This arc has been a big turn in direction. As
@sketches pointed out it's our first multi-chapter arc. It's much more focused on combat than the last time we saw the MC out in the field. And unlike the first time, he's holding his own, with another competent party on hand to witness his skill. I guess his reputation is due for a bump? Unless the tsundere doesn't honestly report what he saw.
At the end of it, what will the gyaru priestess think? Doki-Doki, I hope
