"Mr. Nobell, thank you for giving us your time."

  Zig's tone had softened.

  "Don't thank me. I came for the interview reward."

  A ripple of restrained laughter.

  "How refreshingly honest," Zig replied.

  "How mercenary," Ineyra muttered.

  "Honesty suits men," Angelo answered evenly.

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  Zig cleared his throat.

  "Five questions from me. Five from the audience."

  "Go ahead."

  "Why did you, as the number one player of that era, leave Life Without End?"

  "Because I found a better hobby."

  A pause.

  "Chess?" Zig asked.

  "That's already your second question."

  Zig blinked. "…Yes."

  "Yes. Chess. A game far deeper than the garbage pit I used to play in. It's like comparing an ocean to a puddle."

  Kael stood abruptly.

  "How dare you—"

  Murmurs spread.

  Rosalia watched him closely.

  Oliver frowned slightly.

  John smiled faintly.

  Angelo remained calm.

  No tension. No hesitation.

  If anything, his eyes sharpened.

  On the VIP terrace, a masked man observed from the shadows.

  "This boy loves chaos," he murmured.

  "No wonder he is my chosen one."