Chapter 95: Final Exam (5)

“…What is this?”

The hairs on my body stood on end for no apparent reason.

Unconsciously, I rubbed the back of my neck.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

But it felt different.

‘Is this magical power?’

An unknown and ominous sensation ran through me before fading away.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Like the faint ripple on the surface of water after a sudden disturbance.

As I ran my hand along my arm to shake off the goosebumps, Rachel spoke to me.

It was as if someone were calling me from far away.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“…No, it’s not that. I felt like I heard a voice. Rachel, didn’t you hear it?”

“A voice? I didn’t hear anything. Maybe it was just the sound of those bubbles popping in that crazy lake? Now that I think about it, I bet more than a few people have died in there… It’s like those internet horror stories, you know? ‘I heard the voice of a little girl who died in the third stall of the bathroom…’ Something like that. Hehe. Oh wow, Geom-Ma, don’t tell me you’re a scaredy-cat? If you’re afraid, just say the word and this noona will protect you.”

“Is something wrong? Why do you have that look on your face? Did you drop something while we crossed the bridge?”

Rachel tilted her head and replied,

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“……”

‘Did I hear wrong?’

Rachel teased, pointing below the bridge we had crossed. I sighed.

I shook off the unnecessary thoughts and looked ahead.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Rachel seemed to have recovered, only wiping away sweat.

“Ugh… ugh… I can’t go on anymore!”

Only Instructor Choi Seol-ah was sprawled out on the ground, arms and legs spread out like a star, gasping for air.

Senior Ha-na, on the other hand, calmly adjusted her glasses and cleaned the lenses.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“I don’t wanna go, waaah!”

She seemed to have completely forgotten she was surrounded by cadets, flailing her arms and legs without a care for her dignity.

Choi Seol-ah whined with a long groan before throwing a full-blown tantrum.

She reminded me of those cartoon scenes where the crybaby kid screams.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

As pathetic as her behavior was, Choi Seol-ah had mustered the courage to cross the bridge, allowing us to arrive within the time limit.

Internally, I agreed with Rachel, but I didn’t say it out loud.

“Is this really an instructor? The way she talks and acts is like a little kid.”

Rachel looked at Choi Seol-ah with pure disgust.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Nor did I believe she felt any real remorse.

That didn’t mean she was free from responsibility for everything she had done.

I would continue treating her like a dog.

She had no conscience or shame, so regretting her actions was impossible.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

That single thought had made her crawl across the bridge.

I was slowly learning that people (or dogs?) move when given the right motivation.

The only thing keeping her obedient was her fear of what I might do to her.

Even so, I felt like I should say something.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“…Huh?”

Choi Seol-ah stared at me in silence for a long time. Her violet pupils were wide open.

“Good job.”

I approached Choi Seol-ah and spoke in a low voice.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

A slight wetness appeared in her eyes, as if one more word might make the tears spill over.

Hearing me, Choi Seol-ah’s lips and eyes started to tremble.

“……”

“Did you go deaf? I said good job.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

‘…What’s with her?’

Choi Seol-ah shut her eyes tightly and suddenly jumped to her feet with an energetic shout.

“Huuup!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

In an instant, she was already twenty meters ahead, waving at us to hurry up.

“Leave it to me, Geom-Ma-nim!”

She shook her body as if to shake off a shiver before dusting off her clothes.

With that, she strode past me and took the lead of the group.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Hehe, well, you’ve got a point.”

“Geom-Ma, what did you say to make her suddenly take off like that? I saw her shaking every time you spoke to her before. Don’t tell me you bribed her or something.”

“…Do I look like I have money to be handing out bribes?”

Rachel, confused, turned to me with a puzzled look.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Rachel gave me a mocking smile, like she had caught me off guard.

“……”

Words without malicious intent tend to sting the most.

Watching her laugh, I shot her a glare.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Choi Seol-ah narrowed her eyes at her.

When she reached Choi Seol-ah’s side, she also started waving her arms.

She just shrugged and ran off, her golden hair fluttering in the wind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Then, at the same time, both scoffed and turned their heads in opposite directions.

Between the two of them, small blue sparks seemed to crackle in the air.

Rachel stared right back.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“They get along well after all.”

“Well, deep down, it’s all Geom-Ma’s fault. You’re a man with many sins.”

I nodded.

It was then that Senior Ha-na casually commented as she walked up beside me.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Just as I was about to ask what she meant, Senior Ha-na calmly kept walking.

“……?”

A mysterious smile played on her lips.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

We had already cleared two trials.

I blinked, watching her back as she walked away.

Only the last one remained.

The words “many sins” echoed in my mind, but I stopped thinking about it and kept moving forward.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Though a sense of excitement and anticipation was growing in my chest, I couldn’t shake off this unsettling feeling.

***

“Damn it… Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

At that moment.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Among them, a cadet with two-toned hair was breathing heavily, trying to settle his churning stomach.

Outside the special area, the cadets were scattered, their faces pale and gaunt.

Some managed to remain seated, which was already an achievement, while most lay collapsed, trying to catch their breath however they could.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

His cheeks puffed out, and in an instant, his tightly closed lips burst open like a broken dam.

“Uuweeuweuweuweueeugh.”

He was a sturdy guy but had little tolerance for things like this. Speedweapon.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Seeing him vomit, the surrounding cadets grimaced in disgust before following his example.

It was the typical reaction of those without resistance to magical energy.

Thus, the vomit festival spread like an epidemic.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Annoyed, he yanked his tie loose with a sharp tug.

“Damn it.”

“Haah… haah…”

After emptying his stomach completely, Speedweapon collapsed onto the ground with a sigh.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Speedweapon-nim!”

As he massaged his abdomen and looked around, a familiar voice called out to him.

“Huh? What is it? Did your team already come out, Chloe?”

He had just thrown up the equivalent of an entire pizza, so now his stomach was empty.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon pinched his nose in frustration. The fresh air only made his nausea worse.

“…Yeah, we ran out of time at the first checkpoint.”

“Well, that’s still impressive. Our team got eliminated just wandering in circles in that damn forest. Just thinking about it makes me dizzy again.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“It looks like Kang Geom-Ma and Saki-ssi are still inside.”

It was the dizziness caused by the extreme difference between the inside and outside of the special area.

“Yeah, the first thing I did when I came to was look for them, but they weren’t here. I don’t know about Saki, but the club leader has black hair—he’s easy to spot. If I didn’t see him, it means they haven’t come out yet.”

Meanwhile, Chloe turned her head from side to side before speaking.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Chloe, you’ve spent more time with him than anyone else, and you’re asking that? You know worrying about him is pointless. Geom-Ma will manage. What worries me is…”

Speedweapon trailed off.

“…Geom-Ma, will he be okay?”

Speedweapon shrugged as he spoke. Hearing that, a mix of emotions crossed Chloe’s face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Of course, he had no doubts about Kang Geom-Ma.

For someone who always had something to say, it was rare for him to fall silent.

But when he thought about Saki Ryozo, who had been assigned to the team of the hero candidate Leon, an unfamiliar sense of unease crept into his mind.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Speedweapon reflected on Leon.

But for some reason, that idea unsettled him even more.

Leon had always been regarded as a reliable leader.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

If he had to describe him in one word, it would be:

Even from another man’s perspective, he was undeniably handsome, with an impeccable personality and an ever-polite demeanor.

The prodigy who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

He didn’t belong to anything, wasn’t tainted by anything.

Depending on how he was colored, he could tilt toward the light or the dark.

A blank sheet of paper.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Dong… dong…

Speedweapon lifted his gaze.

As the bell of the Blue Tower rang, the massive stone door creaked open, spitting out cadets.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

The ones who had just returned to reality staggered before vomiting, just as he had earlier.

He wanted to look away, but reconsidering, he stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes.

Speedweapon wrinkled his nose at the sight.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Chloe, let’s go.”

Instead of worrying needlessly, it was better to clear the mind and take action.

After spending two months with Kang Geom-Ma, he had learned something.

And right now, he had something to do.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“We need to hunt villains. We got out early, yeah, but that means we have free time. Let’s do what we can.”

Speedweapon grinned.

“Huh? Where to?”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Feeling oddly embarrassed, Speedweapon scratched the back of his head.

“Speed-nim, you’re starting to sound more and more like Geom-Ma.”

Chloe stared at him for a moment before breaking into a small smile.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Before he could even finish processing her words, Chloe was already leaping swiftly from branch to branch.

“There are only 30 minutes left before the professors’ office closes! I’m going ahead, so hurry up, Speed-nim!”

Then Chloe, her expression lighting up, suddenly exclaimed,

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“…Chloe, when are you going to learn my name correctly…?”

Speedweapon muttered bitterly.

Within seconds, she had become nothing more than a speck in his vision.

***

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

It seemed like we were close to the end, but looking at the steps stretching up to the tower’s peak, I could only sigh.

Thirty minutes of climbing the endless staircase of the third trial.

‘Damn it, why did this turn into mountain climbing at the very end?’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Haah… haah… This place is insane.”

I turned my head back.

“Just a little more, Rachel. Hang in there a bit longer.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

However, Senior Ha-na wasn’t in much better shape either.

And for good reason.

Both of them, their faces pale and drained of color, could barely drag their feet.

Rachel, staggering as if her soul were about to leave her body, barely remained standing as Senior Ha-na held onto her shoulder, trying to console her.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Balor Joaquin truly had a twisted personality.

Just when it seemed like we had adjusted to this hellish environment, a wave of magical energy hit us like a tsunami the moment we stepped inside.

Even Choi Seol-ah, who had held out until now, let out a weak groan from the intensity.

‘Tch.’

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Even so, I was the only one still relatively fine.

This wasn’t just a replica of the Magic Tower in Gehenna—it seemed like he had literally dug up the damn thing and planted it here.

This wasn’t dedication. This was pure insanity.

Though the dry air parched my lips, I just needed to run my tongue over them.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Each time we reached a new floor, we took a five-minute break before continuing.

We climbed the tower at a steady pace.

Step, step.

I didn’t know what was up with my body, but it was definitely not normal.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Besides, my teammates weren’t in the best condition.

Even if we weren’t the first, making it this far was already an achievement.

That meant our team was in second place.

Before entering the tower, I had noticed only four sets of footprints at the entrance.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Impatience only led to trouble. If I were alone, it would be different, but there was no point in exhausting the entire team.

Pushing them further would be pointless.

As I emptied my mind and focused solely on moving my legs, I recalled the endless marches from my army days.

I was willing to accept second place.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

With all our combat gear weighing us down, we sang at the top of our lungs as we marched.

Just as my thoughts cleared completely and my muscles moved almost automatically, a wet, unpleasant sound snapped me out of my focus.

‘Compared to that, this is just a stroll.’

My steps halted as a sticky sensation spread beneath my foot.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

That slimy, revolting texture wasn’t unfamiliar.

…Blood?

I slowly lifted my foot off the ground, and something caught my attention.

A thick, dark red string stretched from the sole of my shoe to the step.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

My eyes instinctively darted upward.

Crash crunch—!

The slight relief I had been feeling instantly turned into overwhelming tension.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

I sprinted forward on reflex.

My instincts reacted before my mind.

As if responding to my suspicion, the sound of flesh tearing echoed from above, reverberating through the tower’s hollow interior.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

She hesitated for a moment before saying something quickly to Rachel and Senior Ha-na, then dashed after me.

Choi Seol-ah’s confused voice called out from behind me.

“¡G-Geom-Ma-nim!”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

I leapt up the stairs four at a time, ignoring the risks.

The pounding of my heart thundered in my ears.

One misstep would mean falling into the void, but I didn’t have time to calculate.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

A new floor came into view.

I launched myself forward with all my strength, reaching the next level in less than thirty seconds after climbing over a hundred steps.

Tap.

Breathing heavily, I lifted my gaze. And at that moment, my pupils widened. Even my racing heartbeat froze.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

The pink-haired girl slowly turned her head toward me while firmly gripping Leon’s right arm.

A cadet with pink hair and an instructor with narrowed eyes stood oddly in the middle of the scene.

“Oh, well, looks like we have a guest already.”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“Give me a moment, I just need to finish this first.”

Crack!

As our eyes met, a lazy smile spread across her face.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Leon let out a scream of pain before his head slumped forward, his body limp.

Blood splattered onto the girl’s cheek. She wiped it off with her finger and licked it.

With a firm squeeze, she crushed Leon’s arm, the sound of tearing flesh echoing through the air.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

A girl with light blue hair was looking at me with half-lidded eyes.

My gaze involuntarily shifted to the edge of my vision.

My pupils, trembling as if shaken by an earthquake, lowered slightly.

“…Geom… Ma…”

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

“…Save… me…”

A knife was buried to the hilt in Ryozo’s collarbone.

Her trembling voice carried a palpable desperation.

Translation of The Academy’s Sashimi Sword Master - Chapter 95: Final Exam (5) by Indra Translations.

Those were her last words before her head slumped forward.