6/25/2024
Floor 48
Hiro (POV)
I can't believe it's already been a year since that day. I know Sachi has already forgiven me but I can't seem to forgive myself. It won't go away. I have nightmares about it sometimes. Can't let that bother me right now because I'm on floor 48 to commission a new sword. I open the door to Lisbeth's blacksmith shop.
Hiro- Hello, where's my favorite blacksmith?
Liz comes from the back.

Liz- (blushes) Oh stop it. You're embarrassing.
Liz *mind*- My goodness! How can someone be that attractive and kind? He's mine one day.
Hiro- Hehe. How's it going Liz?
Liz- It's been going well. Kinda of a slow day. Only a few costumers.
Hiro- I here ya. It'll be like that sometimes.
Liz- So what will it be today? Need another sword sharpening?
Hiro- No. Actually I have something different in mind. I need to commission a new sword that's about the same strength as my own.
Liz- Same strength huh? I don't really have the materials currently.
The bell to the store rings.
Liz- Hold on a second. (Looks at person who entered the store) Welcome Lisbeth's blacksmith shop!
I take a look behind me to see what this person looked like and it was Kirito.
Hiro- Hey kirito! Long time no see!
Kirito- Awh sweet! What's up man!
We give each other a bro hug.
Hiro- So how's it going?
Kirito- It's been going good. (Whispers in hiro's ear) I've actually been hanging out a lot with Asuna these past few months.
Hiro- Niiiiccccceeee.
Kirito- So what are you doing here?
Hiro- I'm getting a new sword commissioned or trying to at least.
Kirito- Cool. Speaking of which, (turns to Liz) I was wondering if you take custom orders?
Liz gives him a look and a once over.
Hiro- He has money. Trust me.
She nods.
Liz- I can but the thing is, metal prices are kinda high these days.
Kirito- I'm not worried about the cost. I just want the best sword you make as soon as possible.
Hiro- Dude, you have to be more specific. She makes all types of swords and weapons.
Kirito- Well in that case, (puts his elucidator on the table) something equal or of higher quality than this.
Liz- This is an elucidator! One the gnarliest swords you can get from a monster drop! I've only seen one other thing just as cool as this and that would be Hiro's magic sword, Inazuma. (Takes a sword off the rack behind her) How about this? It's the best sword I've ever forged. I call it my masterpiece.
Kirito takes it and swings it around a bit.
Hiro- Looks kinda light if you ask me. You always been one for heavier swords.
Kirito- I was thinking the exact same thing.
Liz- I did use a speed type metal to forge it y'know.
Kirito- I'd like to test it if it's cool with you.
LH- Test it how?
Kirito- I wanna see its durability.
He puts the masterpiece above his sword.
Hiro- Kirito, whatever you're thinking don't do it dude. I repeat, do not do it for the vine.
Kirito- What?
Liz- What?
Hiro- What?
Author: Did you really have to say that?
Hiro: Yes I did and I don't regret a Damn thing.
Author: (Sigh) Why do I even bother.
Kirito raises the masterpiece above his sword.
Liz- If your breaks, I'm not responsible.
Kirito- If it breaks then that's too bad!
The masterpiece collides with his sword and the masterpiece breaks in two. Liz screams bloody murder.
Hiro- You idiot! (Starts hitting him upside the head)
Kirito- Ow! Ok ok! Ow! I'm sorry ow! Stop hitting me!
Liz- What the hell were you thinking?!
Kirito- I said I was sorry! I didn't know yours would break so easily. Honest.
Hiro- Come on man. That was just rude. Listen Liz. My dumbass of a best friend is sorry. I'll pay for the replacement of your sword but would you still be willing to help us out? I'll pay for everything.
Liz-......Fine. But you guys gotta help me make them every step of the way.
Hiro- Of course.
Kirito- Seriously?
Liz- Absolutely and we'll start by getting the metal for it.
Kirito- I think that Hiro and I can handle that ourselves. He can actually keep up and you would just slow us down.
Liz- Don't you dare insult me. Believe it or not, I'm an expert mace wielder.
Kirito- Uh huh, sure you are. Where do we find this metal anyway?
Liz- Floor 55 on the western mountain. There's a dragon there that eats crystals.
Hiro- That is so cool! I've always wanted to slay a dragon. It's like Skyrim all over again!
Kirito- What?
Liz- What?
Hiro- What?
Author: Really?! Twice in one chapter?!! Why?!!
Zack: Because fuck you that's why!
Hiro: That's my homie right there!
Author: (cocks gun) Run.
Hiro: Oh shit!
Zack: Run bitch! Runnnnn!!!!
Hiro- I've heard of this dragon. It has special inside its body. So in order to get it, we have to kill it.
Kirito- Yeah....I think us two should just go.
Liz- It also says you have to bring a master smith along.
Hiro- She's coming either way kirito. There's no getting out of this one.
Kirito- Fine. Just keep quiet and stay out of the way.
He leaves the store.
Hiro- I am so sorry. He can be like that sometimes.
Liz- (mutters) You lucky that I helping you at all is because I like you.
Hiro- What was that?
Liz- (blushes) Uh nothing! Let's go.
Author: Well that's the end of this one.
Shout out to @AussieUchihaHuntsman for voting on the story. You're the real MVP man. Make sure to vote and leave a comment. I'll shout you out like him. I'll see y'all in the next one. Piece.