The Reward for the World's Strongest Explorer's Perfect Dungeon Conquest is apparently Marriage to me, who is known as an S-rank Fraud - Chapter 4

“Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this press conference for S-Class Seeker The Undying Nosferatu, Kuma Hayama.

As someone overseeing the Seekers, I would first like to provide an official statement regarding this matter.”

With that, old man Araki bowed deeply, signaling the start of the conference.

“First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for the commotion this has caused in the public sphere.”

Yeah, yeah. Time to bow my head too, right?

One, two, three, four… peek.

“…………”

Five, six, seven… peek.

“…………”

Eight, nine… Is it over yet?

“…………”

Ah, finally, he lifted his head.

“Now, let me explain the events leading up to this incident.”

Old man Araki proceeded with the explanation, making sure to emphasize how deeply remorseful I was supposed to be.

I got it. All I had to do was nod with a pained expression every now and then, right?

“—And that concludes the explanation.

We will now proceed to the Q&A session. Kuma will answer to the best of his ability, as time permits.

Please raise your hand—Yes, you.”

The first person called on was a plain-looking woman with glasses.

“I have two questions.

First, based on the statements in the video, would it be accurate to say that you developed romantic feelings for Valkyrie Shia Kusakabe?

Second, how do you perceive the fact that this controversy has overshadowed the incredibly positive news of Japan producing the first-ever dungeon conqueror?”

Alright, I prepped for this.

“First, no. I was drawn to her inner character—her values, her sense of pride as a Seeker, and her unwavering dedication.

As for the second question, I deeply regret the timing of this situation. I failed to fully recognize my position and responsibility, and I am reflecting on that sincerely.”

Peek.

Ugh.

Eri-chan and Director Sasaki both gave me a thumbs-up.

“Next question—Yes, you.”

A heavyset older man raised his hand.

“Let me be blunt—this isn’t the first time you’ve been at the center of controversy, Kuma. And every time, it raises doubts about your qualifications as an S-Class Seeker.

One of the main reasons for this skepticism is that, unlike other A-Class and above Seekers who have dedicated streaming drones, your footage is heavily edited, with excessive cuts and blurring.

Why is that?

Are you hiding something?”

This is a question I’ve been asked way too many times.

I personally don’t care about being filmed.

It’s just that my fighting style is too… intense for the general public.

That’s all.

“I have nothing to hide.

The decision was made simply because my combat approach is not suitable for public streaming.

Whether I am worthy of being an S-Class Seeker or not is not for me to decide—it is up to the Dungeon Bureau. Please direct that question to the Minister.”

I casually turned off the mic and placed it on the table, signaling for Araki to take over.

“…As the Dungeon Bureau, I will address this matter.

The classification of Seekers is determined by the Rank Evaluation Division, through fair and thorough assessment.

Key evaluation criteria include highest floor reached, average floor cleared, magic stone acquisition records, and team resource consumption.

All of these are verified through direct observation and recorded footage.

Based on this, there is absolutely no doubt that Kuma Hayama qualifies as an S-Class Seeker.”

“In that case, is there no consideration for personal conduct or character in these evaluations?

With that logic, even a deranged lunatic could become one of Japan’s top Seekers, simply by being strong enough.”

Ugh.

What the hell is this guy even talking about?

“Conduct and character are not part of the assessment criteria.

As long as one follows the minimum societal rules, there is no issue.

Dungeon exploration is a matter of national interest and defense—a top priority for every country in the world.

Moreover, Seekers face life-threatening risks on a regular basis.

You can’t afford to be standing around bowing and greeting monsters while you’re fighting for survival.”

Araki kept his tone calm and composed, but I could tell he was pissed.

He subtly pressured the heavyset reporter with his words, and the man backed down, allowing the next question to be asked.

After that, one negative question after another came in.

The coolest big brother in the world maintained a calm demeanor, answering everything with “This isn’t affecting me at all~” energy, exactly as rehearsed.

“And now, we’re nearing the end of the session.

This will be the final question…

Yes, you.”

The last reporter was a gaunt, withered old man.

He had raised his hand from the very beginning, but Araki had ignored him the entire time.

Now, he was the only one left.

“Let’s be clear—you haven’t actually taken responsibility for this scandal yet.

Given that this controversy has severely damaged Japan’s reputation, wouldn’t it be appropriate for you to, say, call off your engagement with Valkyrie Shia, or perhaps renounce your Seeker license?

These are demands being made by the people.”

Ugh.

This old fossil always asks questions specifically designed to piss me off.

Calm down.

Stay cool.

You are Cool Big Brother™.

“As I have stated repeatedly, I am reflecting deeply on my past actions, and I will be more mindful of how my words and actions impact the public moving forward.”

“That is the bare minimum of what is expected.

But the fact remains—this has resulted in an international backlash against Japan.

As an adult, shouldn’t you be taking real responsibility for what has happened?

Or do you think that being underage gives you a free pass?”

“I don’t believe that’s the case at all.

But let me ask you—who exactly am I supposed to be taking responsibility for, and for what?”

“For the entire Japanese public, of course. You must take responsibility in a way that satisfies the people.”

???

The Japanese public?

Me?

I literally risk my life fighting for this country. What more do they want?

“I can’t quite picture what that means. Could you give me a specific example of what exactly would satisfy the public?

Also, you’re not actually representing the entire population, are you?”

“I stand here as the voice of the people.

As I said before, you should either break off your engagement with Shia Kusakabe so you don’t drag her down, or take full responsibility and retire from being a Seeker—”

“Alright, that’s enough. We’re out of time, so let’s wrap this up—”

“Are you refusing to take responsibility?!

Do you think you can do anything just because you’re a Seeker?!”

Old man Araki attempted to forcefully end the press conference, but the reporter was furious, still shouting accusations.

I ignored him.

If I completely disregarded the guy and walked away, I’d be the cool and composed big brother.

But… is that actually cool?

Would it really be cool to just walk off without saying a word while letting some fragile old man who wouldn’t last ten seconds against a first-floor goblin run his mouth unchecked?

I mean, seriously—why the hell does an S-Class Seeker like me have to take this much sh1t from some random old geezer?

“Hey, old man.

If you want me to quit being a Seeker, fine.

But in exchange, you step into the dungeon and take my place.

If you can outperform me, I’ll gladly give up my S-Class seat.”

The old man laughed.

“Calling me ‘old man’ and ‘you’ like that… you should really watch your language.

And of course, at my age, becoming a Seeker would be difficult.

But, there are plenty of other talented Seekers out there.

Losing just one won’t make a difference, will it?”

“Oh? So that’s what the public wants, huh?

In that case—Araki-san, you heard him.

This old geezer says I’m replaceable and that Japan is better off without me.

Tch. What a joke.

Fine. You want me gone? I quit.”

I slammed my right fist down on the long table.

CRACK!

The table snapped in half.

Wait.

What was that… weird sound just now?

“Ssssssssssssssssss…”

Araki inhaled deeply—

And then exploded.

“You idiotic journalist!!!”

His fist came crashing down, splitting another long table clean in half.

With both our tables now forming a ‘W’ shape, I had to admit—this was hilarious.

“You are never setting foot in another Dungeon Bureau press conference, ever again!!

Seekers are not expendable!

There is no one who can simply ‘replace’ those who risk their lives for the sake of our national security and global standing!!

And do you have any idea how much Kuma Hayama has contributed to this country?!

Mark my words—if I ever hear you call him ‘expendable’ again, I will stake my own position to prove you wrong!”

Araki was furious.

The journalist, still being dragged away, desperately yelled out one last challenge.

“Fine! If you want to prove yourself, then there’s only one way!

Complete a full dungeon clear—on your own!

The world’s dungeons have leveled up, and they’re harder than ever!

That’s the only way to truly prove you’re the real deal!”

I smirked.

Welp.

If Araki was willing to go this far for me, I had to step up.

I grabbed the mic.

“Alright, listen up, media vultures.

Here’s your front-page headline for tomorrow:

I’m going to solo-clear a dungeon and prove myself as the world’s strongest.

And once I do, I’ll marry Shia as the undisputed number one.

All of you who kept calling me an S-Class fraud?

I’ll be collecting my wedding gifts from you personally, so get your wallets ready.

That’s all.”