Chapter 239 - Insult to the Chess Circle

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Yoshie Masaki slowly stepped forward toward Finn Taylor until the two men were face to face with each other. “I’m not going to go easy on you. I’m going to crush you under my feet.”

Finn Taylor simply ignored him. ‘Yesterday, I wanted to put the Japanese team in their place after hearing Jessica Daimler’s words. Today, I experienced such unfairness.’ 

He hated Yoshie Masaki to the guts, especially after what had happened to his wife

But for Yoshie Masaki, he’d never admit that he was second to anyone in chess!

Finn Taylor swore to himself that he was going to defeat Yoshie Masaki in the most brutal way possible.

As soon as the two men took their seats, Finn Taylor placed one hand on the chessboard.

“Three rules. First, you’ll go first, and I’ll go second.”

“Secondly, you’ll win if you finish within 100 moves. Over that, and I’ll lose.”

“Lastly, speed is key here. Five seconds is the limit, and you’ll lose if you take any longer than that. Are you up to the challenge, old man?”

Yoshie Masaki couldn’t help but feel that he was being humiliated by his opponent. ‘Given Finn Taylor’s rules, it wouldn’t be glorious for me even if I were to win.’ 

“That doesn’t sound right.”

“Scram then, old man! This is America—my turf. You’re in no place to speak. Those are the rules. Are you still up for it?”

Yoshie Masaki was so infuriated that he nearly blew his top. “Young man, you’re crazy. But since you insist, I’ll let you see the difference between us.”

Following that, the two men started the game.

The five-second rule was nearly useless in this game.

The two players took no more than a second or two to make their moves—the speed was phenomenal.

The audience didn’t even have time to think about their next moves before the chess pieces were moved.

Just like that, 50 moves were made—half of the 100 Finn Taylor had mentioned.

Yoshie Masaki was indeed deserving of being the top chess player in the world. It was clear to the audience that he held the upper hand.

“It looks like Finn Taylor is in trouble.”

Megan Daimler couldn’t help but furrow her brows in worry.

Even her master started breaking out into cold sweat. “We must believe in him.”

It wasn’t just Finn Taylor’s reputation on the line, but the entire American chess circle’s! If he were to lose this match, the American chess circle would definitely have to give in to Yoshie Masaki from now on.

The match went on—it was nearly checkmate.

“Young man, you’re going to lose.”

Finn Taylor ignored the other and continued making his move.

Even though he had had his turn, he was still on the losing end.

The result seemed set.

“Is there still a need to continue?”

Finn Taylor chuckled. “Don’t we still have 30 moves? We’re almost there then.”

It was obvious to the audience that something had changed in Finn Taylor as he said those words.

“Dead!”

The moment Finn Taylor made his next move, Yoshie Masaki’s face paled. ‘I’ve been taken for a ride.’

That’s right. Finn Taylor had played him!

From the very beginning, Finn Taylor’s so-called unfavorable situation was no more than a ploy he had been setting up, and his opponent had taken the bait!

Yoshie Masaki tried his best to turn the tides, yet he realized that he was only falling deeper into the trap no matter how hard he tried.

On his 95th move, Yoshie Masaki’s moves were numbered.

On his 96th, he was in grave danger.

On his 97th, he had already lost whatever advantage he previously held.

On his 98th, he had no way out.

On the 99th, he lost.

As Finn Taylor made the 100th move, he looked at Yoshie Masaki. “You lost, old man. I see that the Japanese aren’t very impressive after all. You said that I’m still wet behind the ears, but even the top player of Japan can’t beat me.”

It’s true that I’m not the top in the world. In fact, I’m not even ranked amongst the top ten in the USA. I have teachers and seniors who are more skilled than me, but the top player of Japan can’t even beat me. How dare you call yourself the top in the world? Hehe! I’ve never seen such a shameless person in my life!” Finn Taylor tore into Yoshie Masaki with every word.

The latter felt utterly miserable. He’d just been completely humiliated.

He had started the game, yet he’d been thrashed!

From now on, he’d no longer be the top chess player in the world. In fact, he’d be viewed as a joke in the chess circle.

“Ah!” Yoshie Masaki spat out blood as he collapsed.

That was how he passed on.

Finn Taylor casually tossed his last chess piece on Yoshie Masaki’s face.

The Japanese team had been defeated, and simultaneously, the American team had been propelled to the forefront.

Finn Taylor glanced around, but none of the other players dared to meet his gaze.

Of course, the former had no time to care about them.

He rushed out of the hall and made a call to Felicity. “Book me the earliest flight back to San Francisco immediately.”

Jessica Daimler and the rest of the team were no fools, and they instantly realized that something was wrong. ‘Something must’ve happened earlier.’ 

“What’s going on, Finn?” Willow Stone chased behind him and asked, “Yvette’s in trouble? Huh? What do you mean?”

Although Willow Stone liked Finn Taylor and wanted to snatch him from her best friend, Yvette Larson was still her best friend. It was only natural for her to worry about the other.

“She’s been kidnapped. I still don’t know who’s behind this.”

“Kidnapped?” Jessica Daimler was stupefied.

“Do you think it was Yoshie Masaki?” Megan Daimler voiced out Jessica Daimler’s thoughts.

“Don’t spout nonsense. However, that isn’t entirely impossible either.” While Jessica Daimler seemed to be chiding her disciple, it was obviously a reminder to Finn Taylor as well.

“They did it.”

Jessica Daimler had never expected Finn Taylor to admit to it right away. “Then, why are you leaving? You should arrest them and get to the bottom of this!”

“Forget it. There was a breakdown in communication between the kidnappers. Yvette and Clarine Landon are no longer under the control of Yoshie Masaki.”

Although none of them understood what Finn Taylor was saying, they chose to trust him.

“Mr. Taylor, the flight has been reserved.” No sooner had Finn Taylor walked out of the hall than Felicity presented him with the plane tickets.

“Let’s go.”

Willow Stone was in a frenzy.

“Me too.”

Megan Daimler concurred.. While her face was flushed, she appeared resolute.