"Alright, you guys! Thanks for making the trip out here today!"
Yamato-san’s voice reached me from behind the stage of the assembly hall. It was a booming, vibrant sound. Under the intense glare of the spotlights, six men and women stood in a line, presenting themselves to the crowd.
"Are you guys having a good time? You’ve eaten, you’ve mingled, and now it’s finally time for the main event. Let’s get to the introductions!"
As I watched them from the wings, I sent a telepathic message to Luna and Sol.
Is it really okay to show our hand? Are you two going to be alright with this?
No problem, Master, Luna replied.
Hehe, you don’t need to worry about things like that, okay? Sol added.
Fine then. Let’s give them a show.
I began kneading my mana, preparing for the performance. Out in the hall, the rowdy adventurers were roaring their approval for Ayane and the rest. They all seemed used to the attention. Since they were all streamers, I figured they were comfortable being the center of attention. I took one final, deep breath.
"All right, this is the last one! Time to introduce the new face of Japan—our newest S-Rank! Come on out, [Valhalla]! It’s time to show them what you're made of!"
That was the cue. Those words were meant for everyone watching the stream, for the adventurers in the crowd, and more than anyone, for me. I stepped onto the stage, manifesting amidst a surge of magic.
"[Dual Summon]—Luna Managarm, Sol Skoll."
I summoned them in their beast forms. I called them forth—the wolf-kin said to devour the moon and sun, creatures capable of slaying even gods.
"A blizzard?!" someone shouted.
"Wait—it’s warm?" another voice added.
Wind swirled and snow lashed through the venue, but there wasn't a hint of a chill. Sol was using her authority over the sun to neutralize Luna’s frost. In that temperate air, Luna transformed the ice into delicate flakes, letting crystals of snow drift down over the audience. The magical constructs were large enough to see clearly—perfect, beautiful hexagons. Some in the crowd were mesmerized by the ethereal sight; others stood breathless, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of their divine majesty.
"Is that... a Summoner?"
"[Valhalla]... the new S-Rank."
"It’s beautiful..."
I could hear their whispers. They were captivated by Luna and Sol, fascinated by their strength, and—above all else—crushed by the pressure of their godlike power.
"I'm the one who was just introduced, the Summoner Reima Kariya," I said. "And these are my companions, Luna and Sol. I'm glad you all could make it today."
I wasn't used to this kind of thing. I wished I could have said something a bit more impressive, but for a guy like me, sticking to the facts was the safest bet. I kept the greeting brief. It was time to speak from the heart.
"I'm sure there are people here who aren't thrilled about me becoming an S-Rank adventurer. Honestly? I feel the same way."
I didn't have Ayane's overwhelming talent or her graceful combat style. I didn't have Kaiser's effortless cool or the ability to pulverize everything with my bare fists. I lacked Kagura’s refined techniques and sheer martial skill. I wasn't a hero like Yamato, someone who saved everyone and earned their adoration... I didn't have Laura’s unwavering conviction to protect the people of this world, nor did I possess Senka’s kindness.
The only reason I stood there was because of my Summoned Beasts—and because of my time in the other world. My power, my experience, my repertoire of magic—all of it existed only because of what I had been through. It was because of those three unforgettable years of adventuring, and because my companions had been there to support me every step of the way. My past was a mix of regret and despair. Plus, there was the fact that I’d eventually have to return this body to the original Reima.
"That’s why I want you to watch me from now on," I continued. "I intend to prove that I’m worthy of the S-Rank title."
That was my resolve as an adventurer. Perseus had warned me that more Mythology Dungeons were coming. I suspected the key to returning to my original world was hidden inside them. The challenges ahead would likely be on a scale unlike anything I’d faced before; even my Summoned Beasts might struggle. But I knew we could overcome it.
"As an adventurer, I’m going to conquer those dungeons alongside the Summoned Beasts who support me and the friends I’ve made here!"
That was the truth. For as long as I remained in this world, I wanted to repay my debts and support these people as much as I could. I’d do it alongside the companions who had joined me in that other world.
"So... I'm looking forward to working with you."