Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6)

[Announcement: Semester 1 Practical Exam – 2034]

Please be advised that, due to specific circumstances, the content of the final semester practical exam has been modified as follows:

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Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Change: External Dungeon Strategy ▶ Team-Based Competition.

Team Composition: One second-year student, two first-year students (randomly assigned).

Exam Location: Special Building, Joaquin Academy.

Execution Period: 06/02/2034 (Tuesday) ~ 06/06/2034 (Wednesday).

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

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Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

[※ Team assignments will be sent via message the day prior to the exam.]

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“What the hell? They’re changing the exam with only three days’ notice?”

[※ Detailed exam instructions will be provided verbally right before the test begins.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon murmured, massaging his swollen cheek. His voice was somewhat distorted, and a small tear had formed in the corner of his left eye, giving him a slightly pitiful look.

‘Why does he always end up getting hit lately?’

‘But that’s not the issue right now.’

It seemed Chloe had put some real force into that slap. Yet, if there was supposedly a mosquito on his cheek, why was his face so spotless? Strange…

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Until now, most variables had arisen from interpersonal relationships: Leon, the Swordmaster, Abel, Rachel, and other key characters in the plot. Back then, I felt uneasy intervening in major events.

To be honest, I now understood that my existence—Kang Geom-Ma—was a foreign element in this story.

I shook off those thoughts and refocused on the message. While my face didn’t show it, I was just as unsettled.

‘The content of the exam has changed from the original storyline.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Apart from Agor’s death, I hadn’t deviated too much from the game’s primary plotline.

Originally, the final exam took place in an external dungeon located in Gapyeong, known as the “Goblin Dungeon.” It wasn’t a place filled with beasts carrying precious stones, but it did contain valuable materials, so I had been looking forward to it.

‘The story is starting to change.’

But this situation was different.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

‘….’

My fingers trembled slightly as I held the phone.

Well, given everything I’ve done so far, this outcome was predictable. In fact, it would have been stranger if significant changes hadn’t occurred after all my interventions.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

A worrying thought crossed my mind: Had I squandered my greatest advantage—my knowledge of the game Miracle Blessing M?

Even though I had mentally prepared for this, facing it in reality was far more overwhelming than I’d anticipated.

This small crack in the story could grow into a massive fracture. From a single text message, a flood of uncertain futures raced through my mind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“What’s wrong? Why are you so on edge? That’s not like you.”

Wearing a serious expression, I stared at my phone.

Ryozo, noticing my tension, looked at me curiously before speaking.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“I’m surprised they changed the exam content too, but if you think about it, it’s not entirely unreasonable. Remember, during the midterm exam, a demon appeared. During the survival training on the deserted island, the Swordmaster got injured. Every time we leave the academy, disaster strikes. From the administration’s perspective, it makes sense to adjust the exam’s location. After all, there’s no safer place for students than the academy itself, don’t you think?”

Ryozo gave me a gentle smile before continuing.

Her clear voice broke through the oppressive atmosphere, clearing my thoughts slightly. I turned to her in surprise.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

I realized my mind had been overwhelmed by shock and uncertainty. If I had been alone, I probably would have let myself spiral into panic.

Ryozo’s explanation, accompanied by her absentminded pencil twirling, helped me untangle my confused thoughts.

“…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

That’s right.

But thanks to Ryozo’s sharp perspective, I began to see the situation more clearly.

The story isn’t static; it changes because of people. It wasn’t some arbitrary manipulation but a natural evolution.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon was undeniably a good guy, but lately, his behavior had been… a bit childish.

A simple shift in perspective, and everything started to fall into place. Ryozo truly excelled as the “problem avoider” of our group.

‘Though… why someone like her would be interested in someone like Speedweapon is still a mystery.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Unconsciously, my gaze drifted toward Speedweapon.

I suppose that, from a girl’s perspective, he might have a different kind of charm. They say women like funny and kind-hearted guys.

He was massaging his swollen cheek with a pitiful expression.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Chloe had rushed to the infirmary to fetch him an ice pack.

‘…….’

“You’re right. Listening to you makes sense.”

I nodded toward Ryozo after shaking off my scattered thoughts.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“W-why are you looking at me like that? It’s making me nervous.”

When I stared at her, she leaned back slightly with an uneasy expression.

Ryozo set the pencil down on the table.

“See?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo’s lips trembled as she stammered. Her light blue eyes darted nervously. Seeing her so flustered, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Thanks to you, I’ve managed to organize my thoughts. Thank you.”

“D-don’t think I said it because I care about you or anything!”

Ryozo suddenly raised her voice, blurting out something that sounded straight out of a cliché.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Kang Geom-Ma! If you’re confused, I’ll be confused too!”

“You? Why?”

Then she pointed at me with her long, slender index finger.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“I mean, us! Including me and the other Exploration Club members! You’re the president! If the president acts recklessly, the rest of the group will fall apart!”

When I shot the question back at her, her face flushed even deeper. Despite the summer heat, it seemed like steam was rising from the top of her head.

So that’s what she meant.

“Ah…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

‘Oh, right.’

I let out a small sigh of admiration. Ryozo gave me a strange look before letting out a long sigh of her own.

Her words reminded me of my responsibility as the club president. Today, more than ever, Ryozo was someone I could rely on.

Talking to Ryozo reminded me of something I needed to ask her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Ryozo, there’s something I need to request.”

“First, do you remember the list of academy staff you hacked? Do you still have a copy saved?”

“Hmm? What is it?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, well… I deleted the digital copy to avoid being traced, but I still have a printed version.”

“If you have that, the work will be much easier.”

Ryozo replied in a slightly confused voice. I spoke again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Ryozo tilted her head, not fully understanding what I meant. When I gave her a faint smile, she let out a small sigh.

“What’s with that look…?”

Her slight shrug, mixed with a touch of embarrassment, was surprisingly amusing to watch.

“Huh…?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Hack the academy’s network again.”

“Hmm?”

“Ryozo.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

I explained to Ryozo, intermittently, what I had heard from Choi Seol-Ah.

The key point was that there were villains infiltrated in the academy, posing as staff.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t that I intended to hide anything, but the timing wasn’t right yet. With final exams approaching, revealing this could create unnecessary misunderstandings about Leon. It would be better to clarify the facts first and then share everything.

I felt it wouldn’t be wise to provide too much information at once.

However, I omitted the fact that their target was Leon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Hmm, so what you want is to compare the previous list with the new one, right?”

After listening to the whole story, Ryozo closed her eyes, reflecting as she nodded slightly. Finally, after a moment of thought, she asked me.

“Yes, exactly.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

During that time, not only the students but also most of the staff, except for essential personnel, take their leave.

My original plan was to investigate directly with the club members. However, after thinking it through, I concluded that it would be physically impossible to handle everything ourselves.

Right after the final exams, the vacation period begins.

‘The time before the holidays is extremely limited.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

The number of employees is in the hundreds, and we have only about a week left.

Moreover, there wouldn’t be a better time than now, just after recruiting Choi Seol-Ah. So I decided to adjust the plan to focus on a more efficient investigation.

‘It’s impossible to review everything in such a short time.’

If I didn’t resolve this before the vacation, the plan would have to be postponed until the second semester.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“And all the staff gathers in the faculty room to grade the exams, saving us a lot of unnecessary work, right?”

“Yes, even if we reduce hundreds to just a few dozen, the work will become much more manageable. Besides, during the exams, classes end before noon. And…”

“…Kang Geom-Ma, if what you’re saying is true, comparing the lists would be the most efficient method. The staff information is updated every month. If we remove the people who weren’t on the previous list, the number will decrease significantly.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

In simpler terms, the monthly data update functions like an autosave system.

The information on Joaquin Academy staff is updated automatically every month. According to Ryozo, it’s stored as a backup in a subspace portal linked to the cloud.

As expected, Ryozo caught on to my intent exactly. I nodded.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

‘Even if the story changes, my experience as a player remains useful.’

Naturally, I might be the only one interpreting these phenomena from this perspective.

The system regularly updates to avoid unnecessary data, a process players call “optimization.”

Of course, this adjustment feels somewhat artificial compared to my original world. But after all, the game Miracle Blessing M is based on a mobile game.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, I agree.”

In fact, letting go of that obsession with the original story made me feel like my thinking was becoming more flexible. I smiled with satisfaction and added.

Instead of clinging to an unchanging narrative, I can exploit the system’s weaknesses. Another practical use of my memory as a player.

“Anyway, I think this is the best thing we can do right now.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“……”

“It’s not difficult to fulfill your request. But don’t you think you’re exploiting me too much?”

“Then, back to the main topic. When can you do it?”

At my question, Ryozo narrowed her eyes. Her long eyelashes lowered slowly before she responded in an ambiguous tone.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

I was speechless because her words were entirely true.

Ryozo had done a lot—hacks, helping during the festival, even tracking Speedweapon using security cameras.

I had become so used to relying on her skills that I had forgotten how much I was using her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

Of course, I was always secretly grateful for her hard work. Something I didn’t necessarily say out loud.

Her role and abilities are invaluable. Pressuring her too much under the guise of being in the same club would be a waste.

‘Because it feels unfamiliar.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

‘..ñBut the problem is.’

But there are clear limits to goodwill. People are more efficient when they receive achievements or rewards. In a community, this principle applies even more; fair treatment is essential to maintain balance.

I have nothing to offer Ryozo. Think about it carefully.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

What’s the point of knowing how to wield a sashimi knife when there’s nothing else to offer? Even a stray dog would laugh at me.

How am I, a mere commoner, supposed to give something valuable to a princess who has grown up lacking nothing? I have no money, no status, no fame—absolutely nothing that could impress her.

Ryozo is the daughter of Japan’s Prime Minister.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Well, is there something you want in return?”

I let out a sigh and slowly opened my mouth.

‘What am I supposed to do?’

“…Something I want?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“……”

“Then do me a favor later.”

I became a little nervous. Given that she’s someone whose true intentions are unknown, what could she ask for?

Ryozo opened her eyes wide in surprise and took a moment to think. After reflecting for a bit, she slowly lifted her head and said.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“Relax. It’s nothing material.”

“…Then what is it?”

A mysterious smile appeared on Ryozo’s lips.

Could it be a box of yokan? But considering the exorbitant prices at the academy, that’s quite burdensome for me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 88: Festival – Contract (6) by Indra Translations.

“I’ll tell you when the time comes.”