Arc 1 - Hollow
With only 25 floors remaining in the floating castle of Aincrad, Wilhelm, also known as Will, suddenly finds himself in an unknown area normally sealed off to players known as the Hollow Area. In doing so, he meets a girl named Philia...
(A/N - The first section of this chapter is Lisbeth-centric, and as I'm writing this, it is her birthday in my time zone. Happy Birthday Liz!)
The two of us continued to navigate through Trader's Way, looking for Lisbeth. I know for a fact that all I would have to do is look for a head of pink hair in the crowd, meaning she wouldn't be too difficult to spot. Eventually, we not only spotted pink, but also Liz in her entirety. She was standing in front of a shopfront which had been vacant the first time we got here. But that wasn't the main feature here.
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The familiar store sign we had come to know and love was hanging in all its glory, and we knew for sure that this means that her smithy was back in business. Not only that, but from what I can see looking into one of the windows, it looks like the inside was decked out with all sorts of blades and spears and all that. We were impressed with how much work she was able to do in just one month, and we began to approach her.
Kirito - Now that's what I call a shop!
Me - Yeah! You've really outdone yourself!
Liz - Hehe... You can say that again.
She soon turned toward us and excitedly made a grand announcement.
Liz - Welcome to the Grand Opening of my new shop!
She then propped the door open to let us in, and we excitedly went in. Funnily enough, the interior is kinda like how I remembered her old shop in Lindarth (on the 48th floor), decked with all sorts of weapons and all the blacksmithing equipment she'd ever need. The fact that she was able to do all this in a month is nothing short of impressive.
Me - So, lay it on me. How's business?
Liz - Not too bad considering that I literally just got it up and running.
Kirito - Well, I'm just glad that you were able to find a spot for your new shop.
Liz - It's a nice spot, isn't it? It may not have that water wheel like the last place, but I'm still quite happy with it.
Me - Yeah... I know you loved that water wheel very much. But, eh... Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made.
Liz - Right...
She then turned towards Kirito.
Liz - Now that I think about it, my old shop is where I made that one-handed broadsword for you, right? That ended up being my best creation thus far. The Dark Repulsor... a blade to drive out darkness. It was quite the weapon.
Kirito - Well, there's still quite a bit of darkness to fight in Aincrad, that much I can say. But I'm going to fight, and I will win! I still owe you one for making me that sword, Liz.
Liz was flabbergasted to say the least, feeling so moved by his words.
Liz - Oh, Kirito... Th-that sounded so devilishly dashing! You start saying stuff like that to the others and Asuna's gonna get jealous!
