The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

I had pushed my strength too far after such a long time.

I stepped out of the restaurant to cool down my overheated body. autumn I inhaled deeply, trying to calm my breathing.

“Phew.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Maybe it was because it had been a while since I had the opportunity to properly cut with a knife.

“…Wow, I really am something else.”

The intense fatigue made my knuckles tingle. arch I leaned back deeply on the bench in front of the establishment and muttered,

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

In less than a minute, I had filleted three fish.

As a result, I ended up exhausted after receiving mountains of praise and countless handshakes from the customers.

Simply put, in under 20 seconds, I had removed the guts, sliced the three fillets, and prepared the sashimi.

The speed was impressive, but in the end, what matters most in food is the taste. agent The rapid knife technique had preserved the freshness of the fish.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

I smiled faintly and stretched out my palm. album The sensation was still there.

One of them even said I had resurrected the dead fish and called me the Messiah.

“I understand that it’s a great compliment, but…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

With this level of precision, I felt like I could slice a grain of rice with my eyes closed.

After being used to cutting down monsters and unpleasant people, cutting fish was incredibly pleasant.

In fact, I felt as though I had reached a new peak in my ability.

At first, I thought it would take me some time to readjust, but it turned out the skill came back quickly.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Huh, what are you doing here? antique Weren’t you busy?”

“Maybe after graduation, I should open a sushi restaurant.”

I turned my head to see who it was. alert Unexpectedly, it was Knox.

While I was thinking about that, I noticed a presence beside me.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox said this as he sat down beside me. orbit He removed his headband and waved it to dry his sweat. zenith I looked at him silently.

Although he was sweaty, he had a satisfied smile on his face.

His eyes, which used to seem dull, now carried a different shine.

“The food was served thanks to you, Geom-Ma. abandon The owner said he’d handle the closing. galaxy Your friends are helping with the service. antique I only came out because Chloe told me to look for you.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“What is it? apron Do you have something to say?”

As I stared at him, Knox suddenly stopped wiping his sweat and flinched.

‘Somehow, I feel proud.’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“By the way, why did you start working here all of a sudden?”

“…Kang Geom-Ma, weren’t you the one who said that you can learn something by working hard?”

His tone was still stiff, like in a historical drama, but his voice lacked hostility.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Did you seriously not remember?”

“Oh, that’s right. album I did say that.”

I tilted my head, but soon remembered what I had told him.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox looked at me incredulously. amber I shrugged.

“Hmm. advance It’s not like I’m admitting you were right, but I *have* learned something. attic Now I understand the value of hard work.”

“Of course I remembered. acid Hey, your initiative is impressive.”

Knox scratched his neck, embarrassed. athlete The corner of his lips twitched slightly. academy When he noticed my gaze, he quickly changed the subject.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox was talking much more than before. apple He asked me several questions related to work. zenith Seeing his interest, I answered him sincerely.

“I still can’t believe we’re the same age. antique Are you sure you’re not lying about your age?”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Most of them were trivial stories from my work experiences, but Knox listened attentively.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

When I said that, Knox stopped looking at me suspiciously. acoustic Just when it seemed like our conversation had ended and I was getting up, he stopped me.

“…Let’s just say I have more life experience. wizard Does that work for you?”

“Wait, there’s something I want to tell you.”

His serious expression made me sit back down.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

He moved his lips several times before continuing.

Knox took a deep breath. august His eyes reflected unwavering determination.

“Normally, revealing family matters to an outsider is a serious crime. abandon I had planned to tell you through Chloe, but she didn’t answer my calls. airport Anyway, that’s not important.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

I listened silently. antenna It was quite a serious matter.

Knox furrowed his brow and added,

“The Auditore family’s investigation about you has concluded. antenna Fortunately, nothing suspicious was found. advance Therefore, the request ordered by the council of elders was canceled. autumn In fact, the head of the family has started an investigation against the council. athlete Fabricating accusations is considered betrayal to us. amateur The Auditores are not hunting dogs; we are a family that preserves order.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

“They will probably form an unprecedented investigation team. arctic Given the objective, it will be thorough. altitude I will also be joining that team. apple It’s a long story. antique Anyway, I just wanted to inform you about this.”

At the end of his words, I organized my thoughts. atom In short, the Auditore family was no longer after me. agent There was no need to worry about them submitting to the council of elders.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Although there would now be a larger investigation against the council, that was no longer my concern.

After thinking it over, I extended my hand to Knox.

“Thank you. zenith It must not have been easy to tell me this.”

A troublesome issue that had occupied my mind now seemed resolved.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox left his sentence unfinished.

Knox stared at my hand for a moment before shaking it.

“I didn’t do anything special. echo In fact, I should be than—”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘It looks like things between him and Chloe are getting better.’

I thought about him and Chloe serving together in the restaurant.

It seemed like their relationship as siblings had improved a little.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’ll head back inside. amateur Take your time to rest… Oh, by the way.”

He lowered his head, embarrassed. portal I stood up and brushed the dust off my clothes.

I smiled silently and patted him on the shoulder.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Just as I was about to re-enter the restaurant, a doubt crossed my mind.

Moreover, he belonged to the Standard Class like Senior Ha-na. alert I decided to clarify my doubt once and for all.

I had never used honorifics with him, but Knox was a student one year ahead of me.

“Knox, do you know Senior Ha-na?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox asked vaguely. antique I nodded and continued.

“Yes, she just joined our club. anchor I thought, since you’re in the same class, you might know her.”

“You mean San Ha-na?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Until now, you never seemed to care about others. arrow It’s not that you were selfish… How can I put it? wizard Rather, you seemed like someone from another world.”

“…Is that the impression you have of me?”

“It’s rare for you to take an interest in someone.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Or maybe he noticed something odd during his investigation about me.

With the Auditore family’s intelligence, there was no way they could have missed that part.

‘It must be because of his assassin instincts.’

For a moment, I felt exposed. action It was uncomfortable for someone to uncover that side of me, especially if it was Knox.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

After a brief silence, Knox broke the ice.

“Even if she’s not particularly quiet, everyone has something special about them, right?”

“In any case, yes, I know San Ha-na. legend She’s a quiet student who’s always reading.”

Perhaps that’s why he was looking at me with a questioning expression earlier. amateur Since I had tried so hard to conceal my true self, not even Knox could ask outright.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“In the middle?”

Knox stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Well, now that you mention it… She’s always right in the middle of the class. admire In every subject—theory, practice, and training.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Knox shrugged, indicating he didn’t have any more information.

I slightly turned my head and made eye contact with Knox.

“Exactly. anchor It’s hard to intentionally maintain an average performance all the time.”

“I see.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Our gazes met, and his eyes reflected countless unspoken questions.

“…Kang Geom-Ma, you…”

Just as he was about to say something, I turned away abruptly.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

Beyond my gratitude, there was no reason to reveal more about myself than necessary.

“Anyway, thanks for telling me. orbit I’ll head back inside now.”

But I had already turned my back to him. portal A light night breeze blew into the night.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

I opened the restaurant door, ignoring the lingering gazes. attic The sharp smell of alcohol filled my nose.

It was an extremely practical judgment, not a cold one. amateur I didn’t want to create an uncomfortable atmosphere by speaking carelessly.

***

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

It wasn’t until nearly midnight that the lights of Korean Sushi went out.

The customers, who had eaten and drunk without restraint, left one by one with reluctance. shadow Among them, the elderly man who had tasted the first sashimi wouldn’t stop shaking my hand as he spoke.

“Ah, yes. antenna I’ll reach out when I have time.”

“Young man, make sure to contact me. apron I’ll treat you as you deserve.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

He extended a finely crafted sashimi knife to me. absorb But I frowned and responded in a low voice.

When the commotion died down, the owner approached me first.

“Master, I’ve learned so much today. timber Although it’s not enough as a token of my gratitude, please accept this.”

I bowed my torso and head. echo Only then did the elderly man smile in satisfaction and get into his car. anxiety The sleek black sedan clearly reflected his level of wealth.

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The owner clenched his fist and reaffirmed his resolve. atlas With a humble attitude, he offered the knife to me with both hands. adopt I sighed softly and nodded.

“Ah, ah, I’m sorry if I offended you, Master. canvas It doesn’t carry any other meaning; it’s just that this knife isn’t suited for me. portal I’ve always dedicated myself to sharpening and polishing it, but when I met you, I realized something. altitude A true master improves his skill, not his tool…”

The owner, visibly surprised, waved his hands as he replied.

“For a chef, a knife is his life. alert Is it really okay to hand it over so easily, sir?”

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As I said that, the owner bowed repeatedly. palette His eyes sparkled like those of a child.

“Ah, I’m so honored that you accepted my knife, Master!”

“Well, if you put it that way, I won’t refuse.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Just call me like you always do.”

“Oh, finding a master to restart my life as a sushi chef feels like finding a father!”

“…Could you stop calling me Master?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

Although I had said what I did, chefs always long for a good knife. galaxy I cleared my throat and gripped the knife by the handle.

Excessive praise is always exhausting. artist I let his words go in one ear and out the other, focusing instead on the sashimi knife.

“Hmm, hmm.”

The blade gleamed, clearly a high-quality tool. echo In fact, its craftsmanship made it look more like a weapon than a kitchen knife.

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Until just a moment ago, this knife had been used to cut sashimi. acid But knowing that it was now mine gave it a strange feeling.

However, every time he found a brilliant knife, he would give it a name. agent When I asked him why, he answered like this:

‘He always said that true masters don’t depend on their tools…’

As I firmly grasped the handle, I remembered my first master. crystal He was a man obsessed with knives.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

At the time, I looked at him with pity, but now…

— A good knife is like an extension of the chef. acoustic By giving it a name, your determination is transmitted through it.”

He would say those words with seriousness, and then give it ridiculous names like “The Ultimate Sashimi Machine.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I’ve never thought about something like that. adjust It’s clear you’re different, Master.”

“No, I was just thinking about what to name it.”

“Master, what’s wrong? agent Do you not like the knife?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

I murmured suddenly. august Perhaps it was a desire to leave a mark from my parents in this place. palette The word that came to mind was my family name: Seri. beacon Upon deciding it, I gripped the knife more firmly.

I let out a bitter laugh and spent some time thinking. zenith Several words floated through my mind.

The owner spoke with enthusiasm.

“…Frost.” [1]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

As the saying goes, “like father, like son.” apron I reflected on my criticism of my master’s naming sense.

At the same time, I silently thanked the parents of this world for giving me the name Kang Geom-Ma.

I smiled. anxiety Not because the name fully satisfied me.

“…Eternal Frost.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

The term 만년서리 (mannyeon-seori) can be broken down into two parts to capture its meaning:

T/N:

서리 (seori): Means “frost.”

만년 (mannyeon): Means “eternal” or “thousands of years.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 74: The Best Swordsman in the Country (3) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Eternal Frost.”

Therefore, a more accurate translation would be: