"This is the ladder of the Extraordinary World, the cruel food chain, strength against strength, sword against sword."
Geoffrey released the chess piece in his hand, letting it fall onto the board, tumbling and crashing, making a complete mess of the board, with pieces lying horizontally, vertically, and rolling all over the place.
Bologue said nothing but kept staring at the chessboard. It was unclear what he was thinking, his hand squeezing the pawn piece, rubbing it fiercely, almost crushing it.
The chess piece stands lonely on one side, then advances with no way back, either dying on the path or reaching the base line, achieving the sacred "Ascension."
"Bologue, whether there's new information about the Man-eater or the initiation of the implant ceremony, I will inform you."
Geoffrey made arrangements for the future and continued speaking.
