Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2)

My first master had been an old gangster.

If that bald, potbellied man had dominated an era, then I would have ruled for a century.

According to him, he wasn’t just some run-of-the-mill thug, but a man who had once dominated his era with his knife skills.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Despite his bloody past, he once confessed that he had cut one of his wrists as an act of redemption for the many people he had harmed, and that he had opened his Japanese restaurant with the firm resolve to make people happy through the use of knives.

Aside from his nasty habit of swearing, his skill was “authentic,” so I learned a lot from him.

Honestly, I didn’t believe much of it, but if he said so, well…

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Why do you care?”

You know the type of person I’m talking about? auction Someone you want to hate but just can’t.

“Boss, why do gangsters always use sashimi knives?”

“I don’t know, it’s just that in movies, they’re always carrying sashimi knives, even the dog. attic I wonder if that happens in real life. autumn Do they pull out the knife from under their suit and shout, ‘Let’s get ’em!’ before charging in, all excited?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“You know that when a blade pierces the skin, the body, whether human or animal, contracts, right? adapt You, who work with knives all the time, should know this. afford Think about it. adopt If you stab someone with a wide kitchen knife, do you think it would come out easily? sphere Of course not. avalanche Sashimi knives are thin, so you can stab and withdraw multiple times.”

Even so, the boss squinted his eyes, spaced his index and middle fingers about five centimeters apart, and looked at me seriously as he said.

“The problem these days is the media’s ruining the youth, tsk tsk. beacon Most of those thugs can’t even afford a T-shirt, let alone a suit.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“But in comics, they go swish, swoosh, and slice cleanly… Maybe it’s your lack of skill, boss?”

“But why stab at all? acquire When it comes to fish, you slice. atomic Can’t you do the same with people?”

“Not even the God of Swords could do that! orbit Stop spouting nonsense and go sharpen the knives!”

“With such a thin knife, idiot, of course you can’t cut well. alien Fish lie flat, so you can cut them. advance If they were standing up, you wouldn’t even be able to slice bread in one go, moron!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Swoosh―

* * *

It’s been 18 years, but I still clearly remember that incredulous slap on my back from my master.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Huh?”

The sharp blade traced a line through the air, slicing cleanly through the gauntlet-covered arm. timber Mao Shun’s arm soared through the air before crashing to the ground with a dull thud.

The cut was so clean that it wasn’t until several seconds later that a gush of blood erupted from the wound.

Even Mao Shun, whose arm had just been severed, tilted his head in confusion, not understanding what had just happened.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

For a brief second, Kang Geom-Ma’s shoulders blurred as he moved.

The heat of the pain finally registered, and he screamed. palette Kang Geom-Ma quickly spun the sashimi knife in his hand, gripping it in reverse before striking at Mao Shun’s neck.

“Ahhhhh! anchor Damn it! silence Chao! apple Chao ni-ma!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

A thin red line appeared across his neck, and shortly after, his head, which had been screaming, rolled to the ground, landing at the feet of his brother, Mao Jin.

“Shu-Shun!?”

That was the last image Mao Shun ever saw.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

The once arrogant expression on Mao Jin’s face slowly twisted into one of horror and panic. arch He instinctively took a step back.

It even seemed as though the blade had slid effortlessly between the bones without making a single sound of metal scraping against bone.

He had seen it clearly, but he couldn’t comprehend what had just occurred. canvas The guy in front of him had drawn a line with his knife, and flesh had been sliced as if it were butter.

Even though Mao Jin didn’t know much about swords, he understood that a human body shouldn’t come apart so easily.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Could a human being even do something like this? atom And with a cheap sashimi knife?

Thump-Thump.

Thump.

His heart pounded inside his chest.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Who the hell is this bastard?

But the knife in his hand was gripped tightly, as if it were an extension of his own body.

The guy in front of him looked inexperienced, as if it were his first time wielding a knife against a person. action He was breathing heavily and trembling, standing just 5 or 6 meters away.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Mao Jin thought quickly. armor Being one of the renowned prodigy twins from the Iron King family, he knew how to assess a situation.

If that were true, then there was still a chance to turn things around. adopt As shocking as it was to see his brother cut down in a single strike, the cause had been his carelessness.

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

‘I’m not sure what exactly happened, but he’s exhausted.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“…24… 23… 22…”

The other guy was just muttering something to himself, making no other move.

Suppressing the growing fear gnawing at him from the inside, Mao Jin picked up his brother’s severed arm.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

The weight and pressure of the gauntlet caused the muscles in both of his arms to bulge.

Clack.

“Haaah!”

‘Why is he counting?’ Mao Jin shook off the thoughts and fitted his brother’s gauntlet onto his own right arm.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Safety Gauntlet.’

Passed down to the twins, this weapon only revealed its full potential when both gauntlets were worn together. action As energy coursed through his body, Mao Jin grinned.

It was the family’s treasure, an S-rank weapon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’m going to smash your head in!”

“I don’t know what trick you pulled, but… you’re going to die, you filthy paocai!” [1]

The Blessing of Resolution to boost his defense, the Blessing of Intervention to charge at the enemy, and the Blessing of Courage to amplify the strength of his blows. apple Blessings of a level merit students could never even dream of obtaining.

Though he said that, fear still coursed through his body. apple He needed to eradicate that fear. harbor Clenching both fists, he activated three of his blessings simultaneously.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

With a powerful thrust of his legs, Mao Jin rapidly closed the distance between them.

Swoosh⎯

At that moment, the shadow of his enemy stretched out and disappeared.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

A booming noise that echoed all around.

The sound of air being sliced.

Thunk―

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Thunk―

Clack―Thunk―Thunk―

Simultaneously, a chilling sensation enveloped Mao Jin’s entire body.

Thunk―Clack―

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Mao Jin barely managed to move his eyes to check his body.

A knife was lodged in his stomach, another in his neck, four more in his wrists and feet, and three others embedded in his ribs and abdomen.

His neck stiffened, and he found he couldn’t move his head.

Soon, a heavy sensation in his mouth made him aware of a red liquid trickling down his chin like a spiderweb.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Nine knives in total, all buried to the hilt.

His vocal cords were severed, and the scream was choked off deep within his throat.

Ugh―Aaaagh―Ack―

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

And in the midst of it all, the guy kept muttering.

His vision gradually blurred.

“…4… 3… 2… 1.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

With his vision fading, Mao Jin clearly captured the final scene.

At that moment.

A demon in human form.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was an unfamiliar ceiling.

* * *

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

Crying out to the heavens while clutching a sword.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ugh…”

As I tried to sit up, a soft groan escaped my lips. matrix As I shifted, some bloodied gauze fell from my nose with a light plop.

As I tried to move, I felt the roughness of a sheet that didn’t seem familiar.

Turning my head, I noticed white curtains surrounding me on three sides, blocking my view, and the smell of medicine filled the air. harbor Was I in a hospital?

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

A man in a white coat shouted, and footsteps approached.

“Director, the student has woken up!”

Click―

At that moment, someone opened the curtain to my right.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

A beautiful woman with green hair wearing a black robe, and an old man with white hair, his arms crossed behind her. audit The woman gestured, and the doctor bowed before leaving.

“…”

“Oh, it seems you’ve recovered.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Two of the Seven-Star Heroes who had defeated the 6th Corps Commander of the Demon King half a century ago.

‘What are they doing here?’

I didn’t know them personally, but I knew who they were.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

The director sat on the edge of the bed. advance Every time she moved, the fabric of her clothing shifted, revealing her skin, making it hard not to stare.

“Ah, yes… well…”

“You look much better in person than in the recordings. afford How do you feel?”

The strongest human, Siegfried von Nibelung, known as the Sword Master, and Media Poison, the academy’s director. altitude I was stunned to see these living legends.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Then, she placed her hand near her inner thigh, as if comparing the temperature. atomic Shouldn’t she be touching her own forehead instead?”

“Hmm, look at that. armor You’ve still got a bit of a fever, huh?”

Noticing this, she adjusted her robe and leaned in to touch my forehead.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“I already feel much better, thank you.”

I began reciting the national anthem in my mind.

With her soft voice and seductive smile, she was too much for a healthy teenage boy like me. crystal Plus, Media, though she appeared young, was probably nearing seventy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“If you start feeling worse, let me know. audit This noona can stay and take care of you… just the two of us.”

“Media, stop playing around.”

Her fingers reached for the first button of her robe. legend Just as I finished reciting the fourth verse of the anthem, the Sword Master spoke up with obvious displeasure.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Media adjusted her robe, which seemed ready to slip off, and glared at him.

I felt a wave of relief.

“Ugh, you’re such a killjoy. arch Fine, fine.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“…Are you really going to keep calling me that? aspect Even in front of a student?”

‘Damn it, Sword Master! arena I knew I could count on you!’

Being expelled would be the least of my worries. afford If the reason for my expulsion was something like, “The new student who got aroused by a seventy-year-old director,” I’d rather just kill myself and prepare for a third life.

If my body had reacted to her temptation, it would have been over for me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

His golden eyes pierced through me with such intensity that I felt my ribs tightening.

Siegfried ignored Media’s teasing and slowly turned his gaze toward me, releasing a bit of his aura, as if testing me.

“Didn’t you, with your code of chivalry, always say, ‘Once you say something, you stick to it’? orbit Are you going to contradict yourself now, you great Sword Master?”

“Tell me your name.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’ll get straight to the point. altitude Kang Geom-Ma, what exactly did you do?”

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

“Kang Geom-Ma.”

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

That sensation didn’t feel entirely like it was mine, but I knew it had been me.

“…”

To be honest, my memories of what happened were vague. aluminum Flashbacks of me cutting down those garbage twins with the sashimi knife played briefly in my mind. abandon And after that, the last thing I remembered was the blue-tinted world seeping into my vision.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

‘I wouldn’t gain anything by drawing this monster’s attention.’

As I hesitated to answer, I noticed Siegfried’s sword at his hip slightly shift.

I needed to tread carefully.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

After 20 years in the restaurant business—essentially, 20 years of dealing with customers—I’d learned how to navigate these situations.

The typical rigid “grumpy old man” type. apron But I knew how to handle people like him.

I had a good idea of what kind of personality he had.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

The Sword Master stared at me.

“Even though it was just a class placement test, I felt the twins’ behavior was excessive. acid However, I acknowledge that my response was extreme. meadow I’ll accept any punishment you deem necessary and will abide by your decision without complaint.”

Clear explanations, short excuses.

Time to show the world-class service spirit of Korea to the strongest human alive.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Sometimes, a man has to show some bravado, a little confidence.

The art of bluffing.

Honestly, I thought it was a good answer, but his expression didn’t reveal much satisfaction. antique Still, I couldn’t afford to appear more submissive.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“…”

The silence between us became uncomfortable.

In Korea, they called that ganao. [2]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Even though he says that, it was Siegfried who unlocked your energy channels while you were unconscious. acoustic They say the older you get, the more stubborn you become. alien But thanks to me, he decided to let it slide, hehe!”

“Huff, how can you be so awkward with young people, old man?”

She clicked her tongue briefly and spoke, then immediately furrowed her brow and approached me.

Media, who had been watching us, sighed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, you’re getting shy now.”

“I told you not to mention that, Media.”

‘The Sword Master? meadow Embarrassed?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

Media gave me a provocative wink. apple Those eyes… she looked at me like I was prey, almost as if she were drooling a little.

Contrary to the aches I felt in my body, I suddenly felt surprisingly light, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders… well, maybe not that light, but at least I didn’t feel crushed anymore.

“While you were unconscious, we reviewed the recording of what happened in the subspace. aluminum You were quite the gallant knight, rushing in to protect that poor girl! anxiety A heroic act, without a doubt.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry, we’re not here to criticize your behavior during the test. canvas Honestly, those twins were admitted because their families bribed certain academy council members. amateur But in the end, they both dropped out on their own volition, so it’s a win-win!”

“We didn’t come to interrogate you. acid We’re here to inform you of something.”

The thought of having to study alongside those guys had sent shivers down my spine, but hearing that they had withdrawn brought instant relief.

“To inform me of what?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

1: Paocai: A traditional Chinese pickle made from vegetables fermented in brine, similar to Korean kimchi.

T/N:

“Kang Geom-Ma, you’re the top of your class! beacon Congratulations!”

A brilliant smile spread across Media’s face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 4: The Ranking Assignment Test (2) by Indra Translations.

2: Ganao: A Korean term referring to the “dignity” or “presence” someone projects, especially when trying to maintain an image or status in front of others.