I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 101

Episode 101

“How’s it going?” 

After a while of trying, I asked. 

Rin showed a thoughtful expression before slowly nodding. 

“Y-yeah… I think I kind of get it, maybe.” 

Strength gathered in Rin’s hand. From her tightly held hand, I could faintly feel her warmth. 

……………Being conscious of her smooth hand made me a little embarrassed. 

Calm down. This is training. 

Rin probably isn’t thinking about anything like that. 

To shake off my impure thoughts, I focused my gaze on Rin. When I looked at her, I noticed her cheeks were slightly flushed. Is she embarrassed too? 

“…Yeah, I got to savor it for a bit. I’ll try again.” 

“Got to savor?” 

What do you mean by that? 

“I-I misspoke… I mean, I experienced it. Yeah. I’ll try to replicate that feeling myself.” 

With that, Rin began walking to search for her next target. 

— 

As we went through several battles… I started my own training in between. 

“How is it?” 

“……..…Hmm, it’s difficult.” 

What Rin was teaching me was telekinesis. 

Apparently, telekinesis is something that anyone with magical power—or rather, any ability user—can use to some extent. Of course, there are individual differences. 

Simply put, those with magical power can generally perform four major types of abilities: 

1. 1. Manipulative techniques like telekinesis. 

2. 2. Reinforcement techniques to enhance the body or equipment. 

3. 3. Elemental abilities tied to attributes. 

4. 4. Non-elemental abilities that don’t belong to a specific attribute. 

For most people, their expertise varies. For example, some can produce fire but not water. 

Generally, it’s said to be better to focus on training one specialty. 

This is because there’s more potential for growth when honing a specialty rather than trying to balance multiple abilities. 

Most people don’t try to develop their weaker areas. 

Especially if aiming to be a top explorer, specialization becomes even more critical. 

In my case, I excel at body reinforcement—wrapping magical power around my body like armor or enhancing my weapon with it. 

However, I have almost no talent in other fields—practically zero. 

Rin, on the other hand, is particularly skilled in elemental techniques, especially with ice. Conversely, she can’t use other elemental abilities at all. But she can somewhat manage manipulative and reinforcement techniques. 

Rin isn’t particularly good at using elemental magic from a distance. If possible, she prefers close combat. So she’s been training to improve her reinforcement techniques. 

As for me… I also want to try using other techniques. Ideally, elemental abilities, though I seem to have no talent in that area. 

So for now, I’m focusing on manipulative techniques. 

“With telekinesis, try to use it as if you’re pulling an object toward you or pushing it away. That should help.” 

With that advice, Rin also taught me how to use my magical power. 

Still, I was having a hard time grasping the feel of it. 

“I’ll grab your hand again,” 

Rin said, reaching out to me. 

Once again, Rin demonstrated by using telekinesis to pick up a small nearby stone. She then placed it in front of me. 

I tried activating telekinesis toward it. 

With Rin helping me with magical support… 

“Hmm, I still don’t really get it…” 

“R-really? Then… I’ll stay like this for a little longer.” 

Huh? Even if you do, I probably won’t get it… 

Despite looking a bit embarrassed, Rin tightly held my hand. 

…W-what should I do? 

I wanted to repay Rin for her kindness, but things weren’t going well. 

Actually, being so aware of her made it even harder to focus. 

S-Saotome-san, help me! 

When I turned to her, Saotome-san happened to notice us too. 

“Sa-Saotome-san, is there a way to feel magical power more effectively?” 

If anyone knows, it’s her! Hoping for an answer, I asked. 

Saotome-san placed a hand on her chin, pondering. 

“Hmm… If you want to sense magical power better, you should increase the contact surface area.” 

“Contact surface area?” 

“Yes, the more skin contact, the more accurately you can feel the flow of magical power.” 

“…!?” 

What is this person saying!? 

“W-what do you mean!?” 

“Exactly what I said. For example, by linking arms… or embracing while undressed.” 

Saotome-san said it so casually. But it was such an embarrassing suggestion. 

I was foolish to rely on her…………. 

“B-but… that’s, um…” 

Rin was opening and closing her mouth like a goldfish. 

Her face turned bright red as she looked at me. She then quickly lowered her gaze. 

“There’s no time to be embarrassed. Once you’ve learned the theory, it’s time for practice, right?” 

Well, that’s certainly a reasonable piece of advice—if you completely disregard all the surrounding emotions. 

Even Rin looked at me in surprise. 

Of course, I had no intention of taking her words at face value. So I shook my head in refusal.