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 11: The Desired Test of Strength

Chapter 11: The Desired Test of Strength

The question of whether I was hiding my strength was too straightforward.

Sumeragi’s handsome face maintained its usual smile, nodding with conviction at my frozen self.

“Well, I was somewhat certain from the way you moved back then. You dodged easily, but I did activate a skill for that thrust.”

“…I see, that’s why.”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask something?”

“What is it?”

I paused for a moment, focusing on a serious expression before continuing.

“What if, just what if, your guess was wrong and that sword had pierced me?”

“That…”

“If it wasn’t an instant death, I could be healed, especially with magic available. But it would hurt, right?”

“Ugh…”

“You know that’s wrong, right? Or do you? After all, you did apologize.”

“I’m sorry!!”

Well, teasing this girl might be a bit fun.

Seeing Sumeragi bow her head, I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my shoulders. Realizing she was being teased, she puffed her cheeks.

“You’re quite harsh.”

“Oh?”

“…I’m sorry.”

She’s an interesting girl… But, I should stop teasing her now. 

No matter how much I try to dodge the question, Sumeragi won’t give up without an answer, and her eyes clearly show her conviction.

“Hiding my strength, huh… It seems pointless to lie, so I’ll admit it’s true.”

“I knew it. Thank you for answering.”

Just then, the tea I had ordered was served.

To be honest, I wasn’t particularly familiar with this café, having only come here with Shinichi and the others, but this tea alone was truly delicious.

“This is good.”

“Yes, it is. The cakes here are exceptional too. I often come here and treat myself.”

“Really? With students from the regular courses?”

“That, and also with friends from the Exploration course.”

“I see.”

As expected of someone who is both an S-rank and a young lady of the Sumeragi Group, she has many friends.

(But, this way of thinking isn’t right.)

Regardless of her intentions, it’s likely her personality that has won her so many friends.

It’s not her status or honor that draws people to her, but her as a person. Even in this sudden exchange, I can see her good nature.

“Getting back to the main topic, do you want to know why I’m hiding my strength?”

“No, I won’t ask. If that were the case, I would have asked from the start. I was just curious and wanted to confirm that.”

“I see.”

I had been expecting her to ask about the reason, so I felt a bit let down.

“Basically, Explorers delve into dungeons to enhance their own abilities, and most of them take pride in the status and honor they gain from it. Of course, there are many who look down on others because of that, but I believe there are reasons for some to hide their true strength.”

“…”

“I don’t know your actual power and rank, but my intuition tells me your abilities are quite high. You’re a C-rank, right, Tokioka-kun?”

“Yes.”

“Neither too strong nor too weak, perfectly balanced as C-rank is perceived in the world. Perhaps you’re positioned there because having too much power can draw attention not just to oneself but also to one’s family?”

I nodded in surprise at her insight.

Generally, it’s believed that those who reach S-rank, or even A-rank, have strong genetic advantages from their families, and those who don’t are often viewed with suspicion. That’s why, considering the disadvantages of achieving a high rank without such a background, I concluded that my current situation is preferable.

Incidentally, you might think that trading in materials from the deeper levels would give me away, but due to system limitations, it’s unlikely.

And of course, there are times when I don’t bring anything back.

“By the way, what about Sumeragi’s parents?”

“My father was a former S-rank, and my mother was an A-rank.”

“Wow. My family is different. My father passed away, my mother is alive, and my sister doesn’t have any powers.”

“…I see. That’s what I thought.”

Well, it’s not something an ordinary person would pay much attention to, even if it’s somewhat intriguing.

On the other hand, there are more people who, feeling the opposite, might hassle someone like me, questioning why I’m like this. As for Sumeragi’s approach, well… despite a few issues, I can sense a kindness in them that reaches out to others.

(The kindness of the strong to empathize with others, maybe?)

That’s a realm I also aspire to, but can I really be like that?

I do help people to a certain extent, but if someone said it’s just self-satisfaction, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Honestly, I sometimes feel the same way, so it’s hard to say.

“Even so, I don’t know what rank I would actually be since I haven’t been assessed. The only skills I have registered are related to archery, and maybe I’ll move up to B rank as I grow.”

“I don’t know your fighting style, but from what you say, the bow isn’t your main weapon, right? Being rated for what’s essentially a secondary weapon is impressive in itself.”

“…That’s a bit embarrassing.”

“Oh, you have a cute side, huh?”

Well, who wouldn’t be happy being praised honestly?

Afterwards, we had a brief chat and left the café… but somehow, I found myself being led by her to a certain building.

“I never expected to come to a place like this.”

The place I arrived at was an arena owned by the Sumeragi Group.

At her behest, it was closed off to the public, and right now, it was just the two of us here.

“You said you’d indulge me in one whim as a thank you for the enjoyable conversation.”

“…”

Feeling slightly buoyed by the fact that I had been conversing with a beautiful girl, I foolishly said I’d grant her one whim.

The request she made was for a mock battle, and since it was a whim, I couldn’t very well go back on my own words.

“Please, let’s go all out in this battle.”

With those words, she readied her sword.

It was unlike the swords sold around here, more like a masterpiece crafted by a legendary swordsmith.

To be honest, I was a bit exhilarated.

Before me stood one of the few S-rank students, a formidable opponent.

[Unparalleled Blade]

In my hand was the Unparalleled Blade. Seeing it, Sumeragi’s expression changed.

“That is your…”

“Yes. The Unparalleled Blade. It doesn’t have a name, but this is my true weapon.”

Well, it was sudden, but let’s begin.

Sumeragi and I faced each other, weapons at the ready, as the battle commenced.