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 13: Unexpected Comrades

Chapter 13: Unexpected Comrades

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“My body? It’s fine, just a bit sore.”

“That doesn’t sound fine at all…”

After the mock battle with Sumeragi, I spent some time talking with her.

There wasn’t much else to do, and besides, conversations with Sumeragi often led to fascinating insights that only she could offer.

“I never imagined Chiba would actually be reprimanded.”

Sumeragi explained why Chiba hadn’t been coming to school.

It seems there were issues not just with my group during that event, but with other groups as well, though not as severe. Apparently, the regular department teachers had to work hard to address these problems.

“Thanks to my parents’ connections, I learned about them. The current rift between the Explorers and others is indeed a problem that’s finally being addressed.”

“It’s too late, though.”

“Yes. We children realized how powerless we are.”

Well, being manipulated by adults is somewhat a part of childhood.

However, it’s encouraging that steps are being taken to improve the situation. Everyone hopes things will change for the better… though, not everyone agrees, like those who staunchly support Explorer supremacy.

“By the way, your phrasing makes it sound like Chiba wasn’t the only one punished?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Around ten others got suspended from school.”

“Really?”

I hadn’t paid much attention to other classes, but now that I think about it, I did hear some discussions about what happened to students from other classes.

“Dungeons are places filled with dreams and romance. If only every Explorer pursued their dreams without looking down on others, it would be so peaceful.”

“That’s true, indeed.”

We nodded in agreement.

There were not only drinks but also cakes prepared, and although we had just eaten at the café, I helped myself without any hesitation.

“Are you sure you’re okay eating that much?”

“You are one to talk?”

“Well, I do exercise.”

“So do I. And besides, I never gain weight no matter how much I eat.”

“…Really?”

I wondered how many women across the country would envy her statement. But then again, being such a beautiful girl, she might not even spark jealousy.

Sumeragi, who had been giggling, then asked me something.

“Tokioka-kun, aren’t you interested in the rankings?”

“The Explorer rankings?”

“Yes.”

“Not particularly.”

I shook my head firmly.

The ranking she mentioned evaluates Explorers based on their levels and achievements, sort of a classification. Our school had this system to increase competitiveness among students, but I wasn’t interested.

“The higher your ranking, the more support you receive from the government, and things become more flexible for you… Still not interested?”

“Not really.”

“I see. Somehow, that seems just like you.”

“You can tell that in such a short time?”

“When you cross swords with someone, certain things become clear. That’s how it is.”

“I see.”

Somehow, I understood that, perhaps it’s part of being a swordsman myself.

“Are you interested in the rankings, Sumeragi?”

“I’m not overly concerned about them. But climbing the ranks is a way to prove one’s strength, and aiming for the top could be rewarding.”

“You might reach the top soon, Sumeragi. You are currently…”

“I’m fourth. It’s not something I particularly aimed for; it was just the rank I was given.”

“That’s impressive. As expected of Sumeragi.”

“Coming from you, who defeated me… Well, I thought it was sarcasm at first, but I’ll refrain from saying that. Thank you, Tokioka-kun.”

“No problem.”

I’m glad she took it well, as I certainly didn’t mean it as sarcasm.

“I could probably reach the top quickly if I dove into dungeons with you.”

“Maybe when my archery skills are a bit more refined. I know it might seem odd to you, Sumeragi, but I prefer to draw my sword only when it’s absolutely necessary.”

“That’s not strange at all. It’s like something a Legion Knight would do. Cool, isn’t it?”

“Exactly! Legion Knight would… Eh?”

I was taken aback and turned my wide eyes towards Sumeragi.

I didn’t expect to hear the term ‘Legion Knight’ from her and couldn’t help but ask how she knew about it.

Blushing slightly, she revealed,

“Well… I actually like that sort of thing. But I never thought I’d meet someone who aspired to be like a Legion Knight in reality.”

“…Wait, does that mean earlier—”

“Shouting out the name of your move, that was kind of thrilling.”

It goes without saying that I begged her to forget what happened.

She laughed, but being fundamentally a very kind person, she didn’t tease me about it and assured me that it was fine because she sometimes thought the same way.

“Perhaps there are no bad people among those who love manga, not just Legion Knight.”

“That’s right. Manga is wonderful.”

Inspired by those words, Sumeragi and I exchanged a heartfelt handshake, thanked each other for the day, and parted ways.

“Wow, I never expected this… but it was a great encounter.”

I wasn’t sure when it would happen, but the idea of teaming up with her to explore dungeons seemed incredibly exciting.

Despite my preference for staying out of the spotlight, I was interested in thoroughly conquering the higher ranks.

“…But, she was a bit evasive about that question.”

There was one question she had evaded. It was about the angel wings she displayed during the battle. 

It seemed she hadn’t intended to show them, but they appeared as a result of exerting her full power. I didn’t press further, understanding that if she didn’t want to talk about it, that was fine.

“Everyone has one or two secrets. It’s not that strange.”

After all, I was no different, hiding my own powers.

“Didn’t you find it creepy? Weren’t you scared?”

“Not at all. I actually thought it was beautiful, and if it were appropriate, I would have liked to keep looking.”

She blushed at my response, but those angel wings were truly beautiful.

“Alright! I said I wouldn’t go to the dungeon today, but maybe I will. I want to improve my magic bow’s accuracy!”

With that thought, I acknowledged my own dungeon obsession and dashed off.