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 07: Setsuna Sumeragi

Chapter 07: Setsuna Sumeragi

“I’ll say it again. What are you doing?”

“Nothing…”

Confronted by Sumeragi, Chiba, who had been armed, turned his back and walked away.

Even the usually formidable Chiba didn’t want to antagonize Sumeragi, who was overwhelmingly stronger, and didn’t talk back.

“…”

Sumeragi watched Chiba and the others leave, then let out a sigh and sheathed her sword.

“Are you okay? Or was there no need to worry after all?”

“No, it’s not like that. I’m C-rank, and he’s A-rank. I was definitely saved.”

I made sure to convey that.

It wasn’t that I couldn’t handle it on my own, but retaliating would have only caused more problems, which was obvious. In that sense, Sumeragi’s intervention was really helpful.

“So, you being here means you’re done too, Sumeragi?”

“Yes. Though it might sound odd, problems tend not to occur when I’m around. Well, I was talking with students from the regular course the whole time, so the exploration course students who were with me were getting irritated.”

“…Ah.”

I could easily imagine the situation. 

Any S-rank Explorer would be sought after, especially someone like her. And if she was monopolizing the attention of the less esteemed regular course students, leaving no opportunity for others to talk to her… Well, it’s understandable they’d be frustrated.

(…Thinking about it, this might be the first time I’ve actually talked to Sumeragi like this.)

Until now, we had barely exchanged more than greetings, but today is the first time we’ve really had a conversation.

“How was it for you?”

“…Ah, well, it was quite eventful.”

“I’d like to hear about it.”

Since she seemed interested, I briefly explained.

I told her about how Chiba threw a regular course student into a trap room and how, despite various challenges, everyone was safely rescued. But Chiba wasn’t pleased with their unharmed return and started causing trouble.

“I wonder what happened there?”

“Who knows?”

I pretended to be unaware of the details. 

After all, both Chiba and Sumeragi were likely aware of the trap room’s structure, so it was natural that I wouldn’t be questioned further.

“You are… um, Tokioka-kun, right?”

“Yeah.”

“What do you think about the current state of society?”

“Are you referring to Explorers and everyone else?”

“Yes.”

Well, I do think it’s strange. We’re all humans, yet just because some have a bit of special power, they’re looked down upon and feared.

“It’s strange if you think about it normally. We’re all humans, so cooperating would be better, that’s what I believe.”

“You’re right. I’d like to think that’s the norm, but the world doesn’t seem to work that way. Sadly, high-ranking Explorers often act like we saw earlier. Though, that’s just a minority.”

“…”

It seems unlikely that they’ll get away without any repercussions, and I’m curious about what kind of judgment will be passed on them.

Even so, as a mere student, there’s not much I can do… Well, I became an Explorer for my family and my own interests, so I don’t plan to get involved in matters that are too big.

“Could it be that you want to change things, Sumeragi?”

“Oh, you figured that out?”

No, sorry, I just said what came to mind.

“I am indeed an S-rank Explorer. But I also have many good friends in the regular course. We even hang out and play together on weekends.”

“Really?”

“I hate to see my close friends being oppressed. No matter how much I warn them, the improvement only lasts for a while. That’s why I want to change things, even if it’s just a little.”

“I see.”

With great power comes great responsibility, and often, along with great power, one discovers the capacity for kindness and empathy towards others… It’s something the Legion Knight would say, but it seems true in Sumeragi’s case.

“If there were many people like Sumeragi, the world would probably be a more peaceful place.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I believe anyone would think the same.” 

Naturally, people are drawn more to those with good character than to those with bad.

However… seeing her up close like this, I’m struck all over again by the beauty of this girl, Setsuna Sumeragi. Her golden hair, reaching down to her waist, is beautiful, as are her clear, sky-like eyes, her pure white skin, and her outstanding figure.

“…How many gifts has fate bestowed upon you?”

“What?”

“Nothing. Anyway, I’m heading over there. I have an acquaintance to meet.”

While talking with Sumeragi, I noticed Shinichi and the others had returned. 

Seeing them happily chatting with the regular course students, it was as if their personalities had won them over, and for some reason, I felt happy as if it were about me.

“Understood. But, just one last thing.”

At that moment, I reflexively stepped back. 

A sword’s blade had just passed through where I was standing, and the only person here capable of that was Sumeragi.

“Sorry about that. There was something I wanted to check.”

“Didn’t you just say it’s not good to point weapons at others?”

“Yeah…”

She had been so confident in everything she did, so I thought she’d brush off my comment, telling me to let it go because I’m a man. But she quickly sheathed her sword, looking startled.

“Sorry. You’re right… Ah, it’s just like me to forget my own warnings. I’m really, really sorry, Tokioka-kun.”

“Hey, you don’t have to apologize that much! Raise your head!”

I didn’t want us to be seen strangely by others.

But then I thought… maybe Sumeragi is a bit of an airhead? In the end, we parted ways soon after, but she kept apologizing until the last moment, revealing her surprisingly troublesome nature.