I'm a Sword Master in Sword Art Online

"I don't want to—I don't want this," Lisbeth kept screaming inside her.

She had always longed for human warmth; in fact, it was precisely because of this longing that she feared her loneliness might gradually transform into infatuation. She worried that this feeling wasn't real love, but merely an illusion created by this virtual world.

But when they felt the warmth of Mochizuki Maple, those doubts peeled away like impurities during quenching.

The hammer rose high once more, reflecting the glowing red of the furnace. She was both Lisbeth wielding the hammer and Rika Shinozaki, her heart fluttering. And Mochizuki Kaede wasn't just a character in a game, but a living, breathing person. Thinking about it this way, her feelings for Mochizuki Kaede were absolutely genuine.

As the ingot gradually shone with dazzling brilliance under the hammer blows, Lisbeth's resolve grew ever stronger. She felt her emotions flowing through her right hand into the weapon that was taking shape with each strike.

"Once this sword is finished..."

She silently decided in her heart to tell Mochizuki Kaede everything she had been unable to say aloud: she wanted to be his home, and she wanted him to return to this place where she was waiting for him every day from the dangerous labyrinth.

This thought made him swing the hammer in his hand even more forcefully, as if he wanted to hammer all his heart and soul into the blade.

Then, that moment finally arrived.

Around the 245th hammer blow, the ingot suddenly burst forth with a dazzling white light. The rectangular metal began to flow and deform, as if it had been given life. The blade gradually extended, and an elegant curve rose at the hilt, the entire sword completing its final shaping in the light.

“Oh…” Mochizuki Kaede sighed in a deep voice, rising from his chair and approaching. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Lisbeth, witnessing the sword complete its final transformation in the light. The blade was heavy and steady, as if inheriting the majestic and resilient qualities of the [King of Earth and Mountains].

In the world of SAO, the variety of weapons is as numerous as the stars in the sky. There are over a thousand unique names recorded in the system alone.

The higher the weapon's tier, the more varied its name becomes. Low-tier weapons tend to have generic names, such as "Iron Blade" or "Bronze Sword," which are commonplace. However, high-tier weapons are entirely different; each one possesses a unique name. For instance, Asuna's "Elf Sword" is one of only one in this world.

When Lisbeth gripped the hilt with both hands, attempting to remove the newly forged weapon from the anvil, its heavy weight startled her. She took a deep breath, bent her knees slightly, and with all her might, managed to lift it steadily.

With a light touch of the fingertip on the sword, the system window opened instantly.

“The name of the sword is—” she paused, ““【The Sword of the Earth】.”

. . . .

Thank you to [fghjkop] for the donation!

Chapter 129: Shared Feelings

Lisbeth handed him the sword: "Here, give it a try."

Wang Yuefeng nodded, and the moment his right hand gripped the hilt of the sword, the heavy blade seemed effortless in his hands. He took a few steps back, and the blade drew several sharp arcs in the air, the metallic hum echoing throughout the workshop.

"How was it?" Lisbeth asked impatiently.

Mochizuki Kaede stared at the blade, remaining silent for a long time. Just as Lisbeth was about to lose her composure, an unprecedentedly radiant smile appeared on his lips: "It has considerable weight; it's a rare and excellent sword."

"Really?! That's...that's wonderful!"

Lisbeth couldn't help but raise her hands, cheering like a child. At that moment, she suddenly recalled her days setting up a stall on the tenth floor. The pure joy she felt when her painstakingly crafted weapons were recognized by customers made her realize how wonderful it had been to choose the path of a blacksmith. This long-lost feeling, during her time pursuing high-level equipment and only trading with high-level players, had somehow been forgotten in a corner of her memory.

With a crisp metallic scraping sound, Mochizuki Kaede sheathed the [Sword of the Earth]. He expertly brought up the system window, added the new weapon to his inventory, then placed his hand on his hip and said earnestly:

"Thank you, Lisbeth. Please don't hesitate to ask me for help if you need anything in the future."

The workshop suddenly fell silent, with only the crackling of the furnace fire remaining.

Lisbeth bit her lower lip, finally mustering the courage to utter the request she had rehearsed in her heart countless times:

"Um... well, there's something I'd like to ask you... um, I want to become your personal blacksmith."

Mochizuki Kaede was clearly stunned: "What...does this mean?"

"—Starting today, come here every day after you finish your daily strategy session... I'll help you maintain your equipment..."

Lisbeth could feel the rapid heartbeat within her virtual body, but she couldn't tell whether it was a physiological reaction simulated by the system or a similar throbbing in her real body. Her cheeks were burning hot; they must have turned bright red by now.

Taking a deep breath, Lisbeth took a step forward and gently placed her hand on Mochizuki Kaede's arm. The fabric of the boy's black coat felt real to the touch.

"Wangyue Feng, I..."

She looked directly into the other person's eyes, her lips trembling as she tried to utter the most important words. But at that very moment—

The workshop door was suddenly pushed open with a soft creak. Lisbeth recoiled as if electrocuted, pulling her hand back from Mochizuki Kaede's arm and hastily taking a few steps back to create some distance.

She initially thought a guest had arrived and was preparing to greet them. But when she looked closer, she realized it was someone she knew very well—a girl with chestnut hair.

The girl had originally come to find Lisbeth, but the moment her amber eyes caught sight of Mochizuki Kaede, her gaze was fixed on him.

"Xiao Feng?"

Asuna blurted out in surprise.

Mochizuki Kaede was clearly taken aback, but quickly regained her gentle smile: "Long time no see, Asuna."

Asuna walked quickly to him, her steps hurried, as if afraid that if she relaxed even slightly, he would disappear from her sight. She tilted her head slightly, looking at Mochizuki Kaede, her eyes sparkling with a complex light—longing, surprise, and a hint of barely perceptible shyness: "It's been half a month since we last met. What have you been busy with all this time?"

Her voice carried a hint of complaint, yet was full of concern.

Mochizuki Kaede smiled somewhat sheepishly, "I've been investigating red-named players lately. How about you? How have you been?"

Asuna couldn't help but smile: "I'm fine. The guild is closed today. Yuna went to perform in the lower plaza, and Silica went with her. I had nothing to do, so I came to find Liz."

As she spoke, she turned her head and greeted Lisbeth, her voice as light as a bird in the forest: "Lizbeth, is Maple here to have his weapons serviced?"

Lisbeth nodded quickly in response, "Yes."

“Lisbeth and I just completed a mission,” Mochizuki Kaede added, “and we even defeated a dragon.”

"Huh?" Asuna immediately grabbed Lisbeth's arm anxiously. "Lizbeth, are you alright? Xiaofeng, you didn't put her in any danger, did you?"

Lisbeth simply shook her head. She stood between the two, watching Asuna's bright eyes as she spoke, watching Asuna's gaze constantly follow Mochizuki Kaede's figure. The girl's lighthearted tone, the unintentional display of intimacy, and the shyness in her eyes—it was all too familiar.

Because that was exactly how she looked when she looked at Mochizuki Kaede.

The fire crackled and popped.

Watching this scene, Lisbeth felt as if struck by lightning, and belatedly realized what had happened. She recalled past events, those afternoons when Asuna sat by the workshop window, watching her forge and speaking of Mochizuki Kaede, the gentle look on her face. Her concern for Mochizuki Kaede had long surpassed the care between ordinary companions.

Like looking in a mirror, Lisbeth saw in Asuna's eyes the same feelings that were exactly the same as her own.

My heart sank suddenly, as if I were being pulled down by an invisible weight.

Bathed in the glow of the fireplace, Asuna's profile was tinged with a warm gold. She was listening intently to Mochizuki Kaede as she spoke, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her gaze held not just concern for her companion, but a softer, more ardent emotion.

Lisbeth felt a sudden tightness in her throat. She gripped the hem of her dress tightly, her knuckles turning white.

So that's how it is. They actually shared the same sentiment.

What to do? What to do?

The thought swirled wildly in her mind, as if trying to pierce through her sanity. Her body heat seemed to be draining away from her toes, her legs so weak she could barely stand. Each breath became difficult, as if something heavy was pressing down on her chest.

"Liz." Asuna suddenly turned to her, her amber eyes sparkling. "Shall we go out to eat with Xiaofeng later?"

"……Um."

Almost instinctively, Lisbeth suddenly grabbed Asuna's wrist. She pushed open the workshop door rather roughly, the wooden door slamming against the wall with a loud bang. A gentle breeze, carrying fallen leaves, swept in, dispersing the warmth that filled the room.

"Wait a moment," she said to Mochizuki Kaede with her back to him, her voice tense. "We'll be right back."

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Asuna and rushed out. Asuna stumbled as she was pulled, her chestnut hair billowing in the wind in a graceful arc.

"Liz, Liz! Wait—what's wrong?"

Asuna's voice came from behind, filled with confusion and worry, but Lisbeth only bit her lower lip and quickened her pace. She dared not stay in front of Mochizuki Kaede any longer; if she lingered for even a second longer, those surging emotions would burst forth. Her chest felt as if something burning was blocking it, and even breathing was painful.

Seemingly sensing her unusual behavior, Asuna gradually quieted down, silently following her through the bustling streets. It wasn't until they entered a quiet alley that Lisbeth finally let go of her hand.

Chapter 130: Lisbeth's Choice

At the end of the alley was a hidden open-air café. In the empty courtyard, only a few fallen leaves swirled among the white round tables. Lisbeth went straight to the corner seat and slumped heavily into the chair.

“…Liz?” Asuna gently sat down opposite her, sunlight reflecting in her amber eyes. “What happened?”

Lisbeth took a deep breath and forced a smile, the same bright smile she always wore when they strolled and chatted together. But the smile seemed to have used all her strength; she could feel her lips trembling uncontrollably.

"Asuna, you actually have someone you like, right? You said last time that you didn't want to be in a relationship."

Lisbeth maintained her smile. She recalled joking with Asuna earlier, praising her beauty and saying she must have many suitors, but Asuna had seriously replied that she didn't want to be in a relationship.

"Huh?" Asuna didn't expect Lisbeth to suddenly turn the topic to her, and her face turned red instantly, like a ripe apple. "I... I don't have any plans to be in a relationship right now."

"But you have someone you like, right?" Lisbeth pressed, staring intently at her friend.

"Ugh..." Asuna's ears turned bright red, her fingers twisting the napkin. "Yes... there is a little..."

"Is it that guy Mochizuki Kaede?"

"Ah!" Asuna jerked her head up like a startled animal, her amber eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at her friend. After a moment of panic, she lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper: "Well... I don't really like her that much... it's just... I just have a little crush on her..."

But her lovestruck, girlish demeanor clearly indicated her affection for Mochizuki Kaede, almost confirming Lisbeth's suspicions. Lisbeth felt as if her heart was being stabbed, a piercing pain, but she still forced herself to maintain her brightest smile.

"Mochizuki Kaede is indeed very outstanding," she said softly. "She and Asuna are a perfect match."

“Liz, you actually think so highly of Xiaofeng…” Asuna gradually relaxed, a gentle light appearing in her eyes. “Xiaofeng is indeed a very good person. Without him, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’ve told you before, before I met Silica, Xiaofeng and I were always partners. He taught me a lot…”

Seeing Asuna becoming increasingly engrossed in her speech, a faint blush rising on her cheeks, her eyes seemingly filled with starlight, Lisbeth thought to herself:

Just a little longer... just a little longer...

“Today we were doing a quest to conquer the 30th floor of the [King of Earth and Mountains], and then we encountered a red-named player,” Lisbeth continued, trying to change the subject and give herself a break.

"Huh?" Asuna's face immediately showed a worried expression upon hearing this, and she said, "Liz, are you not scared? Those red-named players are not easy to deal with."

“Of course!” Lisbeth puffed out her chest dramatically. “I’m Lisbeth!”

The two looked at each other and laughed at the same time.

Finally, Lisbeth took a deep breath and, with all her might, uttered those words:

"Anyway, Mochizuki Kaede is a good person. I will support you, good luck, Asuna."

Her last syllable trembled slightly; she was barely holding onto that smile. The pain in her heart was like a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm her.

"Um……"

Asuna nodded slightly, but looked at Lisbeth's downcast face with confusion. Lisbeth took the opportunity to shift her gaze downwards, not wanting Asuna to see her current panic and pain. Just then, she suddenly stood up and said urgently:

"Oh no! I have a transaction scheduled with someone, I need to go down to the lower level!"

"Huh?" Asuna's eyes widened in surprise. "What about the shop? And didn't we agree to have dinner with Xiaofeng..."

"I'm counting on you!" Lisbeth had already turned and run away, leaving only a hasty wave of her hand behind her. "Asuna is the most reliable!"

She ran desperately toward the portal, until she was out of sight of the open-air café, then quickly turned south at the first street corner and charged toward the town's outskirts where no players were. Every few steps, tears would well up in her eyes, and she could only wipe them away with her right hand as she ran, the tears blurring her vision, but she didn't care.

When she came to her senses, she had already run to the foot of the town wall on the edge of town. In front of the tall stone wall, lush trees were neatly arranged. Lisbeth stumbled and lunged at the nearest tree, gripping the rough bark tightly with both hands.

"Woo..."

The long-suppressed sobs finally burst forth uncontrollably from deep within her throat. The tears she had been desperately holding back now poured out like a flood, streaming down her cheeks before disappearing completely.

This was only the second time she had cried since coming to this world. The first time was the day she logged into SAO; trapped in the game, she cried in despair. From then on, she secretly resolved never to cry again; she was utterly fed up with the game's forced emotional expression system that made people shed tears. But now, the tears streaming down her cheeks were hotter and more painful than crying in the real world; each drop felt like it was burning her heart.

During my conversation with Asuna, one sentence stuck in my throat, cutting me like a razor blade:

"I like that person too..."

But those words, that sentiment, along with the bitter tears, were swallowed deep into my heart.

Lisbeth slowly slid to the ground, burying her face deep in her knees, letting her tears soak the blacksmith's apron.

As Lisbeth listened to Asuna recount her experiences fighting alongside Mochizuki Kaede, she finally understood that the position standing beside Mochizuki Kaede had never truly belonged to her. Because the one worthy of him was someone like Asuna, someone equally powerful in both heart and strength.

The unspoken understanding between them was like a perfectly tailor-made sword and its sheath. More importantly, Asuna had known and fallen in love with Mochizuki Kaede much earlier than her. How could she, as a friend, do something like stealing someone else's love?

“That’s right, I only suddenly developed feelings for Mochizuki Kaede today,” Lisbeth kept reassuring herself. “It’s just a temporary effect. It’s not real affection.”

She has always felt that love is something that cannot be done impulsively; it requires time to settle and careful consideration.

But why can't I stop the tears from flowing right now?

Mochizuki Kaede's voice, his heroic figure in battle, his gentle eyes, the arm that protected her in times of crisis... Every time I recall them, it feels like a sharp dagger is stabbing deep into my chest, sending waves of intense pain through me.

"I'll forget..." Tears streamed down his chin and fell onto the soil. "It was just a fleeting dream..."

Chapter 131: Asuna's Thoughts

Lisbeth pressed her forehead against the rough bark, her clenched fists trembling slightly. In the real world, tears would eventually run dry, but the warm liquid welling up in her eyes at this moment seemed to never run out.