Road to be the Best Chess Player in the World!-Chapter 549: Sheva VS Nayaka! (II)

There was no applause, nor were there any cheers, following the announcement. No, the only thing followed was silence, probably with the sound of the pieces hitting the board mixing with the clock getting slammed could be heard echoing in the air.

Right after the first move ceremony was over, everyone had their eyes on their respective game immediately, forgetting that the man was still there.

Sheva himself pulled the pawn that Master Utut moved back to its original square. Fortunately, the ceremonial move was just that—ceremonial. It didn’t count as a real first move from the player, so if it was not something that the player themselves prepared beforehand, the player was allowed to pull back the move and start with a brand-new opening.

It was a real fortune, since Master Utut seemed to have a devious mind for Sheva. For the first move, the man didn’t go for any ordinary opening, but moved the pawn on the A file—yeah, the one on the edge of the board—just one square forward, probably wanting to troll the boy here.

Sheva could only smile wryly as he switched back to the 1.e4 opening, trying to forget everything about Master Utut’s move here.

’Yeah, what a crazy old bat, he was.’ The boy muttered rudely under his breath.

Nayaka himself didn’t know what Sheva was thinking, or he would’ve choked and laughed out loud. No, the boy’s current focus was on the board, as he also started to make his move. The boy pushed his E pawn one square forward, opting for a normal French Defense.

Sheva himself wasn’t so surprised at his student’s opening choice.

’Nayaka always goes for the French whenever he is in a big game, or he tends to think that he couldn’t solve his opponent.’ He muttered. ’That means he doesn’t think he can win this game, huh? I am flattered.’

That was what Sheva said, while on the board, he started to exert his dominance. He moved so fast through the opening phase, going at it as if everything was a memorization. Hell, the boy was even willing to get a doubled pawn in the early stage, and in return, he got quick control over both flanks.

Then, Nayaka, in his usual ’Go big or go die’ fashion, went all out, going for a queenside castle. This was definitely not the conservative French approach, which told Sheva that the boy was not going to stay passive in this game. Of course, if anything, this made a huge grin form on his face, as the boy was excited more than anyone else right now.

’Yes, that’s how we should’ve done it, Nayaka! As expected, we really are made of the same cloth!’ He chuckled inwardly. ’However, you are still too green! It is not the best time to castle, so get ready for the punishment next!’

True enough, after this, Sheva started to blitz his way, marching all of his pieces to put pressure on both flanks. Even though the black king on the queenside was in an exposed position, Sheva still didn’t want to give up his control on the kingside, going for a classic pincer strategy.

Nayaka bit his lips unconsciously, his eyebrows met on the bridge of his nose. It seemed he just realized some inaccurate moves that he committed a moment ago, and now, finding himself on a leash like this, he couldn’t help but have a headache.

’As expected of Brother Sheva. He is so decisive in taking advantage of my mistake. Still, could this game be considered as bullying?’ He smiled wryly.

Still, Nayaka was not willing to lose that easily. He knew he wasn’t an opponent that could push Sheva to the brink, but at least, he wanted to make things difficult for his teacher. So, he sped up one more time, trying to match Sheva’s quick play, and turned it into a blitz game.

’Oh? Interesting.’ Sheva crooked one of his eyebrows slightly. ’If you want to play this way, let’s see how far you could survive in this shit.’

After that, everything moved fast like a storm. The onlookers around were dumbfounded, even mistaking the game as a blitz one. Hell, if not for the players having to write the move on the scoresheet, it might as well be a blitz, what with how decisive they made their move.

The game also progressed so quickly, with so many pieces flying all over the board.

First, it was Sheva who kicked out Nayaka’s queen, preventing the opponent’s strongest piece from wandering around his area.

Then, Nayaka turned the tables by doubling up the rook on the kingside, trying to take over that flank.

After that, Sheva made a pawn sacrifice to open up the center.

Nayaka bit the bait, which was the move that Sheva wanted to see the most.

In just 25 minutes, the game had already entered the 23rd move, progressing so far that no one but the players could keep track of it.

’Damn! Why are they moving so fast?!’

’You don’t know? This is Sheva’s trademark! Play fast and put pressure on his opponent’s time!’

’Then, why would the boy try to imitate that? Is he stupid or what?!’

’Let’s just hope this quickness doesn’t translate into their nightlife.’

’Wh—What the hell?! They are just teenagers, you sick bastard!’

Even though talking was forbidden in the venue, some lowly whispers could still be heard travelling through the air, talking about the game that everyone paid attention to. It wasn’t just because the one playing there was Sheva, but also the fact that it was unusual to see a standard chess game played like a blitz.

Nayaka himself couldn’t care less about the mocking he received from people around. Right now, his mind was so focused on trying to survive, especially since Sheva had already knocked on his door. If he was careless even for a move, the boy was so sure that his teacher would punish him without hesitation.

’No, in this kind of situation, I need to slow down and think more.’

Unfortunately, fate seemed to be on the opponent’s side in this game. After thinking for ten minutes—the longest time he used in a single turn in this game—the boy made a move, just for Sheva to find it as a mistake.

The teacher, with his eyes gleaming brightly, couldn’t help but mutter, ’Why, thank you! From now on, I will take over this game, so get ready, Nayaka!’

-Author’s note-

Hey, everyone! Thank you for supporting my story! I have written a new one with the hope of getting a contract for that story as well, the title is ’The Rise of the Iron Wall!’. It is a football story, so if you like, please give your support by adding it to your collection and giving your power stone to that story! Thanks!