Sandra could not help but faintly laugh at Alexander's words. Alexander himself could only hold a stoic expression for a few moments before he too chuckled.

Despite the somber elements of both their game and conversation, neither of them was displeased by this. They were enjoying one another's company as well as learning about one another, whether what they learned was sad happy or anything in between.

Alexander finished his drink, he then gave the next topic of conversation, “I'm curious to know more about how we trained.’’

Sandro contemplated over what he was going to say, as he did so he faintly tilted his head from side to side with his eyes mirroring the movement. He then finally made up his mind, “I primarily utilize the natural environment my village was known for, things such as moving heavy stones, climbing trees and swimming through rushing rivers.’’ He then proceeded to continue to talk in an exaggerated tone of voice, “I also attached heavy stone weights to myself as I did all these things.’’

We then moved on to discuss another aspect of his training, “I was also trained by a group of traveling Ascended performers, who stopped by my village for a time.’’ Sandro then proceeded to add the last bit of information, “I also used my communicator to view various forms of dance and incorporated that into my style of fighting.’’

To Alexander the thought of Sandro viewing holograms of different dancers in order to incorporate that into a fighting style seemed outlandish. He then gave his answer in an assured tone, “That last part must be the lie surely.’’

Sandro had a wide smile after hearing that. He then proceeded to lightly slam his hand on the table while saying energetically. “Bar keep but I think my friend here needs another drink!’’

Alexander was taken aback by this as he had presumed, he had gotten it correct. Absent mindedly he downed the drink that was made for him, before proceeding to ask in a curious tone, “OK then what exactly was the lie.’’

While still smiling, Sandro began to explain, “While a group of performing Ascended did come through my village, I was never trained by them. I did learn from them, but not in the arts of combat or anything applicable to an Ascended.” Sandro’s expression then turned slightly distant yet still pleasant as he continued, “What I learned from them was not only how to be a good craftsman but also a good artist.”

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Sandro's distant gaze returned to the present as he said casually, “I believe it's your turn.”

Alexander narrowed his gaze, contemplating what he should say, before finally giving his answer. “My parents hired an incredibly strict Ascended teacher to train me, as well as procuring other advanced methods of training through things like Soul Tech. If I didn’t perform well, they would withhold food from me.”

With uproarious laughter, Sandro gave his answer, showing not even a hint of doubt. “Your parents never withheld food from you! I bet it was quite the opposite—they would have given you the most nourishing food they could!”

Alexander was taken aback by this. With a dejected expression, he signaled the barkeep to pour him another drink. He then turned toward Sandro. His expression clearly curious as to how he had seen through the deception.

With a coy and mysterious tone, Sandro answered, “An artist has an eye for such things.” This caused Alexander's curious expression to shift to one of annoyance.

Sandro quickly continued in a placating tone, “I'm just teasing. I could see through your lie because I've seen you fight.”

Alexander was about to ask Sandro to elaborate further, but Sandro interrupted him by doing exactly that. “You may wield a sword, but you aren't a swordsman. You don’t use your blade like it’s an extension of yourself—you use it like it’s an effective tool.”

Alexander's eyes narrowed, and a slight frown appeared on his face. Even though what Sandro was saying was true, he felt as though he were being insulted. Noticing this, Sandro quickly added, “There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are differences.”

Sandro then continued with his explanation, “Well I have no doubt that you've gone through a share of hardships I'm doubtful that hunger is one of them. That's how I was able to figure out what the lie was.’’

With a friendly disposition Sandro spoke again, “I feel like if we continue to play this game, you'll end up passed out why don't we end it here.’’

Alexander rolled his eyes before giving an answer, “Even now you overestimate yourself but fine let's end things here.’’ After Alexander paid the bill the two then left the bar walking back to the hotel in companionable silence.

Which was broken shortly by Sandro.