Chapter 1980

No.1

Recognizing her, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Why are you here?"

"You'd starve if I didn't come," she retorted. "Get up. Now."

He remained on the floor.

"I'm not leaving. I'm training with Takashi Yamamoto."

Since arriving at the mansion, Takashi had preached about inner peace.

Gaming required total isolation from external distractions.

A secure, dark environment was essential.

Benjamin had been skeptical initially.

But Takashi descended to the basement to demonstrate.

No.2

He claimed this very space helped him find his 'gaming rhythm' years ago.

So Benjamin stayed.

Days and nights blurred together.

He avoided food and drink, seeking that elusive inner tranquility.

Perhaps it was psychological, but his skills had sharpened noticeably.

Why abandon such progress?

Isabella tapped his forehead.

"Think he's actually teaching you? This was all Tiffany's scheme. She conspired with Takashi to abduct you."

"She used a photo of you here to extort Grandfather's thirty percent shares."

"Her entire offer to train you was a trap. Your disappearance shattered our parents. They surrendered their shares to her."

No.3

Benjamin froze, processing the accusation.

Then he shook his head vehemently.

"Impossible. I don't believe you. Victoria would never do that."

"See for yourself when we get home. Move. Now. If Takashi returns, we're trapped."

She grabbed his arm to pull him up.

He yanked his arm free.

"I said no! What awaits me at home? More backstabbing? More plots over shares?"

"Even Victoria, the one person who cared, has become a stranger. There's nothing left for me there."

"Here, I can focus. I can improve. I'll return one day and prove gamers can succeed too."

A cold laugh echoed from the staircase.

No.4

"You think you can teach him? Arrogant."

Isabella spun around.

Takashi Yamamoto descended the stairs.

He wore burgundy silk pajamas, his chest bare.

He exuded the aura of a decadent playboy.

One hundred bodyguards crowded the entrance behind him, blocking escape.

He wasn't supposed to be here. He should still be at the nightclub.

His return was alarmingly swift.

Takashi toyed with two jade beads in his palm.

"Disappointed? Didn't expect me? I admit, breaching my security impressed me."

No.5

"A gut feeling brought me back early. Good thing I listened."

Isabella met his gaze icily.

"Kidnapping is a crime. You and Tiffany are partners in this?"

"I have no idea what you mean," he replied smoothly.

He turned to Benjamin.

"Benjamin. Come stand by me. Tell her: Did I kidnap you?"

"Yes, Master." Benjamin nodded obediently and moved toward Takashi.

Isabella’s eyes narrowed sharply. She seized Benjamin’s wrist, yanking him firmly behind her. “Stay behind me,” she commanded, her voice low and dangerous. “Don’t move an inch. I won’t hesitate to break your hand. You’d never play another game in your life.” Her threat was delivered with a chilling intensity. Though Benjamin was prideful and resistant, the aura she projected was utterly terrifying. He froze, too scared to argue, and obeyed without another word.

Isabella knew the situation was escalating. They needed to leave, and fast. “You actually believe you can learn from Takashi Yamamoto?” she scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “His skills are mediocre at best. Studying under him will only ruin your potential.” The insult hit its mark perfectly.

Takashi Yamamoto’s face flushed with anger. “How dare you question my ability just because you bypassed my security, Isabella! You’re a clueless woman. Know your place and shut your mouth!” He could tolerate many things, but having his gaming prowess insulted was unforgivable.

No.6

Seeing she had successfully provoked him, Isabella locked eyes with him. “If you’re so confident, then prove it. Right here, right now. A one-on-one match. If I win, I take Benjamin and we walk out of here. If I lose… I’m yours to command.” Her challenge hung in the air.

Takashi threw his head back and laughed. “Hahaha! A one-on-one? With me? Did you all hear that?” He turned to his bodyguards, who erupted in mocking laughter. They looked at Isabella as if she were a complete fool.

“A woman challenging Mr. Yamamoto?”

“Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with? He’s been the undefeated champion of Eternal Champions for twenty consecutive seasons!”

“Shouldn’t you be home cooking or sewing? Gaming? That’s a joke!”

Humiliation burned through Benjamin. “Isabella, just leave! You’re embarrassing yourself! And you’re ruining everything for me! Get out of here!” He feared his chance with his idol was crumbling because of her.

Isabella ignored him completely, her cold gaze never leaving Takashi. “Stop wasting time. I’ll ask one more time. Do you dare to accept?”

“Such arrogance! Of course I accept! Let’s do it!” Takashi rolled up his sleeves and strode toward two high-end gaming setups in the basement. He powered them on, smirking arrogantly. “Right here, right now. You win, you both go free. I win… you stay here and serve me.”

“Deal. I expect you to be a man of your word,” Isabella stated calmly, taking a seat at one of the computers.

Takashi sat at the other. They both clicked the game icon simultaneously. Everyone watched Isabella, their expressions a mix of pity and ridicule. A woman challenging Takashi Yamamoto? This was a foregone conclusion. She would be annihilated in seconds.

No.7

Benjamin couldn’t bear to watch. “Isabella, stop this humiliation! You’re no match for Master Yamamoto! Please, just go!” he pleaded, desperate.

“Step back and be quiet,” Isabella shot back dismissively. She logged into her account.

Benjamin was about to protest again when his eyes caught the system notification flashing on her screen: (Welcome back, Boss!)

Boss?

The name sent a jolt through him. It sounded incredibly familiar. His mind raced. Then it hit him. ‘Boss’ was the legendary, anonymous player who had defeated Takashi Yamamoto in a historic match. The only person ever to do so.

Could Isabella possibly be… Boss?

No. That was impossible. It couldn’t be her.