Although he trusted the analysis provided by the holographic spec, he couldn't grasp the strategy behind it at all.

However, at a certain moment, as Edmon’s pieces gradually infiltrated into Baek Yu-Seol’s territory, a change began.

"... Hm?"

When they snapped back to their senses, they realized that three of Baek Yu-Seol pieces had occupied specific points, triggering a field magic.

[Trap: Lockdown]

By installing a prison in a designated narrow space, this field effect prevented the trapped pieces from escaping for five turns.

However, whether by coincidence or strategy, all three of the pieces responsible for Edmon’s mobility, the "Speedrun Knights," fell into the trap.

"Huh...?"

It must have been a coincidence.

It was only five turns, but there was no way to turn the situation around in just five turns.

Furthermore.

"Hehe, I can complete the field soon!"

In Soul Chess, it wasn't simply about capturing the opponent's pieces to win. One had to attack repeatedly and chip away at their defenses.

However, a field magic that significantly increased the attack power of all of Edmon’s pieces was activated.

[Field: Scorched Ground]

A field that reduced the defense of opponents who had weak defense against fire and increased the owner’s attack power.

It was incredibly difficult to complete this field as it required occupying points in five different locations.

But, once it was completed, the opponent would be overwhelmed in an instant.

‘It's over. How many times have I secretly moved my pieces to occupy these points?’

Edmon had completely failed to notice this strategy and was engaged in meaningless actions.

However...

[Occupation: Reversed Ground]

"...Huh?"

As Baek Yu-Seol moved his piece, Edmon unintentionally blurted out a dumbfounded remark.

Without realizing it, the lowly "Pawn" had somehow snatched control of a specific point.

Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have any effect, but if the opponent occupied it while the [Field] was active, they would gain the [Reversal] effect.

In other words, the fiery [Scorched Ground] instantly turned into the [Frozen Ground].

‘This... is…’

How did he manage to complete the Reversal right after completing the Scorched Ground?

That meant... Baek Yu-Seol had completely seen through Edmon’s intentions.

‘No, no! If I devour all the pieces on the points, I can reclaim my field!’

Despite biting his lips anxiously, Edmon attempted to move his Speedrun Knight to attack the points.

"Oh."

Upon realization, he noticed that all his Speedrun Knights were trapped by [Imprisonment] and were unable to move.

From that point on, he couldn't think of anything.

‘What should I... do...?’

There was no way out.

With the Speedrun Knights bound, he had no piece that could reach the opponent's points.

But if he were to release the field himself... all the effort he had put in so far would be in vain.

It would be nothing short of suicide.

‘No, no. Maybe he was just lucky to see through my strategy, but if I calmly refine my forces and fight again, I will win…’

Edmon clenched his lips tightly and released the Frozen Ground. As a result, its effect were melted away.

‘Good, now I need to regroup and…’

However, before he could even finish his thoughts...

Bang!

Baek Yu-Seol’s piece moved without hesitation.

It was a relentless and aggressive movement.

"Ah..."

Edmon was slightly taken aback, but he slowly collected his thoughts. He needed to grasp the opponent's strategy. If he could poke a hole, the opponent would surely be flustered and reveal a vulnerability.

Slowly, slowly, that was how he should proceed.

However...

Bang! Bang!

While Edmon contemplated for five minutes, Baek Yu-Seol only took five seconds to think. He had no hesitation whatsoever, and as soon as Edmon’s turn ended, he swiftly swept his pieces like a tidal wave.

At that moment, Edmon felt a certain terror. It was as if he was playing chess with a heartless and emotionless entity like Death itself.

Suddenly, Baek Yu-Seol in front of him seemed distant and remote.

Edmon couldn't bear to meet his cold expression, devoid of any emotion.

Shivering violently, Edmon forced himself to grip the piece tightly, but now there was no way out.

The opponent didn't expose any weaknesses to any attack and completely crushed his army with a rough and ruthless assault, devoid of emotions.

At that moment, he felt despair. It was like facing an overwhelming mage who suppressed him with sheer power.

It was the first time encountering an opponent who moved the pieces so coldly and logically, without a trace of emotion. It sent shivers down his spine to the point of tears.

"Ha, hahaha..."

He lost.

He didn't want to admit that obvious fact, but the more he struggled, the more he resembled a writhing worm in front of a giant.

In the end, Edmon personally toppled his own king with his finger.

Thud!

The declaration of complete defeat.

He covered his head with both hands.

‘What on earth is happening...?’

Sweat droplets formed on his sharp nose. Even in the messy situation, he couldn't do anything to resolve it.

It must be a dream.

It had to be a dream.

This was a game he absolutely couldn't lose.

Yeah, this couldn't be reality.

He thought so, but the students made a big commotion, which awakened him to reality.

"Did Senior Edmon really lose?"

"How did that happen?"

"Crazy, did you see just now? Was that a strategy or a joke?"

"I don't know anything about Soul Chess, so I don't even know what's what..."

"He just dominated him one-sidedly, right? Senior Edmon couldn't even put up a fight."

Among those students, Hong Bi-Yeon silently disappeared, and Baek Yu-Seol also stood up, holding the Oath of Magic Power.

Despite being someone who played a chess game devoid of emotions like a machine, it was hard to believe the warm smile he wore as he slightly bowed.

"It was a good match. Well done."

After saying those words, Baek Yu-Seol hid his figure outside the cafe, and Edmon shook his head.

It wasn't a dream, it was reality.

He became acutely aware of that fact... very clearly.