Chapter 100: Resolution (3)

I was sitting at my dark desk, arms crossed in front of me, lost in thought.

The faint light coming in from the east, more than the artificial lights, helped organize my thoughts, so I didn’t turn on the room’s lighting.

One hour before dawn.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

① Herbal Jean – Assistant instructor for the 2nd-year character class.

== ==

Uncrossing my arms, I picked up a sheet of paper from the desk. It was a document that Speedweapon had printed, containing information about the suspected villains.

▣ Personal Information

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

③ Ebiya Shiro – Gardener of Joaquin Academy’s district 8.

② Gilgamesh – Supply manager in the administrative office.

⑤ Ling Xiao – Supervisor of Dormitory D.

④ Chae Seo-In – Assistant instructor for the 3rd-year justice class.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“…So it’s these five.”

As my gaze slowly scanned the list, I murmured to myself.

== ==

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

I knew they would be spread across different positions, but I didn’t expect such a wide variety of roles.

From instructors and staff to a gardener and a dormitory supervisor.

‘Do they prefer jobs that don’t attract attention but give them plenty of mobility?’

Even though there were only five, their positions allowed them to move freely and operate unnoticed within the academy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

According to her, this so-called professor was the stallion of Kuarne, the Commander of the 2nd Corps.

As I had said before, with the Commander of the 1st Corps sealed away, the most influential figure among the demons was Kuarne. Of course, this was a world where the Demon King was the final boss, but—

However, I didn’t see the ‘professor’ that Choi Seol-Ah had mentioned before on the list.

The Demon King was such an obscure figure that some even doubted his existence. For humanity today, the greatest threat was Kuarne. Even among demons, they treated the Commander of the 2nd Corps as their true leader.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“I hope it’s one of these bastards…”

Resting my chin on my hand, I lightly tapped the paper with my nails.

That professor, being Kuarne’s stallion, was likely the core and mastermind behind the villains in the academy. If I could catch him, I could dismantle the entire network of villains within the school.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

I closed the document and stood up from my chair.

‘What a hassle.’

Of course, considering the flexibility of a hidden identity, it was possible that the professor switched roles.

Additionally, according to Choi Seol-Ah, this guy was a pervert obsessed with his position as a professor. So, it was likely he wasn’t among these five.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

It was seven in the morning. Two hours remained until my meeting with Speedweapon at the director’s office.

I spent a while looking at the newborn glow of the sun before checking the time on the wall clock.

As I watched the scene, the thoughts filling my mind gradually faded.

Turning my gaze toward the window, I saw the first light of dawn beginning to appear over the hills.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Well, although Media occasionally visited me, it wasn’t common for a mere cadet to have a private meeting with the director. In fact, it was almost impossible.

He asked if he needed to wear formal attire or something similar, to which I simply told him to come dressed comfortably.

When I had suggested accompanying me to Media’s office a few hours ago at the hospital, his reaction had been… exaggerated.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

…Even so, Speedweapon’s reaction was excessive. Sometimes, his enthusiasm bordered on the absurd.

My initial plan was to go alone to speak with Media, but I decided to modify it slightly and bring Speedweapon with me.

During the time Ryozo was hospitalized, Speedweapon played a crucial role as the brains behind the investigation to identify the villains.

The reason was simple: Speedweapon, known for his ability to talk endlessly, would explain everything for me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

While looking at the night sky from the hospital, I made a decision.

‘…Though bringing Speedweapon isn’t just for that reason…’

The stars twinkled timidly under the bright moonlight. The dim glow always attracted insects, but none dared approach the sun.

He knew the details better than any of us and was a compulsive storyteller. Was there anyone more suited for the job?

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

‘The Sword Master, Siegfried.’

Until now, everything had been a series of dangers. In every situation, I relied on my experience and cunning to get through.

In the presence of something so overwhelming, any creature instinctively recoils. It’s a basic matter of survival.

When someone holds only a mediocre position or power, they easily get caught up in trivial matters. Having just one of those qualities isn’t enough; both must be present. I learned this by observing someone.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

I had no regrets. At that moment, I acted to survive and prevent the course of history from being altered.

But now, things were different. The people around me were starting to be affected.

If I were to blame myself for every one of these incidents, then even my arrival in this world would be a mistake.

Ryozo was injured. Leon became a target for the villains. All of this was a consequence of my actions.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

‘Power alone is not enough.’

Even so, I didn’t look away from the sun. My eyes burned under the direct light, but I didn’t blink. A strange determination ignited within me.

“……”

I closed my eyes and then opened them again. The high sun cast its light over my face. Its intense rays felt like someone’s gaze pressing upon me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

I recalled the absurd moments of the past when I did everything possible to adapt to this world’s rules. A slight sigh escaped my lips at the thought.

However, I can’t stop now. The decision is made. To move forward, I must accept both the responsibility and the risks.

A solid foundation is needed to support it, something so unreachable that no one would dare challenge it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

***

I headed for the shower to get ready. The hands of the wall clock already pointed to eight.

Inside the office of the academy director.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Even though they remained seated, their mere presence made the air in the room feel physically heavy. The atmosphere was so oppressive that an ordinary person would have had difficulty breathing.

To her right was the Sword Master Siegfried, and to her left, Altair, the head of the Auditore family.

Around a large central table, three imposing figures were seated. In the center, with the window behind her, sat the wise Media.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, that’s correct. It seems he convinced the council of elders. Furthermore, the demon incident during the midterm exams was also his doing.”

“So, Altair, you’re saying all of this started because of that Cladi among the elders?”

Amid the tense silence, Media broke the ice, fixing her cold gaze on Altair.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“It’s too early to confirm; we only started the investigation a couple of days ago.”

Altair responded formally. Despite being known as the “Old Man of the Mountain,” he was two years younger than Media.

“And the attack during the final exams? Is it related?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“We reviewed Cladi’s financial records and discovered that he hired the Undertakers, those human butchers specialized in clean-up jobs.”

“Additionally, we have reports that they were last seen near the port close to Avalon Island.”

“Undertakers? Those damned hitmen?”

Altair added more details.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Media’s face filled with rage. The cups on the table trembled, and an overwhelming murderous aura emanated from her, so oppressive it seemed to suffocate the air.

“Even on Avalon Island…?”

Crash!

Finally, one of the cups Siegfried was holding shattered. Siegfried observed the shards for a moment before letting out a sigh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“…You think I have a reason to calm down? What should I do, drink tea like you? I’m an educator. It’s my duty to protect all the cadets in this academy. But now, it turns out that one of the academy’s inner figures, an elder no less, is a traitor.”

Siegfried placed the broken handle of the cup on the table with a dry sound. His expression hardened as he spoke in a low, firm voice.

“Media, control yourself a little.”

Her tone was devoid of any hint of humor or lightness, and her gaze was as cold as her fury was intense. The air in the room was tense, like a string stretched to its limit.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried paused and directed his gaze toward Media, gesturing toward Altair, whose face was just as grim.

“…”

Media couldn’t help but fall silent.

“You’re not the only one who’s angry. Did you forget that my granddaughter is also a cadet at this academy? And besides…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Until now, their patience had held thanks to their superhuman self-control, but even that had its limits.

It wasn’t just Media who was furious; these two men, both fathers of students, were also holding back a rage they could barely contain.

Siegfried’s granddaughter, Abel, was also a student at Joaquin Academy and had been injured during the midterms.

Siegfried looked at Altair and asked.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Understood.”

“Using the Auditore family’s resources, we gathered evidence for two months and verified it multiple times. We’re ready to act immediately without any issues.”

“Do you have enough evidence?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

Knock, knock.

“This night…”

For a moment, there was deadly silence. Then, a wave of killing intent emanated from Siegfried, causing the books on the shelves to shake violently before falling to the floor.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

The tense atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by that voice, leaving the three momentarily perplexed.

From the other side of the door, the voice sounded again, clear and firm.

Just as Siegfried was about to speak, the sound of knocking echoed at the door.

“Director, sorry for the interruption, but I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

A cold chill swept across Speedweapon’s face from inside, making him shudder.

“I am Kang Geom-Ma.”

When Kang Geom-Ma identified himself, the door to the director’s office opened.

* * *

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“What are you doing? Let’s go in.”

As he broke into a cold sweat, Kang Geom-Ma gestured with his head, as if nothing was happening, and said,

He was already stiff from the tension, but now he felt like he couldn’t breathe.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

But what shocked him the most was the presence of those seated on the sofas.

Upon entering the office, Speedweapon’s eyes widened. The disorder was evident—books scattered across the floor, fresh cracks in the walls and floor.

Kang Geom-Ma walked in calmly despite the heavy atmosphere, and Speedweapon, after wetting his dry lips, followed him.

“Ah, y-yeah… okay.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Our Geom-Ma! What brings you here?”

Media, with a mix of discomfort and surprise on her face, asked,

“I had some free time, so I came to report on what happened during the final exams and relay some important matters.”

Media, as the director, was there, which was expected. But also present were the Sword Master Siegfried and an old man who exuded an overwhelming presence that was difficult to put into words.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“D-Does the director really know my name?”

“Ah, I see. And… the friend with you, is he… Speedweapon? The member of the exploration club!”

Speedweapon was genuinely shocked, stammering as Media smiled warmly.

“I like to learn the names of the academy’s students when I have time. Even if I don’t see their faces often, I am the director, aren’t I? They spend three years here, and it would be shameful not to know their names. Though, of course, my memory fails me sometimes.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Hey, Siegfried! Is that something you say in front of students?”

“And didn’t you embarrass me in front of them earlier?”

“That just shows you’re getting old, Media,” Siegfried chimed in, waiting for the perfect moment to throw his jab.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Media called me urgently, so I came on a private flight last night.”

As Media and Siegfried bickered, Kang Geom-Ma turned to Altair and remarked,

“Look at this shameless man! How can you be so petty even with all that gray in your hair?”

“I thought you had returned to Sicily.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“…The Auditores have private planes?”

“Of course. Don’t you have one?”

Kang Geom-Ma didn’t answer, but he clicked his tongue slightly. Altair let out a hearty laugh, and suddenly, his eyes gleamed as he said,

“……”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Ha-ha! It’s a compliment, kid, a compliment.”

“…That’s an insult.”

“By the way, your gaze has improved quite a bit these days. You’re definitely one of us.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

His surprise quickly turned into anxiety as he remembered why he was there. Kang Geom-Ma had asked him to explain everything in his place.

As Kang Geom-Ma and Altair exchanged words, Speedweapon was left speechless. That cheerful old man was Altair, the head of the Auditore family? He couldn’t believe it.

Although he initially accepted because it was a rare opportunity to be near the imposing Media, he hadn’t expected to give a presentation in front of such an intimidating group.

His hands trembled slightly, and his eyes darted around, searching for an escape.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“Just do it like always, Speedweapon.”

But then, Kang Geom-Ma shot him a look and gave him a few light pats on the shoulder.

Kang Geom-Ma’s words calmed Speedweapon. His erratic gaze steadied, and the sound of his frantic heartbeat began to subside.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“If you put it that way, president, I’ll do it.”

This gesture caught everyone’s attention, directing their gazes toward him.

Kang Geom-Ma gave a faint smile at Speedweapon’s determined response and then cleared his throat forcefully.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

“My friend here will explain everything to you in detail.”

He swallowed to moisten his dry throat, cleared it a little more, and began preparing himself.

Hearing those words, Speedweapon tilted his head slightly and stepped forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 100: Resolution (3) by Indra Translations.

And so, it began.

“I will begin the explanation.”

Speedweapon took a deep breath, summoning his courage, and finally spoke.