Chapter 102: Adventurer Assembly ①

Donning a robe equipped with a [Stealth] function, I managed to reach the assembly venue while remaining as inconspicuous as possible. I knew the clothes underneath were high-quality, but I wasn't used to walking around in such finery. Plus, I had to consider Arachne’s feelings on the matter, so I opted for discretion.

The venue was a specific exhibition hall in Tokyo.

It was a massive space, but today was the day when a literal army of Adventurers and guilds were scheduled to congregate. Even if the general public was barred from entry, considering the fame of Adventurers in this world... the sheer number of people before me made sense.

"No, wait... isn't this a bit much?"

A crowd stretched as far as the eye could see. I didn't know what percentage were actually Adventurers, but making a grand entrance now would be a tactical blunder of the highest order.

In the first place, the whole point of this event was my Epithet Naming Ceremony. I was technically the star of the show, but I never expected the scale to be this absurd for just one person. Figuring that showing my face would trigger a riot, I scurried toward the entrance as fast as possible and slipped inside using my invitation.

I guess it really is a fantasy world. It feels just like another world in here.

There were [Magic Tools] in the other world that could restrict entry to those holding specific items, but in this case, it was a simple invitation. Thanks to that, I managed to get inside without having to bother with the reception desk.

"As I thought, there's a ton of people..."

Harboring that same cynical thought, I headed toward the gathering of my own guild, Valsia. Not wanting to stand out, I kept the robe on as I approached and decided to call out to Ayane, who was busy eating.

"Hey, Ayane. What are you eating?"

"...Who? Wait, Reima? What’s with the... getup?"

She tossed those words at me the moment I shed the robe. As I thought. It doesn't suit me at all, does it? I didn't usually dress like this, so I probably looked like a kid playing dress-up. Since Ayane was the person least accustomed to seeing me in formal wear, her reaction was probably the most honest.

"Yeah, I know. It doesn't fit. I feel like the clothes are wearing me."

The clothes Arachne made were top-tier. I knew there was nothing "wrong" with them, but as I looked down at the indigo fabric, the sense of wrongness was overwhelming. Honestly, Baal would have pulled this off way better.

"You look good in yours, though. I'm not used to it, but you look beautiful."

Ayane was wearing a pure white bustier dress. It was the first time I’d ever seen her dressed like that, but since my immediate impression was that it suited her perfectly, I figured I’d just be honest and tell her.

"Thanks. It looks good on you too, Reima."

"You think so? That’s a relief. So, where’s Shiki?"

"Um, Shiki is... over there."

She set her plate on the table and pointed toward something that looked like a food stall. There was Shiki, grilling skewers with his own magic. He looked strangely enthusiastic. When my best friend noticed me and waved, I honestly didn't know how to respond.

"What is he even doing?"

"...He said he volunteered for it."

"That’s just like him, but seriously, the vibe is all wrong."

Shiki was also dressed up in something resembling a tailcoat. Seeing him wearing a bandana and grilling skewers in that outfit was a monumental mismatch. Amidst the gorgeously decorated interior, his stall stood out like a sore thumb, but perhaps due to his skill, it was actually thriving. Which just made the whole scene weirder.

"...So that's the new S-Rank?"

"Hasn't Valsia’s military power increased a bit too much?"

As the crowd grew, I could feel the gazes gathering on me, whether I liked it or not. I could hear the whispers, and the storm of appraising eyes made my nerves spike. It was the same in the other world; I really can’t get used to this high-society atmosphere.

"Yahoo... Reima-kun. That outfit suits you."

"Ah, Senka-san. You don’t seem very energetic. Are you okay?"

Senka Kujo-san—an S-Rank Adventurer and the master of the guild I belonged to. Her usual high-voltage energy was nowhere to be found. She looked haggard, almost worn out. When I asked, she gave me a look of pure social exhaustion.

"Ugh, making the rounds for greetings is such a drag... I’m on the younger side for a Guild Master, you know?"

"Hah, I see."

"We’re ranked second in the national guild rankings, so it’s reaaally a lot of work. Today is just full of sarcasm and 'big dreams,' and everyone keeps asking me about you, Reima-kun. Even I have my limits."

"That... sounds like a lot of work?"

"In that case, time for some stress-eating! Come on, Reima-kun, let’s go gorge ourselves while we do the greetings!"

"Ehh—wait, don't pull my hand!"

Her mood shifted violently. Before I knew it, she had grabbed my hand and started dragging me toward another guild's gathering area.

"If I recall, you were on good terms with Goro-kun, weren't you, Reima-kun!"

"I’m friends with Kaiser, but... what about it?"

"Then we’ll start there! Now, now, time to charge into Eltus territory!"

I was dragged straight to a table a short distance away and unceremoniously dropped off in front of a familiar duo. There stood the Kaiser siblings. Kaiser looked like he was suffering through the social pressure, while Yuika-san maintained a perfectly nonchalant attitude.

"Ah, Reima-san. Hello."

"...Mmu. Is that you, my friend?"

"You look a bit weak, Kaiser. Are you okay?"

"............Making the rounds for greetings is... tedious."

"Brother, please just get used to it already. This isn't your first time, is it?"

"I am simply not good at being spoken to by women I do not know well..."

"Honestly, learn to brush them off yourself."

They really do get along, I thought. Watching the tired Kaiser, I offered a suggestion.

"Want to come around with us, Kaiser? Given how things are going, we’re probably heading to see Kagura-san and her group next."

"If that is the case, I shall accompany you. I, too, wish to pay my respects."

"Is that so? Then go ahead, Brother. You'll be safe if Reima-san is with you, right? Also, don't let yourself be lured away by the food."

"What do you take me for, sister?"

"Brother is just Brother... what are you even talking about?"

And so, it was decided. I took Kaiser along and we headed straight toward Kagura-san’s guild.