I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 90

Episode 90  

If Rin or I, for example, tried playing baseball, it would become something out of this world. I’d probably throw ultra-fast pitches, and Rin could use crazy breaking balls that bend freely.  

“You mentioned there are two processes to getting stronger, but what’s the second one?”  

“Heh… The second is called ‘Anomaly Analysis’. This involves analyzing the remains of monsters using the anomaly within one’s body. We then reflect the result of that analysis onto one’s abilities. Stronger monsters often have unique magical structures, and absorbing these can sometimes lead to the evolution of one’s powers.”  

“… I see?”  

“However, it’s also true that people often view those who absorb monster powers as monsters themselves. Particularly overseas, there’s been a lot of movement to eliminate discrimination between the ‘abnormal’ and the ‘normal’.”  

Yuna tilted her head slightly. But at this point, Kirishima-san interrupted with a wry smile.  

“So basically, it’s like a game where monsters drop experience points. And as you use skills, the skill levels go up. Right, Senpai?”  

“…Well, yeah, that’s a ridiculously simple way to put it. But it does capture the gist. Doesn’t it feel a bit boring that way, though?”  

“For the general public, simple explanations like this work best.”  

Saotome-san looked at Kirishima-san with a surprised expression.  

“Isn’t that summary a bit too simplistic?”  

“But it’s easy to understand, right? I mean, when it comes to anomaly factors and magical structures, how many of us here really understand all that? Probably just Amakusa-kun.”  

When I nodded vaguely, Saotome-san crossed her arms with a slightly annoyed look.  

“…Well, simplicity is important too. But, in reality, there’s a much deeper theory—”  

“Your udon is going to get soggy.”  

“I’ll eat it!”  

It seemed Saotome-san’s desire to explain was defeated by her udon.  

—

“Still, it’s strange, isn’t it? Suddenly, dungeons started appearing. Dungeons are full of mysteries, aren’t they?”  

“That’s currently the topic the entire world is most interested in. Why dungeons appeared in the first place—that’s the mystery I’m trying to unravel myself.”  

“……I see. But somehow, I just accepted it as one of those things… Do you think science can explain it?”  

“Who knows? But it’s believed that they appeared due to some reason. After all, dungeons don’t just pop up out of nowhere for no reason, do they?”  

“Some reason? Like what?”  

“Ah, well, things like invaders from another world or aliens… Various possibilities exist. Even if the reason turns out to be something occult, I think the dungeons still appeared as a result of someone’s actions.”  

“…………..…I see.”  

“A long time ago, people thought earthquakes and lightning were caused by ‘the anger of gods’. But once they investigated, they discovered the actual causes, right? Even if we can’t fully deal with it yet, people are currently investigating the conditions and causes of dungeon appearances. These continuous investigations are all done to prevent dungeons from popping up endlessly.”  

“…Speaking of ‘the anger of gods’, that reminds me of religious groups.”  

“Yes, there are groups that claim dungeons are manifestations of divine wrath against humanity.”  

“They say we should accept the dungeons and not attempt to conquer them…… Families of those who’ve suffered losses often join such groups.”  

“For example, what if phenomena like dungeons had been invisibly lurking on Earth all along? And then, one day, something triggered them to visibly surface—don’t you think that’s possible?”  

A trigger, huh?