image [https://urogyn.sakura.ne.jp/images/2024-10-09chess1.png]

54) THE RUNIC DECODING RESEARCH TEAM

The runic decoding research team had gathered in a small room of the library early in the morning. Centered around Sophia, Alex, Ophelia, Luna, and the other members were poring over the documents before them. As the dim light filtered through the windows, Sophia began speaking, her gaze serious as she flipped through her notebook.

"Runes and chess. I've searched for these two keywords, but there's hardly any direct evidence," Sophia said, sounding a bit frustrated.

"But the closest match is the 'Lewis Chessmen,'" Alex chimed in, picking up an old book. "Those Viking chess pieces found on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland - they're an archaeologist's dream and a chess lover's delight!"

Ophelia nodded, adding, "The Lewis Chessmen are believed to have been made in Norway or Iceland around the 12th century, right in the heart of Viking culture. The Vikings used runes for ages, so there might be a connection between these chess pieces and runic script."

"Indeed," Sophia agreed, pointing to her notebook. "And runes themselves are considered magical letters in Europe. Ardy's notebook repeatedly mentions that there were no earthquakes during the era when these characters were used."

Luna raised her hand tentatively. "Hold on a sec. Isn't it a bit off to say there were no earthquakes during the runic era? Earthquakes are part of geological activity, unrelated to any writing system. Europe must have had earthquakes from the 1st century BC through the Middle Ages when runes were in use."

"True, runes were certainly linked to ancient Norse mysticism and magic, but they were used in everyday life too," Ophelia nodded.

"But Luna," Sophia calmly continued, "Ardy's theory was that during the ancient runic era, at least no major earthquakes were recorded. There are no earthquake records on runic inscribed stone monuments."

Luna pondered for a moment before murmuring, "Fair point. The absence of written records could be significant..."

"Speaking of major historical earthquakes," Sophia mused, glancing at her notes, "there was the volcanic eruption and tsunami on Santorini around 1600 BC. But that's before the runic era, and Ardy was focusing on the lack of records from that period."

"Then there's the 'Lewis Chessmen' and runic stone monuments. I think there are artistic similarities," Sophia explained, pointing to her notes with her pen. "While there's no explicit runic script, considering the Vikings used runes, the spell the Mist Witch used for sealing might have utilized chess notation."

Alex nodded, responding, "So the magic's structure follows chess progression. If even one piece moves incorrectly, the sealing spell could unravel."

"Right," Ophelia said thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, didn't Sophia find that the runic character in Ardy's notes was a symbol for Loki?"

"Exactly," Sophia nodded. "Loki is the mischievous god in Norse mythology, causing various events. But in Ardy's thesis, he was particularly linked to earthquakes. Loki being portrayed as an earthquake-causer might be due to Latin religious spread emphasizing his evil aspects."

Alex spread out a map as he spoke, "Then the seven pyramids might be related too. They could be steam vents close to the underground mantle, causing shifts in underground plates. Like Iceland, you know? There must be some physical restraining valve there."

"Spot on," Sophia agreed. "My hypothesis is that earthquakes were rare during the runic era because ancient witches had placed seals. Chess notation might be the key to reviving these seals."

"Which means..." Ophelia quietly continued, "we need to recreate the sealing spell through chess. Perfecting the notation through Sophia's training becomes crucial."

Alex crossed his arms, deep in thought. "The question is, in how many moves do we complete this spell? Each chess move is a key to the seal, so we need to proceed carefully to avoid failure."

"Seven pyramids... if each guards one seal, there might be a numerical connection," Sophia murmured. "Ardy's notes mention 23 animals depicted on the Ruthwell Cross. Perhaps we need to complete the seal by the 23rd move."

"Hmm... that's a possibility," Alex said, narrowing his eyes at the board. "If so, we have a direction for the next training session. Anyway, Sophia, you need to completely master your forest experience and the notation in the notebook."

"Got it. The training sounds tough, but we've got no choice," Sophia steeled herself.

Ophelia smiled, saying, "That's right, we'll help too. All to save Ardy and revive the seal."

At that moment, Sophia looked up and gazed at the quiet forest outside the window. Only she held the key to the seal. A flame of determination ignited in her heart.

"Sophia has chess training, so we'll work on figuring out how the forest animals relate to chess," Ophelia said.

"Thank you," Sophia replied. Everyone nodded in agreement.

image [https://urogyn.sakura.ne.jp/images/2024-10-09chess1.png]

55) THE PHYSICAL TRAINING GROUP'S INTENSE WORKOUT

First and foremost, quick reflexes are essential. One must rush to the seven locations where steam is gushing out, instantly devise a method to suppress it, and immediately put that plan into action. It's not as simple as plugging the holes with stones; a more sophisticated approach is required. Pre-prepared pipes must be connected, faucets attached, and a structure created to release the steam pressure.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Due to the intense chess training and rune deciphering sessions, this team became responsible for preparing all the equipment for the other members as well. They also discussed the means of escape, with Sophia's autogyro initially being the top candidate. However, it was revealed that the autogyro, imbued with her grandmother's magical power, couldn't transport her to dangerous locations.

"So, what should we do?" Elena asked, looking around at everyone.

"How about a hovercraft?" Sophia suggested.

"My grandfather has one. We might be able to use that."

"That's it!" Bone exclaimed, clapping his hands and nodding.

"A hovercraft is a great idea. As expected, Sophia's family is wealthy!"

"Well, she is the granddaughter of the Mist Witch," Leo said with a shrug, teasing slightly.

"But she looks like an angel incarnate. It's impossible to feel jealous."

"Yeah, truly," Bone murmured dreamily, his eyes distant.

"Since Sophia is such a beauty, we get to see her every day. Maybe we have a chance with her."

At that moment, Luna's cold voice cut through the air.

"I heard that. What kind of conversation are you having when I, your girlfriend, am right here?"

"Sorry, sorry!" Bone hastily apologized as Elena sighed.

"We don't have time for such foolish talk," Elena said, scanning the group.

"First, we need to get used to acting under the influence of the mist's magic."

With that, everyone put on pendants containing the witch's mist that once belonged to Naira.

"Hmm..." Bone picked up his pendant, grimacing slightly.

"It's supposed to fill us with power, but I feel more like it's controlling me."

"Indeed, it's rather unsettling..." Luna clutched her pendant tightly.

Elena looked at everyone with a composed expression and said with a challenging smile, "We're going to practice horseback riding in this state. Anyone afraid of falling off and dying should probably sit this one out."

"No problem, I can handle any physical activity!" Leo declared confidently, with the others nodding in agreement.

They began horseback riding practice while wearing the pendants. Although everyone was a bit unsteady due to the mist's magical influence, they gradually adapted to the horses' movements. Eventually, they synchronized with their mounts and could ride smoothly.

"Next up, boat practice!" Bone called out.

"We might need to move through water, so swimming and boating are essential skills!"

They moved to the lake to practice boating. While it required strength and balance as rowers, the mist's magic placed a heavy burden on their bodies, and everyone's face gradually turned pale.

"...I can only wear this for about four minutes at a time..." Elena said, catching her breath.

"North's chess club used to practice like this, didn't they?" Bone mused, gazing at the lake.

"Not exactly," Ophelia shook her head.

"Ronald used to spray a highly diluted version of this mist. I would get dizzy if it touched my skin directly, so I only sprayed it on my earrings. Naira endured it with a pendant, but she eventually lost control..."

"I see..." Luna nodded, impressed. "We'll need to come up with various ways to cope."

As the three rowed the boat, they each became lost in thought.

"Sophia really is special, isn't she?" Leo spoke up.

"To live normally with this mist power flowing through her veins."

"Well, she's not exactly normal," Elena chuckled. "She eats nothing but éclairs."

"...Maybe she needs to constantly consume sugar because her blood burns through it inefficiently?" Bone pondered. "That could be Sophia's weakness."

"But that's not all," Luna interjected. "She's truly amazing. While we're struggling with the mist, she's calmly moving on to the next task."

Everyone turned to look at Sophia. She was at the front of the boat, rowing with intense concentration. Her face showed unwavering determination. The sight of her, dubbed the Mist Witch, truly seemed special to them.

"Wow..." Bone mumbled. "While we're getting messed up by the witch's power, she's..."

"I can see why they call her the Mist Witch," Elena nodded in understanding.

"She really is... incredible," Leo said, his eyes fixed on Sophia.

"Then I'll bring lots of sweets for sugar replenishment during our next training session," Luna promptly suggested.

"As expected, you know your role as her girlfriend well," Bone smiled, and Luna nodded proudly.

"But we should start practicing our escape soon, in preparation for the real thing," Leo addressed everyone. "We'll need both physical strength and mental acuity. Let's work together and make it a success!"

"Of course!" Everyone chorused, boosting each other's morale.

Sophia, overhearing their conversation, smiled inwardly. "Let's do our best in this escape training," she thought to herself.

image [https://urogyn.sakura.ne.jp/images/2024-10-09chess1.png]

56) THE HOVERCRAFT MODIFICATION PLAN

The South College polo field buzzed with excitement as Elena led the hovercraft modification team in preparation for the mission. The spacious area, secured just for their practice, was perfect for rehearsing the fast assembly of the hovercraft, and today's goal was clear—cutting down their assembly time to perfection.

Elena clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Alright, team! Today, we're going to shorten our assembly time and nail this before the big day!"

Sophia stood ready with a stopwatch, scanning the eager faces around her. "Our target is under four minutes! Ready?"

A chorus of enthusiastic "Yes!" echoed across the field, and with a nod, Sophia hit the button. "Go!"

The team sprang into action. Bone and Leo quickly unfolded the hovercraft’s base frame, moving with the precision of seasoned engineers. Reinhart darted in, setting the motor into place, while Luna and Ophelia swiftly spread out the skirt, attaching it expertly.

"Elena, handles!" Bone called over his shoulder.

"On it!" Elena’s hands moved with machine-like speed, securing the nine handles to the frame. "These are for our seven warriors, Sophia, Ardy, and the dog, right?"

"Exactly!" Sophia confirmed, her eyes glued to the stopwatch. "Two minutes left!"

Despite the pressure, the team’s focus never wavered. Luna’s voice cut through the air, "Skirt secured!"

Naira and Ronald stepped in, working seamlessly on the final adjustments.

"Power unit set! We’re done!" Bone shouted, and the team stepped back.

"Stop!" Sophia clicked the stopwatch. "Three minutes and forty seconds! We did it—just barely!"

A wave of cheers broke out as the team high-fived one another, catching their breath.

"But we’re still too slow," Leo pointed out. "We’ve got to be faster for the real deal."

Ophelia nodded. "Agreed. Let’s aim for under three minutes."

With each attempt, their coordination improved. Sophia, resisting the urge to dive in and help, stayed focused on her role as timekeeper, guiding them through each round.

"You're all doing fantastic," she encouraged. "Next, let’s try for under two minutes!"

By the fifth round, the team moved like a well-oiled machine. The frame was secured, the skirt attached, the power unit fixed—all in perfect sync.

"Thirty seconds left!" Sophia's voice urged them to push through.

"Time!" Sophia hit the stopwatch, her eyes widening. "Fifty-nine seconds! We did it in under a minute!"

The team erupted in joyful celebration, laughter and cheers filling the air as they hugged and high-fived.

"We’re practically pros now!" Luna laughed, still catching her breath.

Elena grinned mischievously, pulling out a large box. "We’ve earned a reward!"

Naira’s eyes sparkled as he peeked inside. "Éclairs! Can we really eat all of these?"

"Absolutely!" Elena laughed. "We deserve it after all that hard work!"

As they bit into the éclairs, Bone exclaimed, "Delicious!"

Sophia pulled out another box with a playful grin. "And I brought pudding too!"

Ronald took a bite of pudding, his eyes lighting up with delight. "This is incredible!"

Ophelia chuckled between bites of éclair. "Are we sure it’s okay to have so many sweets?"

Sophia shrugged, smiling mischievously. "They’re for energy, right? We’ll need it for the next challenge!"

With éclairs and pudding in hand, the team’s laughter echoed across the field, their spirits soaring as they prepared for the adventure ahead.