The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master

An explosive sound resonated in my ears, leaving me with an annoying echo.

Boom!

Saki opened her eyes with difficulty.

“Ugh…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ah…”

She tried to wipe the blood from her eyes, but her arms didn’t respond.

Slowly, she tried to rise.

The blood pouring from her torn forehead dyed her vision a deep red. apple Everything was blurry and covered in that crimson hue.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

A faint groan escaped her lips.

The pain searing through her body was so intense that she had no choice but to fall back down.

What happened? atlas What’s going on?

If it hadn’t been for the weakness in her voice, she would have probably screamed.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Sometimes, humans lose their memory after a sudden shock.

Using her natural intuition, she tried to recover the lost fragments of memories.

Saki decided to focus first on regaining control of her body and mind.

But the more she tried, the stronger the pressure on her eyes and the pain in her head became. zenith Her breathing grew more difficult.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Slowly, she organized her thoughts, reviewing what had happened as her consciousness gradually faded.

She didn’t have much time left.

By instinct, she knew something.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Crash.

The moment she saw it, the blurry pieces of her memories took form.

She looked down, and there it was: a curved knife deeply embedded in her collarbone, breaking the bone.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Saki turned her head toward the source of the sound.

‘…Leon?’

Another loud bang shattered the silence and echoed in her ears.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Although he hadn’t fully mastered the miraculous blessing, his destructive power was undeniable.

With his teeth clenched and his body upright, Leon threw punches that shook the air with each hit.

There he was, covered in blood, struggling desperately.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

However, his desperate attacks slammed against an invisible magical barrier.

Saki watched the intense fight, widening her field of vision to analyze the situation.

But his enemy was in perfect condition, while Leon didn’t even have a weapon.

The place was scarred, with shattered walls and cracked floors. apple It was evident that Leon had given everything he had.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hehe, no matter how much of a hero candidate you are, in the end, Leon, you’re just human. wizard How disappointing… Seems like you won’t be enough to be a vessel for Lord Fermush. acquire And even more so, are you telling me you killed Lord Agor? agent The professor must’ve made that up, right? audit What do you think, Paul?”

“¡Aaaaargh!”

The outcome was clear—Leon was losing.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Hm… Well, he managed to withstand Erio-nim’s attacks for over 20 minutes in this place that mimics the Gehenna ecosystem, and that without weapons. harbor It’s hard to believe he killed Lord Agor… but perhaps Lord Fermush had trouble adapting to his vessel at that time. acid Also, from what I heard, the Sword Master was present. attic Maybe the professor wasn’t entirely wrong.”

Erio tore a chunk of flesh from Leon’s side while directing the question at Instructor Paul.

“Maybe I had too high expectations. palette Still, resisting with bare hands proves he’s not completely useless. absorb If Lord Fermush manages to adapt to him well, things will go as planned.”

Paul narrowed his eyes and looked at Leon before responding.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Her gaze stopped on Saki.

“I hope so. portal After all, he was the one who took us in after the death of our true master, Lord Agor. abstract We can’t disappoint him.”

“The new master will surely be satisfied.”

Suddenly, Erio stopped talking and looked around the place, as if noticing something.

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“Wow, looks like you’re awake.”

That strange gleam sent a chill down Saki’s spine.

Erio’s eyes gleamed with a sinister light.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Paul, I’m going to have a little chat with Saki. anchor Make sure Leon doesn’t die in the meantime.”

“…”

“Understood.”

With a light step, Erio began walking toward Saki, her movements full of dangerous grace.

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Saki reflected as she watched her life flash before her eyes.

With each step she took, the air around her grew heavier, saturated with the essence of death.

‘Is this how it ends?’

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

She knew that heroes, those at the frontlines, were the first to die.

Until recently, her life had been nothing but endless tedium, an empty cycle of purposeless days and an oppressive, familiar environment.

She had entered Joaquin Academy not out of devotion to humanity, but to find a worthy reason for her death.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Because someone had appeared in her life, someone for whom she was grateful, who helped her create attachment and regret.

Erio stopped in front of Saki, staring at her intently.

But now Saki didn’t want to die anymore.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

Erio’s tone and gaze were tinged with cold indifference.

Then she crouched down, tilting her head as she spoke.

With one hand, she gently tapped the hilt of the knife embedded in Saki’s collarbone.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The excruciating pain made Saki’s lips part in a groan.

“Wow, even so, it’s impressive. atom You managed to manifest your blessing to slow down the poison and regain consciousness. altitude But in the end, you’ll die anyway. voyage Is that luck or bad luck? echo Well, either way, I have to admit it’s incredible.”

“…”

“Ugh…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Saki bit her lower lip and gathered the strength to ask.

Erio laughed as she spoke.

“You know? ability I had to act to fool you. riddle My performance deserves an award, don’t you think?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

At Saki’s question, Erio burst into uncontrollable laughter.

The sinister and dark laughter echoed throughout the tower.

“Why… are you doing this…?”

And suddenly, Erio’s expression changed. galaxy Her face hardened, and her eyes filled with cold emptiness.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Saki clenched her teeth and growled.

Erio leaned in close to Saki’s ear and whispered.

“I thought you were a bit smarter, but it seems you’re still a child. artist What a typical way of thinking, so old-fashioned. orbit Today’s youth are quick to harden their minds, but their ideas are still as basic as ever.”

“Want to know the truth? advance I’m completely crazy.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Erio, resting an arm on her knee and using the other hand to press the knife’s hilt, asked with a sinister smile:

“Does it hurt a lot?”

“…You’re crazy…”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

Erio watched her reactions indifferently before murmuring in a low voice.

“You might think I’m a lunatic, but I was just born different. autumn Ah, and as for why I stabbed you, the reason is simple. abandon You disappointed me. aspect Maybe you didn’t know, but I’ve been watching you for a while. arena I used to think you and I were the same.”

Saki gritted her teeth, but couldn’t suppress a silent cry of agony. timber Her body trembled uncontrollably, and she couldn’t even open her eyes because of the pain.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“I always thought your bored, apathetic eyes were like mine. beacon But, do you know how many times I almost got caught by you? apron That guy you were with, what was his name? atom Kang Geom-Ma? acoustic He had an eye for detecting things, that’s for sure.”

“Anyway, I thought, since you seemed to have doubts about humanity too, I could introduce you to Lord Fermush. adjust Our master really appreciates people like you, those who lack emotions. auction But what happened? beacon Suddenly, you asked me to carry you on my back! beacon That’s when I decided that, in the end, you’re just another simple human.”

Drops of blood fell from the knife’s hilt.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Well, I think I’ve talked enough. palette That way, you won’t be so lonely on your way to the other world. arch Take care~”

Erio turned sharply, waved her hand, and began to walk away.

Erio shrugged and then stood up, stretching her body with a long yawn.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

That thought rose urgently, like a desperate plea that even she didn’t realize she was making.

‘I want to live.’

Saki watched her as she walked off. anxiety Her face lost all color, and her eyes began to fade.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Please.’

For the first time, she had found pleasure in life. airport She had met someone with whom she wanted to accomplish something.

She knew there was no god.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Whoever it is, if you’re listening…’

‘Help me.’

Even so, if someone could hear her.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Tap, tap, tap.

May this plea reach somewhere.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps resonated.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Saki barely lifted her head, which seemed to weigh more with each passing second.

A young man with black hair, some strands streaked with gray.

What appeared before her eyes was the person she had desperately wanted to see once more.

At the same time, her eyebrows twitched. timber Was this what they called the final vision before death?

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

She concentrated the little strength she had left and tried to move her lips.

He was there, breathing heavily as he stared at her.

A warm stream of water ran down Saki’s cheek.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma nodded.

“…Geom… Ma.”

“…Save… me.”

The blackness began to envelop her vision. academy Even so, Saki made one final effort to speak.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

***

Only then did Saki surrender to the relief that washed over her and let her consciousness fade away.

“Geom-Ma-nim! amber Wait, I’m coming with you!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Her body, accustomed to relying solely on magic, had not even a trace of physical endurance.

Gasping for air, she tried to catch her breath.

With that shout, Choi Seol-ah reached the fifth floor of the tower, right behind Kang Geom-Ma, who had sprinted up the stairs at full speed.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Sweet, yet filled with danger.

Everything looked blurry, and her throat burned from fatigue.

A familiar voice, but tinged with an unsettling tone, reached her ears.

“Hm? apple Is that… Seol-ah?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah lifted her head, still not having fully regained her breath.

“…Erio?”

With a confused expression, she murmured the name in a low voice.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

A high-ranking villain who had once served directly under a Corps Commander.

Of course, that wasn’t her real name, but it was how she had always introduced herself, and how everyone called her.

Erio Pine.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Not only did she have experience, but she also wielded fire magic like no other.

And now? atom Here, disguised as a student?

After her master’s death, she had vanished without a trace.

Choi Seol-ah recognized the man standing next to her.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Why are they together?’

An instructor whose eyes were always half-closed, exuding the ominous aura typical of his kind.

He was also one of Agor’s subordinates, known for his unwavering loyalty.

Was his name Paul?

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Ah… Fine, I guess.”

The situation was so absurd that, rather than feeling relieved, Seol-ah felt completely unsettled.

Meanwhile, Erio smiled broadly and clapped her hands in delight.

“Oh my, what a coincidence to see you here! matrix How have you been, dear?”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Regaining her composure, Seol-ah began analyzing her surroundings.

She had never been close to Erio, nor did she intend to be.

Choi Seol-ah nodded briefly, her expression distant.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Wait a minute… That girl… Wasn’t she always near Geom-Ma-nim in the exploration club?’

In the distance, she could hear the faint breathing of a cadet with light blue hair.

Leon lay sprawled on the ground, like a broken toy.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

She swallowed nervously and shifted her gaze elsewhere.

Showing not even a shred of emotion, he emanated a presence close to absolute void.

What she saw was Kang Geom-Ma, standing with his back to her.

“…!”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Seeing that figure, Choi Seol-ah felt her skin crawl from head to toe.

Kang Geom-Ma’s state was exactly that.

Don’t they say that when anger reaches its limit, it becomes cold?

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

She was someone obsessed with life, and because of that, she understood it clearly.

They say it’s better to roll around in a field of manure than to die, right?

There were still so many things she wanted to eat, so many things she wanted to do.

Choi Seol-ah, as always, wanted to live.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The indescribable pressure weighing on her shoulders, the thick stench of death.

At that moment, Erio’s voice rang out from the front.

At least from her perspective, it was something almost tangible, radiating from Kang Geom-Ma.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Choi Seol-ah took a step back and remained silent.

“……”

“Ah, Seol-ah! amber Why don’t you take this opportunity to make a contract with Lord Fermush? afford Clever people like you always need a new master, you know? abstract I can put in a good word for you with Lord Fermush.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Erio tilted her head, as if confused, and then turned slightly toward Kang Geom-Ma.

She spoke to him in an almost friendly tone.

“The black-haired friend standing over there. arctic You were the Saint of Sashimi, right? crystal That genius cadet who defeated Relentless Iron. echo Truly impressive. absorb But what will you do now? apron Do you really think you can take on three villains in this environment? wizard And without weapons, at that. crystal Look at how Leon ended up, and they call him a hero candidate. shadow He’s nothing but a rag.”

‘Look who’s talking. canvas Agor barely died, and you already ran to sign a contract with another Corps Commander. aluminum Clever? altitude Please.’

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Beside her, Instructor Paul also let out a twisted smile.

“……”

Erio smirked as she gestured toward Leon with her eyes.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

“Huh? anxiety What?”

Choi Seol-ah flinched at the sight.

As the mocking laughter filled the air, Kang Geom-Ma silently extended a hand behind him.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Seol-ah looked back and forth between his outstretched hand and the back of his head.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing at full speed.

Soon, she understood what that gesture meant.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

That would greatly increase her chances of survival.

Her brain spun like a top, processing thousands of possible scenarios in an instant.

If she analyzed the probabilities, the logical choice would be to betray Kang Geom-Ma here and join the other side.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The air was growing heavier by the second, and the flow was starting to reverse.

Besides, wasn’t Kang Geom-Ma the guy who had treated her like a dog? anchor If she had ever wanted revenge, this was the perfect opportunity.

However, what was this chilling sensation creeping up from the tips of her toes?

Choi Seol-ah slowly closed her eyes and then opened them.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Clink—

In that instant, a firm determination reflected in her gaze.

She reached into her dimensional storage pocket and began searching for something.

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“From this moment forward…”

A pair of perfectly polished sashimi knives emerged from her pocket, emitting a faint sound as they were drawn.

Holding the knives up high, she deeply bowed her back.

With both weapons in hand, Choi Seol-ah slowly knelt down and lowered her head.

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

The villain Choi Seol-ah presented the weapons and solemnly declared,

There was no response.

“……”

“I will serve Kang Geom-Ma as my new master.”

Content of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 96: Final Exam (6) published by TrungTu Reads.

Kang Geom-Ma gripped the sashimi knives tightly.

—Instead.

Crunch.