Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2)

With my arms behind my head, I sank my back into the mattress, staring blankly at the familiar ceiling while murmuring to myself.

After visiting the smithy, I returned to the dormitory.

“…Why did it have to be magic stones?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Just seeing it made me smile internally with satisfaction.

The newly added functionality fulfilled those expectations—a remarkable benefit that allowed up to three special abilities to be embedded.

“Ha…”

When I first received Murasame, I had high expectations because of its great growth potential.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

In the game, these stones were described with grandiose words in their descriptions, but their utility was mediocre at best.

Perhaps the old saying, “You can’t find a cure when you need it most,” was true. arctic There was no doubt the ancients were right about some things.

A deep sigh escaped my lips. anxiety Although the result was satisfying, the term “magic stones” gave me pause.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

「Though small, its performance may vary depending on the user.」

Why were magic stones the catalyst for granting special abilities? antenna That question crossed my mind, and I suddenly remembered the last line in Murasame’s description:

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Could it be because my name includes the word “demonic”?

‘Well, whatever will be, will be.’

As silly as it sounded, I couldn’t help but think there might be some truth to that possibility.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

From the moment I was granted the blessing of the “God of the Sword” and named “Demonic Sword,” there had always been a playful irony to everything.

Magic stones are minerals imbued with magical power.

I exhaled another resigned sigh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

For instance, the “Giant,” which drops the Giant Magic Stone used as a key for certain dungeon doors, was one such magical beast.

They can only be obtained by defeating specific bosses in particular dungeons.

The problem was that these bosses, while technically magical beasts, had a minimum rank of A and were, in reality, not much different from demons.

Although someone had already defeated it and taken the magic stone, the Giant remained a high-ranking monster.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

It was a colossus of the golem type, whose mere footsteps caused the earth to tremble. admire Such was its fame, and this despite the Giant being considered one of the “easier” encounters.

The corrupted serpent “Basilisk,” the ferocious beast “Manticore,” the Lich King “Draugr,” and so on.

From there, the monsters that dropped magic stones were practically natural disasters personified.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Nominally, they were designed as trials to glorify the protagonist Leon’s achievements, but in reality, they were monsters created by the developers to squeeze players dry.

These were stage bosses known among low-budget players as the “wall of lamentation.”

Of course, I never spent money on those paid advantages to hunt monsters more easily. auction The company’s greed disgusted me.

During my days as a budget player, even I had been at a loss for words at their difficulty.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Regardless, was it worth taking all those risks just to grant special abilities to a weapon?

Besides, wasn’t it supposed to be Leon who hunted those beasts?

Looking back, I don’t know why I worked so hard.

With my stubborn nature, I preferred to face those monsters head-on, memorizing their patterns to overcome them, even disabling the auto-battle system.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

I stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, then jumped up and leaned against the window frame.

Granting special abilities—three in total—was only possible for weapons of rank A or higher.

‘…Yes, it’s worth it.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

After all, the main reason players spent money was to strengthen weapons and take part in the special ability lottery.

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

While the random activation of abilities was inconvenient, based on my experience as a player, the difference between having and not having special abilities was ridiculously vast, as in any other generic game.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Special abilities were crucial tools for elevating the user to a higher level of power.

As I watched it, my worries eased slightly, and my thoughts deepened.

In retrospect, it was a miracle I had overcome so many challenges thus far with completely normal weapons.

I gazed out the window. canvas A full moon shone brightly in the sky.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

The unexpected variables that didn’t exist during my time as a player were surfacing in this world, and dangers lurked everywhere.

Right now, I craved more power. silence Though I had abandoned comfortable thoughts like stability or safety, my main goal remained the same: to survive.

It was as if this world was trying to reject me, twisting the events I knew.

Although I had anticipated that life at the academy would be difficult, the accumulated incidents had made me more cynical.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Because, frankly, I couldn’t even guarantee the outcome of that war.

The Second Human-Demon War, scheduled to begin in three years, would soon start to unfold, and with it, the need to prepare.

Moreover, it had already been a month since I enrolled in the academy.

Enhancing my personal strength and granting special abilities to my weapons was no longer an option—it was a necessity.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

As much as a siren was a demon, seeing him fall with a single blow had been shocking.

The reason…

Our supposed protagonist, Leon van Reinhardt, couldn’t be fully trusted.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Despite that, his achievements didn’t go unnoticed, as I kept hearing rumors about his group clearing high-level dungeons.

Soon, during the upcoming survival training on Avalon Island, he would probably obtain “Balmung,” a legendary sword resonating with the attributes of light and darkness.

Though there hadn’t been any major deviations in his accomplishments since then, he still failed to inspire confidence.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps the threats meant for him were being diverted toward me. acid Just thinking about it filled me with an unpleasant feeling.

Sometimes, I wondered if I was a sort of lightning rod for the dangers that should have fallen on Leon.

‘Lucky bastard.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Black hair with white-tipped ends framed dark eyes.

The blade reflected the moonlight, and my face appeared in it.

With that thought, I partially unsheathed Murasame, letting the sharp sound of steel echo in the air.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

An appearance so bleak it contrasted completely with Leon’s fiery and radiant image, as if I were his shadow.

After gazing at Murasame for a while, I gripped the handle tightly.

Perhaps whoever threw me into this world had such a sinister intention.

I felt all the blood drain from my hand.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

‘I am Kang Geom-Ma. album There’s no reason to act like the protagonist or follow a perfect, noble path.’

If survival meant wielding my sword without hesitation, then—

Looking up at the night sky, I thought.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

“If I cut it, it’ll split. alert No matter what it is.”

At that moment, under the full moon’s glow, the stars began to appear one by one, filling the dark sky.

I murmured those words, and a nostalgic feeling washed over me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

At that moment, I saw a shooting star.

‘In this world, stars are the souls of fallen heroes. palette Even in death, they watch over this world, burning with their souls to protect it.’

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

I recalled something a professor had casually mentioned during a class.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

I woke up earlier than usual and washed myself with cold water.

As it traced an arc across the sky, as if responding to me, I felt an inexplicable sense of solace and peace.

A week went by quickly, and the day of the written exam arrived.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

The icy water ran over my body, leaving my bones numb.

In front of the mirror, I meticulously dried my body with a towel.

Although it was the beginning of summer, I did this as a ritual to prepare for exam day.

But it served its purpose—banishing the lingering sleep from my eyes in one swift strike.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Thanks to consistent exercise during morning training, I had developed a firm six-pack and a toned figure.

Though my face looked youthful, no longer carrying the excess baby fat of adolescence, the fine hairs on my face were a reminder that I was still a teenager.

What stood out most, however, was the slimness below my navel. ‘Being tall and lean does have its advantages.’

I let out a brief laugh at the thought before shaking my wet hair in front of the mirror.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

“This feels like being a courtier.”

With a sharp jawline and clear skin, I didn’t look bad.

Still, compared to my previous life, where I had a robust and masculine appearance, this more refined and delicate body felt strange.

I didn’t have the chiseled features of Leon, but I considered myself reasonably attractive.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

I recalled that in the webtoons I used to read, this phenomenon was called “possession.” legend Intrigued, I finished drying off in the bathroom and searched the term on my phone.

== ==

Even though I was now Kang Geom-Ma, the sensation of looking like a completely different person still felt surreal.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

1. antenna A phenomenon in which a spirit, demon, lost soul, or deity inhabits the body of another person.

[Noun]

Possession

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

The meaning wasn’t very different from what I already knew.

== ==

“Hmm.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

From the moment I ended up trapped in the world of a game, anything seemed possible.

Dwelling too much on this was absurd, considering my current situation.

“In any case, it doesn’t matter much anymore.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

As I bit into a sandwich I had prepared the night before, I reviewed the notes in my notebook.

I tossed my phone onto the bed and began buttoning my uniform shirt.

‘The average age of Divine Blessing manifestation… began 694 years ago as part of the effects of the Heroes’ Revolution in France…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

The reason was simple: the grades of all students would be posted on the bulletin boards of the main building.

Although the Joaquin Academy primarily emphasized practice, and my performance in the midterm practical exam had been satisfactory, I was taking this written exam more seriously than necessary.

While the idea was to foster competition and self-improvement, it felt like a cruel punishment for growing students—including me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

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

Additionally, since the club’s purpose was dungeon research and exploration, a leader with poor grades probably wouldn’t inspire confidence in new recruits.

Closing my notebook, I finished my sandwich and slung my backpack over my shoulder.

Still, I couldn’t avoid it. timber As the leader of a club with two members who happened to be ranked first and second in grades, I didn’t want to be underestimated by my own team.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

I didn’t particularly excel at anything, but my resourcefulness helped me find the correct answers and pass without much trouble.

Back on Earth, I dropped out of high school due to financial problems, but during my time there, I was an average student.

A slight tension ran through my body. avalanche This must be how a student feels before an exam.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

I murmured to myself with firm determination.

I was just about ready to leave.

‘If I don’t know the answer, I’ll pick option 3.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Rollin~♬

“Who could it be this early?”

My phone buzzed and vibrated with the sound of an incoming notification.

I was going to hand it in during the exam anyway, so I had planned to leave it off for the day.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

Tilting my head, I picked up my phone.

It was Ryozo, sending me an unexpected message as if she were my mother.

[Saki Ryozo: Today’s the written exam. absorb Have you had breakfast?]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

[Me: Yes, I had a sandwich.]

The message disappeared in 0.5 seconds after the “1” indicating it had been read vanished.

Sometimes, she sent me absurd things, like links to academic articles about her beloved yokan.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

She even attached a link to an academic article while giving me an unnecessary lecture.

[Saki Ryozo: Before an exam, it’s important to consume enough sugar. arrow If you don’t, your brain won’t function properly. anchor That’s why I always have yokan with me…]

“What’s with her today?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

[Me: In my country, there’s a traditional sweet eaten before exams.]

I was about to ignore it, but an idea crossed my mind. acid I quickly typed out a reply.

[Saki Ryozo: Really? amber What is it???]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

[Me: Malt syrup rice cakes.]

I could almost imagine her salivating on the other side of the phone.

With a mischievous grin, I typed my response.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

[Saki Ryozo: …Are you messing with me?]

Finally, a notification sounded.

The 1 disappeared, but silence followed for a moment.

Rollin~♬

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 51: A Brief Moment of Freedom (2) by Indra Translations.

“I didn’t think teasing her would be this much fun.”

I murmured, chuckling, as I left my phone on the bed and headed for the door.

The sound of my phone buzzing continued insistently as I closed the door behind me.

Rollin~♬ Rollin~♬ Rollin~♬