Mm. There are different pieces in chess, with different abilities. The game ends when one side takes the other's King piece, or corners it in what is called "checkmate" - I haven't played it, myself, but it's rather similar to a game in Zhongguo so I found it interesting.
[ but he's not here to talk about playing the real game ]
Interestingly, these pieces may be the titles of individuals here with abilities. King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, Pawn.
[ Whether Swan's already shared this with Sora or not, he doesn't know - but he's leading up to something, in a way. ]
Sounds like a hard game, unless you're strategic. [but hm...he tilts his head curiously.]
I suspected there might be people with abilities. Those pieces make the most sense though. One for each team, right? [...there's a curious little look.] What makes you think so though?
A bit. You have to consider your strategy deeply, especially as each piece only has a set amount of moves it can make and only in certain directions.
[ But he angles his head to look down at him, meeting the curious look with a thoughtful one of his own. ]
Perhaps not one for each team. Maybe certain ones on each team, though - I can't say it, myself. Not yet. [ hum ] But someone believes we might have at least one piece of three on Swan's team. They received a hint that the Leaders can't confirm further, and are trying to find out more, if they can, for other teams.
But if those pieces exist, then surely a King will. If not on our team, then someone else's, and I have to wonder if we may need to protect that piece.
We can't say for sure if it's something that remains singular. Should a Pawn make it across the board, from their side to the enemy's, it can rise in rank to match a piece that was previously lost. A Rook, a Knight, a Bishop, even a Queen.
[ He draws to a stop, once he's certain there's no one around them, treating Sora's seriousness with what it deserves. ]
All that they know, and all that I know, is that there's either a Pawn, a Bishop, or a Queen on our team, and that those curses - the effect inflicted on Claude and I, on Claude and Izumo - could be tied to those abilities. They were given no further hints or information.
[ And they both know who inflicted it on Claude and Izumo, don't they, Sora. ]
The theory that there's a King is only a theory, still, and one I presented to the other party. I want us to keep an eye out for any sign of it - because if a King is captured in chess, the game is over, and I don't know about you... but I'm not risking a game over without knowing what that entails.
So if a Pawn could take over...shouldn't we protect all of the higher-ranking pieces if they exist?
[they stop and he seems to be pondering pretty hard about all of this.]
...if I had to guess then. The Pawn is the one infecting people with curses. If they could overpower and rise in ranks, doesn't that make the most sense? But I don't even know where that person would be, or if they'd admit to it.
[...but...he debates quietly. there's a long, still and silent pause.]
There's a King. I've met them. I assume they'll be protected for as long as things take, but I don't know if other people realize they're the King. I doubt it's as deep as that though. Having everything hinge on one of us seems pretty extreme. Though I suppose I could direct you to them if you think it's something important.
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no subject
[ but he's not here to talk about playing the real game ]
Interestingly, these pieces may be the titles of individuals here with abilities. King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, Pawn.
[ Whether Swan's already shared this with Sora or not, he doesn't know - but he's leading up to something, in a way. ]
no subject
I suspected there might be people with abilities. Those pieces make the most sense though. One for each team, right? [...there's a curious little look.] What makes you think so though?
no subject
[ But he angles his head to look down at him, meeting the curious look with a thoughtful one of his own. ]
Perhaps not one for each team. Maybe certain ones on each team, though - I can't say it, myself. Not yet. [ hum ] But someone believes we might have at least one piece of three on Swan's team. They received a hint that the Leaders can't confirm further, and are trying to find out more, if they can, for other teams.
But if those pieces exist, then surely a King will. If not on our team, then someone else's, and I have to wonder if we may need to protect that piece.
no subject
What was the hint? Maybe I can help. If there is a King...we can find them, too.
no subject
[ He draws to a stop, once he's certain there's no one around them, treating Sora's seriousness with what it deserves. ]
All that they know, and all that I know, is that there's either a Pawn, a Bishop, or a Queen on our team, and that those curses - the effect inflicted on Claude and I, on Claude and Izumo - could be tied to those abilities. They were given no further hints or information.
[ And they both know who inflicted it on Claude and Izumo, don't they, Sora. ]
The theory that there's a King is only a theory, still, and one I presented to the other party. I want us to keep an eye out for any sign of it - because if a King is captured in chess, the game is over, and I don't know about you... but I'm not risking a game over without knowing what that entails.
no subject
[they stop and he seems to be pondering pretty hard about all of this.]
...if I had to guess then. The Pawn is the one infecting people with curses. If they could overpower and rise in ranks, doesn't that make the most sense? But I don't even know where that person would be, or if they'd admit to it.
[...but...he debates quietly. there's a long, still and silent pause.]
There's a King. I've met them. I assume they'll be protected for as long as things take, but I don't know if other people realize they're the King. I doubt it's as deep as that though. Having everything hinge on one of us seems pretty extreme. Though I suppose I could direct you to them if you think it's something important.