Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1)

Being selected as a representative of the academy was, without a doubt, an honor for any family.

Being designated as a representative was something one could take pride in for a lifetime—in front of classmates, family, and oneself.

The mere fact of having been accepted into Joaquin was already enough reason to gather all the relatives and hold a grand celebration.

Even more so in a noble society where honor is more valuable than money.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

[“He said to do your best.”]

“Excuse me, today is the day of the event. attic Has His Majesty said anything…?”

The princess held the phone weakly in one hand, but in her voice there was still a faint glimmer of hope.

It was something that would be mentioned for years to come.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The Imperial House was the only body authorized to communicate among royal family members, by direct decree of the current emperor, Victoria VIII, who had declared that he would not speak to any of his children prior to the succession to the throne. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com adapt Officially, it was to maintain impartiality.

The response immediately extinguished that tiny spark. harbor It came from a deputy minister of the British Imperial House—the institution tasked with assisting the royal family.

“…I see.”

But Victoria knew the truth. amber Some royal members still shared meals with the emperor. abstract Deep down, she knew she was an outcast within the royal family itself.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

[“Then, I wish you the best of luck, Your Highness.”]

“My purpose…”

[“He also said to always remember your purpose.”]

She felt her strength fade, to the point that she nearly dropped the phone.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

She was a figure envied by all. academy And yet, no one had any expectations of her.

The morning light reflected softly on her cheeks. canvas Without using a handkerchief, she wiped her face with her elbow and began to get ready.

Victoria stood motionless in the dark room. apple Dawn was beginning to color the horizon, and the pale morning light slowly faded in.

The call ended with a cold and emotionless farewell.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

***

It wasn’t just a chance for glory. shadow Ryozo had promised the three cadet representatives that they wouldn’t have to take midterms or final exams—practical or written—and would still be guaranteed outstanding grades.

It was the big day.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

But no one voiced any discontent. acoustic The cadets’ trust in Leon, Abel, and me was stronger than expected. canvas No one complained about the selected representatives.

It was an opportunity to free themselves from the mental pressure caused by the mere words “written exam.”

In fact, some even said that if we were going to represent Joaquin, we should receive even more benefits.

Except for special cases like Ryozo or Speedweapon, most avoided written exams altogether. portal That alone was enough to stir envy among many cadets.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon looked uncomfortable. crystal For this exchange, he had been assigned as the Association’s representative agent.

And I listened to them.

“So… are you telling me there are more benefits?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

I brought the espresso cup to my lips with a bitter smile, moistened my tongue with the sharp liquid, and explained.

Even at Parsy Academy, our alumni network remained active.

‘Looking at it that way, we sound like a corrupt institutional network.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

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

“If you give a good performance during this exchange, you’ll get a meeting with Lancelot Company.”

“As a cadet!?”

It was a shocking offer. advance Right now, Lancelot Company was the dream employer for every hero.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Now that demons were no longer humanity’s main enemy, the top career choice for cadets was to join Lancelot Company.

Not only did they offer sky-high salaries, but their popularity would make a Hollywood star blush.

Just a personal comment, but I really feel the generational shift.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

In my day, only the greedy wanted to be heroes. arcade It’s like when kids started listing “YouTuber” instead of “President” or “CEO” under “future career.”

Speedweapon’s reaction was understandable.

“That’s implicitly forbidden!”

The Hero Association was already facing a severe manpower shortage, and losing talented individuals to Lancelot would only deepen its despair.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

That’s why I called All Mute.

“Mine.”

“Whose idea was this!?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“I know this isn’t great news for the Association. agent But we also need to motivate the cadets, don’t you think?”

At my words, Speedweapon muttered,

“…”

“If it were your cousin Chaerina or second-year Ji Changhyuk, I’d get it. alien But I don’t think that’ll motivate Princess Victoria. meadow I mean, she’s a princess. attic She already has one of the highest-ranking positions.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“There’s no guarantee this exchange will be the last. matrix After this, Parsy will definitely demand more. timber Again and again. acid And if they keep pushing, Ryozo will eventually cave under the pressure.”

“It’s not just about the representatives. artist It’s also to motivate the rest of the cadets.”

I responded calmly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

I subtly alluded to the matter of Joaquin’s Council of Elders.

“In that case, it’s better to start planning a second and third edition now. armor You know from experience that precedent is everything.”

Hearing that, Speedweapon seemed resigned.

“…That’s possible.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“This time we signed with Lancelot, but next year, let’s work with the Association. crystal Being a public institution, it’ll take you more time to prepare a benefits proposal, right? amber You have a whole year to think it over.”

‘This is the crucial moment.’

It’s the core of gaslighting.

He tried to calm himself with a sip of his iced coffee.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“The test events for this exchange… were they decided by the Association?”

“And while we’re at it.”

“President… you really…”

I moved the empty espresso cup aside.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Really… I just want to know. anchor I won’t tell the cadets.”

“Hey, no! Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. echo That would be cheating!”

I leaned in, shoulder to shoulder.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Hey! galaxy President! athlete I didn’t expect this from you!”

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

It’s nothing. orbit I’m just curious.

I still struggle to shake off my habits from the days I was possessed—the kind of impatient possession that always died to have prior knowledge.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Given how talkative he usually was, he must’ve been dying to spill the beans. atomic But his professional ethics were unusually strong.

“Really, I’ll be the only one who knows.”

Speedweapon tried his best to shake me off. album He really was a straight shooter.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Hmph…”

So I played my trump card.

“I swear to God.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon’s sigh was as good as consent.

“…Haah.”

Sorry for lying, Speedweapon. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. abandon I made a silent vow to myself.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Fine. abstract The first event isn’t a big deal even if you know it, so I’ll give you a hint for just that…”

Speedweapon looked around suspiciously—dramatically—then leaned in and whispered the test in my ear. voyage When he finished, I let out a short nasal breath.

“That’s more than enough.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Really? anxiety It wasn’t even worth knowing?

‘What a letdown.’

‘What the heck?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

I was genuinely surprised by the name he mentioned.

“The test itself sounds fun.”

“Yu Sein gave some suggestions.”

Even knowing it, I had no plans to share it with the other Joaquin reps. artist I told you, it was just curiosity.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

‘If Yu Sein had a hand in the test, there’s definitely some hidden twist.’

“Her? sphere Why?”

“She’s a game addict, right? alert Really into this kind of stuff. silence Lately, the Association has been interacting a lot with the Outer Cult Order. arctic So we took the chance to ask her for input.”

By that logic, it made sense.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Oh.”

Even as a Saint, she takes the apocalypse seriously.

I was a bit uneasy because of the background only she and I shared. arch Even though she hadn’t warned me directly, she must’ve had her reasons.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Suddenly, Speedweapon snapped his fingers as if he’d remembered something, then rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a long wooden box, placing it on the café table.

“Old man Volundr told me to give this to you.”

He wore a satisfied smile.

“Almost forgot.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“He said it’s the masterpiece of his entire life.”

When the box lid opened, a radiant light filled the café.

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

I also felt a surge of pride in my chest.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, is it that obvious?”

“Something good happening?”

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Do I really need to hear that from you, Director?”

“…We’re family, of course I notice. atom You’re about to head out. august Take care of that face, Geom-Ma.”

I relaxed the corners of my lips that were threatening to lift into a smile. apple My amused reaction seemed to amuse Ryozo as well, who chuckled before turning her gaze forward again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Beyond that door, a crowd would be waiting. matrix On either side of a red carpet, walls of people would be formed—offering their blessings to those proudly representing Joaquin.

In front of us stood the grand main gate of the academy’s main building. anxiety We were just about to exit the grounds.

At least for today, the internal divisions within Joaquin Academy meant nothing.

It was the day when everyone—teachers and students alike—cheered with one heart for the three cadets standing behind us.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Let’s go, Joaquin! artist Show them what you’re made of out there!”

“Let’s go.”

The double doors swung wide open and light flooded in. academy Though it was still a chilly spring, the warmth of the atmosphere wrapped around us instantly.

As soon as Ryozo, leading the group, opened her mouth. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“How did Parsy get strong? acquire How did Parsy get strong? legend How did Parsy get strong?”

“There won’t be any annoying underdog rebellion! arcade The glory of Joaquin is eternaaaal!”

“I bet my whole fortune on the favorite!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The curtain of subspace began to swallow our group, one by one.

Leaving behind them all—and Joaquin Academy—we stepped into the subspace warp.

Cadets and professors shouted, tossed flowers at our feet, and pushed us forward with fervent cheers.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Dark violet began to creep into the edges of our vision, and soon after, the glow of the setting sun dyed our faces.

***

A tunnel unfurled before us. acid Like a braided rope, the tunnel extended in a continuous circular structure.

Ji Changhyeok, eyes slightly irritated, squeezed them shut before opening them again. admire His eyes widened instantly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Among them, a few clearly belonged to Parsi’s inner circle. canvas Their expressions, full of hostility, gave them away completely.

“If they’re going to show hostility, they should do it openly.”

On the floor lay a golden carpet—perhaps even more luxurious than the last one—stretching far into the distance.

On either side, a crowd of reporters fired their camera flashes incessantly. zenith They looked like hyenas.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“How could they, with you here?”

Leon, with a calm smile, winked at me.

Abel clicked his tongue.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

A sharp pressure pounded against our skin relentlessly. acoustic The cadets followed behind us, a bit hunched, trailing the adults. timber It was only natural to feel nervous—we were in the heart of enemy territory.

‘That odd one must be Chaerina.’

“…”

Abel muttered something under his breath and quickened his pace.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The director and staff from Parsi had already taken their places on the left side of the long stage.

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

I glanced away and fixed my eyes on the vanishing point. orbit In front of us, just before the opening ceremony, a platform had been set up for a press conference.

She was watching everything with a curious expression, as if every detail fascinated her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The first to speak was a neatly dressed female reporter.

Naturally, we settled on the right. adopt From Ryozo to Chaerina, everyone took their seats.

The reporters swarmed forward like bees, closing in. acoustic It was a standard press conference.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“This is a historic exchange! acquire I’d like to hear a few words from the director of the host academy, Parsi.”

Zing.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with Joaquin, an academy of great prestige and tradition. arch I’d like to take this moment to thank Sword Master Abel, who was the direct cause behind this encounter…”

Microphone in hand, Parsi’s director lifted his chin with arrogance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Parsi was doing its best to praise Joaquin, but subtly insisted they were now equals.

With billions watching, they couldn’t say just anything. advance They knew how to weigh their words.

With the attention of the entire world on us, the microphone passed from hand to hand, guided by mechanical gestures and carefully measured words.

“…And also the Joaquin Academy and other collaborators. canvas However, the most important part of this event is that, by opening our doors, Parsi has now become an academy capable of standing on equal footing with Joaquin after ten years…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The microphone became damp from saliva, but the eyes of the journalists were drying out. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. atom There wasn’t enough provocation.

Ryozo began his remarks with composure. arena Joaquin had to exude dignity. sphere It was the image the world expected from the favorite.

“We, the Joaquin Academy…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“Mutual respect is important, but I believe this event is also, clearly, a competition.”

Then, when the microphone finally reached me, those dull eyes regained their spark. canvas Even among legends, the difference in attention was palpable.

It had been a while since I felt so clearly the weight of my presence. portal I wiped the microphone with a handkerchief and brought it to my lips.

It was a warning.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

And with that, I threw the bait the reporters, the people, the whole world was waiting for.

“Joaquin will not lose to Parsi.”

“That’s all.”

“……”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

“……”

“……”

“……”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

The silence lasted just a moment.

Click, click, click, click!

The cheers from the crowd seemed to pierce even the lenses.

The reporters responded with a storm of camera flashes.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 329: Academy Exchange Diary (1) by Indra Translations.

Let the world go wild.

The stage was set.