"Sure it can. If it sets the rules and sticks to them," Merlin insists, not sounding angry but certainly sounding adamant as he continues, "Like...chess. The player that gets the first move always has the advantage, but as long as both players are following the rules, coming out on top's still possible. I think it's like that. But the advantage is bigger; like if the other player had an extra Queen or something."

Admittedly, Merlin doesn't know a lot about chess but he's pretty sure the analogy stands. And the alternative would make all of it a waste of time.

He tilts his chin up and smirks at Armani, adding, "Come with me sometime. I bet we can beat it quicker."