Chapter 201

Chapter 201

Swoosh!!

It rained continuously.

"... So, you're having a good summer vacation, right?"

"Yes. It's a fulfilling vacation."

Baek Yu-Seol reported his current location to Instructor Hanwol of Class S at Stella Academy, who was still busy with his intense job.

When Stella cadets were dispatched or on vacation, it was mandatory to send a letter once a week, but thanks to Florin’s help, he could report through a call instead.e might find calls more inconvenient, but since he was adept at lying, it wasn't a problem for him.

"I see. Have you been doing well so far?"

Hanwol also knew.

Recently, he had infiltrated the Adolveit Kingdom and done something suspicious.

However, since there was no mention of Baek Yu-Seol in the newspapers or other media, it was awkward for him to bring it up.

"Yes. I've been enjoying the sun, drinking... not champagne, but cola at the beach."

"... I see."

He might be suspicious of something.

However, just as having suspicions alone isn’t enough to throw someone in jail. Baek Yu-Seol had a very clean and convincing alibi.

Even the protagonist of this incident, the third princess of Adolveit, would vouch for his alibi. What could Hanwol do about it?

"... Be careful and come back safely."

After saying that, Hanwol ended the call, and Baek Yu-Seol felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

He felt genuinely sorry for him, but he had no intention of returning immediately.

"Are you leaving now?"

"Yes."

Florin pouted. She opened and closed her lips a few times before finally pressing them together.

It must have been a long time since she spent time outside like this, so it was understandable she felt reluctant. However, since they had already completed their first resonance through the divine artifact, there was no reason to continue spending time together wandering the city.

Both Florin and Baek Yu-Seol were busy, so it was only practical for them to go their separate ways quickly.

"..... Next time, can you make time for me like this again?"

"Oh. If the queen asks, I’d quit school and come running."

"Fufu, there's no need to go that far... But it makes me happy to hear that."

*‘Did she think I was just saying that to flatter her? I was sincere.’*

"Yes, it’s a shame, but we have to part ways today. The knights searching for me have already spread throughout the city..."

Even though it was just one night, the queen's disappearance would be a huge shock for the knights.

Running away without saying anything; she seemed like more of a troublemaker than she appeared.

"Well then, I'll be off!"

Perhaps trying to shake off the lingering feelings, the queen ran toward the knights without looking back.

Though she still hadn't taken off her veil, her steps seemed much lighter, which was a relief.

*‘To think that I’m the only one who has seen Florin’s bare face...’*

This might be quite a unique experience.

"... Shall I go?"

Swoosh~!

The rain continued to fall steadily. The Stella Academy uniform had a basic waterproof feature, but one still needed an umbrella to avoid getting soaked.

This world also had a rainy season, and so, this journey would be accompanied by the sound of rain.

"Where are you headed?"

"To the Hawol Plains."

——-

After buying a ticket and boarding the train, Baek Yu-Seol gazed out the window blankly. The scenery was blurred by raindrops.

Still, the world remained beautiful.

It seemed almost too precious to let it perish.

As Jeliel walked forward, the mages and adventurers parted to clear the way for her.

The final gate.

A soul chess match with the ancient Carmen Set.

Only one person could face that great entity and play chess here.

“I’ve been practicing for this day.”

With her brilliant mind, she had neglected magic and focused solely on studying and researching soul chess to achieve the highest level of skill in the world.

Rustle...

An eerie mist began to rise, and two red dots appeared in the air. Instinctively, the adventurers realized that these were the eyes of something.

Everyone drew their staff and aimed, but Jeliel raised her hand to stop them.

"... A pitiful and wretched soul has come seeking me. What is the reason you have awakened me?"

A deep and heavy voice echoed. Just hearing it made their knees tremble, but she managed to keep from collapsing.

"Eternal life. I want to live forever."

"Yes, of course. She desires eternal life. To live forever?"

No.

She must obtain eternal life to save her father, who had little time left.

"I will grant your wish."

But.

"If you win in a game of soul chess against me... Heh, heh."

Boom!

Suddenly, the terrain began to collapse, rise, crumble, and form again, causing the adventurers to shout in confusion towards Jeliel.

"Miss!"

"Stay calm!"

She did not show fear and did not move a single step from her spot.

After a moment of waiting, the place where Jeliel was standing had turned into a giant chessboard.

Behind her were numerous chess pieces, but one crucial piece was missing: the king.

Carmen Set let out an unpleasant, cackling laugh.

"You will move as the king yourself. If you lose... your soul will become mine."

There were many legends and tales recorded about Carmen Set. He tempted people by promising to grant any wish if they win in a game of soul chess, only to take their souls.

The countless spirits that had tormented Jeliel’s expedition throughout the ruins were likely the souls of those who had come to challenge Carmen Set and lost.

"A being that grants any wish. Yet, there has never been a single successful example of someone... A legend filled only with terrible notoriety."

"Heh, heh. So, will you still play soul chess?"

Was there any need to hesitate? She had lived her whole life for this moment.

"Of course."

Jeliel nodded without hesitation, and Carmen Set shouted in an excited voice.

"Good! Just thinking about seizing your noble soul excites me too! Let’s start soul chess right away!"

Boom!

Carmen Set's chess pieces moved and arranged themselves. Jeliel stepped back, took the position of the king, closed her eyes, and raised her hand.

Then, the chess pieces began to move and position themselves according to her command.

"I won't lose."

In soul chess, the strategy began the moment the pieces were placed on the board.

Jeliel arranged a very special formation. She had never used it before, but she learned this strategy after experiencing a crushing defeat against Baek Yu-Seol.

The defeat was painful, but it allowed her to grow even more.

"Well then, let’s begin! I'm curious to see your skills, miss!!"

Clack!

Carmen Set's chess pieces moved, and thus began the true soul chess with their souls at stake.