Volume 4 Chapter 26 I'm Getting A New Nickname, But...
I was summoned by Karan from the Mercenary Guild.
Despite recently not seeing each other, I headed to the usual room.
"It's been a while... where's Silver Flash and Aina-kun together?"
"Should I have brought them along?"
"No, the matter is only for you, so it's not a problem. Just that you were always with someone, so it's a bit rare."
As Karan said, today it was just me.
The other three are happily having a 'girls' gathering'.
The day after the unforgettable night spent with Aina.
I carried Aina back to the clinic. Aina's legs were shaking like a newborn fawn, making it impossible for her to walk properly.
Despite intending to be gentle due to it being a 'first time,' we both ended up getting too worked up and pushed ourselves too hard.
Kyunei and Mikage warmly welcomed us back after our late night out together. It seems they had expected this outcome when we both went out for work.
Aina was extremely embarrassed about being seen through, but at the same time, she was grateful to the two who accepted her kindly. I also decided to work harder for these harmonious girls.
After a few days and Aina's full recovery, the women went out together. There must be things they want to talk about without the opposite gender around.
So, I came to the guild alone.
"So, what's the important matter?"
"You probably have a good idea."
"Yeah, well, I guess so."
If you're not fatally dense, you can guess what it is.
――Sure enough, Karan informed me that my promotion to 3rd rank mercenary had been officially approved.
With this, I officially became a 3rd rank mercenary.
I'm just one step away from reaching my goal of 2nd rank――the same rank as Mikage.
However, there seems to be a big difference between the 2nd and 3rd ranks, according to what Mikage said. Even if you can climb up to the 3rd rank smoothly, only a handful of people can make it further from there. It won't be as easy as before to keep advancing step by step.
As I was thinking vaguely that there is still a long way to go, Karan unexpectedly brought up a topic.
"Also, it's quite unusual to be given a new nickname when you reach the 3rd rank."
"A nickname? Like Mikage's 'Silver Flash'?"
After nodding, Karan spoke again.
"By the way, Yukina-kun, do you know how mercenaries get their nicknames?"
"I've heard that they come from their amazing feats or strange characteristics..."
In Mikage's 'Silver Flash', the gleam of the sword is so fast that it is difficult to see, which is why it appears as a 'silver flash.'
When I first became a mercenary, my skills were not yet recognized, and because I only hunted Big Rats, the dishonorable name of 'Rat Killer' spread within the guild, which now feels oddly nostalgic.
"Yes, one is as you say, when a nickname someone gave you becomes fixed. And the other is when a powerful figure like a noble bestows a nickname upon a mercenary."
It seems that nobles who were impressed by a mercenary's bravery or skills send a nickname in hopes of the mercenary's future success.
However, it is usually customary for nicknames to be given to 2nd rank mercenaries who have achieved more success, it is very rare for a 3rd rank mercenary like me to receive one.
From the conversation, it seems that the nickname I will receive will be given by this noble person.
"...So, what nickname am I getting? It better not be something like 'Goblin Slayer' or 'Kobold Killer.' If it is, I'll protest even if the opponent is a noble."
"Don't worry, it's nothing like that."
With my bold stance, Karan shook his head.
Then, he solemnly informed me,
"The nickname sent to you is 'Black Blade.'"
Black Blade – meaning a black-colored blade.
"But why 'Black Blade'?"
I can understand the 'black' part since my favorite spear, Gram, is a reddish-black color.
But then, 'Black Spear' would be more fitting. Why 'Blade'?
Well, Gram's blade is black, but it's only a small part compared to the whole spearhead. It would make more sense if my weapon were a sword.
"The other day, there was an official announcement. The mercenary Yukina was promoted to 3rd rank and given the nickname "Black Blade." The guild emblem was on the official document, so it was definitely legitimate. However, the sender of the nickname was not mentioned anywhere in the document."
Karan crossed his arms and groaned.
'Oh, I see. I get it now.'
Gram said with a nod as if he suddenly understood.
When I directed my consciousness towards Gram through telepathy, he began to explain enthusiastically.
'Maybe the Black Blade refers to the residue left on Balmung when you cut down the evil dragon, partner.'
Indeed, the massive blade was a deep black color, fitting for the name Black Blade.
I was starting to be convinced, but then I suddenly realized something.
Balmung――is a huge black sword that only those who witnessed the moment it struck down the evil dragon have seen, regardless of its true name.
In addition, there is a strict confidentiality order regarding the truth of that event, directly issued by the king himself. It's highly unlikely that information would leak so easily...unless...
'That's right. It's a directive from the upper echelons of the guild, but it was the king who conveyed the message.'
Could it be Aina's father?
But wait, wasn't the Mercenary Guild an independent organization?
Despite being a ruler of a kingdom, it's not so simple for the king's orders to just be accepted like that.
'As you said, partner, the Mercenary Guild may not belong to any one nation, but that doesn't mean they are completely unrelated to the country. They operate within the boundaries of the country with permission to have their organization's buildings on the land.'
It's like running a business on rented property. You can't just ignore the wishes of the landowner.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. When it comes to promotion, the guild evaluated your skills and achievements. The document simply stated the conditions for your promotion to '3rd rank,' that's all."
Karan, who had misunderstood me because I was talking with Gram through Telepathy, seemed flustered at my silence. Maybe he thought I was upset.
"No, don't worry about it. I just have an idea of who might have given me that nickname."
Anyway, starting today,
I will be known as 'Yukina the Black Blade.'
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