I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 87

Episode 87

The negotiations with the Association had come to an end, for now. Both the overbearing President and Aizawa begrudgingly accepted our demands in the end.  

After all, with the WEA—especially Amelia-san—potentially getting involved, they wouldn’t dare take any drastic actions. Add to that the growing voice of public opinion. The Association, alongside the current government, had numerous flaws. And they wouldn’t have much room to breathe for a while.  

As long as they refrained from unnecessary meddling, that was fine by me. I had no intention of getting more deeply involved. To be honest, continuing to deal with them was exhausting. Amelia-san and Kiryu-san could handle the rest. I would only intervene when absolutely necessary.  

Besides, improving the status of explorers was something Kiryu-san had always wanted to do.  

—

On the way back, I pulled out my phone and reread the message from Kiryu.  

『Haruto, there’s something that’s been bothering me. I hadn’t reported it yet, but… I saw someone who looked like a young girl on the 101st floor. Do you know anything about it?』  

What the hell? I had no idea what he was talking about.  

I couldn’t help tilting my head at the question. The only things you’d expect to find in a dungeon were monsters or other explorers. But the chances of an explorer wandering alone in such a place were slim.  

At least, I had never seen anything like that.  

So, if I had to guess, it was either a monster or something else entirely.  

Just when things were finally settling down after the Association drama, this happened.  

I sighed lightly as I pocketed my phone. One way or another, that dungeon needed to be cleared eventually. It was time to focus on tackling it again.

—

After school.  

I headed to a room I had once used as a hideout. Now, it was occupied by Saotome-san. She was using it as a base for her research into the Kamino Town Dungeon. It worked out well since I was planning to devote myself to that dungeon’s conquest as well.  

Amelia-san had mentioned wanting to join us someday. But due to the long-term nature of this endeavor, she planned to leave Japan temporarily. She’d likely join us on her next visit.  

As for Saotome-san, she had secured some funding from the Association and was able to begin her research in earnest. Despite my strained relationship with the Association, their involvement in the Kamino Town Dungeon was tied to governmental interest. So their disdain for me didn’t affect her funding.  

Maybe they thought working closely with someone like Saotome-san, who had supported me in the past, might improve our relationship.  

Regardless of their motives, I wasn’t opposed to better research conditions for Saotome-san. And indirectly, it meant we were siphoning funds from the Association. Which Kirishima-san and I—both staunchly anti-Association—found immensely satisfying.  

Despite my mixed feelings, it was progress toward resolving the Kamino Town Dungeon. It aligned with my goals.  

Today, we planned to have a meeting in Saotome-san’s room to discuss how to proceed with the dungeon investigation.  

In the room were Yuna and Kirishima-san, who had also joined the discussion. Rin was expected to join us later.  

—

“Haruto, can you set those on the table?”  

“Sure thing.”  

Yuna peeked out from the kitchen and directed me.  

It was almost time for dinner, and I was on table-setting duty.  

I stood up and carried the dishes as instructed, placing them on the table.

Yuna was followed closely by Kirishima-san. She was carrying a pot in both hands.  

Since it was February and still bitterly cold, today’s plan was a sukiyaki party for everyone. Kirishima-san and Yuna took charge of cooking, while I was relegated to table-setting duty. Saotome-san, meanwhile, was sitting in the corner of the living room. She was absorbed in her tablet. She seemed to be researching something.  

“With this, dinner preparations are complete,” 

Yuna said with satisfaction as she removed her apron, addressing Kirishima-san. Kirishima-san let out a small sigh of relief.  

“Yes, and it’s all thanks to you, Yuna-san. It went smoothly… though I’m sorry Saotome-senpai didn’t help at all.” 

“Oh, it’s fine, really. I enjoy cooking. Besides, my dear brother here has been in your care, so this is the least I can do.” 

The two of them chatted amicably. In the past, Yuna seemed a little wary of Kirishima-san. But now they were getting along like sisters.  

Perhaps drawn by the sight of the food being laid out, Saotome-san’s eyes lit up as she came over eagerly.