Turning Back the Clock

Chapter 7: The Assembling of the Team

Soon after dismissing everyone, Lisbeth approaches the group.

Ui: Hello, Lisbeth.

Lisbeth: Uh...hello. What's this all about?

Riko: Well, before we go any further, we would like to get something off of our chests. What we're about to tell you might sound crazy and unreal, but we swear that we'll be telling you the truth. Also, whatever we tell you, you must promise not to tell anyone. Promise?

Lis: And why exactly should I promise or commit to whatever you guys are doing?

Riko: Because you can actually help us save everyone in SAO and eventually complete the game.

Lis: Ooh. Ok. Then I promise.

Riko: *taking a deep breath* So....we're from the future. Please don't walk away. We are actually from the future.

Ui: We were sent to save everyone trapped here in SAO, including you.

Lis: Like to help us escape?

Riko: Not only that, but to hopefully prevent anybody from dying.

Lis: Hmm...if you're from the future, then tell me this. Did people die from this game?

Riko: Yes. Thousands of players.

Lis: That's horrible. D-Did I die?

Riko: No.

Lis: Oh, thank goodness. And finally, what's my real name.

Inventor: Rika Shinozaki.

Riko: Rika Shinozaki.

Lis: Well, I'll play along with your future claims for now, I guess.

Ui: Everything will become clearer later down the line. Don't worry.

Lis: Ok.

Kiyu: Anyway, we called you over because we would like to help you open a blacksmith shop.

Lis: ...How did you know that I was looking to open one? I haven't told anyone.

Kez: Future?

Lis: Oh, right.

Ui: In the future, you're known for making any sword or weapon under the sun.

Kez: So, using our own tools and your knowledge of blacksmithing and building weapons, we can team up.

Lis: Sounds tempting. I'm listening.

Ui: I saw a small, desolate building towards the outskirts of town. I figured we can set up there.

Lis: Ok. But I think the game and the players are starting to adapt a currency system. I don't know if it was already there to begin with, but anyway, we need to hurry before anyone else ends up fighting over the building and competing for its deed.

Kez: Sounds like a plan. Let's go.

After setting up in the building, Lis watched in awe as they demonstrated their tools and weapons to her.

Ui: We can make blueprints for all of these so that any of us can make them.

Lis: Is all technology in the future this advanced?

Kez: Yep.

Lis: I'm no longer afraid of the future.

The group laughed as they continued the transformation of the building into the new (and improved) "Lisbeth's Blacksmith Shop."

Lis: So are we selling these Universal Duplicators to other players?

Riko: I think that's unlikely. I'm thinking of mainly using these for mass-production purposes here at the shop, though that might change in the near-future. We'll see.

Lis: Ok. Sounds good to me.

The group also built a small bulletin board to assemble the various groups that Kiyu listed during the town briefing: the Knights, the ALF, flyers, and a group to search for someone very important.