Chapter 36: Naming Sense!
Cogia's request was to ask for directions.
Honestly, I was relieved because I thought it would be something more difficult.
They were heading towards the dragon's lair, but it seemed like they had gotten lost along the way.
Until halfway, they were heading towards a significant source of magic as a landmark, but suddenly the magic disappeared. They lost their sense of direction and were at a loss when we came across them.
...So the magic of the Forest of Confusion also serves as a landmark for travelers?
"If you'd like, should I take you there in an instant?"
"No, just telling us the direction will be sufficient. The journey to that point is part of our training."
I suggested using [Transference] for transportation, but it was refused as it seemed that finding the way on their own was considered part of their training.
I provided directions to the Forest of Confusion and explained that if they go a little further, they would be able to see the mountains, so they should aim for that.
I asked Kogia why he would go all the way to the dragon's lair.
When lizardmen reach a certain age, they undergo a trial as a rite of passage to become a full-fledged man. They travel alone to the dragon's lair and receive proof from Granneel, then return to their own village.
By doing so, they are recognized as adults by everyone in the village and are allowed to call themselves warriors.
Kogia's village is the farthest among the lizardmen's several villages, so the difficulty is considerably high. Some years, there are few who return safely, and there are even years when no one comes back.
Due to this, Kogia's village is a small but elite group, and the offensive power of the village itself is higher than that of other villages.
Therefore, they are respected by other villages as well.
"So, are the men in Kogia's village popular with the ladies?"
"Yes, there are many marriage proposals from other villages."
Such a quick response!
Is that the reason why their motivation is high?
I envy them, as I never had a time when I was popular...
This year, Kogia and two others left separately, so I don't know the situation, but Kogia seemed determined to be the first to return.
There must be a feeling of not wanting to lose even among friends.
Does coming back quickly make you more popular?
Perhaps Kogia simply wants to become stronger, but since coming to this world, I feel like I've become more cynical, unable to see things straightforwardly.
Not being able to use honorific language may also be affecting me to some extent.
Kogia confirmed the direction once again and left after saying thanks.
Now that Kogia is gone, I decided to ask about something that had been bothering me.
"If Kuro is Gulp One, does that mean there's also Gulp Two and Gulp Three?"
"Master! How did you figure it out so easily?"
"Well, just a hunch."
"You truly are amazing!"
Being praised for something like this doesn't make me happy at all...
"Did Gulp come up with the names?"
"Yes, that's right."
Does that mean Shiro had a name too?
"What was Shiro's name before?"
"I was called 'Kiniku Sono Ichi' (Clan Member Number One)."
Does Gods just come up with names randomly?
Or is it a matter of taste...
I can't really complain about naming sense.
There's no point in worrying about it, so I'll stop thinking.