I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 21

Episode 21

The drink bar had quieted down. So we each filled our cups with our chosen beverages. Yuna returned to her seat first, and I exhaled softly while watching her back.

Well, this is reality. 

The other day, Kirishima-san’s kind words made me incredibly happy. 

They gave me the motivation to keep striving as an explorer. But I can’t deny feeling a little sad again. 

Still, it can’t be helped. This is a seed I sowed myself. 

I muttered to myself as if convincing my own heart. Whether it’s family or strangers, my path doesn’t change. I just need to focus on what I must do without worrying about it. 

……..That said, my strategy to get my stepsister to call me “onii-sama” ended in utter failure. 

—

“Alright, school starts today… gotta do my best.” 

With those words to psyche myself up, I renewed my resolve. 

At the breakfast table, there were four servings of food prepared. Yuna and Takashi-san had already moved into our house. 

Yuna seemed to be helping my mom in the kitchen. Seeing them chatting happily put a smile on my face and reassured me that they were getting along well. 

As for Yuna and me, things were the same as ever. But that didn’t bother me much. As long as Mom, Takashi-san, and Yuna were enjoying themselves, that was enough. 

“Ah, good morning, Haruto.” 

“Morning. Yuna, good morning to you too.” 

“Good morning.” 

Yuna was likely conscious of Mom’s presence. She returned my greeting with a smile. 

“Yuna-chan is such a good cook, you know?” 

“I used to cook at home all the time.” 

They exchanged remarks like that. 

…Family, huh. 

Marriage is such a simple thing. All it takes is submitting some paperwork to city hall, and it’s done. 

Neither Mom nor Takashi-san had any plans to hold a ceremony at this point. So there weren’t any special events to mark their union. 

……We’re already family now. 

It seems everything had been progressing behind the scenes while Mom struggled to bring it up to me. The move had already been completed before I knew it. 

“Winter break is over now,” 

Mom remarked, and Yuna and I both nodded. 

Both Yuna and I attend the same high school, and her transfer procedures were already complete. 

Soon, Takashi-san joined us. He exchanged cheerful greetings with Mom. If Yuna and I hadn’t been there, they might’ve kissed each other good morning. 

After breakfast, Yuna and I left the house together and walked for a while. 

Then, Yuna turned around. 

“…..There’s no way I want anyone to know we’re family. Act like we’re strangers at school.” 

“Got it.” 

Yuna and Takashi-san hadn’t changed their last names. Probably only the teachers knew about our circumstances. As long as neither of us said anything, it wouldn’t come out. 

Yuna walked ahead. And after waiting a moment, I started heading to school. But then my phone vibrated. 

It’s probably another dungeon matter. 

Geez, you’re so needy, even in the morning! Well, it’s better than being called during class. 

With that thought, I made my way to the dungeon. 

—

Today’s dungeon? It’s on fire… in the worst way! 

I pulled out my Bullet Sword from its sheath and faced the monsters. 

When I arrived at the scene, the fifth floor was a hellscape. 

Shadow-type monsters dominated the area, alongside swarms of General- and Knight-types. 

(Note: 

Normal type

Knight type

General type

Shadow type

Devil type

Hell type

Demon type

Blood type

Nightmare type

Abyss type

)

If Miyoshi-san hadn’t been using magical tools to hold the line, it might’ve already been a total collapse. 

We took down monster after monster, but then Devil-types started showing up. 

What, did they miss me during winter break and decide to act out? How annoying! 

Once we defeated those Devils, each embedded with four magic stones, the activation finally subsided. 

“Finally, it’s over…!” 

It took about thirty minutes. I was already completely late for school. 

While wiping the sweat off my face, I checked the magic stones left behind by the monsters we had defeated. 

……..An impressive haul. Even if we split it among all the explorers here, it would be a decent payday. 

If this were a regular dungeon, this loot alone could support us for six months. But here, it probably wouldn’t amount to much. 

Even so, everyone, led by Miyoshi-san, fought to protect the local area. Without that sense of duty, this place wouldn’t survive. 

Isn’t this what you call exploitation with passion? It feels like a preview of the unreasonable world waiting for me as an adult. 

“Haruto… you really saved us.” 

“No problem. I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

“Sorry about that. School starts again today, right? Want me to contact the school for you?” 

“It’s fine. Most people already know about my situation.” 

At the start of a new term, teachers from out of town often don’t know about my circumstances. But since it’s been almost a year, everyone is pretty much aware by now. 

Well, anyone who’s lived in this town for a while figures out pretty quickly that the dungeons are abnormal……. 

“I see. Well, let me know if anything comes up.” 

“Got it.” 

“Also, I know I called you out. But don’t overdo it, alright?” 

“I’m fine. Just don’t hesitate to call me and end up getting hurt yourself, Miyoshi-san.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.” 

As usual, I left the task of collecting magic stones to Miyoshi-san and the others and stepped outside. 

Seriously, after all that fighting yesterday, can’t things calm down a little? 

Sighing at the dungeon’s unreasonable summons, I headed to school. I sprinted as fast as I could, but I was already late.