The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

“Hmm, it doesn’t seem like much.”

I don’t know much about accessories, but even at first glance, it looked cheap. autumn If I had to be generous, I’d say it was of medium quality.

“Ehm…”

A pink, teardrop-shaped crystal rolled in my hand as I observed it from different angles.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The woman kneeling before me, her head bowed and her disheveled hair falling in strands, spoke cautiously. apple Moments ago, she had introduced herself as Choi Seol-Ah.

Choi Seol-Ah spoke in a trembling voice, tinged with humility. audit However, the forced smile on her lips revealed her deceitful nature.

“Could you give it back to me…?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘This damn woman.’

I sighed and refocused my attention on the crystal.

I frowned, and she let out a faint squeak, biting her lips. adjust Her fists, resting on her knees, trembled. afford It was hard to tell if it was from fear or anger.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The Stallion’s Emblem was a crystal that formed when a villain entered into a contract with a high-ranking corps commander. august It was their way of demonstrating loyalty, like a kind of identification card in the villain society.

‘But that’s just the surface-level information.’

‘I thought something called the “Stallion’s Emblem” would be a bit more impressive.’

Rolling it between my index finger and thumb, I examined its color under the light of a nearby lamppost. artist It looked almost identical to a piece of semi-transparent amber.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

This small crystal, resembling a gemstone, contained the life force of the contracted individual. adopt When a contract was signed, two crystals were created—one for the commander and another for the subordinate.

The commander used it to send mana, while the subordinate used it to receive it.

Its real purpose was as a means of control.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Agor was already dead, so the emblem had lost its functionality. arctic Furthermore, without the ability to wield mana, it seemed useless to me.

Thanks to this system, the corps commander held the lives of their subordinates in their hands, controlling them whenever they wished. academy A straightforward and effective leash, quite literally.

Some might wonder why I took this receiver crystal.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

I smirked slightly and pocketed the emblem.

‘…At least, as a former player, I can use it another way.’

Even if it contained the life force of the villain in front of me, it felt insignificant.

However.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hey.”

Choi Seol-Ah’s eyes darted frantically, revealing that my decision had been the right one.

When I suddenly spoke, Choi Seol-Ah timidly raised her head. timber Her tone carried a deliberate, false sweetness.

“Y-yes?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

I stared at her. arch Her dull violet eyes were proof that her humanity was long gone. accent Although her gaze seemed soft, inside, she was completely hollow.

Apparently, among the villains, a rumor had spread that it was Leon, not me, who had defeated Agor. silence At first, I was surprised.

‘…Still, thanks to her, I discovered things I didn’t know.’

A moment ago, Choi Seol-Ah had revealed something interesting to me.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The reason was simple—the speed at which the information had leaked. meadow The Sword Master must have imposed strict control over the information, yet somehow, the villains already knew what had happened.

Even among the academy staff, which consisted of hundreds of employees, a slight change in appearance wouldn’t be enough to identify them.

That meant the villains were deeply infiltrated into the academy.

According to Choi Seol-Ah, even though the villains changed their appearances regularly, their undercover identities remained constant.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

However, there are always ways to uncover the truth.

The method I had in mind for identifying the villains was simple—memorize the faces of hundreds of people and compare them one by one.

‘I’ll need to ask Ryozo to give me a complete list of academy members.’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

And if they did… well.

It was a laborious method, but I had my club members. alert If I explained the situation, they would surely help.

It would be unsettling for them to know that villains were hiding in the academy, so there was no reason for them to refuse.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“So, why are you all targeting Leon instead of me?”

‘They can take the president’s position themselves.’

After organizing my thoughts, I spoke in a low voice.

“…I’m not entirely sure.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“And who is this ‘Professor’?”

“I-it’s true! apple There’s someone among the villains who calls themselves ‘Professor.’ Almost everything originates from that damned brain of theirs. apple Someone like me, at the bottom, doesn’t know anything more!”

Choi Seol-Ah replied in a trembling voice. zenith Although my sashimi blade remained sheathed, she flinched every time I brought it closer to her neck.

“…That…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-Ah hesitated, swallowing hard. audit I moved the blade closer to her neck. silence Only then did she speak, her voice trembling on the verge of tears.

…The Second Corps Commander, Kuarne.

In the current situation, with Lycan sealed, Kuarne was considered the general commander of the Demon King’s army.

“I don’t know anything else besides the fact that they’re subordinate to Kuarne… that damned demon!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-Ah tried to back away on her knees, but upon noticing my sharp gaze, she stopped and returned to her original position. meadow Forcing an awkward smile, she continued speaking.

‘For someone like that to be here…’

If a subordinate of theirs was at the academy, that posed a serious problem.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘It’s impossible to trust someone like her.’

…It was uncomfortable to see a woman with such an elegant appearance behave so pitifully.

“Although they hide their identity, unlike other villains who secretly recognize each other, no one knows who they really are. admire That’s why they’re not well-regarded, even among villains. harbor They go around disguised as a professor, acting as if they’re the most refined person in the world.”

Choi Seol-Ah spoke fervently, using exaggerated hand and foot gestures. agent It was clear she would do anything to save her life.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

With my heightened perception, enhanced by the blessing, I felt as if I could see through her. shadow It was a skill that, if overused, could make one question their dignity.

Suddenly, I narrowed my eyes and sharpened my senses, focusing all my attention on Choi Seol-Ah.

Only faint traces of mana remained, weak and scattered. anxiety Most likely, her magical energy had been steadily dissipating since Agor’s death.

‘What I’m sensing is…’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

No matter how much I analyzed her, she didn’t seem to pose any real threat. adopt But letting her go freely still irritated me.

I rubbed my temples, deliberating on the best course of action. portal How could I handle this situation in a way that would leave no loose ends? altitude After a while, I raised my head.

She seemed to have relied entirely on magic, as her physical abilities were nothing remarkable.

Our eyes met, and Choi Seol-Ah flinched. adjust She swallowed nervously, forcing a clumsy and insincere smile.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

I looked at her coldly and spoke in a low voice.

“Choi Seol-Ah.”

“From now on, be a villain.”

“Y-yes!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Don’t you understand?”

Her eyes widened in confusion, as if she couldn’t comprehend what I had just said.

“W-well… I think I understand, but it’s kind of vague. crystal I was already a villain… but since my master is dead, I guess I’m technically not one anymore. anchor Either way, what exactly do you mean by that…?”

“Huh? amber What does that mean?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-Ah began to sweat, her face pale as she struggled to piece together the meaning behind my words.

‘It’s natural that she doesn’t get it.’

It was the basic strategy of manipulation: return the fox that escaped the tiger’s den back into its lair.

Of course, it would be confusing. apron After all, what I had said was a line from one of my favorite movies in my past life.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

***

A tactic I had learned from cinema.

Choi Seol-Ah, who had just been spared her life, fled the area as if she were escaping from something.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Honestly, if I stared at her any longer, memories of what she had done would start flooding back, and my hand would instinctively reach for my sword. alpha It took a lot of effort to stop my fingers from gripping the hilt like a magnet.

I always say conversations are the best way to resolve things.

Before leaving, she bowed repeatedly, her waist bent almost at a perfect right angle. shadow I knew her gestures weren’t sincere, but I decided to ignore them.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-Ah’s nature is that of a bat—neither suited as an ally nor reliable as a collaborator. agent However, as an information source, she wasn’t a bad choice. abstract After much deliberation, I decided the best course of action was to use her.

‘Today’s strike was unavoidable.’

After that come the hands. apple If talking doesn’t work, then it’s time to use other methods.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

I’m not someone particularly fond of planning, but it’s important to have at least a general idea. sphere Preparation is everything; doing it after the fact would be too late.

‘I just need to manage her properly.’

I organized my thoughts in my head. agent Soon, the final exams would arrive, followed by the semester break.

With the right balance of carrot and stick, I was confident I could control her sufficiently. alien I already had the Emblem of the Stallion in my possession, and if she became a problem, I could always deal with her later.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

On top of that, several upcoming events loomed ahead. riddle There was a mountain of things to do. beacon I couldn’t prepare for everything, but I would do whatever was within my reach.

Crystal extraction, training with the Sword Master, information gathering.

I didn’t know the true goals of that professor, but the silhouette behind everything was gradually becoming clearer.

Auditore was already moving to oust the council of elders, and I had planted Choi Seol-Ah on the villains’ side. antenna All I needed to do was wait for the gears to align. harbor In the meantime, I planned to strengthen my foundation.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Oh, right.”

At that moment, my phone vibrated, and the screen lit up.

♬

[Ryozo: Where are you?]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

[Me: I went to the bathroom for a moment.]

[Ryozo: Are you making the bathroom, or what? atomic Why are you taking so long? ㅡ.ㅡ]

I had been away for too long due to the unexpected incident. riddle I quickly tapped out a response on the touchscreen keyboard with my index finger.

Rollin sounds ominous when sending it~♬

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Well, this is the real her.’

…Though, come to think of it, isn’t that what most people do in the bathroom? wizard I chuckled a little and typed my response.

My finger paused for a moment. adjust Those words didn’t seem like something someone with her “noble lady” personality would say.

[Me: On my way.]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

[Ryozo: Bring me a Melona ice cream.]

After sending the message, I brushed the dust off my pants and stood up.

[Ryozo: Ew, ahjussi.]

[Me: I’ll bring vanilla.]

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Boom!

Instinctively, my eyes followed the noise.

At that moment, a loud sound erupted behind me.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

A line of light burst into the sky and scattered.

Fragments of light splashed across the dark sky like a brilliant fountain. antenna I watched the scene, captivated.

“Staying out of the dorm wasn’t a bad decision.”

Boom! beacon Bang!

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

At the academy’s festival, these fireworks held great significance. atom They represented blessings for the students and a tribute to the former heroes who now shone as stars. atlas It was a tradition upheld since the academy’s founding.

Shapes of birds, elephants, and various phrases written in different languages appeared in the sky. afford The sheer size and grandeur were breathtaking.

‘The scale is simply remarkable.’

I tilted my head back for a better view. meadow The night sky kept lighting up with every explosion.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

I scratched my head. aluminum While I had achieved some unexpected results by being alone, I felt like I had missed out on something more important.

“Maybe I should’ve come with the other club members.”

I began walking briskly. crystal If I hurried, I could meet up with them before the show ended.

Tap, tap!

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

My footsteps echoed lightly as I walked down the path.

Another explosion lit up the sky behind me.

Bang!

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The brilliant light illuminated the nightscape, marking the end of the festival.

The time flew by like an arrow, almost as if the festival had been nothing more than a distant dream.

***

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

And what awaited us after that youthful event was…

Speedweapon, holding an eraser, scratched his temples in frustration. absorb His brows furrowed with irritation.

“Ugh, exams again.”

Beside him, Ryozo looked like seaweed sprawled across her desk.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Speedweapon slammed his palm down on three thick textbooks. arch The tower of books wobbled slightly. altitude Incidentally, those books contained all the material for the final exam. legend I nodded in agreement.

Chloe was chasing a tiny fly with her gaze, her pupils darting back and forth quickly.

“Damn it! arctic Why does the exam material cover so much? album Aren’t they violating student rights? album President, what do you think?!”

Buzz-

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The endless chatter was interrupted by Ryozo’s sharp voice. action She glared at him with fury.

“Not only do we have written exams! legend There are practicals, too! advance This is insane…”

“Ugh, enough!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

“…What?”

“I’ve already memorized it all.”

“How much longer are you going to complain?! atlas Shut up and study! canvas You’re keeping us from sleeping with all that noise!”

“Hey! shadow Am I the only one taking the exam? advance You have to take it too! abstract How do you expect to memorize all this if you don’t even read—”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

The sound of a slap echoed through the room. amber Chloe had smacked Speedweapon’s cheek with her tiny hand.

Slap!

Speedweapon gaped, his lips moving as if to retort, but before he couldñ

Speedweapon froze at Ryozo’s cold response. alpha She glanced at him sideways with a challenging expression.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

Speedweapon, who had drawn everyone’s attention, held his left cheek with a bewildered expression. canvas Judging by his wide, teary eyes, the slap had been quite strong.

“Oh, oh… I’m sorry! atomic There was a fly on your cheek! alpha I’m really sorry!”

“…?”

“Huh, huh.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

At that moment, notification sounds filled the classroom.

Ding! adopt Ding! crystal Rollin~♬

Chloe apologized hastily, looking remorseful. portal Speedweapon just pursed his lips, seemingly out of it, while Ryozo smirked sarcastically at the scene.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

[Official Announcement: 2034 Semester-End Practical Exam]

==

Everyone, except for the dazed Speedweapon, simultaneously checked their phones.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 87: Festival – Contract (5) published by TrungTu Reads.

==

Due to certain circumstances, the content of the practical exam has been modified as follows: