Chapter 99

The skill called *Iai* is, in itself, quite general and universal, with effects that are also quite common. It simply provides a boost to the speed at which one masters the art of Iaijutsu, improving the rate at which one learns the techniques.

So, the technique Marie just demonstrated, the Great Katana Big Ben, was purely the result of her own creation and continuous refinement over her long career as an explorer.

"Seventy years of constant practice, and you get something like this. Haha."

"Of course, it's not something anyone can do easily. Just to be clear."

"Of course I understand."

"Seventy years—those years tell the whole story."

Marie says this as if it's the most natural thing in the world, but Kano is completely serious in her denial. Yeah, I don't believe it either, and neither does Suzuyama.

It's a skill that, even with incredible natural talent, took seventy years of relentless effort to achieve. If I were to do the same for the same amount of time, I doubt I could reach the same level.

Kano mutters, sounding somewhat exasperated.

"Among S-rank explorers, you're at the very top. They all have this in common: they polish their extremely special talents with tremendous effort. Marie is a perfect example."

"Alright, Kudo. We have our fair share of slackers too, who manage to stay at the top despite their lack of talent. But even they put in twice the effort we can normally expect."

"If they slack off even a little, they can't even be called explorers. Everyone has to clear the hurdles that are appropriate for their level, haha."

Scary... As expected of S-rank explorers, their standards are incredibly high. Kano and Suzuyama are nodding in agreement. Uh-oh, am I in trouble?

To be honest, I rely on skills. Getting stronger is a skill, defeating enemies is a skill, and even saving people is a skill.

I sometimes think that as long as I can achieve my goals, it's fine. Is this a bad way of thinking?

Marie, with a light tone, tells me something important.

"Kudo, you're unique. Your situation is different. Whether you like it or not, you're destined to stand at the top, almost by force."

"Me...?"

"Even someone with a decisive skill like me, in the end, is just there to support Kudo in overcoming the evil thoughts. If the system's main goal is to defeat the evil thoughts, it wouldn't be strange to think that other explorers, aside from those with decisive skills, are expendable."

No matter how strong or how hard you try, if you don't have an effective way to defeat the real enemy, you're essentially powerless. From the perspective of explorers, this is a radical idea, but it's not surprising given the system's intentions. It seems that the system and Liebe prioritize defeating the evil thoughts, and they don't seem very interested in anything else except the Administrator, which is me.

"That's why you frequently receive excessive and unusual enhancements through skills or titles, regardless of your personal character or convenience, to ensure you achieve the great goal."

"Defeating the evil thoughts..."

"From my perspective, Kudo, you shouldn't be treated as an explorer. You're something else... perhaps on the side of the system, the management side, if you will."

"..."

She's really perceptive. She's almost deduced everything about the Administrator. Scary...

In my mind, I can feel Liebe holding her breath. You know, the wisdom of age is truly remarkable, Liebe. She's read the situation thoroughly.

"Really, I'm surprised. And this old lady, she's deduced that there's something you're hiding from our side based on your reaction."

No way... She really is. She's smiling faintly. Scary.

Should I explain now? No, I think it's too early. If I hadn't heard about the four stages from Liebe, I might have told her, but now it's too late.

Regarding the Administrator and other matters, the truth, I think it's best for Liebe to reveal everything directly, as part of the second stage. Otherwise, it might just cause unnecessary confusion.

It's Liebe, the one directly involved, who should bring everything to light, not me, who's just heard about it secondhand.

"Yeah... I was wondering how much to tell, but if she's deduced this much, it's probably best for Liebe to handle it directly. I underestimated humans. I need to reflect on that."

Both Liebe and I are overwhelmed by the old woman's insight.

Not knowing what to say, I remain silent. Marie approaches me, gently pats my head, and whispers softly.

"Hehe, I understand that you have your reasons, Kudo. When you're ready, you can tell me. I'm on your side. I swear it, on the honor and pride of an explorer."

"Thank you..."

That's all I can say.

Humans are truly amazing.

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