I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 2

Episode 2  

January 1, 2030.  

While thinking idly about how much time had passed since I started high school, I raised my head.  

The location was a studio in Tokyo.  

I had been invited to a live broadcast for a New Year’s special. Standing upright in front of a crowd of staff and numerous cameras, I straightened my back.  

Today’s live show featured several S-Rank Explorers. And I was one of them.  

….As an S-Rank Explorer, I’ve been invited to these kinds of events multiple times. That’s how popular the profession is.  

Sitting next to me were two other S-Rank Explorers: Daiki Kiryu and Rin Kanzaki.  

Kiryu-san was 25 years old, while Kanzaki was 16, like me.  

Both of them looked way better than me, so they didn’t stand out awkwardly in situations like this. I couldn’t help but feel a little envious.  

“Alright, we’re going live!”  

With that announcement, it was time to begin.  

A countdown preceded the start, and then the host raised their voice.  

After a bit of casual banter to warm up the atmosphere, the host turned their attention to us.  

“—And so! For today’s special, we have an amazing treat for you! Out of only seven S-Rank Explorers in Japan, we’ve got three of them here as special guests!”  

As we bowed our heads in response, the studio audience applauded enthusiastically.  

“Well, I’m sure none of you need introductions, but let’s meet our Explorers anyway! Starting with this person! Japan’s ace, the super-handsome, strongest of them all—Daiki Kiryu-san!”  

The crowd erupted in cheers. Well, Kiryu-san has an insane number of fans, after all.  

“With 125 abnormal species defeated and 67 dungeons cleared last year, he’s our undisputed top performer!”  

Following the script, Kiryu-san stood from his chair and waved with his dazzling smile. He instantly captivated everyone.  

The studio filled with deafening cheers. His confident demeanor truly suited the title of “The Strongest Modern S-Rank Explorer”.  

For someone like Kiryu-san, who often appears on TV, being in the spotlight seemed second nature.  

Once Kiryu-san returned to his seat, the applause gradually subsided. Though some die-hard fans were still cheering, the host smoothly transitioned to Kanzaki.  

“Next, we have this person! The cool beauty! Freezing everything with her icy abilities and demeanor—Rin Kanzaki! With 60 abnormal species defeated and 10 dungeons cleared last year, balancing these feats with high school studies is truly commendable! As one would expect from the Ice Flower!”  

Kanzaki gave a slight bow, prompting cheers—mostly deep, booming voices—from her fans.  

With the same neutral expression she always had, Kanzaki sat back down without putting on any particular charm.  

“She’s as cool as ever, huh?” 

The host muttered before turning to me at last.  

Now it was my turn.  

“And finally, we have Haruto Amakusa! Arguably the most famous S-Rank Explorer in Japan!”  

…………Probably so! People were already hyped before I was even born!  

“Last year’s performance: 10 abnormal species defeated! 0 dungeons cleared! Ten?! Zero?!”  

The host exaggeratedly emphasized the numbers, drawing laughter from the audience.  

Yeah, I knew this was coming. I’m always the butt of the joke at these events. I’m used to it by now.  

“And if that weren’t enough, in Japan’s S-Rank Explorer rankings, he’s proudly held the bottom spot for four consecutive years! From ‘The World’s Fastest’ to ‘The World’s Weakest’, it’s Haruto Amakusa!”  

Shut up! I’ve got my reasons, okay? Jeez!  

The audience roared with laughter as the host deliberately teased me, a routine I had grown familiar with.  

Standing like the others, I waved energetically. Though the applause I received was sparse.  

“Huh? That’s a pretty underwhelming round of applause! Come on, everyone, let’s match the excitement for the first two!”  

“Ah, there it is! Now we’re getting somewhere!”  

As the host hyped up the crowd, they reluctantly played along.  

Damn it. I’m always the one stuck as the punchline.  

As mentioned earlier, my performance is nothing impressive.  

Saying, “Well, I’m still a student,” doesn’t cut it when someone like Kanzaki achieves so much in the same position.  

“Haha, you’re as entertaining as always,” 

The host said, laughing heartily.  

Man, I want to punch this guy so bad…..  

Suppressing my frustration, I sat back down.  

And with that, the introductions concluded, and the program moved into its main segment.