Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5)

For him, my appearance must have been just as sudden, but his face didn’t betray even a hint of surprise.

Whiiish.

With one hand resting on the rock, I stared intently at Leon. beacon Leon continued to wear a pleasant smile, the kind of expression you’d expect from someone with a naturally kind disposition.

The silence between us was subtle.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

‘He found it.’

The Twilight Sword, Balmung’s hilt.

Then, my gaze shifted slowly to the bladeless hilt that Leon held.

A weapon of paradoxical nature, both a cursed sword and a sacred blade.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

‘The Ether Gem.’

The hilt, which emitted a pure silvery glow, shone so brightly it was almost blinding, and a wavy pattern rippled across its surface.

Originally, it was a catalyst designed to neutralize Balmung, the most fearsome cursed sword in the world, with divine energy. auction Its value was immeasurable.

However, what stood out most was the blue gem embedded in the center of the hilt.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Honestly, as a swordsman, I felt a twinge of envy, but either way, that ego-driven sword wouldn’t allow anyone to touch it without Leon’s unique blessing.

As a player, I wielded it as if it were just another basic weapon, but even without its blade formed, it was clear that it possessed a beauty worthy of being the world’s most powerful weapon.

Seeing it in the game was one thing, but witnessing it in reality was a completely new experience.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

‘…It’s impressive.’

Even I, who had prepared meticulously before coming to the island, spent two whole days lost before finding this place.

This terrain was located in the island’s deepest core. autumn According to my memories, Balmung’s location was far from here, somewhere on the outskirts.

…But setting that aside, why is this guy here? voyage As my wandering thoughts settled, a pressing question emerged.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Sure, given the ever-changing nature of the island’s geography, it was possible he had arrived here purely by chance…

But the idea that Leon stumbled upon this place by sheer luck, while I had reached it through painstaking effort, irritated me to no end.

Yet, looking at Leon’s spotless and tidy appearance compared to my disheveled state, it seemed his journey had been considerably easier.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Then, while scratching his chin, he was the first to speak.

Noticing the flicker of anger in my eyes, Leon, who had been observing me closely, hurriedly pulled his hand away from mine, looking slightly flustered.

‘The protagonist’s buff only goes so far.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Clearly on guard, I thought. anchor But I, too, hadn’t released my grip on the hilt of my sashimi knife in my right hand.

Even as he spoke, his other hand remained firmly gripped around Balmung.

“I saw the orb from a distance and rushed over. advance It seems our paths crossed.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

I let out a brief sigh and slipped the sashimi back into my pocket.

Leon smiled awkwardly, as if trying to come up with something to say.

At that, Leon, visibly more at ease, also lowered Balmung.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

In truth, despite the vastness of Avalon Island, it was filled with students from the Academy. silence It was more surprising that I hadn’t encountered anyone until now.

‘…The problem is that I had to run into Leon.’

The survival training on this deserted island was a pivotal event for Leon as the protagonist and a crucial point in the early scenario’s development.

Then came an extended silence.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

According to the original plot, this was when Leon was supposed to meet Abel and begin developing feelings for her.

As I thought about it, a worrisome idea suddenly crossed my mind.

‘Did I inadvertently interrupt the time Leon was supposed to spend with Abel?’

A perfect man and woman, sharing their hearts by a campfire, revealing emotions they had kept hidden, and healing each other’s wounds—something like that.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

If that were the case, their relationship might take a completely unexpected turn.

Biting my lip in frustration, I noticed Leon, who was still watching me closely, cautiously speak again.

‘Damn it.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

I lifted my gaze slightly to try to read his intentions.

“So… Geom-Ma, did you also see the orb and come all the way here?”

A pure face, devoid of deceit. arena It seemed he hadn’t come here with any specific purpose.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

However, if I handed the orb over to Leon too easily, I would have to explain why I had rushed to this place.

Of course, an orb of this size held considerable value, but it couldn’t compare to the blessing I sought.

From my perspective, there would be no problem leaving the orb to him, as it wasn’t my primary goal. alien My true objective was the “Blessing of Regeneration.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

After making a quick decision, I nodded.

‘There’s no need to justify myself.’

I’d rather come off as greedy than plant unnecessary doubts in Leon’s mind.

“Yes, that’s right. timber I haven’t found a single orb since arriving on the island, and I happened to spot this one.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“Then, there’s no other way.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“…?”

Leon, rubbing his chin, seemed to ponder for a moment. attic Then, after tilting his head a few times, he murmured quietly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Shiiiiiing.

The bladeless sword emitted a hum. action The resonance was brief.

With those words, Leon unsheathed Balmung again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The intangible blade’s glow cast a halo over his face.

Narrowing his eyes, Leon raised Balmung to chest height.

Immediately, a sword of pure white light extended from the hilt.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The situation caught me off guard.

“Defeat me in a duel and take it.”

With his paladin-like demeanor, he uttered a line worthy of a dungeon boss.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Yet his eyes shone with determination and strength. alpha It was the gaze of a swordsman, free of petty thoughts.

Did Leon have such a mundane personality?

Fighting with swords over an orb? palette It almost seemed ridiculous.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Any distrust I might have felt toward him earlier diminished slightly.

Seeing him like this, I better understood his impulsive reaction.

The orb was just a pretext. arrow Leon wanted to use me as a stepping stone to grow, a challenge to harden himself further.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Legendary heroes only achieve greatness after overcoming countless trials.

As if to prove that, Leon now exuded a majestic presence, entirely different from before.

I let out a faint laugh and, with a satisfied smile, gripped my hilt.

Perhaps my lack of trust in Leon stemmed from him not yet being fully chosen by Balmung.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Considering potential contingencies, wasting my God of the Sword blessing on something like this would be foolish.

Still, despite his admirable attitude, I didn’t plan on spending much time on this.

“The protagonist is the protagonist, after all.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Moreover, if I got too carried away during the duel, I might end up cutting his throat.

I began walking calmly toward him as I unsheathed my blade.

Balmung and my sashimi knife resonated in unison.

Shiiiiing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The duel ended in an instant, so fast it felt hollow.

Shortly after.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

It didn’t even last a few seconds.

It seemed like a state unattainable even after decades of swordsmanship training.

‘This is on a completely different level.’

When the small sashimi blade grazed Balmung, the blade of the sacred sword shattered cleanly, as though it were soft candy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

I couldn’t comprehend how someone my age could wield a sword with such near-supernatural skill.

Asking him wouldn’t help either—it wasn’t a matter of technique but something purely instinctive.

Not only had he evolved since the midterm exam, but it felt as though he had transcended to an entirely new realm.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Leon stared vacantly at the empty hilt of his sword, letting out a dry chuckle.

He fixed his gaze on Kang Geom-Ma, who had already sheathed his weapon and was now inspecting the rock where the orb had once rested.

“Ha, ha.”

For Kang Geom-Ma, the duel from moments ago held no importance. amber His attention was solely focused on the victor’s prize.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

An unfamiliar and confusing emotion welled up deep within his heart, leaving him breathless with frustration.

‘…Kang Geom-Ma, you should have been the chosen one.’

Leon didn’t say it out loud.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Suppressing it, Leon stifled what he wanted to express and, without saying goodbye, began to walk slowly into the forest.

“Huh? zenith When did he leave?”

The shadows of twilight stretched, dyeing his retreating figure in somber hues as he left.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps I had gone overboard in not wanting to waste even 50 seconds, ending the duel with a single stroke of my sword.

Even I found the outcome anticlimactic.

Distracted by the rock inscribed with carvings, I hadn’t noticed Leon disappearing entirely.

“Maybe I ended it too quickly…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

I had ensured not to harm Leon, focusing my strike exclusively on his sword.

Even without a physical blade, Balmung remained one of the world’s most powerful weapons, yet it had disappeared without resistance.

As I reviewed the duel in my mind, I shook my head.

The invisible edge of Balmung had dispersed like dust in the air as my sashimi blade struck the red seam running across Balmung.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“With this, at least my score will be high.”

I picked up the orb resting on the rock. acid It was a crystalline gem, roughly the size of a baseball.

“Well, I’m sure Balmung’s final version will be different.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“…”

A faint glow coursed through the carvings on its surface. august I extended my hand toward the rock.

I carelessly tossed the orb into my backpack and approached the inscribed rock.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Now that I thought about it, in the game, you’d simply approach, hear a ding, and the item would automatically be added to your inventory.

No reaction. aluminum Shouldn’t there have been some kind of flash or effect indicating it was being absorbed into my body?

Squinting, I examined the rock from top to bottom.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

I had come all this way with great effort, only to waste time staring at my objective?

After standing there for several minutes, lost in thought, frustration began to creep in.

Despite thoroughly inspecting it for anything unusual, it seemed to be nothing more than a stone with a few carvings etched into it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“…Don’t tell me.”

Then, a thought crossed my mind. autumn A vague memory surfaced, recalling the moment I had accidentally obtained the Blessing of Regeneration.

Pensive, I murmured to myself.

I set my backpack down and pulled out one of my sashimi knives.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The rock split cleanly as if it were butter.

Slash!

Thud!

Gripping the hilt tightly, I swung it forcefully.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Moments later, the long-awaited notification appeared before my eyes.

Fallen leaves around the area fluttered into the air from the impact.

Flash!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

== ==

Rapidly restores damaged cells, accelerating recovery.

[NEW! arcade Congratulations! arcade You have acquired a new blessing.]

[Blessing of Regeneration]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

== ==

[※ Note: Does not regenerate severed body parts.]

Squinting as I read the notification, I sheathed the sashimi blade and pulled a machete from my backpack.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

However, the blood pooling in the wound stopped almost instantly, and the skin closed up entirely in mere moments.

I lightly cut my forearm with the machete. palette The wound wasn’t deep but severe enough that it would scar if untreated.

“Let’s test this out.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“Wow, this works like a charm.”

“Well, at least I got what I came for. voyage That’s what matters.”

Of all the abilities I had gained so far, this was the most straightforward and effective.

I considered testing it further but decided against unnecessarily harming myself.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Rubbing my chin thoughtfully, I cracked my knuckles.

Though Leon’s unexpected interference had been an annoyance, it was a minor distraction compared to everything else I had been through.

I felt rejuvenated.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Grrrrr.

I looked up at the sky.

The sun had completely set beyond the horizon, and darkness began to envelop everything.

My stomach growled loudly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“Now that I think about it, all I’ve eaten today is dried meat.”

I was out of food. atlas Having spent the entire day running through the forest, I hadn’t had time to hunt.

‘Well, I’ve been running for over five hours.’

I could try hunting now, but the accumulated exhaustion made my eyelids feel unbearably heavy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

That’s when I spotted some fruit hanging from a tree.

Their aroma was already enticing, but in my hungry state, they were downright mouthwatering. antique My appetite surged even more.

Scratching my chin, I glanced around for something edible.

“The Fruit of Life.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Surely, the rumors about its taste were exaggerated.

“The aroma of heaven, the taste of hell…”

With my experience as a cook, I knew a fruit that smelled this good couldn’t possibly taste bad.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

A terrible flavor assaulted my mouth, making me shudder as a disgusting, bitter taste filled my throat.

Crunch.

“Aaack!”

I plucked one, quickly cleaned it by rubbing it against my clothes, and took a big bite.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The taste was so awful I felt like I was losing my sense of taste. aspect It truly was hell disguised as fruit.

“Damn it! orbit Ugh, ugh!”

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The stifling air made sweat trickle down my temples.

Using the machete, I hacked away at branches blocking my path.

By the time dawn broke the next day, I had walked for about two hours, carving my way through the dense forest.

“…Huff, it’s so hot.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

My stomach still felt uneasy. anxiety Perhaps eating the Fruit of Life had left my insides burning.

Surrounded by the sea, the island’s humid, salty wind clung to my skin.

I unbuttoned the top two buttons of my shirt and wiped the sweat off with my sleeve.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to shake off the discomfort weighing me down.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

My sweat-drenched body also begged for a stream where I could rinse off.

I rolled my shoulders to cool my clothes and sharpened my senses, searching for a nearby stream.

It wasn’t necessary to sit cross-legged with hands on my knees like in the movies. abstract Simply standing still and closing my eyes sufficed.

“Water… I need water.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The rustling leaves, the chirping birds… Finally, I detected the soft trickle of water in the distance.

Expanding my awareness, I mapped out the surroundings in my mind like a 3D image.

Thanks to the Blessing of the God of the Sword, my enhanced perception far surpassed my natural senses.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Summoning all my strength, I propelled myself toward the sound.

‘I’ve found it.’

Quickly opening my eyes, I realized I needed to reach it before the island’s geography shifted again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Though I didn’t know for certain, that creature must not have been ordinary. aspect After about five minutes of running, a gently flowing stream finally came into view.

‘How fast was that damned rabbit from the other day, then?’

From the riverbank, a moist breeze began to blow, adding to the discomfort in the air.

Even with the heavy backpack weighing on me, my well-trained body moved swiftly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Swish!

As fleeting images of the scenery solidified around me, I finally approached close enough to wash away my sweat.

Still, a bit of cool water would be enough to fix that.

I fixed my gaze on the stream, already anticipating the relief it would bring.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“…!!”

Instinctively twisting my body, I dodged the blade, which lodged itself with a thud into a nearby tree.

A weapon sliced through the air right in front of my eyes like a streak of light.

The branches quivered violently from the impact.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The erratic blades whirled through the air as they neared.

Before I could even wonder what was happening, three more curved blades spun toward me like boomerangs.

Swish! artist Swish! aluminum Swish!

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Clang!

I immediately stepped forward and rolled on the ground to dodge them. adopt Spinning, I let the confusing projectiles pass me by.

However, the sudden attack left me unable to summon the Blessing of the God of the Sword, and several blades grazed me, leaving shallow cuts that began to bleed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“Wow, boss. orbit Is this kid really a student? artist He’s impressive. harbor Why don’t we recruit him right now?”

Step. alpha Step.

The blades embedded themselves deeply into a nearby dead tree, like nails hammered into wood.

The sound of multiple footsteps approached steadily and deliberately.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

“Understood.”

“Shut up, Farik.”

Emerging from the blind spots of my vision, shadowy figures began to materialize one by one.

At the head of the group was a man with a forked tongue, like a snake’s.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

Lei Shen.

And I recognized her.

Among all of them, the one who stood out the most was a woman walking at the center.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 59: Deserted Island Survival Training (5) by Indra Translations.

The leader of the infamous assassin group known as the Undertakers.

And, in the future, the first half-demon Leon van Reinhardt would face.