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

61）THE GEAR OF HEROES: PREPARING FOR THE FINAL MISSION

As the evening mist settled over the campus, the group of students gathered around a wooden box sent by Professor Weiss. Inside were intricately designed pocket watches and chess pieces. But these weren’t just beautifully crafted objects. They were infused with magic. In his letter, Professor Weiss had written, "These watches and chess pieces carry magic that will guide you through the misty forest. Use them wisely; your success depends on it."

Sophia gently picked up one of the pocket watches, mesmerized by its design. “This could help us with our time limit,” she murmured. Alex, standing beside her, looked to Nyra. “This is where you come in.”

Nyra, from North College’s Data Science Department, had already coordinated with South College to link their supercomputers into a single, massive network. “We’re going to use Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) combined with deep reinforcement learning to assess each scenario and select the best move,” he explained. “With the Policy Network from AlphaZero, we can evaluate which moves are most promising, while the Value Network predicts the position’s strength. The supercomputer can analyze everything in 30 seconds, so we can make our move before time runs out.”

Meanwhile, Ophelia, a student of Architecture, was hard at work drafting maps of the misty forest. “If ancient civilizations used this forest, and if Ardy’s notebook shows the roads laid out in a grid, it must have been part of an urban plan,” she reasoned. She mapped out the location of the seven pyramids mentioned in the notes. “Once we’re transported, we’ll know exactly where to go,” she assured the group. “But we’ll need small electric machetes to cut through the trees.”

Ronald, also in the Architecture Department, but with a focus on engineering, had taken on the task of improving the tools they’d need. The electric machetes they had were too heavy, so he modified them. “I swapped out the blades for zip ties and powered the motor with batteries. It’s lightweight and won’t hurt anyone if it accidentally hits skin, but it’ll cut through trees and bushes like a charm.” Ronald, an expert in 3D printing, had also redesigned the hovercraft’s motor. “By printing certain parts, we’ve made the motor lighter and stronger. The AI helped optimize the design for weight reduction.”

Luna, from the Literature Department, was in charge of food for the mission. Knowing that Sophia needed sugar to fuel her magical abilities, she baked a batch of sturdy éclairs that wouldn’t fall apart during the journey. “For the rest of you, I’ve made energy bars that melt in your mouth and give you an instant boost,” she said with a smile. Luna’s dream was to become a pastry chef, and this was her chance to blend her culinary skills with the mission.

Alex had volunteered to lead the team. Aspiring to become a doctor, he’d spoken with surgeons and pathologists to help with the technical aspects. “Surgeons use AR devices to send real-time data during operations,” Alex explained. “I’ve set up a base station on the hovercraft to transmit footage to Nyra. The pathologists lent me an image recognition program that can decode any ancient symbols or runes we come across. Nyra’s supercomputer will analyze them in 30 seconds. We have only four minutes for each operation—transfer, complete the task, retrieve everything, and escape. Every second counts.”

Elena is a student in the Sports Science Department, studying body structure and the effects of excessive load. She contributed by understanding the structure of the impact suit and making adjustments to ensure it could withstand any kind of stress during the mission. Elena specifically studies the burden on the knees. She prepared knee braces for those with weak knees to prevent injury.

Leo, another Architecture student, was fascinated by the history of the misty forest. He believed it held secrets from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages when the last witch sealed the earthquakes. “One of the pyramids must date back to the Paleolithic,” he explained, referencing ancient stone circles and standing stones. He spoke of sites like Göbekli Tepe and Newgrange, which he believed to be early forms of pyramid-like structures. “I’ve prepared diagrams based on Ardy’s notes so we can recognize these structures when we see them.”

Bone, a student of Biochemistry, had been studying the polymer composition of the chess pieces sent by Professor Weiss. His passion was researching artificial membranes for hemodialysis. “Hemodialysis filters remove waste from the blood, but long-term use can cause amyloidosis due to trace elements like zinc,” he explained. “Professor Weiss is a pioneer in medical engineering and has contributed to biotechnological devices in fields like aerospace. Understanding the polymers in these chess pieces is crucial. If something goes wrong, I need to be able to advise the team.”

Sophia had been organizing Ardy’s research into a digital database. She summarized the key findings and handed the data to Nyra. “Now everyone has the AI on their smartwatches,” she said, smiling.

As they all stood together, fully prepared, Sophia looked around at her friends—her companions. Fear of failure no longer held her back. With these brilliant minds by her side, she believed they could stop the earthquakes and save the world.

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

62) THE MAGICAL CHESS CONSULTATION

They practiced all kinds of things: what to do when they arrived, the gathering process after sealing, and then everyone would board the hovercraft. During that time, Sophia would save Ardi. Finally, Sophia, who knew her way around an autogyro, would pilot the hovercraft. Everything was in sync. Each of them moved in unison, timed perfectly by their wind-up pocket watches.

Tomorrow was the final chess match. Maybe, midway through, Sophia would feel it in her witch’s blood—the mist. And then, it would pull them all in, just as Ardi's research had foretold.

Sophia slipped into a warm bath, stretching her arms and legs out in the compact white tub. Later, she changed into her jeans and set up the chess pieces. But the moment the board was arranged and she began reviewing the match, the tension came creeping back. Her opponents from last week—Ronald, Ophelia, and Nyra—were far stronger than anyone she’d faced before. Yet, somehow, she’d won.

Her eyes wandered across the familiar streets and rooftops, finally landing on the park below. The bright, green grass shimmered under the sunlight, chessboards scattered across its paths. It all seemed so peaceful, but Sophia knew better. A single tremor, and this calm scene could shatter in an instant.

A shudder passed through her. Only her witch ancestors had dealt with the kind of power she was about to face. The thought weighed heavily on her—so much had been sacrificed to subdue the forces of nature. With a sigh, she turned back to the chessboard. The pattern of squares reminded her of that colossal board in the misty forest where she’d met Ardi. Tomorrow at 4 p.m., it would all begin again.

Sophia woke up before dawn, lying still for a moment before checking the time. Three hours of sleep—just three hours. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force herself back to sleep, but it was no use. The tension hummed inside her, urging her brain to keep going.

The match with Ardi kept creeping into her thoughts. It wasn’t just a game anymore—they had been playing out a witch’s plan to control the forces of nature. But at this rate, they might not be able to complete the sealing. She had to figure out the magic formula, the connection between chess and the elements. Pawns, queens, the natural order—she couldn’t stop seeing them, couldn’t stop calculating.

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The previous night, she’d spent hours moving pieces, envisioning strategies. Should she push the queen’s bishop pawn forward? Move the knight to the king's side? Or perhaps bring the queen into play? Moving the king was another option. She’d have to decide once she returned to that place.

After finishing her breakfast of tomato porridge, Sophia sat back at the chessboard. 7:30 a.m. She sipped some tea. Standing up, she pulled open the curtains, then returned to the board. The phone rang.

She stared at it, her heart beating faster. It rang again, faster and steadier. She couldn’t tell if it was a good sign or something to worry about.

"Hello, this is Sophia Weiss," she answered, her voice still thick with sleep. Rinehart hops onto Sophia's lap and lets out a little yawn.

"Sophia! Thank goodness you're awake." It was Alex, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Listen, I've been up all night thinking about your match. You're going to take that pesky pawn with your bishop, aren't you?"

Sophia's eyes widened. It was as if Alex had read her mind from across the city. "How did you know?"

A chuckle crackled through the line. "Because I know you, Sophia Weiss. Now, pay attention. This is where it gets tricky."

For the next few minutes, Alex's voice painted pictures in Sophia's mind. She saw knights galloping across the board, rooks standing tall like sentinels, and the graceful dance of the bishops.

Suddenly, a slightly flustered voice came through the phone. "Sophia! It's me, Nyra!"

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "Nyra? You're calling early in the morning to help calm me down too?"

"Yeah," Nyra replied, sounding a bit embarrassed. "I was worried about you, so I did some research on chess."

Sophia couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Nyra."

"Listen," Nyra continued earnestly, "lastly, there's a possibility that your opponent might push their pawn to c6. If that happens, retreat your bishop to a4. This protects your bishop from capture while maintaining its range of influence."

Sophia looked surprised for a moment, but then her face softened into a gentle smile. "Oh, Nyra. Did you really study chess that thoroughly for me?"

"Well, I wanted to be of some help to you," Nyra admitted sheepishly.

"Thank you so much. Your thoughtfulness means a lot to me," Sophia said, her words filled with heartfelt gratitude.

"Good luck, Sophia. I believe in you," Nyra encouraged.

Suddenly, there was a sound of the phone being taken, and the voice of the usually quiet Ronald came through.

"I... I think... Qh5 might come," Ronald stammered, nervously offering a new perspective.

Sophia, though surprised, quickly responded, "Wait, let me write down everyone's advice," grabbing the notepad next to the phone.

Contrary to his usual reticence, Ronald began to explain, slowly but earnestly.

"Qh5 is... a dangerous move. But... there's also... an opportunity. You can... counterattack with Nf3. And then..."

Sophia frantically jotted down Ronald's words. Her notepad filled with scrawled writing, packed with information.

"Bishop... dangerous... but, rook... protects..." Ronald carefully chose his words, trying his best to convey his thoughts.

"Yes, I understand. Go on," Sophia gently encouraged.

"Finally... king... to safety..." Ronald concluded, catching his breath as he offered his final piece of advice.

Sophia took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Ronald. This is very helpful."

As she hung up the phone, Sophia gazed at the chessboard, enveloped in a warm feeling of gratitude.

63) THE FINAL MATCH AND THE CHARITY EVENT

That morning, Sophia made her way to South College. The debris from the recent earthquakes had mostly been cleared, and the campus was slowly getting back to normal. As she gathered her friends and called for volunteers, she was met with a great response—students were eager to help with the final cleanup. The entire campus was buzzing with anticipation, as everyone looked forward to the South vs. North College showdown.

But this final chess match wasn’t just about winning; it was about something much bigger. The students had come together and decided to turn the event into a charity fundraiser for the earthquake victims. The outdoor venue was set up under the crisp winter sky, with heaters spread around to keep the audience warm. A donation box stood prominently at the front, and they’d even rigged the match to stream online, with viewers able to donate each time a brilliant move was made.

A massive monitor was placed in the courtyard, ready to broadcast every move of the game. Hidden behind it, out of sight, was the hovercraft—part of their next mission.

Excitement filled the air. Students debated who would win: Ardelbert von Ritterstein, the brilliant young professor from North College, famous for his sharp strategies, or Sophia Winston-Weiss, the sudden chess prodigy with unmatched talent.

Rumors swirled through the crowd—Sophia was none other than the granddaughter of the nation’s treasure, Professor Emeritus Wilhelm Weiss. The support for both players was equally strong, and everyone was eager to see who would come out on top.

People talked about the sheer variety of moves that could happen. Would Ardelbert’s deep well of strategies and past victories give him the edge? Or would Sophia, who had completely turned the tables in her last game, shock everyone once again?

The excitement fueled the charity donations, and in no time, the contributions piled up.

Sophia and her friends stood in front of the dining hall, holding the donation box and greeting supporters. "Good luck, Sophia!" voices called out as she prepared for the biggest game of her life.

But while the final match was moments away, Sophia’s mind was also focused on the mission that lay ahead—one that would go far beyond the chessboard.

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

65) THE WITCH OF THE MIST

In the waiting room, tension hung heavy in the air as Sophia and her team prepared for the upcoming chess match. Those bound for the Misty Forest were dressed in matching outfits—stylish yet functional, perfect for the mission ahead. Each member wore a helmet-like cap and goggles, ready for anything. With no clear idea of how they’d be transported through the mist, the protective gear was crucial. In the past, inter-college chess matches were formal affairs, but the atmosphere had shifted over the years. Students now wore beanies, slung their smartphones around their necks, and some even showed up in casual single-packers. The group’s coordinated outfits barely raised an eyebrow.

They only had four minutes in the Misty Forest. There wasn’t time for costume changes. Even the chess club members who weren’t part of the mission dressed warmly for the outdoor event. Hats were allowed, given the crisp winter air. What no one could have guessed was that underneath their robes, they wore Clarissa’s impact-resistant suits—prepared for any danger the mist might throw their way.

“You all look sharp,” Alex commented, looking over the team’s attire.

“Everyone looks great,” Ophelia added with a smile.

At that moment, Professor Emeritus Wilhelm Weiss, Sophia’s grandfather, walked into the room, his Doberman, Gustav, trotting loyally by his side.

“Everything okay?” he asked, his voice calm but filled with quiet reassurance.

Leo gave a nod towards the dog. “Hey there, Gustav.”

Gustav wagged his tail slightly. “Hello, Leo. The mist’s power is fading, but I’ve got one more transformation left in me to pose as Ardelbert. What about Linehart, though? Hasn’t the magic on that little chihuahua started to fade by now?”

Sitting comfortably on Sophia’s lap, Linehart yawned and gave a small, reluctant reply. “Talking’s getting harder…”

Sophia smiled softly, recalling how talkative Linehart used to be. Recently, though, he’d become quieter, content to sit on her lap and wag his tail—just like a regular dog.

Bohn, meanwhile, was transfixed by his reflection in the mirror, seemingly in awe of his uniform. Ronald, nervously fiddling with his phone, muttered, “Uh, yeah… let’s do this,” right as his face popped up on the supercomputer’s terminal. Nyra, stationed at the terminal, grinned when Ronald appeared on the screen.

“Let’s do this,” Nyra echoed, giving a thumbs-up.

Elena, amused, grabbed Sophia’s phone, leaning in playfully. “Hey, Nyra!” she called through the screen.

Nyra chuckled. “Greetings, Elena. And to the woman who beat me at chess—the Witch of the Mist.”

The nickname caught on instantly. Leo and Bohn grinned as they repeated, “The Witch of the Mist.”

Just then, the door opened, and Luna walked in carrying a tray of éclairs. “I thought we could all use something sweet before the match,” she said with a bright smile. She handed Sophia one of the éclairs, making sure it was the sturdier kind she knew Sophia liked to keep her energy up. For the rest of the group, she had prepared special energy bars to help them stay calm and focused.

Sophia took a bite of the éclair and felt a wave of warmth and gratitude for her friend. “Thanks, Luna. This is perfect.”

As they snacked and shared a light moment, Wilhelm’s eyes twinkled with a knowing look. “You know,” he said, “over 200 years ago, the last witch who successfully sealed the Misty Forest was also called the Witch of the Mist.”

The room fell silent for a moment. The weight of history settled over Sophia, and she realized that this wasn’t just another chess match or mission. She was stepping into the shoes of someone who had faced the same mystical forces centuries before her.