"I accept."
Thanos spoke calmly.
He had no reason to refuse.
He had absolute confidence in his "system," his intelligence, and the power he possessed.
Even shackled by the constraints of a "game," he was confident he could claim the final victory.
"Game Rule Two: The format shall be Infinity Xiangqi."
"The pieces shall be manifestations of the 'power' possessed or commandable by both sides."
"Each turn, both sides may use resources to construct, move, or activate pieces, and may also establish temporary rules. The objective is to checkmate the opposing 'King,' completely destroying the opponent's possibility of 'winning.'"
As the rules were set, light and shadow flowed across the board, beginning to sketch out the shapes of the pieces.
On Thanos's side, the pieces were dark purple throughout, six-colored gleams flowing along their edges and carrying a heavy sense of oppression.
His "King" was a miniature phantom of Thanos seated upon a dark-gold throne. Though it remained motionless, it seemed to command an army of thousands. Its left hand was loosely clenched, six points of colored light circling it.
The "Queen" was a strange gemstone phantom that rotated endlessly, containing a cosmic nebula within. It symbolized the combined and ever-changing power of the Infinity Stones.
The "Rooks" were two towering interstellar fortresses, the "Knights" were two savage cosmic beasts, and the "Bishops" were two intersecting, rotating mysterious halos.
The "Pawns" were fully armed, silent, murderous phantoms of Outrider warriors.
Though individually tiny, they carried an unyielding resolve to press forward one after another.
On Riku's side, the pieces were a gentle grayish white. His "King" was a miniature white-haired youth holding the Star Grail, his eyes closed as though deep in thought.
The "Queen" was a thick open book, words flowing across every page, symbolizing the endless transformations of