Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 112 Violeta Won I must prove her wrong and show her she can't remain arrogant.

Zelena confidently grabbed a chess piece and decisively made her move.

The chess match was timed.

Initially, each player had sixty minutes, and each move added an extra thirty seconds until the match's end.

When she faced Zelena, Violeta recognised schess capability in her opponent, given her presence in the finals.

However, Zelena's experience was primarily theoretical. She had learned chess through online tutorials and matches against computer simulations.

The competitors at the chess hall varied in skill, snot even matching a basic computer opponent's level. Zelena had reached the finals partly due to her skills but also due to a good dose of luck.

However, her luck dwindled when she cup against Violeta.

Violeta's chess expertise was built on more than just tutorials; she had faced numerous real-life opponents since her first game! The small chess booth near Hori Stuwas a hidden gem, filled with skilled players.

Over time, Violeta honed her skills through challenging matches.

She played with assurance, never wavering in her moves.

She meticulously planned each move, anticipating Zelena's responses based on her own strategic insights. Initially, Zelena managed to match Violeta's pace, as the speed was similar to the computer opponents she practiced with, requiring minimal thought.

However, as the gprogressed, especially after Violeta made a critical move across the board, Zelena started to falter.

She found herself increasingly lost in thought, spending more tcontemplating her moves.

So much so that Violeta, noticing the delay, yawned.

Leisurely sipping her tea, Violeta watched Zelena's indecision, secure in her advantageous position.

Tapping her fingertip gently on the tabletop and resting her chin on one hand, she asked, "How much longer do you need to deliberate?" Zelena gazed intently at the chessboard before her, her anxiety already palpable. Violeta's remark felt like fuel added to the fire of her frustration, intensifying her irritability. "Why are you rushing me? I haven't run out of tyet." With a light chuckle, Violeta replied, "Overthinking won't change the inevitable. You might as well give up and save us both stime." Zelena's frustration was palpable, and the tension between the two players could be felt throughout the chess hall.

Spectators inside and even those outside who were replicating the gdiscussed the match eagerly, reflecting the high stakes and the excitement surrounding this final showdown.

On the stage, Wade observed closely and commented to Nolan, "The white pieces are dominating; the black is clearly on the defensive." Nolan nodded in agreement. "It's true. At this point, any struggle from the black pieces will merely postpone the outcome. The white's strategy is overpowering." Violeta played the white pieces, and Zelena handled the black pieces.

It seemed the outcwas already determined; Violeta was the ultimate winner.

Wade's gaze turned towards the people on either side of the chess table in the hall not far ahead, eventually resting on Violeta.

"Her ability to anticipate moves and her unwavering confidence are what make her a formidable player," he observed, his respect for her skills deepening.

Wade commented, "She plans three steps ahead and avoids useless moves." His admiration for Violeta deepened, viewing her as a uniquely valuable individual whose maturity and sharp thinking distinguished her from her peers. Despite her best efforts, Zelena could not avoid defeat.

The referee declared the gover.

Meanwhile, Zelena sat with head bowed, her face hidden by her hair. Her frustration and anger were palpable. She was unable to accept losing to Violeta and struggled to cto terms with the result.

It was now Violeta's tto shine.

The Chess Association publicly invited her to join them, and the director of the chess hall brought documents for her to sign, followed by a group photo. Wade even invited Violeta to stand next to him for the photograph. Watching from the side, Zelena clenched her fists tightly behind her back, barely managing to restrain her intense frustration.

Zelena had spent a long thoning her chess skills for this particular moment.

Yet, it was Violeta who ended up winning, leaving Zelena visibly frustrated.

After they took photos, Violeta noticed Zelena trying to smile m through her anger! The strain and concealed fury in Zelena's expression were evident. It must be difficult, Zelena, to invest so much only to see your efforts cto nothing.

You should really get a taste of this feeling.

Interestingly, Violeta, as the chess tournament champion, could relate to Zelena's situation as she had experienced such disappointments many times before, thanks to Zelena. After the crowd thinned out, Violeta headed upstairs to fetch Tuna.

On the way, Nolan remarked, "You don't seem very happy." "Really? I feel quite happy," Violeta responded.

Leaning casually against the wall, Nolan observed, "It's not the kind of happiness I expected from you."

Violeta gently tugged on Tuna's ear, "If happiness were out of five, I'd give Ve mine a three right now." "Why's that?" Looking up at him, Violeta offered a wry smile.

"Imagine if someone ends up losing everything because of another person."