I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 26

Episode 26 

(Note: Special for this chapter, dialogues from the internet and TV are in 『….』.)

(Back to MC’s Perspective)

After finishing up at the dungeon, I returned home to find an appetizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. 

As I stepped into the living room, the cheerful sounds of a TV show echoed through the space. Turning my gaze toward the kitchen, I saw Yuna finishing up the cooking while watching TV. 

“Ah, welcome back.”

“Yeah, I’m home.”

……Ever since the day she apologized to me, Yuna’s attitude had completely changed. 

Honestly, it’s almost like she’s a completely different person. 

“What? What’s up?” 

“Nothing, just… What’s for dinner tonight?” 

Since I’m often off in the dungeon, Yuna usually ends up cooking for the family. 

Well, given that all of us have lived on our own at some point, everyone here can cook. 

If anything, my cooking skills are probably the weakest. Takashi-san, Yuna, and my mom are all much better at it. 

Because of that, I doubt I’ll ever get assigned cooking duties. 

“It’s nothing fancy. Pork was on sale, so I made ginger pork.” 

“Oh, my favorite!” 

“Seriously? You say that about anything with meat.” 

She caught me. 

We haven’t been living together for long, but she’s already figured out my favorites. 

“Geez, having a step-brother with such broad tastes makes things easy. Now hurry up and eat before it gets cold.” 

“……Thanks, I appreciate it.” 

“Make sure you wash your hands first!” 

She’s like a mom sometimes. Obediently, I went to wash my hands and then sat down at the table. 

Since our parents usually come home late, it’s always just Yuna and me eating dinner first. 

I took a bite of the food and couldn’t help but grin. 

“This is delicious!” 

“Yeah, yeah, that’s what you always say.” 

“What’s wrong with that?” 

I’d be terrible at giving a food review. 

I’ve seen Kiryu-san on TV shows doing it before, and he always managed to handle it perfectly. 

As we talked, Yuna glanced over at the TV. A program about explorers was airing. It featured a host and a commentator discussing the accomplishments of S-Rank Explorers. 

『Now, today’s special feature is about Japan’s pride, the S-Rank Explorers! First, we’ll highlight Daiki Kiryu, who topped the rankings for the number of abnormal species defeated last year!』 

The screen showed Kiryu-san stylishly defeating monsters, and the audience erupted in cheers. The commentator enthusiastically continued. 

『As expected of Kiryu-san. He’s constantly proving he’s a step ahead of the rest. He had already cleared five dungeons this year.』 

『I hear he’s already defeated an impressive twenty abnormal species this year alone. Isn’t that a remarkable pace, Yonakawa-san?』 

The opinion was directed at Yonakawa-san, who’s a former A-Rank Explorer who now serves as a commentator and mentor for other explorers. 

『Indeed. While it’s an incredible accomplishment, it also highlights the increasing frequency of abnormal species appearing lately.』 

I couldn’t agree more. 

While it’s great that abnormal species are being defeated, their growing numbers are concerning. 

Why don’t I ever encounter any? Seriously, Kamino Town Dungeon must really dislike me. 

『But of course, we can rely on Kiryu-san to lead Japan’s explorers through this. His leadership and skills are unmatched by any other explorer.』 

…The program continued to introduce and praise one S-Rank Explorer after another. 

“Haruto, have you ever met the other S-Rank Explorers?” 

“I’ve met all of them at least once.” 

“…Huh. Hearing that feels kind of strange.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Well, when I interact with you, you just feel… normal.” 

“Are you saying I lack presence?” 

“I mean you’re approachable. Don’t get mad, Nii-chan.” 

Don’t try to dodge the issue by acting all cutesy. 

I know I’m plain compared to the other S-Rank Explorers. 

Maybe if I could breathe fire or something, I’d seem more impressive. 

The program shifted its focus to Rin Kanzaki. 

“This person’s the same age as you, right?” 

“Yeah. You seem to know a lot about her.” 

“Of course. I’ve been researching your branding and image.” 

“………Branding?” 

“Exactly. It wouldn’t do to let my big brother stay misunderstood like this. Sure, Kamino Town Dungeon doesn’t allow for streaming or anything. But there are plenty of ways to show off your strength, aren’t there?” 

“……..Are there?” 

“There are! I happen to know a lot about the internet. That’s why I’ve been researching ways to clear up these misunderstandings.” 

“If I just keep doing my best, won’t someone eventually recognize my efforts?” 

I believed that, and it’s why I kept pushing forward. 

But my little sister shook her head. Harsh. 

“Nope. You have to promote your achievements yourself. What’s the point of being appreciated after you’re gone? It’s like those artists who only get famous posthumously. Sure, it’s not totally meaningless. But wouldn’t you rather be acknowledged while you’re still alive?” 

“..…Promoting myself seems kind of lame, though. Like announcing to a camera, ‘Hey, I just took down an abnormal species!’” 

“If you go about it that blatantly, it’ll just make people dislike you even more! No, it has to be subtle. You need to make your contributions shine naturally when the camera’s on you. Even Kiryu-san has moments where it feels like he’s deliberately aiming for that kind of attention.” 

“Deliberate, huh?” 

Well, that guy definitely values public perception and how he’s evaluated. He’s probably aiming to inspire the next generation to admire and aspire to be explorers. 

“Like on that New Year’s TV special. What were *you* doing when that abnormal species showed up?” 

“…Helping people?” 

“Exactly! That’s why I’m proud of you, Nii-chan. You’re amazing. But… none of that was caught on camera, was it?” 

“…….Not really. So, what, I should’ve carried the kid I saved right in front of the cameras?” 

“Why is the first idea you come up with always one that would make you look worse?! For the record, I did a little searching on social media. A few people who were there actually praised you.” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, they said something like, ‘He couldn’t do much, but he still managed to save the kid.’” 

“……..” 

Is that really a compliment?