The Strongest Transcendent In History Is The Strongest
Chapter 21: The Strategic Duel
As the fabric of reality around me shatters and splinters into countless shards, I feel the exhilarating rush of energy surge through my being. In that moment of disintegration, I am transported home, utilizing my unique ability to teleport without boundaries in this annihilation form.
Teleportation, as it has come to be known, is more than just a means of movement; it is an extraordinary power that allows me to traverse vast distances in the blink of an eye. With no limitations except for my own imagination, it pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
As I materialize in the familiar comfort of my home, my senses are instantly awakened by the sight of Katsume nestled on the couch, her expression filled with anticipation as she waits for my arrival. The tantalizing idea of surprising her bubbles up within me, and I decide to seize the moment.
With careful stealth, I approach her, my feet making almost no sound on the floor. "Boo!" I whisper, the playful mischief evident in my voice.
Reacting with surprise, Katsume leaps up, her eyes wide, a mixture of shock and delight spreading across her face. "Not cool, big bro!" she exclaims, playfully delivering a few soft punches against my chest, her affectionate annoyance clear.
I chuckle lightly, adopting a relaxed demeanor to ease her mock frustration. "Alright, alright, I get it, sis. I'll tone it down next time," I respond, gently ruffling her hair in a familiar gesture of affection. "I promise to be better."
Her cheeks tint with a hint of pink as she pouts, crossing her arms defensively. "Hey, that's not fair! I can't stay mad at you when you do that," she insists, trying to maintain her feigned indignation.
I continue to pat her head softly, a warm smile on my face. "Feeling better now?" I inquire playfully.
With a shy nod, Katsume admits, "Yes, you really have a talent for making people feel better." I reply casually, "Well, making people smile is kind of my job."
As we share this light-hearted banter, Katsume's gaze flickers to my hair and eyes, and a glimmer of curiosity shines in her bright demeanor. "Big bro, why is your hair black now, and why are your eyes red?"
In response, I brush my fingers through my dark locks, offering her a reassuring smile. "It's nothing to worry about, okay? The colors changed when I transformed. I've come to accept who I am," I explain, attempting to ease any concerns.
Looking up at me with those adorably sparkling eyes, reminiscent of a curious puppy, she asks earnestly, "You promise?"
"Absolutely, I promise. There's nothing to be concerned about," I reassure her again as I gently pat her head once more. Just then, a sharp knock on the door interrupts our conversation.
"Stay right here; let your big bro handle this," I instruct her casually, gesturing for her to remain seated.
A bright smile spreads across Katsume's face as she nods, her trust in me unmistakable. I return the gesture with a soft smile of my own, pleased that she's confident in my ability to protect her.
Rounding the corner, I open the door to reveal an intriguing figure standing outside. There stands a ethereal girl with flowing green hair cascading gracefully down her back. Her striking cyan eyes seem to shimmer with an otherworldly light. She is dressed in a cozy white hoodie that skims just above her long, loose white pants, complemented by black shoes that ground her whimsical appearance.
Katsume tilts her head, her curiosity piqued. "Big bro, who is she? Your girlfriend?" Her innocent inquiry hangs in the air.
In unison, we both exclaim, "It's not like that!" The air fills with an awkward tension momentarily before the new girl, a confident grin playing on her lips, speaks up. "My name's Zenchi, and I came here because I heard you defeated Mishikkurūpu with a single attack."
It dawns on me that Zenchi possesses an omniscient nature, alongside abilities that enable her to control nearly everything—an unsettling thought, given her formidable presence.
Suspicion flashes through me as I question, "How did you come to know that? What's your source?"
With a casual demeanor, she shrugs off my inquiry. "Well, none of that really matters. I'm here to challenge you to a game of chess. Let's see who the superior strategist is—your annihilation or my omniscience!" Her eyes gleam with excitement, making it clear that she is eager for the challenge.
I let out a calm breath, contemplating her bold proposition. "Challenge accepted, but I do have one condition," I assert, locking eyes with her.
Zenchi raises an eyebrow, intrigued by my terms. "Go on…"
"My condition is simple: I want my sister to watch this match. It would be a valuable experience for her," I explain, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity.
Nodding in agreement, Zenchi responds, "Alright then, very well."
Turning my attention back to Katsume, who is perched expectantly, I invite her, "Come and watch how your big bro plays."
Katsume eagerly seats herself between us, her eyes wide with anticipation. "So, what's the first move, big bro?" she asks, leaning forward, her curiosity palpable.
"Let's get started, shall we?" I say in a steady voice, pushing a pawn forward to commence the game.
Zenchi watches intently, a smirk on her face. "Hmm, I see what you're trying to do," she replies, moving her own pawn as she strategizes her next steps.
I maintain my composure, a hint of competitive spirit creeping in. "Hmm, we'll see about that," I respond, advancing another pawn, creating space for my rook, and swiftly tapping the timer to indicate my move.
Katsume's eyes widen in astonishment as she observes our rapid exchanges. "They're moving too fast! I can't keep up with their brain patterns and movements," she exclaims, her enthusiasm mingling with confusion.
Undeterred, I respond, "Really now?" I push a rook forward, hitting the timer with a click.
"This is unreal! I can't keep up!" Katsume remarks, clearly bewildered at the speed of our game.
Zenchi's calm demeanor doesn't falter as she declares, "Checkmate!" In a flash, she catches me off-guard, and she taps the timer with finality.
Katsume's expression shifts to concern. "It looks like she has big bro cornered! So this is what omniscient beings can do. How can he come back from this?"
A grin spreads across my face, revealing a confidence that belies the pressure of the situation. "Are you sure about that?" I ask playfully, as I strategically move my king behind her pawn and trap her own king in her formation.
Katsume gasps. "Oh my, big bro just came back from a check? That's insane!"
Zenchi's eyes widen in disbelief. "That's impossible!" she exclaims, clearly taken aback by my cunning maneuver.
"Actually, that's checkmate," I inform her, the triumph evident in my voice. "I suspected from the beginning that you'd rush to trap me, relying too heavily on your omniscience like a crutch. So, I allowed it. I let you focus on the win, completely fixating on checkmate while leaving your own fortress wide open."
As we engage in this mental duel, the atmosphere is charged with tension and excitement, the stakes heightened not just for victory but for the lessons learned along the way.
My voice drops to a soothing yet resolute tone that echoes within the stillness of the room. "I didn't counter you; rather, I invited you into my meticulously crafted design. I constructed the path, layer by intricate layer, watching intently as you confidently stepped into it, just like every other opponent I've confronted in the past."
Zenchi stands there, momentarily paralyzed, her expression a complex tapestry of confusion and disbelief that gradually tightens into a mask of incredulity. "...You manipulated the entire game from the very beginning?"
A slow, deliberate grin spreads across my face as I nod in affirmation. "Every single move was calculated. Each trap was laid with precision. All those thoughts you believed were uniquely yours—I anticipated them long before you even conceived of them."
An expression of annoyance flickers across Zenchi's face, and she clenches her fists tightly, her voice reduced to a quiet but strained whisper. "Even with omniscience... I failed to see it."
Katsume, her eyes wide and her lips slightly parted in awe, stares at me with an intensity that reveals both admiration and a hint of trepidation. "Big bro… you really orchestrated all of this right from the outset?" she whispers, her voice laced with a combination of wonder and fear. "I… I couldn't follow any of it…"
I casually glance at her, allowing a gentle smile to soften my expression. "It's perfectly fine. You weren't meant to."
Zenchi, still reeling from the implications of my words, steps back, her penetrating gaze scanning me as though she is attempting to re-evaluate everything she believed to know about me. "There's something fundamentally different about you," she murmurs, her tone shifting from casual to serious. "This transcends mere high intellect. It's as if your mind operates beyond the very fabric of causality itself… no, that can't be—" Her words trail off, and her eyes narrow as realization dawns. "You're not just anyone… are you?"
I regard her calmly, affirming her suspicion as a matter of fact, for it is indeed what one might expect from an omniscient being.
Shock washes over Zenchi. "You've even surpassed the all-knowing," she murmurs quietly, her voice almost a whisper made for herself. "That simply shouldn't be possible — and yet, here you stand. Calm, calculated, unshakable." With a flicker of pride, she crosses her arms and glances away, as if trying to conceal the small smirk that threatens to break through her otherwise stoic facade. "I'll admit it… you've genuinely impressed me. I hadn't expected that to happen again." But then, her tone sharpens, imbued with newfound resolve. "Yet don't get too comfortable. This may look like the conclusion of our duel, but there are always greater beings lurking just beyond the shadows. Stronger. Smarter. And don't for a moment believe that you've seen the last of me. I will return, better and more relentless than ever — and when I do, I will emerge victorious."
Turning toward the door, she hesitates, glancing back one final time. "Still… it's been ages since anyone inspired me to strive for improvement. Thank you for that." With that, she exits the room, quietly closing the door behind her, leaving a lasting tension in the air as she casts one last look in my direction before fading from sight.
Katsume, her curiosity piqued, shifts her gaze to me. "Hey big bro, can I ask you something?"
I respond casually, "Go ahead."
She leans closer, her voice imbued with intrigue. "You seemed so effortless out there. You exuded calm and composure throughout the entire match, so I can't help but wonder why."
With a soft smile, I reach out and pat her head affectionately. "There's really no need to worry about it."
Katsume pouts adorably, her expression shifting to one of earnest determination as she forms what could only be described as 'puppy eyes.' "Please tell me?"
I feel my heart melt at her adorable earnestness, and relent. "Alright, alright, fine. I'll explain."
Her eyes light up with excitement, glimmering with emotion. "Promise?"
I let out a resigned sigh. "Yeah, yeah, I promise."
Katsume's face brightens, gratitude washing over her features. "So, can you share it with me now?"
I respond in a casual tone, "Well, regarding what you mentioned about me seemingly not trying during the match — you were entirely correct. I often find myself holding back to allow my opponents a fighting chance, regardless of how formidable they appear. Isn't it the experience of enjoying the fight that truly makes it worthwhile?"
Understanding dawns on her, and she nods thoughtfully, completely grasping my perspective. "I get what you're saying, big bro."
However, I notice a subtle shift in her demeanor, prompting me to raise an eyebrow in inquiry. "Hmm... what's bothering you?" My voice remains steady, yet my gaze sharpens as I catch the slight tremor of uncertainty flickering in her expression.
Katsume hesitates, then expresses her concern in a tentative tone, "It's just that… I witnessed how skillfully you played. And no matter how much I try, I can't seem to envision myself ever catching up to you."
Her words hang in the air, laden with emotion, and I take a moment to absorb the weight of her sentiment before responding quietly but firmly, "Then it's really quite simple. You are comparing your journey to mine, even though they were never meant to be the same."
To be continued...