Chapter 17: Return 2

For that reason, the atmosphere was very different depending on whether the Pathfinders were about to depart or had just returned.

That place, where Pathfinders gathered, had two completely different sides, like the two faces of the same coin.

Central Hub of Sanctum’s Gateway District.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

The Pathfinders who had managed to return alive celebrated their survival in their own ways.

Some smiled with satisfaction at the profits they had earned, while others mourned the deaths of their companions.

Whereas the place had previously been enveloped in tension that seemed ready to explode, now it felt as though all that tension had finally been released.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

— Akina Greenwood and Ash Blade, correct? aspect A two-person team. absorb No special incidents recorded. aspect Good work. anchor Welcome back.

Such as TIMEMAN’s indifferent attitude.

Of course, there were things that had not changed.

For that reason, the Central Hub had become a veritable melting pot where desire and despair, joy and madness mingled.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

In reality, the two had experienced a considerable number of events, but none of that seemed to matter to TIMEMAN in the slightest.

The man behind the bulletproof glass spoke those words in a monotonous voice and immediately moved on to reviewing the next documents.

And so, Ash and Akina passed through the gate.

— Next!

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

It was an extraordinarily chaotic place.

The stale smell of blood and the stench of cheap medicine permeated the air.

The central plaza appeared before their eyes. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Shouts, insults, sobs, and laughter echoed everywhere.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Buying! airport Buying! afford Bring us whatever you’ve got! accent We buy absolutely everything at reasonable prices!”

Everyone present raised their voices to achieve their respective goals.

And that was not all.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

There were Pathfinders trying to sell their loot and merchants looking to buy it from them for next to nothing.

“Had a really rough time? adopt Tonight, I’ll make you forget all about it. action Oh, come on! anxiety I guarantee my service is first-rate!”

There were also prostitutes offering their services with seductive smiles.

“Want to talk to me for a little while?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Everyone was trying to take advantage of the Pathfinders.

There were even REST-MAN members looking for injured people.

“We offer medical services! afford Anyone who’s injured should come this way immediately……! ability Hey, hey! shadow Isn’t that guy over there about to die? accent Send about three guys to take care of him!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

As they crossed that chaotic plaza, Akina suddenly moved her backpack in front of her body.

All for money.

For credits.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Akina hugged her backpack against her chest and began constantly looking in every direction.

“Mister, you should carry your backpack in front of you too. alien When the Pathfinders return, it’s peak season for pickpockets. canvas They’ll steal absolutely everything.”

She was even more alert than she had been while exploring the ruins.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Miss Akina.”

Ash silently observed her for a few moments before speaking.

“Yes?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“This was also your first expedition, was it not?”

“Then how do you know this is the best time for pickpockets?”

“Of course it was. autumn Why do you ask?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Then she displayed a broad smile.

“Are you curious?”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

At those words, Akina quickly turned her head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“……No. legend I was a fool to ask.”

It was precisely then.

A man who had approached them by taking advantage of the crowd’s movement blocked their path.

Ash shook his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Before he could finish his sentence, Ash stepped between them.

“Little girl, are you a Pathfinder? galaxy I’ve got something really good to offer you……”

He was an extremely thin individual with a suspicious gaze.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

At that threatening electronic voice, the man shrank back slightly.

“Move aside.”

However, he seemed far too reluctant to give up.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Hehe. album You must’ve had a really hard time in Outer, right? adapt Just one dose of this and you’ll be able to forget everything. zenith And it’ll make you feel incredible, too. meadow If you buy it now, I’ll give you a special discount……”

Ash took a step forward.

He pulled a small bag of medication from his clothes and waved it in front of them.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“I told you to move aside.”

His optical sensors flashed with unusual intensity.

Then he looked directly into the man’s face.

Under the pressure emanating from that enormous steel body, the man swallowed and stepped back.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“……You used to pick pockets in a place where individuals like that roam freely?”

After cautiously studying Ash’s expression, he muttered a brief curse and disappeared into the crowd.

“Wow. action Now that I’m a Pathfinder, even drug dealers come to bother me.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash covered his face with one hand.

Akina arched her eyebrows with a mischievous expression.

At that moment, his sensors detected someone else approaching them.

“What? auction Are you curious again?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Then he issued a warning to the approaching woman.

Ash instinctively moved to stand in front of Akina.

Her breasts and buttocks were so disproportionately large that, rather than provocative, her appearance was slightly grotesque. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

This time, it was a woman whose body had been modified so obviously that a single glance was enough to recognize her as a prostitute.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

However, before he could finish speaking,

“Ash? arrow You’re Ash, right?”

“……Huh?”

“Move aside……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Even Akina, who remained behind him, poked her head out to see what was happening.

He had not expected that woman to say his name.

Ash was momentarily bewildered.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Wow! galaxy It really is you! atomic I’m a huge fan! apron Can we take a picture together?”

“How do you know my name?”

At Ash’s deep electronic voice, the woman’s face lit up, and she even began clapping.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

At that unexpected commotion, several people nearby turned their heads.

Ash’s confusion increased even further.

Although she had phrased it as a question, the woman was already taking photographs nonstop with a PDA she had pulled out from somewhere.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Huh? arctic That humanoid?”

Surprisingly, quite a few of them also seemed to recognize Ash.

“Should we ask him to take a picture with us?”

“Yes, that’s him! academy It’s Ash! orbit He even has his name written on his head!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash, completely bewildered, kept one hand in front of Akina to protect her as he addressed the woman.

“Who are you? atlas And how do you know my name?”

And so, the commotion continued to grow.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

On it appeared the passageway in the ruins where they had fought that desperate battle.

The woman showed him the screen of her PDA.

“What do you mean, how do I know?! alert Because you’re incredibly famous right now!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

In front of that scene appeared Ifrit, winking while making a victory sign with her fingers.

The contrast between the wave of Grotesques advancing relentlessly and Ash fiercely swinging his sword to hold them back was particularly impressive.

However, what drew the most attention was the text appearing at the bottom of the screen.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

And that video held the number-one spot among the most popular videos.

It was a short video packed with extravagant background music and absurd sound effects.

[Outer Is Way Too Easy. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. palette Feat. arena Ash Blade]

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash was someone who normally maintained his calm and composure in any situation.

“But what the hell……?”

The comments section was flooded with all kinds of praise and envious remarks, speculation about Ash’s true identity, and compliments on Ifrit’s beauty.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Within seconds, he was completely surrounded by the crowd.

Meanwhile, more and more curious onlookers began gathering around him.

However, even for him, this was inevitably bewildering.

To begin with, he did not have the slightest idea how he was supposed to react.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

It was then that Akina decided to intervene.

Some gazes were filled with curiosity, others with admiration, and there were even some that seemed to conceal less-than-honest intentions.

It had taken only an instant for him to go from being a Pathfinder walking peacefully through the plaza to becoming a strange creature exhibited in a circus.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

The little girl took a step forward and spread both arms, positioning herself between Ash and the crowd as though she wanted to protect him.

With her eyes wide open and a threatening expression, Akina looked quite fierce.

“Our Mister is tired, understand?! galaxy Don’t talk to him! echo He’s not giving out autographs either! harbor Huh? silence Huuuh? orbit Hey, you! aluminum Stop taking pictures!”

“E-everyone, stay back!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

A little Technomancer trying to protect an enormous combat humanoid.

It seemed as though their respective roles had been completely reversed.

It was a truly strange situation.

“Move aside, move aside! legend Stop blocking the way! beacon Go sell your drugs or your bodies somewhere else! anchor Get out of here!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“A picture together, please!”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“Come on, just once!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Some even began reaching out their hands to try to touch Ash’s steel body.

However, the crowd was not willing to retreat so easily.

Furthermore, their interest was becoming increasingly brazen.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Move aside. silence All of you.”

At that deep electronic voice, the crowd that had been causing such a commotion fell silent for an instant.

At that, Ash, who had remained bewildered until then, gently pulled Akina, who was struggling to keep the crowd at bay, into his arms.

Then he released an intimidating presence incomparably more intense than before.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

When that enormous steel body began pushing people aside, no one could continue blocking his path, and the crowd gradually began to part.

His only intention was to get away from there as soon as possible.

Practically embracing Akina, he began quickly making his way through the people.

Ash did not waste the opportunity.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Back already, rising star?”

Behind them, disappointed exclamations and the sounds of cameras taking photographs continued to be heard.

***

When they finally arrived at Santa’s Rest Stop, practically fleeing from the crowd, Santa was sitting behind the counter in a relaxed posture, laughing as he looked at his PDA.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash silently inclined his head in greeting, while Akina answered for him in her usual sharp tone.

Apparently, it really had become very popular.

“You definitely look better in person. alert The video doesn’t manage to capture that peculiar presence of yours. orbit Looks like you’re not very photogenic, huh?”

The screen was playing the very short video that had caused all the commotion.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa gave her a flick on the forehead with his knuckles.

“You little brat! avalanche Who the hell are you still calling a washed-up old man?!”

“What are you talking about, you washed-up old man? airport Our Mister looks great on camera too! agent Do you think just anyone can appear among the most popular videos?”

“Ouch!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

“Did anything happen while we were away, Elder Santa?”

After that, the two continued arguing for quite some time, until Santa finally lit a cigarette and put an end to the dispute. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“What could’ve happened? acoustic Every day’s the same. athlete But more importantly, tell me what happened. voyage What the hell did you do to end up fighting so many Grotesques?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

He also told him when that famous video had been recorded.

Although his manner of recounting the events was quite straightforward, there was absolutely nothing ordinary about the contents of his story.

Ash briefly explained the events of their latest expedition.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa remained silent for a few moments.

By the time the cigarette was almost completely consumed, Ash had finished his account.

Santa listened with such interest that he even shifted in his seat a couple of times.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

[Outer Is Way Too Easy. timber Feat. advance Ash Blade]

The old man raised his PDA with one hand.

Ifrit’s video was still playing on the screen.

“……It’s practically a miracle that you came back alive. admire Now that I know the story, it turns out this whole thing is a damn lie, doesn’t it?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa clicked his tongue and lit another cigarette.

It was then that Akina, who had remained silent until that moment, opened her backpack.

“All right, that’s enough! album Help me appraise these things! atomic Do you know what I got this time? athlete Ta-da!”

“Outer is way too easy? afford Bullshit.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

From that moment onward, an intense negotiation began between Santa and Akina.

“Oh? acid They’re in pretty good condition. alien Hadn’t you gone to Level 1?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Firearms and Cyberware parts for different areas of the body.

Ash listened to their conversation for a while, but soon lost interest and began observing the interior of the establishment.

There were also objects that appeared to be vehicle components.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

However, after experiencing a real expedition and participating in actual combat, he now saw everything in a completely different light.

When he had first arrived there, all of it had seemed like a collection of useless objects.

The walls were completely covered with merchandise.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Just then, a small warning appeared.

Among those items, what caught his attention most was a battery whose capacity was more than twice that of the one he currently possessed.

After all, for a humanoid whose life depended directly on electricity, that was inevitable.

Although Ash was not someone particularly interested in material possessions, even he felt the desire to obtain that battery.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

[WARNING!]

Ash addressed Akina and Santa, who were still engrossed in their negotiation.

[POWER LEVEL: 4%]

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa also gave him a brief farewell.

“Go on up! arch I’ll come too as soon as I finish negotiating!”

Akina nodded hurriedly. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“Would you mind if I went upstairs first? action I have very little energy remaining.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

He climbed the stairs that creaked beneath his steps and entered his room.

“Good work.”

Ash gave them a brief salute and headed toward the second floor of the establishment, where his temporary accommodation was located.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

All the warnings that had remained active immediately disappeared.

A brief spark crackled, and a stable flow of electricity began circulating through his internal systems.

Then he connected his body to the old industrial charger installed on the wall.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

As he enjoyed the electrical energy flowing through his artificial neural network, Ash sat cross-legged, assumed the lotus position, and deactivated his optical sensors.

Amid that profound darkness, various thoughts and memories began appearing and disappearing in his mind as he meditated.

His encounter with Ifrit.

The expedition to Gamma-7.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

And many other events.

The battle against REST-MAN.

However, at a certain moment, one scene began standing out with particular clarity among all those memories.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

At the time, because of the circumstances, he had not had the chance to pay it much attention.

But now that he remembered it, he could not help finding that scene truly amusing.

A Technomancer protecting an Assault.

It was the image of Akina raising her voice as she stood between him and a crowd of people.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 17: Return 2 by Indra Translations.

His face remained expressionless, as always, and as was only natural.

“Hehe…… Is she not a truly dependable young lady?”

However, for some reason, at that moment, he seemed to be smiling.

Faced with such an absurd situation, Ash let out a small chuckle.