Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4)

The remains of beasts piled into a grotesque mountain that nearly blocked the tunnel entirely, stretching over fifty meters.

“What… what the hell?!”

Blood splattered everywhere, filling the air with a thick, oppressive mist.

The guard at the control post stared in horror at the path of destruction before him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

The guard opened his mouth repeatedly but no sound came out. anxiety His dilated pupils struggled to process the scene before him. autumn It took a moment for him to react, to grasp the magnitude of what he was witnessing.

His face, pale and clammy, reflected his unraveling nerves. canvas He began gnawing at his fingernails, the trembling in his bones betraying his terror.

“This… this is cursed. sphere If anyone finds out, I’m done for.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

His eyelids twitched, and the deep lines of worry on his face made him appear even older, his expression etched with dread.

The assurances he had given to the instructor now seemed utterly ridiculous. atlas Every single buffalo, frenzied by the magic stone, lay dead—obliterated.

Something had gone horribly, catastrophically wrong. attic He had thought those brats were just ordinary students.

“I’m screwed.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

With his face contorted in disbelief, he gripped his head tightly, yanking out tufts of hair as he spiraled into despair.

He had worked at the Buffalo Dungeon’s control post for a decade, and no one knew this place better than he did. echo He had been certain those students wouldn’t survive.

“Damn it!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

He owed twenty million won after losing his entire fortune at the Cheorwonland casino, and his creditors were relentless, threatening his life daily.

Then, that woman—calling herself an instructor from Joaquin Academy—had approached him with a proposal.

Already plagued by hereditary hair loss, the stress now seemed determined to leave his forehead completely bare.

“If you do me a favor, I’ll clear all your debts.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

She had also ordered him to use the magic stone to open a sealed stone door in the depths of the dungeon—something that had remained locked for as long as anyone could remember.

She was a slender figure with dark hair and icy violet eyes that chilled him to the bone.

Instinctively, he knew that disobeying her could mean his death.

Her conditions had been bizarre: she gave him a magic stone and instructed him to drive the buffalo into a frenzy, then unleash them on a specific student, Kang Geom-Ma, the moment he entered the dungeon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Despite the worry etched on his face, he forced a shaky, insincere grin, desperately trying to convince himself.

Smears of blood on the ground formed a trail leading toward the stone door, as if something—or someone—had been dragged there.

It was practically an assassination contract, but with his life already in shambles, he hadn’t seen any other way out. galaxy With the amount of money promised and the opportunity to keep the stone, which could fetch a fortune on the black market, he thought he could finally turn his life around.

“…I can still fix this… heh.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

***

Spitting into his hands, he slicked back his hair, though a few loose strands fell, soaked with cold sweat.

Gripping his single-bladed axe, he staggered forward, his steps unsteady but fueled by a toxic blend of despair and malice, as he made his way toward the center of the dungeon.

“Those damned brats… this time, I’ll finish them for good.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

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

‘…Damn it.’

“Things seemed to be going too smoothly…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

‘That damned guard…’

Being dragged into a hidden dungeon by the roaring stream of mana that engulfed us was more irritating than shocking.

I had a bad feeling ever since noticing the suspicious look on the dungeon guard’s face before entering, but who could have predicted it would escalate to this? aspect I’m no god, after all.

From the start, why was the dungeon door—which, by all rules, should have been sealed—open as if it were waiting for us? auction And why did it slam shut the moment we crossed the threshold?

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

But a sudden doubt gnawed at me.

The abnormal behavior of the buffalo, so unlike anything I’d experienced in the game, and the fact that this cursed hidden dungeon was accessible—it all pointed to him.

Even without concrete proof, I could piece it together.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Though a seven-star item—the second rarest tier out of seven—its description didn’t provide much information.

This special stone was obtainable only after defeating the final boss of the Gigant Dungeon, a pivotal moment marking the transition from the early to the mid-game in Miracle Blessing M.

The door to this hidden dungeon could only be opened with the “Gigant Mana Stone” a reward item that appeared midway through the game’s storyline.

Players who didn’t consult guides often used it as an enhancement material, unaware it was the key to unlocking this secret dungeon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

With this blessing, players could adapt Leon’s legendary sword, “Balmung,” to any situation, unleashing its true power.

This blessing allowed the user to transfer one of their skills into a weapon or item. matrix While it wasn’t inherently powerful as a standalone ability, its potential was immense.

The frustration was palpable. galaxy This dungeon granted a unique blessing: the “Transfer Blessing.”

And once players discovered its true purpose, they realized there were few opportunities to obtain it again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately for me, I’d been so busy with work back then that the stone remained unused in my inventory, sparing me from disaster.

Miracle Blessing M had hidden a priceless resource in this dungeon, and players who had squandered the Gigant Mana Stone on enhancements couldn’t help but feel cheated.

“Hah…”

As usual, the game devs had ignored the complaints, a classic move from their playbook.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

The atmosphere was oppressive, not just figuratively—it was palpable.

While it was normal for cave-type dungeons to feel cold, this chill cut straight to the bone.

My skin prickled under the weight of a malevolent energy, like needles stabbing into my flesh.

I exhaled sharply, vapor escaping my lips.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

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

Saki Ryozo’s uniform skirt had torn up to her thigh from scraping along the ground, leaving a slit that resembled a qipao dress. arctic Through the tear, her smooth, unblemished leg was visible—a small relief in the grim situation.

Thankfully, none of them appeared seriously injured from being dragged here.

I quickly scanned my surroundings and saw my teammates slowly getting to their feet, holding their heads as they struggled with nausea.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

We were inside a vast cavern with a dome-like structure that rose about thirty meters high.

After confirming that everyone was unscathed, I surveyed our surroundings.

‘We got lucky.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Squinting, I activated the Blessing of the Sword God, and my night vision revealed its silhouette.

It was the hidden boss of the Buffalo Dungeon—a Rank A monster—the Minotaur.

The flickering light of torches lined the walls, casting eerie shadows. afford At the center of the chamber, something massive loomed in the darkness.

A hulking figure sat slouched on a rock that served as a throne.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

As a hidden boss, the Minotaur was leagues above the usual field enemies.

Players in the community affectionately referred to it as “King Cow,” due to its resemblance to a friendly boss in another game.

However, its appearance was anything but friendly. audit With the head of a buffalo and the body of a man, it wielded a massive double-headed axe like a cane.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Standing beside it like loyal sentinels were two smaller Minotaurs, known as the “Left and Right Advisors of the King.”

Though these Rank B monsters weren’t particularly dangerous on their own, their coordination made them a formidable pair.

Its physical strength was said to rival that of a demon, and though it didn’t use magic, its ferocity alone earned it a reputation equivalent to one.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Beside me, Chloe, her detection ability undoubtedly picking up the overwhelming presence, tugged on my sleeve.

“…Geom-Ma, what is that?”

Even with my eyes closed, the aura they radiated seeped into the ground, forcing me to swallow hard.

‘Facing all three at once would be suicide.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon and Saki hadn’t yet adjusted to the darkness, but sensing my tension, they stayed on guard without speaking.

I glanced toward the stone door behind us.

It looked impenetrable to any ordinary weapon, with a diagonal red mark etched across it—a Mark of 【???】

I pressed a finger to my lips, signaling her to stay quiet. galaxy She nodded silently.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

I’d already exhausted the Blessing of the Sword God during the fight with the buffalo. altitude Facing the Minotaur without it was unthinkable.

‘We need to get out of here quietly.’

While its materials would be ideal for enhancing my weapons, I valued my life far more.

After some deliberation, I bit down on a sashimi knife—not as a weapon, but as a gag to endure the pain.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Carefully, I drew the Murasame, which I had reserved for emergencies.

At that moment, a chilling sensation swept over me as I sensed something behind us.

Slowly, it rose from its stone throne.

The Minotaur’s ear twitched in our direction. auction Its previously closed eyes began to open, glowing with a sharp, relentless light.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Boom!

“Moooooo—!”

The Minotaur struck the ground with the base of its double-headed axe, and its subordinate monsters roared in response.

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Boom!

“What the hell?!”

The Minotaur slammed the ground again, and the flickering torches brightened, illuminating the cavern in full.

Speedweapon, who had been holding his breath, flinched in alarm.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

This wasn’t like the exam, where I’d been unprepared for the Demon Siren.

‘Then…’

Now that my teammates could clearly see the Minotaur and its lackeys, their terror was palpable. avalanche Escaping without a fight was no longer an option.

I clenched my teeth, steeling my resolve.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

I had fought the Minotaur before. legend If I were at full strength, I might have been able to handle all three. shadow But without the blessing, my odds were slim.

“Yeah… I can do that.”

“SpeedWeapon, can you buff me to reduce pain?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Meanwhile, the Minotaur lumbered toward us. altitude I remained calm and asked him pointedly.

Speedweapon, pale as a sheet, regained some composure upon seeing my determined gaze.

“How long can you maintain it?”

“Max, about two minutes.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon eyes widened, but when I gave him a reassuring smile, he nodded, albeit nervously.

“Perfect. meadow During those two minutes, don’t let up—not even for a second. ability If you do, then…”

I dragged a finger across my neck.

“Got it… I trust you.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry too much.”

Saki nodded, her face tense, though her hands trembled slightly as she gripped her bow.

“Saki, Chloe, take care of the other two.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 40: Buffalo Dungeon (4) by Indra Translations.

“Let’s handle this the same as before.”

I offered a smile before stepping toward the advancing Minotaur.

Glancing back, I saw my teammates’ determined faces, each of them giving a firm nod.