Chapter 27: Preparation (2)

The sound of their footsteps echoed along the corridor’s floor.

Their steps reverberated in the hallway as the warm orange glow of sunset cast its light across their faces. galaxy Walking ahead, Media suddenly stopped, causing Siegfried to pause beside her.

Siegfried and Media left the hospital room.

Tap, tap.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Through the glass, the main building of Joaquin Academy loomed tall, piercing the clouds as if watching over the entire academy. adjust Media lifted a finger, pointing outside.

“…Siegfried, do you remember? riddle When we first came to this academy, you were sprawled out on that wooden bench. atlas When I asked you to move, you drew your sword without thinking. harbor You said something about not taking orders from anyone. adapt Honestly, don’t you think you went a bit overboard with that rebellious streak?”

Media turned her head toward the window.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried shrugged with feigned indifference, and Media smiled softly. sphere Her mint-colored eyes shimmered with a hint of nostalgia.

Siegfried stroked his chin and nodded, a glint of nostalgia also flickering in his golden eyes.

“It feels like it was just yesterday when we joined this academy, yet here I am, after 60 years. zenith When I graduated, I thought I’d never set foot here again. amber Funny how life works, isn’t it? academy In the end, living a long life shows you just about everything.”

“I don’t remember that.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“What’s interesting is that, though I’ve been here for more than 60 years, that doesn’t even cover a tenth of Joaquin Academy’s history. athlete It was already an ancient institution when we joined. adapt What a vast legacy. arch Through ups and downs, the academy has nurtured and protected its students for 700 years. aluminum But…”

Although Joaquin Academy has now become a hub for elites and nobles, it was here that he met comrades with whom he overcame countless challenges.

It was a place he could neither fully love nor hate.

Memories, after all, are meant to be shared.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Although sightings of siren demons on the island were rare, numerous expeditions had been conducted carefully.

A vein on her temple pulsed, and a crack appeared in the window beside her, spreading like a web. album The air turned cold.

Media bit her lower lip, falling silent. antique The nostalgic look faded from her face, replaced by a somber expression. armor Her jade-green hair caught the light, rippling like waves in the air.

Before the midterm exam, the instructors had reported that they’d already scouted Scopuli Island.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

It was an unprecedented incident in the academy’s history. antique It should never have happened. armor As director of Joaquin Academy, Media could only bear the responsibility.

“…”

Even so, all that effort had been in vain, and the students’ lives were endangered by a demon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried knew what Media was feeling just by looking at the slight tremor in her hands. adopt Although she had an eccentric demeanor, her care for her students was sincere, and her commitment to their education unbreakable.

“I’m sorry, I got a bit carried away.”

Siegfried patted Media’s shoulder. alpha Her hair, which had been floating like a specter, settled gently, returning to its light green hue.

They had been together for more than half a century, and over time, they had learned to understand each other through silence alone. meadow But at this rate, every window in the hospital would end up shattered.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried frowned. academy He exhaled a soft sigh and murmured to himself.

“But, Siegfried, don’t you think Geom-Ma is amazing? autumn He defeated a demon siren all by himself! matrix What do you think?”

Media scratched her cheek, visibly embarrassed, and smiled. amber Then, eager to change the subject, she started praising Kang Geom-Ma with enthusiasm.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

There was no other way to put it.

In the past, terms like “unmatched genius” and “gifted of his time” had been used, but those names had shone only briefly before fading away, like shooting stars. athlete In heroic families, they rushed to call any child who showed a hint of talent a “genius,” using the term too freely.

‘A natural talent.’

Siegfried had never used it lightly, not even with his own granddaughter, Abel.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

He was already a man of seventy, while Geom-Ma was only in his teens.

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

But in Kang Geom-Ma’s case, the term “genius” seemed tailor-made. apple Siegfried chuckled quietly to himself. autumn He wondered just how far Kang Geom-Ma might go as he gained experience.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Finally, after a moment of reflection, he broke the silence.

Various thoughts crossed Siegfried’s mind.

“I’ll be spending some time at the academy, Media.”

Perhaps that boy would one day reach “that dimension” Siegfried had dreamed of all his life.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

That gleam was the look of a swordsman craving challenge.

But Siegfried’s golden eyes shone like the midday sun.

Media looked at him with wide eyes. apron For the elderly man who had always preferred the solitude of Nibelung to say such a thing was surprising.

Seeing his expression, Media’s eyes curved into a crescent as she nodded.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

At that moment, the crack in the window vanished as if it had never been there at all.

With her hands clasped behind her back and humming a tune, Media continued walking with a light step.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

I glanced at the plaque on the door and slowly stepped inside.

I found myself standing before the door to the Wolf class’s classroom.

Upon leaving the hospital, the first thing I did was head to the academy’s forge to reforge and enhance the Murasame sword, my reward for the midterm exam.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

It may sound a bit arrogant, but perhaps it was thanks to my battle with the siren demon that my classmates could laugh and chat so freely now.

The students were chatting animatedly. anchor Noticing my presence, a few of them shot me a quick look before returning to their conversations. abandon Just as the director had said, it seemed the fact that I’d defeated the demon on Scopuli Island had been kept under wraps.

“Geom-Ma!”

I walked through the classroom to my usual seat in the third row at the back. anxiety The warm sunlight was streaming in, brushing my face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

Clack, clack.

“Chloe! avalanche What happened to you?”

A familiar voice called from the back of the class. adjust I turned my head.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“Huh, well… this is how I am now. advance But, thanks to the first aid from ‘Mr. absorb Speed Weapon,’ the doctor said I’d be walking without crutches in about a week.”

With a confident attitude, she gave a light thump to her chest with her fist. abandon She seemed stronger and more self-assured; it was as if she’d somehow matured.

Chloe hobbled over with effort, using crutches. afford The crutches, wedged under her arms, were a bit too tall for her, making her shoulders scrunch up awkwardly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

…Thinking back, I realized that the protagonist, Leon, actually hadn’t done much.

‘Maybe he just got lucky with that first blow.’

It hadn’t just been my effort. palette Although I defeated the demon, my teammates had each fulfilled their roles flawlessly: Chloe had gone for help, Rachel had held her ground against dozens of enemies, and Speed Weapon had provided healing support.

I was beginning to wonder if he could even hope to defeat the Demon King. echo With his current record, I doubted he’d even make it past one of the demon generals’ minions.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

I wanted to pat her on the head, but if I did it in the middle of the classroom, the male cadets would likely start whistling. arrow I let my hand drop and smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Chloe. riddle I survived thanks to you getting help.”

I found it endearing and burst out laughing.

As I tilted my head, lost in thought, Chloe looked up at me with bright eyes, practically wagging an invisible tail like a puppy seeking praise.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“I got lucky. crystal I almost didn’t make it.”

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

“What’s really impressive is that you defeated a demon all on your own!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

She filled me in on what had happened while I was in the hospital: the cost of the VIP room had been split among the team members, and rumors of a dispute between Director Media and the academy’s Elder Council over increased security were circulating.

Chloe scratched her head, her cheeks turning pink.

“…You’re amazing.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

It seemed a lot had happened during that week of recovery. arcade As I listened and nodded, the classroom door suddenly burst open.

Instructor Lee Won-Bin commanded the students to settle down with a tone more tense than usual. agent Sweat beaded on his bald head, dripping down his neck.

“Quiet and take your seats!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

As the room quieted, Instructor Lee cleared his throat, casting a nervous glance down the hallway while wiping his head with a handkerchief. arcade The light gleamed off his bald scalp.

“Let me introduce the new co-instructor for the Wolf class.”

“Before we start the morning exercises, I have an announcement.”

A hint of discomfort flickered in his eyes, and his rigid tone made the students sense that this wasn’t just any announcement.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

A man entered the classroom. palette Every student’s mouth dropped open, some exclaiming in surprise.

The man clapped Lee Won-Bin on the back and stepped to the front of the class. armor Lee, looking tense, tried to stay by his side but eventually backed up a few steps.

He finished his introduction and immediately rushed to greet the newcomer, bowing deeply in respect. adjust His manner was unusually formal.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“That wouldn’t be appropriate between colleagues.”

“You can just call me Won-Bin, Mr. riddle Siegfried!”

“For a time, alongside Instructor Lee Won-Bin, I’ll be the acting instructor for the Wolf class. apron My name is Siegfried von Nibelung.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

The classroom erupted into whispers. matrix Amid the rising excitement, I was the only one who remained motionless, processing what was happening.

“Y-yes, sir.”

Blushing, Instructor Lee bowed his head respectfully.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

***

‘…Why is he here?’

Night had fallen heavily over Joaquin Academy.

The moon was hidden behind dark clouds, and the lights of the academy barely pierced through the misty night, casting an eerie atmosphere.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’m sorry.”

In the shadows, a man and a woman spoke in secret. atom This scene was far from romantic; rather, the woman was repeatedly slapping the man.

Slap!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

The blow was so fierce his head jerked to the side. acoustic The man held back his fury and the humiliation that surged within him. arena He had no other choice.

Whack!

The woman, smiling, pointed to his left cheek with her index finger, and the man obediently offered his other cheek.

The middle-aged man with graying hair lowered his head, trying hard not to touch his burning right cheek.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

He timidly lifted his eyes toward the woman. arrow Her gleaming purple hair seemed to emit an ominous glow in the mist, and her figure was commanding.

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

She was munching on a bag of gummy worms, licking her fingers before wiping her hand on the man’s shoulder.

‘If I don’t hold back…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“Why couldn’t you do your job properly? album You make everything so troublesome. arcade Isn’t that right, Elder?”

In rank, this man held a position that would normally spare him such treatment. agent The woman gave him a contemptuous look before speaking in a lazy voice.

‘Damn it,’ he thought bitterly, not daring to raise his head.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“If you say ‘I’m sorry’ one more time… you know what will happen, right?”

“My apologies, Instructor Kim.”

“And all you’re going to say is ‘I’m sorry’? auction You need to take responsibility. orbit Isn’t it a simple enough task to bring me Leon half-dead? sphere Even after sending a siren demon for the job? adjust Thanks to your incompetence, that wretched Siegfried is now stationed at the academy.”

“…I apologize.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

She tapped his forehead with her index finger.

“By the way, did you bring what I asked for?”

The middle-aged man looked on the verge of tears. atomic The instructor, showing no mercy, popped another gummy into her mouth.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“A-actually…” The man hesitated, nervous under her cold gaze.

“Just say it. arcade You know I hate being kept waiting.”

“Yes, I have it.”

“It’s still hard to believe. armor That a siren demon was defeated during a first-year exam… Although, with this year’s students, nothing seems impossible.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“Then who? academy Tell me already, don’t make me wait!”

“No, someone else.”

“Leon?”

“It was defeated by a single student.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“The commander of the Fifth Corps is furious over this. beacon There won’t be a next time, understood?”

At last, the instructor smiled, leaning in close and whispering in his ear.

Her violet eyes widened in shock. anxiety The man, fearful, watched as she processed the news.

“It was Kang Geom-Ma, the top student in this year’s class.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“I… I’m sor—” He barely choked back the words and hurried away.

She gave him a wink, and he bit his lip, trembling with fear.

“You may go now. ability I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“…!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“Kang Geom-Ma…”

Fwoosh!

The instructor watched a violet flame dance in her palm, its light reflected in her eyes.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 27: Preparation (2) by Indra Translations.

“This is going to be fun after such a long time.”

After murmuring his name, she extinguished the flame and smiled wickedly.

The gummy bag in her hand had reduced to a piece of charcoal, giving off a sickly sweet, burnt smell.