Yūki Asuna had a complex expression, unsure how to respond to his arrogance. She paid for the two bentos first. After leaving the counter, she handed one bento to Asagiri and spoke.
"I felt something was off when we were in the instance, and it's even more obvious here at school. Your personality... is truly eccentric. How can you say such narcissistic things in such a self-assured tone..."
"Because I'm telling the truth."
Asagiri found a quiet corner in Shuchiin with Yūki Asuna. After they sat down on a bench, he smiled and said:
"It's a fact. Why should I hide it?"
Yūki Asuna rolled her eyes and said crossly.
"Yes, yes, thank you for granting me the opportunity to buy you lunch. Is that enough?"
"As long as you understand gratitude. I just worry you might be ungrateful."
Asagiri opened his bento box, took out the chopsticks inside, and while eating, continued.
"By the way, there's one crucial, urgent matter we need to decide on immediately."
"What is it?"
"Codename."
Yūki Asuna looked puzzled. "Codename?"
"Yes, codename. That is, the code name we'll use to address each other while inside an instance."
Asagiri explained, "Think about it. If we use our real names to call each other when other Players are present, won't that be a massive loophole? Like, 'Utsunomiya-kun, please save me,' 'Utsunomiya-kun, I'm so scared, can you stay closer to me,' 'Utsunomiya-kun, I don't dare sleep alone, can I sleep with you,' or 'Utsunomiya-kun, my name should be Utsunomiya Asuna now,' and so on."
Yūki Asuna sighed helplessly, unable to resist complaining.
"The first sentence was fine, but what were those last few sentences? Aren't you just slipping in your own desires?"
"The meaning is conveyed, nonetheless."
"A codename... yes, we certainly need one."
Yūki Asuna nodded, looking outwardly calm, but internally, she felt... a little excited?
Codename...
It sounds... cool.
Of course, given Yūki Asuna's personality, she certainly didn't want Asagiri to know she had such childish, chūnibyō thoughts.
"Since you brought it up, have you decided what codename you'll use for yourself?"
"Naturally."
Asagiri smiled, speaking slowly and with great confidence.
"Butter Shooter!"
Yūki Asuna: "....."
"Are you joking? Based on the scenario you just described, if I need your help in combat, I would have to shout, 'Butter Shooter, quick, help me!' or 'Butter Shooter, I'll distract the enemy, you attack from the flank'? I'd rather die than say that..."
"Ah, what a pity."
Asagiri shook his head, looking genuinely regretful.
"Such a great codename is unable to become official because of my teammate's embarrassment. Fine, let's forget it. This is my sacrifice for the team."
Yūki Asuna sighed, looking like she didn't want to argue anymore.
"Yes, I apologize for hindering you with my personal embarrassment. So, can we start a serious discussion now?"
"Fine. Then what do you think my codename should be?"
Yūki Asuna thought carefully for a moment before speaking.
"Hmm... based on your ability and personality... how about Monarch? It fits your arrogant, condescending manner."
Asagiri, upon hearing this, was bluntly dismissive.
"Ew, that codename is chūnibyō in a way that tries not to be chūnibyō, pretending to be mature, which only makes it even more chūnibyō. Let's scrap it."
Yūki Asuna's cheeks flushed slightly. She clearly felt the codename she chose wasn't suitable either. While desperately trying to conceal her embarrassment, she snapped defensively.
"If you don't like the codename I chose, then come up with one yourself!"
"I'll go with Leader. It simply means 'leader.' It's succinct, and it suits me, as I'm the captain of the squad."
"Hmm, that codename is certainly good. As for mine..."
Yūki Asuna concentrated, trying to think of a name that sounded cool, wouldn't be mocked by Asagiri, wasn't too obvious, and was great to shout out...
Before she could find an answer, Asagiri asked:
"How about Violet?"
Yūki Asuna nodded slightly, seemingly quite pleased with the codename Asagiri had given her, but she couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Violet, like the flower in English... that's a nice codename, but why did you think of giving me that one?"
"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"
"There's a truth and a lie? What's the lie?"
Facing Yūki Asuna's question, the smile instantly vanished from Asagiri's face. He stared seriously into Asuna's face and said:
"Because your figure when wielding the rapier is as beautiful and elegant as a violet flower, and in my mind, you should take the violet as your codename."
Even though Yūki Asuna was mentally prepared and knew this wasn't Asagiri's sincere feeling, seeing him stare at her with a rare serious expression, and given their close proximity sitting on the same bench, her heart rate suddenly accelerated. Her cheeks flushed, and she timidly averted her gaze, unwilling to look directly into Asagiri's eyes.
"And... and the truth?"
"The truth is I just thought of it. There's no special reason."
"Oh... I see..."
For some reason, Yūki Asuna felt a little disappointed. Although she knew the previous answer was a lie, she had found that version more pleasing.
After eating their bento together, Yūki Asuna and Asagiri went to the Shuchiin gym.
Most schools wouldn't have professional gym facilities like this, but Shuchiin Academy was known as the strongest school, excelling in all areas. Not only were the students' average academic results high, but their sports clubs—including tennis, volleyball, and basketball—also frequently achieved success in national competitions.
Coupled with the school's generous funding, the facilities on campus were naturally more comprehensive and professional than those of an ordinary high school.
As for why they came to the gym, Asagiri's explanation was simple.
"Although we call it a game, the instance isn't a real game. We can't use numerical stats to directly determine our strength. Furthermore, even with comparable physical conditioning, people who train regularly will definitely adapt better to the rhythm of combat."