Chapter 94: Final Exam (4)

‘Is that thing… the checkpoint?’

A simple white wooden door, standing alone in the middle of the desolate plain. Beyond it, the landscape stretched out unchanged.

At the end of Rachel’s pointing finger, there was a door.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

As I watched it in confusion, Choi Seol-ah, who had approached without me noticing, spoke.

“Kang Geom-Ma-nim, even though it looks like that, the magical energy emanating from it is incredible. It’s just a door, but it distorts the space around it.”

“…Is it really that powerful?”

It was a strangely surreal sight. Its fragile and ordinary appearance gave it an almost unreal aura.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Choi Seol-ah’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Yes, yes. This is my first time entering the special area, so I’m not entirely sure, but this doesn’t seem like an ordinary checkpoint.”

Since instructors rarely had a reason to enter the special area, it seemed like even for her, this was a new sight.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Before I could say anything, Rachel shot forward, kicking up a cloud of dust behind her.

The ten-minute rest must have done her good, as her steps were quick and full of energy.

“As the leader, I’ll go inspect it first!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Senior Ha-na glanced at me and gestured in the same direction.

We gathered in front of the door. Rachel stared at it for a moment before turning her gaze to me.

I nodded and started moving again.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Yes!”

“Let’s go in.”

It was a look asking for permission.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Immediately after, she shouted enthusiastically.

The moment I finished speaking, Rachel gripped the handle tightly.

“Here we go!”

The sound of metal creaking under her grasp echoed in the air.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Huh?”

And with a sharp push, she slammed the door open as if trying to break it down.

“Careful!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Rachel gave her a small nod of thanks.

Senior Ha-na reacted quickly, grabbing her by the sleeve of her jacket and preventing her from falling.

Senior Ha-na returned a faint smile without saying a word.

Losing her balance from the momentum, Rachel nearly fell backward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Then, all of us turned our gaze toward what lay beyond the half-open door.

The first thing we saw was a suspension bridge stretching far into the distance.

‘…How can something like this exist without prior warning?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

The wooden planks were held together by old, worn-out ropes, barely secured.

Even though it was called a lake, its thick consistency made it look more like a swamp.

The water bubbled irregularly, as if it were breathing.

Below the bridge, instead of the arid plain, there was a murky green lake.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I lifted my gaze again.

At the far end of the bridge, I could make out what seemed to be a rocky formation or some kind of structure.

I had no idea what that liquid was, but one thing was clear—if my skin touched it, I wouldn’t come out unscathed.

At first glance, the distance looked manageable—about a twenty-minute walk if we hurried.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

As if warning us: “Do not cross this river.”

But each time the bridge swayed with the breeze, it creaked with an unsettling sound.

“…….”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Could those weak planks really support my weight?

A long silence fell over the group.

I stared at the bridge.

No one wanted to be the first to cross.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

For a moment, I seriously considered it.

‘Should I just give up here?’

If I stepped wrong and one of them broke, I would fall into that disgusting lake.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Huff.”

My body was different now, stronger, but my mind remained the same.

To be honest, that bridge was scarier to me than facing a demon.

Ever since my past life, I had always been afraid of heights.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I couldn’t allow myself to tremble now just because of a bridge.

I let out a long sigh and shook my head. After everything we had gone through to get here, I couldn’t back down now.

When I faced Agor, the commander of the Demon Army, I didn’t hesitate.

My dignity as a man was on the line.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I remained silent, evaluating the situation.

It didn’t take me long to find a solution.

‘But I don’t want to go in recklessly without thinking either…’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I turned and looked at Choi Seol-ah.

“Ohh, so the source of all this magical energy comes from the lake. No wonder it feels so unusual.”

She was staring at the lake, shading her eyes with her hand, mumbling to herself.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I called out to her by her title.

“Yes…?! Ah, I mean, what?”

“Instructor.”

She nodded to herself, as if she had just confirmed something important.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“I have a favor to ask.”

It seemed she had already gotten used to using honorifics with me, which only made her more confused.

“Wh-what is it, Cadet Kang Geom-Ma?”

Choi Seol-ah stammered, switching between speaking formally and casually.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Rachel and Senior Ha-na glanced at me for a moment before turning their attention to Choi Seol-ah.

“Instructor, you should cross first.”

With a meaningful smile, I said,

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Before the exam started, the senior instructor explained something, remember? He said, ‘the instructors will accompany you to prevent any incidents with the cadets.’ In this case, I think it would be appropriate for you to take the lead.”

“…Huh?”

“B-but… this is also part of the exam, isn’t it? If I interfere as an instructor and cause you a disadvantage, what will you do then?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I exchanged a look with my teammates to see their opinions.

“There are no surveillance cameras in the special area, and we’re outside the jurisdiction of any spatial authority. If we all agree, no one will know. And even if we get caught, we’ll take responsibility.”

Both nodded firmly, showing their agreement.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“…Ah.”

“I’m with Geom-Ma!”

“Me too.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

She had no choice. Of course, I knew this was cheating.

If it had been someone else, she might have tried to resist, but I was the one who had spoken.

Seeing their reactions, Choi Seol-ah’s eyes spun like a windmill.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I understood that this second test was meant to measure the cadets’ courage, but beyond education, there was a hint of madness from Balor Joaquin.

But we had already used Choi Seol-ah’s magical detection in the first trial, so why not do it again?

This place had been designed by the academy’s founder himself—a fanatic of real combat trials.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

If the fragile bridge could support her weight, then Senior Ha-na and I could also cross it safely.

Choi Seol-ah was as tall as a model, with long legs like one too.

If we had to risk falling into that disgusting lake and getting crippled, it was better to prevent any potential disaster.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

In this case, we were simply making Choi Seol-ah tap it for us.

‘…Rachel, on the other hand, is an unknown variable.’

Flash—

There’s an old saying: “Even on a stone bridge, you should tap it before crossing.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Meanwhile, Choi Seol-ah looked at me with teary eyes, on the verge of crying.

[You have demonstrated ingenuity. Your Spirit Level has increased.]

It seemed we were all in agreement.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I watched her in silence, and a lot of thoughts ran through my mind.

‘What a load of nonsense.’

“I-I… I can’t do it! I’m afraid of heights!”

If there had been no witnesses, she probably would have clung to my leg, begging.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I couldn’t forget that she had once tried to kill me.

If I wanted revenge, stabbing her multiple times wouldn’t be enough.

That was a fact.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

I took a step forward, slowly approaching her.

“Argh, that hurts.”

But instead, I had chosen to treat her like a dog. And she, as if trying to prove her worth, obeyed without complaint.

As soon as I did, Choi Seol-ah backed away, tripped, and fell on her back.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

She avoided my gaze, shifting her eyes from side to side.

I looked down at her and crouched.

In the end, she lowered her head completely, surrendering.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“If you cross first, I’ll grant you a favor.”

“…Really?”

“Except for the stallion emblem.”

I spoke in a quiet voice.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“…Hmm.”

I immediately crushed any hope. Choi Seol-ah puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

“……”

She fell into thought, arms crossed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“You promised!”

She dusted off her clothes and stood up.

After a while, she seemed to come up with an idea.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

But I nodded anyway.

Choi Seol-ah walked firmly toward the bridge.

To be honest, I had no intention of keeping it.

Her long legs and posture made her look like a runway model.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

When she reached the edge, she tested the wood with the tip of her foot.

Unmoved, I gestured toward the bridge with my chin.

She swallowed hard and glanced at me from the corner of her eye.

The suspension bridge swayed like a writhing snake.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

With a completely emotionless voice, Senior Ha-na responded.

“F-follow me closely! Your safety is in my hands!”

“Wow~, amazing~, let’s give her a round of applause.”

Choi Seol-ah pounded her chest a few times, trying to gather courage, and took a big step forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Guys, it’s safer than it looks!”

Then, all of us, including myself, were left speechless.

Without turning around, Choi Seol-ah waved her hand. Then she continued moving forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

No matter how brave she tried to appear…

We fell silent, watching her.

“……”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

***

Choi Seol-ah was crossing the bridge on all fours.

“Haah… haah…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

She lifted her gaze slightly and looked ahead.

Saki Ryozo was breathing heavily.

‘Leon… that damn lunatic.’

There wasn’t a single muscle in her body that wasn’t numb from the damn magical energy.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

The curses rose to her throat, but she swallowed them back down.

She shifted her gaze slightly.

She didn’t even have the strength to speak. Just staying on her feet was already a burden.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

She, too, had reached her physical limit.

Saki frowned and looked forward again.

Senior Erio Pine’s complexion was so pale she looked like she would faint at any moment.

‘If we keep up with that idiot Leon’s pace, we’ll die here.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

At this rate, it was obvious they would be the first to finish.

Thanks to that, they had quickly cleared the second trial and were nearing the end of the exam.

They had been walking nonstop for hours.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

But Saki and Erio were completely wrecked. Their bodies were at their limit, and their legs no longer responded.

A building so tall that each floor required climbing approximately a thousand steps.

And to make matters worse, the third trial…

In front of them, a spiral staircase twisted along the wall, climbing up to a ceiling that was impossible to see with the naked eye.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

So far, they had climbed 4,897 steps without resting.

A massive structure known as the Magic Tower, home to the demons of Gehenna.

Balor Joaquin, the academy’s founder, had recreated something similar in both size and structure.

Despite her exhaustion, Saki counted the steps in her head.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

The tower itself pulsed as if it were alive, like a beating organism.

Saki had accidentally felt it on her own skin, and a shiver ran down her spine.

Every time they touched the walls, a sticky liquid oozed from them.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Her endurance was quickly fading, like snow melting under the sun.

And yet, Leon, unfazed, continued climbing without hesitation. He didn’t care about the condition of his team, nor did he seem to have any intention of stopping.

On top of that, the magical energy was even more intense than in the previous two trials.

It was as if the tower was draining their vitality, feeding on them.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Saki’s pale lips let out a furious growl.

Leon slowly turned his head back.

“Hey, you…!”

Seeing that, Saki’s patience finally reached its limit.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

His voice was chillingly cold.

“What is it now?”

Erio Pine, panting heavily, glanced back and forth between Saki and Leon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Sorry, Saki. I think I’m too exhausted and got a little irritable.”

Cold sweat dripped down her cheek.

Leon’s eyes flickered with an icy glow, and an unsettling shiver ran through Saki’s veins, invading her entire body.

Then, suddenly, Leon averted his gaze, shook his head firmly, and his expression changed.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Leon added with an awkward smile.

Saki didn’t respond.

“……”

“If we climb just a few more steps, we’ll reach the fifth floor. We can rest there.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

She simply held his gaze in silence.

“Anyway, let’s give it one last push, guys. I’ll go up first to check the fifth floor. Take your time.”

Her eyes, locked onto Leon’s, became as sharp as blades.

With that, Leon climbed the stairs with light steps.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“We’re almost there. Please, just a little more effort.”

Erio Pine, completely drained, leaned against the sticky wall.

With her stomach churning, she kept gagging while the instructor anxiously tried to comfort her.

Saki watched him for a moment before turning away.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“…Haah, haah… Instructor, I really… I can’t walk anymore.”

The instructor, with an awkward expression, didn’t know what to do.

Despite his words of encouragement, Erio shook her head, tears and saliva dripping down her face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Step, step.

That entire scene reflected in Saki’s eyes.

Saki slowly walked toward Erio.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Get on my back, Senior.”

“Huh? But…”

She stopped right in front of her, then crouched down and turned her back to her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

The pain from the magical energy surged through Saki’s body, and now, with the added weight of another person, her suffering doubled.

“Ugh… Ah…!”

After hesitating for a moment, Erio gave in and leaned her body onto Saki.

“I’m the only one who can still move. Stop hesitating and get on before I change my mind. Just bending my knees is already killing me.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“…Sorry. I must be really heavy.”

Biting her lower lip, Saki moved forward.

On top of that, although Erio looked thin, her body felt as heavy as a block of iron.

“Senior, when this exam is over, lose some weight… How can someone with just bones be this heavy?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Sacrificing herself for someone else. She had never imagined doing something like this.

It was at that moment that Erio’s voice reached her ears in a low, whispering tone.

Saki smiled bitterly and tried to steady her shaky steps.

Suddenly, a face appeared in her mind. Someone who never hesitated to put their body on the line in the face of danger.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

—Thud.

“Senior, if you say one more word, I’m going to drop dead. Let’s talk when w⎯”

“…Hey, Saki.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“Ugh…!”

Saki’s eyes shot open, trembling, as a muffled groan of pain escaped her lips.

A dagger plunged into Saki’s collarbone.

The blade sank deep, grazing her lung.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Her forehead hit the steps, splitting open a wound. Blood trickled down in thin streams, painting her vision red.

With great effort, she moved her eyes back.

And then, she collapsed forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

“I was worried the whole way, afraid that Leon or you would catch on. But thanks to you making a fuss, everything went smoother than expected. Thanks~.”

Moments later, Erio spoke in a calm voice.

Through her blurry, crimson-tinted sight, she saw Erio Pine wearing a slow, malicious smile, while the instructor watched with his arms crossed.

Both of their eyes gleamed with a sinister light.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Erio patted Saki’s cheek.

“Oh, and by the way, the dagger was coated with poison. Don’t even think about trying to move. That’ll only make you die faster.”

“…Haah, haah…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Then, humming a tune, she turned to the instructor.

“Understood.”

“Oh, right. Take her too. We wouldn’t want the little ones coming up behind us to get scared and run away at the sight of a corpse on the stairs.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Blood soaked into the walls and steps as Saki’s vision grew darker and darker.

The instructor grabbed Saki’s ankle and began dragging her up the stairs.

In the midst of her fading consciousness, one last image flashed through her mind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 94: Final Exam (4) by Indra Translations.

Her eyelashes trembled, and slowly, she closed her eyes.

‘…Geom-Ma…’