I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 72

Episode 72

(Note: Special for this chapter, dialogues through the telephone are in ‘….’)

If there’s ever a chance to talk with the Association, I might be able to get some information from them. 

“So, I’m thinking of taking a different approach.” 

‘What specifically?’ 

“I plan to use the fact that I’m currently a unique existence to the Association. As one of the few explorers capable of tackling the unknown Kamino Town Dungeon……… Could you help me figure out how best to leverage that?” 

I had some ideas of my own, but I wanted to hear their opinions as well. 

In response to my question, Saotome-san crossed her arms and seemed deep in thought. She fell silent. She was staring intently at me through the screen. 

‘Hmm… the most valuable card you have in your current position is undoubtedly your potential to conquer the Kamino Town Dungeon. Using that, you should be able to negotiate plenty.’ 

“Exactly. I was thinking of using it to… pressure—no, negotiate with the Association.” 

Oops, almost let my real intentions slip there. 

Saotome-san nodded, seemingly satisfied. Kirishima-san then chimed in with a reserved gesture. She raised her hand slightly. 

‘That approach makes sense. But as leverage against the Association, is it sufficient?’ 

“What do you mean?” 

‘While the Kamino Town Dungeon is certainly enticing, the Association might hesitate. After all, they’d rather have you become an S-Rank Explorer again.’ 

‘True. The Association seems arrogant. So there’s a chance they’ll underestimate the ace you’re holding and act condescendingly.’ 

Saotome-san also nodded, contemplating this. 

Yeah, that’s a real possibility. 

“So, what should I do to ensure the Association complies?” 

I didn’t want anyone else around me to get hurt. To prevent that, I needed to establish a clear stance with the Association. 

‘What about raising your value as if it were an auction?’ 

“An auction?” 

‘Yes. Right now, countries and organizations must see immense value in your abilities and your knowledge of the Kamino Town Dungeon. So before negotiating with the Association, why not disclose the information widely and get other countries involved?’ 

That… actually made sense. I had already received some suggestive letters from various nations. 

“I see……” 

‘If the Association refuses to act, other countries or third parties will step in. It will force the Association to move. Of course, it would increase the burden on you.’ 

“As long as it puts pressure on the Association, that’s fine by me.” 

I wasn’t about to bow to the Association’s demands. Even if other nations got involved, my power wasn’t something I intended to use for their benefit. 

Just as I was leaning toward Saotome-san’s proposal, Kirishima-san looked at me with concern. 

‘But isn’t there a risk? There’s a high chance the Association or the public will brand you as a traitor. Can you handle that?’ 

True… I might get criticized online again. But if taking the brunt of it could resolve things, I honestly didn’t care much. 

Still, Rin might be bothered by it. She had gone to reckless lengths in dungeon exploration to avoid causing trouble for us. 

‘You can’t completely rule out that risk. But you could also make Kanzaki-kun’s working conditions public. By showing that you’re negotiating with the Association, you can shift the narrative. Many people are already dissatisfied with the Association, so they might turn their anger toward them instead of you.’ 

“……..That’s a good point.” 

Framing it that way could diffuse some of the criticism directed at me. The strategy reminded me of something I’d learned in the past—how to redirect blame by creating a bigger target during party exploration dynamics. 

“For now, there’s a lot to do.” 

Moving alone would be time-consuming and challenging. 

But I wasn’t sure how much I could accomplish on my own. 

I need to find a media outlet willing to cooperate with me first. Is there any place that would expose the Association’s dark secrets? 

Taking this to a TV station probably won’t get much support. In that case, should I approach a publishing company instead? 

But the big publishers are unlikely to take it up. And even if they do, their influence might not be enough. 

Would it be more effective if I disclosed the information myself? 

Like how Rin helped me before—releasing a video or something similar might be an option. 

‘And if you’re not opposed to it, you could consider consulting the WEA.’ 

“The WEA………” 

I murmured the name. 

The WEA—formally the World Explorers Alliance. It was established to protect explorers amid the chaos surrounding dungeons and supernatural abilities. 

Though it’s referred to as “World”, it’s not a body like the WHO; it operates entirely independently, without backing from any country.