In a matter of mere minutes, their leisurely stroll led Evelyn and Kiara to a serene tableau—a scene where two men were deeply engrossed in an intricate board game.
A huge goat head prize added a weird decoration in the place. Pausing briefly, they exchanged glances before cautiously inching closer, aiming to capture the attention of the players.
However, their efforts were in vain as the players remained absorbed, oblivious to their presence. Left standing awkwardly, the two women chose to respect the sanctity of the ongoing game, silently biding their time.
Their journey through the realms of cultivation had honed within them a remarkable virtue: patience, an art they had mastered to an exceptional degree.
Standing there amidst the quietude, they became astute observers, their keen eyes capturing the nuances of the game being played.
Despite the initial lack of interaction, Evelyn and Kiara found themselves drawn into the subtle dance of strategy and intellect woven into the fabric of the game called chess.
With each passing moment, they delved deeper, deciphering the tactical maneuvers, understanding the significance of every piece's placement.
Their minds, sharp from their cultivated wisdom, swiftly grasped the fundamentals of the game—its intricate rules and subtle complexities unfolding before their discerning gaze.
As time ambled by, the women's patience bore fruit, unraveling the mysteries of chess, revealing its strategic elegance.
Their quiet vigil transformed into an absorbing lesson, transcending mere observation as they quietly absorbed the essence of the board's dynamics, each move a revelation, each exchange a lesson in strategy.
And soon enough, the once enigmatic board became a familiar terrain, its patterns and possibilities unraveling under the astute scrutiny of Evelyn and Kiara.
Ten hours drifted away in the ebb and flow of the game, culminating in a deadlock, a draw that marked the end of an intricate battle of wits and strategy.
It was only then that our enigmatic main character, hailed as a master in his realm, turned his attention towards the unanticipated visitors who had quietly observed the match's entirety.
"Care for a game, Evelyn Arcana Dawn?" His voice, smooth and assured, extended the invitation, accompanied by a genuine, warm smile aimed at the two women.
However, while his words included both, his gaze, with a discerning appreciation, lingered upon Kiara, drawn by the undeniable allure she possessed.
In the eyes of Nero Deathbinder, renowned as he was, there existed a realm of beauty he had encountered that surpassed even this, though he bore a lament for not exploring the realms of intimacy—a skill unpracticed and unseen, a regret penned in the book of our protagonist.
Evelyn, regaining her composure after the initial shock of our protagonist's knowledge of her true name, replied with a graceful but guarded tone, "I fear I wouldn't make a suitable opponent for your game, Senior."
Her words, though polite, bore the weight of caution; the significance of a true name resonated deeply within her, harboring an immense power that, in the hands of the most malevolent cultivators, could become a binding force, a means of control. Such knowledge wasn't lost upon her, prompting a subtle wariness in her response.
"Come. It's merely a game. Losing holds no dire consequences," our op protagonist reassured with a casual shrug, taking the reins of the board game, deftly arranging the pieces in their designated places.
Evelyn, seizing the chance, approached, her curiosity piqued by the unfolding encounter. In a show of deference, Evelyn inclined herself in a deep bow before the aged figure of Lucas Frost.
"This humble one greets you, Senior Lucas," she uttered respectfully.
Despite their outward semblance in age, Evelyn concealed a silent suspicion that this elder harbored wisdom that transcended mere chronological years.
Her instincts seldom failed her, and they whispered the weight of history held within this man.
"Well met, girl," acknowledged Lucas, rising from his seat to acknowledge their presence.
"I should take my leave now. There's still time for me to lend a hand in the maize harvesting," bid Lucas, a sense of duty propelling him to contribute to the village.
His pride forbade him from being a mere freeloader; he sought to discharge his debt to the community by offering his labor and skills, refusing to be a passive beneficiary of their hospitality.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Lucas left, his figure melding into the fabric of the bustling village, a testament to his unwavering commitment to earning his keep and contributing to the community's livelihood.
As he departed, the essence of his integrity lingered, a gentle reminder of the virtue of giving back, etched within the fabric of the tranquil setting.
"DING!" The sound of a crisp heralded the start of the game between Evelyn and our op mc. Swiftly, they navigated the chessboard, their moves echoing the unspoken language of masters.
In a mere hour, the game reached its decisive conclusion.
"Mate," our protagonist declared, the outcome apparent within a remarkably short span. Without hesitation, he reset the pieces, inviting another round.
Evelyn joined in, the silent dance of strategy and counters taking shape once more.
Thirty minutes passed, and yet again, she found herself on the losing end. However, the game persisted, an unspoken dialogue binding the players in a realm of concentration.
It wasn't until the tenth consecutive victory that our protagonist relinquished his pleasure in playing. "Are you here to apprehend my servant?" he inquired calmly, taking a sip of the now-chilled tea in his hands, brewed hours earlier.
Evelyn swallowed hard before responding, her words measured and diplomatic. "We have reason to believe that the individual responsible for the city's purification was motivated solely by justice. Our purpose is to reward this individual, not to mete out punishment," she explained, displaying a mastery of diplomacy in her demeanor.
To her, unnecessary conflict was a tool for the foolish, a belief she held steadfastly.
The air hung heavy with unspoken implications, a delicate balance between inquiries and answers, each word chosen meticulously to navigate the intricate web of the situation at hand.
"Ah, I understand. In that case, you and I will surely get along just fine," our protagonist remarked with a reassuring smile, extending an invitation to Kiara to join in the game.
The ensuing match between the trio unfolded, the two women teaming up against our protagonist, the chessboard becoming a battleground as the sun retreated beyond the horizon.
As the night sky claimed its dominance, the game persisted, neither victory nor stalemate gracing the efforts of Evelyn and Kiara against our central character.
It was an outcome anticipated by all involved, for challenging our protagonist was akin to attempting the impossible.