The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 02: Swiftly Acquiring New Skills

Chapter 02: Swiftly Acquiring New Skills

“Hey, hey, how deep are we going to dive today?”

“Well, I guess we’ll dive as deep as we can today!”

“I want to go deeper than we did yesterday!”

“Right. Let’s do our best!!”

I was observing everyone engrossed in talk about the dungeon, while I felt like a mere decoration in the classroom.

Our school is a high school where individuals aspiring to live as Explorers gather, all driven by the ambition to grow stronger and ascend to higher realms of existence. 

Of course, there are not only exploration departments but also so-called regular departments, so there are students who don’t intend to become Explorers in the future.

(Even so… some folks are just too extreme.)

Nowadays, not just in Japan, but all around the world, there’s an Explorer boom. Those with the aptitude blossom as Explorers, but there are many who discriminate against or look down on ordinary people who don’t possess such special powers as weaklings.

“By the way, today when I went to where the regular department kids were, they all looked scared. It felt so good. Weaklings really are creatures that cling to the strong, aren’t they?”

“Hehe, you’re absolutely right, Ryu-chan!”

“Ryu-chan is the strongest!!”

I noticed a group getting excited over something incredibly trivial and stupid… Well, that’s quite common. At the center of them, putting on a big show, was Ryuuki Oogara, a bulky guy who acts like the boss of this class.

(Weaklings clinging to the strong, huh? I wonder about that, considering he can only show off among those C-rank and below. But it’s true that he has more power than the average person.)

On the contrary, that guy also acts tame around those who are above C-rank, so it seems he knows his place well enough.

(As one’s Explorer rank rises, so does their status in school. Naturally, everyone aims for S-rank, but it seems quite difficult just to move up a single rank.)

Our high school, being in the city center, focuses heavily on the exploration department. Not only does it attract top talents from all over the country, but it also continues to produce individuals who excel even after graduation. In a sense, just being admitted to the exploration department of this school is an honor in itself.

“…another incident, huh?”

While I was browsing current news on my smartphone, a criminal case involving a high-rank Explorer caught my eye. 

With the ability to wield powers beyond human comprehension, it’s inevitable that some would use these for evil deeds. 

Although major incidents have been rare recently, thanks to the country’s high-rank Explorers, news of such crimes is still all too common.

“This is probably why the regular department students are so scared…”

It’s an unavoidable issue, yet deeply rooted.

“Hey, Sena!”

“Thanks for the other day!”

As more students started arriving in the class, instances of being greeted like this increased. 

These classmates, all C-rank like me, had previously joined me in a dungeon dive. They are sensible, knowing to retreat when they reach their limits. 

I was invited to join their party when I wanted to test how far I could go with my bow in battle and support.

“If I was of any help, I’m glad. The vibe in the party was great too.”

“Heh, I’m happy to hear you say that!”

“Right. Sena, your support with the bow was really a lifesaver, and you’re strong in the frontline too.”

“Look at him, getting all shy!”

“Are you blushing?”

“…Stop it.”

Well, having classmates who are this friendly is really important. As we were engaging in casual conversation, a group shining with an incredible aura arrived. 

“Oh, it’s the princess.”

“…that’s really something.”

The ones who entered were Sumeragi, the S-rank Explorer I saw yesterday, and her entourage… It seemed more like they were just tagging along with Sumeragi, who appeared somewhat bothered by it. 

The A-rank students following Sumeragi like goldfish poop… maybe that’s a bit harsh, but they do have their own strengths.

“Someday… I hope we can reach that level too.”

“Yeah.”

“Just don’t end up chasing girls’ tails, okay?”

As I said this in a half-joking, advisory tone, they were momentarily taken aback but then chuckled as if saying it was obvious. It’s refreshing to see them genuinely aspiring to reach greater heights.

“So, how about we hit the dungeon together today?”

“You got something else on?”

“…No, I think I’ll pass today. Sorry.”

Actually, I was in the mood to dive into the dungeon alone again today. 

As I said this with a sense of apology, they didn’t show any displeasure and nodded, saying we should go together another time.

“…Seriously, I’ve really made some great friends.”

Not just those two, but also the other members of their fixed party from different classes are all good people. 

They’re definitely like a breath of fresh air in this school. If everyone were like them, there would be no conflicts, and everyone could be happy. But, alas, that’s not how the world works… it’s quite challenging.

“…But really, Sumeragi is just so expressionless.”

Students from other classes are gathering around Sumeragi, inviting her to join them in dungeon dives, but she’s turning them all down. 

Since having an S-rank Explorer makes dungeon exploration significantly easier, almost like having a national asset, it’s understandable that everyone wants to benefit from having an S-rank around.

“It seems Sumeragi’s family is quite influential, so some are probably aiming for that as well.”

Surrounded by so many students who admire, desire, and place immense trust and aspiration in her, I wonder what she thinks… At least, if I were in her shoes, I’d probably be plagued with stomach ulcers for years.

After spending the school day as usual, the afternoon finally arrived. I left school immediately and headed to the dungeon, diving to the same level as yesterday.

“So you’ve come again, huh?”

Same as yesterday, the wolf-like monsters came to me.

The floor I’m currently on is meant for B-rank adventurers, but it’s still considered high enough level that solo hunting is not recommended.

“But you’re no match for me!”

I transformed my magical power into the form of an arrow and released it in one swift motion. The moment an arrow pierced the head of one wolf, the others launched a coordinated attack.

[Search] Activated

I activated the skill that allowed me to detect everything in the vicinity, confirming that there were no other entities besides the wolves in front of me. Even as the wolves attacked in groups, I agilely dodged their advances.

“Originally, I was armed with a sword. Even though the bow is my weapon now, I’m used to avoiding attacks at close range.”

The skills honed in swordsmanship were proving useful even here. 

Usually, when in a party, I provide support from the rear, not just assisting but also attacking to take down enemies. However, when solo, it’s crucial to have the ability to evade attacks, as there’s no one else to rely on. 

Explorers who specialize in rear-weaponry like bows rarely dive into dungeons solo, which makes my situation somewhat unique.

“Phew, one round up.”

I twirl my bow and strike a pose… Perfect.

“?”

Just as I finished dealing with the pack of wolves, my smartphone made a ‘ping’ sound. 

This sound, which occasionally occurs after a fight, signals the emergence of a new skill within me.

“A new skill… let’s see.”

The thrill of discovering a new power as an Explorer is incomparable. I quickly checked the skill on my smartphone.

[Magic Bow]

“Magic Bow… that sure stirs up the old chuunibyou spirit!”

I was totally excited at this point.

The skill allowed me to change the trajectory of an arrow up to five times after it was shot, all under my control.

Moreover, the lack of a level concept suggested it was a rare skill, perhaps akin to the likes of [Unparalleled Blade] or [Sword Saint].

“So, it works like this… Just in time, here comes my prey.”

I spotted five wolves appearing in my line of sight. 

As they began to charge towards me, I shot one wolf and then, as if giving instructions to the arrow with my thoughts, I made it change its course. 

The arrow, flying straight initially, suddenly veered and pierced another wolf.

“I see… pretty strong, huh?”

Following that, all the wolves were impaled by arrows and transformed into carcasses.

“…The trajectory of the arrows is beautiful.”

My arrows, created from magical power, glowed blue. The blue, luminous arrows moving freely in all directions left a slight afterglow in their path… It was truly beautiful.

“That was a good harvest. Alright, time to head back.”

After quickly gathering the materials from the wolves, I headed for the teleportation circle that would lead me to the exit. 

However, on my way back, I witnessed an unpleasant scene.

“Hey, hey, you guys, a C-rank and holding such nice stuff? Hand it over.”

“No, we can’t! This sword, we just managed to buy it!”

“What? Talking back, you trash?”

“Ugh!?”

“Shinichi!!”

Right near the entrance of the dungeon, there was a scuffle between Explorers. 

Moreover, the C-rank Explorers being harassed were part of the party I had joined before… the same ones who had greeted me this morning.