The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

“No, he just said over the intercom that he was finished. arrow If there was anything odd… it was that his voice sounded a bit sad. wizard But that was probably just my impression.”

In response to Changseong’s question, an employee standing in front of the great vault door replied:

“Kang Geom-Ma didn’t make any additional requests?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Changseong turned to look at Media. advance She responded with a calm expression.

“Geom-Ma is like that. abstract He has no material greed at all. artist He doesn’t seem like a typical youth—he’s very sober, you could say.”

“I see. galaxy If he had asked for even a single treasure, I would’ve gladly given it to him. voyage Did he really come just to see the monolith? adapt He’s quite a peculiar guy. silence Is he always like this?”

“In that way, he reminds me of Nibelung when he was young.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Let’s.”

Media left the thought hanging and then shook her head.

“But not completely. admire Sieg is like that because he grew up lacking nothing, so he has no interest in those things. acquire Geom-Ma is different… it’s like he’s focused on something beyond material things or fame. agent Every time I see him, I feel uneasy. anxiety As if I need to be by his side to support him.”

“Enough talk. atom Let’s go in.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

When the two entered the vault, the monolith came into view in the distance. adjust In front of it, Kang Geom-Ma stood still.

“Did something happen…?”

“No, no. athlete I’m fine.”

Although he sensed their presence, Kang Geom-Ma didn’t take his eyes off the monolith. beacon Media spoke to him gently.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Only then did Kang Geom-Ma look away from the monolith. admire He silently looked at the woman who was watching him with slight surprise. crystal For a long moment, he said nothing.

At first, he thought it was just a mission and acted on impulse. accent And as a result, history changed.

‘Mesther.’

Green hair and eyes of the same hue, fresh like the spring’s greenery. crystal For a moment, she reminded him of the little girl he had briefly spoken with. portal In Kang Geom-Ma’s gaze appeared a faint compassion.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

What he experienced was not an illusion. aluminum The status window that appeared after completing the mission confirmed it.

If he had only received an additional reward, he might have regretted it.

‘[Hidden – Using the Crown of Flowers as a catalyst, the timeline World Good is rewritten.]’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Thinking about the great event this could trigger made any reward feel meaningless. armor Be it fame, gold, jewels, or the blessing of a legendary spirit… none of it held value.

After all, it was he who altered the course of history. avalanche Touching the past causes a temporal paradox with unpredictable consequences. academy The famous “time paradigm” from science fiction films.

Perhaps what he had done was a travesty. academy The official history had been severely distorted. anchor And did he cause a historical split on top of that? anchor The butterfly effect wasn’t even worth mentioning anymore.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

There were murals showing cows and sheep grazing, people tending to their gardens. aspect In one corner, something was written in crooked letters.

Even so, in Kang Geom-Ma’s eyes, there wasn’t the slightest hint of regret. anxiety On the contrary, his expression was one of satisfaction.

Kang Geom-Ma calmly walked to the back of the monolith. armor There appeared a series of drawings with a completely different tone.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

They were images that allowed one to imagine how that girl had lived the rest of her life. antique Her trace had been engraved into that stone.

Different in form, but similar in essence: loneliness.

Suddenly, Kang Geom-Ma looked at Media. silence And he smiled slightly. afford He could already imagine what that brave little girl might look like if she had grown up.

Kang Geom-Ma sighed deeply inside. sphere Although it was a brief encounter, the impact had been profound. adjust Maybe it was due to affinity? harbor After all, he too had suddenly fallen into a completely unknown game world.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

The descendant of that girl, who had lost everything, had become an adult who looked after the young. amateur A strong roof that protected Joaquin Academy. anxiety Not only him, but all the students.

‘She’d probably resemble this beautiful woman standing before me.’

The little girl might have lived in solitude, but her descendant lived surrounded by rich relationships and affection.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Director… what does that writing in the corner say?”

Kang Geom-Ma felt a slight irony. arctic But that bitter smile faded and turned into a calm, gentle curve.

As he quietly examined the monolith, Kang Geom-Ma suddenly asked,

“Of course! autumn Since you’re the one asking, absolutely.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“The style is primitive… but it looks structurally like runic writing…”

Media responded enthusiastically. arch She observed the corner of the monolith carefully, squinting her eyes.

She was one of the brightest minds in the world. arch Moreover, the Poison family had always been known for their talent in languages and script.

“The grammar is ancient, but the structure is solid. arcade I can translate it without issue.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Oh, please! agent Shut up, gorilla! airport Geom-Ma asked with good intent, can you let me concentrate?”

“…Hey, was this always here? apple I don’t think the Association’s researchers would’ve overlooked such a long text.”

While Media examined the inscriptions, Changseong, stroking his beard, muttered:

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Changseong awkwardly scratched his cheek.

Media finished deciphering and began to read:

Media shot Changseong a glare, then turned back to Kang Geom-Ma with a tender smile as if nothing had happened.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Twentieth spring since the mister left.

·

“I felt sad because the mister left without saying anything.
I wanted to tell him something, so I looked for a way… and then I invented something called ‘letters.’
My dad always said I was smart before he died, and it seems he was right.
There’s still a lot to improve, but I think this is pretty good, right?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Thinking about it again, I don’t even miss you. atom Hmpf!

Even so, it would’ve been better if you had at least said something before leaving…
Now that I think about it, you also left behind the flower crown I made for you, didn’t you?
Seriously, what a joke.

Ah, of course, I’m also very grateful. admire You saved me from that winged monster.

You know? admire To be honest, when I was left alone for the first time, I held a lot of resentment toward you.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Fiftieth spring since the mister left.

Now that I remember, you said you were three years younger than me, right…?

Have I grown? amateur Well, not as much as you, but now I can see over most of the bushes.

·

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Then why the heck do I keep calling you “mister”? palette You’re younger!

One hundred and second spring.

·

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Could it be a woman’s intuition? sphere After that thought, I stopped waiting for you. accent I just hope that someday these words reach you.
Although, if I could make a small selfish wish…

·

Hi, little brother? canvas You know, I’ve been thinking over these hundred years, and suddenly it occurred to me… maybe you come from a very distant future.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

·

Last winter was especially harsh. alpha Every time it gets this cold, loneliness becomes heavier.
I wonder if I have to keep living for so long…

Three hundred and five springs.

Sometimes I’ve thought about giving up, but I can’t. anchor It’s the life you saved for me, little brother. accent So I’ll try to live as much as I can.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Spring number three hundred ninety-one.

Spring number four hundred twelve.

Spring number three hundred forty-seven.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Did you know that today is my five hundred and twentieth birthday?

Spring number five hundred.

·

Spring number four hundred seventy-six.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

…But if I were to live that long…

……

Lately, I don’t think life is that hard anymore. amateur Rather, I feel happy to be alive. armor Sometimes I even want to live another thousand years.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

As he listened to Media’s voice, Kang Geom-Ma gazed at the markings carved into the monolith.

Could I someday reach the future where you are, mister?

As the years passed, the handwriting became more orderly.

In each stroke, one could feel reflection and a struggle to live.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

At that moment,

Kang Geom-Ma muttered to himself. alert He could barely contain the emotion.

“Make up your mind whether to call me mister or little brother… idiot.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

[The level of the human being has increased significantly.]

Kang Geom-Ma rested his forehead against the rough surface of the stone and closed his eyes. zenith Then, he began hitting it hard again and again.

It had been a long time since he felt like this, with his heart about to burst.

—Flash!

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

***

Right before I got into the car, Changseong held out his hand for a farewell handshake.

After finishing our business, we left the Seoul branch. arctic Even though Media insisted it wasn’t necessary, Changseong came to see us off.

If no one had been watching, he would’ve screamed at the top of his lungs.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“……”

“Sorry I didn’t treat you to a meal. advance And honestly, I didn’t really do much for you.”

I stared at that big hand for a moment, then shook it. accent I replied in a neutral tone:

“Next time I come to Korea, let’s do it.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ha ha ha! ability Then it’s a promise!”

After many farewells, Media and I got into the car. abandon The black sedan started moving immediately.

Even Changseong himself seemed surprised by his own suggestion. amateur He stood there stunned for a few seconds with his hand still in mine, then let out a hearty laugh:

The response was so direct that both Changseong and Media were surprised.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Pof.

The driver, watching through the rearview mirror, slowed the car slightly. orbit The engine became quieter.

Before long, her head came to rest on my right shoulder. timber I didn’t move her.

I looked out the window for a moment, then turned my head to the side. autumn There was Media, nodding off.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

***

“Haa… haa…”

Lancelot Company. apple Considered the best among all existing hero agencies.

Thanks to that, Media was able to sleep peacefully the entire ride back to the Academy.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ellie!”

A man ran panting through the corridors of gleaming marble. shadow It was Kane, All Mute’s secretary.

Kane arrived at the door labeled “training room” and stopped to catch his breath. athlete He didn’t even knock before entering. airport It was against all Western protocol, but there was no time for that.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

All Mute nodded with a confused expression.

All Mute, who was lifting a 220-pound dumbbell, only rolled her eyes.

“What is it?”

“Do you remember that sashimi swordsman we saw at the festival?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

All Mute furrowed her brows.

“And you think this is the time to be praising your rival?”

“Of course. apple He also appeared at the Joaquin incident fighting demons. beacon The foreign press hasn’t stopped talking about him. action They say he’s the reincarnation of the founding hero.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ah, that.”

“You’re competing for a seat among the Seven Stars! aluminum What else would he be? adopt A friend?”

“Rival?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Her indifferent reaction made Kane snap:

“Paying taxes isn’t unusual. afford It’s just the accumulated amount of what we didn’t pay.”

“Is this the time to be working out?! timber The White House just called! adapt Ellie, if you don’t get the spot, they’re going to pass a bill to hit us with a tax penalty.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“Paying taxes is every American citizen’s duty.”

All Mute lifted and lowered the dumbbell without much interest.

“Are you kidding me? orbit The amount is three hundred million dollars! august Three hundred billion won! timber That’s the entire quarterly revenue of the company! portal What do you think happens if it gets seized?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“And you know I’m not particularly interested in the Seven Stars seat. portal I only considered it because the White House insisted. silence If someone else is more qualified, let them have it. palette The Sashimi Saint was the hero of the Joaquin tragedy.”

That’s right. athlete All Mute was that kind of hero. atom Direct, honest, able to recognize others without hesitation.

“……”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Honesty? atomic Fine. academy But in this society, everything comes down to money. silence And having a star without a business mindset was practically a slap in the face to American capitalism.

That made her lovable to the public—but a headache for her agency.

Kane let his shoulders drop in defeat. artist He muttered just loud enough to be heard:

‘If it’s come to this…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

“……”

Thump. accent The dull thud of the weight disc rolled until it hit Kane’s foot. abandon He glanced sideways at All Mute.

“Well… if that’s your decision, there’s nothing we can do. advance But the ‘citizens’ who were hoping to see the next Seven Stars hero come from our country… they’re going to feel pretty stupid, you know?”

“And you think the company is doing this for money? absorb All of this reflects the will of the people. auction They truly want you, All Mute, to be one of the Seven Stars.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Her expression clearly showed what she was feeling. arena After staying silent for a while, she said:

Kane suppressed a smile that almost escaped.

“For when?”

“Book a flight to Joaquin Academy.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

‘I’m sorry, Ellie. album I know that was low. auction But it was the only way to save the company.’

“Okay.”

“As soon as possible.”

Kane immediately made the call to prepare the private jet.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 168 – Monolith: Isolated Rock published by TrungTu Reads.

Was her intense patriotism and nationalism.

The only weakness that could move the noble hero All Mute…