I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 93

Episode 93

“Alright, shall we head out?” 

“Will you carry me on your back like you did for Kanzaki-san?” 

“That’s the safest way. Rin, are you able to keep up?” 

“I’m fine. Leave it to me.” 

Rin nodded. And as I crouched in front of Saotome-san, she leapt onto my back. 

…Huh!? 

An unexpected, soft sensation pressed against my back. 

Something that hadn’t been there with Kirishima-san… was definitely there now! 

“I’m the type that looks slimmer in clothes,” 

Saotome-san whispered softly near my ear. It made my heart skip a beat. 

C-Calm down. Stay composed….. 

I muttered to myself internally as we proceeded through the dungeon. 

The air in the dungeon felt a bit heavy. 

Compared to other dungeons, this one might have slightly denser magical energy. 

Having explored several dungeons with Rin, I noticed subtle differences like this for the first time. 

Walking alongside Rin and Saotome-san, a conversation I’d had with Kiryu-san came to mind. 

“By the way, remember what Kiryu-san mentioned the other day…?” 

“Oh, about the girl?” 

“Yes, that’s the one. Are there any similar cases?” 

Saotome-san was the first to respond. 

Before entering the dungeon, I had shared the story as a precaution. 

“No, at least not within the scope of my research…….. I’ve even looked into records from other countries, but I haven’t found anything similar.” 

“Other countries as well… I see.” 

“Well, most countries tend to keep their explorer data confidential. In particular, countries like China and Russia are very secretive. It’s possible that they’re considering the existence of dungeons beyond the 101st floor.” 

“…Is there a reason for keeping it secret?” 

“It would push the skill levels of their explorers higher, wouldn’t it? Explorers grow stronger through repeated battles with tougher opponents. By keeping dungeon information hidden, they can secretly cultivate more elite soldiers. Of course, there’s a limit to how much an individual can grow.” 

“……….Does that mean the Kamino Town Dungeon is actually pretty significant?” 

“That’s probably why the WEA (World Explorers Association) was so eager to get involved. Japan, in particular, has a unique environment for dungeon exploration. Due to the central role of individuals from various nationalities in Japan’s governance, there’s a system that makes it easy for foreign explorers to participate. That’s likely why the WEA was quick to claim their stake.” 

“I see. But having an environment where people from various countries can come does help alleviate the shortage of explorers, doesn’t it?” 

“True, but there should be stricter regulations. Otherwise, foreign explorers might start doing as they please. Well, I suppose that’s up to the Explorer Association to handle.” 

Her tone made it clear she didn’t hold much faith in them. 

……….I agreed completely. 

“Returning to the Kamino Town Dungeon, it’s drawn a lot of attention overseas as well. They’re saying things like, ‘Japanese samurai are making a big impact!’ or something along those lines.” 

“…My weapon isn’t even a sword, though.” 

If anything, Rin fits the image of a samurai more than I do. 

“From a foreigner’s perspective, seeing a Japanese person wielding something like a sword probably just screams ‘samurai’.” 

Is that how it works? Well, if the Kamino Town Dungeon attracts attention and more people step up to tackle it, I don’t mind. 

As we talked, Rin tilted her head curiously. 

“…About that girl—I haven’t heard much detail. So, we really don’t know anything?” 

“Yeah. The story is that a blonde-haired girl was spotted in the Kamino Town Dungeon. Apparently, she was there just before Kiryu-san was attacked and before the monsters appeared.” 

Rin gave me a skeptical look at my words. 

“…………..Is that really true?” 

“Who knows. I don’t have a clue either. Kiryu-san doesn’t seem like the type to mistake things, but…….. in this dungeon, anything could happen.” 

Of course, it’s not impossible that fear caused him to hallucinate. 

…Honestly, even I’m skeptical. 

But this is the Kamino Town Dungeon. It’s a place where ordinary reasoning doesn’t apply. 

Saotome-san wore a fascinated smile, her interest clearly piqued. 

“If that girl really exists, I’d absolutely love to talk to her,” 

Saotome-san said with sparkling eyes. 

“Wouldn’t that be… dangerous?” 

“It might be dangerous! But that’s what makes it exciting, isn’t it? What kind of being is she? Is she a monster? What even *is* a dungeon? There’s so much I’d want to ask!” 

Rin and I exchanged glances. 

………….Well, I also wanted to know what that girl was. Was she some unknown type of monster? 

If we could talk to her, there were definitely questions I’d want answered. 

“……..Could she be the dungeon boss or something? I’ve read manga like that before.”

“The boss… huh.” 

Dungeons had never really had a definitive “boss” before. 

But if this dungeon was special, it wasn’t entirely out of the question. 

Rin’s face was pale. She muttered anxiously. 

“If we meet her again, will she say something like, ‘You’ve done well to make it this far,’ and then transform on the spot, going, ‘This is my true form!’ or something?” 

Her vivid imagination was causing her to tremble visibly.