Warmth of the Heart

June 24th, 2024 - 48th Floor: Lindas

~Third POV~

Lisbeth: "That should do it." Lisbeth was polishing Asuna's rapier and she was about finished

Asuna: "Thanks, Lis!"

Lisbeth: "My pleasure. Aren't you gonna go clearing with your guild today?"

Asuna: "I'm meeting with someone later, so I took the day off." Lisbeth saw the earing Asuna was wearing then smirked

Lisbeth: "So That's how it is, eh?" She nudges her

Asuna: "Wh-What?" The bell rang meaning it was time for Asuna to go

Asuna: "I need to get going!" She then went to go outside

Lisbeth: "You've found something important to you, huh." She muttered

Asuna: "Huh? Did you say something?"

Lisbeth: "Nope, nothing. Do your best, okay?" She teases

Asuna: "Jeez, it isn't like that! Anyway, see you later." She went out

...

Lisbeth: "I wonder if I can find something too."

~Hikari POV~

Hikari: "So Kirito... Why are we going to a blacksmith?"

I was grinding for materials as usual when Kirito called me and asked if I was free. Since I have the materials I needed I went with him to kill time

Kirito: "I'm going to get a new sword and you need a new dagger right? So Asuna recommended me to go to her shop."

Hikari: "Sure I need a new dagger but Isn't your elucidator fine? Why do you need a new sword?" I questioned but he dodged the question but obviously, I knew why

Kirito: "We're here."

Hikari: 'Well here goes.' Another episode is starting

We entered the shop and Kirito and I were just inspecting the different weapons that were on display

Hikari: 'I don't really need any new weapons since I can just make them on my own thanks to the smithing skill I maxed out. Although I do need one for my dagger the materials are annoying to grind though.'

Measuring Blade

I was still wearing my old clothes as I can just enhance them to make them on par with Kirito's stats

We both heard the door opened and Lisbeth was just coming out

Lisbeth: "Welcome to Lisbeth's Smith Shop!"

Kirito: "Well, uh... We'd like to place an order for a custom-made weapon."

Lisbeth inspected the two of us and thinks if we can even afford it

Lisbeth: "You know, the price for metals has increased recently, so..."

Kirito: "Don't worry about the cost. I'd just like the best sword you can make."

Lisbeth: "That's a bit vague..."

Lisbeth: "How about you?" She asks me

Hikari: "Can you make a dagger that's balanced in power and speed?"

Lisbeth: "Oh... I don't have any daggers right now sorry..."

Hikari: 'Well that's a bummer. Guess I should just grind then.'

Hikari: "Oh... It's fine besides I was just tagging along with him."

Kirito: "Then, how about something that's at least on par with this sword?" He handed her the sword and as soon as she grabs her hands drop to the counter since it was heavy

Lisbeth: "Huh? The Elucidator? Out of all the swords available from monster drops. This one's so good it can be considered a cursed sword."

Hikari: "You don't need to do it if you can't make it." She then thinks for a while and grabs another sword

Lisbeth: "How about this? Amongst all the weapons I've made, it's the cream of the crop." She hands it to Kirito

Kirito does a few test swings and knew it was too light

Kirito: "Feels a bit light."

Hikari: "Umm. Did the metal you used was perhaps speed-type in making this sword?"

Lisbeth: "Yes actually you're right how did you know?"

Hikari: "It's just a guess." Well no actually I know every type of metal in this game ever since I started leveling my smithing skill and also she said it in the show

Kirito: "Mind if I test it out?"

Lisbeth: "Test it?"

Hiakri: 'Oh boy...'

Kirito: "The durability, that is." He then takes out his own sword and prepares to hit his own sword with Lisbeth's masterpiece

Lisbeth: "Hold it! If you do that, your sword will break!"

Hikari: "I don't think this is a good idea Kirito..." He ignores it

Kirito: "We'll cross that bridge when we get there." He then powers it up and...

It breaks when it hit his own sword

...

The end piece dropped to the ground and disintegrated

After that Lisbeth screams at the death of her best sword and instantly takes the other part from Kirito but sadly it disintegrates as well

Lisbeth: "Irreparable..." She drops to the ground

Hikari: "Ahaha..."

Kirito: "Uh..."

Lisbeth: "What were you thinking?!" She then grabs Kirito

Kirito: "S-Sorry! I didn't imagine that your sword would be the one to break!"

Lisbeth: "So you're saying that my sword was weaker than you expected?"

Kirito: "Uh..." He looks at me for help

I sighed

Hikari: "Um I'm pretty sure he didn't mean that. I think what he means to say was that... Yeah pretty much."

Hikari: 'Even I could make a sword that could break hers...'

Lisbeth: "Grr... For your information, If I had the materials, I'd be able to make countless swords that could snap yours in two, no problem!" I tried to calm her down

Hikari: "Now now calm down your sword was pretty good right Kirito-"

Kirito: "Really, now? I'd love that. A sword that could snap mine in two." Lisbeth grew even angrier and I looked at him

Hikari: 'This guy will be the death of me...' I gave him an annoyed look

Lisbeth: "I-If you're going to say that much, you'll be helping me with everything!"

Kirito: "Everything?"

Lisbeth: "Yep. Starting from getting the metal."

Kirito: "We can go by ourselves. Bringing you along would only slow us down, after all."

Hikari: 'Wait, we?'

Lisbeth: "Quit belittling me, will you? I'm a smith, but I'm also a master mace user."

Kirito: "Really?"

Hikari: "Wait when did I ever agree on helping you?"

Kirito: "The metal can also be used on making your dagger right?"

Hikari: "I mean yes it can but-"

Kirito: "Then it's no problem."

Hikari: 'I do need that metal but I don't want to get involved in this episode.'

After much thinking it's much better to go with him since it's much quicker

Hikari: "Fine... I'll go."

Hikari: "So where is this metal?" I ask

Lisbeth: "On the 55th Floor, there's a mountain to the west, home to a dragon that lives off crystals. Rumors have it that it builds up a rare metal inside its body."

Kirito: "The 55th Floor, huh... We really sh-"

Lisbeth: "Apparently, to get the metal, you need a master smith nearby. Still plan on going?"

Hikari: 'I mean we can since I'm also a master smith...'

Hikari: "let's just bring her with us I'm sure it's not going be much of a big deal."

Kirito thinks for a moment then looks at her to see her smug face

It was obvious that she won

Kirito: "Fine just stay behind us where it's safe, okay?"

Lisbeth: "Hey, you..."

Kirito: "My name's Kirito. And this person beside me is Hikari" I waved

Hikari: "Heya."

Kirito: "Guess the three of us will be working together until our weapons are done."

Lisbeth: "Sure, Ki-ri-to."

Kirito: "Getting informal right off the bat? Not that I mind. Lis-beth." Lisbeth get's annoyed and I punched him in the arm

Kirito: "Ow."

Hikari: "Don't make it worse than it already is!"

Hikari: "Sorry just ignore him Lisbeth. I hope the three of us can get along."

Lisbeth: "Hmph."

Hikari: 'Great... At least she isn't mad at me.'

55th Floor: Western Mountain

We were walking to the location of the dragon and I see Lisbeth is freezing

Lisbeth: "Achoo! Ngh..."

Hikari: "You alright Lisbeth?"

Lisbeth: "It's cold..."

Kirito: "You didn't bring any extra clothes?"

Lisbeth: "I didn't know the 55th Floor was a frozen wasteland!"

Hikari: "I'm sure Kirito has some extra clothes to spa-" I get interrupted

Kirito: "Hikari you still have that jacket you made right?"

Hikari: "H-Huh? Um yes, I still have it."

Kirito: "Why don't you let her have it?"

Hikari: "Wait but don't you have your old cloak last year?"

Kirito: "Hikari we both know that the clothes you make are warm I even asked you to make me one."

Hikari: "But..." I looked at Lisbeth who's freezing from the cold I sighed in defeat and took out the jacket I made in my inventory and hand it to her

Hikari: "Here this should keep you warm." I got the design from SAO Integral Factor so it was easy to make

Lisbeth: "Thank you." She takes it

Lisbeth: "But don't you need this?" She asks

Hikari: "No besides I can make more so it doesn't really bother me."

Kirito: "She's also a lot more disciplined than you are." He continues walking

Lisbeth: "Annoying, every step of the way."

Hikari: "Just ignore him." She was in the middle of putting my jacket on and I was walking behind Kirito and I didn't hear what she said behind me

Lisbeth: "...It's warm."

Lisbeth was just standing so I decided to check up on her

Hikari: "Is something wrong Lisbeth?"

Kirito: "Maybe she's already tired out."

Lisbeth: "I've got plenty left in me! Also, you two might as well cut it short and just call me "Lis"."

Kirito: "Okay, whatever, Lis."

Lisbeth: "Drop the attitude!"

Hikari: 'Oh boy this will be a long day.'

~Timeskip~

After we reached the location Lisbeth was admiring the view and by 'view' I mean the amount of crystals that were around the area

Lisbeth: "it's beautiful!" She was going to go in further but Kirito stopped her

Lisbeth: "What was that for?"

Kirito: "Get a teleport crystal ready."

Lisbeth: "Yeah, yeah."

Hikari: "Sorry Liz it's just an extra precaution."

Kirito: "Also, leave this next bit to us. Once the dragon appears, hide behind some nearby crystals. Don't come out no matter what."

Lisbeth: "Why? I'm no amateur, so you two could use my help."

Kirito: "Stay back!" He shouted and Lisbeth was surprised by this and I sighed

Hikari: 'I mean I won't blame him ever since the incident it's pretty much a rule we added that we won't be in parties or guilds.'

Hikari: "It's not like your weak and all but it is still a strong enemy and the two of us have experience on dealing with these type of enemies. So can you please leave this to us?"

...

Lisbeth: "Okay..."

Kirito: "Alright. Let's get going then." Kirito continued walking

...

Hikari: 'Wait what... Why didn't he pat her head?' I look at Lis and I see her face was still a bit sad

Hikari: "Don't worry about it." I held her shoulder and she looks at me

Lisbeth: "Huh?" She was a bit surprised at the sudden touch

Hikari: "I'm sure your really strong maybe next time when we encounter another mob you'll handle it alright?" I smiled at her then continued walking

What I noticed was that she still standing there thinking about something

Hikari: 'What. But I didn't pat her head so wh-'

*ROAR*

My thought was interrupted when all we heard a loud roar

Hikari: "The dragon is coming..."

Kirito: "Hide over there!"

Lisbeth: "Got it!" She went behind to some crystals to hide

The Dragon appeared right in front of us and the both of us got ready with our swords

Kirito: "You ready Hikari?"

Hikari: "You bet I am."

The dragon was charging up an attack

Lisbeth: "It's a breath attack! Watch out!" The Dragon then released its attack and blows fire towards us

Hikari: 'Let's get this over with.' The two of us powered up our swords and swing it at the fire

...

It did nothing to us as we blocked it

Hikari: 'Huh I expected to lose some HP but it didn't even dent it.'

Kirito: "Let's go"

Hikari: "Alright!" We then charged at the dragon

~Lisbeth POV~

I was hiding behind some pillars with my mace out just in case something happens and I see the two rushing in to attack the dragon

Lisbeth: "Amazing... With such a small weapon... Who exactly are these two?

~Hikari POV~

*Slash* *Slash*

Hikari&Kirito: "HUAAAAGH!" We both cutted the two of its arms

Hikari: 'A couple more hits and it should be done.'

Lisbeth: "C'mon, hurry up and end it you two!"

Hikari: "Why are you out of your hiding spot! Get back!" The Dragon then found another target and aims at Lisbeth

Hikari: 'Damnit!'

Lisbeth: "What? It's almost over, isn't it-." The dragon then does a wing attack and blows a strong wind at Lisbeth which causes her to go high up in the air and it knocked her over to a giant hole then she falls down

Hikari&Kirito: "Lis!" I was too focused on her so I didn't pay attention so the Dragon took its chance and does another wing attack which I couldn't react to it in time and I was knocked over to the large hole

Kirito: "Hikari!" He tried to go and catch us

Hikari: 'Damnit that took a large amount of HP.' I looked at my HP bar and I was in the Yellow I then heard Lisbeth scream

Lisbeth: "You're kidding! No!" She was scared of falling to her death

Hikari: 'She won't survive that fall... I have no choice but to tank the damage.'

Hikari: "Hold on Lis!" I caught her by the hand and hugged her straight to my body so I can absorb the damage that will come

Lisbeth: "Huh!"

Kirito: "Hikari! Lis!" I hear him above that mean he is falling as well

We all then fell down to the hole

...

Lisbeth: "Ngh...Hikari?"

Hikari: "Ouch..." My HP was at the red and I sighed in relief she didn't take the fall damage

Kirito: "Hikari! Lis! You two okay?" He landed on the ground on his feet

Hikari: "Yes I'm fine how about you Lis?"

Lisbeth: "Yeah, I'm still okay." She got off me

Kirito: "Here drink this you two just in case."

Hikari: "Thanks."

Lisbeth: "Okay." Both of us drank the HP potion that was given by Kirito and we recovered our HP

While I was drinking I noticed Lis was staring at me for a bit

Hikari: "Umm is something wrong Lis?"

Lisbeth: "Uh, thanks... for saving me."

Hikari: "Oh it's fine really. But I think we're still not safe yet."

Kirito: "Yeah the three of us still need to get out of here."

Lisbeth: "Huh? Why don't we just teleport?" She then takes out a teleport crystal

Lisbeth: "Teleport to Lindas!"

...

Nothing happened

Lisbeth: "No way!"

Hikari: "If crystals aren't working then..."

Kirito: "There should be another way out of here." I nodded

Lisbeth: "How can you two be so sure? This could be a trap designed to leave players to die!"

Kirito: "Oh, That's true." Her hopes went down

Lisbeth: "You know, you two could at least try to cheer me up!"

Kirito: "I've got an idea."

Lisbeth: "Really?"

Hikari: "What's your idea Kirito?"

Kirito: "Yep. We run up the walls." We both deadpan at him

...

Lisbeth: "Idiot."

Hikari: "I have to agree with her Kirito your idea isn't going to work. Your running on a wall that's made out of ice."

Kirito: "Idiot or not, there's only one way to find out." He then proceeds to build up speed and jumps up and runs up on the wall

Lisbeth: "Whoa."

Hikari: "Watch him fall down to the ground." And as soon as I said that Kirito slips

Kirito: "Oh..." He then proceeds to fall down

Kirito: "AHHHHH!" He goes through the snow leaving a mark on the ground

Hikari: "Like I said you're running on a wall that's made out of ice." He then crawls back up out of the hole he made

Kirito: "Oh quit it. If I had the space to make a longer approach, I'd have had it."

Lisbeth: "Don't kid yourself."

~Timeskip~

Since it was getting late we all decided to sleep for the night so we all got in our sleeping bags

Lisbeth: "This is all so bizarre. This would never happen in the real world. Staying somewhere I've never been before, with some stranger, us three sleeping next to each other... And you even tried to run up a wall."

Hikari: "Which was made out of ice."

Kirito: "You're never going to let that down will you?"

Lisbeth: "You're a real weirdo."

Kirito: "Sorry if you don't approve." She chuckles a bit more

Kirito: "I'm going to bed see you two in the morning." He then proceeds to sleep

Hikari: "Yeah good night Kirito, we should do the same Lis." I then try to go to sleep when Lis asked me something

Lisbeth: "Hey, Hikari. Can I ask you something?"

Hikari: 'Huh? I thought she would ask Kirito not me.'

Hikari: "Sure what is it?"

Lisbeth: "Why did you save me back there?"

Hikari: "That's an easy question Lis. And the answer is because I wanted to."

Lisbeth: "You wanted to?"

Hikari: "Let's just say if there's somebody that needs help I'll help them whenever I can. And another answer is that you're my friend Lis."

Lisbeth: "We're friends?"

Hikari: "Of course we are I mean we're doing this quest to get the metal and were sleeping together right now doesn't it already mean we're friends? And since your my friend I wanted to save you isn't that a good reason?" I smiled

Lisbeth: "Maybe..."

...

Lisbeth: "Hey, can you hold my hand?" She took her hand out

Hikari: 'Wait what?' I looked at her face and she seems like she wants me to hold her hand

Hikari: 'Where's Kirito?' I looked at him and see he was sleeping I then sighed

Hikari: "Alright." I held her hand and she grasp mine

Lisbeth: "It's warm... I know the three of us are just data in a virtual world, but..."

I just listened to her and then she smiled at me till she fell asleep

...

~The Next Day~

After it was morning I was just helping Kirito dig up the snow we were too concentrated that we didn't notice Lisbeth was waking up

Lisbeth: "Nghhh..... Huh?" I didn't notice this but she was staring at me for a while

Lisbeth: "What's up you two?"

Hikari: "Oh hey Lis you're awake."

Kirito: "Here, look." He shows her the metal we dugged up and she checks it

Lisbeth: "Is this... what I think it is?"

Hikari: "Yep it's the metal we're looking for and we found two of them."

Kirito: "The dragon eats the crystals, and refines them inside its belly...Heh, that's why we couldn't find it." He hands her one of the metal and she takes it

Lisbeth: "Good find you two! But why was it here of all places?"

Hikari: "That's because it isn't a trap like you said, it's the dragon's den."

Lisbeth: "H-Huh?"

Kirito: "What she means is, those two ingots are the dragon's excretion it's poop." She then looks at the metal and at us for a few seconds before realizing what's shes touching

Lisbeth: "Oh...Huh?!" She tosses the metal back to Kirito and he catches it

Kirito: "Well, at any rate, we got what we came for. Now all that's left is..." Lisbeth was thinking that she actually touched poop

Lisbeth: "Hey, you two said that this is the dragon's, right?"

Kirito: "Yeah."

Lisbeth: "The dragon's supposed to be nocturnal, so that means that it should..."

Hikari: "Oh..." The three of us then looked up to see...

Lisbeth: "It's here!"

*ROAR*

Hikari: 'You just had to jinx it...'

Kirito: "Hikari can you carry Lis? Just follow my lead okay?"

Hikari: "You got it. Sorry Lis." I then proceed to carry Lis

Lisbeth: "H-Hey, wha-"

Hikari: "Do it now Kirito!"

Kirito: "On it!" He then uses his sword to make a cloud of dust

The dragon landed to see nothing

Hikari: "This better work Kirito." The two of us were running up the wall with Lis still being carried by me and was screaming

Kirito: "Now!"

Hikari: "You better hold on tight Lis!"

We then jumped off and stabbed our swords at the dragon

*ROAR*

It then flew up out of the den leading the three of us out

It's like we were on a rollercoaster it was going fast

Kirito: "We're almost out!" A few more seconds later we got out of the hole but as soon as the dragon stops our swords didn't stick to the body anymore

Hikari: "Oh no..."

We were screaming when we flew up high in the sky but we stopped when we saw the view

Hikari: 'Woah...'

Lisbeth: "Amazing!" She looks at me but I smiled at her

Lisbeth: "Hikari! You know I..."

Hikari: "Huh what is it?"

Lisbeth: "I -o -u, -kari!"

Hikari: 'I can't hear her.'

Hikari: "Wait Lis what did you say? I can't hear you properly!" I was hoping she would repeat what she would say but instead, she just hugged me

Lisbeth: "It's nothing!" She starts laughing and I just shrugged

Hikari: "Kirito you okay there?"

Kirito: "Yeah I'm fine!"

Hikari: 'At least we're all safe now it's time to go back.'

June 25th, 2024 - 48th: Floor Lindas

After the three of us returned Lis gets ready to make our weapons

Lisbeth: "You want a one-handed long sword right?"

Kirito: "Yep."

Lisbeth: "And it's fine if it's a short dagger Hikari?"

Hikari: "Mhm. we'll leave it to you."

*Cling* *Cling*

Lisbeth starts to make Kirito's new swords first I can see in her face that she's really determined

Hikari: 'Does this mean she likes Kirito? If so yes!' I cheered internally

After a few more hits the Ingot formed into a sword

Lisbeth: "It's called the Dark Repulsor. Considering it's my first time seeing this. I doubt it's listed in the information broker's directory. Give it a swing."

Kirito: "Okay." Kirito then starts to do a few test swing and I can see its heavy which means it has more power

Lisbeth: "So?"

Kirito: "It's heavy. It's a good sword."

Lisbeth: "Good. Alright now it's time for your dagger."

Hikari: "Yes!" I was wondering what the dagger would look like when Lis started to form my new dagger

*Cling* *Cling*

Another few more hits and the ingot formed into a dagger and it looks like I recognize it

Assassin's Dagger

Hikari: 'It's Koharus dagger.' Lisbeth then checks the dagger

Lisbeth: "It's called the Assassin's Dagger. It's also my first time seeing this weapon so I also doubt it's not listed in the Information Broker's directory either. Can you test it out?"

Hikari: "Sure!" I then tested it out by giving it a few swings and I was amazed

Hikari: 'This is even better than the previous daggers I made. The balance between speed and power is top-notch. I guess I still have a lot to learn even if my smithing skill is at the max level.'

Lisbeth: "H-How is it?"

Hikari: "It's amazing Lis this dagger is pretty well balanced. It's really great!"

Lisbeth: "Really?! Thank goodness."

Kirito: "Yeah it feels like you put your heart and soul into making these weapons." She then smiled

Kirito: "Well, with this, the job's done." We holstered our weapons

Hikari: "Yep so how much does it cost?"

Lisbeth: "Uh, well... You two don't have to pay."

Kirito&Hikari: "Eh?"

Lisbeth: "Instead... I want you two to make me your own exclusive blacksmith."

Hikari: 'Wait but I am a blacksmith...Hmm, I guess it can work out if I just make my weapons and Lis will maintain it.'

Kirito: "What do you mean?"

Hikari: "Lis?"

Lisbeth: "Wh-Whenever you two finish hunting in the fields, come here and let me maintain your equipment. Every day, from now on."

...

Hikari: "Of course we'll come here whenever we need you to fix our weapons right Kirito?"

Kirito: "Y-Yeah..."

Hikari: "Welp I got to go now see you guys." I then walked towards the door

Lisbeth: "Ah! Wait Hikari!" She called

Hikari: "Hm? What is it, Lis?" I turned to her

Lisbeth: "Hikari, I...I'm..." Before she could finish the three of us heard the door open

Asuna: "Lis! I was worried sick!"

Lisbeth: "A-Asuna?"

Asuna: "Lis!" She hugged Lisbeth ignoring the both of us

Asuna: "My messages didn't go through, and I couldn't locate you on the map. Just where were you last night?"

Hikari: 'Well I guess it would make sense she would be worried since these two are close.'

Lisbeth: "S-Sorry. I was stuck in a dungeon for a bit."

Asuna: "A dungeon? You, by yourself?"

Lisbeth: "No, I went with these two." She points to us."

Asuna: "Huh?"

Hikari: "Hi." I waved

Asuna: "Huh!? Hikari?!, Ki-Kirito-kun?!"

Hikari: 'Ahh so she does like him. She didn't stutter when she said my name but it's not the same for Kirito.'

Kirito: "W-Well, Asuna... Long time no see."

Hikari: "By long time you mean by two days right?"

Kirito: "Ah yeah I guess it hasn't been that long."

Asuna: "You two surprised me! I see. So you already dropped by. But I didn't think you would be here Hikari."

Hikari: "Well Kirito suggested I go with him so I agreed."

Asuna: "Oh well if you two had let me know, I would've tagged along."

Hikari: 'But I don't have you on my friend's list.'

Lisbeth: "Wait. Do you three know each other?"

Hikari: "Ah right she doesn't know."

Kirito: "Well, the three of us are a part of the clearing group." Her eyes widened

Asuna: "He said he wanted a powerful sword, so I pointed him to your shop. I also heard that Hikari wanted a new dagger but she wasn't on my friend's list so I asked Kirito to tell her for me when he finds her."

Hikari: "Ah so that's why you asked me to come."

Lisbeth: "Is that so..."

Asuna: "I hope you two didn't do anything weird to my friend."

Hikari: "First of all I never do anything weird if you want to accuse someone accuse Kirito of doing something weird instead of me."

Kirito: "W-Wait what as if I would!"

Asuna: "Your stuttering's not helping your case."

Hikari: "How suspicious..."

Kirito: "Wait! Hikari knows right? T-Tell her I didn't do anything!"

Hikari: "Ahh well you see I don't remember what happened yesterday."

Kirito: "Oh come on. The three of us nearly died yesterday, so it wouldn't hurt for you to cut me some slack!"

Hikari: "I mean he does have a point we DID nearly die yesterday."

Asuna: "And that's why I kept telling you two to not try to handle everything by yourselves." She turned to Lis

Asuna: "This guy didn't say anything rude to you, did he?"

We were waiting for her answer but she stayed silent with a face of depression

Asuna: "Lis?"

...

Hikari: "Lis you okay?" I touched her shoulder and in response, she went back to reality

Lisbeth: "Rude's an understatement! This guy snapped the best sword I had into two pieces!"

Asuna: "What! S-Sorry.."

Lisbeth: "It's not something you should be apologizing for, Asuna." What she said next caught me off guard

Lisbeth: "Well these two are a bit weird, but they aren't bad people. I'll be rooting for you, so do your best, Asuna!"

Asuna: "Wait I'm telling you, it's not what you think! Lis?"

Hikari: 'Wait, what! She has the wrong idea Asuna loves Kirito not me!'

Lisbeth: "Sorry, I need to stock up on supplies, so I'll be out for a bit!"

Asuna: "What about the shop?"

Lisbeth: "I'll count on you three to keep an eye on it!"

Asuna: "What? Wait, Lis!" She went out

Hikari: 'Well I should wait for Kirito to talk with Lis, for now, I'll just stick around here.' That is what I was going to do but Kirito tapped me on the shoulder and whispered into my ear

Kirito: "Can you go talk to her I feel like she's hiding something."

Hikari: "Wait what but why me?"

Kirito: "I feel like you know how to talk to people so can you do me a favor and check her?" I then think for a moment then agreed

Hikari: "Alright fine I'll see how she's doing until then..." I got close to his ear

Hikari: "Good luck being alone with Asuna."

Kirito: "Wait what! No, I-" Before he could finish I went outside of the shop to try and find Lis

Hikari: 'I know where she is so I'll just walk.'

...

After walking for a while I found her sitting beside a bridge looking depressed

Hikari: "Hey Lis."

Lisbeth: "Why did you come this early..." she stood up

Lisbeth: "If you came a bit later... I would've been able to go back to being my usual, cheerful self."

Hikari: "Lis you know that I can see through your facade If you were acting.'

Lisbeth: "How did you find me?"

Hikari: "It's just a hunch really I just got lucky."

Lisbeth: "Honestly, you do something that nobody would do." She started walking

Hikari: "So what's up Lis?"

Lisbeth: "No I'm fine. I think I just got a bit shaken up with all the sudden adventures. So... Just... forget... everything I said."

Hikari: "You know I can't do that Lis." I crouch beside her

Lisbeth: "Huh?"

Hikari: "Remember what I said back at the dungeon? You're my friend and I help my friends whenever I can. And I really meant that so if you are in trouble or you're not doing okay I'll help you.

Lisbeth: "Hikari..."

Hikari: "And I was really glad we made it out when we were in that hole I think this is what Kirito told me about everyone was living for the sake of living. So again if you aren't feeling me just tell me and I would help you in whatever I can alright Lis?"

...

Lisbeth: "You know... I was constantly searching for it. Something real in this world. And for me, that was the warmth of your hand."

...

Lisbeth: "Tell this to Kirito and Asuna too."

Hikari: "Lis are you sure your-'

Lisbeth: "I'm fine. For a little longer, this warmth will remain. So... please." I see a tear on her eyes

Lisbeth: "Bring an end to this world. Until then, I'll keep doing my best." I sighed

Hikari: "You got it Lis the rest of us will clear this game no matter what and that's a promise." I smiled

Lisbeth: "If your weapons or armor ever need repairs, you know where to go."

I nodded and she then turns to me with a smile on her face

Lisbeth: "The Lisbeth Smith Shop awaits your next visit!"