Story Reader / Affection / Chrome: Glory / Story
Chrome: Glory VI
Despite saying it is late, Chrome does not seem to be in a hurry to part ways as you two leave the library.
Our game of chess hasn't ended yet, has it?
You tilt your head and look at him.
You seem to understand what he was thinking during that long stretch of silence.
He might have figured it out then.
If you were from the same year as him, the two of you would have done what you just did.
You would read in the library together, discuss philosophy the way you did, stroll on the training fields around campus, and play chess in the classroom after class.
After all, you have done the same at the same places... at different times.
...
You are back to where you ran into each other.
The two of you return to your seats.
The holographic chessboard lights up between you.
The pieces on it are still where you left them.
It was my turn, so now it's yours, [player name].
White Knight moves from H4 to F5.
Black Pawn moves from C7 to C6.
There's no "better mood." It is inconsequential at the end of the day. I've just realized something.
White Pawn moves from G2 to G4.
Black Knight moves from H5 to F6.
We'll talk after the game.
White Knight moves from H1 to G1.
...
The battle on the chessboard grows more intense.
...
In the end—
White Queen moves from F3 to F6.
Chrome's clutched fists press against his lips, him pausing to consider.
You sacrificed your Bishop on your 11th move.
You sacrificed both of your Rooks on your 18th move.
Now you're sacrificing your Queen.
You have fewer pieces than I do.
I do.
He picks up the Black Knight on G8 and takes your White Queen, placed on F6 as bait.
In response, you pick up the White Bishop on D6...
And move it to E7.
The game is over.
Chrome does not look disappointed, and you do not look gleeful either.
You just stare at each other for a while before breaking into smiles.
When did you hatch this plan?
From the very beginning, then.
Exactly.
Chrome and you have actually been replicating a legendary chess game.
This has been a contest, but it has not been one, too. It was not a game of chess, but a game of minds.
You were both gambling on the hope that the other person would make the expected move.
The number of active pieces is way more important than the number of pieces a player has. Despite the inevitability of the circumstances, there are always those who can break through the boundaries and forge new paths.
There are always those who think alike, who are willing to forge a new path with you.
Those of Us, or Other.
The most important thing is to understand each other and look for a possibility together.
Even if Chrome is a Construct, and you are a human...
Yes. You're right in front of me.
You find yourself reflected in his eyes, his blue irises as all-encompassing as the ocean.
No. Not only you.
Without love and kindness, the power of technology will only be the power to hurt.
That is it, you think. If there is no love and kindness.
But not all humans have been selfish and foolish.
Can I expect more games like this, [player name]?
Understanding each other even when you are competing.
Choosing the same path even when you stand on different sides.
You make a promise.
There will be more games like this.
It is a promise... and a vow.
