I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 76

Episode 76

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

Kiryu was born into a dilapidated wooden house. His home, likely due to its location, had a somewhat closed-off atmosphere. Many people in the area were particularly resistant to new things. 

Kiryu was born late at night, during a raging storm outside. He vaguely remembered a few things from his early days. It was perhaps due to his enhanced physical abilities as an individual with special abilities. However, those memories were not pleasant. He recalled his mother looking troubled when a nurse spoke to her.  

“This child is said to have special abilities.”

“…Special abilities… No, that’s not possible.”  

In modern times, it had become more common for people to possess some form of extraordinary abilities, with nearly 40% of the population having some power. Despite this, there were still many who despised those with special abilities. This was known as discrimination against people with extraordinary powers.  

In the region where Kiryu lived, there was a strong bias and prejudice against people with special abilities. The first individuals with such powers appeared about 100 years ago. It was around the same time that dungeons began to appear. Initially, these abilities were regarded as “a blessing from the gods”. They were celebrated as miraculous powers that saved many people. However, as people with special abilities gained prominence and even became heroes, those without such abilities grew increasingly resentful.  

“Special abilities….. they’re nothing but monsters!”  

Jealousy and disdain towards those with abilities spread. The reason for this prejudice was simple. First, it was due to the “strangeness” of these abilities. The powers possessed by people with special abilities were often inhuman and incomprehensible to ordinary people. The fear that these powers could suddenly go out of control added to the danger they represented. Criminals with special abilities had also increased in number. And organized crime by such individuals had become a significant issue.  

Second, there was the perception that people with abilities were “privileged”. Many were able to succeed by utilizing their powers. If they worked as explorers, despite the dangers, they were unlikely to suffer major failures. Additionally, criminals with abilities sometimes had their prison sentences reduced if they participated in dungeon expeditions as part of their punishment. This was due to a shortage of explorers. But for those who had lost loved ones to crimes committed by people with abilities, it was an infuriating situation.  

In Kiryu’s home and neighborhood, there were many stories about the negative sides of people with abilities. And his family often focused on these aspects. He grew frustrated with the way his family treated him, especially in comparison to his younger brother.  

It was then that Kiryu made a firm resolution.  

(If I become an incredible explorer…… if I can make people feel safe…….. maybe no one will have to suffer like I have.)  

He thought about this every day while training at the Explorer Association.  

(I want to create a world where people with abilities aren’t discriminated against. To do that, I need to find more opportunities to make people aware of explorers.)  

This was the reason why he became active in media, including television and live streaming.  

And that’s why Kiryu disliked Amakusa, who seemed to constantly make things worse for explorers.  

—To prove that people with abilities aren’t monsters.  

—To become a symbol of hope for everyone.  

—

After returning from the Kamino Town Dungeon, Kiryu rested in his room. Though he had calmed down considerably, whenever he closed his eyes, the battle from that day resurfaced in his mind. It caused his body to tremble. 

He shook his head, trying to dispel those unpleasant feelings. He looked vacantly toward his desk. In the dimly lit room, the light from the monitor on the desk faintly illuminated the space. 

It was raining outside. The sound of the rain banging against the window echoed. In the silence, Kiryu stared at the screen.  

The footage showed himself from a few days ago. It was from the battle on the 101st floor of the Kamino Town Dungeon. At that time, he had been desperately trying to survive. And the image reflected his ugly struggle. It was a scene that made him want to look away. But Kiryu kept his gaze fixed on it.  

In the comments section of his social media and streams, there were various criticisms directed at him. He almost felt as if all the animosity that had once been aimed at Amakusa was now focused on him.  

Moreover, there was considerable criticism over his decision to rest while the dungeon situation was still urgent.  

(It’s all my fault.)  

He could delete everything and escape from the criticism. But Kiryu wasn’t considering that option.  

(I don’t want to see any more children with special abilities being discriminated against. If my actions cause more discrimination against people with abilities, that would be unacceptable. If I run away now, that’s exactly what will happen.)

Discrimination against people with special abilities has decreased in some areas. But it has not disappeared entirely. Recently, children with strong powers have started to show physical changes. And in some cases, discrimination has become even stronger than it was in the past.

“…I guess I should start with an apology.” 

The murmured words felt hollow. They were swallowed up by the sound of the rain. 

In order to protect those with abilities and create a world where they can live with their heads held high, Kiryu knew he couldn’t run away. 

“………..Even Amakusa has been doing his best this much.” 

(…I wasn’t trying to see anything. I ended up doing the same thing as the people who discriminated against us.) 

Kiryu hated Amakusa for the way he had drastically lowered the reputation of explorers. But that wasn’t the whole story. 

Kiryu let out a small sigh. And then, for the sake of his dreams, he took another breath. 

He couldn’t afford to break now. 

He couldn’t allow himself to do the same thing he had done before, blindly joining in on the criticism without understanding. 

The smartphone on the desk vibrated. 

Kiryu tilted his head slightly. He then looked at the phone, where the name “Haruto Amakusa” appeared. 

(……..Amakusa? What’s going on?) 

After a moment of hesitation, Kiryu picked up the phone. 

‘…Hello, is this Kiryu-san?’ 

“Yeah, it’s me. What’s up?” 

He answered in a calm, cheerful tone, making an effort to hide any weakness.