Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1)

I stepped off the bus and stretched.

After a two-hour journey on the Joaquin Academy’s limousine bus, we arrived at Cheorwon in Gangwon Province, where the Buffalo Dungeon is located.

Even if it were allowed, our team would probably have declined, especially SpeedWeapon, who suffers terribly from motion sickness.

The distance wasn’t far enough to justify using a dimensional space portal, which isn’t permitted for personal matters anyway.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps that’s because Cheorwon, in this world, is a popular destination among heroes.

One by one, the other team members began to gather their things and disembark in an orderly line.

‘We got here early.’

Though the bus was comfortable and the trip felt short, it was surprising that traveling from Seoul to this remote area of Gangwon only took two hours.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Many high-ranking heroes visit this area, so the roads are well-maintained, and among the buildings, you can spot a few towers that seem out of place in the rural surroundings.

Once known as a “beast’s nest,” today it’s a famous farming hotspot, with dungeons that, while not especially difficult, yield good rewards.

At some point, farming dungeons began to pop up here nonstop. aspect While the reason remains uncertain, according to mythology classes, magical beasts sought refuge in this region to avoid the sanctuaries during the mythical era, long before humanity existed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Her slightly distant expression made her seem as nonchalant as ever.

I stretched my neck and observed my team. amber Chloe had her katana strapped to her back and was fiddling with a small crossbow in her hands.

I’d thought she only mastered close-combat weapons, but it seems that, as an assassin, she’s skilled with all kinds of weapons. accent I shifted my gaze to Saki Ryozo, who was carrying a large weapon wrapped in cloth over her left shoulder.

When I stared at Saki Ryozo’s weapon for a moment, Chloe puffed out her cheeks with a slightly irritated look and strode forward with purpose.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Without a word, we followed the yandere girl.

“It’s always me who has to go first, so I’ll do it again!”

I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. crystal Just a month ago, she was a shy and timid girl, and now here she was, confidently taking the lead.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“Are you here to sell knives or what?”

SpeedWeapon asked, glancing at my backpack, which clinked with every step I took.

I opened the bag without saying anything and showed him the contents: a handsaw and several sashimi knives I’d bought with the million won I swindled from the blacksmith.

“Geom-Ma, what’s in your backpack making all that noise?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon said jokingly.

“…You sound like an old man. anchor Well, I’m sure you have your reasons.”

“Better to be prepared.”

I smiled slightly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“I think something sweet would give me some energy…” she said. orbit Sighing, I handed her a handful of candies I kept in my front pocket.

“It shows.”

I turned my head toward Saki Ryozo, who had paused to catch her breath, and as our eyes met, she spoke up.

“I’m tired.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“I would’ve preferred yokan…” [1]

“But I want to save mine for later hehe.”

“What do I look like to you, your snack supplier? airport You should have brought your own.”

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

She replied with a grin. avalanche I bit my tongue and moved on while she, somewhat resigned, popped a candy into her mouth, her eyes brightening as she tasted it.

Two sturdy employees greeted us at the checkpoint, which looked like a toll booth on a highway.

After about ten minutes of walking, we reached the dungeon entrance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

One of them, with tanned skin, glanced at our uniforms and instructed us in a gruff voice.

I could clearly see a slight, almost imperceptible tremor in his eyes.

Starting with Chloe, the team members signed their names in the registry. aspect The employee glanced sideways at each name as it was written. wizard When it was my turn, I wrote the three characters of my name.

“You’re from Joaquin Academy. atom Please write your names in the visitor’s log.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

I looked him straight in the eyes, catching his expression immediately.

Meanwhile, the other team members who had already entered the dungeon’s entryway were waving at me to hurry up.

I narrowed my eyes with a sense of sharp intuition.

I broke eye contact and walked toward the entrance. antique After a few steps, I turned my head halfway.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Through the narrow gap of the dungeon’s entry gate, which was slowly closing, the employee stood tall, watching me out of the corner of his eye.

I hugged my jacket, feeling the weight of the weapon against my chest.

The murmuring of Murasame thrummed in sync with my heartbeat.

Trying to ease the intense discomfort, I clutched my jacket tighter.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

The interior of the dungeon wasn’t like the typical dark cave; instead, it was prepared almost like a tourist attraction.

The high ceilings and cool atmosphere made the place feel more comfortable than the outside.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

We walked for a few minutes until Chloe, leading the group, stopped and bent down, placing her ear near the ground.

“I sense about five beasts approaching from 200 meters away,” she whispered.

The only source of light came from the torches mounted on the walls, casting flickering shadows that added a somber tone, befitting a dungeon.

The walls were covered with scribbles and graffiti, bearing messages like “So-and-so was here” or “Cheolsu ♥ Yeonghee.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon pounded his chest confidently, and Saki, taking a candy out of her mouth, unwrapped the cloth covering her weapon. orbit The sight left me momentarily stunned.

SpeedWeapon nodded.

Her red bow, Jeokgong Baeksi, was an S-grade weapon adorned with golden filigree along the string—something so extraordinary that even someone like me, with no deep knowledge of archery, could recognize its value.

“Let’s stick to the plan. afford They’re manageable if we follow through as discussed. arrow Saki, Chloe, it’s your turn. adjust I’ll provide buffs for support.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

She reached into her skirt and pulled out another piece of candy, unwrapping it. accent Whatever confidence she had instilled vanished instantly.

Saki Ryozo pulled the string of her bow a few times, her expression apathetic, as if signaling she was ready, and then stopped.

Still, it was hard to trust the sleepy expression in her eyes, even as we were deep inside the dungeon. auction Perhaps this relaxed attitude was a sign of her confidence… but as a member of the party, I had no choice but to rely on her.

“Oh, wait a moment!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Chloe, already used to the dissonance, barely reacted. anxiety She let out a deep breath and focused.

She finished the candy and gestured to SpeedWeapon, who began playing his flute. zenith This time, the melody was even more off-key than usual.

Bip↗ Ri-Lu↘ Luc↘

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“They’re 100 meters away!” album Chloe shouted.

Rumble-rumble!

A deafening sound of hooves echoed through the dungeon.

An instant later, five buffalo charged out of the shadows.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon raised his voice.

While resembling oxen, these creatures were twice as large, with antler-like branching horns reminiscent of a deer’s.

The lead buffalo, its eyes glowing red, let out a guttural bellow and charged straight at us.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

The buffalo began accelerating, skillfully dodging incoming projectiles.

“Girls, take care of those beasts!”

“Mmmuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!”

Chloe leapt forward and fired a bolt from her crossbow, which embedded itself in the left eye of one of the buffalo, causing it to crash into the wall. altitude However, the other four remained unscathed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t get too close, Chloe,” SpeedWeapon cautioned while playing his flute.

Chloe clicked her tongue and reached for her katana.

“I’ll try slowing them down in close combat.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Reluctantly, Chloe retreated and positioned herself behind Saki.

I opened my backpack and retrieved a few sashimi knives, ready to throw.

“…Fine.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“This one’s going straight to their foreheads.”

Gone was the carefree girl always asking for yokan. attic With absolute concentration, she closed one eye and aimed. advance After a few moments, a faint smile crossed her lips, and she murmured.

Glancing at my teammates, I noticed SpeedWeapon still playing his flute while Saki, now taking deep breaths, appeared entirely focused. crystal Four arrows were notched on her bowstring, perfectly aligned.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Piyung!

As Saki’s fingers moved, a cool breeze swept through the air.

Her light-blue hair fanned out like a halo.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

One buffalo let out a pained bellow and stumbled, losing its balance. auction The rest of the formation collapsed, their hooves skidding across the ground as if twisted under their own weight.

All at once, four arrows left her bow, each finding its mark between the eyes of a charging beast.

“Mmmuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

“Huff.”

I was about to comment when, out of nowhere, one of the buffalo, clearly wounded but still alive, stood up and charged toward Saki.

Saki wiped the sweat from her forehead and popped another yokan into her mouth. absorb I watched her silently, and when she noticed my gaze, she quickly stuffed the rest of the sweet into her mouth.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

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

Without hesitation, I drew my blade.

“Saki!”

Saki appeared startled, as if she hadn’t anticipated the attack, and hastily tried to nock another arrow. altitude The buffalo lunged forward, aiming its massive horns at her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

The beast came to an abrupt halt.

Swish!

A thin red line appeared on its forehead, right between its eyes, and soon its body split cleanly into two halves.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Blood began to pool slowly along the pristine cut.

“Are you okay?”

I wiped the blade of my sashimi knife and turned to Saki Ryozo.

Thud!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Saki’s wide eyes met mine.

She tried to nod but hiccuped instead.

“Hic!”

“Hic!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

Except for the one I had split in half, the other four lay motionless, their heavy breathing causing their nostrils to flare.

***

I approached the fallen buffalo.

Once we confirmed that the demon beasts showed no signs of getting back up, the team took a short break to quench their thirst and recover.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

With a cold expression, I pulled out the saw I’d brought with me. voyage After all, our purpose for coming here was to harvest parts from the demon beasts.

Their eyes were beginning to glaze over, turning a ghostly gray, and their long lashes blinked weakly, as if trying to convey something.

I didn’t feel anything in particular. meadow In the end, these creatures were nothing more than materials for enhancing my weapon.

‘…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

As I worked, Saki cautiously approached and crouched beside me. attic After a moment of silence, she spoke softly.

With a few precise cuts, the buffalo horns came off easily, as if slicing through tofu.

Ssak-sak.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

I nodded silently, not pausing my task.

“This is to repay the favor.”

To my surprise, Saki handed me a yokan. academy As I took it, she gave me a faint, awkward smile before walking away.

“Thanks for what you did earlier.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

‘How can they like this so much?’

T/N:

“…”

I took a bite of the yokan. acoustic Its sweetness melted on my tongue, almost overwhelming.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 37: Buffalo Dungeon (1) by Indra Translations.

1: Yokan is a Japanese sweet made from red bean paste (anko), agar, and sugar, typically presented in a gelatinous block form.