The Last Step of the Champion

After the match ended, Dita held her father's ring in her pocket. She smiled and murmured, "Terima kasih, Yah. Kau selalu ada di sini." That ring had become a symbol of strength and courage for her, reminding her that she was never truly alone, even in the most nerve-wracking moments.

The moment of victory in her first match marked a major transition for Dita. Someone who used to be so hesitant now began to feel confident. But this victory also came with new responsibilities. "Aku harus membuktikan bahwa ini bukan kebetulan," she thought.

In the next round, she faced a stronger opponent—a young woman named Laura, who seemed very experienced. The game was tight, but Dita managed a narrow victory. After the match, Laura approached her and said, "Kau punya bakat besar. Teruslah bermain."

The tournament was overshadowed by a controversy that had been buzzing in the chess world recently: cheating. Some participants were secretly suspected of using illegal aids. During the semifinal, one participant was caught using a small device hidden in their ear. This incident made the tournament atmosphere even tenser.

However, Dita remained unaffected. She focused on her game, remembering her father's principle of always being honest with oneself and the game.

In the final round, Dita faced a very tough opponent, a man named Alex. He was the reigning champion, known for his aggressive style. Dita, who tended to play cautiously, struggled to match Alex's moves. But she didn't give up. "Dia adalah lawan yang tangguh, tapi itu justru yang membuat pertandingan ini menarik," she thought.

The tension peaked as the match neared its end. With patience, Dita exploited every small gap Alex left. Finally, she delivered a perfect checkmate. The room erupted in applause.

Dita looked at the small trophy in her hands with teary eyes. "Ini untukmu, Yah," she whispered softly. For Dita, the championship wasn't just about winning. It was about having the courage to step out of her comfort zone, face her fears, and discover strength she never realized she had.

Dita's victory in this tournament was only the beginning. She knew the journey ahead would be long, and the steps to come would be even more challenging. But, as her father had said, every step needed careful thought. And now, Dita was ready to face all those challenges with confidence.