I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 17

Episode 17

Saturday. At the entrance to the Kamino Town Dungeon. 

I met up with Kirishima-san. 

Unlike her usual combination of a suit and winter clothing, Kirishima-san was wearing gear meant for dungeon exploration. 

It was the standard attire for an explorer. It was a clear indication of her past experience in the field. 

“You’re pretty well-equipped.” 

“…Well, of course. I’m actually surprised by you, Amakusa-san. Is this what you usually wear?” 

“Eh, well…..” 

I was wearing normal clothes. Although, they were made from materials recovered from dungeons. 

Since I often go back and forth between the dungeon and home, I choose things that I can use as everyday wear. 

It’s winter, so I’ve layered up. But in the summer, my gear is lighter. 

But, in the end, my focus is on physical enhancement. The clothes are just there to cover up and keep me from looking too exposed. Honestly, I could conquer the dungeon naked, and nothing would change. 

Kirishima-san turned her gaze toward the dungeon. She took a deep breath as she stared at the swirling black vortex that seemed to tear through space. 

“…..Shall we go?” 

She seemed extremely nervous. Well, I can understand why—she’s about to face a dungeon far beyond her current abilities. 

It’s only natural for her to be nervous. 

“I’ll protect you, so… don’t worry.” 

“Y-Yes, okay…” 

I guess she’s also anxious about being with me. And no matter what I say, her tension isn’t going to fade. 

Once we were ready, Kirishima-san and I stepped through the gate into the dungeon. 

After safely arriving on the first floor, I turned my attention to her. 

“.…So, about the transportation. Should I carry you in my arms or on my back?” 

Kirishima-san thought for a moment. Then, while slightly blushing, she answered calmly. 

“I’d prefer on your back. I think it will be easier to move that way…” 

“Understood.” 

I turned my back toward her, and she nervously grabbed onto my back. 

……I was a little nervous myself. This was the first time I’ve had a woman this close to me. 

As I caught her, her arm wrapped around my neck. I could feel the soft touch and the scent of something pleasant. 

Luckily, her chest wasn’t too big… or rather, 

I could feel her soft chest. But as long as I thought of it as a warm wall, it wasn’t a problem. 

…But still… I could feel something soft. 

“…You said you wouldn’t mind, but are you not concerned?” 

I heard a teasing voice in my ear. She must have realized that her chest was pressing against me and was joking about it. 

“…N-No, it’s not like that.” 

“Is that so?” 

Kirishima-san smiled a little, looking pleased. …She might be enjoying getting a reaction out of me. That innocent smile was so cute, I almost felt like falling for her. 

Then, I grabbed Kirishima-san’s thigh, and she let out a small sound. 

……That slightly seductive voice surprised me. 

“…S-Sorry, did I hurt you?” 

“…No, it’s fine. I’m just not used to being carried.” 

Well, I guess being carried is something most people only experience when they’re kids… 

Kirishima-san clung to me tightly. ….…Ah, even though her chest is small, it’s still soft. I could definitely feel that. 

“Is it okay to cling on this tightly?” 

“Eh, well…” 

“If we need to fight, this way you’ll still have both hands free, right?” 

“Yeah, that’s true. Can I try moving around a little?” 

“Yes, sure…” 

With her permission, I moved my body like I normally would when preparing for a fight. 

“Kyah!” 

I jumped high and stepped side to side. When I did, Kirishima-san let out a cute scream. 

That was something worth hearing. I should have recorded it. 

“…….I guess it’s not as okay as I thought.” 

“…S-Sorry, I underestimated it. It might be hard to hold on too tightly.” 

Kirishima-san sighed softly. 

“If I need to use both hands in battle, I’ll set you down first. For now, I’ll make sure to hold you securely, so don’t worry.” 

“..…Thank you. I’m not good with scream-inducing rides, so…” 

“Really? Do you go on them often?” 

“Yes.” 

“With friends?” 

“No.” 

“Then, with your boyfriend?” 

“Just by myself?” 

Huh!? Did I just say something wrong!? 

What? What’s with her crazy vibe—”Are you saying something’s wrong with me?”

……….She reacted strongly with the word “Christmas” too, so it seems like it’s better not to touch on topics in that direction. 

After all, asking overly intrusive questions can be considered sexual harassment. Which is not good. And I really don’t want any more derogatory nicknames added to mine. 

While carrying Kirishima-san on my back, I moved briskly. For now, I needed to let Kirishima-san get used to it. 

I quickly descended the stairs and proceeded through the floors one by one. 

“…..You’re really fast.” 

“Well, I’ve memorized the layout of each floor.” 

“Yes, but… your speed is extraordinary.” 

“I have a body enhancement-type ability.” 

“A body enhancement-type, huh…” 

“People with abilities like mine usually have enhanced physical strength, so it’s not that special.” 

While talking about this, a horde of monsters suddenly attacked. But I eliminated them easily. 

I dealt with everything using just footwork and continued forward. 

I could ignore the monsters, but fighting them prevents any activation from occurring. 

As I continued advancing while defeating the monsters, I heard Kirishima-san’s surprised voice from my back. 

“…S-Rank Explorers are this amazing, huh?” 

“Other S-Rank Explorers are even more amazing. I’m just someone with a lot of magical energy.” 

After all, they can fly, summon lightning, create ice…… 

I look rather plain, so people tend to think I’m not doing much. 

“Even so… I think you’re plenty strong.” 

Her words made me feel a little happy. The only ones who used to compliment me like that were people like Miyoshi-san.