My insides were trembling and my feet became heavy as I stepped on the large door frame leading to the reading room. I sucked in a deep breath and the scent of ink cooled by the air conditioner across the library hall filled my nose, calming my nerves for a while. But for now, the hall would serve as an arena where the battle was going to be held— what I mean is… where the chess competition would occur. It was enclosed by the long and sturdy bookshelves lining the walls and marching across the floor in colorful rows.
As I continued to enter, I scanned around to look for the facilitator who had the players' tag. However, all I could see were long rows of wooden tables. Each desk had a closed chessboard on it and a digital clock beside it.
"Where are those players?" I clutched the strap o
