Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2)

After walking for about an hour, since encountering the first five buffalo, there wasn’t a single trace of movement—not even from an ant.

The torches, which had been clustered all around at the entrance, had thinned out considerably. legend The air had grown so cold that our breath formed visible puffs of vapor as we exhaled.

The closer we got to the center of the dungeon, the darker and gloomier the atmosphere became.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Is it normal for there to be so few of them?”

“Hmm.”

“It seems that way. altitude No matter how popular this dungeon is, it shouldn’t feel this empty. silence What do you think, Saki?”

Chloe, leading the way, looked around with a puzzled expression.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon widened his eyes and asked. voyage Saki, sucking on a candy I’d given her earlier, continued.

“Odd? atom How so?”

Saki Ryozo crossed her arms and pondered deeply before answering.

“I’ve been thinking about it. acid Didn’t those buffalo earlier seem a bit odd to you?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

…They use those intimidating creatures for farming? crystal These people really are something else…

“You’re right. auction Buffalo are usually peaceful creatures. arch In Cheorwon, they’re sometimes even used to plow fields. adjust Among magical beasts, they’re considered quite friendly toward humans.”

SpeedWeapon and Saki went back and forth discussing the buffalo. action According to them, the low difficulty of conquering this dungeon was also due to the fact that buffalo typically didn’t attack unless provoked.

“I’m not entirely sure, but something about them made it seem like they were fleeing from something when they charged at us. timber If we consider typical buffalo behavior, it doesn’t make sense.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

Here in the real world, things didn’t seem too different from their in-game portrayal.

“It’s odd, sure, but I don’t think it’s a problem. portal This dungeon has a set route, and in case of an emergency, we have communication within the area, so we’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, and there’s security staff stationed at the entrance.”

It aligned with what I remembered from the game. album In Miracle Blessing M, buffalo-type magical beasts, commonly referred to as “oxen,” were known for not being easily provoked into attacking.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

Saki nodded, her voice drowsy.

I called out to Chloe, who had been silently walking ahead. audit She quickly came over, smiling like a squirrel that had found an acorn.

Her comment reminded me of the staff member who had stared at me during the access check, leaving me with a faint sense of unease.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, understood.”

I whispered in her ear. matrix Chloe nodded, understanding, and clenched her fist.

“About that employee earlier…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“What? crystal And we don’t get to know?”

“…What? zenith Are you two dating or something? matrix I’ve been suspecting it for a while.”

SpeedWeapon asked indifferently. adjust I shook my head in response.

“I asked Chloe to handle something only she can do.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Really? album It’s just that you’re always together, so I assumed…”

SpeedWeapon squinted maliciously, which caused Chloe’s face to turn as red as a ripe tomato. echo I raised my hand and firmly shook my head.

“It’s a biased perspective to see all male-female relationships that way.”

Saki, half-turning her head to listen, let out a stifled laugh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

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

Chloe glanced at me sideways, her lips slightly pursed. auction She seemed upset. apple Even though I’d just asked her for a favor, I maintained my composure.

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, that.”

“Hey, SpeedWeapon, how did you meet Rachel and Saki? amateur Surprisingly, you seem to know a lot of key people.”

Keeping a certain distance was one of the strategies for dealing with yandere personalities that I’d learned from late-night videos. atom After a few moments of hesitation, I decided to change the subject.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon looked vague for a moment, then spoke in a hesitant tone.

His name wasn’t even mentioned in the game.

“My family is a branch of the Changseong family, the one Rachel belongs to. matrix We didn’t see each other often, but sometimes we’d cross paths. ability Even though we’re distant relatives, we’re technically connected.”

It was curious that I, someone who’d played the game, didn’t know SpeedWeapon had connections with main characters.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

Of course, as a special scholarship student, my position was worlds apart from theirs. silence Still, even secondary branches seemed to be the butt of jokes in their elitist circles.

He scratched his head, as if discussing something bothersome.

Nobles seemed to take family bloodlines and secondary branches very seriously, always overcomplicating things.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

As for me… I’d have to resort to other methods… let’s leave that a mystery.

“Don’t look at me like that, man. beacon I’m actually pretty comfortable with my current situation.”

SpeedWeapon grinned casually, apparently unaware of my empathetic thoughts.

That I, someone from a lower class, even cared about these issues felt ironic. antenna At least SpeedWeapon didn’t have to worry about money.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“I prefer being from a secondary branch. autumn It means I don’t have to deal with those snooty nobles as much—I’m sick of them. atom Oh, and about Saki—”

“I was top of the theory rankings; he came in second. beacon He couldn’t believe it when he found out.”

Saki, chewing on a red bean paste sweet, cut in.

SpeedWeapon smiled, showing his teeth.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Hey, did you really have to say that?”

Saki let out a mocking laugh.

“For the record, I came in third in the class placement exam.”

“So what? agent I’m just stating facts.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon licked his dry lips, as if he wanted to retort, but ultimately just frowned.

She stuck out her tongue playfully. shadow Despite her refined appearance, her behavior had a mischievous streak.

So SpeedWeapon was second in theory… That was another surprise.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

I let out a soft laugh.

“Seriously, Geom-Ma, you’re incredible. arena If you ever become famous, don’t forget about me.”

I stroked my chin and nodded. auction SpeedWeapon gave me a light pat on the shoulder.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry, that’s not going to happen.”

“Who knows? airport You might end up as one of the Seven Heroes someday.”

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

Chloe, who had been pouting, nodded and murmured in agreement with that statement.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, if it’s Geom-Ma, he could pull it off.”

“I don’t like the Seven Heroes.”

Saki, upon hearing this, suddenly stopped and turned to us with a cold expression.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

SpeedWeapon looked at her, puzzled. album So did I. meadow She turned her torso slightly and gestured for us to follow her.

“What’s with her?”

She said it bluntly before turning away with a serious expression, as if trying to hide her emotions. galaxy Her eyes seemed slightly misty.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes.”

“…Hey, Geom-Ma.”

SpeedWeapon nodded calmly.

“Let’s go. palette Let’s finish this dungeon and head back soon.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“…It’s just, something feels off. absorb I can sense the presence of beasts approaching from behind.”

Chloe, who was at the back of the formation, tugged at my sleeve. artist After thinking for a moment, she moved her lips.

“Yeah?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“You don’t need to be exact, just an estimate.”

“Really? atlas Maybe we missed them earlier. accent Great, how many are there?”

“Uh, well…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“What!?”

“With the blessing, I can sense… about fifty beasts.”

Chloe seemed hesitant, but she finally replied.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

Rumble rumble rumble rumble!*

The dungeon trembled violently. crystal We all turned our heads at the same time.

My eyes widened in shock, but there wasn’t time to process it. alpha Suddenly, a massive rumble assaulted our ears.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“What’s with those things? alpha Why are there so many? orbit And those… are they buffalo?”

A herd of buffalo, their eyes glowing red like embers, was charging toward us. acid Blood dripped from the pierced nostrils of their enormous snouts.

SpeedWeapon’s voice shook.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

The leader at the center of the formation let out a deep bellow. matrix The rest followed, roaring in unison.

“Mooouuuuuuuu!”

While they didn’t look much different from the ones we encountered earlier, their presence was utterly terrifying.

““““““Mooouuuuuu!””””””

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“But I thought these were supposed to be docile beasts!”

Turning around and running wasn’t an option either; they’d catch up to us in no time.

Even if they had a weakness to ranged attacks, their sheer number made it nearly impossible to handle.

It was as if they were thirsting to tear us apart. acquire The ground quaked with each step they took, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

As I centered myself, a clear image of how to move my blade appeared in my mind.

The moment I found a concrete goal, the confusion began to fade, and I faced the situation with calm clarity. airport My eyes adjusted to the dim light, allowing me to count the beasts precisely.

I focused, searching for a solution.

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

My breathing quickened slightly. audit The tense air brushed against my skin.

I remembered the words of my first master.

But the cold grip of Murasame in my hand gave me a sense of peace.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“This fish knife is about to cut a bull.”

I spoke to Chloe with a calmness that belied the urgency of the situation.

A wry chuckle escaped my lips.

“Every blade has its purpose. arctic A fish knife isn’t made for cutting a bull. alpha Got it?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

With a determined face, Chloe nodded and unsheathed the katana strapped to her back.

“Chloe, distract the buffalo and break up their formation. altitude Don’t engage them head-on; weave side to side to scatter them.”

“Yes!”

“Just draw their attention—you don’t need to attack.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“You’re good?”

Next, I turned to SpeedWeapon, who seemed to snap out of his daze.

When the sword’s edge rang out, a satisfied expression spread across her face. artist It seemed clear that the crossbow really wasn’t her thing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“Huh, sure.”

“Of course!”

“Saki, handle the ones that get too close.”

SpeedWeapon shook his flute confidently, his eyes brimming with resolve.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“…What’s with him? absorb Why is he so calm?”

“Prepare to be amazed.”

Saki stared after me, then turned to SpeedWeapon. amateur He shrugged, grinning.

Still stunned, Saki nodded slowly. adjust I turned my back to them and stepped forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

“…What?”

As I clenched my hands, the eight blades spread slightly apart.

Saki’s eyes widened in disbelief. agent Ignoring their gazes, I slipped the knives between my fingers like claws.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 38: Buffalo Dungeon (2) by Indra Translations.

[The Blessing of the God of the Sword manifests.]

The cold steel hummed through the air.

―Shing!

I stretched my arms, fully unsheathing them.