I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 79

Episode 79

(Note: Special for this chapter, dialogues from the internet and TV are in 『….』.)

The TV screen displayed the arrival gate at Haneda Airport. Walking through the gate was a woman with impossibly beautiful long blonde hair swaying behind her. Several men in black suits, presumably bodyguards, accompanied her.  

『–! Breaking news! Amelia Ivansong, the representative of the World Explorers Alliance (WEA), has arrived in Japan! As an S-Rank Explorer, Amelia’s influence extends across the globe to the management of dungeons.』  

Amelia was standing in the footage. She naturally drew all eyes to her. Her posture was perfect, and her gaze slightly downcast as she walked. She exuded an otherworldly elegance.  

『Amelia, what brings you to Japan?』 

The interviewer asked. He was nervously holding out a microphone. Perhaps worried about offending such a globally significant figure, his voice trembled slightly.  

Amelia cast a brief glance at him before smiling confidently.  

『Fufu, to acquire elf merchandise, of course.』 

A light, melodic laugh escaped her lips. Her aristocratic tone completely changed the atmosphere among the reporters.  

『E-Elf merchandise… you say?』 

The interviewer stammered, his voice cracking. It was clearly an unexpected answer.  

『Yes. Japan has many works featuring elves, doesn’t it? I’m a devoted elf fan. Look closely—these ears are part of my elf cosplay,』 

She said, revealing pointed, elf-like ears that had been hidden under her hair.  

Though many already knew of her love for elves, seeing her in person left the interviewer visibly flustered.  

『I-I see… is that so…』  

『Yes. I’ve heard Akihabara is brimming with wonderful elf-related products. Fufu… I can’t let this opportunity slip by. I want to see everything with my own eyes and acquire what I need』

 She elegantly placed a hand near her mouth as she smiled gracefully.  

『I see… well, did you know the president of the Japanese Explorer Association has expressed a desire to meet you?』  

『Yes, I’ve heard.』  

Japan’s explorer situation was harsh. And though the U.S. had an alliance with Japan, it was overwhelmed with its own issues. Thus, they’d indirectly expressed hopes for WEA’s support during emergencies.  

『Can you tell us anything about your official engagements during your stay?』 

The interviewer pressed on, regaining composure.  

『Well…』 

Amelia’s gaze drifted upward for a moment before she tilted her head slightly.

『Yes, perhaps… I’ll get to that later. For now, I want to enjoy my private time. I’ll think about work afterward.』  

With that, she casually ended the topic. She smiled in satisfaction. Her image filled the screen.  

The WEA representative was in Japan—ostensibly to purchase elf merchandise.  

This report went viral online within hours.  

—

In a traditional Japanese inn’s private room, I let out a deep sigh.  

I stared at the sliding door, feeling a slight stiffness in my back.  

“Nervous?”  

Saotome stood beside me and asked quietly. She was dressed in a simple black suit instead of her usual lab coat. She was emanating a calm demeanor that differed from her usual researcher-like presence.  

“Well… a little.” 

Whether we could win Amelia’s favor would determine the course of our plans. If it didn’t work out, the next step would involve negotiating with the government.  

“Well, she’s one of the top-tier S-Rank Explorers, after all.”  

“…So I’ve heard. Yes, I’ve done my research.”  

Amelia Ivansong.  

Representative of the WEA and one of the world’s most renowned explorers. She had successfully conquered numerous dungeons and made her name famous in many countries.  

Her abilities were said to be extraordinary. It was to the point where she was entrusted with escort missions for prime ministers and presidents of various nations.  

Apparently, she could easily take down even those carrying five magic stones—a feat that suggested her strength might be on par with mine or perhaps even surpass it.  

Although she was still in her mid-twenties, she’d reportedly been exploring dungeons with her parents since childhood. Which had honed her exceptional skills.  

…Perhaps because of her absolute power, she was said to judge others primarily based on their abilities. She respected those with skill and limited her interactions with those who lacked it.  

…It’s clear she is an extremely uncompromising person.  

That made her all the more troublesome. If she disliked someone, there was no telling what she might do.  

For instance, there was a story about a high-ranking official from another country who had tried to make a disrespectful pass at her. He was saying something like, “Be my woman.” The result? That entire city was nearly obliterated.  

……….Yeah, she’s someone you absolutely do not want to anger.  

As I mulled over these thoughts, the door slid open.  

“Mr. Amakusa and Ms. Saotome?”  

A stunning woman greeted us with a smile.  

Amelia stood there, dressed in a traditional kimono. Her blonde hair and elf-like ears surprisingly suited the outfit.  

The scene was surreal—like an otherworldly being had casually taken a seat at a traditional Japanese inn. But on her, it looked natural.  

Several men in black suits, likely her bodyguards, entered behind her.  

…Bodyguards, though it was obvious that Amelia was far stronger than any of them. They were likely there just for appearances. Like surveillance cameras that deter crime even if they aren’t functional. The intimidating look of her guards probably served its own purpose.  

“Japanese kimonos are so lovely. Elves don’t have such culture, but this is quite wonderful.” 

It seemed she genuinely believed she was an elf.  

Well, I had no intention of denying it. Everyone has their own preferences.  

I could understand the desire to emulate a fictional character. After all, I’d drawn strength from optimistic characters during tough times. So I wasn’t one to judge.  

Saotome and I rose. We bowed politely before taking our seats.  

“I’m glad to hear you like it. It suits you well.”  

“I heard it was chosen for me by you, Ms. Saotome.”  

“Yes. I thought a kimono would look quite fitting on an elf.”  

“Fufu, indeed it does.”  

…Saotome, you’re a lifesaver.  

Judging by the choice of this inn and the kimono, Amelia’s first impression seemed to be a good one.  

As Amelia settled gracefully onto her cushion, she turned her gaze toward us.  

“Now then—shall we begin?”  

Her smile was beautiful.  

But her expression gave away nothing of her true emotions.