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9.09% King's Gambit / Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - Enrollment at the Academy
King's Gambit King's Gambit original

King's Gambit

นักเขียน: BishopsNemesis

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บท 1: Chapter 1 - Enrollment at the Academy

"I don't know why my grandfather sent me to this place; I just want to stay behind in the village and help my old folks with work."

Cagnus's grandfather, Kanotoly Aprov, greatly influenced Cangus when he was growing up. He taught him all kinds of stuff, ranging from literacy and chess to even fighting techniques.

Recently, by relying on his connections, Kanotoly managed to enlist Cagnus in one of the empire's most prestigious institutions, the Imperial Chess Academy.

"What's the point in learning chess in the first place? It's just a game. It's not going to put food and water on my table…", Cagnus thought as he stretched out for one final time.

"Mr Marlsen, wake up. We have arrived at our destination.", the carriage driver's voice echoed.

After yawning, he opened his eyes, which immediately widened in surprise and astonishment.

"What the…"

The grand and majestic Imperial Chess Academy loomed before him, its imposing architecture a testament to the centuries of tradition and excellence that it represented. The sprawling complex of buildings, situated in the heart of the capital city, was made up of elegant columns and arches, each one a work of art in its own right.

The main building was a four-story structure made from large blocks of gleaming white marble. Its impressive façade was dominated by an archway with a large clock tower at its centre. On either side of the archway stood two imposing statues, each depicting a different figure in a traditional academic robe. In their hands, they held different chess pieces, the most striking of which was an emaciated old man with a long white beard, who held the King piece in his right hand and a cross in his left.

The grounds of the Imperial Chess Academy were meticulously kept, featuring lush gardens, burbling fountains, and sculptures of all shapes and sizes. It was a place of beauty and serenity, a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city outside its walls.

But the true beauty of the Imperial Chess Academy lay not in its physical splendour but in the knowledge and wisdom that was imparted within its walls. For generations, the greatest minds of the Fide Empire had gathered here to learn the ancient game of chess, honing their skills and strategising for victory. It was a place of learning and competition, where the best and brightest came to test their mettle and rise to the top of the chess world.

As Cagnus gazed upon the magnificent architecture of the Imperial Chess Academy, he couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. "All of this just to learn chess?" he thought to himself, shaking his head.

But his attention was soon drawn to the imposing clock tower at the centre of the academy. He recognised it immediately as the famous Tower of Justice, the most important landmark in the Fide Empire's capital city.

The Tower of Justice symbolised many things to the people of the Fide Empire: law and order, justice and forgiveness, knowledge and power. Its history stretched back thousands of years, to a time when the Demon Lord and his army had encroached upon humanity's territory, seeking to slaughter and massacre all living beings.

The world had fallen into chaos as blood was spilt across the lands. Humanity was on the brink of extinction, but fortunately, a hero had arisen amongst the common folk. It was Maul Porphy the Great, the Grand Ancestor and Founding Emperor of the Fide Empire.

Maul Porphy had beaten back the Demon Lord's troops and sealed them in the Abyss. He had then founded the Fide Empire, restoring peace and order to the lands and unifying all humans under one banner. And finally, he had built the Tower of Justice to symbolise his prevalence over the Demon Lord's army.

As Cagnus made his way through the gates of the Imperial Chess Academy, he was suddenly confronted by two guards wearing silver armour and holding golden spears. "Stop! Where do you think you're going?" one of the guards barked, blocking Cagnus's path. "This is sacred ground! Not a place for commoners like you!"

Cagnus could feel his anger rising at the guards' arrogant attitudes, but he forced himself to remain calm. His grandfather had warned him to keep a low profile and avoid offending anyone, so he smiled politely and replied, "I'm a student here."

The guards sneered in response. "Hmph, do you think we're fools? A commoner like you is in no way able to afford tuition in the most prestigious academy in the Fide Empire!" one of them said. "Look at your clothes," the other added. "Are you really a student here?"

Cagnus's lips twitched as he fought to keep his cool. He knew that these guards were just trying to goad him, and he refused to be baited. Instead, he reached into his pocket and retrieved his identification badge, presenting it respectfully for the guards to see. "I am indeed a student here," he said calmly. "If you have any doubts, you can verify my enrollment with the academy administration."

"Utter rubbish! This is clearly forged!"

"No way a commoner like you is a student here; let me take a clear look at the badge!"

Just when the guard was about to grab the identification badge to scrutinise it, a carriage stopped in front of the gates, and the entire academy went silent.

As the carriage pulled up to the gates of the academy, the guards who had been looming over Cagnus like explosive, arrogant tigers suddenly transformed into timid cats. They straightened their postures and saluted in unison, their voices forming a chorus of greetings: "We salute Ms. Lyle."

Ms. Lyle, the daughter of Duke Lyle and one of the Fide Empire's most talented young cultivators of magic and alchemy, stepped out of the carriage with all the grace and elegance expected of someone of her status. She was sixteen years old, with long, dark hair that flowed in waves to her waist and hazel eyes that sparkled like the stars. Her complexion was flawless, with a rosy hue that added to her beauty. She wore a dress of the finest fabric and style, a timeless embodiment of elegance.

As she emerged from the carriage, students and professors alike crowded around her, praising and fawning over her. Cagnus, spotting an opportunity in the chaos, slipped past the guards and into the academy.

"Hmm?", Lady Seraphine raised an eyebrow as she caught the "abnormality" out of the corner of her eye.

After making his way to a secluded area, Cagnus let out a sigh of relief. "Phew, that was stressful. Those guards even mistook my badge for a fake!", he muttered to himself.

Cagnus Marlsen was just an ordinary village boy from the outskirts of the Fide Empire. His parents were simple farmers, and his grandfather was a feeble old man who loved nothing more than playing chess. It was only through connections that Cagnus was able to secure a scholarship to the prestigious Imperial Chess Academy. "How did that old geezer manage to get me enrolled here?" he wondered to himself.

In Cagnus' eyes, only nobles with extravagant status and extraordinary magical abilities were fit to attend the academy. Lady Seraphine Lyle was just one example of the type of student who typically attended. "Why is this chess academy so sought after by nobles?" he asked himself.

In the Fide Empire, there were many prestigious academies that young men and women aspired to attend. The Imperial Magicka College and the Holy Knight Temple were two such schools that taught students the ways of the supernatural. The former focused on cultivating magic and supernatural elements within the body, allowing students to summon the power of spirits and wield elements such as fire, water, earth and air. The latter focused on cultivating the body and mind, allowing students to brew internal qi and explode with unprecedented physical prowess.

As far as Cagnus knew, the Imperial Chess Academy simply taught advanced chess. If his grandfather, a commoner living in a remote village, had already taught him all he needed to know about the game, what was the point of these nobles and dukes sending their children to the academy? Surely they could hire better tutors who could teach them even more advanced techniques and openings.

"Sigh… Perhaps there's something special about this academy? I don't have any expectations, though…", If Cagnus, one of the lowest classes of commoners, can get enlisted in this academy, then the education provided here is probably not that amazing. "Perhaps Lady Seraphine is just here to take a scroll or pay a visit to the Tower of Justice before going to the Imperial Magicka College. I've heard she has an amazing magical aptitude." After setting his expectations low, Cagnus headed towards his dorm to prepare for his next class.


บท 2: Chapter 2 - The Haves and Have-Nots

The dorm was situated on the outskirts of the main buildings; it was a large, luxurious residence hall that had an impressive building with a grand entrance featuring beautifully crafted marble staircases and towering columns.

Inside, the dorm was filled with modern amenities, ranging from the comfortable common rooms, to the fully-equipped kitchens and spacious study and recreational areas.

Seeing this, Cagnus couldn't help but smile as he thought of his bright future prospects.

"At least I will spend a comfortable three to four years in this place."

Cagnus pulled out his identification badge and caressed the number inscribing on the back.

"Room 23-51…"

There was a marble slab that had the dorm's map on it. By following it, Cagnus slowly made his way down the staircase to his designated room. The area down here was not as extravagant as the dorm's upper floors, but Cagnus didn't pay it any heed.

On top of the wooden door, a plaque made of a stone slab indicated his room number: "23-51"

Cagnus turned on the doorknob and entered his room; immediately after stepping in, his expression turned upside down as he couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Now, this is something worthy of my status as a commoner.", he lampooned inwardly as he studied his room in depth.

It was a small, confined space with barely enough room to fit a twin-sized bed, a desk and a dresser. Everything is crammed together, and Cagnus finds it challenging to move around.

The walls were bare, and the furniture was basic and utilitarian.

The scent of stale air and mildew lingers in the air.

On top of the worn-out desk, there was a candle that cast a dull and depressing shadow.

"This is a fire hazard!", darkness enveloped the room as Cagnus sniffed out the single source of light in his room, "Plus, there aren't any windows.."

Because it was situated underground in the dorm building, there weren't any windows to bring in the fresh air, making the room feel even more cramped and stifling.

"Even the ventilation here does not work properly!", Cagnus complained silently as he threw his luggage on top of the desk.

Creaaak.

The desk shook violently as it threatened to collapse; Cagnus hurried to remove his luggage as he inspected the wooden legs and iron screws carefully. After making sure that everything was alright, he heaved a sigh of relief as he tossed the luggage under the bed.

"It's not even five kilograms, and yet this wooden desk almost collapsed on me."

He wiped the big beads of sweat that trickled down his forehead, he shuddered as he thought of the huge fine he had to pay if he broke any of the dormitory's properties.

"What about the toilet?"

Cagnus exited his room and gently closed the door behind him, then he made his way to the end of the hallway and turned right into the public bathroom.

The moment he stepped foot inside, his nostrils were assaulted by the nauseating smell that lingered inside. The odour was pungent and unpleasant; it left him extremely uneasy.

Mould and fungus grew and spread in the damp areas of the bathroom. Cockroaches and other small insects moved frantically in and out of holes in the walls.

A stone pit latrine stood in the middle of the bathroom, covered in filth and faeces.

With a single glance, anyone can tell this place hasn't been cleaned for ages.

Without studying any further, Cagnus closed the door as he made his way back to this room, his expression dark.

"Truly befitting of my status.", he mocked self-deprecatingly as he grabbed his identification badge from his room and made his way upstairs.

"Room 3 - Lobby.", seeing the extravagant plaque made of gold and other precious gems, Cagnus couldn't help but enter.

What welcomed him was a spacious lobby that was bright and welcoming, it had large windows that flooded the room with natural light.

The walls were painted with a cheerful shade of yellow, several paintings and photographs were hung up depicting the various important figures of the Fide Empire.

Perhaps the most splendid painting was that of the Founding Emperor, Maul Purphy the Great. He was a slim, handsome man with a fair complexion and bright blue eyes.

He had a strong jawline and a kind, heart-warming smile. His hair was dark and wavy, kept neatly styled. He wore wire-rimmed glasses and often sported a light stubble around his chin.

His muscular physique inspired imperial authority and majesty, yet his casual attire gave a very contrasting feeling.

No one would think this ordinary-looking man was the hero who freed humanity thousands of years ago, Cagnus bowed his head in respect towards the man in the painting then he made his way towards the lounge.

Many nobles and aristocrats were discussing their enrollment in the Imperial Chess Academy enthusiastically. They occasionally sipped wine from their fancy glasses and chortled with laughter and emotions.

However, when Cagnus, with his commoner attire, stepped in. The entire lounge went silent as literally every noble looked at him with contempt and disgust.

Cagnus scratched the top of his head in confusion as he smiled ignorantly, showing his yellowed teeth to the higher echelon of society.

"PTOOH-", one man couldn't take it anymore as he spat the wine he had just drank on the floor, and then he made his way out of the building.

Seeing this, Cagnus couldn't help but complain to himself: "Hey, hey, I know I'm just a commoner, but you don't have to overreact!"

"Screw this! I'm just gonna head straight to class."

When Cagnus turned his back, he heard the young men and women snickering and mocking him.

"Look at this poor man!", one man exclaimed, "He looks like he's seen better days!"

"Maybe he should take a bath.", a woman chimed, causing the others to roar with laughter.

"He looks so naive, he probably doesn't even know what a book is.", another one sneered, his face full of contempt.

Cagnus just shrugged his shoulders and acted as though he hadn't heard anything, little did he know that someone else was silently looking at him.

In the second floor of the lounge, an area solely exclusive to VIPs, dukes and high ranking officers. A girl with black hair and hazel eyes was observing him, she was Lady Seraphine, Duke Llye's daughter.

"Tsk. A bunch of pampered kids.", Cagnus complained silently as he looked at his attire.

He had linen trousers, a cotton shirt and a lightweight leather jacket. As for the footwear, he wore socks and leather sandals.

Although it was a bit worn-out, this was the best attire at his disposal. His parents are ordinary farmers who only had one or two pieces they could change to, affording expensive or even moderate clothes is a challenge.

"Sigh… I shouldn't ask for too much, I should be thankful for getting an opportunity to pursue education.", Cagnus sighed, "I'm studying in such a prestigious college with a bunch of nobles so the degree should be quite good."

"Perhaps I'll land a job as a low-ranking officer in the future."

After exiting the dormitory quarters, Cagnus headed for the biggest and largest building in the entire campus.

There, he will officially start his studies as a pupil of the Imperial Chess Academy.

He grabbed a folded piece of paper from his pockets, opened it and read the contents:

"Student Cagnus Marlsen,

We thank you for your enrollement in the Imperial Chess Academy and…

First Year, Section A, Class 1-A.

Please head to the following area… seat Z-01… exactly at 10AM to start the class.

Sincerely, the Principal.

"

This was the letter he received after his grandfather pulled the strings to get him enrolled, he still couldn't forget the joyous expressions of his parents when that happened.

"I'll work hard, I promise I won't disappoint!", Cagnus silently made an oath to himself as he entered the majestic main building.

He made his way to the designated area, it was a grand and fancy indoor amphitheatre with magic-powered lanterns illuminating the area.

Its walls were lined with intricately carved wooden panels, and the floor was tiled with luxurious marble. The seating was plush and comfortable, with the best views in the house naturally being the front seats.

The stage was well-lit and featured a wide variety of literacy instruments. The acoustics were excellent, allowing for a perfect sound experience.

What surprised Cagnus was the array of refreshments available to students, ranging from snacks to full meals.

The atmosphere here was one of elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for pursuing academic dreams.

Cagnus pulled the piece of paper again and confirmed his seat number: Z-01.

In this amphitheatre, there were around 26 rows of seats, each row had around 32 chairs.

Because of his status, Cagnus was assigned the most remote seat possible: seat Z-01.

"I can't complain.", Cagnus shrugged his shoulders as he took his seat and kept his head low.


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