment longer, staring at the chessboard with an unreadable expression.

Just as I was about to leave, an idea struck me.

I stopped in the doorway, turning back to face the Student Council members, who were still watching me carefully.

"Actually," I said, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. "I feel like I should leave you all with something to remember me by."

Before anyone could ask what I meant, I raised my hand.

The air in the room shifted.

A faint, golden glow shimmered around my fingers as intricate, arcane symbols began materializing in mid-air, rotating like the gears of some celestial machine.

The room went silent.

Tsubaki took a half-step forward, her normally unreadable expression flickering with curiosity.

Even Sona's violet eyes sharpened as she closely observed the flow of power.

Ding!

[Divine Forge – Aetherius Activated]

Within seconds, a set of delicately crafted accessories took shape in my hands.

For Sona, I forged an elegant silver hairpin with intricate engravings—subtle enchantments woven into its design, offering minor defensive enhancements.

For Tsubaki, I created a sleek, black choker inlaid with a faintly glowing sapphire—a silent but powerful ward against mind-affecting magic.

For the others—Momo, Reya, and Tsubasa—I shaped custom bracelets and rings, each carrying a small protective energy charm.

As the glow faded, I casually tossed each of them their gifts.

They caught them instinctively, their eyes widening as they felt the subtle magic infused within.

Sona turned the silver hairpin between her fingers, inspecting it carefully. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"This…" she murmured. "This isn't ordinary craftsmanship."

Tsubaki ran a finger along the choker's edge, her composed expression betraying the faintest flicker of surprise.

Momo and Reya exchanged shocked glances, while Tsubasa turned her bracelet over, testing its weight.

I smirked, watching their reactions.

Sona finally looked up, adjusting her glasses. "This is your Sacred Gear, isn't it?"

I met her gaze, grinning.

"Yup."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "You can create enchanted artifacts… just like that?"

I spun a ring between my fingers before casually slipping it into my pocket.

"Pretty much," I said. Then, smirking, I added, "If you want more, though… you'll have to pay for it."

I let the words linger, teasingly playful.

Sona's lips parted slightly, but before she could respond, I turned and walked out the door.

Akeno had been waiting outside, leaning against the wall, smiling knowingly.

"Ara~ Showing off again, Malrik-kun?"

I grinned. "What can I say? Gotta leave an impression."

As we walked away, I could still feel Sona's eyes on my back.

She wasn't done with me.

And honestly?

I wouldn't have it any other way.