A build-up strategy centered around [Casting Embryo] was already a very niche tactic in [Endless War Chess]. It was too easily countered, so it could only be used as a surprise trump card—a do-or-die move.
But if both players employed the same late-game build-up strategy, the situation became incredibly delicate.
"I didn't expect Yuanxi Palace to enjoy keeping a trick like this up her sleeve."
Westheid sighed, continuing to place his pieces and slowly set up his own formation.
"A marvelous game like this is a rare treat. It's only fun if you take it slow... It just seems this is going to be a battle of attrition."
Luyetan also smiled gently, placing her pieces at the same unhurried pace as Westheid.
With both sides using decks centered on [Casting Embryo], it was destined that nothing of consequence would happen in the early game. Everything would come down to the late-game build-up, so they both began making standard, formulaic moves.
During this time, the Lord of Yuanshi Territory brought up the matter at hand:
"Before coming to the Imperial Capital, I heard some rumors about you, Duke Qinghui. I originally thought you had completely given up on yourself, but now it seems you were perhaps merely indulging in a life of pleasure... In that case, I hear the Qinghui Clan is also in the Imperial Capital preparing to reclaim its ancestral lands. The Yuanshi Territory is interested in providing financial support."
Westheid hummed, not looking up from the game as he said flatly, "Because the reconstruction of the Qinghui Territory is also inextricably linked to the Yuanshi Territory. If the Qinghui Territory isn't there to block the Demon Tide, the next surging Chaos Tide will likely crash into the Yuanshi Territory."
With her intentions laid bare, Luyetan admitted, "Precisely. The Yuanshi Territory needs a shield. If the Qinghui Territory can be successfully rebuilt, that is something we would be happy to see... Oh, and I'll place my [Pole Star Camp] here."
"I'll set a Mystery Card for now... So, did Yuanxi Palace make this special trip just to inform me of your great benevolence?"
Luyetan shook her head and smiled.
"You have a surprisingly sharp tongue, Duke Qinghui. Why would I do something so crass? It's just that if I'm to fund the reconstruction of the Qinghui Territory, I should at least know who my money is being spent on, and whether or not... they are worthy."
"And what is Yuanxi Palace's assessment?"
Westheid began to gradually place watchtowers and fire-support positions on the board. His [Casting Embryo] evolved into a [Star Gate] and started to randomly draw and summon cards.
"You chose the [Star Gate]? A confident move. In that case, I'll choose the [War Workshop]... How can one form an evaluation and impression of a person in such a short time? However, His Royal Highness Regent King did complain to me at great length yesterday. I must say, Duke Qinghui, you are getting far too close to that Sinful Blood Dragon Lady."
Luyetan's slender, pale fingers twirled a lock of hair by her pointed ear.
"I know it may sound as if I'm trying to sow discord by saying this, but His Royal Highness Regent King had originally planned to help rebuild the Qinghui Territory. However, because of your unwise actions, the Regent King has begun to reconsider the matter."
"Isn't that just perfect?"
Westheid showed no sign of weakness in the face of Luyetan's veiled threat. Instead, he laughed.
"Even without aid, I will take back the Qinghui Territory. That is my duty... No, in fact, it would be better if I received no aid at all. I have no desire to be in anyone's debt."
"So, you have no intention of cutting ties with the Fourth Princess? Even knowing it will lead to the Empire abandoning you and earn the disgust of the Divine Ancestor?"
Westheid answered without a moment's hesitation, "Of course. Even if they strip me of my title as a [Branch of Prosperity], my answer will not change."
'The value of a Tier T0 Talent was something that mere fame or fortune could never compare to.'
'Hesitating for even a second would be a betrayal of that power!'
Luyetan stared at Westheid's resolute expression for a long moment.
Then she clapped, her tone making it impossible to tell whether she was praising or criticizing him.
"A very courageous decision, regardless of your reasons... Very well, my build-up phase is mostly complete. I activate the ritual [Thousand Suns and Ten Thousand Stars] to change the field's attribute, and dispatch two regiments of [High Tower Demon Swordsmen] and [Azure Griffins] forward three spaces."
Westheid immediately refocused on the war chess game.
"[Endless Tremble]! Freeze your frontmost [Constructed Golems]. Then, I'm moving my [Floating Fleet] back two spaces. [Thundercloud] covers the field."
"Deploying [Radiant Guardians] to the flank of the [War Workshop] in a defensive posture..."
"Hoh, not bad. But Yuanxi Palace, blindly defending the [War Workshop] won't work. If your War Giant Beast doesn't break through my lines first, how will you stop my army? You're just sitting there waiting to die... [Star Guide], begin chanting a [Destruction Technique] targeting the [War Workshop]! Don't even think about cowering in your formation. Come out and face me."
"Tsk... what a troublesome counter. Duke Qinghui, do you have a [Mind Reading Technique]? You've seen right through my plans."
"Not at all. It's just practice makes perfect. Muscle memory, you could say."
"..."
Just as Luyetan had said, it was indeed a battle of attrition.
The two went back and forth across the board, countering each other's every move, yet neither could make any headway even after their decks were exhausted.
According to the rules of the game, new decks had to be added and the board expanded to accommodate the escalating battle.
They went through deck after deck, the board expanding again and again, and one by one, they brought out High Tier pieces that would almost never see play in a regular match.
Only after several hours of intense, grueling battle did Westheid finally deliver the killing blow.
"[King of the Void Storms] activates its skill, draining half the stats from all pieces on the field. Now, it attacks the base. The dice roll... is an eighteen. The attack is successful... It's over, Yuanxi Palace."
"What an exhilarating match... I've lost."
Watching the projected chessboard slowly fade away, the elegant [Branch of Prosperity] stretched contentedly and said:
"That was truly the best game of Endless War Chess I have ever played. You really are monstrously strong."
Getting to her feet, Luyetan straightened her clothes, took a tricorn hat with a white feather ornament from her maid, put it on, and pulled the brim down.
"A bet is a bet. The prosthetic limb will be crafted with the utmost speed. Rozana... I'll leave this matter to you."
The Half-Elf Maid immediately replied, "Yes, Yuanxi Palace."
"I am also quite satisfied with this match. You could probably be called one of the strongest players of our time. It's just a pity you were born in the same era as me."
Westheid stood up to see Luyetan off. While her words and actions made him feel uncomfortably like a poor relative being teased, he was getting a top-of-the-line prosthetic for free. For that, he could overlook a little disrespect.
If he had to raise the funds himself by setting up public challenges, it would have probably taken quite some time.
"...You really are quite confident."
Luyetan was taken aback for a moment, then gave Westheid a playful wink.
"I just hope you continue to be this interesting. Don't go and get yourself killed, Duke Qinghui."