Chapter 105: After the Naming Ceremony

The adventurers erupted into a roar at my words, the sound of their applause drowning out everything else in the hall.

I wasn't sure if I’d spoken clearly or if I’d even managed to get my point across.

But what was this feeling? Seeing Luna and the others finally acknowledged, treated like heroes... it felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest.

"The festival lasts until tonight! There’s plenty of food and good booze to go around! Don’t let the party stop here!" Yamato shouted, bringing the naming ceremony to a close.

The plan was for the party to continue through the evening before everyone eventually dispersed.

Backstage, once the presentation was over, I took a moment to catch my breath after thanking Luna and Sol for their help.

"Nice work out there, [Valhalla]," Yamato said, approaching me. "Your companions are as impressive as ever, kid."

"Thank you, Yamato. For everything."

"Don't mention it. We're on equal footing now, so feel free to rely on me."

I shifted my gaze toward Ayane and the others. They’d been stealing glances at me for a while, trapped in that awkward "who speaks first" tension. I decided to break the ice.

"So... good to be working with you all, I guess?"

"Yeah," Ayane smiled. "Good to have you, Reima. We'll be together from here on out."

"My friend! That is one incredibly cool alias!" Kaiser added. His eyes were practically sparkling; the name seemed to have struck a chord with his particular... aesthetic. He looked happier about it than I did.

"Should I address you as [Valhalla]-dono?" Tsubaki asked.

"Either is fine, I suppose."

"But if we go by the kanji, that would essentially make you 'Lord Lord,' wouldn't it?"

"Hey, Tsubaki," Yamato interjected, his voice dropping an octave. "You got something to say about the name I picked?"

"N-No! I was just thinking out loud! No ulterior motive, Master!"

I had to admit she had a point about the redundancy, but seeing the sharp look Yamato was giving her, I decided it was safer to keep my mouth shut.

"Anyway," Yamato continued, "what are you kids planning to do? There’s a dance party coming up. I’m sticking around for that, but..."

"Since I’m here, I’ll stay," I said.

"I'm staying as well," Laura added. "I promised Tsubaki's father I’d keep an eye on her until tonight."

"Father... why would you ask Laura of all people?" Tsubaki lamented.

"I think it’s a reflection of your daily behavior, Tsubaki," Ayane said flatly.

I didn't really see Tsubaki as the type who needed a babysitter, but given some of her past antics, I could see why her father might be worried.

"By the way," I said, changing the subject, "what kind of person is [Carnage]?"

It seemed like as good a time as any to ask about Ouma, the one S-Rank who hadn't shown up today.

"What's this? You interested in that guy, kid?" Yamato asked.

"Well... I ran into him when I was in a dungeon with Tsubaki the other day."

Ayane’s head snapped toward Tsubaki. "Tsubaki? Why were you in a dungeon with Reima?"

"Wait, Ayane! Stop with the cold aura! I’ll explain!" Tsubaki squeaked.

As Ayane dragged Tsubaki off to a corner for a "chat," I turned to the others, trying to ignore the awkwardness. My brief encounter with Ouma had left me with the impression of a cold, disinterested man. However, that didn't quite explain why Shibaru seemed to loathe him so much.

"He's strong," Laura offered. "I fought him once. The man is violence incarnate."

"I haven't had much to do with him," Kaiser added. "We've only met twice."

That was their assessment. If even Laura spoke of him that way, his strength was clearly the real deal—something I'd already sensed during our brief clash. Still, I wanted more detail.

"Well," Yamato sighed, "he's strong, alright. He spends all his time diving into dungeons and doesn't bother with livestreams. He’s the odd man out among the S-Ranks."

"Reima-kun," Senka asked softly, "why are you so curious about Ouma?"

"Partly because we met, but... I don't know. He’s just been on my mind."

"I see. Well, if you ask me... I’d say he’s a kind, strong person."

I stared at Senka. A kind person? I couldn't see it—not based on that encounter. But her voice was heavy with subtext, carrying a weight that made it impossible for me to argue.

"Anyway, he’s not the type to socialize much, so I wouldn't worry about it," Yamato said, waving it off.

"Understood. So, about this dance party..."

"Right. It's the other big event for today. You planning on dancing with anyone, kid?"

"I'm terrible at it," I lied immediately. "So, no."

That was a flat-out fabrication. During my time in the other world, while traveling through various countries, Laura had drilled dance steps into me. Over and over. And over again.

The memories were nothing but pain and strict discipline. I could dance perfectly, but the thought of doing it in public was mortifying. I’d much rather everyone believe I had two left feet.

"Hm? You're quite good, aren't you?" Laura remarked.

I glared at her. "...Laura. Shut up. Just for a minute."

"If the girl says you're good, then you must be," Yamato grinned, a predatory glint in his eyes. "And besides, kid... you're the star of the show today, aren't you?"

I had a very bad feeling about this. My escape routes were being cut off one by one. And more than anything, Yamato looked like a man who was about to cause me a lot of trouble.