The Moonlight Swordsman

It was evening, and the sun was setting, casting a soft light over the horizon. The streets were bustling with people; there were office workers returning home from work, and there were youths loitering around. Music filled the air, and aromas of fresh food wafted through the city, signaling the beginning of nightlife.

A taxi pulled up in front of a lovely, tiny white house with a small lawn in front of it. A young man stepped out of the taxi, his gaze fixed on the house.

The passerby glanced his way, only to be captivated by his appearance. The young man was dressed in a plain black shirt, blue denim jeans, and blue high low sneakers.

The young man was none other than Aizel. He didn't even realize that some girls were looking at him while some guys were boiling with jealousy.

"I hope Dr. Shelly isn't too upset with me." Aizel thought to himself as he took a deep breath and began walking towards the house.

Aizel walked up to the front door and pressed the doorbell. In a few moments, the door opened, and a middle-aged woman walked out.

Her deep, dark, and elegant black hair was wrapped in a ponytail, and she appeared to be 5.5 feet tall with a flawlessly curved hourglass body. Her skin was fair, and she was dressed simply in a white tee and pyjama.

"Come inside," Doctor Shelly said as she invited Aizel into her home. Aizel entered while observing the hall. "Make yourself comfortable while I brew coffee."

Aizel moved over to the sofa and sat down, mentally ready for the upcoming session.

After about ten minutes, Dr. Shelly arrived, bringing some snacks and coffee for both of them, and sat in front of Aizel, staring deeply into his eyes.

"So, Aizel," Larisa said abruptly, her face tense. "Where the fuck have you been? How dare you not pick up my calls, not only mine but also Irene's? You didn't even go to the workplace or inform anyone; I was so afraid that something must have happened to you."

"If I were in town, I would have broken into your house and beaten your pathetic ass." Aizel quietly listened Dr. Shelly, he already knew what was gonna happened if he didn't return her calls.

"I'd like to have a serious talk with you." With solemnity, Aizel stated.

Dr. Shelly also quieted down and waited patiently for this young man to speak.

"A few days ago, after becoming intoxicated, I had a dream. Th..the dream was just...a fucking nightmare."

Aizel began explaining his entire experience in the other world while concealing the fact that it was true. He told her everything, starting with how he woke up in another world in a dream, how it felt so real, and how there were beasts, magic, and mana. He informed her about the young boy who met him and died first, followed by his encounters with Larisa and Henry.

Dr. Shelly carefully listened to him while displaying a different emotion each time she heard about Aizel's experience.

"That's what happened; it felt so real that I was scared; I don't know, I mean, I just killed a human being and I felt nothing; I even felt good fighting with her."

"Besides sleeping and eating, I haven't done anything in the last few days. My phone was on mute, therefore I missed your calls; I apologize for being reckless."

"I should have called you sooner," Aizel said, feigning fear and sadness while mixing lies and truth.

Dr. Shelly stood up and approached Aizel, giving him a firm hug. Aizel could detect the lovely aroma emanating from her.

"I'm sorry, Aizel; you've been through a lot in the last few days." Dr. Shelly stated while caressing his back.

"You shouldn't pay attention to it, Aizel; it was just a dream, and you did it for survival, and the rules in that world didn't operate like ours, even if it was a dream."

"You just have to consider yourself as a hero defeating a villain like in a fantasy story you used to read."

"I'll try not to think about it, Dr. Shelly," Aizel stated while clearly enjoying the warmth she was providing her. Aizel has always disliked being touched by others because he has many traumatic memories of being bullied as a child.

Only Dr. Shelly has been sincere in his desire to take care of his health. Aizel loved the way she cares about him, even when she gets mad at him.

"Well, until when you're going to hug me, doctor," Aizel spoke awkwardly.

After hearing him, Dr. Shelly returned to her coach and said, dissatisfiedly, "That's why you're single, stupid."

While chuckling a little, Aizel stroked his head, trying not to take it too seriously.

"Oh, and one more thing, you were fired from your work. Irene contacted me and said she attempted to help as your manager but couldn't persuade the supervisor."

Dr. Shelly continued, "Well, it's good; you should take some rest, go on a vacation, or do something else till you find something that you actually love to do."

"That will also benefit you in your condition." Dr. Shelly glanced at Aizel to notice his expression but noticed nothing. He was just sitting there, expressionless.

"Ohhh.. Is that so? I should call Irene later to thank her for everything she has done up to this point. Well, I should go now, I don't want to miss the new anime that starts today," Aizel stood up from the sofa. He spoke while looking at his watch.

"Well, take care, and you can call me anytime." Dr. Shelly spoke again as she walked outside with him until he found a taxi.