Chapter 334: Succession of the Academy Exchange (2)

My first master was someone who had mastered the art of combat.

After all, he was the founding hero of humanity—Balor Joaquin. Even when he ran a fish market, I already thought he was someone out of the ordinary. His gaze, his expression.

‘…That coldness that made you think he’d stab you if you contradicted him.’

It wasn’t something typical of someone working in the food industry.

Of course, I recognize that cooks, given their use of knives and fire, tend to have sharp personalities. I have my rough edges too.

I don’t take objections. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, age has mellowed me out a bit.

Anyway.

The boss often talked to me about fighting techniques. As they say, a leopard can’t change its spots. Maybe, deep down, he missed his days as a warrior, when he represented all of humanity.

— I told you before. What’s the most important thing in a fight?

‘To win with the first blow… sir.’

— That’s true. But there are types who don’t even flinch when they take the first hit. The ones who are already seasoned in battle.

Those kinds, when they take a hit, come back with everything they’ve got.

‘…That’s a really good piece of advice…’

— So you want to take the first hit?

‘This disciple is etching your every word into the folds of his brain, so please instruct me without reserve.’

— You’re so dramatic… Anyway, those guys don’t just hit back—they hit back even harder. That’s what we call a counterattack.

— And what’s the most effective move at that moment?

Then the boss extended his arm. As the sleeve slid back, it revealed a lone arm—missing a hand.

He was never ashamed of his amputation. He just smiled, baring his shining fangs.

— It’s the “counter.”

Although it embarrasses me now to admit it, there was a time when I felt uneasy about my stepfather—the boss—not having an arm.

But I later understood that he had lost it for the sake of humanity. And from then on, I felt ashamed of myself for having felt that way.

That lost arm was, in reality, a medal of victory. Proof that he had landed a “counter” on humanity’s number one enemy—the demons.

Instead of taking pride in my parents’ sacrifice, I had quietly felt embarrassed.

‘The boss probably already knew.’

But he never said a word.

Perhaps, that too was a “counter.” Because ultimately, a counter is an unexpected blow in return. A technique that strikes and unsettles the opponent.

Sooner or later, his disciple would uncover the truth about him. So maybe he wanted to show it—so that I would understand with my own eyes. So that the flaw would become a revelation.

‘That too… was a counter.’

And now, once again.

***

“Y-You.”

“What a dirty tactic…!”

The faculty from Parsy shot to their feet. They struggled to find the right words, only chewing on their frustration, grinding their teeth non-stop.

First, because they had come face-to-face with the bitter reality of defeat.

Second, because during the match, they had literally been hit by a series of counterattacks.

It must have hurt their pride deeply.

“They probably thought they had won the flag war when Edward defeated Ji Changhyuk. Because the queen of Joaquin had been taken out of the front. They were so focused on that, they forgot the pawn’s ability, Return a piece to the front.”

“And in the end, we turned the game around. Of course they’re burning up. It was a perfect counter.”

Ryozo let out a sarcastic laugh.

Zap.

At that moment, every Parsy professor glared at us with hatred.

“Seems like you have a lot to say, but it was a complete victory for Joaquin. The name of the event is ‘Flag War,’ right?”

Abel shot a sharp comment at their seething glares.

“You might not understand since you didn’t fight like we did. But in war, you do whatever it takes to survive and win.”

“……”

“The only goal is to survive and emerge victorious. That is war. And the cadets of Joaquin acted fully in line with the purpose of this competition.”

“…..”

The Parsy staff opened their mouths as if to protest, but then shut them tightly.

They were just about to say something, but the dozens of camera lenses in their field of view stopped them. It was already humiliating enough not to accept defeat—and on top of that, Abel had beat them to the punch with flawless logic.

Whatever they said would sound like a pathetic excuse in the minds of the viewers. Whether he meant it or not, it had been a perfect opening strike.

“…It was a good match.”

In the end, Parsy’s faculty chose to accept defeat. Though their expressions denied it entirely, those words at least helped save face in front of the audience.

“The Parsy cadets were also formidable. Though their history is short, the individual skill level of each was impressive.”

Abel lifted his chin in response, a slight smirk curling on his crimson lips.

“I’m also looking forward to the remaining two events. May the blessing of the heroes be with Parsy Academy.”

“Yes… may the blessing be with Joaquin as well…”

After exchanging those dry but formal remarks, we left the scene. Frustrated stares trailed our backs like blades.

I suppose that’s what they call triumph.

With that coarse sensation—like sandpaper scraping my back—I opened my mouth.

“Let’s go.”

Beside me, Ryozo, Abel, Leon, and Speedweapon moved in perfect formation, like the wings of a crane, closely following behind.

Opening strike and counterattack.

Today too, the disciples of Joaquin had faithfully followed your teachings and put them into practice in an official event.

In the sky, a contrail traced a gentle arc. It looked like the boss’s smile.

It feels good.

***

Somewhere beneath the surface of Gehenna.

A gloomy aura seeped down from the sharp edges of the stalactites.

“……”

“……”

Seven hundred and forty years had passed. Or, counted in centuries, a full seven.

The two beings who had once divided this world were finally face to face again.

In the past, they had fought fiercely, manipulated by false gods.

But those gods were long gone. Now, at last, they could face each other as warrior against warrior, free from filth and deceit.

Once, they might have been comrades, but external forces had made coexistence impossible. Now, everything was different.

…Or so it seemed.

“You… what the hell is with that appearance…?”

Balor Joaquin stood frozen like a totem. He looked down. His fated rival—the only demon he had ever respected—was perched awkwardly, his neck bent at a ridiculous angle.

(*Are you… Balor Joaquin*?!)

That same Lycan launched into an exaggerated leap, so high it was almost cartoonish.

“Why are you naked?!”

“……”

The reunion transcended species.

There they stood—a naked man draped in a dozen squirrels and a shadowy Ramzy Thunder—one looking down, the other up, both utterly speechless, thoroughly dismayed.

***

[Encounter: Odin (ᚬᚦᛁᚾ) vs. Loki (ᚱᛟᚲᛁ)]

[Jötunheimr proximity detected]

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[…]

[Complete! ■■■■■■■■]

[Time remaining until Ragnarok (……)]

***

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a weapon?

For most people, it’s a sword.

The sword is the perfect weapon—for both attack and defense.

And I don’t say that just because I’m the God of the Sword. Well not entirely.

With the invention of the sword, humanity evolved from gatherers to hunters.

They hunted beasts, carved them up, and fed their clans well. Of course, the same tool was later used for mass slaughter among humans.

Still, the foundation on which humanity built its glorious civilization was, in one way or another, the sword.

Technological advancement has always been accompanied by blood—but it’s not the sword or the law that has killed the most. It’s malicious words.

The sword isn’t to blame. The fault lies with the hand that wields it poorly. If anything can be called its sin, it’s its limitless versatility.

Shiing.

I drew two inches of the sashimi blade. The rippling edge shimmered. A pair of black eyes watched me.

‘So this is an EX-rank weapon.’

Thump-thump.

My heart pounded. It was more intoxicating than a wedding night. Because I’m the God of the Sword, of course.

My apologies to Ryozo and Abel.

Even though they and I became one, with this sashimi blade, I feel that unity just by being near it.

Shhh.

A long groove ran down the blade like a wave. It was the blood channel.

I ran my fingers along it for no particular reason. Even that small detail, perfectly fitting my fingertips, brought indescribable pleasure.

The blade’s base was encased in steel. It bore no engraving. It didn’t look cheap—just solid.

Maybe I was blinded by excitement.

‘I’m already dizzy at this level.’

It seemed Volundr had truly given it his all. He said it was his ultimate masterpiece, and he hadn’t lied. I wondered if he had even used his innate powers to forge it.

‘Damn old man…’

In the end, he was capable of something like this.

This new weapon I barely had time to examine had been made from the finest materials. It defied classification.

A common knife? That trash couldn’t even share a room with this. What should I name it? No rush. I’ll know when the moment comes.

‘I’m happy.’

A small smile spread across my lips. That’s when someone beside me spoke.

“Hey.”

I turned. Ryozo was scanning the surroundings with a look that said, Take a good look at yourself.

“You realize you look like a total pervert right now?”

“…….”

I glanced around. Everyone sitting at the long table was staring at me suspiciously.

They were the professors and cadets of Joaquin Academy.

“Instead of calling me a pervert, can’t you just say I’m deeply in love with swords?”

“But we agreed to call anyone in love with a sword a ‘pervert.’”

“When was that?”

“Heavenly Sword, are you seriously unaware? Everyone is nodding with their eyes.”

I looked around. Everyone avoided my gaze.

‘Are they seriously treating someone who loves swords like a pervert?’ Am I the god of perverts now?

I shook my head and defended myself.

“I just got this sword. I was checking it for defects.”

“And what defect could a kitchen knife have?”

It’s not just a kitchen knife…

‘If I say I bought it in secret, they’ll break my back.’

Best to stay quiet. I popped a piece of sashimi in my mouth and rolled up my sleeves.

The flag war had ended in our victory. The cadets who made our academy shine deserved a worthy reward. Though a banquet had already been promised, they also deserved immediate motivation.

That’s why I was prepared.

Today is the day I use my skills to comfort and restore our cadets. It meant returning to my former profession after a long time.

As soon as I said I’d cook, everyone cheered. My old comrades already knew my cooking. The cadets teared up upon seeing the very Heavenly Sword of the Seven Stars roll up his sleeves.

Only… learning that I’d be slicing sashimi with an EX-rank sword made Speedweapon sigh in silence. The others looked at me like I was insane.

‘Doesn’t matter.’

I’ll show them a good counter. With the skills of the best swordsman in the nation. With the precision of the God of the Sword.

“Huff.”

I inhaled deeply. I locked eyes with the red snapper on the cutting board. It was the predator’s courtesy to its prey.

In the next moment, I drew the sashimi blade completely.

[Blessing of the God of the Sword, Cuisine has manifested.]

To our heroes.

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

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

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It’s time to send them to Valhalla.