I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 95

Episode 95  

We proceeded cautiously through the forest of the 101st floor.  

However, as if to confront us, the atmosphere shifted.  

From a distance, low footsteps and growling reached our ears. And an oppressive magical energy approached.  

“…It’s coming,” 

I said, reaching for my bullet sword. Saotome-san strained her ears. She was surveying the surroundings.  

In the next moment, the creature appeared before us.  

“Hm… is this an Orc? But, one with six magic stones is a first for me. What kind of creature is it?”  

Awakened individuals can discern the names of monsters by observing them closely. But Saotome-san doesn’t possess such abilities.  

“…It’s a Demon Orc.”

A Demon Orc—this type of monster doesn’t particularly trouble me. However, for Rin, who’s only faced Orcs with up to five magic stones, this was an unknown entity.  

Its black fur swayed as its crimson, glowing eyes fixed on us.  

This one carried a weapon—a massive axe gripped tightly in its hands. It glared menacingly while felling trees around it as if to intimidate us.  

“Rin, what’s the plan?”  

…….…This was also meant to serve as Rin’s training, which is why I asked. Rin exhaled softly, then directed a sharp gaze at the Demon Orc.  

“I’ll do it.”  

Rin stepped forward and unsheathed her sword. The blade was gleaming with an icy cold light.  

…She’s resolved.  

She’s genuinely determined to grow stronger.  

“…If needed, I’ll step in to help.”  

“Mm, thanks.”  

…If it becomes dangerous, I’ll intervene immediately.  

Rin quietly assumed a stance with her sword. The Demon Orc noticed this. It charged at her as if to crush her.  

I scooped up Saotome-san in my arms and created some distance.  

The Demon Orc’s attack was fierce. Its axe smashed into the ground, sending dirt and debris flying. In the brief opening created, Rin swiftly closed the gap.  

“Haaah!”  

Her blade flashed, grazing the Demon Orc’s arm.  

However, the wound appeared to heal almost instantly. The Demon Orc grew even more ferocious. It launched consecutive attacks.  

Rin remained calm. She spread ice across the ground beneath her feet. She used the slippery surface to dodge gracefully. But the axe closed in on her. The force sent Rin sprawling.  

“Rin!”  

“…I’m fine.”  

Though wincing in pain, she stood up once more.  

Gripping her sword tightly, she enveloped it in cold energy. This time, ice began to stretch from her feet. It enveloped the Demon Orc’s massive frame.  

“This is the end!”  

With Rin’s cry, an icy pillar pierced through the Demon Orc.  

The monster froze in place. Its body was gradually encased in ice until it shattered into fragments. Black smoke dissipated, leaving behind six magic stones on the ground.  

Rin exhaled softly, her forehead drenched with sweat.  

…….…The battle was brief, but we had faced countless life-or-death situations to reach this point.  

That’s why she was sweating so much.  

Lowering Saotome-san to the ground, I called out to Rin.  

“You did it, Rin.”  

“…Yeah.”  

Panting heavily, Rin gave a satisfied smile.  

…For now, she might barely manage one-on-one battles. But consecutive fights would still be tough.  

Watching the battle, Saotome-san clapped and approached her.  

“Wow, as expected… S-Rank Explorers really are on a different level.”  

“…Not yet. I still need to work harder… It was close.”

“Well, no need to rush. There’s plenty of time, so just take advantage of Amakusa-kun’s ‘loving guidance’.”  

Setting aside the “love” part… well, no need to hurry, indeed.  

“That’s right. Let’s take it slow and rest between battles.”  

“Ah, l-loving guidance…..… um, t-thank you…for the guidance.” 

Rin stammered, bowing shyly.  

At that moment, Saotome-san picked up one of the fallen magic stones and pointed to it.  

“Amakusa-kun, the Orc we just defeated—it was of the Demon-type, right?”  

“Yes, that’s correct.”  

Monsters are categorized into ranks based on the number of magic stones they possess. Starting from zero-stone Normal-types, they ascend to Knight-types, General-types, Shadow-types, Devil-types, Hell-types, and finally Demon-types, like the one we just encountered.  

With six stones, Demon types are… currently the highest confirmed rank.  

“There’s a lot to investigate, but… yeah. For now, let’s collect these stones and bring them back to study later. Right now, we should focus on what can only be done here…! Could you guide me to an open area where I can work safely?”  

“Understood. Please follow me.”  

Having explored this area a few times, I had a rough understanding of the geography.  

I led Saotome-san to an open spot near a river, which we decided to use as our base.  

The sound of flowing water provided a slight sense of relief.  

Well, monsters sometimes swim up the river and appear here, though.  

As I was thinking about that, Saotome-san took out something resembling a magic stone.  

“What’s that?”  

“It’s a magic tool for creating barriers. It doesn’t last long, but it’s useful for taking short breaks. I wanted to see if it’s effective beyond the 101st floor.”  

High-ranking explorers often finish dungeon expeditions quickly. So tools like barrier magic devices don’t see much use.