A Tough Field Boss(1)

--- Lisbeth ---

Can you drop dead by overworking in SAO? I think I'm about to find out.

Those two weeks I spent hammering away were the most exhausting days I've had ever since I entered this game.

Every single day, I was reinforcing the Blood Nightshade, but it was mainly possible because of Haru's relentless supply of materials.

'How did you get so many...'

He would come to my shop daily, bringing piles of resources so I would never run out.

Thanks to his frequent visits, the rumor that had already spread became an undeniable fact: 

My shop was now known as 'the shop frequented by the Death Reaper.'

This brought in far more customers than I had ever anticipated.

The constant need to tend to these customers, combined with the heavy workload of reinforcing the spear, left me so tired I had clear bags under my eyes.

After the first week, Haru at least showed some consideration by tending to customers in my stead for a few days.

He was so crazy that he managed to gather all the materials needed in barely a week.

I was grateful for the help, but of course, this only further distorted the facts.

The rumor shifted from him merely being a regular to us possibly being in a relationship.

The only thing he's in a relationship with is this d*mn spear!

I would love to clarify that there was no such thing between us, and that it was strictly a working relationship, but it seemed like people didn't want to believe me.

Who would want a madman like him as a boyfriend. They must be at least as crazy as him to be able to endure it.

---

I took a deep breath.

Finally, I only needed one last hammering to complete the refinement. With a final swing, the moment came, and I saw it—the +25 had been successfully applied to the Blood Nightshade.

I could hardly believe my eyes. Two grueling weeks of constant effort had finally paid off.

I let out a triumphant cheer, pumping my fist in the air. Exhausted but exhilarated, I grabbed the spear and practically ran to the front of the shop, where Haru was busy tending to customers.

"Hey, Haru!" I called out, my voice filled with excitement.

Haru looked up, a curious smile on his face, as I handed him the spear. "It's done. I have done my absolute best, so you better not waste my hard work!"

Please don't break it.

Although I didn't craft it, I now feel some kind of attachment to that spear.

All end what ends well, as they say. 

The problem now, is that exhaustation was quickly catching up to me. As such...

"Also, If you could keep tending to the customers for just today, I'd be really thankful. I desperately need some sleep."

I didn't expect much from him initially, but he's actually been such a huge help.

Haru had managed to handle the shop remarkably well in the short time I left it to him.

Any custom orders were neatly written aside, and he expertly directed normal customers to the best weapon choices.

The transactions were all handled by the NPC I had set up to run the shop, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

I had the idea to leave out his days worth of work from the total amount for the spear, but he refused it, saying it wasn't necessary.

Is he actually a nice guy? Was what I thought.

But back to the present.

He inspected the spear, his eyes lighting up with approval. "You've done magnificent work," he praised.

I smiled back, forming a V-sign with my fingers. "I'm proud of what came out of it too," I replied, but just before I retreated to finally get some well-deserved rest, he retorted with a playful grin,

"I'll see you soon to make this weapon a +50, as well as to get some nice armor, so be sure to stay healthy, Death Reaper's blacksmith!"

I puffed up my cheeks, knowing he was just teasing me.

"Oh, you! I'll take any order you have in the future," I replied with mock indignation. "Despite it being one hell of a session, I had my own fun making this refinement."

That's all that matters, isn't it?

Haru nodded, saying nothing more, as I finally turned to head to my private room. I couldn't wait to collapse into bed and let the exhaustion melt away.

--- Akira ---

After taking care of Lisbeth's shop for the day, I could finally head to the next floor, the 56th.

Although this floor is not that special by any means, there is one hurdle I have to face.

That is...GeoCrawler.

The GeoCrawler was the largest known boss among the ones in Sword Art Online, standing as tall as a one-story house and many times longer.

According to my memories, It resembled a legged, armored earthworm, with large horns and very prominent armor on its shoulders, back, legs, and front.

In the original, Kirito and his team discovered an NPC named Ruru who taught them a song capable of putting the monster to sleep.

Talk about convenience.

Unfortunately, without any Musical Instrument skill, I wouldn't be able to replicate that method.

To complicate matters further, I have no idea if the Field Boss will remain the same or if it will be influenced by the Cardinal System like all the other bosses so far.

It's true that no Field Boss was influenced, but this one might be the exception.

There's no way to tell when the Cardinal System will deem my character as too 'broken' and decide to twist things again.

This uncertainty means I have to proceed carefully.

That's why I even bought the most expensive armor Lisbeth had in the shop.

I had collected more resources to sell for Cor with this in mind, ensuring I was well-prepared for whatever might come.

Since I was ready...

"Let's go see it, then."

---

Author's Note:

Hello! 

For those who do not know, the GeoCrawler is a boss that was introduced in SAO: Progressive. 

If you have not read progressive, it's fine. I'll be sure to explain more about the Field Boss next chapter