Chapter 91: Final Exam (2)

Every bite left my mouth completely parched, forcing me to moisten my lips with water. I repeated this process over and over.

Before the final exam.

I was chewing on an incredibly dry piece of bread.

“…It tastes even worse than I expected.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

The texture was so tough that my jaw hurt. I frowned but didn’t stop chewing.

“You have to eat to live.”

I had bought it thinking I’d fill myself up before the exam. There was plenty of it, but the taste was terrible.

I said this to convince myself, but eating this bread was pure torture.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

To be honest, my financial situation wasn’t even that bad at the moment.

I knew the saying “you get what you pay for,” but I didn’t think it applied to bread as well. I regretted being swayed by the low price while shopping yesterday.

Thanks to the success of the kimchi stew stall at the festival, I had earned a decent amount of money, enough to eliminate immediate concerns about food.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

After deducting the cost of materials and splitting the profits with the other club members, the amount left for me was no less than:

The number five followed by six zeros was immensely satisfying. Sure, I still had some of the money I’d gotten from the blacksmith, but you could never have too much financial security.

“Five million won.”

The fact that I was eating such a miserable breakfast was purely to avoid unnecessary expenses from draining my bank account. Saving money is never a bad idea.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

At this rate, I could probably make it until the second year. By then, I might even manage to get a part-time job and have a steady income.

In a world where I had no parents to support me, and with almost no opportunities to earn money, every penny saved was a step closer to survival.

“Damn it.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

== ==

This brought back memories of my previous life. At this age, I had been living exactly the same way. Letting out a melancholy sigh, I bit down harder on the piece of bread.

As I worked my jaw relentlessly, I glanced at my phone. I read the words displayed on the screen over and over.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

It is hereby announced that, due to specific circumstances, the content of the final semester practical exam has been modified as follows:

[Announcement of the Practical Exam for Semester 1, 2034]

◉ Change: External Dungeon Strategy ▶ Team Competition.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

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

Exam Location: Joaquin Academy Special Building.

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

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

[※ Team compositions will be sent via message the day before the exam.]

== ==

[※ The exact content of the exam will be communicated verbally just before it begins.]

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

It didn’t even explain how the exam would be conducted.

It was an announcement as short and simple as my breakfast.

Speedweapon had complained that they might as well have sent out a blank sheet of paper.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

One keyword stood out in this brief announcement—the location of the exam, the Joaquin Academy Special Building.

However, thanks to my experience as a player, I could deduce something from this limited information.

I almost forgot about this detail because Rachel’s name had left me dazed, but the location of the exam was no less shocking.

‘He’s right.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“…What the hell is this Special Building?”

Calling it a “building” was generous. It was more like a dungeon—no, something even scarier than that.

Located in the northernmost part of the academy’s expansive grounds, the Special Building was a symbol of Joaquin Academy’s hands-on learning philosophy.

Unless something had changed in the game’s setup, this building was exclusively reserved for third-year students.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

I let out a sigh. The Joaquin Academy Special Building was essentially a compressed representation of Gehenna Hell, the domain of demons.

He put so much effort into its construction that he even brought stones, gravel, and plants directly from Gehenna to create an independent ecosystem within the building.

It was said to have been recreated based on Balor Joaquin’s twenty years of experience living in Gehenna Hell.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

If I were to compare it to my original profession, it’d be like building an aquarium inside a sushi restaurant to work with more authenticity—with seawater and sand brought straight from the ocean, of course.

‘Balor Joaquin… that guy wasn’t sane either.’

This building wasn’t just a simple training facility. It was literally a hellish labyrinth disguised as an educational facility.

He even replicated the disorientation peculiar to Gehenna Hell.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

‘As far as I know, the Special Building doesn’t allow the deployment of subspace barriers…’

The only silver lining is that he didn’t bring demonic beasts into the place. It’s almost ironic to feel relieved by that.

In any case, the fact that a team competition was being held in that Special Building carried significant implications for me.

While subspace barriers are typically applied on a large scale, the Special Building is the one place where they don’t work.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Analyzing the circumstances, it’s likely that lethal confrontations between students would be prohibited. In subspace, there are no physical consequences because reality isn’t involved, but the Special Building doesn’t fall under that jurisdiction.

So, what will determine victory in this tournament? That’s still a mystery, but I’ll probably find out soon enough.

Subspace and Hell are like light and darkness, water and oil—completely opposite natures that cannot mix.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

‘I’m not used to not knowing the structure or rewards of the exam…’

But if I think about it, isn’t this what a normal life should be? I’m not a fortune-teller; how could I predict the future so blatantly?

Until now, I had relied on the memories of my days as a player. But now, I didn’t have that support.

That’s why this uncertain future feels so utterly strange to me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Plus, I don’t even know the plot of the later parts of the story, so it’s best to treat this as a simulation.

After all, I wasn’t even a professional player. From the moment I ended up in this game, my situation was already different.

In fantasy novels and webtoons, when someone ends up in another world, everything falls into place as if by magic. But, at least for me, that’s not how it works.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“There’s no way I can keep eating this.”

I grabbed my bag and wallet. If I was going to eat, I’d rather go to a convenience store and buy instant ramen than keep chewing on that dry bread.

I spat the remaining piece of bread into a bag and washed my mouth out with water. My gums felt sore.

…Anyway.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Muttering to myself, I left the room.

After filling my stomach with a large instant ramen from a convenience store, I arrived at the Special Building.

***

The first thing I saw, of course, was the building itself.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“…It feels very different from when I saw it in the game.”

Unlike the other majestic and ornate structures of the academy, the Special Building had a simple and sturdy exterior, devoid of any unnecessary decorations.

However, one thing was certain—it exuded an aura of intimidation that could unsettle anyone who looked at it.

The human-shaped stone statues attached to the outer walls seemed to scream just how bizarre this place was.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

I looked around. The area was crowded with students chatting as they gathered with their respective teams.

One odd detail was that the number of instructors was proportional to the number of students.

Back then, I thought it had a certain charm. Amidst an academy filled with modern buildings, its fantasy-like appearance was appealing… But seeing it in person, it sent chills down my spine.

‘Well, it is inspired by Hell…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“Kang Geom-Ma!”

There were easily at least a hundred of them.

A shrill, clear voice pierced my ears. So loud that even if I were deaf, I would’ve heard it. Turning my head, I saw two girls heading toward me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

I reached into my pocket.

Rachel ran toward me, stomping against the ground. She carried her polearm slung over her shoulder, her energy reminiscent of a charging rhinoceros with its horn raised high.

“Kang Geom-Ma! I missed youuu~!”

They were Rachel and Senior Ha-na, my teammates for the final exam. Since photos of team members had been sent along with the message, they had quickly grouped up.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Rachel came to an abrupt stop in front of me. The stone pavement beneath her feet cracked from the sheer force of her halt. I felt a mix of awe and fear at her ability to so thoroughly ignore the laws of physics.

“W-Wait! Pulling out a weapon like that out of nowhere is cheating!”

“…!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“Still, that bluntness of yours is part of your charm, Kang Geom-Ma~”

It seemed Rachel quickly understood my expression.

“……”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

I let out a sigh, but Rachel just grinned widely. I ignored her and turned my attention to Senior Ha-na.

I reached into my pocket again.

“…Haa.”

“It’s a joke, it’s a joke! You’re as serious as ever, just like during the midterm exam!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

‘…More than that.’

She remained calm, even amidst all the commotion.

I noticed a red metal bar hanging from her waist. What was that called back on Earth? A crowbar? Yes, something like that—a construction tool. Why was she carrying something like that?

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

She smiled brightly as she nodded.

“Is that your weapon, Senior?”

“Yes! What do you think?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Grade B? Like Speedweapon’s flute, it seemed that in this world, the appearance of a weapon didn’t directly correlate with its performance.

“…It’s impressive.”

“Right? Even though it doesn’t look like much, it’s a Grade B weapon!”

While blocking Rachel with my gaze as she tried to get closer to me, an authoritative voice echoed across the area.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

A middle-aged instructor, who appeared to be the most senior, stepped forward and spoke firmly.

“Now that everyone’s gathered, I’ll explain the exam system.”

The instructor gestured with his chin, and the other instructors standing in a line stepped forward in unison. Then, he turned his gaze back to the students and spoke gravely.

“This year’s first-year final exam will take place in the Special Building, an unusual venue. As stated in the message, the test will be a team competition. However, your idea of a competition is likely different from what we’ve planned.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

The announcement caused an uproar among the students, their faces showing not just surprise but also confusion. I felt the same, but upon reflecting a bit more, it made sense.

There was no explicit notice instructing us to bring weapons. But we weren’t told not to bring them either. It was likely a tactic to prevent us from predicting the test format.

“For this final exam, the use of weapons is prohibited. Each of you must hand over your weapons to the instructors up front.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“The interior of the Special Building has an ecosystem similar to that of Hell. This means it is outside the reach of subspace barriers. For third-year students, who have more combat experience, this wouldn’t be a problem. But for you, as mere novices, having weapons would be a recipe for disaster.”

‘This is much fairer than the group assignment exam.’

The instructor had a point. If inexperienced students started wielding weapons in such a dangerous environment, the result would be a bloodbath.

Noticing the commotion, the instructor calmly continued explaining.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

“The exam format is simple. You will enter the Special Building and reach designated checkpoints within a one-hour time limit. Teams that reach on time will advance to the next stage. Those who fail will be disqualified.”

‘…Hmm, this sounds like a group race.’

As the uproar began to subside, the instructor continued.

Listening to the explanation, it seemed like some sort of team marathon inside a labyrinth. At first glance, it didn’t seem like a complicated test.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

‘The system seems fair.’

The real challenge lay in the location—a subspace-free environment inspired by Hell, where it was easy to get lost.

It was a test that required endurance and teamwork. There wouldn’t be much violence, and the danger was limited as long as we followed the rules.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

The instructor answered just in time.

“Each team will be assigned an instructor who will accompany them. This instructor will evaluate your performance and prevent any dangerous situations. If anyone wishes to surrender, they can inform the assigned instructor directly. That’s all. Good luck.”

However, one question lingered—how would they evaluate our performance without using a subspace barrier?

With that brief farewell, a group of instructors began moving to collect weapons. They carried standard spatial bags, different from the more sophisticated ones I’d seen before.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

Gradually, the instructors approached us.

“Students, hand over your weapons!”

Rachel clicked her tongue in disappointment. Senior Ha-na, however, simply smiled gently. Unlike Rachel, she had no complaints.

“Ah~ how boring. An exam without weapons isn’t fun. Teenagers should settle things with their fists!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

A familiar feminine voice rang out. It was sweet, with a playful tone.

“…Oh, no… Kang Geom-Ma…?”

The Villain Choi Seol-Ah’s face turned pale.

Turning around, I came face-to-face with someone I knew.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 91: Final Exam (2) by Indra Translations.

…You?