Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4)

It’s a straightforward and simple strategy, yet it can be surprisingly challenging to execute.

There are many common tactics that generic mobile games use to attract players.

Our beloved mobile RPG, Miracle Blessing M, decided to use every approach possible, crafting characters with outstanding and unique personalities.

One of the easiest ways to get money from players is by creating attractive characters.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

This seemingly ordinary game managed to hold a steady spot between the 5th and 10th positions in download rankings, largely due to the appeal of its uniquely crafted characters.

While some might say the approach was over the top, so what? voyage The sales spoke for themselves.

In a game like Miracle Blessing M, set in an academy, characters are an excellent tool for drawing players’ spending, as this genre tends to have a loyal following.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

In this world, the story revolves around Leon, a devilishly handsome protagonist who attracts heroines like magnets.

…If I’d known that spending would drag me into this world, I wouldn’t have spent a cent.

Even I, usually reluctant to spend on games, eventually fell for the charm of a character named Abel and opened my wallet without a second thought.

However, if we think about it in terms of supply and demand, there’s only one Leon but far too many girls interested in him. absorb By mid-game, he already had around five or six heroines pursuing him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Among the many “losing” heroines, the one who faded into the background the fastest was the girl standing in front of me now, with her refined look and a gaze fixed only on the sweet bean paste snacks in her sight.

After all, the game company had clearly positioned Abel as the main heroine, and outshining her was almost impossible.

Thus, aside from the main heroine, Abel, the rest started becoming “filler” characters. apron Each had unique personalities and skills, but the story focused on Leon and Abel, their trials, and budding romance.

By the time Leon awakens as the ultimate hero, you’d probably run out of fingers and toes trying to count them all.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Saki was the first to be eliminated as a possible love interest for Leon, though she still had a solid fan base within the communities.

Despite her often spacey demeanor, she was a top-tier student who consistently scored highest in theoretical exams.

She was Saki Ryozo, the prodigy of the archer family.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

She was one of the least frustrating heroines in the game.

Unlike other heroines who constantly needed rescuing or were prone to being kidnapped, Saki never displayed those traits, making her a capable and reliable ally.

Though she spent most of her time sleeping, when it was time to act, she did so decisively.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

At the time, I thought this feature was just a quirky detail, but it turns out she really was obsessed with those sweets.

She even had a unique feature where bean paste treats restored more of her health than high-level potions, which were usually expensive, making her very popular with players.

I looked at Saki, with her light blue hair and calm, catlike eyes—traits well-suited for an archer.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Although I saw her from a different perspective, even as a player, Saki was always a valuable asset.

‘Now I see why SpeedWeapon was so insistent on bringing me here…’

It was no wonder that SpeedWeapon, usually so strict, had brought me here with such confidence.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

So, it was unlikely her involvement in this journey would impact the main plot—or so I wanted to believe.

Curiously, Saki wasn’t even a central character in Miracle Blessing M. anchor As I mentioned before, she was one of the first heroines to fade into “background character” status.

Despite community protests wondering why Saki Ryozo had so little storyline, the game company paid no attention.

Having a long-range fighter on the team is a huge advantage. accent A ranged character greatly enhances the group’s stability.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon approached Saki and pulled out another bean paste snack. amber As he waved it in front of her, she reached for it, but he pulled it back with a playful smile.

“What do you want, SpeedWeapon?”

Saki, pouting, asked nonchalantly, though her archer’s eyes remained glued to SpeedWeapon’s pocket.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon began explaining. voyage While his delivery was clear and logical…

“Well, you see.”

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

‘He talks way too much.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Saki, already used to him, listened with one ear, nodding absently.

He went on and on, reminding me of a certain famous baseball player who never stopped talking. athlete His mouth was constantly moving.

‘He lives up to his name, that’s for sure.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“So, you want me to join your dungeon raid next week?”

“Exactly.”

Seeing that his explanation was getting lengthy, she blinked and interrupted.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Since completing the dungeon counts toward the results, I don’t have a reason to say no…”

Saki tapped her cheek with a finger, thinking, and then responded in a sleepy tone.

Saki turned her gaze toward me, gesturing with a casual wave, and asked flatly,

SpeedWeapon frowned, briefly annoyed at being interrupted.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“You don’t seem very determined.”

I nodded silently. artist Saki lay back again.

“You, are you the one from the subspace fight?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Sorry, but I don’t want to team up with someone who doesn’t seem to have much determination.”

Saying that, Saki extended a hand toward SpeedWeapon. arena Despite her completely relaxed posture, her resolve was clear.

Hearing about “determination” from someone who was sleeping in the middle of the day? anchor No one could embody the word “persistence” better than me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Saki, you saw the fight yourself. acoustic Besides, Geom-Ma isn’t exactly weak.”

“Weak? athlete He was an Auditore! attic And during the midterm exam, he…”

“Then the opponent must’ve been weak.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Frustrated, SpeedWeapon stopped himself.

“Then who drools over sweet bean snacks like a dog?”

“Do you think I’m a dog here to follow orders without question?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“SpeedWeapon, that’s enough. sphere Let’s go. aluminum That indifferent attitude would only drag the team down. alpha Let’s look for someone else.”

Finally, I motioned to SpeedWeapon.

“What do you know about these snacks?”

For a few minutes, SpeedWeapon and Saki argued endlessly. harbor I sighed in frustration. wizard Having her on the team would be useful, but her lack of manners was something else.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

I didn’t respond and only let out a sigh of resignation.

“So you’re not in that much of a hurry then?”

Saki’s eyes sparkled.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

After the incident with Knox a few days ago, I realized something: sometimes a mix of push and pull was the only way to handle certain people.

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

Fwhoosh! altitude Thud!

Recalling that lesson, I pulled my sashimi knife out of my pocket. apron Both Saki and SpeedWeapon flinched upon seeing it. arcade I looked over toward the practice targets.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Thud!

Saki and SpeedWeapon stared at me in shock. acoustic I took out another knife and threw it.

One knife lodged itself dead-center on a target 50 meters away, the blade gleaming precisely at the mark.

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Meeting Saki’s gaze, I watched her swallow nervously.

“…”

“…”

The second knife hit the first, embedding itself at the hilt of the one already lodged in the target.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Want me to show you another?”

Somewhat surprised, SpeedWeapon handed her the treat, and Saki took it with a smile. amateur Watching the two of them, I had a feeling this team would be anything but peaceful.

“SpeedWeapon, give her a sweet.”

When I asked, Saki Ryozo quickly shook her head, understanding the message: “The next target is your head.” ability It seems picking up on things quickly can be a lifesaver in situations like this.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Touching my forehead, I shook my head.

Chloe was the first to approach me, expressing her desire to join the party.

***

Inside the meeting room at the Starbucks on campus.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Contrary to the distant impression she gave initially, Saki proved to be quite cooperative, from dungeon selection to handling the paperwork for academy approval.

If it had just been SpeedWeapon and me, it would have taken much longer, but with her help, everything moved along smoothly.

Additionally, perhaps due to what happened at the archery dojo, Saki Ryozo also agreed to join without much resistance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Every now and then, when our eyes met, she’d give me a slightly haughty look, but overall, she kept a calm demeanor.

Honestly, my first impression of her hadn’t been great, but looking back, having her in the group was the right choice.

Though she nodded off occasionally, she did what she needed to do, so it wasn’t a problem.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

She was probably the most “elegant” of the heroines.

However, it could get a bit annoying to see her constantly munching on those bean paste snacks. acid It’s just a personal gripe, but it was like an addiction—every time I saw her, she was eating them.

Her long, light blue hair, cut into layers, reminded me of a style back on Earth called a “hime cut.” orbit Although it was an uncommon hairstyle, it suited her well.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

‘As long as she doesn’t say anything…’

I took a sip of my espresso while glancing at Saki’s profile. apple Chloe, sitting beside me, kept stealing glances at me, so I turned away and took another sip.

They say people who use their brain a lot need sugar or something like that.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon stood up and glanced around to ensure we understood; we all nodded in agreement.

“The Buffalo Dungeon, as the name implies, is a Class C dungeon inhabited by buffalo, also known as ‘water buffalo.’ Unlike the tritons from the exams, these creatures attack head-on from a distance, making close-range combat challenging. airport However, they have a clear weakness to long-range attacks. alert So, the role of a ranged attacker is crucial in this dungeon.”

Damn, it’s bitter.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Then, with enthusiasm, he continued, looking directly at Saki. action She nodded while chewing on a snack, and after refreshing herself with a sip of her iced Americano, SpeedWeapon resumed his briefing.

“You must never open the stone door in the center.”

“There aren’t too many enemies, and the rewards are decent, which makes it a popular spot even for second- and third-year students. auction It’s relatively low-risk. acquire However, we shouldn’t get too complacent because of that. atomic Oh, and there’s one thing you absolutely must not do.”

SpeedWeapon raised a finger for emphasis.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“What happens if you open the stone door?”

Chloe asked, looking puzzled.

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Anyway, the academy granted us permission to enter the Buffalo Dungeon on the condition that we don’t open that door. aspect If they tell us not to do it, there’s no reason to go against it, right?”

“It’s rumored to be some sort of seal… or something like that. atomic Just a theory—no one’s quite sure.”

In response to my question, SpeedWeapon shrugged.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“What’s up, Geom-Ma? athlete Do you know what’s behind that door?”

At that, everyone’s eyes turned to me.

“Exactly, that door should stay closed.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, got it.”

Noting my indifferent tone, SpeedWeapon turned his gaze away, and we continued discussing the route and schedule for the dungeon.

“Oh, no, not exactly. accent I just mean that if they tell us not to open it, we probably shouldn’t.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

This dungeon, frequented by academy students, hides a secret boss.

I reflected on those words while touching my lips. antenna As a player, this is one of those rare pieces of knowledge I possess.

‘Under no circumstances should you open that stone door.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

Most likely, I’m the only one here who knows this.

‘…Although.’

Of course, that door requires meeting certain conditions to open. adjust In the current game state, it’s impossible to unlock it, so even if we wanted to, we couldn’t.

Aside from that stone door, though, the Buffalo Dungeon is well-regarded for its rewards and low difficulty. crystal With a hidden boss like that, it’s too tempting a dungeon to pass up.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

I felt a chill run down my spine. abstract The sharp awareness I’d developed lately was alerting me to a strange presence.

I turned my head to observe the outside.

I sensed a coldness beyond the glass walls of the meeting room.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

“No, I just felt like someone was watching us.”

All I could see were students enjoying their drinks, laughing, and having a good time.

“Geom-Ma, something wrong?”

I quickly scanned around, then shrugged as if it were nothing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

After giving her a brief look of disdain, Chloe averted her gaze.

Before I could say anything, she fixed her gaze on Saki Ryozo, who was already half-asleep.

Hearing that, Chloe’s eyes filled with caution.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

‘Looks like we’re being watched.’

“…On second thought, it’s nothing, Chloe.”

Scratching the back of my neck, I looked forward again.

“Oh, okay!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 36 – This time, too, it’s nothing unusual (4) by Indra Translations.

They’d reveal themselves when the time was right.

Though I felt a bit uneasy, I decided to wait.