Sword Art Online: Fire and Forge

Fire and Forge part 2

November 2, 2024

48th floor of Aincrad, Lisbeth's shop

Klein, leaning against the counter with an animated expression, recounted his daring encounter with the Gleam Eyes alongside Kirito. "You should've seen it, Lisbeth! Kirito was unbelievable with those swords of his. And me? I was right there with him, slashing through that behemoth like a storm!"

Lisbeth, polishing a freshly crafted sword, glanced up, her eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "I didn't even know you were part of that fight. You and Kirito, huh?" She chuckled, setting the sword aside. "Speaking of Kirito, I bet he never told you about the Dark Repulser. You know, the one I crafted especially for him?"

Klein's eyes widened. "Wait, that was your work? I knew you were good, Lisbeth, but crafting the Dark Repulser? I had no idea that Lisbeth the Lizard-Crusher had such a masterpiece under her belt!"

Lisbeth's movements came to a halt, and she shot Klein a sharp look. "Lizard-Crusher? Where on earth did you get that nickname from?"

Klein grinned sheepishly. "I thought it sounded pretty cool, you know, from that time you smashed that giant rock lizard for materials."

"D-Don't call me that!" Lisbeth protested, jumping out of her chair, and pointing an accusing finger at Klein. "That's not the kind of nickname I want. Are you trying to ruin my reputation and my business with such a crazy title?"

Klein, waved his hands in front of him, tripping over his words in a rush to apologize. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! How about this, from now on, you'll be Lisbeth the Legendary Goddess Master Blacksmith of all 100 Floors. How does that sound?"

"Hmm, it's a start. Maybe you could add a bit more embellishment next time though," Lisbeth mused, finally sitting back down, her irritation fading.

Klein, feeling the atmosphere in the shop lighten, grinned mischievously. "You know, I've been thinking about how to catch up with Kirito. Maybe I'll unlock some sort of ultimate skill next, even beyond my katana skill! Maybe something like tri-wielding!" he mused.

In a dramatic flourish, he placed his sword between his teeth, mimicking a famous swordsman, and in a swift motion, grabbed a broom from a passing NPC to use as a makeshift second sword. The NPC, a young girl, gasped in shock.

"Th-thief!" she exclaimed, her hands reaching out in a futile attempt to reclaim her broom.

Fully committed to his performance, he ignored her protests and held his scabbard in his other hand as the third sword, striking a pose he believed was the epitome of coolness.

Lisbeth watched the scene unfold with an amused smirk. "Yeah... I don't think that's going to happen," she commented dryly, her skepticism clear.

Accepting the unlikelihood of being able to pull off tri-wielding, Klein handed the broom back to the NPC. The girl puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, snatching her broom back before huffing out of the room, her displeasure as evident as the click of her shoes against the floor.

"I think you made my assistant mad, Klein," Lisbeth observed, a hint of laughter in her voice despite her attempt to sound stern.

"Ah, think so? My bad. I guess I owe her some sweets next time I drop by," Klein said, scratching his head in a gesture of apology.

"Sweets for her, huh? And what about me? I'm the one stuck dealing with your gear all the time. Don't I deserve a little something for all my hard work?" Lisbeth retorted, her hands finding their way to Klein's cheek, giving it a playful tug.

"Ow, ow, okay, okay! Sweets for you too, Lisbeth. Promise," Klein hurriedly assured her, his words muffled by the hand still on his face.

Satisfied, Lisbeth released him and crossed her arms, a smug smile on her lips. "Good. I'll be expecting something extra delicious, then. Don't disappoint me, Klein."

Rubbing his now free cheek, Klein couldn't help but chuckle. "Good grief, Lisbeth. You drive a hard bargain. But alright, you have my word. Extra delicious sweets coming your way."

Klein let out a long sigh, a mix of resignation and determination in his gaze. "Well, if I can't get a skill like tri-wielding, then I guess it's time to grind for some incredible gear instead," he said aloud, the idea seemingly sparking a new resolve within him.

Lisbeth, pausing in her work, glanced over at him, her expression thoughtful. "Some incredible gear, huh..." she said under her breath, her voice trailing off.

"Yeah, exactly. Do you know where I might be able to find some? What's the highest-level equipment you could craft for me?" Klein asked, his curiosity piqued as he leaned closer, eager to hear her answer.

Lisbeth hesitated for a moment before responding, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well actually... I might have something in stock already..." she admitted, her tone tinged with a mix of pride and embarrassment.

Curious, Klein watched as Lisbeth carefully retrieved a beautifully crafted red katana from the back of her shop.

"It's called... Devotion. I made it from the Heartstone." Lisbeth said her cheeks turning warm.

She offered it to him with a shy smile. Klein's eyes widened in surprise; his hands gingerly taking hold of the weapon as he marveled at its craftsmanship.

"Lisbeth! This sword is epic! But why would you use such a valuable stone on me? You went through a lot of work to get your hands on that." Klein asked, genuine curiosity lacing his voice as he inspected the katana, noting the aura of power emanating from it.

Lisbeth fidgeted, her embarrassment growing. "Well, I... I wanted to try making a one-handed sword, and, you know, the weapon creation process with a Heartstone is completely random," she explained, avoiding his gaze as she nervously brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Klein, understanding her dedication to her craft, nodded, and attempted to equip the katana. A tense silence fell over the shop as he focused, only to let out a resigned sigh.

"Lisbeth, this is without a doubt the most amazing weapon in the game that I've ever seen. In fact, it's probably the most top-tier katana a player could get," he said, admiration clear in his voice. "But it looks like I can't equip it. The skill proficiency requirement is 900, and my katana level is currently at 820."

A solemn moment passed between them before Klein, with a determined look, handed the katana back to Lisbeth. "Would you hold onto it for me? Once I'm truly worthy of this masterpiece, I want you to bestow it upon me. I promise I'll get my level up to 900 in no time!"

Lisbeth, touched by his resolve, nodded firmly. "Of course, Klein. I'll keep it safe until you're ready," she assured him, her voice steady.

As Klein left the shop, a new goal set firmly in his mind, Lisbeth watched him go with anticipation for the day he would return to claim the katana.