The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

“Ha.”

The air, filled with a familiar scent, filled my nostrils. harbor It felt strange after so much time, but little by little, I got used to it again.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

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The atmosphere of the dormitory was just as quiet as ever.

“I’m back.”

I slowly opened my eyes. legend Before me, the narrow room unfolded.

It didn’t have the opulence of the hotel I stayed at during the expedition to the Undead Dungeon. timber However, this modest room moved me much more.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

I pushed my suitcase into a corner and, without hesitation, took off the clothes I had been wearing for nearly eighteen hours.

When the break started, excitement kept me from noticing, but intercontinental flights completely drained the body.

From Switzerland to Korea, then from Incheon Airport to Joaquin Academy—it had been a really long journey.

‘No wonder people talk so much about jet lag.’

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I felt euphoric, as if I had truly returned home. academy After all, it had been an intense vacation in many ways.

The creaking of the rough sheets was surprisingly comforting.

Before showering, I lay down on the bed.

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……

“Might as well shower and go for a walk.”

I wouldn’t mind sleeping right away, but I decided to get up from the bed and head to the bathroom.

I stared at the ceiling for a while, and my eyelids began to close on their own.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Shhhhh—

The water pressure at Castle Sigurd had been ridiculously weak, so this finally felt like a decent shower.

As the hot water ran down my skin, I organized my thoughts and set my next plans.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Training with the Swordmaster, the Undead Dungeon, the trial of the Sword Saint’s Legacy—each one had been a significant event.

‘The vacation really disappeared in the blink of an eye.’

I faced life-or-death situations more than once, but I also obtained unexpected rewards.

The “Stone of Immortality,” the rank upgrade of the “Regeneration Blessing,” and the fragments of 【???】.

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And that meant the war would start in two and a half years.

Besides, in a few days, the second semester would begin.

That’s why now was a good time to assess everything.

The shadow of calamity loomed over us.

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If Agor Fire, the Commander of the Fifth Corps, was already a walking disaster, then the others…

Especially the Demon King’s Army Commanders. arrow In the game, each of them was said to have the power of an entire nation, and that was no exaggeration.

The demons were enemies that exceeded all expectations.

Since I had already defeated Agor and the Draugr, I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing in the face of the impending Second Human-Demon War.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

And above them was the Demon King.

The Fourth Commander, Fermush (Earth); the Third, Vesna (Water); and the Second, Kuarne (Wind).

Since the Commanders were stronger in ascending order, these demons had to be true monsters.

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Fortunately, the entrance between the Underworld Gehenna and the human world was still sealed.

But that barrier would break in just two and a half years.

In short… we were screwed.

An absolutely ridiculous lineup of enemies.

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It was impossible to leave the fate of everything solely on Leon’s shoulders.

At least, that’s how I saw it.

If the First Commander, Lycan (Lightning), weren’t sealed by the Primordial Hero, I wouldn’t even see a chance of victory.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

There were three things I needed to do.

If things continued like this, humanity itself would disappear from this world.

That’s why I had to prepare.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Even so, it would be best to gather materials from demonic beasts and reinforce my equipment in the process.’

Fortunately, I already had one, so there was no need to rush.

I still needed two more, but first, I had to thoroughly analyze the special abilities of the Stone of Immortality.

First, obtain more Magic Crystals.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

I was chosen to fill the Swordmaster’s position.

My trip to Switzerland had been part of that preparation.

Second, prepare myself as the next Seven Stars.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

I didn’t know exactly when I would assume the title, but I couldn’t just sit idle.

At least with monsters, I only had to cut them to pieces, but with people… it wasn’t that simple.

There were opponents even more troublesome than demons that I had to deal with.

The nobles, the Hero Association, the media… I didn’t want their attention, but it was inevitable.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Even presidential elections took several months.

Still, I had time.

After all, taking over as a Seven Stars wasn’t something done in just a couple of months.

The Swordmaster said I had at least half a year before the succession.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“And lastly…”

The system explicitly told me to find the artifact “Monolith.”

Third, find artifacts.

It was a recent goal, but perhaps the most significant one.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Therefore, I had to prioritize it.

And most artifacts were under their control.

Fortunately, rumors said that the Hero Association would intervene at Joaquin Academy this semester.

‘I don’t like playing along with the system, but…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

If I played my cards right, I could get close to them.

Compared to risking my life in battle, treasure hunting didn’t seem so bad.

It wouldn’t be easy, but… had anything ever been easy?

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

As I put on my clothes, I murmured to myself.

Besides, this kind of task would be much easier with the help of the club members.

I stepped out of the shower and shook the water off my body while reaffirming my resolve.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I wonder how everyone else spent their vacation.”

I had no idea that the Nibelung territory was beyond the reach of telecommunications.

We spent months together, but during the entire break, I didn’t have a single contact with them.

Basically, I lived like a hermit without access to civilization for a month.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

At the end of last semester, her expression had looked really dark.

So I had no news of them.

Still, Ryozo worried me the most.

Although, as the saying goes, “no news is good news,” so they were probably fine.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

It was time for a nighttime walk.

I put on a tracksuit and zipped it up to my chin.

Then, I grabbed my sashimi.

***

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma naturally walked toward his usual bench.

Maybe this was what it felt like to be an old man who only visited his favorite restaurant. airport Besides, the academy was so big that he still hadn’t memorized its layout properly.

He had tried expanding his range, but in the end, he always ended up in the same places.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

However, someone was already occupying it.

…A few minutes passed as he wandered aimlessly. arctic Eventually, he approached his usual bench.

Light blue hair and an elegant demeanor. legend Saki Ryozo was sitting there.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Oh, what? alert Ryozo, you’re already back at the academy?”

Although he greeted her enthusiastically, she didn’t respond.

With narrowed eyes, Ryozo glanced at him sideways before letting out a haughty scoff.

“……”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma stood there, puzzled, until Ryozo spoke emotionlessly.

The night air was as icy as her attitude.

It was the first time he had seen his friend in a month, yet her reception was cold.

‘What’s her deal?’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma nodded awkwardly before sitting down next to her.

With a tilt of her head, she gestured to the spot beside her.

“…Ah, right.”

“Are you going to just stand there like an idiot? abstract Didn’t you come to sit on the bench? apple If you’re here, sit.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Ryozo silently sipped from the cup in her hand. canvas Then she furrowed her elegant brows and stuck her tongue out halfway.

Whatever she was drinking, she clearly didn’t like it.

“……”

“By the way, when did you get back to the academy? athlete There are still five days left before classes start.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I never left.”

“……?”

After taking a breath, she answered briefly.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I was supposed to, but I didn’t. absorb Why? avalanche Simple—I didn’t want to. acid It’s not like anyone was waiting for me.”

“You didn’t go home for the break?”

Ryozo shot him a look of disbelief.

“I didn’t go back to Japan. harbor I stayed here the whole time.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“……”

“Geom-Ma, I’m sure you’ve already figured it out. anchor I hate my home. legend I mean, what people call a palace. amateur No, more than hating it… it gives me chills.”

Her voice dropped in tone. arcade There was a restrained emotion in the way she spoke, an almost cutting coldness.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Ah, right. abandon When reporters asked where I was going, I said I was heading to the U.S.’

Kang Geom-Ma was momentarily taken aback.

“It’s not a fun story, so let’s leave it at that. arena By the way… how was the U.S.?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

It had been a lie to hide his whereabouts during the break.

“Forget it. arch I’m sure you had your reasons. alert If you don’t want to talk, don’t.”

“Well, about that…”

“You’re not curious?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Ryozo brought the cup to her lips with a somber expression. abstract But this time, again, she made a face of disgust.

“I am, but everyone has their own business. shadow You didn’t ask me why I hate my home, did you? artist Just because I’m curious doesn’t mean the other person has to answer.”

“Ugh! action How do people drink this? action This is pure poison.”

“……”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Coffee? advance You? crystal Drinking coffee?”

“Coffee.”

“What are you drinking?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Is it that weird? airport It’s just that adults always drink it, so I thought I’d try it. absorb But honestly, do you people actually enjoy this? orbit It’s so bitter it numbs my tongue. alpha And you even drink straight espresso.”

He had always seen her eating sweets like yokan, but now coffee?

Kang Geom-Ma was dumbfounded.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma didn’t do it for pleasure—just because it was cheaper.

Ryozo took out a yokan and bit into it.

Only then did she seem to relax, savoring the sweetness melting in her mouth.

“……”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“……”

The tension in the air eased slightly.

It was like a Korean soothing the greasiness of a heavy meal with kimchi.

The night progressed, and the crickets chirped with less energy as the summer heat faded.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

In the silence, Ryozo murmured in a low voice,

“……”

The campus was quieter than usual since there were still five days left of the break.

“…Still, how could you not send a single message all month?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey! athlete I’m talking to you! artist Are you going to ignore me?”

His senses were sharp, and from experience, he knew that responding to those casual comments would only get him into trouble.

Kang Geom-Ma pretended not to hear.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I thought you were talking to yourself.”

“There was no signal where I was.”

“No signal in the 21st century? armor Well… I guess the U.S. is big.”

“Who would monologue so obviously? acquire Besides, if someone sends you a message, the proper thing to do is reply. arena No matter how busy you were, not a single message all month?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

She stood up and dusted off her skirt.

Ryozo let out a deep sigh.

“I’m leaving. sphere Looks like you just got here today. audit Get some rest…”

She seemed to accept his response.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ryozo.”

But without hesitation, she turned to leave.

A faint shadow of disappointment crossed her face.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I was glad to see you again. admire Classes start in a few days, so I’ll see you then.”

Kang Geom-Ma’s voice stopped her.

Ryozo remained still for a moment. alert She slowly turned her head to look at him.

Her back tensed slightly.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma was smiling completely naturally, waving at her.

His expression was genuine.

“……”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Why had she been sitting on that bench at that exact time?

This meeting hadn’t been a coincidence, but that airhead didn’t even realize it.

That pure reaction made Ryozo puff out her cheeks. alien It was annoying.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Just thinking about it made her frown.

He didn’t even ask.

Why had she been drinking coffee even though she hated it?

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 137 – Beginning of the Second Semester (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

As she glanced at him sideways, she muttered something.

The coffee in her mouth tasted even more bitter.