Soul Chess.

For Baek Yu-Seol, it was a content that he found quite tiresome.

In the Aether World, Soul Chess appeared everywhere.

Whether it was in Persona Gates, dungeons, ruins, or any other place, he had to overcome traps and obstacles through Soul Chess time and time again.

Furthermore, to build rapport with key characters, persuade them, or make certain choices, he had to play Soul Chess.

Unlike conventional chess, Soul Chess involved placing pieces with various abilities and competing. It was more akin to a turn-based role-playing game (TRPG).

However, Baek Yu-Seol wasn't particularly smart, so he didn't excel at it.

But that was the case for other players as well; they had no choice but to strategize and exploit their opponents with the help of the ’system.’

Soul Chess marked the beginning of a strategic battle as soon as the pieces were placed.

Did his forces have favorable matchups against the opponent's forces?

Was the formation he set up more advantageous than the opponent's?

That was where Baek Yu-Seol had an advantage.

Although he had never directly faced Admon Atalek, the form and strategies of the pieces he used were recorded in meticulous detail in a strategy guide.

In other words, studying the ‘guidebook’ enabled him to play Soul Chess.

Moreover, using the analysis system of his thick-framed glasses based on that information, he could analyze the opponent's chess patterns and determine the moves that had the highest probability of leading to victory.

In essence, with the strategy guide and his ‘AlphaGo’ by his side, Baek Yu-Seol was unbeatable.

Unaware of this fact, Edmon Atalek looked at the chessboard in front of him with a confident gaze.

"Oh, Soul Chess, huh?"

The impatient feeling had disappeared.

Now, Edmon Atalek could leisurely look around his surroundings.

The signing of the oath document was done. Now, all he had to do was win in Soul Chess and obtain the item trading rights.

"Hey, are Senior Edmon and the first-year student going to play Soul Chess?"

"They’re not just playing, it's a bet. They’re playing Soul Chess for stakes."

"To the point of writing an oath document..."

"Senior will win, right?"

"Well, obviously. Have you seen anyone in Stella who plays Soul Chess better than Edmon?"

The number of spectators had increased without Baek Yu-Seol realizing it.

Initially, he felt a bit burdened by the spectators, but now he wished there were even more.

That way, he could show his victory to everyone.

Edmon glanced at Hong Bi-Yeon in the seat next to him with affectionate eyes.

However, she closed her eyes and crossed her legs, casually sipping the coffee without even giving them a glance.

Although her nonchalant attitude was irritating, it didn't matter.

She was the woman who would become his, and no one else could interfere with her.

With such thoughts, Edmon locked eyes with Baek Yu-Seol.

In contrast, Hong Bi-Yeon's mind was in turmoil.

‘What is he thinking? Soul Chess…’

Of all things, Edmon Atalek had chosen the discipline he excelled in.

It seemed utterly crazy.

If he lost there, everything would become meaningless.

What could he be thinking?

Even if Baek Yu-Seol was said to have a sharp mind, it was impossible to outplay Edmon Atalek, who had been called the prodigy of Soul Chess and had been learning since the age of five.

Edmon, who knew this fact, spoke calmly.

"Well, junior. Let's start by placing our pieces. You can go first."

Baek Yu-Seol nodded without hesitation.

Giving up the initiative for free in such an important bet, there was no bigger fool.

"Yes."

They placed their pieces on a chessboard that was much larger than a regular chessboard and had an octagonal shape.

Even the process of placing the pieces was a mental battle.

After the opponent placed five pieces, it was their turn to place five pieces. They had to examine the opponent's pieces, strategize, and carefully select which pieces to place.

[Edmon Atalek mainly deploys 'Flame of Destruction' forces. Be cautious of his firepower-oriented strategies.]

[If he has the first move, there is a high possibility that he will move 'Burning Golem' or set up 'Scorched Earth' on the field. It would be good for you to prepare 'Frozen Glacier' in anticipation, but if you haven't...]

Countless strategies for Edmon Atalek's Soul Chess came to Baek Yu-Seol’s mind.

Based on that, his augmented reality spec started analyzing the patterns and projected the most ideal route for him in the air like a hologram.

Following that, he calmly placed his pieces on the chessboard.

There was no need for psychological warfare.

Whatever he did, he had the advantage.

"Hmm...?"

As Edmon was placing his pieces, he furrowed his brow slightly.

Although he didn't underestimate the stakes of the Soul Chess bet, seeing Baek Yu-Seol mere few pieces and his seemingly complete understanding of the strategy through their placement... He was outplayed from the start.

For a moment, uneasiness struck, but he forcefully pushed it away.

Such a minor disadvantage could be overcome with his experience and superior strategies.

He had fought countless battles like this and was familiar with them.

"Ahem, shall we begin?"

Baek Yu-Seol responded by moving his piece to take the first move.

"Hmm?"

An aggressive move from the start.

Edmon was slightly surprised by Baek Yu-Seol’s boldness in sending pieces with sufficient strategic elements, high offensive and defensive capabilities closer to his own side. Not in a good sense, but in a bad sense.

‘Does this commoner not know that this is an exploration game?’

For Edmon, it wasn't a bad development.

If he could significantly weaken the opponent's forces from the beginning, it would be advantageous.

Since the opponent came out boldly, Edmon also moved his limited three pieces boldly.

"Speedrun Knight."

It wasn't a piece with strong offensive power, but it had exceptional mobility, capable of covering the entire map.

Clang!

As Edmon’s piece moved, it swiftly took out one of Baek Yu-Seol’s pieces and vanished into specks of light.

However, Baek Yu-Seol didn't panic and immediately moved his next piece. This time, he initiated pressure from another direction.

As expected, it was an aggressive move, but it didn't inflict any significant damage on Edmon‘s side.

On the contrary, Edmon used the mobility advantage to swiftly eliminate Baek Yu-Seol’s key pieces one by one.

"This is too easy."

Edmon’s lips curled into a smile as he didn't even bother hiding his expression and played chess with a leisurely demeanor.

Hong Bi-Yeon chewed her lips anxiously, wearing a worried expression.

‘What on earth are we supposed to do?’

Baek Yu-Seol felt the same.

‘Seriously, what should we do?’