Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 112

I must prove her wrong and show her she can't remain arrogant.

Zelena confidently grabbed a chess piece and decisively made her move.

The chess match was timed.

Initially, each player had sixty minutes, and each move added an extra thirty seconds until the match's end.

When she faced Zelena, Violeta recognised some chess capability in her opponent, given her presence in the finals.

However, Zelena's experience was primarily theoretical. She had learned chess through online tutorials and matches against computer simulations.

The competitors at the chess hall varied in skill, some not even matching a basic computer opponent's level.

Zelena had reached the finals partly due to her skills but also due to a good dose of luck.

However, her luck dwindled when she came up against Violeta.

Violeta's chess expertise was built on more than just tutorials; she had faced numerous real-life opponents since her first game!

The small chess booth near Hori Studio was a hidden gem, filled with skilled players.

Over time, Violeta honed her skills through challenging matches.

She played with assurance, never wavering in her moves.

She meticulously planned each move, anticipating Zelena's responses based on her own strategic insights.

Initially, Zelena managed to match Violeta's pace, as the speed was similar to the computer opponents she practiced with, requiring minimal thought.

However, as the game progressed, especially after Violeta made a critical move across the board, Zelena started to falter.

She found herself increasingly lost in thought, spending more time contemplating her moves.

So much so that Violeta, noticing the delay, yawned.

Leisurely sipping her tea, Violeta watched Zelena's indecision, secure in her advantageous position.

Tapping her fingertip gently on the tabletop and resting her chin on one hand, she asked, "How much longer do you need to deliberate?"

Zelena gazed intently at the chessboard before her, her anxiety already palpable. Violeta's remark felt like fuel added to the fire of her frustration, intensifying her irritability.

"Why are you rushing me? I haven't run out of time yet."

With a light chuckle, Violeta replied, "Overthinking won't change the inevitable. You might as well give up and save us both some time."

Zelena's frustration was palpable, and the tension between the two players could be felt throughout the chess hall.

Spectators inside and even those outside who were replicating the game discussed the match eagerly, reflecting the high stakes and the excitement surrounding this final showdown.

On the stage, Wade observed closely and commented to Nolan, "The white pieces are dominating; the black is clearly on the defensive."

Nolan nodded in agreement. "It's true. At this point, any struggle from the black pieces will merely postpone the outcome. The white's strategy is overpowering."

Violeta played the white pieces, and Zelena handled the black pieces.