I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 73

Episode 73 

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

The story begins in an era when the profession of explorers was not yet socially recognized. Faced with the persecution and disposable treatment of ability users and explorers, volunteers from around the world banded together to create the WEA. 

Its ideals are noble: “To protect the rights of explorers and guarantee their freedom of activity.” To achieve this, the WEA operates as a fully independent organization. It’s unaffiliated with any nation. It does not rely on government support. Instead, it funds itself by fairly trading dungeon-derived materials and technologies. 

Some explorers participate in the WEA while still belonging to their respective countries. However, a portion of their income is contributed to the WEA as donations. It essentially functions as agents of the organization. 

The current Alliance President—whose exact tenure I couldn’t recall—is reportedly an S-Rank Explorer with remarkable abilities. 

“Still, there aren’t always positive stories about the WEA, are there?” 

‘Well, yes. Its independence allows it to negotiate and protect explorers without yielding to any single country. But this also leads to dissatisfaction from certain nations, creating a complex situation.’ 

I looked up the WEA on my phone during the discussion. 

The public opinion was polarized, with many negative comments. However, it was unclear which were genuine and which were influenced by external pressures or manipulations. 

Having experienced various industries since childhood, I tended to approach such matters with skepticism. 

‘Several countries are still negotiating to bring the WEA under their control.’ 

“I see.” 

‘For example, the United States. They view the WEA as a potential threat and have expressed interest in managing it within their borders. Given the WEA’s technology and explorer network, it’s a significant resource militarily. Their argument is that leaving such power unchecked poses a risk. This aversion to unregulated power is common across nations.’

“………..”

I nodded, understanding the reasoning behind such concerns. 

Due to its history, the WEA likely chose to tread this thorny path deliberately. 

‘Controlling the WEA would allow a country to take the lead in international dungeon countermeasures.’ 

Those words sent a chill down my spine. 

The WEA’s power—and its potential impact on nations—became strikingly clear. Its ability to negotiate with nations placed it in a uniquely formidable position. 

‘I’ve heard that Russia dislikes the WEA. They incorporate ability users and dungeons into their military infrastructure, making them wary of border-transcending entities like the WEA. They’ve reportedly gone to great lengths to prevent their citizens from joining.’ 

“That’s… troubling.” 

‘China operates similarly but more subtly. While outwardly cooperative, their true intent appears to be extracting WEA’s technology and information. There are even rumors of Chinese-affiliated explorers within the WEA. Though their genuine allegiance remains uncertain.’ 

“So, they might be exploiting the WEA.” 

‘Possibly. Though such stories are speculative, the overarching reality is that the WEA faces widespread opposition. Joining the WEA might even be seen as a betrayal of Japan by some. Approaching this matter with care is essential, given the sensitivity.’ 

“…I understand.” 

There was much to do, and my capabilities alone were limited. Perhaps I should involve Yuna or Rin. However, placing Rin in the spotlight in her current state didn’t sit well with me. The tasks ahead were overwhelming. 

‘Well… if it involves negotiations with the WEA, I’ll support you fully.’ 

“You will?” 

‘Yes, leave it to me.’ 

Saotome-san’s confidence was reassuring. As I considered this, Kirishima-san also began to speak. 

‘By dividing tasks, I don’t think it will be too burdensome. If there’s any material related to the Association that needs to be gathered, I’ll handle it on my end. Please feel free to rely on me anytime’

“…Thank you.”

I took a deep breath as I began organizing the suggestions from the two in my mind: 

– Public disclosure of information. 

– Influencing public opinion. 

– Negotiating with the Association. 

The plan was coming together. 

I took another deep breath. There was still much to do, but it felt like we had taken a small step forward. 

Now, I needed to think carefully about how to proceed and seek everyone’s cooperation. 

—

Later that night. 

I sat in the living room of my home, looking at Rin and Yuna. 

Rin was leaning against the sofa. She seemed to smile much more than she did before coming to live here. 

Her situation appeared to be improving. But this wasn’t enough—I couldn’t afford to be satisfied yet. 

The root of everything, the Explorer Association, had to be dealt with. 

Yuna was lightly swinging her legs. She sipped from a cup of hot milk on the table and tilted her head at me. 

“So, what’s up? You’re unusually formal about asking for a consultation.”

I scratched my cheek awkwardly before starting to explain. 

“Actually, I had a meeting with Saotome-san and Kirishima-san about our next steps. I wanted to share the details with both of you and ask for your help.” 

“What kind of help?” 

. 

“Well, basically—” 

I paused for a moment to collect my thoughts and began explaining the plan we had come up with.