The game was decided long before the final move.

Magnus knew it. He could see it in the position, in the silent resignation settling over his opponent like a slow-moving storm. His fingers, once idly toying with the pieces, now rested still against the board. No need to calculate any further, checkmate lay 20 moves ahead.

He sighed, resting his chin in his hand, shoulders loosening with the quiet satisfaction of knowing. There was nothing left to worry about. No surprises. No escapes.

Now, it was just a question of time. How long before his opponent saw it too?