The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 22: Let's Call Each Other by Our Names
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- Chapter 22: Let's Call Each Other by Our Names
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Chapter 22: Let’s Call Each Other by Our Names
“…Wow, we’re really drawing attention, aren’t we?”
“Well, it’s rare for me to be in the B-rank stratum.”
No, no, I think it’s not just that.
Sure, Sumeragi being in the B-rank stratum would naturally draw attention, but the fact that she’s with me, a C-rank, might be a big deal too.
Although our classmates know that Sumeragi and I have been talking a lot recently, forming a party together must be unexpected for them.
“In games, this would be called ‘boosting,’ right?”
“Boosting?”
“It’s a method in online games, you know? Getting help from someone ranked higher than yourself.”
“Ah, I see.”
Strictly speaking, it’s more about disguising as a lower rank… but well, it’s something similar.
Even though the dungeon is a place adjacent to danger, Sumeragi and I had no particular problems and kept moving deeper.
In the deeper parts of the B-rank stratum, where creatures nearly reaching A-rank roam, there are fewer human sightings.
“Wow, having an S-rank Explorer by my side makes the journey so much easier.”
“What are you talking about? Your archery skills are honestly on par with A-rank, aren’t they? Plus, your movements, including your ability to detect presences, are akin to those of an S-rank Explorer.”
It’s an honor to be praised so highly by an S-rank, Sumeragi.
Generally, Sumeragi takes the front line while I provide support with my bow from the back. But as Sumeragi mentioned, sometimes I form magic arrows in my hand for close-range attacks, a remnant of my expertise with the sword.
“I know it might sound absurd, but with us like this, I almost feel sorry for the monsters around us.”
“That is… well, maybe you’re right.”
With a swift motion, Sumeragi swung her sword, splattering the blood of the monster she had struck. Behind us lay countless monster carcasses, making us feel almost pity for them as we advanced.
(…But still, she’s truly impressive.)
Both of us have mastered swordsmanship, resulting in minimal wounds on the monsters’ bodies. We precisely target their weak points, leading to their instant demise with almost every strike.
“This one’s the last.”
I released an arrow toward Sumeragi’s temple, which, of course, didn’t penetrate her head. Instead, it abruptly changed its trajectory, piercing through the head of a monster that was about to ambush her from behind.
“It’s over now.”
“Ah. But you didn’t react at all, did you?”
“Fufu, I didn’t see it looking like you were aiming at me. Besides, I’m confident that Tokioka-kun would never do something so terrible.”
“Right. I don’t have a hobby of testing others like that, pretending to be weaker than I am, like Sumeragi.”
“…I’m really sorry.”
I chuckled at Sumeragi’s downcast expression.
Well, I said I wasn’t into testing, but in a way, what I just did was similar.
I lightly patted Sumeragi’s shoulder, apologizing in a teasing manner.
“Really now… You’re probably the only one who teases me like that.”
“It’s good, right? Being equal friends.”
“…Yes, it is.”
I’m glad she doesn’t seem to mind it too much.
We were in the deeper part of the B-rank stratum, in a temple area that seemed to be sanctifying something sacred.
Yet, despite the many monsters infesting the area, the dungeon’s design is truly mysterious.
“We’ve come this far but haven’t found anything special.”
“Yeah. It would be good if it stays this way…”
Looking around, there’s nothing particularly concerning.
The monsters don’t dare to approach, likely intimidated by Sumeragi’s overwhelming strength, making the area almost too quiet, almost redefining the sense of danger.
“Let’s take a break.”
“Okay.”
We sat down on a nearby stone wall, not particularly tired, but deciding to rest.
Sumeragi popped a candy into her mouth, rolling it around to savor the taste, and then turned to me.
“Your sword… you really don’t draw it, do you?”
“Huh? Well, yeah. I mean… if you know, then you know, but it’s not like I’m underestimating anything, okay? My bow is indeed a secondary weapon, but I’m doing everything I can with it.”
That’s right, I’m not taking the exploration lightly.
I possess overwhelming power with my sword, capable of cutting down anything, and that gives me a certain peace of mind. But that doesn’t mean I let my guard down while wielding my bow in the dungeon.
“When there’s someone I want to protect by my side, or when I need to hurry to help someone… in those times, I draw my sword without hesitation. I hide my power, as I’ve explained before, but I won’t hesitate to use it when things really get tough – that’s a decision I’ve made.”
“…I see. That’s a good principle to have.”
I smiled at Sumeragi in agreement.
“Well, no matter how much we talk, in the end, it all comes down to my love for the Legion Knight.”
“Yes. He didn’t hesitate to use his power when necessary either.”
That’s right, and that’s why the Legion Knight is so cool, admired by many children who see him in comics.
I activated the Unparalleled Blade and summoned my sword in front of me.
As always, it emitted a faint light, a beautiful sword that never dulled, requiring no maintenance.
“You’re just casually summoning your sword!”
“Eh? It’s fine. It’s just us here, and summoning this sword is as natural to me as breathing.”
“…Hmmm.”
Sumeragi asked, who was intently staring at the sword, if she wanted to hold it.
“Can I?”
“Yeah. Though, you probably won’t be able to hold it.”
“Eh?”
She reached out gently, and as I tried to hand her the sword, it disappeared like it had melted into the air the moment it touched her fingers.
“I see. So it’s a sword that only you can wield.”
“Exactly. To be precise, it’s a sword created by my skill, so it can’t exist away from me – kind of like a lover, in a way.”
Since we’ve been together for so long, this remark isn’t really far off the mark.
Sumeragi giggled, and I pursed my lips, wondering if it was really that funny, then deactivated the Unparalleled Blade.
“Don’t pout like that. Oh, that reminds me!”
“What?”
Sumeragi, clapping her hands, made a proposal.
“I was thinking while we were fighting… how about we start calling each other by our names?”
“Names?”
“Yes. We can certainly call each other friends now, and we’ve become quite close, haven’t we?”
“…That might be true.”
“Then let’s call each other by name—”
“Setsuna.”
“…!?”
I took the initiative and called her by her first name, causing her face to visibly flush.
“Should I go back to calling you Sumeragi-san?”
“No, don’t! That’s fine! It’s fine… ahem, Sena-kun!”
“Yes.”
“…Uu.”
And so, it was decided that we would call each other Sena and Setsuna from then on.