I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 54

Episode 54 

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

『Several explorers attempted the Kamino Town Dungeon that Amakusa-san has been challenging, but… it seems to be quite high difficulty. They appear to be struggling.』 

『Indeed. I never expected it to be this challenging.』 

On TV, active explorers were sharing their impressions after attempting the dungeon. 

Thanks to Saotome-san, the media had been allowed to film the interior of the dungeon. It led to more coverage and visits. 

It was also likely influenced by the fact that I was no longer an S-Rank Explorer. 

The danger of the Kamino Town Dungeon was becoming widely recognized. 

With curiosity-driven explorers visiting, the frequency of activations had stabilized. 

『Going forward, we hope he will once again be properly evaluated as an S-rank by the Association and continue his contributions as an explorer.』 

『Indeed.』 

The anchor’s tone was completely serious. 

“Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about hoping for your return as an S-Rank Explorer.” 

“Seems that way.” 

I nodded lightly in response to Yuna’s remark. 

“I’ve seen it quite a bit on news aggregation sites and social media too. People are rooting for you and all that…” 

……It’s so annoying. 

After everything I went through, I just want to be left alone. 

They’ve torn me down endlessly before. And now that they’re trying to lift me up, it’s too late. 

It’s not about forgiveness or grudges—I simply don’t want anything to do with the Explorer Association anymore. 

They’re truly unreasonable people. 

Because of them, I’ve developed an acute sense of anger toward the world’s unfairness. 

That said, no matter what the public says, I honestly don’t care. 

As long as they leave my family and those close to me alone, that’s enough. 

It doesn’t matter what the TV or the Association says or plots; as long as they don’t cross that line, I’m fine. 

……….Although, I nearly snapped when the media started targeting my family. 

If something like that happens again, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back. 

“Your face looks scary, Nii-chan.” 

“…Just thinking about how TV says whatever it wants.” 

“…Yeah, I get that.” 

I brushed it off and resumed cleaning. 

— 

Holiday. 

Rin lounged deeply on the living room sofa, her smartphone buzzing with notifications. 

It was a message from the Association. 

The message contained a concise request: to clear a specified dungeon by the end of the day. 

With Kiryu currently on leave, Rin was the only S-Rank Explorer in the Kanto region. 

As a result, tasks Kiryu would typically handle were being shifted to Rin. 

She sighed deeply. 

“Clearing just one dungeon… I could refuse, but…” 

Rin recalled Haruto’s presence in Kiryu’s stream and their recent conversation. 

He continued to grow stronger, always moving forward. 

If Rin wanted to keep up with him— 

“If I want to stand by his side as a friend… or something more… I can’t afford to stop.” 

Though she preferred to rest on her days off, and she had little interest in being an S-Rank Explorer, Rin felt the desire to grow stronger. 

With some help from Yuna, Rin had become slightly more accustomed to her smartphone. She slowly typed out a response to the Association’s request, practicing her flick-typing as she went. 

She hit send, accepting the request, then straightened her posture with determination. 

“Okay, let’s do this…!” 

Her phone vibrated again. 

Expecting it to be the Association’s reply, Rin glanced at the screen. It was only to see it was a call from her family. 

Rin’s expression darkened. 

She hesitated for a moment but couldn’t ignore the call forever. 

Reluctantly, she pressed the answer button. And her mother’s familiar voice came through loud and harsh. 

‘Rin! Have you sent this month’s money yet?!’ 

Without so much as a greeting, her mother’s voice was full of accusation. 

Startled, Rin flinched. Her shoulders jerked up as she slowly replied. 

“I already sent this month’s amount… last week. And I even added a little extra—” 

‘That’s nowhere near enough! Your father quit his job, so we need you to earn more and send it!’ 

Rin clenched her phone tightly, a sharp pain gripping her chest. 

“…But, Mom. I’m… doing my best every day. I’m completing requests and all… but I don’t have that much extra money to spare—” 

While Rin wasn’t exactly struggling financially, her concern stemmed from wanting to avoid wasteful spending.

However, Rin’s words fell on deaf ears. 

‘That’s only natural! Rin, you’re an awakened individual, so you can earn more than ordinary people! Our lives depend on you working hard! You’re our precious daughter, so do your duty properly!’ 

Rin bit her lip tightly at her mother’s words. 

She wanted to voice the thoughts swirling in her mind, but she hesitated. Despite everything, this was still her bl00d-related parent. 

Memories of her mother’s kindness when Rin was a child came rushing back. She bit her lip lightly, suppressing her words. 

“…Understood. I’ll send more.” 

Forcing out that simple response, Rin heard her mother’s suddenly cheerful tone. It was as if nothing had happened. 

‘That’s my girl! Alright, I’ll leave it to you then!’ 

As the call ended, the strength drained from Rin’s body. 

She thought back to the warm, caring parents they once were. 

Rin still held onto the hope that one day, they would return to being those people. 

Letting out a small sigh, she whispered to herself. 

“For everyone’s sake… I have to tackle the dungeon and give it my all.” 

Closing her eyes quietly, Rin clenched her fists tightly. Deep in her heart, she repeated words of encouragement to herself. 

——If I keep working hard, those happy days will surely return. 

Believing that tomorrow could be better than today, Rin grabbed her sword and headed toward the dungeon specified in her request.