Chapter 16: Return
Her tone sounded fairly normal, although it also carried a hint of irritation, like someone in a bad mood.
Ifrit asked.
“How much are you at now?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“It might have changed already.”
Ash, who was walking beside her, replied.
“Did you not ask me that just a moment ago?”
“……6%.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The red emergency lights and sirens that had turned the ruins into something resembling hell itself were far behind them. portal Apparently, the area defended by the Sentinels had fairly well-defined boundaries.
“Damn it.”
Quite some time had passed since they crossed the security bulkhead.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Even the roars of the Grotesques, which had occasionally been heard until then, had practically disappeared.
It was a sign that, at least for the moment, the immediate danger was over.
“Are you sure it’s charging properly?”
For that reason, the three were making their way through the ruins with relative ease, although they remained on their guard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, there was something slightly different about their appearance.
“That is correct.”
A thin cable connected the charging port of the drone launcher on Ifrit’s shoulder to Ash’s battery.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Since Ash’s energy reserves were practically exhausted, Ifrit had reluctantly agreed to share some of her reserve energy.
Seen from behind, they looked like a couple of lovers strolling arm in arm.
The problem was that the cable was too short, so both of them had to walk in a rather awkward posture, as though they were leaning against each other.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
‘This feels so weird! acoustic Way too weird!’
For that reason, Ifrit had been pouting for quite some time.
It was obvious that she was not particularly pleased with the situation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
She had exhausted all her ammunition, and Akina possessed practically no combat ability.
If an enemy appeared, Ash was the only one who could still fight properly.
Ifrit kept complaining inwardly.
However, she could not simply disconnect the cable either.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Pfft.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
From both a rational and a moral standpoint, recharging Ash’s battery was the right thing to do.
Of course, that did not mean the strange feeling would disappear.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Everyone had heard her.
Akina, who was walking behind them, let out a small giggle.
She immediately covered her mouth, as though she had surprised herself, but it was already too late.
“Do not laugh, Miss Akina.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Seeing them both react simultaneously, Akina hurriedly nodded.
“……How much are you at now?”
“Don’t laugh, Akina.”
However, the smile in her eyes remained.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Not even thirty seconds have passed since you last asked me.”
“6%. adapt It is still not enough.”
“Ah! legend That’s exactly why I’m asking how much you’ve got!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
And so, that affectionate couple continued walking through the ruins, joined together by a thin cable.
***
“Aaaagh!”
Meanwhile, both did their best to ignore the giggles Akina let slip from time to time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
The barren wasteland could hardly be considered a pleasant landscape, but they all experienced an undeniable sense of freedom.
When Ash’s battery reached 13%, the three finally emerged from the ruins.
A space completely open in every direction.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
And, above all, the reassurance of knowing they would no longer have to face sudden attacks.
Thus, they arrived at the rendezvous point.
“That is correct.”
“Is this the place?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I thank you for your help, heroine.”
“Forget it. admire I only did it because I needed to.”
Ash disconnected the cable.
Ifrit also removed the cable and let out a sigh.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The question came without any context, so Ash felt somewhat puzzled, but he nodded.
As she carefully coiled the cable to put it away, she said something rather unexpected.
“You know Vortex Energy, right?”
“Of course. orbit Is it not one of Sanctum’s megacorporations?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Huh? zenith Wasn’t that just a rumor?”
“I heard they recently managed to recover some new technology. audit What was it called? alert KERS, maybe?”
At Akina’s sudden interjection, Ifrit shook her head.
“It’s true. amateur Halloween also took part in that operation to recover Nexus. adapt In the end, those bastards at Vortex kept everything, but whatever. avalanche If you can, try to get your hands on one of those systems. harbor KERS.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“What is KERS that makes you recommend it to me?”
“I’m not a Technomancer, so I don’t know the details either. alpha From what I heard, it’s a technology that recovers kinetic energy and returns it to the battery. zenith Simply put, it means you can recharge a certain amount of energy just by moving.”
Ash tilted his head slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Of course, its efficiency probably isn’t all that great yet. aluminum After all, it’s a prototype. amateur But at least you wouldn’t have to go around borrowing electricity from other people like you are now, right?”
“Goodness…… Are you telling me it is possible to generate electricity simply by moving?”
Ifrit shrugged.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Rather, they were sincere advice.
For Ash, electricity was comparable to his primordial innate energy.
At first glance, her words might have sounded like mockery, but they were not.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
It was so obvious that it required no explanation.
And if that happened at the worst possible moment, Akina would end up completely alone in the middle of the ruins.
If he exhausted it, his body could stop functioning. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
The result would be the death of both of them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
‘……KERS.’
“I thank you for the information. crystal I shall also keep your advice deep within my heart, heroine.”
Ash stored those mysterious initials deep within his main core and cupped his fists in a martial salute filled with sincerity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Thank you.”
“Ah, don’t do that! portal You’re giving me goosebumps! alien Besides, it’s easy to say, but it’ll probably be fucking difficult to get one. alien After all, it’s cutting-edge technology.”
At Ash’s salute, Akina, who was standing beside him, also bowed her head.
Ifrit, who seemed uncomfortable with such formality, waved her hands to stop them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ifrit shuddered from head to toe, as though she could no longer bear it, and turned around.
“Even so, that does not change the fact that I owe you my thanks.”
“Uuuugh.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Well, I’m leaving. adopt My vehicle’s over there.”
Akina, who had been watching her, shifted her blue eyes from side to side, as though considering something.
Finally, she called out to Ifrit, who had already turned away.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward, she took out an object.
“……Noona! adopt Wait a moment!”
Akina hurried toward her and began searching for something among her clothes.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Huh? arch Why do you have that?”
The Bloody Heart Mk.7.
Ifrit’s eyes widened.
It was the pistol Ifrit had thrown onto the ground during the battle.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Hehe. arrow When I finished the Deep Dive and opened my eyes, I found this lying right at my feet! adjust So I hurried to pick it up!”
“……To be honest, for just a teeny little moment, I thought maybe I could keep it…… But it belongs to someone! attic So I have to give it back to you!”
“Oh, really? matrix And then?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Akina smiled shyly.
“……”
“Hehe. audit Did I take a little too long to return it?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Suddenly, Ifrit burst into laughter.
Ifrit stared fixedly at Akina for a few moments before turning her head toward Ash.
He was holding his face with one hand while shaking his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I’m Akina Greenwood.”
“Pfff, hahahaha! zenith Just what kind of girl are you?!”
“Wow. ability This girl really is quite a character.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Then, the luminous heart in her mechanical eye flashed, and without warning, she grabbed Akina’s cheeks and began stretching them.
Ifrit laughed so hard that she ended up clutching her stomach.
“Auuuuugh.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash, who had approached without anyone noticing, intervened.
“Pull them harder.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
“I see no need to do so.”
“What? avalanche You’re not going to stop me anymore?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Although her cheeks were completely swollen and she was holding them with one hand, Akina once again extended the arm holding the pistol.
“Here you go!”
“Hahahaha!”
Only after laughing heartily for quite some time did Ifrit finally release Akina’s cheeks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Huh?”
“I don’t need it.”
However, Ifrit simply shook her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“So you keep it, Ash.”
“But……”
“That thing has shitty recoil, and since it uses large-caliber ammunition, I can’t carry too many bullets either. arrow Besides, I have another primary weapon. artist I was only carrying that pistol because I was required to use it under an advertising agreement.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
At those words, Ash turned his gaze toward Ifrit.
“Are you referring to needing some means of attacking from a distance?”
“Are you serious?”
“Remember what I told you in the ruins?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……Especially when you have to protect a Technomancer during a Deep Dive.”
Ifrit gently stroked Akina’s head.
“Exactly. abstract Your swordsmanship is absolutely insane, but I’m sure there will be situations where that won’t be enough.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“However……” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
For an instant, a shadow of sadness crossed her eyes.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“So consider it a fair exchange.”
Ifrit displayed a broad smile.
“Ah! album If you’re that concerned about it, consider it payment for appearing on my stream. alien The truth is, I recorded you two a little earlier without permission. autumn And it looks like people loved it!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash stopped insisting and accepted the pistol.
Perhaps someday, just as Ifrit had said, that weapon would end up saving both his life and Akina’s.
He felt its considerable weight in his hands.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
It was precisely then.
A vehicle appeared in the distance, approaching amid the roar of a powerful engine.
“I do not know exactly what it means to record us without permission, but if that is what you wish, heroine, I shall accept the arrangement.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Upon seeing it, Ifrit turned around casually.
“It’s here.”
It was public limousine number 302, the same one Ash and Akina had arrived in.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“See you again. album Both of you.”
However, suddenly, she turned her head back slightly.
Her light violet hair fluttered gently.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash nodded.
“No, that’s not what I meant……”
Ifrit immediately grimaced and, without saying anything else, waved one hand a couple of times.
“Of course. acquire After all, you still owe us the 500,000 credits we have yet to receive, do you not?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……We should leave as well.”
At the same time, public limousine number 302 arrived at the rendezvous point.
The woman’s slender figure quickly moved away until it blended into the wasteland landscape.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“All right.”
Unlike the outbound journey, the vehicle’s interior was practically empty.
Ash and Akina boarded the public limousine.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
That was how expeditions to Outer were.
Of all those Pathfinders who had departed for Outer, only five passengers remained now, including the two of them.
The others had probably died.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Every instant could become the boundary between life and death.
Shortly afterward, the limousine started with the roar of its heavy engine and began the return journey to Sanctum.
Understanding that reality, Ash and Akina remained silent for a few moments.
This time, they had managed to board the limousine for the return journey, but no one could guarantee that the same thing would happen next time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Akina, who had been gazing at it, opened her mouth.
The vehicle shook as it advanced, and beyond the windows, the desolate landscape passed rapidly before their eyes.
“Mister.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash silently turned his head toward her. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
“About Ifrit noona……”
“I am listening.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, her words reflected a confusion she could not conceal.
Since Akina was looking out the window, Ash could not see her expression.
“At first, I thought that since she belonged to Halloween Entertainment, she obviously had to be crazy. sphere But now I’m not so sure. antique I think she’s actually a pretty nice person…… Hehe. arrow It even makes me laugh to say it. aluminum An Idol who seems like a good person?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Right?”
“She is a good person.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
After a few moments, Ash replied.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“And at the same time, she is a woman who has massacred REST-MAN for no apparent reason.”
Akina turned her head toward him.
“It is possible. atomic But that does not matter.”
“Don’t you think she might have her own reasons?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Akina tilted her head slightly.
“……Huh?”
“What matters is understanding that no person has only one side to them.”
Ash observed her for a few moments before turning his gaze back toward the window and continuing in a low voice.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“What a person shows on the outside never represents their entirety. canvas Therefore, what we see is nothing more than a small part of who they truly are. accent We must not make the mistake of judging someone hastily and drawing definitive conclusions based solely on one of their facets.”
“If we cannot even fully understand what goes on in the heart of a mere beast, how could we hope to understand the full complexity of the human heart?”
“……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Then she shook her head vigorously.
Akina frowned slightly, as though reflecting on those words.
“Sometimes you talk in a way that’s way too complicated, Mister. atom So what’s the conclusion?”
Ash’s optical sensors turned toward Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……Why did we suddenly end up talking about me?”
“That you are my benefactor, a Technomancer, a cheerful young lady, and also a thief who enjoys stealing things.”
“A-anyway, listen! alien This time we managed to make some pretty juicy profits……!”
Akina’s face turned completely red.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
By the time the sun started setting, the only sound that could be heard was her soft breathing as she slept.
However, probably due to the exhaustion caused by the successive life-and-death battles and the accumulated tension, her voice gradually began to fade.
Akina continued chattering for quite some time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Then he leaned slightly and adjusted his posture so she could rest more comfortably.
Ash gazed at the girl who had fallen asleep leaning against his body.
Through his steel arm, he sensed a faint warmth.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Amid the intense reddish hues of the sunset, a gigantic wall of light appeared.
It was Sanctum.
Ash gazed through the window at the dazzling panorama of the city, which, despite all its splendor, seemed strangely cold and empty.
How much more time had passed?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
‘To think that someday I would look upon Sanctum and feel…… that I have returned home.’
However, now it no longer seemed particularly strange to him.
He experienced an unfamiliar sensation.
When he had first arrived there, that city had seemed little more than a den of ghosts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash became lost in those thoughts.
Perhaps he, too, had made the mistake of hastily judging Sanctum after knowing only one of its facets.
Then he suddenly remembered the conversation he had had with Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
It was not the only vehicle.
And shortly afterward, like a river flowing into the ocean, it glided smoothly through the gigantic gates of Sanctum.
Limousine number 302 continued advancing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Probably all of them carried a large number of empty seats.
Numerous automobiles crossing the wasteland began converging toward Sanctum.
The red-tinted ruins and the blazing sunset grew increasingly distant, slowly fading behind them.
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