"By the way, tomorrow's Asuna's birthday, right?" Lisbeth said out of nowhere, visiting the secret base to forge.
"…What's with the sudden topic?" Hachiman replied.
"I just remembered we talked about it once. Figured you didn't know," Lisbeth said.
"I didn't, but what's your point?" Hachiman asked.
"Go somewhere with her," Lisbeth suggested.
"Why would I?" Hachiman said.
"At least get her something," Lisbeth pressed.
"Ugh, she's probably busy with the Knights of the Blood Oath anyway," Hachiman said.
"Yeah, you're probably right…" Lisbeth admitted.
"Exactly. Besides, who celebrates birthdays in a place like this?" Hachiman said.
"When's your birthday, Hachiman?" Lisbeth asked.
"August eighth," he said.
"Already passed, huh. Guess birthdays aren't a big deal here…" Lisbeth mused.
But Hachiman's overthinking kicked in. If I didn't know, I wouldn't care, but now that I do, doing nothing feels wrong. A gift in this world, though? Way too hard…
In this game, entertainment boiled down to food, and gifts meant equipment. For once, Hachiman was stumped by something other than raids.
It's not a birthday gift, just a token of appreciation for a friend. Nothing special. Something practical should do, he rationalized, yet agonized endlessly.
"You've been groaning for a while. Decided to get her something?" Lisbeth asked.
"Since I know, I feel like I should prepare something, even if I can't give it," Hachiman admitted.
"Why not ask about her plans tomorrow?" Lisbeth suggested.
"Yeah, good call," Hachiman said.
He opened a message window for Asuna but froze, clueless about what to write.
"What's with the pause?" Lisbeth asked.
"If I ask about her plans, she might think I'm inviting her for her birthday. If she's busy, it'll get awkward," Hachiman said.
"You're so complicated," Lisbeth sighed.
"…" Hachiman stayed silent.
"Fine, I'll ask her," Lisbeth said.
She sent Asuna a message, getting a quick reply. "She's on an expedition. Back tomorrow or the day after, not sure."
"Guess that settles it. Thanks, Liz," Hachiman said.
"Ugh, this feels unsatisfying," Lisbeth said.
"No one's fault. Don't overthink it," Hachiman said.
The conversation ended there. The next day, Hachiman spent his time solo hunting and exploring as usual.
Done for today. I'll sell unused materials to Egil… Oh, might as well show him the Mirage Sphere, he thought, heading to Egil's stall.
"Yo, Hachiman! Thanks for the other day. Wandering Woods drops sell like crazy," Egil said.
"Says the guy selling them cheap," Hachiman shot back.
"Hah! What's up today?" Egil asked.
"Selling spare materials," Hachiman said.
"Show me… Damn, that's a lot," Egil said, impressed.
The sheer volume surprised Egil, far more than when Hachiman hunted with Asuna.
"You're not overdoing it, right?" Egil asked.
"Overdoing what?" Hachiman said.
"Since Asuna joined the KoB, you've been bringing in way more materials," Egil said.
"I might be hunting more, yeah. But I'm not pushing too hard. No worries," Hachiman said.
"If you say so," Egil said, calculating the payout. The deal closed quickly.
"You said 'first' earlier. Got something else?" Egil asked.
"Not for sale, but… got a private spot? It's flashy when used," Hachiman said.
"Whoa, something sketchy? My shop's legit," Egil teased.
"Not like that, idiot. It just draws attention," Hachiman said.
"Alright, this way," Egil said.
They slipped into a quiet alley behind the shop.
"What is it?" Egil asked.
"Which floor's map do you know best?" Hachiman asked.
"What's with that? Probably the twenty-fifth, since we were stuck there longest," Egil said.
"Twenty-fifth it is," Hachiman said, setting the map and activating the Mirage Sphere.
"Whoa, what's that?" Egil exclaimed.
"Keep it down. Look closer. Recognize it?" Hachiman said.
"That's the twenty-fifth floor's map! This is insane," Egil said.
"My ace in the hole," Hachiman grinned.
"How much to sell it?" Egil asked.
"Not selling," Hachiman said.
"Damn, I want one," Egil said.
"Jealous? The monster that dropped it hasn't respawned," Hachiman bragged.
"A legit rare item! I need it!" Egil said.
"Nope," Hachiman said.
Egil howled, "You just wanted to show off!"
"Quiet down," Hachiman said.
"Man, this is cool. Pretty design, girls would love it," Egil said.
"Girls would… love it?" Hachiman paused.
"What?" Egil asked.
"Egil, you're a genius," Hachiman said.
"Huh?" Egil said.
"As thanks, take this. I've got five, so I'll spare one," Hachiman said.
"For real? No take-backs!" Egil said.
"Don't sell it. Use it for your team," Hachiman said.
"Hachiman, you're a real one!" Egil said, hugging him.
"The 'real one' part stings, but consider it thanks for the idea," Hachiman said.
"No clue what you mean, but thanks! Hit me up anytime!" Egil said.
"Later," Hachiman said, heading home.
"Now, when and how to give it…" Hachiman muttered, staring at the Mirage Sphere in his inventory. His eyes caught an empty folder, one he and Asuna used to share but hadn't touched in ages. After some tinkering, he sent Asuna a single message—"Happy birthday"—and went to sleep.
Meanwhile, Asuna lay in bed at her expedition's inn.
Another good day. This trip's going well, she thought, stretching and heading for a bath—a perk of her deputy leader status. Sipping a drink Hachiman had taught her to make, she noticed his message: "Happy birthday."
So like him… she thought, smiling.
She reflected on their growing distance. If we were still together, would he have gotten me something? Probably handed it over all gruff and shy.
I don't even know his birthday, she realized, wondering what she could give him. I've never given a guy a gift. No clue what's good.
Opening her inventory to brainstorm, her eyes fell on the shared folder with Hachiman, left empty since her KoB days began. Curious, she opened it and found an item.
What's this? I emptied this folder, so Hachiman must've added it…
She pulled it out. "Mirage Sphere? Push this button?"
Activating it, a radiant orb appeared. "The twenty-second floor's map… So pretty…"
It was the floor they'd explored together, home to the secret base. A message was attached: "Sorry it's a leftover, but use it however you like."
What was he planning if I didn't notice? Asuna thought, gazing at the sphere and message, her face beaming with joy.
Such a clumsy guy…
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