Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2)

Because there was a Demon King.

Why were heroes needed? advance The answer was simple:

Joaquin Academy. galaxy The official motto of this school was the training of heroes.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

The fact that Kang Geom-Ma managed to get accepted on merit alone was something praiseworthy, but… why did I have to be the one who ended up in his place, when all I wanted was a peaceful life?

However, in reality, the academy was more of a place where the children of corrupt elites could network among themselves.

The academy’s founder and ancestral hero, Balor Joaquín, left behind a legacy of training new heroes, which served as a good excuse.

Even so, its reputation wasn’t entirely undeserved, as it was also the best educational institution in the world. matrix This made many merit-based students dream of getting in. adopt As a result, the competition was fierce.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

It seemed like a waste of time listening to boring speeches, so I preferred to use my time more efficiently and explore the academy where I’d spend the next three years. audit Besides, there was still an hour left before the class placement test. artist I had plenty of time.

“…It’s impressive.”

That’s why I skipped the entrance ceremony.

As expected of an academy attended by the children of the upper class, the size was enormous.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

I sat down on a bench in the shade of a tree.

In fact, the campus looked more like a small city than an academy.

The most impressive structure was the main building, whose top was barely visible even when tilting my head all the way back, as if it were the Tower of Babel reaching the clouds.

The buildings that filled the area were also pleasing to the eye. arch The Victorian-style annexes were neatly aligned, and the landscape was beautifully designed, as if the gardener had been working tirelessly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Watching the cotton-like clouds float by, I realized how much I missed nicotine to ease the tension in my neck.

I rested my head on my arm and leaned back on the bench, letting the gentle spring breeze carry the fragrance of the season. accent The scene felt like something straight out of a youth drama, which made me smile.

Setting aside the fact that I was now a student, cigarettes didn’t even exist in this world. apple And well, in a game focused on an academy setting, it would be pretty jarring to see teenagers smoking everywhere.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

When the kind of situation I had seen so many times on TV and in comics became my reality, I had to face a harsh fate at the age of seventeen.

I dropped out of school and started working at a Japanese restaurant. armor It wasn’t because I had a grand dream or vision—it was just that the restaurant was close to home.

Come to think of it, I didn’t have many fond memories of my teenage years in my previous life. album My family, who had lived relatively well, went bankrupt when my father co-signed a loan he couldn’t repay.

My eyelids grew heavy from the spring breeze, so I closed my eyes for a moment.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

They used to call me the best swordsman in the country, haha.

I slowly opened my eyes halfway and checked the time.

At the age when I should have been holding a pencil, I was holding a knife. portal Perhaps at that time, I envied kids my age, but eventually, I grew more accustomed to the smell of fish than that of ink.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

I brushed off my regrets, put on my backpack, and got ready.

Although I would have liked to take a nap under the sun, I remembered my parents’ faces, who had paid the exorbitant tuition without complaint, and got up.

There were 30 minutes left until the placement test. adjust It felt like I had just closed my eyes for a second, but time had flown by.

I had already left my suitcase, full of clothes and essentials, in the dorm as soon as I arrived.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“It’s a test, after all. matrix I should get used to them.”

In this backpack, I carried a few 5 kg weights and the set of knives I had hurriedly bought.

After having worked with knives for nearly 20 years, I wondered if my skills had rusted after a year of inactivity.

I thought back to how, since arriving in this world, I hadn’t used a knife, not even for washing dishes.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Of course, I never slept with a knife. absorb What if I accidentally stabbed myself?

“Never stop holding the knife, not even for a day. ability Sleep with it in your hand. arrow Understood?”

I remembered one of the phrases from my first master.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

It was just a figure of speech.

Holding the knife’s handle after so long washed away any feelings of unease.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

I opened the package and pulled out a kitchen knife.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Considering the price, the craftsmanship wasn’t bad, and I quite liked the wooden sheath.

The clear, crisp ring brought me fully back to my senses.

I turned the knife in various directions to examine it. alert I ran my fingers over the handle and then partially unsheathed it to hear the sound of metal, lightly tapping the blade with my nail.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

I smiled in satisfaction, and just as I decided to cut a nearby leaf with the shiny blade, a message appeared with a bright sound.

Considering I bought it on sale, I was satisfied. album If it hit something hard like a bone, the blade would wear out quickly, but for the price, it was great.

“It’s better than I expected.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

[The weapon meets the conditions.]

“What? action Where did this come from?”

[Your body’s level is too low.]

[The Blessing of the God of the Sword has manifested.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Ziiiiing―

[Syncing with the user through containment force.]

[The weapon’s level is too low.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

After the final message, another appeared.

[Synchronization is complete.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

A soft female voice whispered in my ear.

《May the blessing of the gods be with you.》

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“Aaaaaargh!”

The intensity of the pain multiplied endlessly, repeating infinitely. acid In a matter of seconds, it felt as if a flood of information, far beyond what a human could process, was being forced into my mind.

The smell of burning flesh overwhelmed my senses, and the burning sensation in my brain spread to my forehead. silence I couldn’t even scream because of the intensity of the pain.

Then, a searing pain, as if someone were branding my brain with hot metal, coursed through my body.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

‘!?’

My vision turned bluish, as if someone had poured paint into my eyes. alpha The scene before me was shattered like a broken mirror, with red cracks resembling chains running through the world. atom The fragments of the shattered space floated in the air.

I thought I might actually die, and with one last effort, I opened my eyes, which felt as though they were weighed down by something heavy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

I dropped the knife, overwhelmed by a sudden loss of strength, and instantly, the broken world reconstructed itself as if nothing had happened.

After a few seconds, my breathing stabilized, and my blood flow returned to normal.

“…Damn it, what was that?”

I clutched my head, which felt like it was going to burst, and collapsed to the ground. arcade It felt as if someone had torn apart my brain. riddle My limbs trembled uncontrollably.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

It was an indescribable pain, beyond any concept of suffering, and something I never wanted to experience again. arena The “Blessing of Insensitivity” usually left me with mild muscle aches, but this…

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

It seems like the “Blessing of the God of the Sword” had some peculiar trait, but if this happened every time I activated it, I wouldn’t be able to use it ever again.

If instead of just a brief glimpse, I had activated it for longer, I might not have survived.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

I had thought that with such a grand name, this blessing would be a gift, but now it seemed more like a curse.

‘Sound check, one, two. riddle Attention, please.’

And I still didn’t know what it actually did. abandon What exactly was the “Blessing of the God of the Sword”? riddle All I had seen was a broken world reflected in my eyes.

As I recovered, trembling, I heard a distorted voice in my ears.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

When I came to my senses, 20 minutes had already passed. shadow I hurriedly gathered the things scattered on the ground from my convulsions.

A loud voice rang in my eardrums.

‘In exactly 10 minutes, the class placement test will be held in the training grounds in front of the main building. canvas All students must attend.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

But what if this only happened the first time?

I hesitated for a long moment about whether I should pick up the knife I had unsheathed.

With that hope, I cautiously reached out.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

* * *

It wasn’t just the first time.

“Aaaaargh!!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

A rotund middle-aged man timidly approached a white-haired man.

“Ha, ha… It’s an honor to have you here, Master of the Sword.”

The training grounds, surrounded by circular stands, resembled the Roman Colosseum. apple The place was packed with spectators who had come to witness the first official event of the world’s top hero training academy.

Among them, the upper section was reserved as VIP seating for people of noble lineage.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried von Nibelung, known as the Sword Emperor.

“…”

Siegfried von Nibelung. palette Descendant of Aaron Nibelung, the main disciple of the founding hero Balor Joaquín, and current leader of the Nibelung family. anchor A man blessed by the heavens, considered the strongest among humans.

There was no response.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Hah.”

“Haha… Well then, enjoy your time here.”

The man hurriedly returned to his seat, his belly bouncing with each step.

His golden eyes, bright and commanding, glanced at the rotund man, who immediately began to sweat.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Someone approached him from the opposite side.

“Oh, Siegfried, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

A sigh escaped Siegfried’s lips. autumn He had come to the entrance ceremony of his only granddaughter, but being surrounded by people filled with such racial arrogance made his stomach churn. timber His white eyebrows furrowed as he observed the presumptuous attitudes of those dishonoring the glory of their ancestors.

A woman with long, green hair that cascaded down to her waist, dressed only in a dark robe that resembled a bathrobe. august Her mint-green eyes and voluptuous figure, accentuated by a plunging neckline, drew everyone’s gaze.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“External appearance doesn’t matter to me. adopt What matters in a person is their heart.”

“Even until the day we die, a woman always wants to look young and beautiful, don’t you think? armor If you want, just say the word, and I can make you look ten years younger with my blessing.”

“Ah, Media, it’s you. absorb I told you not to call me that. alert And besides, you’re the headmaster of the academy—what kind of outfit is that? acid Haven’t you learned anything in seventy years?”

Siegfried clicked his tongue, his eyebrows knitting even more, but Medea simply laughed seductively and gave him a light jab to the side.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“And it seems you still haven’t matured, even after half a century.”

“Hmph, enough of that. alpha What can I say to an old man whose black hair has completely dried up?”

“Huff, what an old fossil. riddle You haven’t changed at all in fifty years.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

She scoffed in response and sat down next to Siegfried.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“Anyway, Siegfried, you’ve changed a lot.”

“…And is that coming from someone who’s about to turn seventy?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“What do you mean?”

Siegfried remained silent.

“You would’ve never come to a place like this. accent You were always unable to adapt, saying you didn’t want to mingle with people like that.”

Media nodded toward the plump man chatting in the distance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, please! crystal And why not? attic Look at my appearance, my figure, and besides, I’m the headmaster of the prestigious Joaquín Academy. harbor Where would you find a woman like me?”

Media slightly lifted her black robe, revealing her soft, pale skin.

“Your granddaughter must be quite cute. crystal Maybe I should get married too. silence Start a family, have some children…”

“You?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried muttered seriously.

“Pregnancy at your age wouldn’t be healthy.”

“…As a fellow warrior, let me tell you something.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

The petty argument continued for several minutes, and Media, exhausted, slumped back into her seat.

Media, her face flushed, grabbed him by the collar, but Siegfried just let out a dry laugh.

“How will the rank assignment test go this year?”

“You damn bastard! atomic Do you want to die?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“Do I look like one of those idiots who takes bribes? arctic In a fair educational institution, it’s only normal not to know the details of the test until the day of the event.”

“What? silence You don’t know that either?”

Media raised her voice in response to Siegfried’s question, making his brow furrow even more.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ha—bastard. artist Well, you’re right. admire As usual, rumors spread among the hero families, but I’ll have to correct them in my generation.”

“This year, the test will be a battle royale. adapt The students will be divided into groups of ten, and they’ll be evaluated based on how long they can survive.”

Media’s nails tapped on the armrest.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“I know.”

A momentary silence. agent Media crossed her legs, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know what a battle royale is.”

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

“Then say it. armor If you don’t, I’ll start calling you old for real.”

“Battle and royal. autumn It’s… the king’s game that’s popular among university students.”

Siegfried replied in a low voice, occasionally clearing his throat as if to buy time.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

As the two giants exchanged words, an announcement echoed throughout the stadium.

“…Idiot.”

[The exam is about to begin. acoustic Cadets, please prepare your weapons.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 2: Experts Don’t Blame Their Equipment (2) by Indra Translations.

A buzzer rang, signaling the start of the test.