c21-c40 · 035-ch35

Chapter 35: Strength and Weakness

"A sparring match?"

I never expected to hear those words coming from someone renowned as one of the strongest S-rank explorers standing before me.

"...I've heard plenty about the raid clan 'Sandai-ren.' Especially about you, Sandai-san, the S-rank explorer yourself. You're said to have the highest profile among all S-ranks, and people even call you the strongest S-rank. And yet..."

"That's nothing but exaggerated advertising."

Sandai-san spat out those words in response to what I'd said.

"It's just part of the promotion to raise Sandai-ren's profile. I've never once thought of myself as the strongest S-rank. The only reason such a ridiculous reputation exists is because none of the other S-ranks have bothered to publicly deny it. If we're talking about raw individual ability, I'm definitely inferior to Serene-san, Purane-chan from Okutama, or Shindou-san from Shikoku."

"Sandai..."

Ririka-san, standing beside her, made a slightly somber expression. Running a clan involves all sorts of challenges. Those at the top must be prepared to swallow both the clean and the dirty to keep the organization alive. And they can't weigh their clan against their pride on the scales, no matter how unsatisfying it might feel.

True, among the many S-ranks who preferred to hide their power, if Sandai-san actively promoted her own strength to the world, she would certainly attract a certain amount of attention. But that act itself was simply the flip side of "not being noticed unless she went that far."

Sandai-ren was a relatively young clan. The reason they had grown so powerful in such a short time and become involved at the forefront of the Shibuya Dungeon conquest was undoubtedly due to such strategies.

Which is precisely why Sandai-san took that fact so heavily.

"Shibasaki-san, I beg you. I'm not so conceited that I'm satisfied with the current state of affairs. I want to understand your strength, even if it's just a glimpse of it."

What I felt from her as she bowed her head was nothing but sincere, straightforward emotion. Ririka-san also bowed her head quietly, following Sandai-san's lead.

...This is troublesome. This uncle's weak against this kind of thing, you know. Well, but I do have work... I fell behind on my duties while accompanying Negomin-san on her exploration, so I've got catching up to do, hmm... Ah well, whatever!

"Understood. If someone like me is acceptable, I'd be happy to oblige."

"Th-Thank you so much!!"

After careful consideration, I decided to accept. Upon hearing that, Sandai-san leaped up with joy. Of course, I still had plenty of work left, but I'd think about that later.

"However, I have one condition. Rather than me giving you instruction like I did with Stained Hawk-san and his group, let's do this as equals."

"As equals?"

"How should I put it... It's a matter of mindset. Given your personality, Sandai-san, I think that approach would work better for you. Besides, I don't believe there's that much of a gap in our actual abilities."

"I-Is that so...?"

Sandai-san didn't seem entirely convinced, but in my estimation, she was already quite strong.

I'd seen my fair share of S-rank caliber explorers by now, and Sandai-san was at a level where she could hold her own even among them.

"The rules: if you surrender or become unable to continue fighting, you lose. Other than that... let's say anything goes as long as we don't kill each other."

"Yes, that won't be a problem."

"Oh, since we're at it, want to make a wager?"

"Huh, a wager?"

In the past, it was popular among explorers to have duels with something on the line. You don't see it much these days due to the push for better conduct throughout the industry, but since we're doing this as equals, having something at stake should make it more motivating.

"Ah, I'm not talking about betting money or anything. If I win, I'd like you to listen to one request from me—that kind of level."

"A request from Shibasaki-san...? Yes! I'll listen to anything! I'll do anything!!"

"Hey, I didn't say 'anything.'"

Why is this person so eager to listen? It defeats the purpose of having a penalty.

"If you win, let's see... Is there anything you'd want me to do?"

"Ehh, Ririka, what should I do, what should I ask for?? ...A lap pillow? Holding hands? Ahh, everything is too presumptuous!!"

"Don't ask me..."

"I've got a great idea! If Sandai-san wins, Shibasaki-san, please join Sandai-ren!"

Anju-san, who had been sitting cross-legged and listening to the conversation until now, sprang to her feet and said that. I see, joining Sandai-ren, huh.

"W-Wait, Anju, what are you saying all of a sudden? There's no way Shibasaki-san would..."

"Ah, got it. That works."

"...!? ...?! ...Are you really okay with that?"

"Y-Yeah."

"..................Then, please, let's go with that."

I was the one who suggested the wager, and I thought it would be more interesting with something substantial on the line, but Sandai-san's intensity is no joke. Her eyes are fixed on me with frightening focus. ...This is going to be a formidable opponent.

And just as we were about to begin the match now that everything was decided, Ririka-san and Anju-san started heading off into the distance. Huh, where are they going?

"Do your best, Sandai. We'll be watching from the back."

"Looking forward to it!"

"Huh? Aren't you two joining in?"

"...Hah?"

"Huh, you're not doing a one-on-one with Sandai-san?"

One-on-one? Ah, come to think of it, we never said everyone would participate. I just assumed everyone would come together following the flow from Stained Hawk-san's group.

"...Sorry, I just assumed it would be three against one. I see, one-on-one. Well then, I'll have to make sure it doesn't end too quickly."

After being built up like this by Sandai-san, it would be embarrassing if I lost right away.

Just as I was thinking that, Ririka-san suddenly glared at me with an incredibly sharp gaze.

"...What?"

"Huh?"

"What kind of sleepy nonsense are you spouting, old man? You saying our Sandai isn't good enough, that she can't even put up a proper fight?! Huh?!"

"Wh-What?!"

I'm being misunderstood really strongly here! No, no! That's not what I meant at all!

"Hey, Ririka! That's rude to Shibasaki-san!"

"Wait, Ririka-san! Your former delinquent is showing!"

"The top of the clan that conquered Shinjuku? I don't know if you used to be strong or not, but Sandai is the strongest, which is why she claims to be the strongest!! There's not a millimeter of lies, or showboating, or clan politics mixed in there at all!!!"

Ririka-san shouted, her words as straightforward and sincere as Sandai-san's. Her uninhibited roar echoed throughout the dungeon again and again.

Ririka-san had called herself a secretary. She was probably the person who had spent the most time by Sandai-san's side. She properly understood both Sandai-san's struggles and her strength.

"Bring it on, former legend. We're gonna take you down, us Sandai-ren!"

What a magnificent declaration. Enough to send shivers down my spine.

In that case, I can't back down here. Taking up your opponent's provocation is explorer etiquette.

I let out a soft breath and, just like I used to do, raised the corners of my mouth slightly.

"I see. Then prove it. If you're truly the strongest, you won't lose to a mere cleaner, will you?"