I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 78

Episode 78

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

(Back to MC’s Perspective)

The plan was progressing smoothly. 

No, it would be fair to say it was going better than expected. 

When I contacted the WEA number I’d been given and explained the situation, I surprisingly secured a meeting with little effort. The person willing to meet was none other than Amelia Ivansong, the representative of WEA. She specifically requested a face-to-face meeting. 

Normally, meeting someone of her stature would be nothing short of a dream. 

…It seemed, however, that her primary interest lay more in the infamous Kamino Town Dungeon than in our particular case. 

Well, whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. It was precisely because we had such a “card” to play that there was a chance they might cooperate. 

At the same time, preparations for the exposé video targeting the Association were advancing significantly. Several streamers had already volunteered to release the materials and information we had gathered all at once. 

At the very least, this ensured the information would not go unnoticed. 

It was then that my phone vibrated. The name displayed on the screen was Kiryu-san. 

“Kiryu-san? What’s the matter?” 

It was unusual for him to call. Normally, we exchanged messages to handle things. For him to call directly must mean something important had come up. 

‘I just sent you an audio file. Can you check it?’ 

“An audio file? Did something happen?” 

Feeling a sense of unease, I opened my email as instructed. Sure enough, there was one new message with an audio file attached. 

‘I got in touch with Kana Aizawa and gathered some information.’ 

“You met with Aizawa-san…?” 

‘Yes, directly.’ 

I couldn’t help but gasp. It was shocking. Not only that Kiryu-san had approached Aizawa himself but they were also in a position to meet so casually. 

Kana Aizawa was someone of considerable standing within the Association. She was responsible for much of the current freedom they had taken in their operations. 

“I see…” 

‘The audio file contains Kana Aizawa giving instructions to Rin-chan.’ 

“To Rin?” 

‘Yes. It’s a recording of her discussing decisions made in the bureau meeting. She casually chatted about them in a pub. Very careless of her.’ 

“In a pub…?” 

The absurdity of the situation caught me off guard. Bureau meeting decisions, openly discussed in a pub? 

‘She’s that kind of person. Once she starts drinking, her guard drops quickly. Of course, I encouraged it a bit.’ 

Kiryu-san laughed lightly. But I was impressed by his boldness. 

“Still, it’s surprising how unguarded she was. Even if it was with you, Kiryu-san.” 

‘I took advantage of the fact that Kana Aizawa has a friendly attitude towards me.’ 

His words carried a subtle undertone. Kiryu-san maintained a certain distance from the Association, appearing neutral. Which seemed to allow for interactions with people like Kana Aizawa. 

“I see. Thank you. I’ll check it now.” 

Following his instructions, I played the audio file. The background noise of a bustling pub came through. It had lively jazz playing faintly in the distance, along with the clinking of dishes and laughter. Amidst it all, Aizawa’s voice was clear. 

『In the bureau meeting, we decided to target Kanzaki to restore Amakusa to S-rank.』 

“What…?” 

I couldn’t help but let out a startled sound. 

In the recording, Aizawa was blatantly treating me and Kanzaki-san as mere pawns. 

『Well, you know. If we bully Kanzaki a bit, Amakusa will come out, right? That’s what we agreed in the director’s meeting. If it works, we can reel them both back into the Association as tools. Criticism of Kiryu-sama would also decrease, right?』 

Her sweetly complacent tone made my anger rise uncontrollably. 

I clenched my fists tightly. 

I knew how hard Rin had worked for the Association. Without her efforts, there would have been far fewer S-Rank Explorers for the Association. And yet…….. 

…I couldn’t forgive this. 

“This is crucial information. I’ll make good use of it.” 

‘Good. Physical evidence like this is much clearer than just statements or documents, don’t you think? After all, wasn’t that the case for you in the past, Amakusa?’ 

Kiryu-san spoke lightly. But there was a trace of self-mockery in his tone. 

“Thank you. You’ve been a great help.” 

‘No need to thank me. By the way, when will you release the audio file?’ 

“I’ll do it after speaking with the WEA representative.” 

‘Let me know once the release date is set. I’ll schedule a comeback stream to direct people to your channel.’ 

“Understood.” 

Kiryu-san’s influence was immense. With his help, the information would undoubtedly reach a wide audience. 

After the call ended, I exhaled deeply. 

“…….Next is the WEA.” 

To take on the Association head-on, I’d need all the help I could get. 

All right, time to push forward.