Zydan's first day of university classes began with a mix of excitement and nerves. As he settled into each lecture, he found that understanding the material earned him a small reward from the system—.25 Midflow stats points for every class he grasped well. On the flip side, classes he struggled with didn't grant him any increase. This new feedback loop was both motivating and a little intimidating.
By noon, Zydan had managed to boost his Mindflow stats with several successful classes, but he also faced a few challenges in others.
He headed towards the Chess Club Quarters, eager to make a good impression. The club was known for its competitive players and strong community spirit, which intrigued him.
Upon arrival, Zydan felt an odd sense of familiarity as he glanced around the room. Faces looked vaguely recognizable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen these people before.
He was greeted by the club captain, Mikal—a tall, confident figure with a sharp gaze.
"Welcome! To get started, we need to know your online ELO rating," Mikal said, his tone casual but firm.
Zydan's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's an ELO rating?"
Mikal chuckled and explained, "It's a system used to calculate the relative skill levels of players. It's a way to measure your performance and see where you stand compared to others."
Zydan nodded, thinking back to his online chess accounts. "I've seen something like that before. My latest rating is around 1100, but I often switch accounts."
Mikal raised an eyebrow. "1100 isn't bad for someone new to the competitive scene. We'll start from there and see how you improve. It's more about growth than the starting number."
Zydan was soon thrown into a gauntlet blitz match against all 11 members present, including Mikal. To everyone's astonishment, Zydan won every single game. His unconventional style—trading all minor and major pieces before the 20th move, then using his king to control the center and attacking with pawns from unexpected positions—left his opponents dumbfounded. It was like playing checkers with chess, and none of the players, including Mikal, could counter his strategy.
Mikal, still in disbelief, approached Zydan. "Are you sure you're a 1100 player? May I know what your online ID is?"
Zydan responded, "It's Zydan_123 right now, it's my 123rd account."
Mikal's eyes widened. "Why so many accounts?"
Zydan shrugged. "For some reason, my accounts always get inactive, so I had to keep replacing them."
Mikal shook his head in disbelief. "That probably means most of your opponents either report you or the chess engine thought you were cheating because you aren't losing. It's absurd!"
The vice captain, Lasker, then approached with a look of awe. "You mean you're the mythical figure Stock Zydan? The one who beat some grandmasters online and is a legend in the chess streaming world? Everybody's been trying to trace you, but they've all failed."
Zydan looked puzzled. "Stock Zydan? I had no idea I was such a big deal."
Echo chimed in, |"Trace you? So that's why your Holophone was acting up while you were playing chess. But I've taken care of that, so you don't have to worry."|
Mikal, still recovering from the shock, quickly regained his composure. "Well, Zydan, with your skills, I'd like to invite you to join a major chess tournament in Luminaris, the capital city of Synthoria Alliance."
| "Synthoria Alliance," Echo began.
|"Eleven nations working as one. Germany powers the industries, France leads in innovation, and the Netherlands drives sustainability. Together, they—" |
"I know, Echo," Zydan cut in, a hint of impatience in his voice. "We're part of it. Luminaris, shining cities, advanced tech… I get it."
| "It's more than that, Zydan. There's—" |
"I know," Zydan repeated, staring out at the gleaming towers. "But right now, it's just noise."
Zydan's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds incredible. I'd love to participate! Is there a cash prize or any other incentive for the tournament?"
Mikal smiled. "Yes, there is a cash prize for the top finishers, and additional incentives for high performers. It's a great opportunity not just for recognition but also for some tangible rewards."
Mikal continued, "Great! We'll make sure you're prepared and ready to showcase your talent. And if you win the tournament, you won't need to create more accounts in chess online, since you will be a Titled Player as a National Master (NM)."
As Zydan prepared to leave, the excitement of the upcoming tournament mixed with the thrill of his recent victories. The Chess Club was buzzing with newfound respect and curiosity about their unexpected champion.
Just as Zydan was about to head out, the door to the Chess Club Quarters opened, and in walked a tall, sleek figure with sharp features and an air of authority. The room fell silent as he approached. His name was Boris Snape, the star of Arcelis University's chess team and widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the Synthoria Alliance. Boris is the No. 1 player at the university and had earned a reputation for his aggressive, calculating style of play.
He gave Zydan a quick, appraising look before turning to Mikal. "So, this is the newcomer everyone's talking about?"
Mikal nodded. "Yeah, Boris. Meet Zydan. He just won eleven blitz games in a row. Even I couldn't keep up with his style."
Boris raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Blitz is one thing. But classical chess is the true test of skill. How about it, Zydan? Care to play a real match?"
Zydan tilted his head curiously. "Classical chess? Sure, I'm up for it."
As they prepared for the match, Zydan felt a familiar presence in his mind—Echo. |"You can't beat Boris, Zydan. He's too experienced. You need to use the system to gain an edge,"| Echo suggested, his tone cautious yet firm.
Zydan mentally shook his head. |"No, Echo. Not this time. I'll only use the system if I desperately need it. I need to prove to myself that I can do this on my own."|
|"But he's their best player! You're not prepared for this without help!"| Echo insisted.
"I'll be fine," Zydan replied, shutting down the conversation.
The room buzzed with excitement as the players quickly set up a board in the center of the room. Boris had a reputation for dismantling opponents with ease, and everyone was eager to see how Zydan would fare in a longer, more strategic game.
As the two players sat across from each other, Boris smiled confidently. "I'll take black. Let's see how well your king-centric tactics work in a slower game."
Zydan simply nodded, not fully aware of Boris's reputation but ready for the challenge. The clock was set, and Zydan made his first move: e4.
The game began slowly, with both players feeling each other out. Boris was known for his sharp openings and precise play in the middle game, and he quickly developed his pieces with confidence. Zydan, on the other hand, seemed to play more loosely, almost casually, as though he were still playing blitz.
But as the game progressed, Boris began to realize that Zydan's seemingly unorthodox moves were not as careless as they appeared. Zydan began trading pieces early, just as he had in the blitz games, but this time, Boris was more prepared. He held onto his key pieces longer, trying to maintain control of the board.
However, by the middle game, Boris found himself in unfamiliar territory. Zydan's king had moved up into the center, shielded by a wall of pawns, and Boris struggled to break through his defenses. It was as if Zydan had turned the game upside down, using his king as an aggressive piece rather than a passive one.
Boris frowned as the position became more complex. His usual tactics weren't working, and the clock was ticking down.
Inside Zydan's mind, Echo couldn't stay silent any longer. |"Zydan. He's too experienced. You need to use the system to gain an edge!"|
Zydan kept his focus on the board. |"No, Echo. I want to win this on my own against a strong player like Boris"|
The tension in the room was palpable as Zydan and Boris continued their match. Boris's confident demeanor began to falter as Zydan's unconventional strategy created constant challenges. Zydan, undeterred, pressed on with his aggressive tactics, determined to prove his worth in this high-stakes classical game.
As the game continued, Boris's frustration grew. Zydan's unconventional style—trading off major and minor pieces early, then using his king as an active piece—was starting to pay off. Boris's carefully laid plans began to crumble as Zydan's relentless pawn attacks and central control created significant pressure.
Boris's face showed a mix of concentration and irritation. Each move Zydan made seemed to disrupt Boris's rhythm. The chess clock ticked away, heightening the tension in the room. The audience watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend how Boris, the seasoned star, was being outplayed.
Eventually, Boris made a critical mistake, misjudging a combination that allowed Zydan to launch a decisive attack. Zydan capitalized on the opportunity, quickly maneuvering his pieces to deliver a checkmate.
The room erupted in astonished murmurs as Boris, visibly shaken, stared at the board in disbelief. Zydan stood up from his seat, a mix of relief and satisfaction on his face.
Mikal, who had been watching intently, approached Boris. "I didn't think it was possible. Zydan, that was incredible."
Boris, still processing the loss, extended his hand to Zydan. "You've got some serious skills. I didn't expect that."
Zydan shook Boris's hand firmly. "Thanks. I'm just here to learn and improve."
***Congratulations! You overcame great adversity***
0.75 Stonewill points acquired
As Boris walked away, the club's excitement grew. Zydan had not only beaten their top player but had done so in a classical format, proving his prowess beyond blitz games.
Mikal, eager to keep the momentum going, turned to Zydan. "Great game! I think you've earned the respect of everyone here. And remember, the tournament in Luminaris will be a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your skills on an even bigger stage."
Zydan nodded, his confidence bolstered by the day's events. "I'm looking forward to it. And thanks for the invite."
The Arcelis University Chess Club was abuzz with newfound admiration for Zydan, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting journey ahead.
---
After an exhilarating day at the Chess Club, Zydan decided to head over to Tara's café to unwind and share the news about his chess victories and the upcoming tournament.
As he entered the cozy café, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted him. Tara, busy behind the counter, looked up with a warm smile. "Hey, Zydan! How was your day?"
Zydan launched into an animated account of his day, from the gauntlet blitz match against the club members to the surprising victory over Boris. Tara listened intently, her eyes widening with each detail.
"And now," Zydan concluded, "I've been invited to a major chess tournament in Luminaris. It's a huge opportunity."
Tara's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's amazing, Zydan! I'm so proud of you. How are you feeling about it?"
"I'm excited but also a bit nervous," Zydan admitted. "It's going to be a big challenge, but I'm ready for it."
Just then, a regular customer came in, and Tara went to assist them. Zydan used the moment to reflect on the day's events, feeling a surge of confidence and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
As Tara returned, she placed a cup of her signature blend coffee in front of Zydan. "On the house. You deserve it. And remember, I'm here to support you in any way I can."
Zydan took a grateful sip, the rich flavor adding to his sense of accomplishment. "Thanks, Tara. I really needed this."
Tara leaned on the counter, her expression thoughtful. "So, what's next for you? Any plans for preparation?"
"I'm going to focus on sharpening my skills," Zydan said. "I'll be studying more and practicing a lot to make sure I'm ready."
Tara nodded approvingly. "That sounds like a solid plan. If you need any help or just want to talk about strategy, you know where to find me."
As Zydan finished his coffee, something Tara said clicked in his mind. He looked up, surprised. "Wait... are you a chess player, Tara?"
Tara chuckled, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "You could say that. I'm actually the advisor of the Chess Club at the university."
Zydan blinked in shock. "Seriously? That explains a lot. No wonder Mikal and everyone else seemed so familiar... I've served them here before, haven't I?"
Tara nodded, her smile widening. "Yep. They're regulars. A lot of the Chess Club members come by after practice matches. I didn't mention it before because I didn't want to influence your experience in the club."
Zydan laughed, shaking his head. "I can't believe I didn't notice it sooner."
Tara leaned on the counter, a playful glint in her eyes. "I guess that means I'll be seeing more of you at the club then, huh? Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you work here."
Zydan grinned, feeling a new layer of connection to the Chess Club and the café. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
With a newfound respect for Tara's hidden talents, Zydan left the café, realizing that the challenges ahead weren't just about facing new opponents, but also about discovering the depth of the people around him. He was now more determined than ever to give his best at the upcoming tournamen