The Chess Match and Secrets Unveiled

As the quiet hours of the night progressed, Vecna and Maribel remained engrossed in their intense chess match. 

The elegant room, adorned with fine artwork and dimly lit by the soft glow of a crystal chandelier, created an atmosphere of serenity. The chessboard sat in the center of a polished oak table, and the pieces, each meticulously crafted, held the promise of a battle of wits.

Vecna sat with impeccable composure, his ruby eyes locked onto the chessboard. He moved his pieces with grace and precision, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game's intricate strategies. His fingers glided across the board, capturing Maribel's pieces with calculated precision.

Maribel, on the other hand, leaned forward in her seat, her crimson hair cascading over her shoulders. She watched Vecna's every move with a mix of fascination and frustration. Her face revealed the determination of a player who refused to give in easily.

"I've got you this time," Maribel declared, a hint of playful challenge in her voice. "Hehe, I'm winning this game. Say goodbye to your undefeated streak."

Vecna simply smirked in response, a twinkle in his eyes that hinted at his confidence. "We'll see about that."

The chess pieces danced across the board as the night wore on. The only sounds were the soft clinks of chess pieces being moved and the hushed whispers of strategy. Vecna and Maribel were locked in a silent battle of minds, each striving to outmaneuver the other.

Despite the competitive nature of their match, there was an unspoken bonding between them. 

Vecna, once reserved about social interactions, had warmed up to Maribel's spirited and determined personality. 

It took a while from their previous chess match inside the Underground Chamber of the Siegfried House that was akin to a prison to Maribel after understanding her backstory a little better. Yet, now, it was undeniable that he was fond of this woman.

The countless hours they'd spent together on the road, and now playing chess together had created a unique connection for the two.

Vecna's voice remained calm and warm, devoid of any condescension or arrogance. "It seems you have lost once more. You blundered your advantage in the beginning. Let's have another match," he remarked, his crimson eyes focusing on the board. It was clear he was genuinely enjoying this intellectual duel.

Whatsmore, he was impressed by Maribel's intellect and capability to absorb the information he was passing to her regarding Chess Openings and ways of developing your pieces.

Maribel leaned back in her chair with a sigh, her green eyes narrowing in mock frustration. "Tsk, I lost again. I bet all my money that you might even be capable of beating God Judar at Chess."

Vecna raised an eyebrow at the mention of a god playing chess. "Don't jest, Maribel. Gods playing chess? That sounds like something from a fantasy book."

A mischievous grin played on Maribel's lips as she began setting up the pieces for their next match. "Heh, maybe the gods also play chess. After all, it's a great way of spending time and sharpening your mind."

Vecna contemplated this for a moment before replying. "Then, let's proceed with the 'What Ifs.' First, I wouldn't play against a god because it wouldn't be in my interest. I'm a logical individual."

Maribel couldn't resist teasing him. "Really? Are you afraid of losing?"

Her gaze held a certain adoration as she glanced at Vecna. It was a look that suggested she found him intriguing and captivating.

Vecna leaned back in his chair and decided to share a more personal aspect of himself. "Maribel, I'll tell you something, but keep it to yourself."

Intrigued, Maribel leaned forward, her eyes locked on Vecna's. "Yes?"

"I'm the type of person who lost certain emotions when I was younger, and… Fear as you perceive it, is something included in that. However, because of my world's advanced technology, I was treated for my mental disorder and I'm in remission."

Maribel was visibly taken aback. "Mental disorder? Can you explain this concept? It's like having anger issues or being mentally impaired? Wait, no, that would be impossible, you're too smart."

Vecna nodded, appreciating her genuine curiosity. "Mhm. Antisocial personality disorder. I'm a sociopath… borderline. Well, used to be 6 years ago, since I got help early and in remission from my illness. What does that mean? Literally, at one point at time, I was about to be gulped by an Abyss."

Maribel's eyes showed a mix of concern and sympathy. "That sounds scary. But, I'm glad you're healthy now."

Vecna gave her a genuine smile, grateful for her understanding. "See, that emotion you just showed, in the past, I didn't have it. Sympathy, Empathy, Love, Remorse, I forgot how they felt at one point."

"Right now, I'm glad I got cured. Otherwise, I would have continued my life under the influence of my bad emotions and be devoid of human emotions, akin to a golem and machine. And, not be able to enjoy this beautiful evening."

Maribel considered this revelation, her eyes still locked on Vecna's. "Such as?"

Vecna's gaze remained steady as he replied "You are itching to open the Pandora Box?"

Maribel's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded. "I think I understand what your problem was. Then, let me ask you something. Have you ever faked your emotions with me, or with Elysia?"

Vecna shook his head. "No. As I said, I'm no longer a sociopath. There are still some pieces of the old me inside, but it's something I can control at will."

Maribel's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Interesting."

{Indeed, interesting. Now when I focus on your brain, I can see that your brain is akin to a Homo Sapiens Vampiris. Does this mean that when Master Caine blessed me, I turned into a mentally challenged person?}

{Well, I really don't care. I do experience humane emotions, if not to a higher extent than normal humans. I did have my descendants and a lovely wife that I proliferated with.}

'Lamech, I haven't asked you anything. If you continue speaking randomly into my brain, I might get something else, that would be Schizophrenia.'

{You'll not get such a thing. Your mental fortitude is too strong for you to develop such a problem.}

'Quiet. The match is about to begin.'

The pieces were arranged meticulously, and the game was poised to begin once more. Vecna had claimed victory in yet another round, leaving Maribel to ponder her losses.

Maribel's crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her determination was evident in her gaze. 

She had been beaten repeatedly by Vecna, but she was far from discouraged. Instead, she welcomed the opportunity to learn and improve. Chess had become more than just a game; it had become a means for her to connect with the enigmatic vampire and expand her strategic thinking.

Vecna observed her closely, recognizing her unwavering spirit and desire to excel. He leaned back in his chair, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "You're a quick learner, Maribel, and you have the potential to become a formidable chess player," he complimented her.

Maribel's eyes shone with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Vecna. I'm not one to back down from a challenge."

Vecna nodded in acknowledgment and began to explain his thought process during their previous matches. He gestured at the chessboard, pointing to specific moves and describing the tactics he had employed. 

"Chess is a game of strategy and foresight," he began. "Each move should be a step toward achieving a goal. You tend to focus on your immediate moves, and that's where I find an advantage."

Maribel listened intently, her gaze fixed on the board as Vecna continued to dissect the game. She nodded occasionally, jotting down notes in a small notebook beside the chessboard. Her pen moved swiftly as she absorbed Vecna's wisdom.

"Furthermore," Vecna continued, "anticipating your opponent's moves is crucial. Try to think several moves ahead and consider the consequences of each decision. Sometimes, you become too fixated on a single strategy, and I can exploit that."

Maribel scribbled more notes, her determination to improve evident in every stroke of her pen. She asked questions, seeking clarification and guidance on specific scenarios she had encountered during their matches.

Vecna was patient and thorough in his explanations, impressed by Maribel's diligence as a student. Her willingness to learn and adapt to new strategies was a great sign to her tenacity. 

"Remember," he said, "chess is not just about winning or losing. It's about honing your strategic thinking, sharpening your mind, and enjoying the game itself."

Maribel looked up from her notes, her eyes reflecting a newfound resolution to win. "Let's resume, I'll keep on practicing until I win once against you."

Vecna smiled, a glint of admiration in his crimson eyes. "Arrange the pieces for me."

Another match was started by the duo, and just like the previous matches, Vecna was thoroughly trashing Maribel, giving her no chance at winning, especially after he taught her some tactics that she employed shrewdly.

With the chessboard cleared and the pieces neatly placed back in their positions, Maribel reclined in her chair, a contemplative expression on her face. 

"This doesn't make any sense! Look here, I've noted down all of your previous openings. What's with this new opening?"

"What's your method of playing, if you don't mind sharing it with me?" Maribel asked, her tone a mixture of genuine interest and playful curiosity.

Vecna leaned back in his chair, his ruby eyes meeting hers. He recognized the thirst for knowledge in her gaze and decided to reveal some of his chess-playing secrets. "I have a photographic memory; this is the secret. I absorbed the contents of many Chess Books." 

"If you're a good girl, I might draft one of those for you, I should be allowed by the Gods without them calling a Crusade on me for spreading demonic knowledge."

Maribel listened with rapt attention, absorbing this newfound knowledge. "So, the reason you can beat me is because you have a good memory? But I also have a superior memory compared to most people."

"Then, it's because of the Books you mentioned. GIME THEM!"

Vecna couldn't help but chuckle at Maribel's spirited response. "Well said. But there's more to it. I play chess in my mind. I've already played out many variations of our match in my head, which is why you might see me appear bored at times."

Maribel's eyes sparkled with intrigue and admiration, and she leaned in closer, looking at the handsome blonde man as if he become her hidden treasure that she had to protect at all cost. "Really? That's incredible. So, it's not just 5-7 moves ahead, but a whole match."

Vecna nodded, appreciating her genuine interest. "I have no reason to lie."

Maribel couldn't resist her curiosity and leaned in even closer. "And what else is your strategy?"

Vecna, however, shifted to a more playful tone. "Aren't you trying to suck me dry for all my secrets? It seems the roles have turned upside down, and I didn't even notice."

Maribel couldn't help but laugh at Vecna's response. Her playful nature seemed to be in full swing. "Haha, let's return them back. Here, want to take a small bite? We've been playing chess for four hours; you should be hungry."

Vecna contemplated her offer for a moment, his crimson eyes meeting hers. Ultimately, he decided against it. "No."

Maribel was undeterred, continuing to tease him. "Come on, I promise it's no longer bad. For some reason, since I became your 'Servant,' there has been a constant evolution in my Homunculus Vessel."

Vecna remained skeptical, unsure of Maribel's intentions, but he couldn't deny the peculiar changes he had observed in her since their paths had crossed.

Unbeknownst to Vecna, Lamech, who was connected to him, shared additional insights into Maribel's transformation.

{I can tell you this, Vecna. This woman is interesting, and I didn't hold back when you binded her Soul to you. Her expertise in Alchemy is noteworthy, not as it was back in my day since those Parasites destroyed all the knowledge from the Master's Empire Golden Age.}

'I've seen that something changed with her, but what exactly?'

{I changed her Homunculus's genome, and turned her closer to our Homo Sapiens Vampiris genome.}

'Homo Sapiens Vampiris… Does this make her a Vampire?'

{No, as if. I only destroyed the faulty genes in her Code, and changed them with the 'perfect' form that would support her transition to a full-fledged Vampiris.}

'This suddenly turned into Sci-Fi, I haven't seen flying objects in the visions I had of Caine. How could you people have such advanced knowledge about Genetics and Biology?'

{This is nothing much. We also had Flying Fortresses. In fact, Master's Castle was a Flying Warship capable of fending off even Hordes of Angels. Now that I remember, there is a small connection I feel with the Sanguinarius Castle, but I can't pin-point its location.}

'It's inside the Western Continent?'

{Yes, but at the same time no. Master Caine has withdrawn the Palace into the Abyss, the only Region of the World the God's had no eyes upon.}

'... We should go look for it.'

{Sure, try it if you want to die. The Abyss, while not hostile to us, Vampiris, is Ruled by a God, the Dark Maiden Eilistraee, oversees the Abyss and rules over the Night Elves. We might face trouble now that Caine's Reincarnator is this weak if we descend into the Abyss.}

'Okay, I'll leave it for the future. No need to rush, but it's great to know I might find some of Caine's Artifacts scattered around.'

Vecna acknowledged Lamech's advice but couldn't help feeling the allure of Caine's artifacts scattered throughout the world. 

The prospect of uncovering these treasures fueled his adventurous spirit. For now, the idea would remain a tantalizing possibility, something to be pursued in the future.

With their discussion concluded, the bond between Vecna and Maribel seemed to strengthen, their playful banter serving as a testament to their growing connection. 

"You know what," Vecna said with a hint of amusement in his voice, "I'll believe you on that. Maybe, if I'm hungry again, I'll let you have this chance of showing the quality of your blood."

Maribel couldn't resist a teasing response, her tone lighthearted and filled with playful innuendo. "Hehe, I can finally take your first."

Vecna tried to maintain his composure, not giving in to Maribel's teasing, though he was acutely aware of the allure his vampiric charm held over her. 

His cold, vampiric eyes, handsome face, and well-maintained physique made him an attractive figure, especially in the virtual realm of Satisfy, where his vampiric enhancements further enhanced his appeal.

His appearance was taken from the Vampire Dramas, and obviously, even a mature woman like Maribel wouldn't be ignoring such a fine specimen, in fact, it was more likely that she would desire him more than Elysia who was still inexperienced.

*Cough* 

With a discreet clearing of his throat, Vecna redirected the conversation "Let's return to our match, without pointless remarks."

The early hours of the morning arrived, and it was already 3 AM. The outside world was cloaked in darkness, and the promise of a restful night's sleep seemed to slip further away. 

'Farewell to my sleep.'Vecna thought, acknowledging that he would need to go into a cruise-mode in the morning to maintain his real-life responsibilities, like visiting the Clinic. 

But in the confines of the virtual realm, there was no need for sleep or rest. The world of Satisfy was relentless, and the allure of competition kept him engaged.

Their chess match had stretched on for an extensive period, and even Vecna's remarkable endurance had its limits. 

With a large yawn, he stretched his body, his movements almost capable of engulfing Maribel's head. 

His vampire physiology allowed him to remain poised and seemingly unfazed, yet an underlying sense of boredom lingered. Maribel, on the other hand, had been engrossed in the game, and it showed. 

Her crimson hair was a tousled mess from the countless times she ran her fingers through it while pondering various strategies to defeat Vecna.

He remained still pristine, just bored, but Maribel's dress was rugged from all the pullings she did, her cleave showing in all its glory to the Vampire's sight. Those were her secret weapons that could annihilate Vecna.

Losing as the morning arrived, the duo remained interrupted in this game of theirs. 

"Hah, at last, you won," Vecna praised with a slow clap, his voice warm and calm, lacking any hint of insincerity. 

He genuinely enjoyed this time spent playing chess with Maribel, someone who had proven to be a formidable opponent. Her intellect and dedication were qualities he admired, and the game itself was a refreshing distraction.

Maribel's initial response was a mix of surprise and jubilation. "I have won? I won? Hahaha, YEAH BABY! MOMMY has done it at last, I defeated the Final Boss!" she exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm.

Vecna's chuckles joined her laughter, the tension of their prolonged match dissipating in the light-hearted moment. "It sure took you a lot... a whole night," he noted, his voice teasing.

"What's my punishment?" Vecna inquired, his demeanor shifting into a lazy one.

Maribel raised an eyebrow in mock seriousness. "Huh?" she replied, feigning confusion.

What Maribel wasn't aware of was that Vecna had his Quest Ledger opened and was staring straight at the Quest he thought Failed, as if he had misunderstood the Clear Condition.

[The Empress Chasing Victory(A)]

…

Quest Clear Condition: Defeat Maribel at her own Games.

Clear Rewards: +45.000 EXP, +3 Affinity Points with Maribel

Quest Failure: Event 'Maribel's Punishment Games'

*Chuckling* "What are you talking about, you silly. I only won once, in 26 matches that we had. That's also after employing all sort of tactics on you."

"Yeah, yeah, don't sweeten me, and tell me what's my punishment? Do you want a massage, a meal or something? Want me to take you on a date?"

"It doesn't sound bad, we can have that, but maybe another time, I'm dead tired."

Getting up from her seat, she too began stretching her curvaceous body, and instinctually, Vecna followed those inviting curves, and he didn't even hide the fact he liked what he was seeing.

"Good match, Vecna. I learned a lot from you." said Maribel, extending her hand to Vecna for a handshake, which he didn't expect, and reminding himself he was dealing with the Dwarven Empress and that she at time was more of a Tomboy, he got up and walked to match her gesture.

As Maribel's eyes sparkled with mischief, she wrapped her arms around Vecna, drawing him into an unexpected and tender hug. Her boldness had always been a part of her personality, and she had no qualms about expressing her feelings and desires.

While doing that, her melons pressed hard on his chest, and taken aback, he could barely control his carnal desires.

"What are you doing? I'm not in the mood for jests."

Vecna, taken by surprise, allowed himself to be drawn into her embrace. He had not anticipated such a turn of events, but he also knew that Maribel's nature was akin to a spirited and exuberant dwarf. 

Maribel leaned in, her lips drawing close to Vecna's ear. Her voice was low and sultry as she teased him "You fall for it, hehe. What? Are you complaining about your punishments?"

"Maribel, I'm tired, bored, and sleepy. Not in the mood of playing around with you."

"Ara, each time you say you're tired. Bad boy."

Her behavior was unexpected but not unwelcome, and he found himself returning the embrace, his strong arms enveloping her.

Their bodies pressed against each other in an intimate connection, and Maribel's gentle curves met the lean, athletic form of Vecna. Her perfume, a subtle blend of wildflowers and spring, wafted in the air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

Unfazed, Maribel continued to explore the contours of Vecna's body with a mischievous and playful glint in her eyes. She seemed to be in a teasing mood, pushing the boundaries of their connection. Her actions and demeanor were both tantalizing and inviting.

'Whoaa, she's really brave.'

Vecna, though not immune to her charms, remained composed and rational. 

He had other matters to attend to, and his intention was not to indulge in romantic dalliances at that moment. Their bond had deepened during the night, and he was aware that Maribel was attracted to him, but he also recognized that she was seeking more than just a physical connection.

'Be patient. She is just horny and perverted. I don't blame her, since she stayed for a long time on the same roof with me.'

{Thrall, quickly, change places with me. Let me play with this woman, I'll make her feel the endurance of a First-Generation Vampire.}

'Fuck off, Lamech. She's mine.'

Vecna wasn't wrong in this regard, since even the System agreed with his point. For the past three-four months that he spent with Maribel, his intimacy with her reached a great number.

[Name: Maribel Ironforge

Status: Heroine 

Intimacy: 68 (Attracted)

Still in Maribel's hug, he could tell that she was about to let him go, and when she did, she commented.

"Good boy, now I feel better. No punishments for you, now. That Intimate moment was your reward for teaching me Chess."

[Ding!]

[You have cleared the Quest 'The Empress Chasing Victory(A)' gaining the following rewards.]

[Clear Rewards: +45.000 EXP, +3 Intimacy Points with Maribel]

The status under all of Maribel's spectacular Status Window, reserved for Intimacy with Vecna showed a new chance, that he noticed immediately, making him feel that a headache was about to raise in his head.

[Intimacy: 71 (Infatuated)]

'She's getting closer to being unmanageable.'

'Open Intimacy Status.'

[Intimacy: It measures the depth of emotional and physical connection between the host and any woman. 0-10: Indifferent; 11-30: Curious; 31-50: Friendly; 51-70: Attracted; 71-80: Infatuated; 81-99: In Love; 100: Boundless Love.]