Chapter 19: Team Member Codename
Asuna had a complex expression, unsure how to respond. She paid for the two bentos, handed one to Asagiri, and only after they stepped away from the counter did she speak.
"I felt something was off when we were in the dungeon, and it's even more obvious now that we're at school. Your personality… is really strange. To be able to say such narcissistic things with such a straight face…"
"Because I'm speaking the truth."
They found a quiet corner in Shuchiin Academy, sat down on a bench, and Asagiri smiled.
"It's already a fact. Why hide it?"
Asuna rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, thank you for bestowing upon me the opportunity to treat you to a bento. Is that enough?"
"It's enough that you know to be thankful. I was just afraid you wouldn't appreciate it."
Asagiri opened his bento box, took out the chopsticks, and continued eating as he spoke.
"Oh, right. There's something extremely important we need to decide immediately."
"What is it?"
"Codename."
Asuna blinked. "Codename?"
"Yes. A codename to use during dungeon runs."
Asagiri explained, "Think about it. If we call each other by real names when other Players are around, it's too revealing. Imagine shouting things like, 'Asagiri, save me quickly,' or 'Asagiri, I'm scared, stand closer,' or 'Asagiri, I can't sleep alone, can I sleep with you?' or 'Asagiri, from now on call me Asagiri Asuna,' and so on."
"The first line is fine, but what are those last ones…? Are you trying to sneak your own fantasies in there?"
"Anyway, you get the point."
"Codename, huh… We really do need one."
Asuna nodded. She seemed calm, but inside, for some reason… she was a little excited.
Codename.
Team codename.
It just felt… really cool.
Of course, she absolutely wouldn't let Asagiri know she had such childish chuunibyou thoughts.
"Since you brought it up, have you thought of one for yourself?"
"Of course."
Asagiri smiled confidently.
"Butter Shooter."
Asuna: "..."
"Are you kidding? If I needed help during a fight, I'd have to yell, 'Butter Shooter, come help me!' or 'Butter Shooter, flank the enemy!' I'd rather die than shout that…"
"Ah, that's really a shame."
Asagiri shook his head, looking genuinely regretful.
"Such a perfect codename, yet because of my teammate's shame, it can't become official. Well, I'll accept this sacrifice for the sake of the team."
Asuna sighed. "Yes, yes. I'm sorry for dragging you down with my shame. Can we discuss this seriously now?"
"Alright. What do you think my codename should be?"
Asuna thought for a while. "Based on your abilities and personality… how about Monarch? It means sovereign. It fits your arrogant, looking-down-on-everything style."
Asagiri immediately looked disgusted.
"Ew. That codename screams chuunibyou pretending not to be chuunibyou, which makes it even more chuunibyou. Absolutely not."
Asuna's cheeks flushed. She knew it wasn't great, but being rejected so fast still stung.
"If you think mine is bad, then come up with one yourself."
"Leader. It means the leader of the team. Simple and accurate. I'm the captain anyway."
"That one… is indeed good. As for me…"
Asuna thought hard. Something cool, something she wouldn't feel embarrassed shouting, something Asagiri wouldn't mock…
Before she could speak, Asagiri asked:
"How about Violet?"
Asuna paused, then nodded slightly. She was clearly happy with it, but she still asked:
"Violet… it sounds good. But why did you think of that?"
"Do you want the truth or a lie?"
"There's a truth and a lie? What's the lie?"
Asagiri's smile vanished. His expression turned serious as he stared straight at her.
"Because your form when wielding the rapier is as elegant as a violet flower. So in my mind, your codename should be Violet."
Even though Asuna expected it wasn't his real reason, the serious look—and their close distance—made her heart skip. Her face suddenly warmed, and she quickly turned away.
"T-then… what about the truth?"
"The truth is, it just popped into my head. No special reason."
"Oh… I see…"
For some reason, Asuna felt disappointed. She liked the lie more.
...…
After eating lunch together, they headed to the Shuchiin Academy gym.
Ordinary schools would never have a professional gym, but Shuchiin was different. Its sports clubs—tennis, volleyball, basketball—often ranked nationally. With that prestige and abundant funding, the campus facilities naturally surpassed that of normal high schools.
As for why they came here, Asagiri's explanation was simple.
"Even if it's called a game, a dungeon isn't a real game. We can't gauge strength from visible stats, and when physical levels are equal, those who train regularly adapt to combat better."
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