Hayato knew a little about every kind of chess.
Even if he did not, as long as he understood the rules, with his current comprehension, he could master it in minutes.
But he chose the simplest game, and also the one hardest to determine a winner in: Gomoku.
His opponent was Hela.
A Goddess of Death with glorious military achievements, yet suppressed by her father and forgotten by the people of Asgard.
The two placed their pieces rapidly, and the two-meter-square board was quickly filled.
Neither won.
After placing the final piece, Hayato swept his hand, and all the virtual pieces vanished.
He was ready to start another round.
Hela said, "Still playing? Do you think we can determine a winner on such a tiny board?"
Hayato said, "No. It's just to pass the time. I don't care what game it is. We can switch to Chinese chess or Go. Or we can play some Asgardian-style game."
Hela suddenly burst out laughing, as though she had seen through the surface and struck at the heart of the matter. "You're stalling for time?"
"Yeah, I'm stalling for time."
Hayato nodded. "Have you decided what to play?"
Hela narrowed her eyes.
To be honest, Hela looked rather eldritch.
Some people would find her beauty bewitching, while others would find her ugly.
Whether she was beautiful or not... it was enough to look at her figure.
Dressed in a black-and-green bodysuit, Hela's curves were so good they were a little hard to look away from.
The frankness in Hayato's words caught Hela off guard.
Hela said, "You admitted it so directly. Isn't that a problem?"
Hayato said, "No problem. I'm merely fulfilling the wish of someone—or some god—who's about to die."
Hela stroked her chin. "Is my dear father about to die? A