Chapter 8: The Art of Strategy
"Victory belongs to the most calculating, not necessarily the strongest."
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The bell rang, signaling the end of recess. Lucian and his companions—Kael, Nyra, and the rest of their peers—made their way toward the next class. This time, they were heading to Strategic Warfare, a class that was notoriously known for its brutal, real-world application of intellect, not brute force.
As they entered the grand, domed hall for the class, Lucian could already sense the difference. This room was unlike the others. The walls were adorned with maps, strategic games, and battle models, all hinting at the sort of lessons that would take place here. The instructor, a tall man with sharp features and an air of quiet authority, stood at the front, waiting as the students settled into their seats. His name was Professor Alaric Voss—a former military strategist turned educator, and one of the more feared instructors at Academia Noctis.
"Take your seats," Professor Voss said, his voice deep and resonant. "This class is about more than just thinking critically. It's about learning how to win... or lose. There's no in-between."
Lucian sat down at a long table with Kael and Nyra, the atmosphere around them tense. Across the room, some students were already looking at each other as if the entire class was a challenge they couldn't afford to lose. Lucian, however, was focused, knowing that he couldn't afford to let his guard down, even for a second.
Professor Voss's eyes scanned the room as he began.
"In this class, you will learn how to read people, assess situations, and make decisions that will either secure your victory or seal your failure. Intelligence is not enough to succeed here. Strategy is everything."
He paused, letting the words settle. Lucian felt a chill run through him, but he masked it quickly.
"We will begin with a series of tactical games," Professor Voss continued. "You will be placed in teams, and your objective will be to outsmart your opponents using nothing but wit and resourcefulness. This is a game of survival—play carefully."
The game was simple on the surface: a giant chessboard-like arena, where each team controlled various pieces on a 3D grid. The objective was to capture the opponent's "king" piece while defending your own.
Lucian's gaze sharpened as he examined the chessboard. It wasn't the traditional 8x8 board. This one was a 3D grid of different elevations, with pieces capable of moving in multiple directions. Each piece had special attributes, and the board would shift during the game, changing the dynamics as it went along.
Teams were assigned. Lucian was placed with Kael, Nyra, and a few other students. They faced off against a team from House A—an elite group, including a student named Aldric, known for his cold, calculating nature. The atmosphere was thick with rivalry, as Aldric's team had the reputation of being near untouchable.
The game began with each team's pieces positioned on opposite sides. The tension was palpable as the first move was made.
Aldric, as expected, made the first move. He advanced his Knight—a versatile piece that could jump over other pieces. His strategy was clear: create a broad, unpredictable attack across the board.
"Interesting," Lucian murmured under his breath, observing the board. "He's testing the waters, seeing where we're weakest."
Lucian immediately countered by advancing his Bishop, positioning it diagonally, aiming to control the center of the board. He could already predict Aldric's next move and intended to block it.
"Stay focused," Nyra whispered to him, her voice a calming presence. "We can't afford to get caught in a trap."
Aldric's eyes narrowed. He advanced his Pawn—a seemingly harmless move that caught Lucian off guard. But Lucian wasn't fooled. He knew Aldric's tactics; this was a distraction, a ploy to make them focus on the wrong part of the board.
"Watch the corners," Lucian warned his team. "It's a feint."
The game continued at a swift pace. Lucian's team made strategic advances, but Aldric's team was incredibly efficient, each move calculated and deliberate. The pieces on the board seemed to shift, new barriers appearing as the board's elevation changed. The game was not just about positioning but also timing—each move needed to account for the shifting landscape.
As the game progressed, Lucian began to anticipate Aldric's moves. He saw how Aldric had placed a Rook in the back, likely saving it for a later attack. Lucian, however, knew that if he could eliminate the Rook early, Aldric would be forced into an unpredictable situation. So, he made his move.
Lucian advanced his Queen to a position where she could be a threat from multiple angles, drawing Aldric's attention to her. At the same time, Lucian moved his Knight to the opposite side, positioning it to threaten Aldric's Rook.
Aldric took the bait. He moved his Rook aggressively across the board to attack Lucian's exposed Queen.
It was exactly what Lucian had wanted. As Aldric's Rook crossed into position, Lucian instantly made a calculated move—Knight to Rook. With this, Lucian captured Aldric's Rook, leaving Aldric with a much weaker position than before.
The class watched in stunned silence, some of the students murmuring about the audacity of Lucian's play.
As the game progressed into its final stages, Lucian's calculated moves began to unfold like a web closing in on Aldric. He had a few pieces left to protect, but Lucian had already seen the path to victory. His Queen, now positioned deep in enemy territory, was poised to checkmate Aldric's King in three moves.
Aldric's team was scrambling now. Nyra, ever vigilant, made sure to shield their remaining pieces, while Kael worked to create a diversion, confusing the opposing team with unexpected moves.
Finally, it was Lucian's turn. He moved his Queen into a check position, cornering Aldric's King on a small island of squares.
"Check," Lucian called calmly.
The game was almost over.
Aldric's eyes flicked to the board, realizing that there was no way to escape the check. With a grimace, he moved his King in a futile attempt to break free—but Lucian was already one step ahead. Lucian's Bishop had been moved into position, locking down the escape routes.
"Checkmate," Lucian said, his voice filled with a quiet triumph.
Professor Voss nodded from the side, his expression inscrutable. "Well done, Lucian Vale. A victory, not by force, but by foresight and precision. You've proven today that strategy is not about brute strength—it's about anticipating your opponent's next move."
The room erupted into a mix of applause and murmurs. Lucian could feel the eyes of the other students on him—some impressed, others begrudgingly acknowledging his brilliance. Kael clapped him on the back, grinning.
"That was one hell of a game, Lucian. You crushed it."
Nyra gave him a subtle nod, her expression more reserved but still approving. "Your instincts were spot on. I didn't expect you to make such a bold move with the Rook."
Lucian simply nodded, his mind still on the game. It wasn't just about winning—it was about showing them all that he was someone to be reckoned with in Academia Noctis.
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