is the front ring a "Narrow-wide" design? do you understand how to clock the chain onto it?
https://mtbdatabase.com/bikes/2022/y...t-izzo-core-3/
and, for the record... you can't "remove one link from the chain" unless it's the quicklink, which will be needed to re-assemble the chain.....
i'm still trying to wrap my head around a 70 yr. old buying a wild eyed $4500 CF MTB with mondo travel and big brakes.... for leisurely exercise rides...

but hey... if you're happy...