I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 92

Episode 92

“Saotome-san, there’s something on your mouth.” 

“It’s emergency food.” 

“……..Are you going to leave it like that?” 

“Would you wipe it off for me?” 

…Seriously, this person. 

While feeding Rin, I wiped Saotome-san’s mouth. 

I strongly wished that Yuna and Kirishima-san could accompany me as caretakers for both of them. 

After finishing breakfast, we each checked our belongings and prepared ourselves. Though calling it “equipment” might be an overstatement. 

Rin and I mainly carried weapons. As for armor, we only wore minimal undergarment-like protective gear. 

As those with special abilities, we could create magical armor that served as protection. It was sturdier than any makeshift armor. 

Rin had a tense expression. She carried a large backpack. It held the materials related to Saotome-san’s research. 

Considering the possibility of fighting monsters along the way, it was decided Rin should carry the luggage. 

Meanwhile, Saotome-san happily fiddled with a device in her hands. 

……….It seemed she’d also prepared the magical tool Kiryu-san took from her the other day. 

“Alright, shall we go?” 

When I called out, Rin and Saotome-san nodded. We shouldered our luggage and left the room together. As I opened the front door, a cold wind brushed against my cheek. The February sky was clear, but the air was crisp and biting. 

This base of Saotome-san’s was close to the dungeon—just a ten-minute walk away. 

Saotome-san was walking lightly. She was as giddy as a child heading to a field trip. 

Rin and I followed behind, watching her back. 

When we arrived at the dungeon entrance, a group of journalists who appeared to have been staking out swarmed us. 

Camera tripods and microphones flickered in my peripheral vision. It seemed they’d noticed us. 

“You’re Amakusa-san, right!?” 

Their cheerful demeanor was accompanied by forced smiles. …Disgusting smiles. 

Instinctively, I stopped in my tracks. A man in a suit shoved a microphone toward me. 

“I’m from Honma TV! Could we ask you a few questions?” 

Honma TV. 

…I despise most of the media, but I particularly detest this station. 

While other TV networks at least pretended to apologize, Honma TV never once offered an apology. 

Even as other outlets reported that the Association was at fault instead of me, they were the only ones to stay silent until the bitter end. 

There were rumors online about close ties between Honma TV and the Association. And their reporting—or lack thereof—made it hard not to believe those claims. 

So, yeah, I hate them. 

Just hearing their name makes my forehead wrinkle. 

I don’t know how much the man in front of me knows about his company’s shady dealings. But to me, he’s just another enemy. 

I glared down at the microphone without a word. Undeterred, the man continued. 

“Kiryu-san recently posted an apology video. What are your thoughts on his actions? And what are your views on the Association?” 

The questions kept coming in rapid succession. 

I ignored him and started walking away, but the man trailed me persistently. 

“Additionally, do you have plans to return as an S-Rank Explorer?” 

…Return? Don’t be ridiculous. 

Just remembering it makes me sick. 

Do they have any idea how much trouble it caused me? 

No, of course not. Even if they did, they wouldn’t care. 

They’re just reporting whatever they want for their own benefit. 

I exhaled lightly, trying to maintain composure as I searched for the right words. Before I could respond, another barrage of questions came. 

“You’re currently with Kanzaki-san, who is also an S-Rank Explorer, correct? Why are the two of you together? Is there a special reason for this collaboration?” 

The mention of Rin’s name set off alarm bells in my head. These types of people excel at exploiting vulnerabilities. 

I glanced at Rin. She seemed unable to hide her discomfort. She positioned herself behind me as if to shield herself. 

Seeing her like that gave me the resolve to act. 

I turned toward the man holding the microphone and spoke briefly. 

“As explorers, we’re here to guard the investigation of the Kamino Town Dungeon. I have no obligation to say anything beyond that.” 

With that, I started walking again. Voices from the reporters trailed behind me. But I paid them no attention. Rin and Saotome-san followed closely. 

“Amakusa-kun, is that alright?” 

Saotome-san asked in a low voice, but I shrugged lightly. 

“Whether it’s alright or not doesn’t matter. I just really hate those people.” 

Honestly, they’re not to be trusted. No matter what I say, they’ll only report what suits them. 

Passing through the gate and entering the dungeon, the voices of the reporters completely faded away. 

Surely, no one would chase us this far. 

The tense atmosphere enveloped my entire body, and the frustration that had been simmering within me gradually subsided. 

Exploring a dungeon while harboring anger toward the media would only wear me out. Yeah, let’s forget all of it and move forward.