//------------------------------// // Episode 84 - Swords // Story: EQG: Sword Art Online - Aincrad // by Mindrop //------------------------------// Floor 48 - Lindarth - Front Line 64 July 2 - Year 2 Bladescape sprinted off the Teleport Plaza in Lindarth and ran as fast as she could to Lisbeth’s shop. She got quite a few odd looks as she raced across town. She wanted to hold Harmonic Salvation tighter, but she was afraid it would remove what little durability it had left. She burst through the door, shocking everyone in the shop. “LIS!” Bladescape yelled. “EMERGENCY!” Lisbeth’s head slid out from behind the customer. “What could possibly-” “Harmonic Salvation needs treatment ASAP or she will break!” Bladescape explained as she slid to a stop by the counter. Bladescape opened her arms and gingerly extended the heavy blade. Lisbeth clicked on it and the info came up. Her eyes went wide in terror. “I’ll be right back!” She exclaimed as she grabbed the sword and tore into the back smithy. Bladescape collapsed, relieved, as her body gave up and splayed out on the floor. She was spent mentally and physically. She had lost the sword, got it back, almost lost it, and now she was getting it back. But until it was in her hands, fully healed, she was going to be a giant, confused mess about the sword and her Hope. “Are you okay?” the guy who Lisbeth had been working with asked. He was leaning over the counter and looking down at her on the floor. “Maybe,” Bladescape said, letting out a big sigh as she stared at the ceiling. She lost a few tears from her eyes, making her wish she wore a closed face helmet. “Crazy day. I thought my sword was destroyed when a dungeon boss, a giant dragon, stomped on it and we all heard something shatter and saw polygons.” He sat down next to her, but with his back against the counter. “That must have been horrible. How did you fight?” “I had a backup, thankfully,” Bladescape said, losing more tears. It was a wet sniff as she opened her eyes and tried to dry her cheeks. “But it was...I thought I lost the blade. It isn’t just some sword. Lis made it and the system gave a name that held special meaning.” “You are a Wondercolt. The Wondercolt,” He said. “Bladescape, right?” Bladescape turned her head to look at him. “I don’t look that much like the Wondercolts’ Kaisho right now.” “I’ve seen you in better shape,” He shrugged. “I remember your sword. It sat strong on your back and you stood there even stronger. And that memory is you in your old armor, before you all upgraded your equipment. You have only been stronger after that. That sword must be really special.” Bladescape nodded, once again losing some tears. “Crap,” she exclaimed. “Yes. She is special. Her name is Harmonic Salvation. It reminds me of the harmony of me and my friends, and our strength if we just stick together in here. And as their leader, well we all understood I was the one who was going to lead us out of this death game to freedom. I was their salvation, and the sword was my salvation from SAO.” “I didn’t know you guys had ranks,” He said, obviously unsure what to say about the sword’s meaning. “But Kaisho fits. Even with you crying on the floor, it fits. I saw Lisbeth’s face. I wish I had a sword that I could cry over and make the smith freak out that it was almost destroyed. That is what I am trying to get set up, but it is expensive. I don’t know if I have enough to cover it. But as Kaisho, it has to be required for you. The guild is probably paying, right?” Bladescape let out a sigh and a sad chuckle. “I’ve been Kaisho for like a week. We just merged with Geigi Clan. They folded into us. We needed to have order and structure with over fifty members, and Kaisho was chosen. One of our member's father is in the JSDF and knows the ranks well. As to the sword, I am sure they would agree with you. The regular members have the five councilors on a pretty high pedestal. I am not used to the honor and reverence they give me. The charter Wondercolts were just eleven of us. Seven close real life friends and then four new ones who became close rather quickly. We didn’t need that structure and ranks.” “That makes you one of the largest guilds,” He said, surprised at the new information. “By the way, I am Torgus of the Hanzaki Guild.” “Nice-ish to meet you,” Bladescape replied. She lost a few more tears as she tried to smile at him. “Stupid tears.” Lisbeth took a few heavy steps, with plenty of panting, into the storefront. “I stabilized Harmonic Salvation,” She panted. “I…wow I am out of breath from rushing to restore her. I was hyperventilating from the shock and hoping I didn’t break her. I need to deal with my customers. Can you hold off with Bajutsu for now? I can have her ready for pick up tonight at closing. All healed up and shining nicely." “I can hold off,” Bladescape said from the floor. She lost a few more tears and Lisbeth chuckled. “I never thought I would see the great Bladescape cry, let alone crying on my floor. What in the world where you doing that brought your sword that low in durability? I’ve never rescued a sword that low.” Bladescape tried to wipe her cheeks dry, but more tears defiantly slipped out. “That quest set I have been working on, today I had to kill a dragon. At least that wasn’t solo, as long as I made the killing blow. I got a team together and we dove into the dungeon and beat her. But at the start of that battle, with a strong blow, I ended up lodging Harmonic Salvation in the floor. I got knocked out of the way and the dragon stepped on it. We all heard it shattered and saw the polygons. I almost died in defeat and shock. Bajutsu proved his worth. He killed the giant beast. “It turns out, with the blade stuck in the floor, when it was stepped on, it broke free by taking a chunk of stone out with it. We heard the stone break, not the sword. The dragon was on top of them, so we couldn’t see it happen. We only had our ears to rely on and a few polygons, but no one would ever expect the floor to break.” “That…” Lisbeth said, halting. “I actually know what that feels like. That is a story for another day.” “Dinner tonight?” Bladescape asked. “If you pay,” Lisbeth grinned. “I know you just raked in the Col from killing that dragon.” “Sure,” Bladescape shrugged from the floor. “I have enough, but I already gave away the Col to the guild. Actually, I know the perfect place to take you tonight. The best food in Aincrad.” “We will call the repair work even if it really is,” Lisbeth said with a mischievous grin. “Challenge accepted,” Bladescape chuckled. She lost more tears. The laughter was good, but her spirit was still grieving and trying to recover from the emotional rollercoaster. “Stupid tears. I still feel…I don’t know what I feel anymore. It has been a crazy morning.” “And it is not even noon yet,” Lisbeth joshed back. “Crap,” Bladescape groaned and then laughed. “I don’t want to get up. I have the quest to finish, but I don’t want to get up.” “So don’t,” Lisbeth replied. “I have customers, but you are not in the way that much.” “I think I will take that advice,” Bladescape sighed. “You can skip me for now,” Torgus said. “Oh, there you are,” Lisbeth said, leaning over the counter to see him directly below her. “I was wondering where you went.” “I’ll continue to keep her company,” Torgus said. “Your floor isn’t uncomfortable.” Lisbeth rolled her eyes. “Thanks,” she sarcastically replied. “That was a major consideration when buying this place. I had to make sure the floor was comfortable for my customers.” “One thing Lis,” Bladescape said. “Before you get back to work. A warning. I wasn’t the only one without a weapon. Joltron dropped his axe and his shield survived, but he was without both for a while. We are instituting a secondary weapon policy. All Wondercolts will carry a secondary weapon for backup that is of sufficient strength and quality. That is what I donated my earnings to.” “Great,” Lisbeth groaned. “Another blue and gold day where I have to deal with all eleven of you. I wonder how big my headache will be by the end of that day.” Bladescape laughed. She just realized Lisbeth had no idea about the merger. They hadn’t even gotten their new Wondercolts upgraded weapons yet. They were running them hard to level up first. It wouldn’t matter what weapons they had if they were not strong enough. Torgus ended up becoming the last of the seven customers. Bladescape stayed on the floor longer than she should have. If he hadn’t been beside her, she wouldn’t have stayed as long. But it was nice having him there. A solitary companion as her mind and heart sorted everything that had happened and what it felt. She finally stood up as he was trying to make his order. “I just don’t have that,” Torgus sighed to Lisbeth. “That is the lowest I can go,” Lisbeth replied. “The prices for metals are really high right now and they don’t look to be dropping any time soon.” “How short are you?” Bladescape asked. Torgus looked at her. “Uh, about fifty thousand. Seventy if I am to safely live and not blow all of my Col.” “A substantial amount,” Bladescape said. She pulled up her menu. “It was more than nice having a companion today. Silent or not, it helped me sort everything out. Take it.” Torgus was shocked. “It’s not the first time,” Lisbeth complained. “She has done this before. The Wondercolts make good cash and quick.” “I have nothing to spend on it,” Bladescape said. “Well, enhancements. That is really it. So it is my pleasure to be generous and kind to those who deserve it. I donated the Col from the dragon to the guild, but I still have plenty. I don’t actively collect it, and I don’t run around giving it away. Still, it piles up without me realizing it. “I also have a ton of treasure to sell from the dragon. I got a pile of low-level equipment. Most will get used by our crafters, but I will still sell a ton of it. So I am very stable even with the gift.” Torgus paid Lisbeth for the order and then turned back to Bladescape. “I really appreciate it. This should be a blade I could cry over.” They both chuckled while Lisbeth rolled her eyes and went to the back to do her work. “I don’t want to impose, but would you mind linking up with me as friends?” “Not at all,” Bladescape said. “A connection with the Hanzaki Guild will be good to have. I am not familiar with you, but you are clearers.” “Half,” Torgus grumbled. “The guild is getting split on that topic. Some are tired and want to quit. They say that those of us who dream of freeing us are delusional. Our levels are sliding behind. That is the biggest reason I need that sword. If the guild folds, I need to be equipped to go to someone who is accepting new members and can train me back up.” “That equipment requirement is important,” Bladescape replied. “Just trying to keep the original Wondercolts rocking and rolling with our stuff cost a lot. We want to upgrade our new members' weapons, but they are currently grinding XP to meet our new quotas. We will make that determination after that. We have plenty of time to sort it all out. Maybe some will have their current weapons turned into their secondary.” “It must have been a bad fight if you are going to require all members to have a secondary set.” Bladescape chuckled. “Joltron was hanging from his shield, which was lodged in the dragon’s mouth. Once he was free, he was shieldless and he was one of our two tanks. Eventually we got the shield back, but for a while the group was trying to at least get him his axe back. He had dropped it when he was lifted off the ground.” “That is complicated and scary,” Torgus replied. “The six of us agreed, what we don’t use for our secondary weapons and shields, we will turn into the guild for that purpose. We don’t want to be caught like we were. We were completely prepared to fight the dragon, except for that.” “And the sword on your back?” Torgus asked. Bladescape drew Bajutsu. “Bajutsu, my two-handed cavalry sword that I can use one handed on horseback. That was the quest before this one. I’m working on a multi-floor series. Each is a one shot, which means no one else can do what I am doing. That also adds to the pressure. It is a long quest, but from what I can tell, it will provide important pieces to the puzzle for our survival as we reach the upper Floors.” “Interesting,” Torgus said. “And this sword was also made by Lisbeth?” “Yep,” Bladescape chuckled, remembering that day. “She was very confused, but she pulled off making a short and light two-handed sword.” “I know one-handed longswords longer than that,” Torgus chuckled. “Feel his weight,” Bladescape offered. “Despite how light he is, Bajutsu hits like a hammer. I am strong and he is a swift and accurate sword.” “Nice,” Torgus chuckled. “It’s good to know that Lisbeth can make good on the cost. It takes a special smith to make that sort of blade. Which is making me more confident in my chances if I am going to be forced to leave the guild. The Knights of the Bloodoath are currently taking in new members. And with this sword, I should be able to make it. I’m just not sure if I want to leave my friends.” “I survive because of mine,” Bladescape said. “That is how we not only have survived, but are in the position we are in. Together we are stronger. I do have to go though. I have a quest to finish. We are friends now. We can meet for lunch or something soon. I want to see the finished sword.” “Of course,” Torgus said, bowing. “Thank you, Kaisho Bladescape. For everything.” “My pleasure,” Bladescape smiled back as she reciprocated the bow. “I also know the value of every member on the front lines. Even if you can’t be there every day, we still need clearers. If that means helping arm another clearer with a better sword, I am honored to assist.”   Bladescape (SS): Lvl 83 – Two-Handed Sword – Search – Weapon Defense – Leather Armor – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Sprint – Acrobatics – Blade Throwing – Extended Weight Carry - Greatsword  Thunderborne (RBD): Lvl 75 – Rapier – Sprint – Acrobatics – Armor Pierce – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Leather Armor – Weapon Defense – Extended Weight Carry – Search  Backbreaker (AJ): Lvl 78 – Heavy Shield – One-Handed War Hammer – Extended Weight Carry – Heavy Metal Armor – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Fishing – Search – Martial Arts – Acrobatics  AFCK(PP): Lvl 75 – Two-Handed Axe – Parry – Cooking – Weapon Defense – Martial Arts – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Light Metal Armor – Thrown Weapon – Musical Instrument  Diemond (R): Lvl 75 – Heavy Shield – Mace – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Heavy Metal Armor – Tailoring – Light Metal Armor Forging – Heavy Metal Armor Forging – Jewelry Making – Extended Weight Carry  Doombunny (FS): Lvl 78 – One-Handed Dagger – First Aid – Hide – Search – Listening – Battle Regeneration – Fighting Spirit –  Familiar Communication (Colorra) – Drug Mixing – Reveal -- Fencing  Astro (PS): Lvl 75 – Two-Handed Spear - Purchase Negotiation – Armor Pierce – Acrobatics – First Aid – Light Metal Armor – Battle Regeneration – Weapon Defense – Parry – Extended Wight Carry  Kiefer: Lvl 73 – One-Handed Curved Blade – Parry – Weapon Defense – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Light Metal Armor – Slash Weapon Forging – Katana – Martial Arts - Search - Armor Pierce  Lessa: Lvl 72 – One-Handed Sword – Shield – Light Metal Armor – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Equipment Repair – Metal Equipment Repairing – Armor Pierce – Search - Acrobatics  Joltron: Lvl 75 – One handed Axe – Heavy Shield – Heavy Metal Armor – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Metal Refining – Cooking – One Handed Weapon Creation – Two Handed Weapon Creation – Extended Weight Carry  Knightstar (TS): Lvl 69 – One-Handed Sword – Shield – Equipment Appraisal – Parry – First Aid – Battle Regeneration – Light Metal Armor – Search – Armor Pierce