Chapter 22)

"So you're teaching him how to use Essence Projection without me?" Iris asked Barsanti, who was still sitting in the chair besides me. 

"Ahaha, sorry. I thought it would be the perfect time to teach him how to use it. Don't worry though, I'll teach you later! It shouldn't take you that long." Barsanti said.

"Well, now that you're feeling better, I think it's about time we start heading out. I got something planned for us to do today." Barsanti got up from the chair, grabbing the tray of tea and the remaining cup (that I hadn't destroyed) and moving to the door.

"Wait, what about the hole in the wall? Shouldn't I at least try and fix it?" I asked, feeling a little guilty that I ended up damaging his store.

"It's fine. I can fix it later by myself. Let's go eat some breakfast before we go." Barsanti exited the room, his voice echoing from the outside.

"Are you going to make something sweet? You should make some of those croissants again." Iris shifted out of the room as well, sounding eager to eat those delicious croissants that Barsanti had made before.

I got out of the bed, and decided to fix the sheets so that it wouldn't look too messy, and giving Barsanti an easier time in cleaning the room. There was still the tea stain on the sheets, I thought of cleaning it by using a towel, but I realized that would probably just make the stain worse. At least there weren't any other glass shards that needed to be picked up.

I was still in my clothes from the night before. I didn't have any other clothes to wear in this world, so I felt a little dirty without changing, but I couldn't let it get the best of me. I grabbed my shoes from underneath the bed frame, and went down to eat breakfast with Barsanti and Iris. 

**

After finishing breakfast, Barsanti insisted that we head out into the city. He had a carrot cake prepared for us to eat, and it was probably one of the most delicious things I could have ever eaten. Of course, it was behind everything my mom makes, and I don't know if it was better than his croissants or not.

The town was still a little on edge from the events of the coliseum, but it was a mostly peaceful day. There were quite less people that could be found on the streets, but people seemed like it hadn't even happened. 

"Don't you think people should be staying inside their houses after the whole in the coliseum? I would be a little freaked out if a killer was stalking the streets." I asked.

"I'm not really sure either, but I guess that since this town has never really encountered a nightmare before, they don't know how to deal with it. Modena is one of the farthest cities found in Avalon, and nightmares aren't usually seen around this area. It's strange that one would even be here, actually." Iris explained, although I could get the hint that she sounded confused too.

"Well, it's been dealt with. I'm sure there isn't any other nightmares here, and if there is, we just have to get rid of it before it terrorizes the city again." Iris said, a firm tone heard in her voice.

"You are always so glum, Iris. Listen, let's just focus on what I have planned for us today. I figured it would get our minds off that type of stuff."

"So, where are we going anyway? Shouldn't we be heading towards wherever your friends are at, Iris?" I asked.

"Not without him, we can't." Iris, mumbled.

Him? Who's him? 

"Ah! We're here!" Barsanti exclaimed. We were at the grey path again, and I could see someone standing on the path, their hands in their pockets and looking down at the grass."

"Who's that? Is that the guy you were talking about Iris?" 

"Yeah. Barsanti, what's he doing here?" Iris sounded irritated, as he stared at Barsanti who took a step back.

"I figureed, now that Ogata learned about Essence Projection, he could put it to use! What other training would be the best than actual experience in combat?"

"You're letting Ogata fight against him? Are you serious? He just got back from a serious injury! Are you insane?"

"Listen! It's just a quick match. When someone is about to land a hit, I'll call it off. That way, no one's hurt!"

"And how'd you get him to do this? You know he doesn't like you..." Iris mumbled a little.

"Don't worry about it! Let's get this rolling." Barsanti looked towards the person on the path, who started to walk towards our direction.

"You know the rules, right Morant? There is no actual hitting in this match, when someone is about to land a blow, the match is called off and they are the deemed the winner."

"Yeah, whatever. Just let me show this ass who he's going up against. I only agreed to this to show you that he's just weak."

Ouch. What's this guy's deal? I don't even know the guy and he already hates me.

"What's the problem? Who are you anyway?" I asked.

He didn't answer, only looking at me with some sort of blank, irritated stare, like he was looking down at me.

Barsanti noticed the tension between us, and intervened. "How about we just start the match, save the talking for later."

Morant moved backwards back to where he was standing before as I stayed in my position. Barsanti and Iris were watching us from the back, as I kept my focus on Morant, who was in front of me.

"Alright, once I say start, the match will begin and you will be allowed to release your swords!"

"Ready?" 

There was a long pause before he said start, as I could see Morant watching me with focused eyes. I didn't really know what his deal was, but I just had the urge to show him what he was talking down on.

"Start!"