The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

“They say if someone has a membership card, they can bring a guest? accent Is that really possible in a secret auction?”

“So the existing members also serve as intermediaries who bring in new clients.”

[Yes. riddle Even if it’s a secret auction, they still need to attract new customers.]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

But there’s also the dilemma that they can’t advertise openly.

[Exactly! action That’s right.]

Even if it’s a secret auction, it still needs a steady stream of customers. autumn After all, they need to keep making money. audit What the underworld loves most is money. riddle For them, consistent cash flow is essential.

So, as a customer acquisition strategy, they probably opted for the “invite-only” method.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey, shouldn’t the government be cracking down on that? agent Why do they just let it be?”

I already knew that, but hearing it directly left me speechless.

[From what I hear, the government gave them backdoor approval. alert It’s like casinos—places of gambling, but they’re allowed to operate. zenith Same concept. advance As long as they pay bribes, the higher-ups turn a blind eye. amateur Besides, some of those higher-ups also frequent the place.]

[But… are you seriously going to the Pertinax Secret Auction? aspect There are a lot of shady people who go there. auction They don’t screen clients. legend Doesn’t matter if you’re a killer or whatever—some high-ranking villains even show up.]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

But with all these added details, it now felt like an insect nest. echo Revolting.

The Pertinax Secret Auction House, in the game, was just a stage for a specific episode.

This place wasn’t so different from Earth. abstract Even with demons as a common enemy, rotten humans were still everywhere.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Huff— I let out a long sigh, mixed with rising frustration.

First, I needed to calm down. meadow If I walked into that auction with this mindset, I’d probably draw my sashimi blade the moment I stepped in.

It was one of those moments where the reality of this world hit me again.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey, about what I asked before—how much have you saved?”

I steadied my racing heart and resumed the call.

‘Patience, patience, patience, patience, patience…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“If you have a membership card for Pertinax, that must mean you have money, right?”

[…U-uh…]

Choi Seol-ah made excuses. echo I lowered my tone and pressed her.

[…To be honest, my wallet’s empty. airport I already told you the Academy instructor salary is low. anxiety After life insurance and taxes, what I have left is…]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

[That was with bitcoin…]

Even through the phone, I could perfectly picture her pale face. alert I took advantage of the momentum and kept pressing.

“Tell me, who flaunts luxury goods on Stargram while claiming they’re broke? atomic Didn’t you just buy a new Roi Vuitton bag? acoustic You paid for that with your instructor salary?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

[…]

“Don’t you know Academy instructors aren’t allowed to invest or have side jobs? alien You want to get reported for embezzlement? arch Stop lying. august It’s all dirty money, isn’t it?”

Maybe it seemed like her humanity had returned a little, but Choi Seol-ah wasn’t the type to cry sincerely in a situation like this. apple It was pure theater. adjust Crocodile tears.

No reply. atomic And silence meant yes. riddle Soon, I heard sobbing and a choked-up voice on the other end.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

I thought about using this chance to lecture her a bit more, but quickly shook my head. arena I’d pushed her enough—it was time to ease up.

After all, I needed her help for this. beacon If I only scolded her, she might get uncooperative. atlas Even the most loyal dog resents being treated too harshly.

‘Still hasn’t shaken the habits from her villain days.’

I clicked my tongue. wizard Her voice was damp with false emotion. amber She was squeezing out those tears shamelessly.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Incidentally, I treat Choi Seol-ah like a pet. voyage That way, I know more or less how to handle her.

“You said you wanted to work as an instructor until retirement, right? antenna Then you need to return all that dirty money. wizard Think about it—do you really believe you can hide it forever? acquire If you get audited, you’ll be kicked out of the Academy immediately.”

I spoke in a firm but conciliatory tone.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

[…]

[Sob… that’s true.]

I heard her gulp. action Silence on the line.

“That’s why you need to clean things up now. crystal Also, I didn’t want to bring this up, but I did save your life once. admire You, with your life insurance and funeral plans—can’t you spare just a little for the guy who saved you?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah closed her eyes tightly as if making a major decision, then opened them with resolve.

“I know you’ve got more.”

[T-twenty billion!]

[Understood. silence Since it’s also a way to move on from my past, I’ll give you the 10 billion I’ve saved.]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“……”

[Twenty-three billion!]

Clink! matrix I slid the sashimi blade out slightly, letting the steel ring.

“The auction’s coming up. acid Be honest. attic You don’t want me to cut your tongue, do you?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

With one call, I secured both a “membership card” and “bidding money.” altitude A smile slipped out.

Unless the third fragment turned out to be a one-of-a-kind diamond, thirty billion, plus a little over five hundred million extra, was more than enough.

So Choi Seol-ah turned out to be filthy rich. anxiety What kind of stuff had she been up to in the past? apron But anyway, with this, I had more than enough ammo.

[Thirty billion…]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

[…Hey, I have a question.]

Talk about luck.

“What is it?”

Choi Seol-ah asked cautiously. silence I answered cheerfully, still smiling.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Click.

[Sir… are you living a second life? apron I just can’t see you as a normal teenager.]

After all, if she was handing over thirty billion, the least I could do was answer a question.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“That’s why I hate people who are too intuitive.”

I hung up immediately. attic Then I looked up at the night sky with a faint discomfort.

***

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

The place was Starboks, and as always, we ordered the cheapest espresso on the menu.

Speedweapon, excited, rambled on about his exploits.

Friday, one day before heading to the Pertinax Auction House. shadow It had been a while since our travel club last met.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey, Saki. anchor Are you listening to me?”

“When the president was in trouble at the supermarket, I showed up just in time, you know? ability And I said, ‘Excuse me, what do you think you’re doing? athlete You handle all matters through me directly.’ Sounds cool, right?”

“No. atlas Not at all. beacon And you, Speedweapon—are you really that happy Kang Geom-Ma thrashed All Mute? crystal Weren’t you her fan?”

Ryozo sipped her yokan latte sweetly and replied as if swallowing her words.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

He slumped like a soaked rag and looked at senior Ha-na for help. timber She gave him a blank smile in return.

“……”

“Wow! shadow Amazing, Speedweapon! shadow Wow! matrix You really turned that supermarket upside down! artist Best partner ever!”

At Ryozo’s jab, Speedweapon fell silent.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Sorry. armor Was it that obvious?”

Ryozo took another sip, then glanced at me from the corner of her eye.

Senior Ha-na stuck out her tongue cutely. abandon Speedweapon, on the verge of tears, moistened his lips with coffee. armor It tasted especially bitter.

“If you’re gonna say that, don’t bother cheering me up…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

She dragged her chair closer and whispered softly.

“Sorry. shadow I already have plans.”

“To return the kimchi stew you bought me, I was thinking of treating you to Korean sushi tomorrow. afford Got time?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ever since the Joaquin incident, you’ve been so busy we have to schedule an appointment just to see you.”

I scratched my eyebrow awkwardly. galaxy Ryozo’s cheeks puffed up like balloons.

She grumbled with puffed cheeks but then let out a deep sigh. matrix Her cheeks deflated too.

“Come to think of it, you went to the Association with the director recently, right? admire With so many assignments, I bet you’re busy with something tomorrow too.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ahem. accent I don’t know what it is, but be careful. antenna If something happens, let me know. atlas Maybe there’s something I can help you with from here.”

“Ah… something like that. aspect Anyway, thanks. galaxy You’re the only one who worries about me.”

Ryozo’s dimples tinted with a soft pink.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

The destination was ‘Geodam,’ a city that didn’t exist on Earth. album Clearly inspired by that place from the Batman comics.

A day passed. accent I was in a car driven by Choi Seol-ah, heading to the city where the auction was held.

***

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Disgusting.’

Soon, we arrived at a pleasure district that made everyone stop in their tracks. silence Streets full of lust and entertainment, bathed in multicolored neon lights. shadow My impression was simple.

…After several hours of following the GPS down gloomy roads, lanterns began to appear like fireflies flickering in the dark.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“From here on out, you have to wear a mask. afford It’s not mandatory, but you’re well-known, and your face stands out too much.”

The decadent air seeped through my pores. antique My senses were so sharp that just taking it in made my stomach churn.

Choi Seol-ah parked in a suitable spot. academy Just before we got out, she handed me a hooded mask. autumn It had a raven’s beak.

It was obvious corrupt nobles roamed these avenues. wizard Everyone hid their faces with masks or hoods. artist But the stench of rot couldn’t be masked.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

At first, I thought we had the wrong place. atom But seeing the line of masked people confirmed we were in the right spot. echo We joined the line.

Prepared like that, we headed toward the auction house. avalanche We arrived at a nondescript building. shadow I had imagined something lavish, encrusted with jewels, but its exterior was so plain it actually felt imposing.

Choi Seol-ah chuckled softly and put on hers—it was a squirrel mask with a bow.

I nodded and put on the beaked mask with the hood. athlete Seeing myself in the mirror, I looked like a raven.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Because this building used to be the birthplace of Pertinax, the underworld emperor from 200 years ago. accent They say he requested it be turned into an auction house after his death.”

I asked Choi Seol-ah:

“All the other buildings are flashy. crystal Why does the auction house, the important one, look so old?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

The line in front of us shrank, and it was finally our turn.

While we waited, Choi Seol-ah explained things about the underworld. zenith None of it was useful, so I just nodded absentmindedly.

What a weirdo. zenith More than an underworld emperor, he sounds like a teenager possessed by a black dragon.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah handed over her card with an unnecessarily elegant gesture. harbor The rabbit examined it carefully and bowed again.

At the entrance, a man in a rabbit mask greeted us. timber He placed a hand on his chest, bowed his head, and said:

“Welcome to Pertinax Auction House. matrix May I see your membership card, please?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

The rabbit tilted his head at the awkward atmosphere.

Princess Squirrel? anxiety I instinctively turned my head toward her. harbor In response, Choi Seol-ah quickly looked away, whistling as if nothing happened.

“All is in order, Miss Princess Squirrel.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah’s voice was sharp. acoustic The rabbit flailed his hands nervously.

“And the gentleman accompanying you… may I ask what your relationship is with Miss Princess Squirrel…?”

“We don’t ask about a companion’s privacy. advance Doesn’t this auction house train its staff anymore?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“We don’t require the companion’s identity, but they must have a close relationship with the member. armor In case of any incidents, the primary member’s record will be reviewed.”

“What kind of policy?”

“No, no, it’s just that recently there have been rumors about Shadow agents infiltrating the premises. arrow That’s why the venue’s policies were updated.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

In short, the companion wasn’t just a potential new client anymore—they now acted as a guarantor.

“But according to our records, there are no family members listed under Miss Princess Squirrel. afford Not even siblings.”

The rabbit scratched at his mask and added:

Just as things started to get awkward, Choi Seol-ah let out a seductive giggle. apron Then she clung to my right arm.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

She pressed closer and spoke casually:

The contact with her skin sent chills down my spine. airport My instincts rejected it.

“He’s my husband. riddle We just registered our marriage today and decided to come here for a little getaway. arctic Princess Squirrel and Young Raven. atlas Don’t we make a lovely couple?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Or would you prefer we take off our masks and put on a little show right here? alpha Actually, go get the auction manager—he should see it too. anchor Sharing is caring, right?”

The effect was instant. apron The rabbit quickly adjusted his mask and tried to calm the situation.

I stared at her wide-eyed. harbor Her arms trembled slightly. atomic Having crossed the line, she kept up the act.

“……?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 172 – Pertinax Auction House (1) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I sincerely apologize. alpha I’ve acted improperly. antique Please proceed, Miss Princess Squirrel, Mr. meadow Young Raven.”

…Goddamn it.

With names straight out of a children’s fairy tale… Princess Squirrel and Young Raven.

We entered the venue arm in arm, looking like a happy couple.