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 03: Condemnation? It's Not That Extreme

Chapter 03: Condemnation? It’s Not That Extreme

The Explorer rank is absolute.

It is not a title that can be obtained through fraud or trickery, but an absolute honor bestowed by the nation under strict scrutiny. 

(Well, in my case, it’s a bit special…) 

By using the [Concealment] skill, I’ve been deceiving others, likely undetected because I’ve ranked myself lower than my actual level. 

Generally, the status indicated by one’s rank is important to everyone, which is why nobody else chooses to undersell themselves like this, making me an anomaly.

“Shinichi…”

“…Damn it… Damn it!”

I’m standing high, my gaze fixed on a friend who is in tears.

The ones who made my friend cry are a pair of A-rank Explorers from a different class… It’s frustrating, but this is a negative aspect of this world.

The weak must obey the strong, a vile reality that can even overshadow a certain degree of wickedness.

“Well, I can understand. The words of the powerful are always deemed more significant and valuable than those of the powerless.”

I ready my bow, aiming at the two Explorers who snatched the sword from my friend. 

Incidentally, dueling outside the dungeon is prohibited unless there are special circumstances, but as long as it’s not discovered, it’s not a problem, at least for now.

“Well then, time for the debut of my new skill since earlier. Those bastards won’t even comprehend what hit them before they’re covered in shame.”

Fortunately, there’s quite a crowd gathered around.

“Shh!”

With a soft battle cry, I release arrows of magical energy.

Six shots in total, three aimed at each of the two.

“? What’s that?”

…Something’s coming!”

As expected of A-rank Explorers, they are sensitive to hostility directed towards them… but realizing it now is already too late.

[Magic Bow] activated.

I use the skill I had just mastered, manipulating the trajectory of the arrows freely.

Previously, I controlled a single arrow; now, manipulating six simultaneously is a first attempt, but it seems I’m quite adept at spatial perception.

Just by willing it, the six arrows change their paths, slicing through their clothes before they can react.

“There. Done and dusted.”

Seconds later, the two of them were almost naked, their clothes torn to shreds.

Despite their status as A-ranked Explorers, who usually strut around, being naked in front of a considerable crowd seemed to embarrass them.

“What the… What just happened!?”

“Uwaaaaah!”

The duo dropped the stolen sword and ran off, their retreat marked by the waving of their tattered clothing, eliciting reactions from onlookers – some turned away, others laughed heartily, and there were even those who felt a satisfying sense of retribution against the high-rankers who had harassed them.

“Heh, doing good deeds sure feels great.” 

Satisfied that my friend had retrieved his sword, I promptly headed back to the dormitory.

▼▽

The next day, those two friends stood before me.

“Hey, Sena… It was you, wasn’t it? The one who helped us yesterday.”

“What are you talking about?”

Although I was inwardly startled, I maintained a facade of ignorance. 

The two in front of me, Shinichi Todou and Yoshiki Murakami, smiled wryly.

“I had my doubts, but still… I wouldn’t mistake the attack of someone I’ve adventured with. I was surprised by those movements, but the arrows with the blue trajectory, they had to be Sena’s.”

“…”

“Actually, it was just a wild guess, but it seems I was right.”

These guys… they set a trap for me.

After giving them a sharp look, I sighed heavily and nodded in agreement. 

“I happened to see something unpleasant on my way back. Plus, it was nice to see my new skill come in handy.”

“So, it was you, Sena.”

“Thank you, Sena.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s a way of thanking you for inviting me to the party before.”

However… it was a bit surprising that they figured it out from the trajectory of the arrows.

I liked the blue trajectory of the arrows because it looked pretty, but I never thought that would be what gave me away.

“But it’s amazing, Sena. Those guys were A-rank Explorers, you know?”

“Even B-rank Explorers would struggle to match them…”

“Well, it was a surprise attack. And I was only aiming for their clothes… Haha, it felt really satisfying.”

I said with a villainous grin, and they both laughed, thanking me. 

Of course, this is supposed to be a secret, but it seems that those two have already been given a disgraceful nickname at school today.

“They were called ‘the naked duo’ or something.”

“With that many people watching…”

Maybe I did something a bit bad, but I don’t feel a shred of guilt. After that, I excused myself to go to the restroom.

“Oops.”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

As I was leaving the classroom, I almost bumped into Sumeragi, but both of us, perhaps due to our keen senses honed even outside of battle, managed to avoid each other. While passing by her side, I felt a gaze and turned around.

“…Huh?”

Sumeragi was staring intently at me. 

We locked eyes for a moment, but neither of us said anything. Soon after, Sumeragi averted her gaze and entered the classroom.

“What was that about?”

I haven’t done anything particularly noticeable, and I’ve never interacted with Sumeragi before. 

That’s why her gaze just now left me a bit curious, but I hurried off towards the restroom.