I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 85

Episode 85

(Back to MC’s Perspective)

As we passed through the main entrance of the Association headquarters, the guards simultaneously directed their gazes at us. 

Their presence was intimidating enough to unsettle an ordinary explorer. But it didn’t faze us at all. 

…Especially since Amelia-san was walking beside me. She was carrying herself with an air of confidence. 

Her mere presence seemed to change the atmosphere of the place. 

With every step she took, it felt as though all eyes were drawn to her. 

“Haruto-san, are you feeling nervous?” 

Amelia-san smiled at me gently. 

“Well, maybe a little. But at this point, there’s no turning back.” 

“That’s the spirit. Let’s move forward with our heads held high.” 

Encouraged by her words, I continued into the entrance hall. 

When I gave my name at the reception desk, the staff visibly flustered. 

…The Association seemed quite agitated. 

This was probably because today’s meeting was only scheduled for Amelia-san. 

“…Amakusa-san, what business do you have here?” 

“I’m here for the same reason as Amelia-san.” 

“…I wasn’t informed of this.” 

“I did mention that I would be bringing a few companions, didn’t I? He is one of them,” 

Amelia corrected the receptionist in a composed manner. 

Despite their nervousness, the receptionist picked up the phone to make an internal call. 

After some back and forth, 

“…The President and Director Aizawa are waiting for you.” 

We were then led to the meeting room, which was deathly silent. 

As soon as the door opened, we were greeted by the President’s stern gaze. 

Next to him, Kana Aizawa leaned back in her chair with a strained smile on her face. 

However, her expression was obviously tense and weary. 

…….Well, yesterday, Rin’s whistleblower video had been uploaded. And Aizawa’s name had been mentioned everywhere. 

It was clear she’d been backed into a corner. 

Both of them stared at us intently, as if trying to gauge our intentions. 

“…Welcome, Amelia Ivansong-sama, representative of the WEA. And you as well, Haruto Amakusa-kun,” 

The President stood up and greeted us politely on the surface. 

However, while he showed respect toward Amelia, his gaze toward me was filled with skepticism. 

“Thank you for taking the time to come here today. Having Amelia-sama here in person is truly an honor.”

“Indeed. I am personally very interested in this matter,” 

Amelia-san replied gracefully, though her voice carried a hint of coldness. 

This subtle shift made the President fidget slightly. 

“Well then, shall we get straight to the point?”

“You were requesting the deployment of explorers, correct?” 

Amelia-san inquired, causing the President and Aizawa to visibly react. 

Aizawa slowly formed a smile. 

“Yes, precisely. Currently, our country is experiencing a shortage of personnel, so…” 

“However, I’ve heard that these explorers are being treated quite poorly. I cannot allow my valuable subordinates to be placed in such conditions,” 

Amelia countered sharply. 

“…Th-that’s a misunderstanding. As for those videos—” 

“Regarding that, I believe Haruto Amakusa-san can elaborate further. Haruto-san, I’ll leave the rest to you.” 

“Understood.” 

…Amelia-san’s stance seemed to be that she might lend the Association manpower if their explanation was satisfactory. 

Aizawa directed a harsh glare at me. 

“Regarding Rin Kanzaki. As the video already revealed, she’s being pushed to her limits.” 

“…She’s lying—” 

Aizawa desperately tried to deny it, but her argument was unconvincing. 

When I directed a piercing glare, I channeled my magic to intimidate. Both of them flinched visibly. 

“Are you saying she’s lying? If you can take responsibility for those words—go ahead, say them.” 

“…Th-this is… th-this is intimidation. We can’t have a proper discussion like this,” 

Aizawa protested, looking to Amelia-san for support. 

But Amelia-san simply smiled in silence. 

Aizawa was seemingly at her wit’s end. She opened her mouth to speak. 

“…Regarding Kanzaki Rin, well, that was… the result of some rogue actions by a few staff members. We are making every possible effort, but it’s quite difficult to monitor the individual activities of each explorer.” 

“There was also voice data suggesting efforts to corner Rin Kanzaki, wasn’t there?” 

“…That is…” 

“And of course, it’s not just Director Aizawa—many directors are involved in this, aren’t they?” 

Aizawa furrowed her brows, glaring at me with visible irritation. 

Before she could respond, the President spoke up. He seemingly stepped in for her. 

“Is this a provocation?” 

The President glared at me with an annoyed expression. 

“This isn’t a provocation at all—just presenting the facts,” 

I replied, leaning back in my chair and crossing my legs slowly. 

“It’s too late to cover things up now. And frankly, I don’t care how you respond. With WEA officially involved in this matter, whatever the Association says won’t change the course of events.” 

Aizawa tried to open her mouth to argue, but Amelia-san interjected calmly before she could. 

“Haruto Amakusa-san is absolutely correct. WEA is an organization that maintains neutrality for the benefit of explorers. While we do not intend to take sides, we cannot overlook the treatment of explorers in a country like Japan.” 

“………” 

The President stared at Amelia-san intensely. 

“…Lowly explorers…” 

He muttered in frustration. 

Amelia-san’s smile grew sharper. 

“Did you say something?” 

“…….…” 

The President fell silent. He was contemplating for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. 

“…We will investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action. So, Amakusa-kun, could you delete that video? It’s… unfair.” 

“…Unfair?” 

“It’s difficult for us when only your side of the story is presented.” 

“…After all the arbitrary actions you’ve taken, now you’re upset because we did the same?” 

“We are doing everything with the explorers’ best interests in mind. …But there are challenges involved.” 

A heavy silence filled the room. 

“Let me make one thing clear: this issue won’t be resolved with just an investigation. Depending on the Association’s response, we are prepared to work with WEA to develop new measures.” 

“What did you say?” 

The President’s expression grew tense as he asked. 

“Rank manipulation, reward fraud, and a complete overhaul of the Association’s structure are necessary. If these changes cannot be made—” 

I took a deep breath and glanced at Amelia-san. 

After confirming her faint smile, I stated clearly: 

“We will move to dismantle the Association entirely. To be honest, we can’t entrust the exploration industry to people like you, who conspire with the current administration to oppress explorers as a whole.” 

The atmosphere in the meeting room became palpably tense at that moment.