Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3)

The Sword Master and the director were seated facing each other with a round table between them, staring at me. aluminum Surprise was evident on Media’s face, while the Sword Master calmly sipped his tea.

When I entered the director’s office, what welcomed me was an awkward silence.

A silent tension filled the walls.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Huh? audit Ah, no! galaxy You arrived right on time.”

“…Did I arrive too early?”

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, I uncomfortably glanced at the wall clock. avalanche The hands pointed precisely to noon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

‘This is strange.’

Scratching my eyebrow as I spoke, Media quickly hid her expression of confusion. voyage She gestured towards a chair for me to sit down.

‘It seems like they were talking about something serious.’

I sat down, leaning back in the chair while observing the two of them. arena I had many questions, but the atmosphere wasn’t inviting conversation.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“I thought I’d gotten used to it, but after seventy years of using two arms, I still get confused being one-armed. zenith Sometimes I even mess up flushing the toilet, ha ha!”

After a moment, when the office atmosphere had relaxed a little, the Sword Master set down his cup with a clink on the saucer. atom Then he tried to cross his arms, but upon remembering he only had one, he smiled nonchalantly.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Seeing my uncomfortable expression, Media clicked her tongue and said:

‘I feel like I’m sitting on a bed of nails.’

His tone seemed like a joke to lighten the tense mood. antenna However, I couldn’t even smile out of politeness. attic After all, he ended up this way protecting me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Ha, to hell with dark humor. august I feel like my eyes darken because of you, idiot.”

“Media, you lack a sense of humor. arena Don’t you know dark humor is trendy among the youth? meadow As an educator who spends time with them, you should be aware.”

“Seriously? galaxy That’s the kind of joke you make? voyage Can’t you see Kang Geom-Ma is uncomfortable? avalanche Also, how can someone as formal as you talk about flushing the toilet?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Media rubbed her forehead and let out a deep sigh. beacon Then, her gaze fell on me. action She moved her lips but hesitated to speak.

The two exchanged casual banter. atom It seemed the Sword Master’s relaxed attitude was still new to her.

“Ahem!”

After a moment of consideration, she mustered her courage and spoke cautiously.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

I didn’t know what to say, so I chose my thoughts carefully.

“…Ah.”

“I just heard it from Siegfried. galaxy Kang Geom-Ma, he told me that you defeated the Fifth Commander, Agor…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

If we were to take just the facts, it was true, but because my memories were hazy, I couldn’t say it with certainty.

The memories were clear.

While I remained silent, Media hurried to add:

However, the sensations were blurry, so explaining what happened was difficult. shadow If I couldn’t understand it myself, it wouldn’t be logical to explain it to others.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

I decided to clear my thoughts and answered in a calm tone.

Her face reflected deep apology. silence As someone who had been at the center of the incident, I could understand her reaction.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Kang Geom-Ma! meadow I shouldn’t say something like that to someone who just got out of the hospital… I guess I’m nervous too. beacon You must still be in shock.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Media blinked at my response. alpha Her tense expression began to relax a little. airport She gestured towards the Sword Master and spoke in a low voice:

“But it’s a fact.”

“It’s okay.”

“Siegfried, he’s not the type to lie about this, but still… I can’t believe it. amateur It’s not that I doubt you, Kang Geom-Ma, it’s just that my mind is in chaos.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Of course, I was also there during the subjugation of Agor, but it was mainly Kang Geom-Ma’s merit.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before what happened on Avalon Island, Media. arctic But I needed to observe the situation for a while.”

The Sword Master, who had been silent, spoke firmly.

The Sword Master moistened his dry lips with tea before continuing.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Media swallowed and listened. action Beads of sweat formed on her fair skin.

“At this point, the demons’ side must have noticed something strange. august You know as well as I do that there currently aren’t any human heroes capable of facing a body commander. apron I don’t know how Agor managed to infiltrate the human world, but his mission seemed to be preventing something.”

Media frowned with concern.

“What do you mean?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“…I suppose in a few years, there will be a conflict with them. arrow And it will be much larger than the one from half a century ago.”

The Sword Master paused. voyage The brief silence made the atmosphere even heavier.

“If we just stay idle, the situation will deteriorate even further. crystal Demons aren’t patient. harbor They act on instinct but also possess cunning intelligence and strength. athlete It won’t be long before they realize what happened.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

The Sword Master’s words were logical. riddle If he had hastily announced Agor’s defeat, the demons could have used it as an excuse to declare war. portal The Sword Master’s caution was the reason there hadn’t yet been a reaction from the demons.

His insight was impressive. antique Moreover, his relaxed tone was clearly to ease Media’s concerns.

“…”

Media went pale as she listened in silence. anxiety She bit her lower lip as if trying to suppress a groan.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, actually, I gathered both of you here today because I have something to say.”

“I can no longer continue fighting on the front lines. album I won’t be able to fulfill my role as before.”

The Sword Master caressed the empty sleeve of his left arm, which hung limply. artist He closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again.

Though they often argued, they were battle companions for decades, capable of understanding each other. adopt I admired the Sword Master’s depth, understanding why he was respected not only for his strength but also for his wisdom.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Losing an arm isn’t a cause for sorrow. arcade In fact, I gained something in return, and I’m grateful for it. altitude It’s like a divine blessing.”

His tone was serene. acoustic Media frowned and abruptly stood up.

“Siegfried! apron Why are you saying that suddenly? zenith Don’t act like your life is over just because you lost an arm!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“However, the future of humanity is at stake. afford I can’t cling to my position forever.”

He turned to Media and murmured.

Siegfried smiled at me and then looked out the window.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

It was the motto inscribed during the academy’s founding.

“‘To pass down a better future, we train righteous heroes.’”

“Media, this is also why you are the academy’s director.”

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Her eyes started to redden, but she held back firmly. auction She turned sharply to hide her expression.

“Soon, I’ll resign from my position as a Hero of the Seven Stars.”

The Sword Master smiled slightly and continued as if nothing had happened.

“Master of the Sword!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

At those words, Media turned her head slightly.

“…The news agencies around the world won’t leave you alone, Siegfried.”

I was stunned and leapt to my feet. wizard Media, with her back to us, trembled slightly.

“Calm down, Cadet Kang Geom-Ma. arena This isn’t the whim of an impulsive old man. accent During the two weeks you were hospitalized, I reflected deeply and came to this decision. crystal It doesn’t mean I’ll retire completely. autumn I’ll do what’s within my capacity.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Anyway, I plan to give interviews soon. adopt I’ll take care of everything at once to save time.”

“That’s proof I live with a youthful spirit, ha ha.”

Media shook her head with a look of helplessness.

“Wow, you’re just as stubborn as you were fifty years ago.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

But now, I realized I had been selfish and arrogant. arcade These people are not just characters in a game; they are individuals with their own wills.

For the first time in a long while, I felt I truly belonged in this world. adjust Until now, I had worked hard to prevent events from deviating from their original course. apron I was always afraid that the characters would act in unexpected ways.

“Stubborn old man!”

The tension in the room began to fade. arrow Seeing them argue, a small smile formed on my face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Just as I was reaching that conclusion, Siegfried suddenly looked at me.

‘Denying reality is just a childish whim.’

“Ah, I almost forgot the most important thing.”

Their words and actions reflect their decisions. artist It was time to accept whatever path they chose and face the challenges that came with it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried fixed his gaze on me with a serious expression. atlas His golden eyes shone like the midday sun.

“After everything you’ve said today, I don’t know if my heart can take any more surprises. aspect What else are you going to say, you crazy old man?”

Media frowned, clearly exhausted by all the unexpected revelations.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Siegfried took a deep breath and spoke with solemnity.

“Cadet Kang Geom-Ma.”

Media also slowly turned to look at me. alien Now, both of them were staring at me intently.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“…..”

“…..”

“I’m going to pass on my position as a Hero of the Seven Stars to you.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Media looked at the door, her mind blank. auction Siegfried and Kang Geom-Ma had already left.

***

“Huh?”

A heavy, bitter silence filled the room. acoustic I couldn’t help but be speechless.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Only the soft midday sunlight filtered gently through the window frame.

‘….’

It felt as if a hurricane had swept through the director’s office. galaxy She had taken so many mental blows that her head buzzed.

Media glanced around the office.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

She murmured to herself, trying to organize the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. alien It seemed the only way to process recent events.

“Ha.”

A sigh escaped her lips. airport Media rested her chin on her intertwined hands.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

The last words Siegfried had said to close the matter.

“First, I need to watch for the demons’ reaction, approve the interviews that the news agencies requested for Siegfried… And, above all⎯”

“Transfer the title of Hero of the Seven Stars…?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Media sank deeply into the sofa. zenith A sound came from the cushion as her body sank halfway in. antenna She recalled the final words the Sword Master had uttered before leaving.

The old man’s laughter echoed in her ears. alien In that moment, a wave of frustration surged through her body, and she straightened up abruptly.

‘Ah, of course, it won’t happen immediately. arch Just preparing will take at least a year. crystal In the meantime, you should enjoy your life at the academy. autumn Ha ha ha!’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Though she said that, she completely understood Siegfried’s intentions.

When a vacancy opens among the Heroes of the Seven Stars, it causes a massive stir in the hero world. shadow It could even lead to diplomatic friction with the demons.

“Crazy old man.”

The prestige of the Heroes of the Seven Stars symbolizes humanity’s hope. arcade It carries immense responsibility, but also a tremendous amount of honor and wealth.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

That’s why those who covet that symbol and position would pounce like hyenas.

‘Just look at Kojima, who took on the title of Master of the Bow and has been prime minister for forty years.’

However, if Siegfried, the current title holder, directly named his successor and acted as his mentor, even if there were objections, no one would dare to publicly oppose it.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

Though she had a close relationship with Siegfried, her relationship with the other two heroes was rather tense. aspect She would have to wait and see if they would agree with Siegfried.

“This feels like a reunion of old classmates.”

Even if they started the process now, the procedures would take at least a year. amber They needed the consent of the other Heroes of the Seven Stars and the Hero Association.

‘The problem is that everything was too sudden.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Ugh, my head hurts.”

Unlike the Sword Master, who was a recluse, the influence of the Master of the Spear and the Master of the Bow was immense. riddle She had to consider the possibility that they might block the process.

Media let out a groan and sank back into the sofa.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

‘There aren’t many as suited to be a Hero of the Seven Stars as Kang Geom-Ma.’

She worried that a seventeen-year-old boy would have to bear such a huge responsibility. orbit She wanted to confront Siegfried about this, but.

‘Our Kang Geom-Ma…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Balor Joaquin.”

A genius descended from the heavens. admire Kang Geom-Ma was treading the boundaries of legend.

The path Kang Geom-Ma had walked was more than impressive. portal Though the complicated circumstances prevented it from being made public, if the details were revealed, the world would be completely shocked.

The name of the founding hero escaped her crimson lips unexpectedly. adapt Media shook her head to clear her thoughts. athlete Her green hair shimmered like a sapphire under the sunlight.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 68: Swordmaster Siegfried (3) by Indra Translations.

“Requesting an investigation into his own background… It’s a curious request. riddle Well, he must have his reasons for asking.”

When her thoughts finally settled, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. absorb Then, she recalled a request from Kang Geom-Ma.