Chapter 58 – ５８ – Naming Lesson

Debut Match Arc

“Now, we will begin the regular A-Rank limited meeting.”

Monday afternoon.

Naru and the other students of the A-Rank Magic Capacity group gathered in their usual classroom. The meeting began with various announcements regarding what they would be doing in this week’s Masquerade classes, upcoming events, and the expectations for those events, followed by discussions on matters that required deliberation.

“As you know, the debut matches will take place next Wednesday, May 1st. Therefore, there will be no meeting next week. You will spend that day focusing on your final checks. Now, as for what we will be doing this week… it is naming.”

“Naming? Ah, like Ms. Maruta’s ‘Steel Colossus,’ Stahl…”

Naru murmured in response to Mr. Ajitori’s words.

Mr. Ajitori nodded once before speaking again.

“Exactly. However, regarding the ‘Epithet’—such as ‘Steel Colossus’ in Ms. Maruta’s case—you do not need to think of one yourself. You will simply choose from a list decided by those around you, selecting the one you feel is appropriate to claim. What you need to think about now is the part that, in Ms. Maruta’s case, is ‘Stahl’.”

With that, Mr. Ajitori began explaining the significance of naming.

To summarize his explanation concisely:

Naming does not significantly alter the abilities of a Masked Form.

Even if there is a change, it falls almost entirely within the realm of the placebo or nocebo effect; as long as one is aware of this, it is not a problem.

However, changing a name once it has been established requires a corresponding justification, so the decision must be made carefully.

“Mr. Ajitori, why do we even need to give ourselves names in the first place? Isn’t our real name fine?”

“Good question, Tōsaka. Well, for one, it is traditional. There are also aspects regarding countermeasures against certain Skills or Masked Form functions that utilize names. But the biggest reason… is as a countermeasure against certain ‘weirdos’ after you reach adulthood and begin full-scale activities.”

“Weirdos?”

Naru, Tokuto, Tōsaka, and Magariya tilted their heads in confusion.

The only ones who didn’t seem surprised were Fuchibeni, Kibitsu, and Hitsujiuta, who appeared to already be aware of the circumstances.

After gauging his students’ reactions, Mr. Ajitori continued.

“After graduating from the academy, almost all of you here will undoubtedly become Duelists, accepting requests for Duels from various individuals, organizations, and nations. Naturally, you won’t win every single fight; there will be times when you lose. And when you do lose… in very rare cases, there are those who harbor feelings that can only be described as a grudge against the defeated Duelist, and seek to vent that resentment through violence.”

“…”

“By giving your Masked Form a name different from your own, you make it harder for the crimes of such people to reach you. In fact, since naming became generalized, those kinds of crimes have plummeted.”

“But for us in the A-Rank group, our names and Masked Forms were already made public at the Unveiling Ceremony, right? Isn’t it too late for naming to matter now?”

Magariya’s question was reasonable.

Thus, Mr. Ajitori continued.

“Normally, yes. But those people aren’t normal. Perhaps it is the Goddess’s protection, but for some reason, those types of people become unable to recognize the names and Masked Forms presented at the Unveiling Ceremony as the truth. Therefore, the Unveiling Ceremony is fine. Conversely, that means you are only protected during the ceremony. That is why you need to establish a different name for the future.”

The Unveiling Ceremony.

The truth was that the event was a venue where a certain kind of ritual was performed—a device designed to flush out and monitor those kinds of people.

“I see…”

“Oh, right. The secret of the Unveiling Ceremony must only be known to A-Rank Evaluated students, certain teachers, and government officials, so do not speak of it outside. Do not tell your families either. There are a few who seem to have known before I even mentioned it… I won’t ask where you found out, and you shouldn’t ask others. Understood?”

“You’re telling us now!?”

“Ugh, now I’m getting anxious…”

“Ahaha. Well, as far as I know, the secret of the Unveiling Ceremony seems to be true, so be careful.”

“It seems to be something of an open secret, anyway.”

The classroom fell into a temporary uproar following those words.

“…”

Amidst the noise of the classroom, one student wore a melancholy expression.

It was Morikuni Tomoe.

“Sigh…”

Since yesterday afternoon, Tomoe’s mind had been occupied by a certain matter.

It was something that happened during the discussion between Naru and the Morikuni family on Sunday.

Through the interception device that Suzu had prepared and given to her, Tomoe had heard every word of that conversation.

Consequently, she knew that Naru had been unable to refuse and had become the representative for the Morikuni family, agreeing to enter a Duel with his own engagement to her as the stake.

The problem was not the content of the discussion, but the process.

“If you think you can gain time as a couple through this method, go see a doctor immediately. You’re senile.”

“I’m telling you that even the first step isn’t functioning. For the sake of the country? For the family? Don’t make me laugh. If you truly want to protect those things, the absolute prerequisite is to first protect and cooperate with your own kin.”

“The other proposals are the same. The “rewards” for me are rewards in name only. In reality, they are just a collar and feed to keep me as a lapdog.”

“I’m sending almost all of the filth you call “rewards” right back to the Morikuni family.”

“Even if I win, the Morikuni family must refrain from interfering with Ms. Morikuni from here on. The only exception is if Ms. Morikuni herself desires it.”

“This current arrangement is merely a promise of marriage. Therefore, if circumstances change, I will ensure it can be annulled at any time. However, let me make it clear now: if I am the one to annul it, it will not be because I disliked Morikuni Tomoe as an individual, but because the Morikuni family behind her proved unworthy of trust.”

A series of fierce words unimaginable from the usual Naru.

Actions that could only be seen as being for Tomoe’s sake, despite being forced into the role of the Morikuni family’s representative.

Words that could be interpreted as him actually liking Morikuni Tomoe herself.

And the fact that he had done all of this naturally, without posturing, without arrogance, and without pride.

Because of these things, Tomoe found herself harboring a feeling toward Naru that she didn’t know how to describe.

Then Monday arrived, and as they entered the same classroom for the meeting, she found her eyes naturally following Naru, who showed no sign that any such event had occurred on Sunday… and the nameless emotion inside Tomoe grew.

Tomoe could not put a name to this feeling.

She knew it was a form of affection, but she felt it wasn’t “love,” “romance,” or “crush.”

While those words he spoke were wonderful, Naru was a person who, like Tomoe’s father, viewed having relationships with multiple women as acceptable. Tomoe could not believe that she would harbor such feelings for such a person.

But what if?

“What if he only looked at me…?”

If Naru looked only at Tomoe and chose her alone… Tomoe would have taken his hand without hesitation.

That was how Tomoe viewed herself objectively.

But at the same time, she was certain it was impossible.

Naru already had Suzu, a partner who supported him in the shadows and the light, in both public and private matters. To any observer, their relationship was very close; they were clearly in that kind of relationship.

Furthermore, Tomoe had learned that Suzu had been working behind the scenes for the sake of this current matter.

Knowing that, she could not forgive herself—even if heaven and earth allowed it—for stepping in and tearing that bond apart.

After all, she was conscious that doing so would be the same as her mother’s behavior.

Complex emotions swirled and subsided, rose like stormy waves and collapsed, attempting to stir the very depths of her heart.

“A Duel… No, that is absolutely out of the question. If I am to challenge him, it should be a contest, not a Duel. A Duel is for when there is truly no other way.”

However, those waves did not stir the mire at the bottom of her heart.

Having come to terms with her own feelings, Tomoe made a resolution.

“If I win the Duel… no, even if I lose the Duel, at that moment, I will give this emotion a name. If I do, I’m sure I can take a step forward… and become a person worthy of the proud Morikuni name.”

A member of the Morikuni family, wielding the power of the Masquerade to protect the nation.

She would act in a manner befitting that role.

✧

“Now, each of you must decide on a name for your Masked Form by the end of the week. Once decided, submit it to me or Ms. Tarui. After that, begin adjusting your Masked Forms in preparation for the debut matches.”

And so, the meeting for the day ended.