episode_0020

Of course, speaking out so fearlessly isn’t just because you’re out of control.

As I said before, I am a demon with strong and weak powers. If it is not within the calculated range, I will never go against the wishes of demons stronger than me.

That’s why I boldly sneered at the Grand Duke of the South, King.

“Hoo?”

Just like now, it was to get his attention.

“It’s a different paper.”

King, an old monster who cannot die.

He has lived through all the ups and downs of the world, and has a greater sense of laziness than me.

He experienced the battle of the gods and demons, which was said to be a war between angels and demons, and the cataclysm in which the continent and the demon world were twisted and separated.

They served hundreds of demon kings and clashed with thousands of warriors. As they lived lives full of blood, killing each other, King felt the futility of everything and chose to stay in his ducal residence.

Previous demon kings also did not treat the King carelessly. Even though the Demon King’s power was stronger, the Demon Kings recognized the King’s independent authority and treated him differently from other dukes.

In fact, he was like the unofficial elder of the demon world.

“Well, different types are subjective.”

“Even from society’s perspective, you are quite unique.”

“In the vicious society of demons, being a special species can be considered a compliment, right?”

“You, don’t you often hear that you are being sly?”

“I plan to listen to it often in the future.”

King’s tomato eyes sparkle as he looks at me.

He looked at me carefully with his piercing eyes.

Although Ichae quickly faded away, I need it. To have a proper conversation with King.

“For what reason did these people come to visit the old man in the back room of the Demon World?”

“I have something to ask you.”

What this means is that no one could treat King carelessly.

In other words, it means that King has always been treated in this way for the past hundreds of thousands of years.

Even the Demon King, the most powerful person in the Demon World, treats them like that, so what kind of demon would dare to behave rudely?

In the midst of all this, a little boy named me appeared.

Eight years old at most? A little kid who was about that age.

What would it be like if such a pale young demon showed courage and composure that no one else has shown? Even if you make a teasing joke to yourself.

“Hehe… I have something to ask… .”

I’ve never been that old, so I’m not sure.

Probably, it would be very interesting.

It may not work on other demons who have hot-bloodedness as a racial trait, but it is possible because King is at the peak of laziness.

“First, let me introduce myself. The youngest son of the Northern Duke of Lucifer, his name is Oscar.”

“Ah, were you the youngest member of the Lucifer family that was born not long ago?”

“It was almost ten years ago… Well, it’s not wrong.”

“Oscar Lucifer… It’s a name with a nice sound. Who built it?”

“Of course, my father gave it to me.”

“Duke North I never thought that friend would have such a sense of naming, but I saw him again today.”

My father, the current Grand Duke of the North, is a very cold and cold-blooded person. That’s why King says that.

“But… .”

King twitches his lips made of wheat.

“Did you think this old man would give you the information you wanted for free?”

If you just listen to it, it seems like you’re being asked to come up with something corresponding, but the question doesn’t ooze greed.

I expected it, but it seems that simply being cocky isn’t enough to get King’s attention.

“The person who lived as he lived is very greedy.”

“I never asked for goods.”

“Really? Then what should I do for you?”

“… … .”

I asked innocently, pretending not to know anything.

After receiving the question, King thought for a moment, then smiled and answered with a bizarre face made of plants.

“Just let me play a game of chess.”

“Giggle.”

This is the expected answer.

“Why do you dislike it?”

“It can’t be. I also really like chess.”

“Me too? That makes it sound like I like chess too.”

“Isn’t it? That’s how I know it.”

“… I’m sure we met for the first time today, but you seem like a demon I’ve known for a long time.”

King wiped his smile and took on a puzzled expression. I just smiled sheepishly.

Chess is King’s only hobby. In addition, although it is a story from a past life, it was also something for me and him to play with.

When he didn’t want to listen to the devil’s orders, he would deliberately go to the king and play chess. When the Demon King contacted me and asked why I wasn’t going to the battlefield, I could have just said that I couldn’t go because I was in the middle of the battlefield and hung up.

The fact that any game of chess with a king was very exciting also played a role.

“Please bring chess.”

“It’s been a while since I played chess with another demon.”

King waved his arms made of grapes.

Ugh-.

A cloud of purple magic bloomed, and the drawer placed in the corner was opened.

Eventually, the chessboard began to float up and fly towards us.

64 sharply contrasting black and white pieces were intersecting on the chessboard.

“I’ve played chess with many heroes, but this is the first time I’ve played it with a kid who isn’t even ten years old.”

“Really? When was the last time you were with someone else?”

“Zenzentai warrior Odrias. That friend was really good at chess.”

Huh, I played chess with the enemy. Then, what are you going to do if you get caught by the devil?

Anyway, they are an unpredictable demon.

“Okay, let’s stop chatting here, players just communicate using chess pieces.”

So, I need to focus from now on.

In this one round.

Somehow, we have to pique the interest of our indolent and lazy duke.

Well done-.

“I take black.”

“Are you willing to give up the bag?”

Start by cheerfully giving up White, who generally has a higher chance of winning than Black.

*****

Chess is like the life the player walks.

According to Grand Duke of the South and King’s theory, it is so.

The chess pieces move, and the pawns, rooks, bishops, and knights take turns playing on the square chessboard.

A small war clashes fiercely on an eight-by-eight flat battlefield. They spit out each other’s plans, moves, and tactics without adding or subtracting.

When you play chess like that, you get a glimpse of life. The length of my life, my attitude towards life, my perspective on life, etc.

Everything is visible.

Tuk-.

‘I had high hopes, but when I looked into it, there was nothing special.’

This was why King immediately suggested chess to Oscar, whom he had never seen before.

What kind of ideology does this bold devil live his life with, so he treats me like this?

Because I want to dig into it.

‘From the beginning until now, I’ve been using my phone… I don’t see any ingenious moves. Was he just that kind of guy?’

Tuk-.

The sight of him standing in front of the duke’s residence and calmly telling a joke.

That funny figure who keeps trying to tell frivolous jokes.

It was a little interesting.

‘That’s not fun. I need to finish it quickly.’

Tuk-.

King’s hand moving the horse became faster.

Tuk-.

Thinking about every move is something only a beginner does.

Tuk-.

For King, who had been learning the chess of the gods from the beginning of the world, thinking was a luxury.

Tuk-.

As soon as Oscar made his move, King immediately made his next move as if he had been waiting. That pattern continued for dozens of years.

Several horses died, and no one had an advantage. The battlefield on the chessboard was evenly balanced as if someone had decided it.

… … Tuk.

It was at that time that King felt an inexplicable feeling of reluctance.

‘why… Still not equal… ?’

When the young demon in front of me made his first move.

To be exact, when I moved the phone slightly forward.

He was sure. This demon has little experience in catching chess pieces. The awkwardness contained in the hand movements was proof of this.

The guts of giving up a bag or the bravado of acting like you’ve played countless games of chess were just a mask.

When you take off your mask and stand on the chessboard of truth, your humble true self is revealed.

I thought so.

I said so.

‘I didn’t make any mistakes.’

The moves he made were all the best moves he could make in each situation. This was proven by his memory, which does not deteriorate no matter how much it rots.

But why on earth is the situation still similar?

By now, I was confident that I would be able to eliminate at least one of the opponent’s bishops.

A couple of phones.

While dozens of moves were made, this was the only achievement he achieved.

‘I think I need to slow down the tempo a little. Carefully… Let’s be a little more careful.’

Tuk-.

After changing his mind, King played again.

Tuk-.

This time, Oscar took over right away.

… … Tuk.

As planned, the King looked at the chessboard for a moment and made his move.

Tuk-.

Oscar followed right away this time too. Just like King said a moment ago.

… … Tuk.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Tuk-.

King, who suddenly felt curious, asked a question.

“Why are you so impatient?”

Oscar answered briefly, putting his finger to his mouth.

“Shh.”

“What?”

“The dawn before chaos arrives, must be calm.”

“You say something meaningful.”

I thought it was something special, but maybe it was just a weirdo? King thought, and turned his gaze back to the chessboard.

It was that moment.

‘uh?’

Little by little, things that were invisible when he was immersed in chess began to creep into the king’s field of vision.

‘It was originally like this… ‘I felt dizzy.’

The words on the checkboard were so mixed up that it was strange. Randomly.

I don’t know when this situation began, but King shook his head as if to come to his senses and focused on chess again.

‘first… I guess I’ll have to take a look. ‘You’re giving it to me so clearly.’

Tuk-.

Look. The most precious horse after King and Queen.

Just now, one of Oscar’s rooks disappeared from the chessboard.

Tuk-.

In return, Oscar ate one of the king’s knights. Since rooks are much more valuable than knights, it was clearly a beneficial exchange.

‘You left the Bishop alone this time. Let’s see, if I eat that… The opponent will kill one of my phones… Why are you making such an unreasonable exchange earlier? ‘Do you not know how to read the board?’

If it happened only once, it would be considered a mistake due to narrow vision, but if it happens twice, intentionality is highly suspect.

But, that didn’t change anything. A gain is a gain, even if you may not have seen it. Bishop is a horse worth taking a risk on.

Still, with the intention of seeing it through to the end, King took a quick look at his opponent’s expression.

The other person was smiling heartily, wondering what was so fun about it. It was a smile that couldn’t be seen inside.

“Strange guy.”

Tuk-.

Muttering quietly, King ate Oscar’s bishop.

Tuk-.

As he expected, Oscar ate King’s phone.

Then one of Oscar’s knights became empty, and the King thought for a moment and then reluctantly killed the knight.

Oscar immediately killed King’s pawn.

King felt a little anxious again.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Just like that, when about 15 minutes had passed, unlike before, rapid exchange took place.

‘what?’

King stopped for a moment to deal with the discomfort that had grown like a snowball.

‘why… ‘Are you this confused?’

The exchange was definitely beneficial. Each and every one of them was an invaluable benefit.

‘dizzy.’

However, the overall situation was strange.

As I was chasing the immediate benefits, I was in too deep. It’s not that dangerous, but what’s unusual is that the opponent is also in their camp.

As it was, it seemed like there would be no discomfort if we just switched places.

‘Why are my troops looking at our allies?’

Enemies face each other, and allies face each other. King was clearly only choosing the best moves he could, but somehow it felt like things were going according to someone’s intentions.

Although they obviously killed that many, the numbers were similar. The superior’s words remained with King for a long time, but King began to become confused as to whether they were truly his words. Even though it is clearly painted white.

chaos.

disorder.

confusion.

Melee.

Chaos.

The current chessboard was exactly like that.

As if the dozens of dull moves had ever become enemies, the chessboard becomes violent. No matter what the number is, someone loses a hand, and the other side also loses an unfair hand.

It seemed as if the severity and ups and downs of words had disappeared. It’s a strange thing. Obviously, a queen is better than a rook, a rook is better than a bishop, a bishop is better than a knight, and a knight is better than a pawn, but because the game is chaotic, the pieces have no power.

It’s a shame because you are looking down from above.

What if you were a soldier caught up in a war inside the chessboard?

They must have been wandering around, not even able to identify their friends and distinguish between the opponent’s camp and their own camp.

Something like a command system would not have been found anywhere on the chessboard. Everyone on the battlefield would have been mercilessly cutting down everything in sight to ensure the survival of the fittest.

“Heo-eok, heo-eok… .”

Of course, this is limited to the assumption that it is an ‘actual war’.

What they are leading now is chess, not war. You can watch all situations from above at a glance, and you can omnipotently move the moves as you wish and in line with the rules.

… … … … Tuk.

‘Why is my head so tired…? .’

Nevertheless, King’s breathing is noticeably rougher.

It showed how deeply he is currently immersed in chess.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Tuk-.

… … Tuk.

Just like that, chess, which had suddenly turned into a game full of tension, continued.

“You know what?”

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Oscar opened his mouth, putting his lips to his ear.

“The greatest virtue of chaos.”

“Are you trying to make small talk during the game out of nowhere?”

“That’s right.”

After a moment’s pause, Oscar spoke.

As if explaining the life he lived to King.

“It’s fairness, fairness. The ranks and ranks created by established rules and order become meaningless in the face of chaos.”

King, who heard those words, laughed mockingly.

“Certainly, it might be so.”

Tuk-.

Making confident moves with confidence.

“In this game of chess, I don’t think that word will be used.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even in the long battle, it seems like the end is finally in sight.”

“Is that so? I don’t know.”

Tuk-.

“It’s over now.”

Tuk-.

King’s bishop captured Oscar’s few remaining pawns.

Now all that was left for Oscar was three pawns and one knight.

On the other hand, the king still had the rook, bishop, and queen alive.

King was confident of his victory.

Even if there is only one look, trivial words such as phones have no power. It is a natural ‘law’ of the chessboard.

If you just keep pushing like this, your victory will be a foregone conclusion.

Any anxiety seemed to have disappeared. The victory that lay ahead only strengthened his faith.

Tuk-.

“Checkmate.”

Until one of Oscar’s phones approaches his most important words…

As I was about to turn to the right, I saw a knight taking a position aiming for that exact spot.

As I tried to move to the left, I saw the opponent’s king within two squares that way. King and King cannot be closer than one space to each other.

Behind was our army’s most powerful horse, Queen. First, the queen with her back to the king was of no help to the current situation.

Bewildered.

The weakest pieces broke through the defenses of the most valuable pieces and surrounded their king. In fact, he had been approaching for a long time, but the chaos and fighting had obscured his vision.

“Hehe… .”

No matter how I looked, there was no way out.

“I lost.”

King let out a hollow laugh.

Since when did it start?

When did he start losing?

Chess is not a game where one move can be reversed. Dozens of moves pile up and go back and forth, and the player constantly prepares devices and makes moves toward one ‘possibility’.

“I told you. They say that the nobility of words disappears in chaos.”

“At what point did you draw this scene?”

“Drawing? What?”

“I mean, since when was it designed? Since when I was struggling with the pride of victory? Or from the time I lead you to take your horses in order? Or, when the chessboard turned into a melee?”

Suddenly, King’s face was filled with curiosity and curiosity.

The King who has lived for over a million years and has stored all the knowledge of this world in his head.

A young demon exhibits an uncontrollable thirst for curiosity.

“From when we divide the previously boring numbers? or not… If not that too… … .”

Oscar still has an unknown smile on his lips.

Looking at Oscar like that, King coaxes him in a hollow voice.

“No way, from the first time I picked up the phone? Was the awkward hand movement an attempt to distract you?”

To that, Oscar giggled and answered.

“Ah, how can a mere demon see into the distant future and do things?”

“Then?”

“I just focused on the situations right in front of me. How can we shake up the game even more? I wonder if we can make the war situation more confusing.”

“It doesn’t make sense… You beat me like that… ?”

King mutters to himself with a dazed look on his face.

Oscar was just happy about the current situation.

‘There are thousands of games of chess you and I have played, thousands of games. Maybe this will become even after a few rounds… Are you really going to lose in the first game?’

It was as familiar to Oscar as breathing. A game of chess with the king.

Whether he knew Oscar’s inner self or not, King continued to express his admiration.

‘It is not the wisdom and executive ability that a child can possess.’

King was still thinking about the game he had just played. The demons, famous for their laziness, were no longer seen.

‘Like… It was like seeing a monster that I had experienced before. He says he left it there randomly, but this guy has been dragging me around from the beginning. ‘The first dozen moves were probably stage settings for the second half.’

As he continued to think like that, King began to have more and more fundamental doubts.

‘But is it possible to have hair like that at that age?’

no. There was no need to think deeply.

In the end, the brain is a fusion of knowledge and experience.

For a demon who was not even ten years old at most, there was no way that knowledge or experience could exist.

“Perhaps… … ?”

And King, who has lived for over a million years.

I have met several beings like the one in front of me, who are young but have experienced minds.

These beings were all strange and moved with a clear view into the future.

As if he had the power of omniscience and omnipotence. Even though they did not have outstanding brains, they moved with information that was at a level higher than others.

The special kid in front of me was giving off a similar vibe to those beings.

“You too… Are you a regressor? ?”