Tap—0

The black stone clicked into place on the wooden grid. It was the 87th move, and Sophien found herself quietly pleased with the play.0

Tap—0

The white stone held off the black at the 88th move, keeping the rising tension in her chest at bay. It wasn’t the ideal move, but it was the best she could do. The game had already shifted toward the black stones, and this single effort wouldn’t be enough to change the course.0

Tap—0

Therefore, the black stones advanced effortlessly, their flow as serene and natural as a breeze gliding over a quiet stream.0

Tap—0

In contrast, the white stones moved with increasing urgency, each turn burdened with doubt. Like a general trapped in a battle, with no escape in sight.0

Tap—0

Though the white stones struggled, the black stones advanced, steadily tightening their grip around the large knight. Surrounded on all sides, the white territory began to wither, suffocated by its own isolation.0

Tap— Tap— Tap—0

The game dragged on, though the result was now inevitable. The black stones moved with calm precision through the endgame, while the white stones could only await their defeat.0

Tap... Tap... Tap— 0

The rhythm of the stones gradually faded until silence filled the board. Black had won by resignation, but for Sophien, there was no triumph. It had been a hollow game, played against herself, leaving only a quiet void behind.0

"Sigh..." Sophien muttered.0

It had been a solitary game, with both the white and black stones representing different sides of Sophien herself.0

"This isn't some foolish game with pebbles," Sophien muttered, frustration welling up inside her. She snatched a handful of stones from the Go box and flung them across the room.0

Rattle—! 0

The stones burst across the room like fireworks, and a smirk played at her lips.0

"Hmph. This is far...3