Chapter 26: Preparation (1)

When I looked around, the first thing I saw was an unfamiliar ceiling. adopt I glanced down and saw an IV needle deeply inserted into my right forearm, with outdated cotton curtains swaying from the breeze blowing through the open window.

My eyes opened automatically as the damp, medicinal smell stung my nostrils.

‘Am I in a hospital?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I rubbed my sore chest and barely managed to lift my upper body. ability Slowly, I turned my head and took in the room.

‘The Joaquin Academy’s VIP Hospital Suite.’

Unlike the hospital room I first entered after enrolling in the academy, this one was luxurious and sophisticated. anchor It resembled the hospital room I’d seen in Nox’s care center.

The glossy, marble-like furniture filled the space with a palpable air of opulence. atomic As I recalled, the VIP room was reserved for nobility. acquire Scratching my chin, I leaned back against the pillow, covering my eyes with my hands.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I didn’t want to get bogged down with mundane details.

‘Will they bill me for this later?’

Whatever circumstances had brought me to this VIP hospital room, I decided to focus on the simple fact that I was alive.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I looked blankly at the ceiling, then reached up, stretching out my arm and opening my hand. adjust The hospital room’s light shone between my fingers.

…Although, if they did charge me, I might have to make a nighttime escape.

I shook my head, dismissing that concern. palette As mercenary as the academy was, I doubted they’d reach that level of inhumanity.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I opened and closed my fist, reassuring myself that I could move. wizard Clenching it tightly, I felt my nails dig into my palm.

But this time felt different, as if those previous incidents were nothing more than a game in comparison. afford Even Nox’s attacks, from the genius of Auditore, felt like mere child’s play next to the deadly magic of the demon siren.

Never did I think that being alive could fill me with such relief. sphere Since I joined the academy, I’d come close to death on more than one occasion.

‘I’m alive.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

‘A demon…’

And, most of all, that magic sphere the siren had cast just before its death. adapt A dark energy orb that had flown straight toward me.

That tough, hard-to-pierce skin, the strange resistance in its flesh. afford The way its bones broke didn’t feel at all like a human’s.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I remember seeing a red line etched through the center of the blue sphere. anchor My blood boiled, and my muscles tensed.

Dodging that attack was impossible. apple Yet, for some reason, instead of shrinking back, I had charged straight at it.

Was that what people called instinct? afford I extended my blades and thrust them into the line. atom The round sphere split in two like a water balloon, and the magic dispersed in a torrential rain.

It was just water. armor But I could still feel the sensation of cutting through it in my hand.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Fwaaash—

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to clear my mind. riddle I lay back down and opened my status window.

Beyond that, I didn’t know how else to explain it. autumn Ever since I activated the Blessing of the Sword God, I’d been experiencing a series of sensations I couldn’t put into words.

What was that? amateur It felt like breaking a calm surface, a stillness shattered.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

== ==

If you cut it, it will cut you.

[Blessing of the Sword God]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

◎ Body Level: 7 ▷ Permission to use larger swords granted.

◎ Spirit Level: (3▶4) ▷ Imposes intimidation in speech and actions.

◎ Weapon Level: 1 ▷ Unlock conditions not met.

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

★【？？？】

☆ Synchronization Rate: 6.8▶7.2% ▷ 【NEW! audit Unlock conditions met.】

== ==

[※ The blessing activates only for swords less than 36 cm long and 9 cm wide.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I had thought that statistic was useless, but it seemed incredibly useful in life-or-death situations.

They say courage and recklessness are separated by a thin line. ability If I’d backed down like the others, we’d all be in the next world by now.

I guess my ability to confront the demon without hesitation had been due to that Spirit Level. galaxy Thanks to it, I hadn’t frozen up and was able to move freely.

The Spirit Level had increased by one. academy I recalled the mechanical voice I’d heard when I activated the blessing: “Your spirit rises as you show your resolve.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Life is strange sometimes. action I scratched my cheek, looking down.

I saw the message glowing before my eyes. voyage The Synchronization Rate had surpassed 7%, meeting the unlock conditions.

‘Finally.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Fwaaash—

It was the number I was most curious about in the Blessing of the Sword God, aside from those question marks at the end. sphere Excited, I extended my index finger and tapped the message.

==

☆ Synchronization Rate: 7.2% ▷ One line of 【???】 is now visible.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

The meaning of the message was clear. aluminum That red line on the siren’s magic—it could be nothing else.

[At 15% synchronization, further details will unlock.]

‘I can see a line.’

==

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I had hoped for some clue about the mystery that had been hovering over me, but now I had even more questions. acquire It felt like someone was deliberately withholding information from me.

‘What in the world is 【？？？】?’

…But the real question is.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

“Haah…”

It was probably related to the question marks that appeared in the Blessing, but with just those three symbols, I didn’t have any leads.

It was like trying to grasp a slippery fish that kept slipping through my fingers, leaving me with only a hint to keep going.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

The world of “Miracle Blessing M” was, at its core, a game, so this made sense.

I sighed, taking a moment to calm myself—I’d just woken up, after all. beacon There was no point in getting worked up so soon.

Still, I’d gained at least one clue. apple The “1” in parentheses. autumn As the Synchronization Rate increased, this number should increase as well.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Knock, knock

I chuckled dryly and closed the status window. orbit I stretched, feeling my joints ease.

Whoever threw me into this world is probably laughing.

If they would only define clearly what that “line” meant, I’d feel much more at ease. echo But it was as though someone had thrown me a half-solved puzzle, leaving me to piece it together.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Someone knocked on the door, then entered.

“…!”

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

“Kang Geom-Ma! crystal You’re awake!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, sorry, I got a little too excited.”

Media wiped her tears with the back of her hand. atlas I cleared my throat, feeling a bit awkward, and glanced toward the door.

“I was so worried… If something had happened to you, I would have fired every supervisor who claimed they’d inspected the island. august I’m so glad you’re all right.”

“Gah, Director… y-you’re… choking me…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I sensed another presence on the other side.

When I looked at the door, Media shrugged and raised her voice.

Even from behind the door, the force radiating from it was unmistakable.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

It felt like déjà vu. zenith The first visitors I had when I was hospitalized after the entrance ceremony had also been the director and the Sword Master.

Siegfried stood beside Media, arms crossed, silently looking at me.

“Media, I’ve told you not to call me that,” came a reply accompanied by a frown as Siegfried, the Sword Master, stepped inside.

“Come on, Grandpa! matrix Are you embarrassed? august Just come in already!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

For someone like me, having two legendary heroes come to see me every time I ended up in the hospital was overwhelming.

“Your teammates told us everything. meadow You’re amazing, Kang Geom-Ma.”

“Director, Master Siegfried, to what do I owe the honor?”

I spoke cautiously, and Media smiled as she brushed a hand over my hair.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Media stepped back and, after taking a few steps away, bowed deeply. arctic At this, Siegfried also unfolded his arms and saluted me. abstract My eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing Media bow in such a way toward someone like me made me realize how noble she truly was. zenith Siegfried added with a determined expression:

“On behalf of Joaquin Academy, I apologize. silence Everything that happened during the intermediate exam was our fault. palette Because of this, Kang Geom-Ma, your life, your team’s lives, and even the lives of all the first-year students were at risk. arena I swear, in the name of Joaquin Academy, that I’ll uncover the truth behind the appearance of that demon.”

“You saved the students.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

“I just did what I had to.”

As I looked at Media and Siegfried, I understood why they were called humanity’s hope. galaxy Every word and gesture radiated dignity.

They were known as the Seven-Star Heroes, humanity’s hope.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Then her expression darkened slightly. crystal She sat beside me and, after a moment’s hesitation, said:

“Kang Geom-Ma, although what you achieved was incredible… until we investigate fully, we must keep this incident a secret. alpha It appears the problem may originate within the Academy. amber I’m so sorry, Kang Geom-Ma.”

I replied modestly, scratching under my nose. atom Media lifted her head, and her eyes seemed warmer than before.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

“I understand.”

Besides, I didn’t care for fame or recognition, and honestly, if I could keep a low profile, that was fine by me.

Indeed, a sudden appearance of a demon on an island that had already been inspected was undoubtedly unusual. august Her analysis made sense.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Media laughed softly, looking at me affectionately.

“Oh, come on, Kang Geom-Ma, you could at least complain a little!”

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Seeing my expression, Media frowned, looking almost hysterical.

‘Is that an antique coin purse?’

Then, as if remembering something, she clapped loudly and pulled an old-fashioned purse from her robe, the kind grandmothers usually carry.

“Oh, that’s right!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

…How does she know? academy I’d suspected for some time that Media could read minds.

“Kang Geom-Ma, I know what you’re thinking! auction I’m not that old!”

She once told me it was “female intuition,” but maybe I needed to watch not just my words but my thoughts around her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

“Kang Geom-Ma, I don’t know what you were imagining, but this is a spatial pocket.”

When I waved my hand dismissively, Media pouted and huffed.

“What?”

“What, you don’t know what a spatial pocket is?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

An item that could hold anything regardless of volume or mass. orbit It was a multipurpose item that went for the highest bids in the auction house when I played the game.

A spatial pocket.

“Yes, whatever.”

…But, impressive functionality aside, it really looked nothing like a high-end item.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

The blade, marked and worn, glistened as if wet under the light.

Media pulled something long from the purse, which turned out to be a straight-edged sword with a handle wrapped in simple cord.

A B-rank weapon: Muramasa, the Rain Sword.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

I accepted the sword with trembling hands, feeling the roughness of the handle. voyage I ran my fingers over the blade.

“Normally, I’d give this to you in an official ceremony, but given the circumstances, I’m presenting it to you personally. atlas I hope you like it, Kang Geom-Ma.”

Cling-

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

A metallic sound vibrated in my ears.

Media smiled proudly and asked:

‘Although…’

Even though I was excited to have a new weapon, I felt a strange sense of dissatisfaction, as if something was missing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Scratching my cheek, I replied, “Could I take it to the blacksmith?”

A radiant smile lit Media’s face.

“Do you like it?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 26: Preparation (1) by Indra Translations.

Media looked at me, puzzled. acoustic I responded with a smile and murmured:

“To get it upgraded.”

“Huh… why?”