I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 36
Episode 36
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The press conference hall prepared by the Explorer Association was overflowing with reporters.
Amidst many cameras and microphones, the president of the Explorer Association appeared on stage.
With a dignified posture and a calm expression, he bowed and slowly began to speak.
After a brief greeting, he quickly moved on to the main topic.
“—Today, we have a very important announcement. We, the Explorer Association, have decided to revise the regulations for S-Rank Explorers.”
The room fell silent for a moment.
The reporters gasped, and the sound of camera shutters began to click rapidly.
“Under the new regulations, S-Rank Explorers who have not achieved certain results will be demoted at the discretion of the Association. As a result, the position of S-rank will carry an even greater sense of responsibility.”
President Kurazawa quietly pointed to a slide. It was displaying the specifics of the new regulations.
On the slide projected on the stage, the new criteria for S-Rank Explorers were detailed.
Nothing seemed particularly harsh.
The number of dungeons cleared, battles with abnormal species—typical S-rank explorers would meet all the conditions. So there wouldn’t be any issues.
Well, for ordinary S-Rank Explorers, at least.
“And in accordance with these new regulations… it is with great regret that we announce the demotion of one current S-Rank Explorer who does not meet the new criteria. …Haruto Amakusa-san.”
The moment his name was mentioned, tension filled the room.
Many cameras simultaneously turned toward President Kurazawa, and reporters hurriedly took notes.
“Haruto Amakusa-san has been active as an S-Rank Explorer until now. But the Association has judged that he is no longer fit to maintain that rank. Therefore, Haruto Amakusa-san will be demoted to an A-Rank Explorer.”
The room buzzed, and reporters exchanged glances. President Kurazawa observed the reaction for a moment before continuing.
“This demotion is not necessarily a bad thing for Haruto Amakusa-san. By being freed from the heavy responsibilities of being an S-Rank Explorer, which were not suited to his abilities, he will be able to make better use of his true potential. Moreover, he will no longer be obligated to respond to requests for support as an S-rank or be required to tackle dungeons. He will be gaining the freedom to choose his own activities.”
President Kurazawa spoke from the perspective of considering Amakusa’s well-being.
His calm words spread throughout the press conference room, but the tone of the announcement felt almost like an attack on Amakusa.
“Additionally, for an explorer who has been demoted, they will need to demonstrate significant achievements and submit a personal application in order to be re-promoted to S-rank. ..…If Amakusa-san wishes to return to S-rank, he will need to show such achievements. His future actions will depend entirely on him.”
Once demoted, it would not be easy to rise back up.
The room was filled with murmurs as the realization sank in.
In the silence that followed, President Kurazawa bowed once more. He then began to answer several questions from the reporters.
—
“Ah, this is Honma Television… Today, the president of the Explorer Association announced the demotion of Haruto Amakusa-san from S-rank. How is the public reacting to this? We went out to the streets to ask people their thoughts.”
The announcer said this while holding a microphone on the street and conducting interviews.
“The official announcement has been made about the demotion of Haruto Amakusa-san from S-rank. What do you think about this?”
The first to answer was a man in his 30s, dressed like a businessman.
“I think it’s reasonable. Has he achieved anything recently? Honestly, even though he’s called an S-rank, I wonder why he was still in that rank in the first place.”
Next, a woman in her 40s answered with a hint of dissatisfaction.
“When you think about how our tax money is being used, it’s honestly frustrating. S-Rank Explorers are paid with our taxes, right? If he hasn’t done anything, I think it’s the right call to demote him.”
The announcer then approached a group of young men, and one of them laughed before answering.
“Well, compared to other explorers, Amakusa is done. It’s honestly surprising it took this long, so the Association’s decision is spot on.”
“Looks like the Association finally did something. Maybe this will help them regain some trust. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Amakusa-san to retire now.”
“Seriously, him being an S-rank is a joke, right? It’s not just about the demotion; the Association should also take responsibility properly.”
The cityscape shown on the screen was enveloped in a cold atmosphere. And the voices of the interviewees continued to express their negative opinions about Amakusa.
Explorer Bulletin Board – Haruto Amakusa Demotion Festival Thread 1 [S-Rank Demotion Celebration!]
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- Anonymous Explorer
The demotion is hereeeeee!
Finally saying goodbye to S-rank, lol.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Serves him right!
How many years did we have to wait for this?
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- Anonymous Explorer
The Association is always just “considering” things, but they actually did something for once.
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- Anonymous Explorer
It’s a mystery how someone like him stayed in S-rank.
Good job, though.
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- Anonymous Explorer
The tax thief has finally disappeared.
He was just a disgrace to the title of S-rank.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Other explorers have been working hard and showing results.
I fully support this demotion.
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- Anonymous Explorer
The Association was way too slow.
Just having him as an S-rank lowered the trust in the whole system.
I wish they had done this much sooner.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Other S-ranks like Kiryu-sama and Kanzaki-san are out there doing great work, while Amakusa was just dead weight.
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- Anonymous Explorer
No, seriously. Just removing this incompetent guy from S-rank has raised the level of Japanese explorers.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Now the average level of S-Rank Explorers in Japan will skyrocket.
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- Anonymous Explorer
I still don’t get how Amakusa stayed in S-rank for this long.
Was the Association playing favorites, or was it just a mistake?
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- Anonymous Explorer
Now we won’t be made fun of by explorers from other countries.
I’m relieved that the disgrace of S-rank is finally gone.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Japanese explorers will definitely get more recognition now.
Without that burden of Amakusa, they’ll shine.
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- Anonymous Explorer
The reason Japanese S-ranks were looked down on was because of Amakusa.
If he hadn’t been there, they would have been highly regarded.
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- Anonymous Explorer
The future of Japanese explorers is looking bright.
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