I, Who Was Criticized as the World's Weakest S-Rank Explorer, Am Actually the World's Strongest Explorer - Episode 96

Episode 96  

“I see.”  

“…I’ve heard that even high-rank explorers dislike using it, but is it okay to try?”  

One reason for the limited use of this artifact is that even high-rank explorers find the barrier it creates unpleasant. This magic tool emits mana that monsters dislike, preventing them from approaching. However, it does not physically block enemies from entering.  

The mana it emits… is unpleasant even for high-rank superhumans.  

Rin and I exchanged glances and nodded. After all, this is part of the investigation.  

When Saotome-san placed the crystal stone on the ground, the atmosphere around us suddenly changed.  

Mana slowly spread. It wrapped around me with a clingy sensation. It was far from pleasant for me as well.  

Rin furrowed her brow slightly. She was looking around.  

“…This doesn’t feel very good. Why, I wonder?”  

Her muttering carried a faint tremble.  

I felt it too—an oppressive atmosphere. It was as if something slimy was brushing against my skin.  

In response to Rin’s question, Saotome-san hesitated briefly before speaking.  

“……….Well, it’s said that the sensory perception of high-rank explorers is quite similar to that of monsters.”  

“Really?” 

Rin’s eyes widened in surprise. Saotome-san scratched her cheek awkwardly.  

“Well, yes. There’s still a lot we don’t understand about superhuman abilities…….. Like why someone suddenly awakens to such powers one day. There’s much we have yet to uncover.”  

Saotome-san paused after saying this.  

…Well, there are people who equate monsters with superhumans. So it’s best not to delve too deep into this topic.  

We observed the surroundings for a while after activating the barrier.  

Keeping an eye on Saotome-san, we gradually engaged in battles with monsters. After some time, monsters started approaching Saotome-san’s barrier.  

…As I observed them, the monsters grimaced. They appeared uncomfortable. And they eventually moved away.  

The barrier was effective, even against the monsters on the 101st floor. Occasionally, monsters would show up nearby. But they would quickly flee after giving us a brief glance.  

….In fact, it seemed to work even better on higher-level monsters than those on the lower floors.  

“Hmm… It seems to remain effective against monsters.”  

“If we always kept this barrier active, would it be safe?”  

“Well, considering the maintenance cost, that’s another issue. And it’s not great for superhumans either. Some people might experience constant headaches or nausea.”  

“…Yeah, that would definitely be unpleasant.”  

“Some extremists might say it’s worth it regardless, but I’m against it. Anyway, now that we’ve finished our investigation… Let’s move on to securing water. Even though we’ve brought some, it’s important to see if we can source it locally. Let’s examine the river water.”  

Rin’s backpack was packed with supplies like calorie bars, hard biscuits, and instant meals. It had us well-prepared. But local resources might still be needed.  

As we approached the river, we saw clear water flowing gently. The sunlight made the surface sparkle. But we stayed cautious, knowing monsters might be lurking.  

“Do you think this river water can be used?” 

Rin stopped and stared at the river.  

Reacting to her words, Saotome-san quickly stepped closer to the water, scooped some into a small container with practiced movements, and examined it.  

“I wonder……..…Yep, as expected, there’s mana mixed in.”  

She held the container up to the light and began analyzing it with her tablet. Her serious expression kept us both silently watching.  

“Is it undrinkable?”  

“Drinking it would be dangerous.”  

“…Eh? I’ve been drinking it normally all this time.”  

I was surprised by Saotome-san’s remark. She responded with a wry smile.  

“Water infused with mana can’t be consumed by ordinary humans unless it is purified through supernatural abilities. Superhumans, on the other hand, have high resistance to mana. So they’re fine. But for someone like me, it could be tough. In small amounts, it’s harmless. But prolonged consumption will definitely harm the body.”  

“…I see.”  

“…There are rumors that in certain countries, experiments are being conducted to artificially create superhumans using such water. Quite suspicious, isn’t it?”  

……..What a terrifying story.  

I might have heard something like this during the training sessions for explorers.  

“It’s not something high-rank explorers usually need to worry about, so you don’t have to remember it,” 

They had said back then, or something along those lines.  

Saotome-san exhaled softly and turned her gaze toward us.  

“Drinking a small amount is fine, but you’ll need to purify it.”  

“Is purification that easy to do?”  

“Yes, it is. You just use this magic stone.”  

With that, she took a magic stone out of her pouch.