Sword Art Online- From a Solo Player to a Survivor

Chapter 12: The Red Flame's Cry

(July 8th, 2024. Floor 48: Outskirts of Lindas, Mid-day)

(Martin's POV)

Slash!

I had just defeated a small goblin. It shattered apart as I gained my loot and exp. I began to sheathe my sword as I stared up at the sky. I was still part of the Sunbreakers, but I was able to get a week off since Darvanshel said he, 'Doesn't have any work for me.' What should I do? I've been farming ever since I got a week vacation. I was now level 86. I groaned while looking at my level. Leveling up takes forever when you're a high level.

I began to lay down on the grass, sighing. I don't remember the last time I met with Anisa. I still get messages from her time to time so at least that shows me she's still alive. How much longer until this game is over? I think the assault team is somewhere around floors 69 to 71? I'm not sure.

I then, stood up. "I should head back into the town. My sword has been getting a bit dull so maybe the blacksmith can sharpen it up." I said to myself, walking into the town called Lindas.

(Location: Lindas)

I wandered around the small town, looking for that blacksmith's shop. Then, I found it. "Lizbeth's Smith Shop." I read the name of the building out loud before entering the building.

"Hello! Welcome to Lizbeth's Smith Shop!" I was greeted by a cheerful female. She seemed to have pink hair and eyes, her blacksmith uniform looked more like a waitress's uniform than a blacksmith uniform. The uniform was a dark red top with puffed sleeves and a flared skirt of the same color as well as a pure white apron over it and a ribbon at the top of her chest.

"What can I do for ya?" She asks me. She seemed a bit too cheerful, which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I scratched the back of my head as I took out my sword. "I'm wondering if you could sharpen my sword a bit. It's starting to get a little bit dull." I requested while approaching the counter. "Sure! Can I see your sword?" She asked. I nodded and placed my sword, Ascendant Blade, on the counter.

The blacksmith then, began to inspect the blade. While she was inspecting it, I was gazing at some of the weapons on display. I then, faced her after hearing her gasp. "W-Where did you get this!? T-There's no available material to upgrade this sword and that's unheard of!" I scratched the back of my head. 'Do the Sunbreakers want to be commonly known? No, I don't think so...' I quickly thought to myself. "Err..I got it from a rare quest completion." I lied.

She then got close. A little too close. "Hmm...that indicator right besides your HP bar...you're part of the Sunbreakers aren't you?" She asked. "Err..." I remained silent. What am I suppose to say?

As soon as I was about to say something, a message popped up in front of me. "From Darvanshel?" I muttered to myself. "Excuse me, but this is a message from one of my..err...associates.." I said to her while backing up. It was an audio message, so I pressed play. "Martin, this is Darvanshel. I fully understand that you are off duties but Claire has ran off to the Western Mountain on Floor 55. She's going to fight one of the major field bosses that are designed for multiple parties alone. I need you to bring her back safely at all costs. Other members are also going to search for her so if you encounter them, join up with them and bring Claire back. She may be strong but that monster she's after will easily defeat her. This is an order." The message spoke in Darvanshel's voice.

I looked back at the girl and she seemed to be in complete shock. "Y-You're...Martin?! The solo player who soloed the first 10 floors!?" She asked me in shock. "Yes, now I need to get going, bye!" I quickly said, taking back my sword and leaving the shop. "W-Wait!!" She shouted. I ignored her, continuing to exit the building and taking out a teleportation crystal. "Teleport! Western Mountain!!" I shouted as I then, teleported.