The first thing Lillie felt was the gentle caress of the wind, along with a sweet fragrance which wafted through her nose.
The hard texture of soil, and the tickling sensation of grass made her come to a conclusion that something was definitely not right.
"...Where am I?"
Lillie muttered upon seeing the peculiar setting laid before her eyes.
It was a vast expanse of land that filled the scenery in colorful blossoms. There was nothing but groves of trees and unending lanes of beautiful flowers. However, beyond the horizon was a place which differed greatly from this meadow.
There was a terrain of rocky mountains with tall cliffs and deep ravines that could be spotted, while on her left was a large area of deep blue sea.
The way these fields were equally divided felt as though three different worlds were poorly connected to each other.
But, it was not entirely just that.
Overlooking every direction, one would notice the unnatural disparity between the topography. On the right was a place continuously being ravaged by a powerful storm, and then a massive volcano which stood at the back.
Even with her unparalleled intellect, Lillie took seconds to register what was happening.
This was not her home, nor was it a familiar place she had once visited during those days she long despised.
―This was on another world.
"No, it can't be possible..." Lillie said in disbelief.
No matter how sound this reason was, there is no logical backing to prove that it was indeed correct. But at the same time, it is also cannot be denied that it was particularly convincing, especially in her current situation where as though natural laws does not apply.
However, the biggest question lies on how all of this became possible. Although the viability of this notion could be proven later on, whether true or not, if the premise of being in another world turns out to be accurately false, how would this strange environment be explained? And if it comes out as an actual truth, what was the method of her transportation?
All this uncertainties spun around on Lillie's mind, trying to rack for an acceptable answer; it was her first time being challenged in other form, so she was filled with much anxiety. But it was not the one found in hopelessness from falling into an unbelievable predicament ― it was eagerness to find a solution.
Great minds from all places and generations tends to venture outside fixed boundaries, a fact proven from time and time again. This very passion is what drives humanity to advance as a whole, and which originated ridiculous theories and baffling technologies that sets men to get a glimpse of the unknown.
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However, if you live in a world where all credits have been acquired by past geniuses, would that not be troubling for future successors?
That was exactly the case for Lillie, which stemmed her boredom that distanced her afar from the others.
One might say if she were really gifted, those should not pose as a problem. But that is her biggest and sole weakness, a trait she lacks that her brother possess, which is creativity.
As such, instead of the one making challenges, her nature makes it so she's only suitable for being challenged. Thus, her way of thinking is limited to what is available, and will change accordingly if supplemented.
Lillie stood still as her excitement grew higher. Then, as if to put water on her tension, she heard a familiar voice from the sky.
Now that all the participating members has joined, I officially welcome all of you to the land of Avalon, an embodiment of your dreams ― a world full of games!
"...What?"
She recalled what happened yesterday night, there was no doubt that it was the same one whom she conversed with to the voice talking right now.
Some of you know me as Galahad, I am the keeper of the sacred grail that can grant any wish your heart may desire! As you may notice, I've taken the liberty to compile all the regulations and guidelines we all have to follow, and placed a copy on your pocket.
Lillie checked hers as told, there she found a seemingly old parchment with a map on the front.
A perfect chess board was drawn along with appropriate amount of pieces on each side, then taking a good look at the back, there was a long line of list that goes as follows:
1. Participants will be divided in two opposing teams, black and white.
2. Your role is pawn, and you are oriented in tile b2. You may not know more anything about anyone's role aside from your own, likewise it is the same for the others.
3. Pieces can move simultaneously without waiting for other's turn, but there will be a set time before you can advance once again.
4. Your option is limited based on one's role, in this case, you can only move vertically at a time, and engage with enemies horizontally.
5. The defeat of a piece will be determined by a game between the attacking side and the defending side.
6. The contents of the game will be decided by the opposing parties involved. Under any circumstance, one cannot do anything outside agreed terms, namely cheating. By doing so, it will result in immediate disqualification.
7. There will be special tiles scattered around the board, if a battle happens there, rule six is disregarded. The grail will decide the contents of the game.
8. Except from the changes, general rules of chess applies.
9. The winning condition for a team is not the defeat of the enemy king, but the loss of all active players. This means that only one can win, and if by any chance more than one member remains on the same group, they have to battle it out - the rules mentioned above aside from 5, 6 and 7 shall no longer have an effect.
10. When the overall winner has been decided, only then a wish can be executed.
Those were the rules listed on the parchment. Lillie pondered about it for a while and gave her thoughts.
"But that doesn't explain―"
Before she could finish, the voice abruptly continued.
Ahem! It is also worth mentioning that each tiles has its own set of field, meaning you won't be in the same type of environment whenever you move. Anyways before I forget, without anymore further ado, I now commence the start of the game! Please by all means do enjoy yourselves to heart's content! That is all for now.
The voice seemed to have known what was going in on her mind, as it knowingly answered her question.
Lillie felt being belittled but paid it no mind, and took a look back at the paper in her hands. She noticed that the pieces engraved in it began to move.
Seeing as other players began to make their respective moves, Lillie became overjoyed.
With a small grin, she said, "The first encounter won't be long."