NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 640: Fired Up
The hulking demons materialized on the board, their ember-streaked plate armor etched with glowing sigils. Ty nodded, noting how to utilize their unique abilities.
"Next, the Knights—Hellfire Marauders. They move in an L-shape, as Knights traditionally do. When you add a Life Coin, the Infernal Charge ability becomes available. This allows the Knight to leave a flaming trail in its path. This fire trail persists for two turns, damaging any enemy piece that passes through. The second ability, Ember Trail, releases a fiery explosion when the Knight lands, causing damage to all adjacent squares."
Ty visualized the skeletal steeds with their flaming hooves, picturing how they would charge across the board and leave fiery chaos in their wake.
"The Rooks—Obsidian Sentinels—move in straight lines either horizontally or vertically. When activated by a Life Coin, they gain the ability Immovable Bastion. This grants a defense buff to all friendly pieces within a three-square radius, making them immune to capture for one turn while the Rook remains stationary. Additionally, their Seismic Slam ability can damage pieces in a three-by-five rectangle in front of them, and stun enemies for a turn. This can only be used once every four turns, so its timing is critical."
Ty watched the massive stone-like demons form before him, their glowing glyphs and molten cores making them appear as immovable protectors on the battlefield.
"And finally, the Pawns—Infernal Footsoldiers. They move forward one square and can capture enemies diagonally. Like standard chess Pawns, they can promote to higher-ranking pieces when they reach the enemy's back row. When imbued with a Life Coin, they gain Overwhelm, an ability that increases their strength by 20% for every additional Pawn that attacks the same target, up to 100%. This makes them very dangerous in groups. They also have Sacrificial Flame, where they self-destruct, damaging all pieces in a one-square radius, with the enhanced version affecting a larger area and leaving a Fire Pit."
Ty took a deep breath. The Footsoldiers seemed expendable but dangerous in large numbers—a perfect fit for a demonic horde. He could almost feel the heat of their flickering flames.
"Remember," Phillis added, "without Life Coins, your pieces move as they would in traditional chess—each piece relying on positioning and teamwork. Life Coins add a powerful layer, allowing you to alter the board significantly, tipping the battle in your favor. Each of these abilities has a visual cue, ensuring your opponent can see what has been activated and plan accordingly. You must use each ability wisely, understanding when to unleash power and when to conserve your resources."
Phillis' voice paused for a moment before adding, "Basic strategic principles from the official academy manual suggest keeping your King safe while gradually advancing other pieces. Bishops and Knights are typically used to control the board early on, with Rooks coming into play once open lines are created. The Queen is powerful but must be protected—don't use her recklessly. Pawns may seem weak, but they hold great potential if they can advance far enough."
Ty nodded. This was a lot to process, but it was clear—he couldn't just barrel through without strategy. The Life Coins were the key to victory, but they could also lead to his downfall if he used them recklessly.
"And finally," Phillis concluded, "to command your pieces, you must clearly state your intention. For example, if you wish to move a Pawn forward, say 'Move Pawn to [specific square].' If you wish to activate a Life Coin ability, specify the piece and the ability. The system will recognize your command and execute accordingly."
Ty flexed his fingers, feeling the tension in his knuckles. "Got it," he said quietly, his eyes now focused on the board in front of him.
"Alright then," Aldric stated out loud, his voice carrying an unmistakable confidence, "that's enough time reviewing the rules. Let's go ahead and get started."
Ty nodded, staring down at the massive chessboard before him. The figures stood in perfect symmetry, just like in any game of chess. He took a moment to observe his pieces: eight Pawns lined up across the second row, smaller and less imposing compared to the towering figures of the back row. There stood his two Rooks, solid and unmoving; his two Knights, ready to spring forward; his two Bishops, emanating an aura of latent energy; his Queen, a formidable presence; and finally, himself—the King, looming over the rest.
Suddenly, a coin materialized at the center of the board. Phillis's mechanical voice broke the silence. "Heads or tails?"
Ty blinked, taken aback by the sudden request. "Heads," he replied, still unsure why he had been asked to pick.
Phillis responded as the coin leapt high into the air, glinting under the bright arena lights. "Because you entered the room first," she explained as the coin clattered to the ground, spinning before settling with the engraved face of heads.
"Correct. You may go first," Phillis affirmed. "You have 80 seconds to make your move. You can insert a Life Coin into any piece before moving, or simply move a piece. Once you make a move, your turn ends."
Ty sighed, his eyes flickering over his options. The tension of the situation gripped him, and he could feel his heart pounding. The Life Coins were powerful but finite, each one precious. To use one right from the start seemed reckless, but holding back might mean falling behind Aldric, who already carried an air of mastery over the game.
He studied the board, glancing at the imposing figures in front of him. Each piece seemed alive—waiting, almost breathing, in anticipation of his command. Ty's eyes moved to one of his Pawns. It stood there, unassuming, yet steadfast, a first step into the unknown. He decided to play it safe for now. He reached out, the giant piece feeling surprisingly warm under his touch. With a subtle push, he moved the Pawn from E2 to E4. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire
The board reacted immediately. He could feel the subtle vibration as the Pawn moved forward, the other pieces almost seeming to shift in response. It wasn't flashy, but it was a solid move—one that opened up space for his Bishops and Queen, and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Across the board, Aldric smiled. "Starting simple, are we? A classic opening." He nodded approvingly, though there was something in his eyes—something sharp, calculating, like a predator analyzing its prey. Without hesitation, Aldric reached for his own Life Coin and inserted it into one of his Pawns—a Blueblood Guard standing in D7. The coin merged seamlessly with the figure, and Ty watched as the Pawn seemed to come to life, its armor shimmering with newfound energy. Aldric moved it forward two squares, from D7 to D5, mirroring Ty's opening move.
Ty watched as the Pawn on Aldric's side shifted into position. He squinted at the glowing symbols floating above it, taking in the information Phillis had provided him.
"Moves one square forward or two on the first move. Captures diagonally. Self-destructs, damaging all pieces in a one-square radius, and grants a shield to adjacent allies for one turn. When three or more attack together, they instantly destroy the target." Ty grimaced as he read the stats, the blue glow of the text adding a chill to the air around him.
"An easy way to take a Soul Coin off of him if I jump him..." Ty thought to himself, considering his options. He eyed Aldric across the board. The nobleman stood relaxed, his stance almost casual, but Ty knew better than to underestimate him. There was a trap, something lurking behind Aldric's calm demeanor.
"Thirty seconds remaining," Phillis announced in her monotone voice.
Ty's eyes darted across the board, a slight furrow forming between his brows. He clenched his jaw. "I should take the best move possible right now and strip him of a Life Coin... Even though I know he's baiting me." He muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing at the Pawn. The move was too obvious. Aldric could've activated his piece's skill and taken his Pawn off the board.
But maybe, just maybe, it was worth taking the risk.
He nodded to himself, making his decision. He raised his voice, firm and resolute. "Pawn 7, advance to E5!"
Ty felt a surge of confidence as he made his move. "Pawn 7, advance to E5!" The Infernal Footsoldier glowed in response, moving with a predatory grace across the board. Its twin daggers shimmered with flames as it leaped forward, eyes locked on Aldric's Pawn standing in front of it. The energy around the two pieces pulsed as they came into close proximity.