The Abysmal Territory

[18]

“Hey, Teiko-nii! Wake up!” Saki said as he pinched Teiko’s cheeks.

“Good morning, Saki,” Teiko said. He got up and went outside of his room.

“It’s already late and Taiya might have overslept, too. You strained your body while Taiya was exhausted since she watched over you,” Saki said.

“That’s alright, I’ll wake her up after I finish preparing the breakfast. I still have wounds and bruises so I might take a day break from training with Dalton-sensei and instead learn about that power of emotions,” Teiko said.

“I thought you’re more eager to learn swordsmanship than any other?” Saki asked.

“I mean, I want to learn anything that could help me improve as a swordsman but I still prepare learning techniques in swords but I should also be careful not to touch anyone’s curiosity about my power,” Teiko said.

“Being careful, huh?” Saki said.

“Anyway, what happened in the sparring after I lost consciousness?” Teiko asked.

“They continued it though your sister didn’t partake since she took care of you,” Saki answered.

“I see, so I might not be able to be in the ranking but that’s fine. I seem to be a lot stronger compared to when I was before,” Teiko said.

“Yes, yes. You’re powerful, just finish cooking so you can call your sister. She has many matches to partake in,” Saki said.

“You just want to eat immediately so you’re nagging me,” Teiko said.

“Hmp! I’m not a glutton,” Saki replied.

As Teiko finishes cooking, he wakes Taiya up and they have breakfast.

“Taiya, I’ll not attend the sparring today so you could go there alone. You have to though, since you didn’t join them yesterday because of me,” Teiko said.

“How did you know that?” Taiya asked.

“Ahm, eh. Y-you said that before you sleep, remember?” Teiko stuttered.

“Did I? Okay, I’ll go there after a while. Just be sure to take care of yourself,” Taiya said.

Taiya went to Dalton's class while Teiko stayed to learn and practice more about the power of emotions.

“It’s no use, I couldn’t do anything today,” Teiko exclaimed.

“Well, it’s no wonder, Teiko-nii. You cannot create your own emotion, if you wanted to try it, you should use your current emotion and not think of an emotion and just use it,” Saki said.

“Why didn’t you say that earlier? I shouldn’t have spent time here for nothing. Well, I couldn’t try the emotion of anger since you’re not willing to help me,” Teiko said.

“I just don’t want to hurt Teiko-nii's feelings,” Saki said.

The sound of the door opening and closing was heard by Teiko. He goes downstairs to check up on Taiya.

“How’s your matches?” Teiko asked.

“Complete victory! Though I needed another match to complete that,” Taiya replied.

“With who?” Teiko asked.

“With you. Dalton-sensei said that you should be able to join us tomorrow since you will for sure recover easily. They used a special medicine on you yesterday,” Taiya said.

“Oh, then I have to match up to others. It’s a good thing, I look forward to our match,” Teiko replied.

Another day has passed and Teiko is well prepared for all of his upcoming matches.

“Teiko, you don’t need to fight against everyone today. We’ll just do three matches or until you want to stop,” Dalton said.

“Okay, Dalton-sensei,” Teiko said.

Taiya fought in fourteen matches yesterday so I should be able to handle that much. Teiko thought to himself.

“So, we will have our rematch!” Reto said.

“No, your match was already decided. Teiko, your first match will be against Ben,” Dalton said.

Ben. He’s currently in third place in this matchup. I should be careful. Teiko thought.

Teiko took a deep breath. Ben started to run towards Teiko and made a dash after closing in.

That’s a 《Forward Dash》, a skill to engage your opponent quickly. But his skill is too slow, I could make a counter. Teiko thought.

“No, it’s an average speed for that skill. You just have a fast perception,” Saki answered.

“I see, then I just need to dodge it and strike his weapon so he will be disarmed,” Teiko said.

As Ben gives a quick strike, Teiko manages to counter it and disarm Ben. Teiko pointed his wooden sword against Ben’s neck.

“Alright, Teiko won the match,” Dalton announced.

“That’s fast,” Reto said.

“Brother! You’re amazing, you have improved so much,” Taiya said.

The match continued and Teiko ended victorious in every match. The match ended faster and faster after each one.

“Okay, final match up for our sparring. Teiko against Taiya,” Dalton said.

Teiko and Taiya went to the sparring area and took their stance. They have a serious look in their face.

Taiya is currently the number one student of Dalton-sensei. The difference between her and Reto is miles apart so I should be extra careful. Teiko thought.

“Start!” Dalton shouted.

Taiya made the first move. She runs straight towards Teiko and makes a sudden forward jump as she trusts her sword.

Wow! She’s fast, I need to dodge. No, it’s too late. I need to face her head on. Teiko thought.

Taiya changed the direction of her attack at the last second which startled Teiko. Teiko barely fends off the attack.

As expected, she’s too strong. Teiko thought.

Taiya didn’t give Teiko a chance to recover and continue her attack one after another.

I need to do something, I’m being cornered. Wait, I may be able to use my current emotion against her. What is my current emotion right now? Fear? No. Am I happy? Yes, but my current emotion is not that strong. Teiko thought.

One of Taiya’s attacks passed through Teiko’s defense. He was hit in the shoulder but it didn't bother him.

I know. It’s love. That’s what I’m feeling right now. But, love is not an emotion right? Well, this is what I’m feeling so I’ll go with it. Teiko thought.