Sword Master With One Strike Kill - Chapter 96

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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One-Strike Kill Swordmaster Episode 96

Episode 96. The Calm Before the Storm (3)

* * *

‘Perfect.’

My actions at Wintershield Magic Academy were an unprecedented success.

In just a few days, I had seized leadership of the Shadow Sanctuary and made the continent’s strongest mages my allies.

Not only had I eliminated The Adversary early on, but I had also rescued Strawberry Latte.

On top of that, I had strengthened her through ‘synchronization.’

‘Most importantly, by completing my meeting with Demarion the Great Sage, I even obtained Pean’s true name.’

Despite playing nearly 200 rounds, this was the first time I had achieved so much on my first visit.

‘Now my business at Wintershield is complete.’

Of course, that didn’t mean I should immediately return to Middle Temple.

There were still matters I needed to wrap up before leaving Wintershield.

‘…I should move to a different location first.’

Murmur murmur-.

After I left Demarion the Great Sage’s chamber, a great commotion erupted throughout the Magic Academy.

Not just professors, but students too had filled the corridors of the upper floor.

In this situation, properly conveying my intentions would be nearly impossible.

Having reached that conclusion, I gave instructions to Selena.

“I have something to discuss, so guide me to a quiet place. Bring Biyolf and Chancellor Tordham as well.”

“Yes.”

Rather than having a chaotic conversation with dozens of mages, it would be far more efficient to call just the three key figures for focused discussion.

I also didn’t want to broadcast my plans to everyone.

Understanding my intent, Selena immediately gathered Biyolf and Chancellor Tordham and began clearing a path.

As she led the way, the other mages stopped their murmuring and quietly stepped aside.

Step, step-.

We walked behind Selena, leaving the commotion behind us.

But what was this?

Unexpectedly, Selena wasn’t heading to her own office.

After passing through familiar corridors, we arrived at Professor Biyolf’s office.

“…What? Why did we come to my office?”

When Biyolf stopped walking with a puzzled expression, Selena calmly replied.

“The Protagonist said he needed a quiet place. The quietest place in this academy seems to be your office, Professor.”

Selena looked back at Professor Biyolf as she continued.

“Professor, you value organization and tidiness as much as academic depth, don’t you?”

“A-ahem! Well, that’s true, but…”

Creak-.

Professor Biyolf cleared his throat awkwardly and opened the door.

Biyolf’s office was as neat as I had seen in the game.

Considering his usually hot-tempered personality, the space was surprisingly well-organized and calm.

Books and scrolls were neatly arranged by subject, and research tools were precisely categorized by their use.

Compared to Selena’s room, which was slightly cluttered with various items, this was definitely a more ‘quiet’ feeling room.

“Please, have a seat.”

Professor Biyolf gestured to the sofa.

He then left the head seat empty and took a position on one of the sofas arranged on either side.

Soon after, Chancellor Tordham and Selena naturally sat beside him.

“…”

Seated, I looked around.

‘They all look anxious.’

Everyone was looking at me with eager expressions.

Were they that curious about my conversation with Demarion the Great Sage?

But among them, the most confused-looking person was Professor Biyolf.

‘Well, that’s understandable.’

Just a few hours ago, he had learned the secret of centuries-old human sacrifices in the academy’s basement.

Not only that, but he had also faced the truth that many of his colleagues belonged to a secret society that worshipped monsters.

While Selena and Chancellor Tordham were members of the sect, for Biyolf who knew nothing, this was inevitably a shocking situation.

‘I need to calm this confusion as much as possible.’

Wintershield needed to quickly regain stability and get back on track.

To prepare for the coming crisis, the continent’s premier magical research institution had to fulfill its role.

But it would be difficult to completely control Wintershield through the Sword Master’s authority alone.

No matter how much I had made the most influential professors my allies, without legitimacy, it would be hard to gain support from others.

‘So here, I should borrow Demarion the Great Sage’s name.’

The most authoritative name within the Magic Academy was undoubtedly Demarion the Great Sage. Using his authority to push through my plans would be the most efficient method.

Having finished that thought, I called out to Professor Biyolf.

“Professor Biyolf.”

“Yes.”

“Demarion the Great Sage mentioned you.”

Surprise spread across Biyolf’s face.

“…Me, you mean?”

He looked stunned that the legendary great mage had mentioned him.

Of course, there had been no mention of Biyolf in my conversation with Demarion, but I continued the lie without changing my expression.

“Yes. The Great Sage evaluated you as ‘a pure scholar who has preserved the value of orthodox magic.'”

“…!”

Biyolf’s face turned red. He was clearly moved by the praise.

“To receive such an evaluation… it’s an honor.”

“The Great Sage also gave advice about the direction Wintershield should take going forward.”

“…!”

Everyone’s attention focused on me at once.

“Now that The Adversary is gone, he said Wintershield must return to its original form. The revival of orthodox magic, pure academic pursuit.”

“…”

“And the Great Sage designated Professor Biyolf as the right person to lead this endeavor.”

I continued the story.

“Professor Biyolf is a senior mage completely unrelated to the Shadow Sanctuary. Not only that, but through research like ‘Labyrinth Village Specialty Cultivation,’ you’ve valued not just academic worth but also people’s livelihoods.”

“…”

“Demarion the Great Sage highly praised that aspect. However, what’s important is your own will, Professor Biyolf…”

I looked at Biyolf with meaningful eyes as I concluded.

“Professor Biyolf.”

“…”

“I’d like to ask if you’re willing to accept the position of new chancellor of Wintershield Magic Academy.”

Flinch-.

Instantly, Chancellor Tordham’s expression hardened.

He seemed slightly uncomfortable about suddenly having his chancellorship stripped away.

But in the end, he couldn’t offer any resistance.

His membership in the Shadow Sanctuary had already been revealed at the emergency meeting.

If someone who had worshipped The Adversary continued as the academy’s chancellor, the unrest within the university would only grow.

Taking this opportunity to appoint a new chancellor under Demarion the Great Sage’s authority would be much better for Tordham’s position as well.

Moreover…

‘…If Biyolf takes charge of academic affairs, the Shadow Sect will be able to continue their independent activities much more comfortably.’

It was practically the same as saying I could manipulate the Shadow Sect that had fallen into my grasp however I pleased.

In other words, placing Professor Biyolf in the chancellor position would be a beneficial choice for both the Shadow Sect and us.

Moreover, as long as Professor Biyolf harbored curiosity about Strawberry Latte, it would become much easier to settle that guy at the Magic Academy through him.

“The chancellor position, you say. This is quite a sudden proposal…”

Professor Biyolf trailed off.

He was someone overflowing with scholarly passion and research ambition, but had little interest in power.

This was evident from how he had practically ‘dumped’ the chancellor position on Tordham.

However, even someone like Biyolf wouldn’t be able to readily refuse if it was a direct order from the sage Demarion.

“…If it is the will of the Sword Master and the Great Sage, I have no choice but to comply.”

Professor Biyolf finally nodded his head.

“There are two things you must do.”

“…?”

“First, keep the Shadow Sect in existence as is. However, limit its purpose purely to the pursuit of magical knowledge and historical research.”

Completely blocking any interference with the Shadow Sect.

This was a method that would keep my promise with Selena while minimizing backlash from existing sect members.

It was also a way for me to freely control the organization I had seized.

Of course, Professor Biyolf seemed displeased about having to maintain the secret society that had been eating away at Wintershield Magic Academy.

But since it was the will of the Great Sage and the Sword Master, he couldn’t offer any resistance and simply nodded.

“Second, direct Wintershield’s research toward preparing for the coming apocalypse.”

“…”

“Pure academic value is fine, but you must invest more resources in practical defense and survival magic research. Your ‘Labyrinth Village specialty cultivation’ research would be included in this as well.”

Upon hearing my words, Biyolf bowed his head deeply and respectfully.

“Yes. I will keep that in mind. I accept both conditions you have stated, Sword Master.”

“The transfer of the chancellor position will be officially announced after dinner this evening. Focus on minimizing unrest among students and professors.”

All three professors nodded at my words.

* * *

Having finished my business, I left the professor’s office, with Adelia and Selena following behind me.

Biyolf apparently had matters to discuss privately with Chancellor Tordham during the handover process.

Then, Selena quietly approached me and carefully spoke up.

“Lord Gaon, could you spare me a moment?”

Since there was nothing urgent to attend to, I nodded. I had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to discuss.

We headed back to her office.

Soon, Selena, seated across from me, opened her mouth.

“Actually, when I guided you to the Upper Floor today, I never imagined that Demarion the Great Sage’s chamber would actually open.”

“I see.”

“Yes. I never thought a door that had been closed for hundreds of years would suddenly open…”

Selena trailed off and muttered in a crawling voice.

“What was I thinking, trying to use you all this time… Looking back now, it was truly foolish of me.”

Selena’s expression held genuine sincerity as she spoke. She seemed to properly acknowledge my abilities after this incident.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean what I did can be forgiven. Simply guiding you to the Upper Floor can’t erase the wrongs I committed.”

Snap-.

Selena flicked her fingers.

Then a chest in one corner of the professor’s office opened, and something began floating toward us.

It was a map made of old parchment and a rusted bronze key.

“These are a map and key that once belonged to the Ancient Relic Exploration Team.”

Rustle-.

When I unfolded the map, a familiar terrain was drawn on it.

Location markers indicated with faded ink and notes written in ancient script were scattered throughout.

“It’s certainly a key that opens some kind of ruins, but I haven’t been able to interpret this map yet.”

“…”

“But since it was something the Relic Exploration Society treasured so much, it must be incomparably more valuable than ordinary ruins… Lord Gaon?”

Pause-.

Selena called my name.

From the moment she handed me the map, my mind had been completely elsewhere.

‘What is this?’

It was an item I could never obtain in the early stages, even after 200 playthroughs.

No, more than that…

‘…This was in the Crimson Empress’s possession at this point in time?’

A fact I had never known despite all my time playing Roel.

Suddenly, my mind began racing.

If I could properly utilize this situation…

‘I might achieve the Feather Sword’s “Jinmyeong Geopbang” faster than in any previous playthrough.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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