Now that he had regained access to his status window, Alex could summon his item box. Since this was an innate ability of otherworlders, it didn't appear on his status window, just like the automatic language translation feature.
His item box was filled with a variety of items, primarily weapons, miscellaneous objects, and a mountain of gold coins—around 70 million gold coins, to be precise. That was a considerable fortune, giving him financial power comparable to that of a small kingdom.
For reference, the currency system consisted of three types of coins: copper, silver, and gold. One hundred copper coins equaled one silver coin, while one hundred silver coins equaled one gold coin. Additionally, one golden plaque was worth 1,000 gold coins.
Throughout this time, Nyx had been observing silently, her expression remaining unchanged.
Alex decided to take out a chess set for them to play.
As the chess pieces were set up on the board, Alex felt a familiar thrill coursing through him. Chess had always been a game of strategy and patience, and he relished the opportunity to engage in this mental battle with Nyx.
He began the game confidently, moving his white pawn forward two spaces. The piece glided across the board, settling into its new position with a satisfying click. Nyx, her face still as emotionless as ever, responded with a swift counter—advancing her own pawn to mirror his move.
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her immediate response. He had expected her to take a moment to consider her options, but there was no hesitation in her play. He advanced another pawn, aiming to control the center of the board. Nyx, however, was equally adept at strategy; she moved her knight to create a defensive formation, ready to counter any of his advances.
The game unfolded slowly at first, each player carefully considering their moves. Alex took his time, analyzing the board and thinking several steps ahead. He remembered his training and the countless games he had played in the past, both against friends and in solitary practice. However, Nyx was proving to be a formidable opponent, her responses calculated and precise.
With each turn, Alex began to realize that he was not just playing against a skilled chess player; he was also learning more about Nyx's thought process. Her strategies were sharp, and she seemed to anticipate his moves before he even made them. He pushed his bishop forward, trying to set up a diagonal attack on her knight, but she swiftly countered by moving her pawn to protect it.
"You're good at this," Alex remarked, breaking the silence as he contemplated his next move.
Nyx merely tilted her head slightly, her eyes focused on the board. She had the demeanor of someone who took the game seriously, her concentration unwavering.
Alex decided to change tactics. He moved his queen forward, hoping to create an opening for an aggressive play, however, Nyx responded immediately, her knight leaping into action to block his advance. He could feel the tension building inside him like never before when playing chess; the game was becoming a fierce battle of wits,not his greatest point to be precise.
As the game progressed, both players began to lose pieces. Alex sacrificed a pawn to lure Nyx into a trap, but she deftly sidestepped it, capturing his bishop instead.
Frustration bubbled beneath the surface, but he pushed it aside, knowing that focus was crucial.
"You have a knack for defense," he commented, trying to gauge her reaction.
This time, Nyx responded with a slight nod, her eyes never leaving the board. Her focus was almost unnerving, and Alex felt a renewed determination to outsmart her.
He shifted gears again, moving his rook to threaten her queen. Nyx's expression remained unchanged, but he could sense her calculating the implications of his move. She paused for a moment, contemplating her options. Finally, she moved her queen out of danger while simultaneously capturing one of his pawns.
Alex felt a surge of excitement; the game was intensifying. He could see the pathway to victory forming in his mind, but it was still fraught with danger. He moved his rook again, positioning it to threaten her knight while also eyeing her queen.
Nyx, however, was not one to be easily cornered. She repositioned her knight, creating a defense that was both intricate and effective. With every piece moved, Alex felt the stakes rising. Each decision was critical, and he was acutely aware that one misstep could lead to his downfall.
The game continued, each player meticulously plotting their next moves. As they approached the endgame, Alex felt the weight of the tension in the air. The air was thick, sweat dripping from his forehead, literally he was sweating bullets, this showed how much tension was in the air, however, he was determined to win, not just for pride but to prove to Nyx that he could match her intellect.
Finally, after a series of aggressive maneuvers, Alex found himself in a position where he could threaten her king directly. He moved his queen into a position of power, leaving Nyx with limited options. She paused, her expression still unreadable, as she evaluated the board.
With a swift motion, Nyx moved her king to safety while simultaneously preparing a counterattack. The game had reached its climax, and both players were fully engaged in the battle of minds.
As pieces fell, the board transformed into a battlefield, each move echoing their respective wills. Alex could feel the adrenaline pumping through him; the thrill of the game was intoxicating.
In a final push, he maneuvered his remaining pieces with precision, setting up a checkmate scenario. Nyx, unyielding in her composure, responded with an unexpected move that caught him off guard, turning the tide once more.
As the game unfolded, it felt less like a simple chess match and more like a duel of strategy and intellect. Each player had their strengths, and both were determined to claim victory.
Ultimately, the game reached its conclusion, with Alex's king cornered and unable to escape the inevitable. Nyx's quiet satisfaction was evident in her stillness as she declared the game over.
"Well played," Alex said, conceding defeat but feeling exhilarated by the challenge.
Nyx nodded, her expression finally breaking into a subtle smile. In that moment, he realized that their game had not only been a test of skill but also a way to further deepen their understanding of one another. As he packed away the chess set, Alex knew what he must do from now on, this game had cemented what must be done.