I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 3

Episode 3  

 

“Now then, since it’s the start of a new year… how about we each share our resolutions for the year ahead? Who’d like to go first?”  

 

The host’s prompt was immediately met with a reaction from Kiryu-san. 

 

He raised his hand smoothly, accompanied by a smile.  

 

“Can I go first?”  

 

“Of course… Please go ahead, Kiryu-san!”  

 

As Kiryu-san stood up, cheers erupted once again from the audience. 

This guy is seriously popular. Hearing all those cheers from the women—man, I wish I could experience that at least once!  

 

Feeling a slight pang of jealousy, I turned my gaze to him. He wore a gentle smile.  

 

The applause gradually died down, and Kiryu-san began speaking calmly.  

 

“Before I share my resolution, I’d like to say a few words. As you’re all aware, the explorer industry is currently going through a major turning point. In recent years, the number of dungeons appearing has increased dramatically, with new dungeons forming all over the country. That alone is a problem. But what’s even more troubling is that this trend isn’t temporary—it’s been steadily rising year after year.”  

 

This is long. Really long, Kiryu-san! My cheeks stiffened at his unexpectedly elaborate monologue.  

 

After a pause for breath, he tightened his expression.  

 

“One particular point of concern is the increasing number of monsters known as ‘abnormal types’. These unique creatures appear not only within dungeons but also in nearby areas. Unlike regular dungeon monsters, they exhibit intelligence and complex attack patterns. As a result, even high-ranking adventurers are struggling to subdue them. And incidents involving fatalities are on the rise.”  

 

Kiryu-san scanned the reactions of the audience as he continued.  

 

Yeah, it’s a respectable topic.  

 

But this really isn’t the place for it. This is more like a variety show.  

 

I could tell the program staff were getting a bit uneasy, too.  

 

Still, I had no intention of butting in.  

 

I’d only get criticized for it. After all, the popularity gap between Kiryu-san and me is like heaven and earth.  

 

“Last year alone, there were over several thousand reported incidents involving abnormal types nationwide, with more than half of them affecting urban areas. Due to the shortage of adventurers, monitoring systems have been ineffective. It then leads to delayed detection and increased damage in many cases.”  

 

The audience was transfixed, some even holding their breath. Heck, there were people moved to tears as they listened to his words.  

 

They’re really emotional over this……  

 

Kiryu-san always talks about this topic wherever he goes, so I thought his fans would be sick of it by now.  

 

Clenching his fist firmly, Kiryu-san pressed on with his speech.  

 

“This is a crisis that threatens the safety of all Japan. And yet, the current explorer workforce is neither sufficient in number nor quality. No matter how much S-Rank Explorers contribute, we can’t address the issue adequately without a solid foundation to support them.”  

 

Kiryu-san’s clenched fist trembled with frustration. Then, he raised his head sharply.  

 

Wow, what a theatrical move. I found myself watching it with detached eyes. But judging by the audience’s reaction, I was clearly in the minority.  

 

Looking straight ahead, he spoke with a commanding voice.  

 

“We need to increase both the quantity and quality of explorers and strengthen the current system! To that end, it’s essential to create an environment where explorers can be trained effectively and to make this profession an appealing career choice!”  

 

After saying this, he raised his voice to an unprecedented volume.  

 

“My goal is to step up my activities, invigorate this industry, and become someone the younger generation aspires to be! I want the name Daiki Kiryu to become synonymous with the word explorer!”  

 

That’s lame! No way am I okay with such a flashy, cringe-worthy name! But judging by the thunderous applause shaking the entire studio, I was clearly the only one who thought so.  

Well, I’ll admit, Kiryu-san’s speech was incredibly engaging…  

 

“Wow… Truly inspiring! I wasn’t expecting such a serious talk, but… Let’s move on to the next person! Uh, Kanzaki-san, how about you?”  

 

The host interjected with a slight quip, prompting a chuckle from the audience.  

 

Kanzaki stood up from her seat with a somewhat indifferent expression.  

 

“My resolution? I plan to enjoy my personal life more this year.”  

 

“Ah, I see! Yes, this feels just about right! So, what are your thoughts on being an explorer?”  

 

“I’m not doing it because I want to. I was forcibly made an S-Rank Explorer,” 

 

Kanzaki replied coldly.  

 

I mean… I can’t say I don’t understand how she feels.  

 

People with high magic capacity don’t really have the freedom to choose other professions.

  

The government practically forces them into being S-Rank Explorers. If they refuse, they’d get completely torn apart by public opinion.  

 

I’ve heard about someone who didn’t want to become one in the past. They were relentlessly criticized for not fulfilling their “duty” as someone with great power. Even their family was also dragged into the mess.  

 

……..Honestly, for those who don’t want to be explorers, this era is probably the worst.  

 

Sensing the tension, Kiryu-san smiled softly. He was trying to lighten the mood. 

“Rin-chan, that attitude isn’t great. As an S-Rank Explorer, you need to set an example for everyone.”  

 

“Please don’t call me by my first name.”  

 

“It’s fine, isn’t it? We’re teammates, after all.”  

 

It seemed like Kanzaki was about to say something but decided against it.  

 

…..Yeah, that’s for the best. Kiryu-san has an overwhelming number of fans all over Japan.  

 

And many of his most devoted ones are tricky to deal with. If anyone criticizes him, they’re bound to get roasted online.  

 

I remember when an idol who appeared on a show with him posted a photo they took together. It caused such a massive backlash that she had to suspend her activities…..  

 

Even now, you can feel the anger radiating from the female fans in the audience as they glare at Kanzaki.  

 

Noticing the increasingly tense atmosphere, the host hurriedly raised their voice.  

 

“Well, well! Putting the content of that aside, that’s just about what we expected from Kanzaki-san! She’s still a student, after all. Best of luck balancing school life too!”  

 

The host forcibly kept things cheerful, trying to change the mood.  

 

“And now for the last one! Our designated comedy closer, your turn!”  

 

Don’t say that out loud!  

 

And what’s with the cue card saying “wrap it up”? Ridiculous.  

 

“Let’s hear it, but keep it short!”  

 

They’re totally using me as a punchline!  

 

After a moment of deliberation, I kept it brief.  

 

“……….I’d like to finally clear the dungeon in my hometown.”  

 

Silence.  

 

Hey, come on, clap or something!  

 

I glared at the audience, but all I got back were cold stares.  

 

…Yeah, yeah, I get it. I’m the unpopular guy. While I didn’t show it on my face, I was sulking on the inside.  

 

Kiryu-san furrowed his brows and spoke up.  

 

“Still playing around, are you?”  

 

“Huh?”  

 

I shot back irritably at Kiryu-san’s provocation.  

 

The sharp stares from the audience intensified, but I didn’t care.  

 

“The dungeon in your hometown….. how long do you plan on messing around in there, Amakusa-kun?”  

 

“Oh? You’re not going to call me by name, Kiryu-san?”  

 

“You’re not a teammate, after all.”  

 

Annoying. I really can’t stand this guy.  

 

He’s always preaching about responsibility and pride as an explorer.  

 

I’m doing my best here. Mind your own business.  

 

“I’ve told you countless times that the dungeon in my hometown has an unusually high difficulty.”  

 

“The guild denied that, didn’t they? Don’t go spreading lies.”  

 

“…..The guild’s just sloppy. If you don’t believe me, why don’t you stay there for a week and see for yourself?”  

 

“It’s your responsibility, isn’t it? Don’t go pushing your problems onto others.”  

 

“That’s why I—”  

 

I was frustrated. But I knew continuing the argument wouldn’t get us anywhere. 

 

That’s just the kind of person Kiryu-san is.  

 

Realizing it’d only waste more time, I turned my gaze to the host.  

 

The host caught on quickly and raised their voice again.  

 

“Alright, that’s enough! Amakusa-kun is still a student, after all! I’m sure it’s tough for him too. Let’s show everyone that this year, Amakusa-kun is going to be a little different! Alright, next up, let’s all head to the nearby shrine for a New Year’s visit!”  

 

…..Well, there wasn’t much time left anyway. Though Kiryu-san still looked like he wanted to say something, he stood up, seemingly taking the hint.  

 

I could feel the sheer anger of the audience bearing down on me.  

 

Ah, great, looks like I’m going to get roasted online again.  

 

But honestly, they can say whatever they want when they don’t even know the full story.