Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

June 24, 2024

Floor 48: Lindas

A small little building near the edge of town, a mill attached to its side. Inside, someone was grinding the metal of a sword's tip against a grindstone. The screeching sound only pausing when they moved the weapon away, examining their work. The blade's reflection revealing a girl with pink hair, smiling at her craftmanship.
Pink Hair- There we go, all done!
She sheathed the weapon and handed it to her customer. That customer approached that had approached her was Asuna.
Asuna- You're the best Liz, thanks!
Liz aka Lisbeth. The girl who had trouble deciding her weapon choice had made it up in the world as a master blacksmith, her choice of clothing consisted of a red dress, plated armor covering her left arm, chest and both sides of her hips. She giggled at the Assault Team member as her hand was filled with Col.
Lisbeth- No problem, anytime!
She looked at her customer confused as something popped into her head.
Lisbeth- Hey, aren't you supposed to be out hunting with the guild today?
Asuna- Yea but I had to take the day off because I sort of have this little "meeting" with someone.
A small blush appeared on Asuna's face and Lisbeth gave her a smug look as she spotted a blue gemmed earring on Asuna.
Lisbeth- I bet you do have a little "meeting".
Asuna- No! It's not like that!
In the distance, the town bell started to ring. Startled, Asuna rushed up the stairs leading out of Lisbeth's shop.
Asuna- I have to get going!
Lisbeth- I bet he must be pretty special, whoever he is...
Asuna- Huh? Did you say something?
Lisbeth- Nope! Now get going! It's rude to keep your date waiting!
Asuna- It's not like that! Oh, whatever... see you!
And with that, she was gone. Lisbeth's face slowly sank as she walked over to a small picture, showing her along with three other male players.
Lisbeth- I wonder if I'll find someone special...
Deciding not to waste any time, she resumed her work. Spending time heating up ores, hardening them into ingots and using a hammer to strike the ingot into a weapon. The weapon that was forged in seconds appeared to be just a standard sword. She took the blade on her hand and inspected it, giving it a slightly unimpressed look.
Lisbeth- Looks good enough...
A small ringing bell shook off her disapproval. A new customer had entered her shop. She took off her protective gloves and walked over to a nearby mirror.
Lisbeth- Better take care of the customers. I can worry about these projects later.
Opening the door leading from her workshop, she looked around the sales floor with a smile.
Lisbeth- Welcome to Lisbeth's Blacksmith Shop!
I turned my head to face the pink haired saleswoman, walking up to her counter.
"Hello there miss. I was wondering if... Wait..."
Lisbeth- Hm?
"I'm sorry if this sounds weird but... you look familiar... Have we met?"
Lisbeth- I'm not sure? Have you come here recently?
"No. I saw the store's name and it reminded me of a player I had met on the first floor. I wondered if it was the same girl, so I came to check it out."
Lisbeth- The first floor? I don't really remember anyone on the first floor. Well... there was that one really nice guy who helped me choose a starting weapon and paid the bill, but I haven't seen him ever since....
Both of our eyes went wide as we looked at each other. We both narrowed our eyes at each other and came to the same realization.
Lisbeth- Kazzu...?
"Lisbeth...?"
We both smiled, Lisbeth jumping for joy. Her excited scream was quickly followed by a hug, which I mimicked back to her. After a few seconds, she took a step back and brushed a strand of hair over her ear.
Lisbeth- Oh my gosh! It's been so long! How are you? How have you been?
"You know, trying my best to clear this game. I'm actually part of the Assault Team with Asuna. I saw her run out of here a minute ago."
Lisbeth- She told me she had a little "meeting" with a friend of hers.
"Oh, I bet she does. I hear sucking face is a great stress reliever."
That earned a laugh from her. I decided to lean up against the wall and browse her selections.
"And what about you? I see that you run this little shop, do you get a lot of customers?"
Lisbeth- It depends on the day and the materials I get shipped in. It's been pretty profitable for the most part and it's a job I enjoy.
"I bet your smithing skill is maxed out by now if people enjoy your product that much."
Lisbeth- You would be correct my fellow swordsman. If you don't believe me, take a look around. I sure you'll see the fruits of my labor for what they are worth.
I nodded my head and wandered around her store. Spears, maces, shields, and swords alike. Any weapon that she could make was right in front of my eyes. Sadly, it wasn't anything resembling what I was searching for.
Lisbeth- Was there something in particular that you were looking for?
"Well, there is but I had a small question first. Do you do custom orders?"
Lisbeth- I do but metal prices are pretty high right now. Not to sound rude but do you have the money to pay for that?
I chuckled and opened my inventory screen. Once I pulled down my Col amount, I swiped it over to her and her reaction said it all.
Lisbeth- Alright, there goes my assumption that you were poor.
"If it's one thing I know how to do right, it's kept track of my funds. Whatever price you throw at me for a custom order, I can afford it."
Lisbeth- No problem. Now what were you looking for?
"A friend of mine asked me to come here and see if there was a sword that had a higher or equal number of stats as this."
I presented Lisbeth with my sword. As soon as it left my hands and plopped onto hers, the weight was too much for the girl and it collapsed on her counter with a thud.
Lisbeth- Whoa... this thing's heavy...
"Really? It's very light in my hands."
Opening her Appraisal skill, a small gasp left her mouth as my weapons information appeared in front of her.
Lisbeth- This is a "Red Reaper"! It's one of the gnarliest weapons you can get from a monster drop.
"Well, whoever finds the other gnarly weapons, I can't wait to challenge them to a duel! So do you have anything like that here?"
Lisbeth turned her back to me and grabbed a sword from off the wall. I inspected the blade that she handed me: The grip resembled the length of a great sword yet had the thinness of a spear with a hilt that was double sided yet curved around the edge of the grip with the blade itself resembling a straight sword yet had the weight of a dagger.
"Seems kind of light..."
Lisbeth- It should be. I used a speed type metal to forge it.
"Could I test it out? It won't take me long."
Lisbeth- Test it how?
"Durability."
Grabbing my sword off of her counter, I placed it below her masterpiece and raised her sword up high.
Lisbeth- Hey! What are you doing!? If you break your sword, I'm not responsible for it!
"If my sword breaks, then I have what I came here for."
I brought her sword down onto mine and just as it made contact, it snapped. Her masterpiece had pieces scattered around her store, all shattering into tiny digital pieces. All was silent until Lisbeth let out a horrified scream, grabbing her destroyed weapon from my hands.
Lisbeth- You broke my... masterpiece...
The remainder of her weapon shattered in her hands. Her whimpers of sadness and rage hiccupped out of her breath. She quickly turned around and grabbed my shirt, pulling me closer to her in pure anger.
Lisbeth- WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?
"Sorry! I thought that your sword would be able to handle the "Red Reaper", honest!"
Lisbeth- Are you trying to say that my sword, my masterpiece, was lamer than you thought!?
"No! I just... assumed since you're a master smith and you said it was your masterpiece, that it would withstand the damage from my own sword."
With a huff, she let go of my shirt and slapped my chest. She proceeded to place her hands on her hips in a determined manner.
Lisbeth- For your information smartass, if I had the right materials, I could make a bunch of swords that would shatter yours into millions of tiny little pieces!
"You mean like the one I just destroyed?"
She went to punch me, only to have it caught in my hand. I chuckled and looked at her with a grin.
"It was a joke. I intend to pay you back for the damage. I'll even sweeten the deal and help you make a new weapon from start to finish. I've been leveling my smithing skill as well so that means better results."
Lisbeth- Fine... We can start by getting the metal for it.
"I can handle that part by myself. No offense, but I don't want a smith in the line of fire."
Lisbeth- Don't assume I can't handle myself. Remember, you bought my starter weapons for me. I've spent my time leveling my Mace skill as well as smithing.
"I see. Well then that settles that. Now where can we find the metal?"
Lisbeth- Floor 55 on the western mountain. There's a dragon there that eats crystals. According to the legends, it's supposed to store a rare metal within its body. The only way you can get the metal is if you bring a master smith along.
"Fine with me. Just promise to follow my orders, ok?"
Lisbeth- I'm not a soldier you can command; I can handle myself.
"Fine, fine. I guess we're a party until we can make that sword."
I extended my hand towards her. She looked at me confused for a moment but slowly grasped my hand and shook it. A party invite was sent her way, and I walked out the door. She accepted the invite and was taken aback by my stats: "Kazzu, Level 91".
June 24, 2024

Floor 55: Western Mountain

The wind was harsh, the cold running down our backs and all the while, me and Lisbeth were not wearing coats. I had been used to sleeping outside, sometimes on a cold night, so the cold never really bothered me as much. Liz, on the other hand, was shivering. A small sneeze escaped her as well as a sniffle. I turned around to face her.
"You doing ok?"
Lisbeth- It's cold...
"Well why didn't you bring a coat?"
Lisbeth- I didn't know that this floor was going to be this freaking cold!
I opened my inventory and pulled out a heavy fur coat. I walked next to Liz and slowly placed it on her. She looked up at me, which I responded with a smile.
"Here. This should keep you warm. It even has a small resistance to frost attacks."
Lisbeth- Are you sure? Won't you need this?
"I've slept through worse. Besides, I don't want you getting sick on me. We need to make that sword after all."
Lisbeth- You don't need to worry about me. I'm not a child.
"I know. Just trying to help."
I continued on the path. Lizbeth trailed behind me while warming up her hands.
Lisbeth- The coat is really warm though.
"It was a nice quest reward. Keep it on until we get back ok Lisbeth?"
Lisbeth- Liz.
"Hm?"
Lisbeth- Call me Liz. It's easier than my full name.
"Ok, Liz it is."
Lisbeth- Don't wear it out.
It took us about a half hour to reach the peak of the mountain. It was surrounded by hardened crystalized ice, piercing out of the ground in clumps. Liz wasted no time taking in the scenery as she examined the ice around her, laughing and struck with awe at natures artistry.
Lisbeth- It's so beautiful...
She tried to run ahead but I quickly shot my arm out to her, stopping her dead in her tracks.
Lisbeth- What's the problem?
"You should get your teleport crystal ready. Dragon might be hiding around here."
Lisbeth- Didn't I tell you I can handle myself?
"I know, just as a precaution."
Lisbeth- I know, I know. I'm grabbing them.
"I'll also be handling this part alone. Once the dragon appears, I need you to hide behind the ice. Don't come out no matter what happens."
Lisbeth- Oh come on! If I want to help you, I'll damn well...
Having enough of her sass, I raised my voice without even looking at her, letting her know my frustrations.
"Just do what I say!"
That spat of anger appeared so suddenly that it shocked the pink haired smith. She looked into my eyes and noted that I was serious but also had a regretful twinkle. She nodded her head, confirming that she would listen to my orders. I let out a small sigh and patted her head.
"I'm sorry that I yelled. Just stay here and I'll bring that dragon down."
Nothing was said as I took a step forward, an echoing roar surrounding the entire mountaintop. I looked back at Liz, who just nodded and ran for the ice. The dragon appeared in front of me with a growl as I drew my shield and equipped a mace.
"I know a dragon tamer who has a familiar who is way scarier and stronger than you. You will be a cake walk."
The dragon opened its mouth and started to charge up its attack which Liz and I took notice of.
Lisbeth- Watch out! It's a breath attack!
"Got it!"
The dragon launched its attack, and I raised my shield. The attack burst right on top of me. As the smoke cleared, I stood tall with no damage dealt to me.
"My turn scaley!"
I charged at the dragon, quickly bashing the legs to try and keep it grounded. Once the legs were damaged, I unleashed a barrage of mace skills on its body. It didn't take long for the hardened ice surrounding its torso to shatter, exposing its hide. The dragon tried to get up in the air, but I was quick enough to swing down and break one of it claws while it was in mid flight.
Lisbeth- Come on! Stop playing with it and finish it off already!
I turned back and looked at her with a panicked expression noticing that she had come out of hiding.
"NO LIZ STAY BACK!"
The dragon turned its attention towards Liz, who was standing there unamused. Without thinking, I started to free fall quickly back towards the ground.
Liz- What's the big deal? You've got him right where you...
She was interrupted when the dragon used its wings to create a huge gush of wind, knocking Liz back. It wasn't until the wind stopped that she was right above a massive crater. Without being able to grab onto anything, she started to fall. Her screams loud enough to match the dragon's roar. A second later, I grabbed onto her hand. She looked at me with a scared expression as I pulled her closer to me, hugging her and shifting so that I would hit the ground first. I closed my eyes and soon, felt the impact of me and Liz crashing to the ground. I slowly opened my eyes and loosened my grip on Liz, who was laying on top of me completely unharmed by the fall.
"Ow..."
Lisbeth- Oh my god! Kazzu, are you ok?
"We're still alive, aren't we? Now, if you don't mind, could you please get off of me? I think my ribs are cracked."
Lisbeth- Shit, sorry.
She quickly scrambled off of me as I sat up. I reached into my pockets and pulled out two health potions, handing one of them to her.
"Your health is yellow. Drink one of those."
Lisbeth- You're one to talk. Your health is in the red.
"Hence why I'm drinking one too smartass."
She said nothing more as she drank her potion, her health slowly rising back up. After drinking the entirety of the bottle, she looked at me with a guilty look.
Lisbeth- Thank you... you know... for saving me...
"No problem. But it's a little soon to be thanking me. We still need to find a way out of here and defeat the dragon."
Lisbeth- Can't we just teleport out?
"You can try. But chances are that we won't be able to."
She pulled out her teleport crystal and held it out towards me.
Lisbeth- Teleport: Lindas.
Nothing happened. She was still stuck in that frozen hole with me. She looked at her crystal in shock.
Liz- No way...
My mind slipped back to the Moonlit Black Cats. The look on everyone's face, the terror, in knowing that teleporting to safety was no longer an option. The most terrified being Sachi. She had trusted me to train her, teach her, protect her. I betrayed that trust just so Kiyo and I weren't in this world alone. In the end, three of her best friends had died in front her and the fourth tried to take his own life. I looked back at Liz and felt heartbroken. We had to get out of here. I was willing to try anything.
"Well, if we can't use our crystals, that means there should be another way out."
Lisbeth- How can you be so sure that there is? Maybe this is some kind of trap for anyone who falls into it.
The thought of the secret room filled my mind as it was instantly surrounded by the monsters who killed the majority of the Moonlit Black Cats. Not wanting to experience that situation again, I handed Liz my shield.
Lisbeth- What are...?
"Hold onto that until we find a way out. If anything happens, that shield will help defend you."
Lisbeth- If you are trying to cheer me up, you suck at it.
"Sorry. But I think I have an idea."
Lisbeth- Really?
"Yea. We can try running up the wall."
Lisbeth- You're insane.
"Maybe. But I helped make this game, so I'm sure I know how the physics of this world work."
I sprinted towards the wall, jumping up and using the momentum to run upwards in a diagonal spiral. It seemed to be working until my foot slipped on a patch of ice on the wall. Before I could hit the ground, I plunged my sword straight into the wall hoping that it would slow me down. Sure enough, it did. I hopped down from the wall, pulling my blade out and looked back up.
"So that won't work. Ice patches in the wall."
Lisbeth- It's still pretty impressive that you made it that far.
"Told you I knew what I was doing"
An Hour and a Half Later
The sky soon turned dark, leaving the hole we were stuck in to be pitch black. We sprang into action, making a campfire and setting up sleeping bags. She noticed that I had a spare bag, one way smaller than the one I wrapped myself in.
Lisbeth- Who's the other bag for?
"My daughter, Kiyo. She's only eight years old."
Lisbeth- You're a father!? Man, a lot has happened since we first met. Who's the mother?
"She doesn't have one. I'm her only parent."
Lisbeth- Oh... I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure you miss your significant other very much.
"What? Oh, no sorry. What I meant was, I'm her adoptive father. She's only been with me since I adopted her about a year or so ago."
Lisbeth- Oh! Gotcha. So how come she doesn't have an adoptive mother?
"Because I haven't really been focused on finding love in this game. I've been trying to get as many survivors out as possible."
Lisbeth- Oh yea... forgot about that...
Awkward silence filled the crater as we looked up at the distant night sky. Liz broke the silence as she turned a small camping lamp on.
Lisbeth- This is kind of weird, isn't it?
"Which part? The fact that we are sleeping in a hole or the potential threat of the dragon?"
Lisbeth- The part where this wouldn't happen in real life. You know, going to strange places and sleeping next to an old acquaintance.
"It's not like we're doing anything wrong. Don't make it weird."
Lisbeth- Sorry. I mean, you did try to run up a wall. If anyone is weird it would be you.
"I take pride in that statement."
Liz giggled at that comment, followed by a chuckle of my own. She then turned her head towards me with a serious look.
Lisbeth- Kazzu? Can I ask you something?
"Go ahead. I'm all ears."
Lisbeth- Why did you risk your life like that to save me?
Kazzu- Because I can't sit back and watch players die. If anything, I would prefer to die in those players place so they can continue to live their lives instead of living through this hell my father put us in.
Lisbeth- I keep forgetting that you and your dad made this game. It was shocking when I first heard that you were the son of Kayaba Akihiko.
"Shocking how?"
Lisbeth- Because you're nothing like your father. You're nice, kind, generous and caring. Even though others label you as a monster, your actions speak the opposite. You risk your life every day for a world that does not accept you, yet you do it with confidence and a smile on your face. That's not a monster... That's a hero...
"Trust me Liz, I'm no hero. As soon as we are out of this game, I guarantee you that I will pay for my father's actions. Everyone will see me as a monster, whether it be in the real world or virtual."
Lisbeth stayed silent for a moment before reaching her hand out, resting it below the center of the lamp.
Lisbeth- Kazzu? Would you hold my hand?
My eyes widened as I shot my gaze towards her. She looked at me with a stare that instantly reminded me of Sachi. Her eyes begging me for approval but also understanding if I refused. Hesitantly, I reached my hand towards hers and rested it on top. She gently squeezed it back.
Lisbeth- It's warm... even though me and you are just these ones and zeros in a virtual world.
"Our bodies may be ones and zeros, but "Kazzu" and "Liz"...? They are real. We... are real..."
Both of our eyes slowly started to close, our hands still connected with each other.
June 25, 2024

Floor 55: Western Mountain

Liz was woken up the next morning by me, digging a hole in the ground with my hands. She looked over at me with a look of confusion.
Lisbeth- Whatcha doing?
"Well first off, good morning. Sorry if I woke you up."
Lisbeth- It's ok. I needed to wake up anyway.
"Second, here you go."
I held up a blue crystal. Liz pressed her finger on the item, its description appearing in front of us: Crystallite Ingot.
Lisbeth- Is this what I think it is?
"Yep. It's that special metal we came all this way for. I actually found two of them just in this spot. The legends say that the metal is kept within its body but in reality, the dragon eats the crystals and the metal forms in its body. Afterwards, the dragon proceeds to... well..."
Lisbeth- Hm?
"In simple terms, the metal isn't an ingot. It's dragon excrement. You know... poop..."
Lisbeth- Ew! Gross! What's it doing down here!?
"Well, this crater isn't a trap like we thought. It's the dragon's nest."
Lisbeth- Wait... dragons are nocturnal... If this is its nest, then it won't be long before...
Unfazed by her realization, I extended my hand out to her.
"If you don't mind, I'll take my shield back now. We are about to have company."
Lisbeth quickly tossed the shield my way, which I equipped immediately. Sure enough, the roar of the dragon filled the hole as the monster took a nosedive into it.
"Round two ugly!"
The dragon was making its way closer and closer to us. I had a plan, but Liz would surely hate it. Running over to her with only my shield equipped, I offered my hand to her.
"Do you trust me Liz?"
Lisbeth- What!?
"Do you trust me!?"
She noticed my hand and slowly reached for it, hesitating for only a second before holding my palm in hers.
Lisbeth- Yes...
After receiving her approval, I swept her off her feet. Holding her bridal style, I proceeded to use my legs to sweep the snow below us to make a temporary smokescreen. Luckily it worked as the dragon went for the snow, while I proceeded to run up the wall with Liz. Figuring out that this was the only way to leave, I jumped off the wall and landed on the dragons back imbedding my shield deep within its hide. The dragon's pain roar followed us as we started ascending towards the top.
"Hang on Liz! We're almost there!"
She said nothing as she held onto me tighter. As soon as exited the hole, the dragon bucked us off with such force that my shield dislodged itself from the dragons hide and sent me and Liz flying past the cloud limit. What was meant to be a scary situation, turned into a wonderous moment as we saw the sun rising over the mountaintops.
Lizbeth- Wow! Look at that!
I reached my hand towards her. She smiled and held my hand as we continued to fall. Normally I would use a crystal and leave as soon as possible, but the smile on her face stopped me from doing so. She was enjoying this moment. I was enjoying this moment.
Lisbeth- Kazzu! Don't freak out but I think I'm...
I tried to listen in on what else she was saying but the wind hitting my ears and the different altitude changes were causing my ears to pop. I missed out on what she was saying.
"I'm sorry what!? I can't hear a thing!"
She pulled me into a hug, which I responded with my own. Her giggles hitting my ears louder than the wind itself.
Lisbeth- Never mind!
I pulled out a teleport crystal and gave Liz a smirk. She answered with one of her own as she grabbed her crystal and held it out towards the sky. I mimicked her action and raised my hand up high.
Lisbeth- Teleport: Lindas!
"Teleport: Lindas!"
Our bodies were covered in blue light as we both dematerialized from the mountaintop, reappearing in the center of Floor 48.
June 25, 2024

Floor 48: Lindas

We made our way back to Liz's workshop with much haste. I couldn't wait to see what we could achieve with our smithing skills combined. Wasting no time, Liz placed one of the crystallite ingots in the fire to superheat it. Once it was heated, she used a pair of tongs to remove the metal and set it on an anvil. She handed me a hammer and smiled.
Lisbeth- A one handed sword, correct? Ready to help me make my true masterpiece?
"Of course, I am. Let's give this weapon our all!"
We both took a deep breath and proceeded to alternate hitting the ingot with a hammer. Each hit reshaping the ingot and creating the base of a sword. I looked at Liz and saw the passion in her eyes. Her heart and soul were going into this weapon, but not just for the weapon itself. Her heart and soul were reaching out for the person who helped her gather the materials, faced certain death with her and helped her create the blade. Her heart and soul were reaching out to me, and I felt it. Her drive, her passion, her feelings all coursed through my veins. It only fueled my own resolve. Striking the hammer down on the ingot one last time, the weapon started to automatically forge itself in a red glow.
Lisbeth- We did it...
"Whoa..."
Once the glow subsided, the blade presented itself to us. It was an aqua-colored blade. Its grip was a darker color than the rest of the blade and was completely straight. It led up to a cross guard that was exactly perpendicular to the grip and looked like a pair of conjoined dagger blades. At the center of the guard was large aquamarine gem. The blade itself was a deep aqua color.
Lisbeth- The sword is called "Dark Repulser". It's one of a kind. Not even listed in any info brokers directory. Wanna try it?
"Sure."
Activating a few sword skills, I effortlessly swung the weapon with such force I felt like I could cut through the air. Lisbeth gave me a worried expression.
Lisbeth- Is it good? Bad?
"Well, the final judge will be my friend but, in my opinion, the sword is really heavy. It's a good sword."
Lisbeth- Yes!
"Well... you held up your end of the bargain. Time to pay the piper. How much for the sword and your damaged masterpiece?"
Lisbeth- Oh... well... I... don't really need any money...
"Liz, come on. That's not fair to you. You need something to compensate for your time."
Lisbeth- Then how about, instead of paying me, you promise to have me as your exclusive blacksmith.
"What do you mean?"
Lisbeth- Anytime you come back from the field, stop by and let me do maintenance on your gear. Every day, from now until the end.
Realizing the true intention behind her proposal, my cheeks turned red. I haven't felt this way towards another person since Sachi... and...
"Liz... I..."
Lisbeth- Kazzu... I... just...
She went to reach for my hand but before she could grab it, her workshop door flung open. Asuna, Ashtry and Kiyo all jumped down towards us.
Ashtry- Lizzie!
Kiyo- Papa!
Asuna- Liz! I was so worried!
Lisbeth- Asuna? Ashtry?
Both girls bear hugged the poor blacksmith while Kiyo ran up and hugged my leg. I patted her head and chuckled.
"Miss me little cub?"
Kiyo- You scared me, Papa! You left and me and Miss Ashtry couldn't find you! I thought you were... I thought...
"Hey, hey. It's ok Kiyo. I'm fine, see? No damage done."
Kiyo- I know... I was just worried about you is all...
Asuna- Liz! Where were you last night? Me and Ashtry tried messaging you, but you wouldn't answer and we couldn't track you on the map.
Lisbeth- Sorry you two... I kind of got stuck in a dungeon...
Asuna- A dungeon!?
Ashtry- Breasts of steel to go to a dungeon by yourself.
Lisbeth- I didn't go alone. I went with him.
She pointed towards me. Both Knights of the Blood Oath members turned to face me and jumped back surprised. I gave off a little chuckle.
"Morning ladies."
Ashtry- Kazzu? What are you doing here?
"Well, I was going to see an old friend, I broke her sword, we fought a dragon and made a super sweet badass sword. Which, by the way, belongs to Kirito. Where is he?"
Asuna- He's waiting outside. Give me the blade and I'll take it to him.
Following her orders, I handed the blade to her, and she bolted to the entrance. Lisbeth looked at me, Kiyo and Ashtry confused.
Lisbeth- I'm sorry but do you two know each other.
Ashtry- Yep! We are on the Assault Team together. Me, Kazzu and Kiyo here have inherited the name "Triple Threat".
"I never fully agreed to that name."
Kiyo- Oh come on Papa! It's cool!
Lisbeth's eyes went wide in realization. My daughter hugging my leg and Ashtry smiling towards me, she knew one fact. She had no chance.
Lisbeth- Oh...
Ashtry- Hey are you ok? Kazzu didn't do anything weird to you right?
"Why am I the first suspect when a girl is acting weird?"
Ashtry- Be honest Kazzu, your tact with women is... really bad.
"It is not!"
Lisbeth- Right... I get it now...
Ashtry- If Kazzu upset you please let me know, ok?
Lisbeth said nothing for a moment. Her gaze was fixed on the floor. Ashtry was concerned about her, but I knew exactly what she was going through. The emotions that flowed through me as we made Kirito's sword allowed me to understand the exact emotion she was going through right now: Heartbreak. I felt bad for the poor girl but couldn't find the words to say to comfort her.
Ashtry- Lizzie? Are you ok?
Her attitude changed instantly as she had a nervous smile on her face and started cracking jokes.
Lisbeth- Upset me? Well like he said he came in here and broke one of my best swords. Talk about a first impression huh?
Ashtry- Oh god, see Kazzu? You have no tact!
"Oh, shut up! I was trying to find a good weapon for my friend."
Ashtry- There are better ways to figure that out you know?
"Better ways? Maybe. More effective? No."
Ashtry- Jesus...
Lisbeth- It's ok. He made up for it in the end.
Lisbeth walked up to Ashtry and started whispering in her ear. I didn't wish to intrude so I backed off a bit. Whatever they were talking about cause Ashtry to blush like crazy as Liz darted towards the exit.
Ashtry- It's not like that I swear! Where are you going!?
Lisbeth- Sorry, I have to go pick up some supplies. I'll be right back. Could you hold down the fort for me until I get back?
Ashtry- I suppose so...?
With that, she left the building. I looked towards the door and tightly gripped the second crystallite ingot that we had acquired. This ingot... was going to be used to give me the tools to end this game. I wasn't about to smith it alone.
"Ashtry...? Could you continue to watch Kiyo for just a little while longer? I got to find Liz and apologize."
Ashtry- You haven't done that already? Ugh, fine. But you better mean it, don't just say sorry and leave.
"Yea, yea. I won't."
I left the building in the same manner as Liz, using my Search skill to track her down. It wouldn't take me long considering she was only a few steps away, sitting down with her knees to her chest on the side of a bridge.
"Liz..."
She slowly stood up and faced me. Tears covered both her eyes and cheeks. She wiped them away with a fake smile.
Liz- I almost got away with it... A few more minutes and I would've been back to my usual cheerful self... I should've known you would check to see where I went. Sorry if I worried you, but I'm all fine now. It must have been the excitement. I'm not used to going on adventures.
"Liz..."
She started to break down and cry again, holding her hands up to her eyes while looking at her reflection in the small river below.
Lisbeth- Could you just... forget everything I said back there?
"Liz... you know I can't do that."
She looked back at me with shock. A single tear falling from her face and hitting the grass beneath her.
Liz- Why not...?
"Because after smithing that sword, call me crazy but, I felt everything you had put into that weapon. You weren't making the weapon for my friend... You were making the weapon for me... Those emotions I felt were for me..."
Lisbeth gasped at my realization but nodded her head slowly, indicating that I was correct. I sighed and I took a seat next to her. I didn't know how to respond to her feelings. I could only think of one thing.
"We still have one more ingot left..."
Lisbeth- Oh... shoot... yea I'm sorry...
"Don't be. I just... You wanted to be my exclusive blacksmith, right?"
She looked up at me with a glimmer of hope. I responded with a small gentle smile.
"I still accept that request, as long as you help me make something with this last ingot."
Lisbeth- And... you promise that this weapon can put an end to the game?
"I can't promise that it will end the game, but I do promise to use this weapon to the best of my ability so that I can beat it and send us back home."
Lisbeth- Well then...
She walked up to me, grabbed the ingot from my hand and placed her lips on my cheek. A huge blush appeared on my face as she pulled back. I placed my hand on the spot where her lips had connected and smiled.
Lisbeth- Let's get to work...