Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1)

The weekend arrived after the written exams. armor Normally, I would have stayed in bed, lazily getting up around midnight, but this time I woke up at the same time as on weekdays.

Sure, in an era like this, dominated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, doing prior research with YouTube videos would have been more than enough. acoustic Yet, for some reason, I always felt more comfortable with physical books.

The reason? matrix Preparing for the Deserted Island Survival Training that was just a few days away. altitude I decided to seize the opportunity to visit the library—a place I hadn’t stepped into in a while.

“The books I need to borrow are… How to Survive on a Deserted Island, Guide to Identifying Poisonous Plants, Survival Methods by the Famous Instructor Bear Galics, and… that should be enough.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

The term survival training” might evoke thoughts of a blood-soaked, life-threatening event, but in reality, it was more akin to a recreational camp.

The training would take place over three days and two nights, starting next Wednesday, on Avalon Island.

I murmured the titles I had noted in my phone’s memo app as I walked.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

However, the term “survival” also had a double meaning. atom Despite its short duration of two and a half days, the event aimed to assess each student’s self-sufficiency.

This was evident in several aspects: groups could range from one to four members, depending on preference, and all students received detailed information about the training itinerary.

Additionally, this event held significant importance in the game’s storyline, as it was here that the protagonist, Leon, obtained the hilt of Balmung, his main weapon.

It was designed to give students, whose days were packed with study, a much-needed breather. arrow In other words, it was something like a school trip.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

To be honest, that part didn’t make me jealous. attic Since entering this world, my outlook on romance had become somewhat cynical.

“So, this is where Abel and Leon finally get together, huh?”

It was also where the romantic feelings between him and the main heroine, Abel, deepened through a series of events.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

In such circumstances, it was impossible to enjoy the warm early summer air.

Besides, when Abel visited the Wolf Class with Rachel some time ago, she made it abundantly clear that she didn’t hold me in high regard.

The academy’s Council of Elders had targeted me, a mysterious instructor was lurking around, and I still needed to recruit the final member for my club.

With so many challenges weighing on me, it was hard for any feelings to blossom, no matter how attractive the other person might be.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Thinking about it left me with a slight sense of melancholy.

However, as a swordsman, my attention inevitably gravitated toward Balmung.

“Youth… maybe in the next life…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

As both a sacred and cursed sword, only those who had manifested a Divine Blessing could wield it, which effectively made it a weapon exclusive to the protagonist.

As a former player of Miracle Blessing M, I knew exactly where it was located and was acutely aware of its impressive capabilities, which only made me desire it more.

Balmung. arena The only weapon of indeterminate class in the entire game narrative. anxiety A central part of the plot involved gathering the scattered pieces of Balmung.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Later, it allowed Leon to completely dominate any enemy, making it an extraordinarily powerful weapon.

According to the game’s descriptions, if plunged into the ground, it would split the earth, and if swung, it could cleave mountains.

Of course, I carried a spare one from Daiso because you never know when you might need it.

Compared to that, my current weapon was just a D-rank kitchen knife.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“Could Balmung be reforged into a kitchen knife?”

As soon as I entered, I headed straight for the available computers and searched for the books I planned to read throughout the day.

With a tinge of bitterness, I licked my lips. artist Before I knew it, I had arrived at the library.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately, the island didn’t harbor any magical beasts, meaning I could focus solely on survival aspects.

Furthermore, the tools allowed were extremely limited, making self-sufficiency essential.

Despite having been a Japanese cuisine chef in my previous life, I had never indulged in hobbies like fishing or outdoor activities. canvas Even for a two-and-a-half-day camp, surviving in an unfamiliar environment without prior knowledge would be difficult.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Still, recalling the events of the midterm exam, I couldn’t rule out unexpected occurrences. ability This time, however, instructors would accompany the students, marking a key difference from the game.

The strongest hero of humanity leading first-year cadets on an excursion…

Additionally, possibly under orders from the academy’s director, Siegfried, the Sword Master, was among the instructors temporarily overseeing the Wolf Class.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“Avalon is an island located far to the west, its geography constantly shifting. crystal At its center lies an ancient lake known as the ‘Queen’s Lake,’ which dates back to the mythical era…”

With these thoughts in mind, I began quickly skimming through books related to Avalon Island that I found in the legends section.

Although it deviated slightly from the original story, it was at least reassuring in terms of safety.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Though with some added details, the information aligned with what I already remembered.

“Hm, more or less what I already knew.”

I knew it was an uninhabited island, without maps due to its shifting geography.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

A calm, familiar voice echoed behind me. alpha I instinctively turned around.

“Oh, Kang Geom-Ma, you’re here too?”

Immersed in my reading, time flew by. arcade Before I knew it, the light of sunset was filtering through the windows, bathing the interior in a golden glow.

Still, I had come to the library that morning with a clear purpose: to uncover clues about something very specific on Avalon Island.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“It’s been a while.”

“…”

There he was—his golden hair shimmering in the glow of the setting sun, and his blue eyes sparkling like a clear sky.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

The glow of Leon illuminated even the solemn atmosphere of the library, dominating the space with his presence.

***

Leon van Reinhardt greeted me with a smile and a slight nod.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

‘Damn, he’s absurdly handsome. orbit Surely, his ego must be small to balance things out, right?’

Even the librarian, who was trying to reprimand them seriously, couldn’t help but steal furtive glances in his direction. galaxy He was the living proof that appearance speaks louder than words.

When I glanced around, I noticed several female students peeking from behind the shelves, whispering excitedly as they stared at him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

‘Why is he reading that?’

…Although what caught my attention the most were the books he was holding. antenna Judging by the titles, they seemed to be introductory texts on magic.

Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I assumed he might be trying to learn more about magic and demons after the events of the midterm exam.

I let out a deep sigh as I watched him. action It wasn’t exactly a reassuring sight—the hero protagonist flipping through basic magic books in the library.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Noticing my furrowed brow, Leon, with a slightly awkward expression, tried to hide the books behind his back.

But considering the weight of the responsibilities he would bear in the future, seeing him engrossed in beginner-level magic books eroded my faith in him by leaps and bounds.

“…”

A somewhat tense silence settled between us until he attempted to break it with a smile.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“You’re incredibly diligent, Kang Geom-Ma.”

He seemed to be trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, so I responded half-heartedly.

“I’m just researching Avalon Island for next week’s training.”

“What are you reading?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“I have to rely on myself.”

I wouldn’t deny it. arcade Lately, my daily routine was probably one of the most disciplined in the world.

Every day was filled with training, dungeon explorations, and studying magical beasts.

But what other choice did I have? artist Knowing how grim the future was, I had no option but to give my all during these three years.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Different, how? arrow I remembered the first time I met him.

When I said that, Leon murmured with a bitter expression.

“Rely on yourself…”

“You’re different from me… And I’m different from you.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“Kang Geom-Ma, where are you from?”

It had been a direct question, almost as if he were speaking to someone familiar.

Leon had said something puzzling back then.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

There was something about him that didn’t add up. arena His radiant face always seemed shadowed by some hidden sorrow, and his demeanor was tinged with a certain unease. arrow Despite that, his actions didn’t stray far from the original game’s storyline.

I shook my head to dispel my thoughts. athlete It didn’t matter whether I had faith in Leon or not—our priorities and methods were completely different.

The warmth with which he greeted me that day didn’t align with the Leon I knew from the game.

I didn’t know how to interpret the contradictions in his character.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you, Kang Geom-Ma. apron You too.”

With a brief farewell, Leon turned and left.

“Do your best. advance Be careful on your way back; the library’s about to close.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

“…”

It was as if the weight of humanity’s fate bore down on his shoulders, crushed by both light and darkness.

I watched him walk away. alert The admiring gazes in the room contrasted with the eerie shadow the setting sun cast behind him.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

I had something to find before heading home.

***

…After spending the entire weekend in the library flipping through books, Monday morning found me back in the Wolf Class.

It wasn’t my place to console or encourage him. beacon I turned away and refocused on my reading.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Searching for clues about a power yet to be revealed in this world had been more complicated than I had anticipated.

Resting my chin on one hand, I leaned against the desk, staring idly out the window.

I stretched my arms and, as I did, a faint smile appeared on my lips.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Spending my precious weekend had borne fruit. autumn I had managed to pinpoint what I was looking for on Avalon Island: the location of a hidden blessing.

“The hard work paid off.”

With my main objective set, I planned to enjoy the training calmly once I found it.

Lighting a campfire, fishing with an improvised line, and preparing sashimi like in the old days.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

As I imagined those scenes, a memory of Leon crossed my mind like a thorn lodged in my throat.

“…”

His strange behaviors still gnawed at me.

“In my previous life, I never had the chance to enjoy such things because of work.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

Scratching my chin, I tried to push the intrusive thoughts away.

“…Maybe I should get some sleep.”

It wasn’t my business to worry about someone who already had the world at his feet.

As long as he didn’t stray too far from the original storyline, I would just watch from a distance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 54: Deserted Island Survival Training (1) by Indra Translations.

With an important event approaching, I couldn’t afford to be exhausted.

After staying up late reading, fatigue weighed heavily on my eyes.