Chapter – 33
Winter wonderland – SAO Integral Factor
After the recent event with D.I.L, things have been quite hard to get attached to. I still haven't got rid of the horrible feeling of getting possessed by D.I.L, however, I can no longer hear her voice, so I would like to think that she and I no longer have a connection. After a while, Koharu and I were able to get back to the front lines and continue to focus on clearing the game. Right now, we made it to the 55th floor. Or as I like to call it, the Winter wonderland... 'cause it was so freaking cold up here.
You: Brrr! Good thing I am wearing my long underwear.
Koharu: *she giggles* that is both funny and disgusting.
You: are you sure your holding up okay?
Koharu: I am just a little cold, other than that, I am alright.
You: Hmm… *I scroll down my main menu and materialize a coat* here *I throw her my coat*
Koharu: Mmf! *she says as he faces gets muffled with it* a coat? You had it with you this whole time? Why didn't you use it?
You: you don't get cold if you're disciplined *I say with a wink*
Koharu: Har-har. But this coat does feel warm.
Later
Koharu and I were doing are daily routine whenever we arrived to a new floor. Explore it and gather information about it, then send it to Argo. After a point, we arrived to a large mountain that seemed to be blowing strong wind currents of snow, we knew that there must have been something up there, so we had to climb it.
Koharu: it's pretty high…
You: Hmm… Koharu, if were gonna climb this mountain, then we are going to need climbing gear, but gear that have good durability, good resistance, we need gear that is forged by hand, we need—
You and Koharu: Liz!
Liz has really grown ever since the 3rd floor. When we first met her, she was just a traveling blacksmith, carrying a small anvil and a forge hammer. Sometimes she would walk through town or just sit around in the streets where she would offer weapon refinements to anyone they would ask her. Now, she is a shop owner and a blacksmith. On the 48th floor of Lindarth, there was a small shop with a waterwheel that was perfect for a blacksmith. The house also contained a shopping area and a work area, players could come in and purchase any weapons she made or call in for custom orders, and right now, we need a custom order.
You: Alright then, then we know where we must head next.
Koharu: To Lisbeth's blacksmith shop!
Echo: "To lisbeth's blacksmith shop!" "Shop!" "Shop…" "..Shop…"
"Rumble" "Rumble" "Rumble"
As Koharu's loud scream echoed through the fields, the snow hanging from the mountain ledge began to rumble as chunks of snow fell down from where we were standing.
You: Hrrrmm… *I growl at Koharu*
Koharu: Ehehehehe… *she giggles sheepishly*
"PUUUGH"
The snow then falls on top of us and we are now covered in a giant pile of snow.
You: Pughaa! *I yell as I get out of the snow* Koharu? Koharu, are you okay?
At that moment, a hand comes out of the snow showing a thumbs up.
Koharu: I'm good… *she says under the snow*
You: *I sigh and slap my forehead*
After our little snow struggle, Koharu and I headed out for the 48th floor to talk with Lisbeth about the gears we needed.
Floor 48: Landarth
Koharu: here we are, "Lisbeth's blacksmith shop" *she knocks* Liz, you home?
While although Koharu knocked, nobody seemed to answer.
You: maybe she's not here.
Koharu: wait, there is a note on the front door, it says "Went out to gather materials, be right back ;)"
You: Well, at least we know she is not here.
Koharu: why don't we go back and continue exploring the 55th floor?
You: Yeah, it's still pretty early. We'll come back later.
After that, Koharu and I went back to the 55th floor and continued on exploring the floor. Koharu and I climbed up the small hills filled with snow and watched the view from above.
Koharu: Wow… look.
Koharu then points to the mountain that seemed to be reflecting light at the top.
You: I think those are crystals…
Koharu: what kind of treasures could be waiting up there?
You: Who knows?
Koharu: Hmm…
You: what's up?
Koharu: well, I was just thinking… why don't we try to climb the mountain with the gear we have? They should be sturdy enough.
You: Hmm… what the heck? Let's try it.
After that, Koharu and I started heading towards the mountain and started climbing it with our weapons. I used my sword and Koharu used her dagger to climb up the wall. It took two and a half hours, but we were making good progress.
Koharu: Ighhh… *she grunts as she climbs*
You: almost there…
Koharu: (Y-You…)
You: hmm?
Koharu: I can't hold on for much longer… *she says as she grunts*
You: *I grab her arm* hang on *I carry her on my back*
Koharu: I am not heavy am I?
You: your fine… just hold on… *I continue to climb up the mountain*
With the weight doubling up on me, I struggle even more as I continue to climb.
You: Iiigh… *I climb up the wall*
Koharu: (You).
You: what is it?
Koharu: Look!
Koharu then points to a ledge that was near our reach.
You: that must be our stop.
Koharu: Okay, I am going to use your shoulders to jump up and grab on to the ledge.
You: think you can make it?
Koharu: I think so… *she begins climbing my back on to my shoulder* Wh-whoa… *she looks down*
We were pretty high up, like too high up. One fall could mean our death.
Koharu: *she gulps*
You: don't look down, just look at the ledge, you can do it.
Koharu: r-right… Mmm… *she steadies her balance* hrrmm… *she bends her legs* Hup! *she jumps*
Koharu managed to get close to the ledge, but…
Koharu: Ghigh! *her hand slips* Ghigh!
You: Koharu!
Koharu: *she stabs the wall with her dagger* *she pants fast* that was… very close! *she says with her eyes wide open in fear*
You: Your closer now, you can make it.
Koharu: R-right… *she begins climbing with her dagger*
Koharu climbed the wall very carefully as she finally reached the ledge of the mountain.
Koharu: Iiigh… *she climbs up* Phew, I did it!
You: Great, now me. *I begin to climb the wall with my sword*
Koharu *she extends her hand* grab on!
You: Igh! *I grab her hand*
With Koharu's level on strength, she was able to pull me up with ease.
You: Whew… yeah, we did it.
Koharu: I know, right? Just look at this view!
Koharu then sees the far ends of the mountains view as we saw more mountains in the distance, all of them covered in snow and player's fighting on the fields trying to boost up their levels.
Koharu: *she breathes in and out* the air might be cold but it's still refreshing. The fields go so far and the area is so large I could just ~Yoodle-loodle-loodle-loodle-loodle… Hoooooo!~
"Rumble" "Rumble" Rumble"
You: great, you caused a snow pile to fall down on "us", now you caused an avalanche to fall down on "them".
Meanwhile in the fields
Players: Huh?
As the players turn around to see what the noise was, they see that a giant avalanche is heading down their way.
Players: Uh-Oh… *they all say simultaneously*
The avalanche covers the players as they all struggle to get out of the stack.
Koharu: Oops… Sorry! *she yells at the players*
You: *I sigh* you really outta watch that mouth of yours while were in this floor.
Koharu: Ehehe… *she giggles and scratches her head sheepishly*
You: Come on, we should check out what's at the top of this mountain and see if there is anyone here.
Koharu: Right.
Koharu and I began exploring the top of the mountain and continued to see what other type of monsters would be lurking at the top.
Koharu: Whoaa… *she stares at the crystals*
You: careful, we never know when there might be a trap.
Koharu: R-right, I know, it's just this place is so beautiful.
You: Shh… do you hear that?
With my listening skill activated, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching us and it sounds like two are approaching.
You: two of them…
Koharu: should we intervene?
You: who knows? *I unsheathe my sword* but we should be prepared…
Koharu: right… *she unsheathes her dagger*
With my sword "Esper" unsheathe, and Koharu's dagger "Assassins dagger" that she got from Erasa on the 40th floor, we both engage in battle position as the footsteps get closer and closer.
You: Koharu…
Koharu: yeah, when your ready…
The footsteps come to a stop right next to us.
You: Now!
Koharu: Hmph! *she jumps 10 feet high*
?: hmm?!
Koharu: HEAA! *she stabs the ground*
As Koharu stabs the ground, a shockwave from underneath the ground stuns the players that were near us.
? 2: wh-what the hell?!
Koharu: (You!) switch!
You: activate sabotage orb!
The yellow orb from the 14th floor boss begins to shine brightly as a debuff wave attack is fired at the players.
?: Gaggh!
Koharu: wait, that voice! (You!) stop!
You: Huh? *I stop my attack*
Koharu: it's okay, they're Kirito and Liz!
You: They are?
Lisbeth: Igh… yeah, who else would it be, genius?! *she says as she is paralyzed on the ground*
You: Sorry, we thought you might have been thieves.
Kirito: do we look like thieves to you?
You: does that count with Liz?
Kirito: Hmph! Asshole.
You: Hehe, sorry, sorry. Here, let us help you guys out.
After our little misunderstanding, Koharu and I helped Kirito and Lisbeth get un-paralyzed with antidote potions and we both apologized for attacking them.
Koharu: we are so sorry! *says while bowing apologetically*
Kirito: Relax, it's cool.
Lisbeth: what are you guys doing here anyway?
You: we just came to explore this mountain, it was a heavy climb back there.
Kirito: wait, you guys climbed up the mountain? Why didn't you just take the road?
You: wait, there was a road?!
Koharu and I both turn around to see that there was a path that lead up from the bottom to the top of the mountain.
Koharu: *she groans* Are you telling us that we could have walked up the whole time? So much for me nearly falling to my death.
Lisbeth: well why did you want to explore this mountain anyway?
You: we heard a tip from Argo that this maintain is very good for material gathering, however, there was a rumor going on that a party scouting for materials were all wiped out by a massively powerful boss. No player has dared to come near this place ever since, Koharu and I wanted to check out for ourselves.
Kirito: and that's why you're here, to find out what is going on?
You: you know us, scouting out for any type of information we can get. What about you two? Why are you guys here?
Lisbeth: Mr. Solo guy here wanted me to make a new sword for him, I offered him one of my best swords that I forged but he just up and smashed it
You: what?
Kirito: it was an accident, I didn't think it would break that easily.
Lisbeth: Oh whatever, it's not like that was actually my masterpieces… this guy is wielding it.
You: Hmm? Oh, you mean Esper?
Lisbeth: Yup! One of the best swords I have ever forged. I feel really proud that you are the one wielding it.
You: Um… thanks I guess.
Koharu: so you guys are here to collect materials to forge a new weapon?
Lisbeth: pretty much, I told Kirito that it could be dangerous, but you know how he is.
Kirito: hey, if I am going to get a weapon, I will get it by any means necessary.
You: but why do you need a new weapon? Isn't the Elucidator rare enough?
Kirito: It is, but, you know… you might never know when you might need a replacement.
You: Hmm… can you let me see it?
Kirito: huh? Uh, sure… *he lends me his sword*
You: Hmm… *I grab the sword*
As I grab the sword, I can feel the weight on my palm and arm.
You: whew, man… this thing is really heavy.
Lisbeth: and yet you can grab it with very less effort?
Koharu: let me see *she grabs the sword* it can't be that—GAAGH! *she drops the tip into the snow* this is…! Really heavy! How can you two lift it?!
Kirito: I just need a sword with either the same quality or better than the Elucidator.
You: Well… how about as repayment for pinning you guys down, Koharu and I help you search for the rare materials. It could be a good idea since we don't know what whipped out that party.
Kirito: as much as I hate to say it… your right, we should all go together.
Lisbeth: then let's go, the next climb is just up ahead.
After agreeing, we all headed up to the top of the mountain, where we found a large field of crystals that covered the entire area.
Koharu: these crystals are here for a reason, right?
Kirito: if it is, then for what purpose?
You: Hmm… *I stop in my tracks*
Kirito: Mm… *he stops in his tracks*
Lisbeth: what's wrong you guys?
You: Koharu… get behind me.
Kirito: and you get behind me Liz…
Lisbeth: but why?
Without wasting another second, I grab Koharu and Lisbeth, carry them to someplace safe as Kirito prepared his sword for combat.
?: Grrrouuughlll….!
Lisbeth: what was that?!
You: stay here you two… *I run back towards Kirito*
Koharu: Hmm…
Lisbeth: what do you think is happening?
Koharu: something is coming, something big…
Lisbeth: and they just left us out of the picture, some trust they have. They don't think we can handle it.
Koharu: No… (You) and Kirito took us here for a reason…
Lisbeth: what do you mean?
Koharu: follow me…
Meanwhile
You: you feel it too?
Kirito: Yeah, I think it's a nightmare class boss.
You: think you can keep up?
Kirito: I should be the one asking you.
You: alright, split it 50-50?
Kirito: if that counts for the drop list, then yeah.
?: Graaaargggh!
The ground shakes with the roar as the sound gets closer and closer.
?: GRAAAAAAAUUURRR!
At that moment, a giant dragon comes flying from behind the crystals and shouts a might roar that indicates us that it is ready for battle.
You: X'rphan the White Wyrm
Kirito: That thing looks tough… but nothing I can't handle.
X'rphan: RAAAAAOOORRR! *the boss fires a powerful ice breath*
Lisbeth: Oh no!
The ice breath penetrates the ground where Kirito and I were standing, leaving nothing but a snow cloud from the impact.
Lisbeth: Did they…? *she says all worried*
Koharu: you worry too much, look.
Lisbeth: huh?
With a swing of our blades, we blow away the snow that was covering our faces, with our HP bars still at full.
Lisbeth: wh-what?! How did they?!
Koharu: With a level as high as them, they can withstand an ice breath from that dragon, not to mention that their blades took most of the impact.
Lisbeth: Wait, so you're saying that they got this under control?
Koharu: yes… and no, follow me.
You: you go right, I'll go left, go!
Kirito and I began surrounding the boss as we both dashed in separate locations, with the boss focusing on one of us, we should be able to bring I down simultaneously.
X'rphan: GRRR! *the boss focuses on me*
You: alright then, you and me ugly!
X'rphan: GRAAAAUUR! *the boss brings its claw down*
The boss tries to attack me with its giant claw, but I move way too fast for it.
You: HEAAAGH! *I parry the attack* switch!
Kirito: HEAAAA! *she slashes the boss' arm*
X'rphan: GRAAAAAUUUUU! *the boss takes a few steps back*
With its arm gone, the boss begin to gain height as its spreads its wings.
You: that might be a bit of a problem, if the boss comes down very fast and very hard, it will cause a massive damage area.
Kirito: don't worry, I got it covered
Kirito then uses the crystals to jump above them and grab momentum on his speed, as he does, he jumps the third crystal as he slashes the boss three times in mid-air.
X'rphan: *the boss roars in pain and falls down*
"SPROOOOUUUSHH"
The fall caused a strong wind current to blast in our faces, the boss fell down but it was not staying down.
X'rphan: RAAAAARRRRUGGGHH! *the boss slide turns with its massive body*
The boss's sliding spins caused Kirito and I to be hit by its tail, causing us to lose our balance.
You and Kirito: GAAGH! PUGH! *we both fall down hard*
You: Augh, thank god for the pain absorbers.
Kirito: it looks like it changes its pattern of attack depending on its state.
You: I don't even want to imagine what it could be in the red zone.
Kirito: it's almost time, think you can still keep up?
You: Compared to dealing with beings from another world and being possessed by a powerful mage, I think this is child's play.
Kirito: then it's time to begin the second phase. *his sword glows bright blue* HEAAAA!
With Kirito speeding towards the boss, he cuts its body as a vertical square sword skill is unleashed on the boss.
You: HEAAAA! *I unleash a thrust slash on the boss*
Kirito: YEAAAAGHH! *he follows up*
You: HEAAAAAAGH! *I follow up*
With Kirito and I, unleashing multiple sword attacks on the boss, the boss backs away as it can't find an opening.
You and Kirito: HEAAAAA! *with both slash the boss simultaneously* SWITCH!
Koharu and Lisbeth: YEAAAAAA! *they both smash the boss's chest*
X'rphan: AAAAAUUURRGGOOOOOOO! *the boss falls into a pit*
Lisbeth: Whoa! *she stares in surprise*
Kirito: LOOK OUT!
Lisbeth: Huh?
Without realizing, the boss's left claw got snapped with Lisbeth's coat and began dragging her down.
Lisbeth: Uh-oh… AAAAAAAAH! *she falls down the pit*
You: LIZ! *I chase after her*
Without thinking, I jump into the pit and began chasing Liz and the boss.
Koharu: (YOU!) *she begins following me*
Kirito: Koharu, no! *he stops her*
Liz and I fall into the deep dark hole, as our silhouettes become less and less visible.
Koharu: NOOO!
…
…
…
…
Lisbeth: Augh… what… happened…?
You: iighh… are you okay Liz?
Lisbeth: Uuhh… h-huh…? *she opens her eyes completely* Huh? *she gasps and gets off of my chest* Y-yeah…
You: Augh… that was a fall…
Lisbeth: and that only knocked down half of your HP? What kind of armor do you have?
You: just a rare one from the 50th floor… here, take this. *I hand her a healing potion*
Lisbeth: Uh… thanks… *she drinks the potion* what happened to the dragon?
You: I don't see it anywhere, probably died and burst into polygons.
Lisbeth: probably… um… thank you for saving me…
You: it's a little too soon for thank you, we need to get out of here… but the question is how. *I say as I look up*
Lisbeth: it's pretty high up, I don't think running up the wall will do anything.
You: Yeah, we'd probably fall down.
Lisbeth: what do we do now?
You: the messages seem to be off here, it looks like we are in a dungeon.
Lisbeth: so we can't ask for help.
You: looks like it.
Lisbeth: great, now what do we do?
You: Well… do you still have that traveling Anvil with you?
Lisbeth: Uh… yeah… I do, I always do.
You: Good *I scroll down my menu* here, take this materials
Lisbeth: Huh? *she inspects them* are these… rotten metal bars?
You: Yup. Earlier today, Koharu and I were heading to your shop to request some climbing equipment. This may not be your shop, but I bet you can still craft some awesome equipment. Try to forge a pickaxe, some small iron bars and if possible, try adding a rope as well.
Lisbeth: wait, are you planning on climbing up the wall?
You: Well, I don't see any other way we can get out of here, it's our best bet.
Lisbeth: *she sighs* you're insane, you know that?
You: Maybe, but it's the best thing I got.
Lisbeth: *she sighs as she materializes her anvil* I guess its worth a shot. "Bam" "Bam"
Lisbeth began gathering the items and placing them on her anvil and began breaking them down until they became a climbing kit.
You: I'm gonna take a look around.
Lisbeth: what are you hoping to find here? It's just a circular pit filled with snow.
You: never judge a book by its cover, there could be something hidden in here.
Lisbeth: whatever man, do what you want. "Bam"
With Lisbeth working on the tools, I decided to check around the snow pile and see if I could find anything. I move the snow to the side and just find more snow underneath.
Lisbeth: let me know if you find any gold.
You: har-har.
Later
After a few minutes have passed, I continue to move the snow to the side in hope to find anything.
Lisbeth: "Bam" *A small iron bar is crafted* are you done over there?
You: Hang on… *I some snow to the side* hmm? *I remove some snow from an object*
Lisbeth: Hmm? *she looks up*
You: Hmm… what is this?
Lisbeth: *she taps the item* Hmm… *she gasps* this is the rare metal Kirito and I were looking for!
You: Ha! See, told you we could find something here.
Lisbeth: alright, you got me this time.
You: Here, I'll hold on to it until we get back.
Lisbeth: do you… really think we can make it back?
You: I do, why?
Lisbeth: *she sighs and sits down on the snow* how is it that you do it?
You: do what?
Lisbeth: keep hoping. After everything that has happened… all the things you did… how do you always manage to believe it can all work out?
You: because of you…
Lisbeth: Huh?
You: and because of Koharu… *I begin walking towards her* Asuna, Sanya, Silica, Kirito, everyone we know, are the reason I keep hoping.
Lisbeth: do you really believe in them that much?
You: I would be dead without you guys… I really owe you all.
Lisbeth: *she sighs and stares at the sky* hey… do you remember, when I said that I wanted to talk to you about something important… when we were alone?
You: yeah… I remember.
Lisbeth: well… now that we are alone… I've been wanting to have the chance to talk to you… about something important.
You: I'm listening…
Lisbeth: *she breathes in and out* you saved me…
You: Huh?
Lisbeth: you probably don't remember… but I do… we met… before all this happened…
You: We… we did?
Lisbeth: yeah… *she sits up as she hugs her legs* I remember it like it was yesterday
Lisbeth POV, a few years before SAO
I was at a point in my life where I was asking myself, what did I want to do in life? Why does life have to be so confusing? You could tell I was arguing in my early teens…but I just wanted to know how much life was worth.
Young Lisbeth: *I sigh as I swing myself on the swing*
I just stare at the other kids as they all play on the slides and sandbox, reminded me of my childhood… but now… things were different, and I just couldn't understand why. And that's when…
?: Hey there…
Young Lisbeth: Hmm?
As I lifted my head to see who was calling me… there he was…
?: what are you doing? *he says as he sits on the other swing*
Young Lisbeth: swinging…
?: doesn't look like your swinging to me…
He then began swinging up and down despite begin a bit older than the other kids, heck, he seemed to be older than me.
Young Lisbeth: what are you doing?
?: Swinging.
Young Lisbeth: really? You're gonna go with that?
?: *he laughs at my words* what's wrong with having some fun?
Young Lisbeth: Well, for starters we are older and why are you laughing at it?
?: Lets just say… it reminds me of my childhood.
He said it with both a happy… and sad face…
Young Lisbeth: how come you are so carefree?
?: Well, its not like we remain like this forever, right? We all haft to grow up some time. Go to college, get a job, hard heavy homework, you never know when it could be your last chance to have fun as when you were a kid. Do you want to know something?
Young Lisbeth: Hmm?
?: do you want to know, what are the stupidest wishes a kid can make?
Young Lisbeth: what?
?: Wish to grow up fast…
Young Lisbeth: Hmm?
?: when you grow up, you see things differently. You think differently, act differently, feel differently. I am pretty sure you feel it now.
Young Lisbeth: Uh!
It was like he could read my mind, everything I felt, he said it out loud.
?: the world is big you know, sometimes wishing for more youth is the best option, that way… you have more time to think what you want to do.
Young Lisbeth: how is it that you handle it?
?: I don't… I just let it.
Young Lisbeth: Hmm?
?: Do you… sometimes dream about leaving this world and perhaps going to a far different world where you can start over again?
Young Lisbeth: I did…
?: Well… never give up on it, someday may come a day in where your life will change completely, and rather if it's for the best or the worst… you only have a single choice to make… what will be yours?
Young Lisbeth: Uh!
Those words rattle around my head every single day since then… the way that guy gave me a huge advice that I would soon see through in my life. I haven't been able to get that boy out of my head ever since, we both didn't exchange names so, I didn't know who he was… but I remembered his face very well…
Present moment
Lisbeth: that guy… was you.
You: now that you mention it… I think I may remember seeing a girl swinging on the swings by herself on the park one day… you know, the reason I went to say hi, was because you reminded me of myself when I met Momiji.
Lisbeth: You gave me those words of courage, you made me feel safe and sure of myself in my own decisions. The reason why I'm the cheerful girl you see now is because of you... if it wasn't for you, I don't know, I'd probably hide everything I feel with an awkward smile or just play it off as a joke... you saved me... from my own insecurities and worriedness of the things surrounding me. Showed me that, even though things look odd, it doesn't mean that they haft to be bad… that there is always a way to turn things around…
You: Mm…
Lisbeth: *she looks at me* so thank you…
You: Uh… well… if you ask me, I don't think I've done anything.
Lisbeth: huh?
You: If you found a purpose to overcome a difficult situation, that means you found something within yourself. Strength from inside you. For example, when you started your career as a blacksmith, you were just this broken girl traveling all over the town on the first floor and asking anyone who needed refinements to their gear, but look at you now. You own a blacksmith shop, you're known to be a top tier blacksmith, you have friends, you've fought floor bosses, and anything that a lot of people thought couldn't be possible, you made it possible. You, along with so many others, are an inspiration to people who are still too scared to fight on the front lines, not only that, but me, Koharu, and all of our other friends depend on you. You are our personal and favorite blacksmith, I wouldn't go to any other blacksmith even if they offered me a 50% discount.
Lisbeth: Really?
You: Well… I might consider it.
Lisbeth: *she groans*
You: Hehaha, I'm kidding.
Lisbeth: Hmph! whatever… but you know… that makes me feel… so happy.
You: I am glad it did…
Lisbeth: Hey, uh… (You…)
You: whats up?
Lisbeth: Well uh… I know this might be a bad time to say this, but…
You: Hmm?
Lisbeth: well… you see, the thing is I… *she tries to reach out for me*
?: (Youuuu!)
Lisbeth and You: Huh?
?: Are you okay down there?! Please answer me!
You: Looks like Koharu's a bit worried. YEAH! WE ARE FINE!
Koharu: Oh thank goodness, I can hear him… please stay calm, Kirito and I are coming to get you!
You: Lisbeth and I are one step ahead of you, we are going to climb the wall!
Koharu: Kirito and I will begin descending, once we meet up, we will help each other out!
You: You got it! Alright, are the tools ready?
Lisbeth: Y-yeah, they are…
You: oh yeah, you wanted to tell me something?
Lisbeth: I-its nothing, really…
You: Well then *I grab the rope* get ready.
Lisbeth: U-uh, r-ready for what? *she says in a very nervous voice*
Later
You: Okay, nice and tight.
Lisbeth: why do I feel like I'm begin violated?
Lisbeth was a little bit grumpy to the fact that she had to get wrapped up in the rope. The plan was for me to climb the wall and she would grab on to me back, but I can the risk of her falling down, so I tied a rope on her waist so I can pull her up as I climbed.
You: Oh relax, it's not like your arms and legs are tied.
Lisbeth: Still, this is dangerous.
You: this wouldn't be the first time we've done something dangerous.
Lisbeth: Uh…
I could tell by the look of her face that she was thinking about our little adventure in the deep caves when we went to get Koharu's broach.
Lisbeth: *she breathes in and out* if I die here, you are the first one I am coming back to haunt.
You: Who's the second one?
Lisbeth: GRR!
You: I'm kidding, you won't die *I stab the wall with a small iron bar and climb up it* promise.
Lisbeth: What are you? A swordsmen or a circus acrobat?
You: hang on *I climb up the wall with the pick-axe* Hmph! *I stab another iron bar* Hup! *I climb up it* alright, here we go. *I pull Lisbeth up*
Lisbeth: WH-whoa!
You: just grab on to the rope.
Lisbeth: Ghighh… *she grabs the rope tightly*
Using all the iron bars Lisbeth made, I slowly moved up the wall as I continued to add more and more iron bars. The pickaxe was really helpful on maintaining by balance, and Lisbeth was safely swinging by the rope.
Lisbeth: hey uh, were pretty high up now, you better not let go.
You: Not planning to *I say as I place another bar* Hmph! *I climb it up*
Lisbeth: you sure know how to move.
You: thank the level of strength, not me. There is no way I could actually do this in real life.
Lisbeth: *she giggles at my words* only you can make me laugh in moments like these.
Later
After some time, we managed to get to a very high level of the pit, the sky was starting to get clearer and the snow was being visible.
You: Phew… were almost there.
Lisbeth: are you sure you're not tired? You have been carrying me and yourself through the entire pit.
You: don't worry… I can make it… *I reach for my adventuring belt* uh-oh…
Lisbeth: what is it?
You: were out of iron bars…
Lisbeth: how cliché…
You: Hmm… if I can—
Before I can finish speaking, a rope begins ascending down.
Kirito: Hurry, grab on!
You: Oh *I grab on* tug and roll!
Lisbeth: tug and what?!
Kirito: Now Koharu!
Koharu: on three, one… two…
Kirito and Koharu: THREE! HEAAAAA! *they both pull with all their might*
With their strength together, Lisbeth and I are both flipped out of the cave as we both loop in to the air and into the ground.
You and Lisbeth: Whooaaaaaaaa! PFF-*we both land on piles of snow*
You: Brrr! D-did you guys made this pile?
Kirito: well it was either that or a rock solid ground.
Lisbeth: *she spits out some snow* at least we made it out.
Koharu: honestly, is there ever gonna be a time in where you will not have me worried?
You: excuse me? I was just looking out for Liz.
Koharu: by jumping off a pit?
You: whatever it takes.
Koharu: and leaving me is an option?
You: you know, you could be a little bit more nicer to me, I almost got killed.
Koharu: and that's my fault? I didn't tell you to jump into that hole.
Kirito: looks like they're happy to be back together.
Lisbeth: you can say that again.
You: Oh yeah, I almost forgot.
Koharu: what is it?
You: here you go, Kirito.
Kirito: Hmm? What is it?
Lisbeth: that's the rare metal we came to find, (you) found it in that hole.
You: that's because it wasn't a hole.
Everyone: Huh?
You: it wasn't a trap or a dungeon either, it was the dragons nest. And that thing you have is very hard to find because it comes from the dragon itself, its escrament. You know, dragon poop.
Lisbeth and Koharu: Igh! Gross!
You: relax, it's just something virtual, it's not like its real poop.
Kirito: And the dragon?
You: Gone. Nothing but an empty hole in there, now we know what killed those players, but now that the boss is gone, players can come back and mine their refining materials.
Lisbeth: and we have the rare metal we came to get.
Kirito: Let's head back and forge the sword I asked for.
Lisbeth: yeah, let's go.
Koharu: hey guys…
You: whats up?
Koharu: Look…
Koharu was pointing at the far end view of the maintain, and from it… a beautiful view of the sunset was shown in front of us… the clouds glowing slight pink with the sun, the wind blowing a slight cold breeze in our faces… it was a beautiful sight.
You: Whoa…
Lisbeth: it's so… beautiful…
Kirito: Hmm… *he nods in agreement*
As I stare at the sunset, I feel a warm sensation on my hand, as I look down, I see that Koharu is holding my hand and smiling at the sunset… without any hesitations… I grab her hand back.
Lisbeth: Mm…
Later
After we gathered everything, we headed back to the 48th floor and headed to Lisbeth's blacksmith shop where she began melting the iron to forge it into Kirito weapon order.
Lisbeth: Alright, one-handed long sword, right?
Kirito: you got it.
Lisbeth: *she breathes in and out* Hmph! "Bam" … "Bam" … "Bam" … "Bam"
We all watched as Lisbeth worked out her magic on the ingot as it got flatter and flatter. Liz didn't say a word as she did, but I could tell she had something on her mind… I just couldn't put my finger on it.
Lisbeth: "Bam" … "Bam"
After that hit, the ingot began to shape shift into a sword. Just like its color semi-grey color, the sword matched its color as it shaped itself into a magnificent sword.
Lisbeth: and were done… *she taps on the properties* its name is Dark repulser, first of its kind… try it out.
Kirito then proceeds to grab the sword and swings it two times as a platinum light imitates from it as he swings it.
Lisbeth: Good… bad?
Kirito: it's really heavy… it's a good sword.
Lisbeth: *she smiles in relief* Yay!
Kirito: it feels like you forged your heart into it.
You: Wow, what a cheesy line.
Kirito: Shut up. Well, you hold your side of the deal, now it's my turn, so how much?
Lisbeth: Well actually… I don't need any money… I would like to talk to you three.
Kirito, Koharu and I begin to pay attention as she says those words, what could she possibly ask us for.
Lisbeth: when I was stuck in that hole with (You)… he told me a lot of things about myself… stuff I wasn't aware of until he showed me… so… I want to make it clear, that whenever you guys need weapon refinements, weapon upgrades, custom orders, anything equipment related, you guys come to me. I want to be your personal blacksmith.
Kirito: Oh…
Koharu: Liz I… didn't know you felt that way…
Lisbeth: I finally found a purpose in this life… and soon when we get back… I want to fulfil it as well… so can you all please take my offer?
You: *I chuckle* you already were my favorite blacksmith a long time ago.
Lisbeth: huh?
You: I never visiated any other blacksmith other then you ever since the day we met.
Koharu: (You) and I both knew that you were going to be our favoirite blacksmith, so we never attended anyone else other than you.
Kirito: and if that's a price I must pay for receiving this sword… then so be it.
Lisbeth: You guys… *she begins crying* I-I just… I am so happy… I am glad I can have a place in this world… and I am really glad I met you all.
Koharu: Aww, Liz *she hugs her* we feel the same…
Kirito and I both smile at them as they both embrace each other with their tears.
You: nice to see happy endings.
Kirito: *he chuckles*
Just then, the door is burst open.
?: Liz!
Lisbeth: A-asuna?
Asuna: where were you all this time?! *she says as she hugs her tightly* I tried messaging you but you didn't answer and I couldn't find you on the map.
Lisbeth: Uh, sorry… I kind of got stuck in a dungeon.
Asuna: D-dungeon? Are you okay?
Lisbeth: Y-yeah, I wasn't alone, I was with them.
Asuna then turns around and sees us standing right behind her.
You: hey there.
Asuna: you guys! I was looking everywhere for you too!
Koharu: sorry about that, we had a bit of trouble but we managed.
Asuna: you too Kirito?
Kirito: Y-yeah, hey Asuna, long time no see, it's been like what? Two days.
Asuna: Well this is a surprise, I didn't know you guys wanted to check Lisbeth's new shop, you all should have told me, I would have come with you.
You: We didn't know if you were busy so we just decided to check out ourselves. That and we were just trying to get some climbing gear.
Asuna: climbing gear?
Koharu: it's a long story.
Lisbeth: anyways, Kirito just wanted to get a new sword so I offered to help him out on gathering the right materials.
Asuna: Oh I see, I am sorry for any kind of trouble he may have caused you.
Kirito: E-excuse me! You know you could show a little more compassion, I almost got killed by a dragon.
Asuna: Like that's my fault, don't I always tell you not to go flying solo?
Lisbeth: *she giggles*
You: what's so funny?
Lisbeth: I just find it funny how much the two four of you are alike.
You, Kirito, Asuna and Koharu: Alike?
Lisbeth: *she bursts out laughing* you see! It's always good to see you guys smiling *she huddles Asuna and Koharu* "Whisper" "Whisper"
Koharu and Asuna: H-huh?! We would never!
Lisbeth: Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourselves that. Well anyways, I gotta go, I need to get more items for my shop, I will see you all later!
Asuna: W-wait! Liz!
Koharu: what's gotten into her?
Kirito: Hmm… *he grabs my shoulder* Hey… maybe you should go talk to her.
You: Hmm… well, I guess I can try, but I don't know what I'll do.
After that, I proceeded to search Lisbeth to see if she was okay. It wasn't that hard to find her. Just around the corner of the exit of the town, there was a small bridge in where I found her with her legs huddled up.
You: Hey there…
Lisbeth: how did you find me?
You: *I then point to a watchtower* I used that watchtower to scan the entire town, eventually I found you here.
Lisbeth: heh… figures…
You: you might as well tell me what's going on.
Lisbeth: *she sighs* I wish I could have been braver...
You: what do you mean?
Lisbeth: all I ever wanted… was to be brave… so I could tell you how I feel…
You: How you feel?
Lisbeth: yes… ever since that day, you have been on my mind… I wanted to see you again and tell you how grateful I am that you gave me that advice… it's not fair that you found someone special… I wanted to be that someone.
You: L-Liz… are you saying…?
Lisbeth: yes… I am… I feel the same way as them…
You: why didn't you tell me that sooner?
Lisbeth: because I knew you wouldn't feel the same way. You have Koharu now… there is nothing I can do to change that… and yet… my heart just won't give you up. *she stands up* so listen to me carefully… you told me that I shouldn't give up on what I want… and that is exactly what I am going to do… *she walks right up to me* I am not going to give you up… I know it sounds stupid but I've made up my mind…
After a few seconds, the breeze flutters the leaves and her hair and all I can see, is a quick reaction of her as I sense a soft sensation on my cheek.
You: Uh… you… you…
Lisbeth: that was a thank you… for saving me… *she turns around* remember our side of the deal, I will never forgive you *she says with a proud smile* Bye! *she begins heading back to town*
You: Uh… *I feel my cheek* Liz… I won't forget… even if I can't grant you this one wish… I will let you be my personal blacksmith. And maybe one day… I can grant you the wish… even if it's just momentarily. Until then, keep your chin up… after all…
This is the beginning of a new story…
To be continued…
Next chapter... the 61 floor... be sure to leave your ideas ;)