Start in DxD as Motohama: Leveling Up in Another World-Chapter 8: Invitation from the Devils - (II)

"Are you sure about what you're saying?"

Sona had a serious expression on her face. Her tone was quite cold at the moment.

"Chess is my favorite game. Don't underestimate my skills. You can still accept my offer from before."

Although it sounded arrogant, Sona was right. Since she was a child, she had considered herself unbeatable at this game. Every suitor or rival had fallen before her without even getting a second look from her.

For Sona, chess was a game that could decide her future, and if she lost to someone, especially a boy, she would have to marry him, and she couldn't refuse because she had promised that whoever defeated her would be her husband.

Many men had challenged Sona in an attempt to gain her beauty and a relationship with the Sitri family.

In the underworld, the supernatural world, the Sitri family was a noble family of great prestige and power.

Naturally, many wanted to join her by marrying the young Sitri.

But that had been nothing more than a dream since no one had ever defeated her.

Unfortunately, the day the young woman would meet defeat had arrived.

Who would be responsible for this?

Of course, it would be him.

Her grandfather was not only a traveler but also an avid chess player at the world level. He was within the top 10 players.

"Shinji, chess is a game where you must consider each piece. Even though you lose when the king is taken, it can still fight."

Those were the words her grandfather always told her during every game. After his death, besides the house, the only memory she had of him was a chessboard that she kept with great care.

In the original work, it wasn't mentioned, but Motohama, following his grandfather's footsteps, was close to entering the top 10 worldwide. However, after his defeat at the hands of a girl who humiliated him, he decided to retire from the chess world.

However, now that his memories of his past life had awakened, it was time to fully exploit his talent. He had been away from the game for a while, but he felt he still had the touch.

"You can be calm, senpai. I am confident in my abilities. If I lose, it means I'm beneath you. So, under my word, I will join your group. However, if I win, I want my request to not be disturbed to be fulfilled."

"Eh, is that all?"

Sona looked at Motohama, bewildered. To be honest, she had expected him to be more demanding with his requests. Even though his fame as a pervert had changed, it was well known. It wouldn't be strange if he had made a weird request. Instead, he just wanted to not be bothered.

Even Tsubaki was surprised by this turn of events. She wouldn't deny it. This boy had caught her attention.

"Well, he's serious."

Seeing Motohama's confident expression, Sona sighed. It seemed she would have to teach this boy a lesson.

So far, she had seen him behave maturely. But now that he had challenged her, she couldn't help but think he was underestimating her. She had offered an easy way before and had been rejected. It was time to show her superiority. After all, chess was her battlefield.

As for losing?

That question never crossed her mind. She was confident that she would win, so she didn't have to worry about the vow she made as a child.

"Alright, go ahead then."

Sona sat down on the couch and opened the chessboard on the table. After setting it up, her gaze turned to Motohama.

"Shall we begin?"

Shinji took a seat across from Sona. His gaze focused on the board.

"White or black?"

Motohama pretended to think.

"Black."

Sona nodded. The board was set up so that Sona would have the white pieces and Shinji would have the black ones.

"You can move first."

Sona offered, her violet eyes shining arrogantly. Shinji felt somewhat underestimated at this point.

"Then I won't be polite."

To be recognized by a girl like Sona, he had to break her arrogance. What better way to do that than to beat her at the game she was proud of? After that, she would have a deep impression of him.

As Shinji and Sona began the match, Tsubaki decided to prepare some more tea before standing behind Sona.

Watching the game, she was certain her boss would win, but still, seeing the confidence in Shinji's eyes, she couldn't help but feel a small doubt form in her heart.

Looking at the game, everything pointed to a victory for Sona, but after a few minutes, Tsubaki's eyes widened as she looked at Motohama.

Sona's forehead was slightly sweaty, her gaze moving between Shinji and the board with disbelief.

Her initial arrogance had been replaced by pure concentration.

Shinji's soldiers were clever and dangerous.

He set traps without even blinking, deceiving Sona's knights.

His commanders fell to the assault of his bishops.

Most of his soldiers were now fallen heroes.

His queen was being harassed by a group of long swords right in front of her.

Sona's king could only watch helplessly as Shinji's soldiers advanced.

No matter how much she used her brain, Sona couldn't find a way to escape his grasp.

It wasn't like Shinji hadn't suffered losses. In fact, two of his pawns and his rooks had fallen. But, analyzing the game so far, Sona realized that it was all part of Shinji's grim strategy.

Looking at the smile on his face, she couldn't help but feel frustrated.

"Senpai, why not surrender and admit your defeat?"

Motohama spoke politely, though cold sweat ran down his back. The truth was, he was surprised by his own skills. His current play was based on his own style, but he had incorporated some strategies from other playstyles he knew.

"No, I can definitely get out of this situation."

Sona bit her thumb as she looked seriously at the board.

...

While Shinji and Sona had their chess match, ignoring the teachers who were giving their classes, a small commotion was taking place in the Occult Club.

Rias glared angrily at the entire Sitri nobility standing in front of the doors of her club, blocking the exit.

"Sona is so clever. Ordering her nobility to block the doors to my club."

The leader of Sona's nobility, a white-haired girl named Momo Hanakai, looked at Rias apologetically.

"I'm sorry. It's the president's order. If you could be a little patient."

"A little, you say?! We've been here for almost an hour. For this to be happening... I'm sure she's trying to recruit the second-year student."

Rias laughed angrily. Her blood-red hair began to swirl as if it were being blown by the wind.

The black-haired girl named Akeno, the white-haired girl named Koneko, and a blonde-haired boy named Kiba were by her side with tense expressions. Ready to strike at Rias's command.

The girl wasn't surprised by Rias's comment. Everyone was aware of the sudden "awakening" of one of the members of the perverted trio. She didn't know the details of what was happening. Her king had only ordered her to hold Rias's group and her people as long as possible until she was told otherwise.

"I'll say it only once. If you and your group don't move aside, don't blame me for not being polite..."

"Rias, we're still on work hours. According to the rules set by the president, you can't engage in exchanges involving magic powers at school during this time."

Rias was left speechless by this comment. Not only was Sona shameless, but her nobility also seemed to be just as bold, talking about the rules while in the middle of this situation.

"You say that with a serious face while blocking the door to my club with the rest of Sona's people. Isn't this breaking the rules?"

The girl felt embarrassed by Rias's accusation.

"We're not using any kind of magical power, we're just standing here, using our bodies. We're not breaking the rules."

Those who had followed the girl turned their faces, embarrassed. They were just following orders.

Rias, observing the bold group, furrowed her brows.

"If that's how you want to play, then..."

Rias looked at her nobility, who had taken battle stances.

"We'll play too."

Sona's group tensed, but quickly prepared for the battle that was about to unfold.

No one in the school was aware of the exchange of blows that had started in the Occult Club.

Back in the student council room, Shinji, who was smiling with a triumphant look, turned to the girl with black hair and purple eyes who seemed lost.

"Senpai, you lost."

Shinji stood up, looking at Sona, who still seemed dazed.

"I hope you keep your word. With both of your permissions, I'll take my leave."

Hearing the sound of the door opening and closing, Sona came back to her senses, searching for Shinji with her gaze before turning to Tsubaki.

"Motohama-kun, has he already left?"

Tsubaki nodded.

"He's gone... President... Are you planning to keep your promise?"

Sona drank her cold tea with a bitter smile.

"Yes, we won't bother him anymore. Motohama-kun seems to know what he's doing, we'd just be an obstacle to his goals."

"I wasn't talking about that promise."

"What do you mean...? Oh... that."

Sona's eyes widened in surprise as she remembered, her expression changing from confusion to one of frustration.

Even she had forgotten her promise while getting immersed in the game with Shinji.

"Are you going to... keep your promise?"

Tsubaki asked hesitantly. No one had expected this turn of events.

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Sona sank into her thoughts. If she was honest, she hated the old Motohama. A pervert with irredeemable qualities, but still, she felt bad when she learned about his family situation.

Her gaze turned toward the door through which Shinji had left.

She wouldn't deny that she was curious about this new Motohama and the secrets he held.

Not many people her age could beat her in a game of chess.

But this boy had.

"I suppose I'll wait a bit longer. There are still things I want to know."

She couldn't be impulsive about this matter. She needed to learn more about the other side before making a final decision.

Tsubaki nodded. She had a slight idea of what was going through her president's mind.

At that moment, the entrance door was opened—or rather, violently kicked open by someone.

"Sona!"