I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 37
Episode 37
(Note: Special for this chapter, dialogues from the internet and TV are in 『….』.)
The announcement by the Explorer Association created an even bigger stir, and nationwide media coverage became more intense. Journalists flooded into Kamino Town, desperately trying to corner Haruto Amakusa. They even turned their microphones toward the town’s residents, eager to gather negative opinions.
“What do you think about Haruto Amakusa-san? Many people believe the demotion is deserved—”
However, the responses from the townspeople were far from what the media had hoped for.
“Oh, you mean Haruto-kun? He’s the pride of this town. He’s been diving into dungeons every day to protect the town.”
“What? Demotion? That’s outrageous! That boy has protected even our children. How can anyone say that… It’s absurd!”
“If he hadn’t been here, who knows what would have happened to this town? No matter what anyone says, we trust him.”
The reporters were unable to hide their confusion. They moved on to ask other residents.
“There are also critical opinions about the taxes being used for his salary…”
“Don’t say such ridiculous things. Haruto-kun is risking his life fighting. Don’t you understand that?”
“We’ve been saying for ages that this town’s dungeon issues are abnormal, but the higher-ups won’t do anything. Instead of wasting time with demotions to placate the public, why don’t they send proper investigators?”
Praise for Haruto echoed throughout the town, and the media’s attempts to gather negative opinions backfired. However, they did succeed in lowering both Haruto’s reputation and that of the town.
『This town is too much.』
『Are these people all crazy? Are they all as foolish as Amakusa?』
Such comments began to spread online.
—
Haruto was on his way to school when a reporter approached him.
“Haruto Amakusa-san, do you have a moment?”
“…..…”
“We’d like to ask about your demotion. There are some points viewers are curious about.”
As Haruto walked to school in the morning, he was suddenly surrounded by cameras and microphones. He paused for a moment, sighed, and reluctantly agreed to answer.
“About the demotion… honestly, I think it’s inevitable. The Association judged that I haven’t produced results, right?”
“What about your family? There are voices saying they should take responsibility as well…”
Haruto grimaced but answered calmly.
“You can say whatever you want about me, but my family has nothing to do with this. Please don’t drag them into it. That’s my only wish.”
The reporters tried to continue questioning him, but Haruto began to walk away. He ignored them. As he did, a scream rang out from the crowd of reporters.
“Hey! Stop it!”
The voice belonged to Miyoshi. He rushed toward Haruto and raised his fist at the reporters.
“You don’t even know how much Haruto has done to protect this town! You’re just spouting nonsense! If you’ve got time to report on this, why don’t you report on the lazy, useless Explorer Association instead?”
The reporters stepped back a little but kept their cameras rolling.
“Hey, calm down… We’re just here to report the facts…”
“Stop acting all high and mighty when you don’t know anything! Do you even understand how many people have been hurt because of you?!”
As Miyoshi advanced, Haruto quickly stopped him.
“M-Miyoshi-san! Wait! You can’t just start a fight, it’s not right! They’re humans, you know!?”
“These guys are like monsters!”
“Ahh!?”
Miyoshi continued his outburst for a while, and the reporters were unable to continue their coverage.
The interview was eventually aired nationwide on TV, causing a stir.
Yonakawa, an explorer watching the broadcast, commented on the interview.
“…This is a very low-level area.”
He chuckled as he made the remark. A light laugh echoed from the studio in response.
“So, could this all be a result of the excessive idolization of Haruto Amakusa-kun?”
“Without a doubt. Haruto Amakusa-kun certainly has some abilities. If we’re talking about magical power alone, he’s still an S-Rank Explorer. For the rural folks who’ve never met a real explorer, it’s understandable they’d see him as ‘strong’.”
“….…I see.”
“I don’t think Haruto-kun is to blame. He’s still just a kid. The problem is with the people around him. They’ve been overly praising him. Haruto-kun probably got a little too arrogant in that kind of environment.”
Yonakawa maintained a calm expression as he continued.
“Amakusa-san said, ‘My family has nothing to do with this,’ but they are responsible as well. This is the result of their failure to raise him properly. I believe this punishment is well-deserved.”
“That’s true…”
This sarcastic remark was broadcast on TV, as it was.
.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Kamino Town is seriously messed up… I can’t even laugh.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Honestly, it might be better if Kamino Town just got wiped off the map.
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- Anonymous Explorer
This town is full of crazy people, it’s ridiculous.
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- Anonymous Explorer
It’s not just Amakusa, even Kamino Town itself is done for.
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- Anonymous Explorer
The TV was right about this. Amakusa’s family has problems too.
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- Anonymous Explorer
It’s good that the Association is finally doing something about this. The fact that he was an S-rank is insane.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Seriously, all the people in Kamino Town must be brainwashed. It’s just so strange.
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- Anonymous Explorer
What do you mean, “the dungeon in Kamino Town is different”? LOL
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- Anonymous Explorer
The local explorers are making a fool of themselves over there, lol.
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- Anonymous Explorer
They should just stop talking at this point. Every time they open their mouths, they just embarrass themselves.
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- Anonymous Explorer
Seriously, both Amakusa and Kamino Town should just disappear already.
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- Anonymous Explorer
I really want another S-Rank Explorer to go to the Kamino Town dungeon.
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- Anonymous Explorer
I heard Kiryu-sama wants to wake up the people of Kamino Town. Maybe he’ll go to conquer the dungeon.
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- Anonymous Explorer
No way… Kiryu-sama is really too much of a saint.
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- Anonymous Explorer
I don’t know when Kiryu-san will go to conquer the dungeon, but I’m looking forward to it, lol.
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