I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 80

Episode 80

Now then, where should I start? 

“…Your Japanese is really good.” 

“I learned it to watch anime.” 

“That’s amazing. You’re so fluent—better than me, honestly.” 

“Is that so? Though I still don’t quite understand the unique expressions, so I might unintentionally be rude sometimes.” 

As I suggested starting with some small talk, Amelia-san happily began speaking. 

Uhh…… okay. 

For the moment, the atmosphere was becoming more amicable. But as I searched for the right words, Amelia-san narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke softly. 

“That said… the topic has already been decided. I’ll get straight to the point: I intend to help you.” 

……….

“Huh?” 

For a moment, my mind went blank. 

Wait, what? What did she just say? 

Help…? Just like that? 

I couldn’t process it; my thoughts ground to a halt. 

I thought I was prepared. She’s the WEA representative and one of the top explorers in the world. I knew that asking for her help would involve some sort of conditions or negotiations. 

Yet, she said she’d cooperate as casually as one might comment on the weather. 

Who could have predicted this kind of response? 

Surprised, I glanced at Saotome-san. She calmly sipped her tea, entirely unfazed. 

Could you at least show a little interest in this? …Well, the reason I brought her along was to cover for me in case I made a mistake. 

The main responsibility for the conversation was mine. 

“Um, you said you’d help just now. But….. are you sure?” 

Even I thought it was a silly question. But I couldn’t help asking. 

Amelia-san narrowed her eyes with amusement. She lightly placed a finger to her lips. 

“Shall I say it again?” 

Her voice was calm and gentle. 

“N-No, that’s okay.” 

As I replied, my thoughts turned to what she would ask for in return. 

If she was willing to cooperate, she’d likely expect something in return. 

The WEA is a neutral organization unbound by any country. Every nation wants to control them. But none have ever succeeded. 

Considering their standing, it seemed absurd for someone like her to offer help so easily. 

“You’re in trouble, aren’t you? In that case, helping is the proper thing to do.” 

As if she saw right through my skepticism, Amelia-san said it so smoothly. 

How many people in this world could speak like her? 

From what I know, there are hardly any who would help without expecting something in return. 

“………Do you want something from us?” 

“Yes. I’m interested in the Kamino Town Dungeon. Could you guide me there later?” 

Amelia-san quietly picked up her teacup and gazed at me as if probing for my reaction. 

…So that’s it. 

Globally, there likely isn’t a single officially recognized dungeon beyond 100 floors. 

Countries like China and Russia often keep dungeon-related information secret. So they might be holding such knowledge privately. 

Amelia-san probably wanted to know more about that kind of information. 

If that was her condition, it wasn’t incomprehensible. 

Still, I couldn’t judge if that dungeon was truly worth such interest. While it was rare, its magic stones weren’t particularly remarkable. And nor did it seem poised to become a revolutionary energy source. 

“……Is that all you want?” 

“Also..… let’s see. I’d like you to consider joining the WEA.” 

“……..” 

Her smiling proposal left me speechless. 

As for that, I had no intention of agreeing. 

…I didn’t want to remain an explorer for long, after all. 

Thus, I had no plans to contract as an S-Rank Explorer under any specific country. 

It’s not that I disliked explorers. 

I just wanted freedom. I was tired of being bound or ordered around. 

“That’s difficult. I don’t have much attachment to being an S-Rank Explorer.” 

Accepting all her conditions might be the “right” choice. But I couldn’t concede on this. 

“I see. Well, I didn’t expect you to agree to everything. So it can’t be helped. As WEA, our job is to aid explorers facing unjust circumstances.” 

Amelia-san brought the teacup to her lips, taking a small sip. 

Her refined movements exuded elegance. But in the quiet, her actions felt unusually heavy. 

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about it in the past.” 

…That’s exactly why I was asking for her cooperation. 

Placing her teacup down gently, Amelia-san clasped her slender fingers lightly together.

“As the WEA, we are not merely an organization that supports explorers. Dungeon suppression, the protection of those with special abilities… all of that is part of our work as well.”  

Her gaze seemed to look beyond the teacup in front of her. It was as if she were staring into some distant world.