I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 69

Episode 69

Rin’s hands trembled slightly. 

With her gaze lowered, she muttered softly. 

“…I always thought we could live happily as a family again someday… But I was wrong, wasn’t I?” 

“…Rin.” 

Tears welled up in Rin’s eyes and fell onto the table in steady drops. 

“Before I realized it… our family was broken. It all fell apart after I became an S-Rank Explorer.” 

Excessive power destroys normalcy. From the very beginning, we were destined to lead lives far removed from ordinary. 

Both my mother and I… we had long since stepped away from normalcy. I used to hear envious whispers about my talent and jealousy directed at my mother. 

Having power isn’t always a blessing. My life so far has been filled with unpleasant experiences. 

But if there’s even a chance that I can use this power to help Rin, I want to do it. 

“Rin, you’re not at fault. The fact that things fell apart isn’t your doing. Wanting to work hard for your family isn’t wrong, and what you’ve done so far… none of it was a mistake.” 

Choosing my words carefully so as not to hurt her further, I tried to encourage her efforts. 

She nodded once and then gave a soft smile. 

“…….Thank you.” 

After uttering those brief words, she looked at me with a determined expression. 

“I won’t send them any more money. So… what should I do from here on?” 

Hearing the resolution in her voice, I nodded slightly. 

“About that…….. First, I need you to keep records of any instances where your parents have demanded money from you—messages, letters, anything that could serve as evidence. Then, we’ll consult with a lawyer to figure out exactly what’s needed. If we do this, we might be able to get a no-contact order against them.” 

Rin was silent for a while, as if digesting my words. But eventually, she gave a calm smile and nodded gently. 

“…Okay. Thank you, Haruto.” 

When she answered slowly, there was a softness about her. It was as if a weight had been lifted. 

Her expression was one of relief, like someone who had finally found warmth after shivering alone in the cold rain. 

“Don’t mention it.” 

After all, she was the one who helped me first. 

Rin lowered her gaze and clenched her hands tightly. Thinking about how much she must have carried in those small fists made my chest ache. 

“……….I’m really glad you’re here, Haruto.” 

Her voice trembled. But light was slowly returning to her eyes. 

“Yeah, leave it to me, Rin. Not just me, but Yuna too… and plenty of others are here for you. You’re not alone.” 

“…Okay.” 

Feeling that I had been able to help her even a little, I returned her smile. 

—

I consulted with the lawyer I had hired for the disclosure request about Rin’s situation. And they listened to her case. 

It turned out there was another lawyer specializing in family and financial disputes. They agreed to handle Rin’s case. 

The new lawyer was highly knowledgeable about asset-related issues and family conflicts. They promised to thoroughly investigate how Rin’s parents were using the money she sent them, their living conditions, and any signs of misconduct. 

In addition, they would gather evidence of the mental and financial pressure Rin’s parents had exerted on her. 

I’d already sent over bank account records of the money Rin had transferred, along with messages from the past. All that’s left is to let the lawyer handle it. 

It seems they can arrange for a no-contact order fairly quickly. So that’s the current focus. 

For now, the situation with Rin’s parents has been addressed. 

From here, we’ll proceed through the lawyer to deal with the issue over time. Legal procedures, such as disclosure requests, can take up to a year or more. Even after the process is complete, it’ll take time for the effects to become apparent. 

Ultimately, the plan is to sever Rin’s ties with her parents. 

Rin has accepted this for now, though she’s not entirely without worry. 

—

A few days later.

The matter with Rin’s parents was successfully settled. 

Now, the next issue lies with the Association. 

During dinner, we all gathered around the living room table—my mother, stepfather, Yuna, Rin, and myself. We were enjoying a simple but comforting hot pot meal together. 

“Rin-chan, help yourself to as much as you’d like” 

“…Thank you,” 

Rin replied with a slightly shy smile as she reached for a piece of meat from the pot. 

This kind of scene has become a familiar part of our home life recently. 

When I rescued her from the dungeon, she seemed so drained. But lately, she’s been much brighter. 

In fact, she seems much more cheerful than before. 

Rin seemed to be gradually regaining her energy, which was a relief to me—but there were still problems to deal with.  

The dungeon exploration requests from the Association directed at Rin were still ongoing. You’d think they’d realize how unreasonable they were by now.  

Because of this, the online harassment against her hadn’t stopped either. 

That, too, needed to be addressed.  

The world……….. it really is such a hassle, isn’t it? If only it were as simple as dealing with dungeon monsters—just cutting through everything and putting an end to it.  

It was while I was thinking about that when Rin’s phone rang.  

“…It’s from my mom,” 

Rin muttered softly as she glanced at the screen.