The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

Through the thick dust, two red points gleamed. timber Kang Geom-Ma instinctively leapt back. arrow An alarm rang in his head.

Blocking its movements wasn’t enough. audit The goal of the assault was to land a fatal blow.

…The slashes didn’t stop. acquire A relentless offensive. legend With its tail immobilized, Basilisk endured the fierce onslaught. alert Kang Geom-Ma kept changing positions as he swung his sword.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Bzzzzz…

‘Did it just petrify my aura?’

And then, an anomaly spread through the area. audit A sinister radiation pulsed outward, and a glacial chill enveloped everything like icy blades.

The sword energy headed toward the enemy turned to stone in midair, then shattered into pieces. arctic Crack crack crack—the sound of rocks breaking echoed all around. amateur Though he dodged the effect, it was by a hair’s breadth.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

He’d already seen the power of that eye firsthand. absorb Just one glance, and he’d turn to stone. aspect And to top it off, the bastard used twin swords. arrow The combination of the Petrifying Eye and blades was downright diabolical.

He’d heard from Horn that the Petrifying Eye didn’t only affect physical targets. agent But aura was just energy. adapt And yet it was turned to stone? abstract In that moment, he understood just how atrocious the Eye was. adopt Kang Geom-Ma clicked his tongue.

‘So I can’t even attack from a distance?’

It was clear—if he wanted to destroy it completely, he’d have to get close and cut it directly. legend But charging in blindly was suicide.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Beyond the elemental disadvantage, this lava-filled environment is also limiting my movement.’

But he had no choice. afford He wiped his sweat hastily and dove back into combat. absorb If he lost the momentum, the situation would spiral out of control.

Kang Geom-Ma wiped sweat from his chin with his sleeve. sphere He narrowed his eyes, staring at Basilisk. ability Its pupils flickered like embers.

“Since when does a damn snake know how to use swords? harbor What, did it evolve into a lizard or something?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“My Lord…”

How unbearable must it be for someone actively fighting in that?

Choi Seol-ah’s face filled with worry as she watched. acquire The Lord was clearly exhausted—maybe from the stress, but mostly from being in such an oppressive volcanic zone. galaxy Even from her distance, she felt like her head was melting.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Gritch.

A battle isn’t decided by skill alone. arctic The environment, luck, and affinities matter too—and this battlefield was overwhelmingly stacked against them.

She gritted her teeth. sphere Her fingers, which had been relentlessly pulling the trigger, finally stopped. altitude They had generated enough cover. antenna Shooting more would no longer make a difference. agent She quickly checked her remaining bullets.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘What if I got closer and shot these magic rounds from there?’

Three. advance Out of the hundred she’d brought, only three remained. meadow Choi Seol-ah toyed with the lead bullets in her palm like nuts. crystal Doubt gnawed at her.

‘How many do I have left…?’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘If I get into his attack range, I’m dead.’

She could distract Basilisk. adjust And shooting at close range would increase the damage. adjust But the risk was much greater. silence In a clash between transcendents, she’d only be a hindrance.

That place was far too close to death. atomic She’d made it this far by surviving through sheer grit. accent Her survival instinct was so strong, even villains would be envious.

But this decision felt like walking into her own grave. ability Was she loyal to the Lord? alert Their relationship started with a betrayal. voyage She even stole his “Stallion Emblem.” attic Holding a grudge would’ve been natural.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey, Horn.”

‘…And yet.’

Choi Seol-ah clenched the bullet tightly. canvas Determined, she looked at Horn. adapt The girl was doing everything she could to maintain the magic field. anxiety Choi Seol-ah gave a small smile and called out.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Horn! atlas How can you have ears that long and still not hear?! altitude I’m talking to you, damn lizard!”

“…Huh?”

Horn didn’t react at first. alert She called louder.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Am I losing it from all this magic? crystal Did arrogant Choi Seol-ah just call me by name?”

Horn finally turned her head. voyage Her eyes widened in surprise. ability Her lips moved slowly.

Choi Seol-ah snapped, then sighed deeply. harbor She lifted her head and met Horn’s gaze directly. alien A violet light flickered in her eyes.

“Hey! august That’s what you’ve been thinking of me all this time?!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“From my perspective, there’s no point in just shooting and casting spells from here anymore. legend All we’re doing is creating cover.”

The air changed, and Horn swallowed dryly. alpha Choi Seol-ah spoke in a low voice.

She pointed with her eyes toward the front.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Look, your brother’s using swords—something we didn’t expect. airport If things don’t go as planned, we have to improvise.”

“……”

Basilisk was destroying nearby stalactites with his twin swords.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The balance between offense and defense was evening out. album Horn couldn’t understand how her brother was wielding swords.

Horn turned to look at Kang Geom-Ma. abstract He was still pressing in on Basilisk.

‘But…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

An imugi that failed to become a dragon couldn’t take human form. atomic Yet, the longer the battle went on, the stronger her unease grew. atlas A bad feeling crept down her spine.

She couldn’t see clearly through the dust, but she had the eerie feeling that he was standing upright… like he had a humanoid form.

‘No way…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Had Basilisk really become a dragon by consuming human flesh? alpha Her entire clan considered it impossible, but there are no absolute truths.

So even if it was one in a million, they had to confirm it with their own eyes. wizard After a brief pause, Horn nodded at Choi Seol-ah.

“I agree. orbit But if we enter the range of the Petrifying Eye, it’ll be like we’re already dead. arcade Are you sure?”

Sometimes, the most improbable things happen. autumn Like humanity’s victory 700 years ago.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah’s voice dropped. echo Hearing it directly shook her. sphere But she quickly shook her head.

“Yes. sphere Either way, if I run now, the Lord will kill me. acquire I’d rather turn to stone than be stabbed.”

“Uuuh…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“You said the opposite earlier… never mind.”

Every hair on her body stood on end.

Horn sighed at her fake bravado. atlas And then—

She rubbed the bridge of her nose. apple Her fingers were soaked in cold sweat.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘It’s been a while, sister.’

“……!”

Even though she was outside the range, her body shrank back. armor Though cornered, her brother’s eyes were filled with bloodlust—like a predator waiting to strike.

A voice echoed in her mind. arcade Horn reflexively turned forward. acoustic Through the dusty haze, two ruby-like lights glowed. abstract The Petrifying Eye.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Don’t interfere, sister.’

Basilisk continued.

Horn clutched her temples, staggering from the sudden pain. atom It was only a mental voice, yet it clouded her mind.

“Ugh…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

His tone was so arrogant it made her sick. legend Horn responded with rage.

‘I don’t wish to kill my own blood. amateur But if you leave those two humans behind, I’ll let you live. wizard If I devour their flesh and bones, I will finally achieve my deepest desire.’

—Do you think that makes any sense, Basil? admire Every imugi is given the chance to become a dragon. acoustic You were the one who rejected it.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

At those words, Horn felt her blood run cold.

‘I will be reborn… as Alduin.’

—What…?

‘Ha, don’t be ridiculous, Horntail. orbit Do you really think this is all about becoming a dragon? silence I gave up on that pathetic race the moment I could think. galaxy What I desire… is to ascend to something greater.’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“The strongest of all serpents.”

An impure being even dragons refused to name. atom But its power was said to rival the first Dragon Lord.

Horn murmured, horrified.

Alduin, the Black Dragon. album Despite the name, it wasn’t truly a dragon.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘I never wanted to be a dragon. attic What’s so great about a species that just watches from the sidelines, even though they’re the highest among demons? album You felt it too, Horn. abandon Just hearing my voice shook you. alien Even as a dragon, you couldn’t resist. album I gained all this by devouring human souls.’

The sinister energy condensed and then exploded, blowing away all the surrounding dust.

Basilisk laughed bitterly. afford The wind blew unnaturally, and even Kang Geom-Ma, in the middle of throwing his sashimi blades, took a half step back.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

In an instant, over half of the stalactites were pulverized by the shockwave.

Boom!

And then, Basilisk’s figure was finally revealed.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Black scales covered its entire body, a long tongue protruded from its mouth, and its tail bristled with spikes. shadow It looked like it was molting—parts of its skin were visibly peeling away.

Kang Geom-Ma was the first to look stunned. antenna He blinked several times in disbelief.

“…That’s a snake?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The creature stood on two legs and gripped two black swords in its hands. apple Although it had all the traits of a serpent, its form was eerily humanoid.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah froze with a stunned expression. alpha The determination that had flared up just moments earlier was snuffed out like a candle in the wind. anxiety Just seeing it made her skin crawl.

“…Shit.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

But beyond its grotesque appearance, its aura was overwhelming. adjust Just being near it felt like her bones might melt.

“Horn… pointy ears?”

Instinctively, Choi Seol-ah stepped back. palette That’s when another powerful energy stirred beside her.

Despite being called, Horn didn’t lift her head. atlas She bit her lip hard, her face shadowed in darkness.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

She remembered her brother from long ago. alert He didn’t exactly have a good temperament, but he hadn’t always been like this. arch At some point, drunk on his own power, he began to disdain life. amateur That was the beginning of his fall.

‘Basilisk.’

The elders of the clan branded him as an “impure serpent” and decided to execute him. meadow They said the seed of evil had to be uprooted.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

But her intentions had been twisted. arctic Her brother ended up in the human world and became a magical beast.

Upon learning about it by chance, Horn exiled him to the Demon Realm. zenith Even though it was a harsh environment, at least he wouldn’t be killed.

If she had followed the will of the clan instead of her own attachment, perhaps there wouldn’t have been so many victims.

‘This is all my fault.’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Horn raised her head and faced Basilisk. palette A golden light emerged from her now-clear eyes. athlete She declared firmly.

“I…”

And now her brother wanted to become Alduin. silence That alone was enough. antique There was nothing more to think about.

‘That’s why I have to take responsibility.’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

KRAAAAAARGH!

“…I will stop you, no matter what it takes.”

A roar shook the entire cavern. advance Choi Seol-ah, barely keeping her balance, looked up with her mouth agape.

A black mist swirled around her and took form. action Wings spread from her shoulders, long, curved horns appeared, and then—

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Let’s go, contractor. alien I will be your wings.”

“A dragon…”

Horntail spoke with a heavy voice, different from usual, as if every word weighed a ton.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The dragon soared rapidly upward, flying near the ceiling of the cavern.

She crouched low to steady herself and then peeked down.

Choi Seol-ah, stunned, could only nod. atlas As soon as she climbed onto her back, her body lifted into the air.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 188 – The Strongest Serpent (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Horntail flapped her wings. armor With each beat, gusts swept away the heat and darkness completely.

The sky was the dragon’s domain—a space serpents could never reach. adapt And Basilisk, no matter how much he pretended otherwise, was still a serpent. arch His power couldn’t reach those heights.