Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT?
As soon as they left Sanctum and entered Outer, the suppressed madness of Halloween Society erupted all at once.
This expedition was different from the very beginning.
Dozens of armored vehicles crossed the wasteland, covered in extravagant paint, neon lights arranged in geometric patterns, and all kinds of decorations of unknown origin.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Some Idols climbed onto the roofs of their armored vehicles while they continued moving.
That scene resembled an expedition far less than a carnival procession dominated by madness and discord.
The enormous speakers installed on each vehicle blasted deafening music, as though they were all competing to attract attention.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Another flashed a victory sign with his fingers in front of a competitor’s wrecked vehicle that had just exploded.
— Ohhh! anxiety Team Underdogs is starting off strong! afford They cleanly eliminate one of their competitors and win the hearts of the viewers!
One roared while drinking an energy drink that had just been released onto the market.
Then they began their broadcasts, shouting toward the drones following them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
A partially destroyed armored vehicle was sent flying through the air.
However, before Chatterbox could finish expressing his admiration, another gigantic explosion occurred.
The commentary came through the vehicle’s radio.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
A society united by a single value.
Ash watched that scene through the window.
And the value that dominated that expedition was obvious.
Then he remembered that, with the exception of himself and Akina, everyone present belonged to Halloween Society.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The confrontations taking place there were not intended to ensure survival.
From that moment onward, everything would be determined by a single truth the viewing figures.
Popularity.
They were much more like a spectacle designed to achieve higher audience ratings.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
That was the true nature of that expedition.
In that world where even battles to the death had become mere spectacles, ‘Likes’ and ‘donations’ were more important than survival.
“Fuck. acid These idiots are already doing stupid shit right from the start.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Heroine, do you not intend to participate in that commotion?”
Ash’s turquoise optical sensors turned toward Ifrit.
Fortunately, Ifrit, Dullahan, and Jack O’Lantern, the members of their team, were behaving relatively calmly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“……Could you explain that in more detail?”
“Ash, everything needs to make an impact. autumn If we start doing crazy things too while everyone else is doing the same, nobody will pay any attention to us.”
At his question, Ifrit smiled broadly while maintaining her personal weapon, Dragon Breath.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Jack O’Lantern, who was driving, shouted.
“There’s not much to explain. antique In the end, all the viewers want to know one thing. atlas Who’s going to finish in first place. galaxy We just have to find the Nexus before everyone else. timber The audience? matrix We can steal it from all those idiots.”
“Exactly, noona! harbor The real protagonist always shows up at the end! crystal Hehehe!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
A message also appeared on Dullahan’s visor.
“……I see.”
They simply used different methods.
[Amateurs try to attract attention from the beginning. armor It’s that simple.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Deep down, they were no different from the others. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
After all, they all belonged to Halloween Society.
Thinking about it, that was perfectly natural.
Ifrit.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Dullahan.
Jack O’Lantern.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
There was only one reason they had decided to participate in that dangerous recovery operation, even going so far as to recruit support members.
Popularity.
More viewers.
Greater recognition.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
They wanted to become the most dazzling figures on the enormous stage represented by the Nexus recovery operation.
What the hell was this ‘popularity’ that made them willing to risk even their own lives?
Ash felt the urge to ask them something.
“……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The only difference was that, for them, that obsession was popularity.
‘Did I not live a life completely consumed by a single obsession myself?’
However, he did not.
For Ash, it had been revenge.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
After all, someone traveling aboard a ship cannot see its shape from the outside.
Ash was not sure.
If someone asked him why he had lived that way, would he truly be able to answer?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The excitement of the festival did not affect him in the slightest.
However, it seemed that this festival of madness had no intention of leaving him alone.
“What the fu……!”
Ash adjusted the steel sword he carried on his back and mentally distanced himself from that world of violence disguised as entertainment.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Kyaaa!”
Jack O’Lantern had jerked the steering wheel.
With that brief exclamation, the armored vehicle they were traveling in swerved sharply. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
One of them carried a heavy weapon whose barrel was still smoking.
Through the window, he spotted five or six motorcycles advancing toward them across the wasteland.
Ash caught Akina, who had lost her balance and was about to be thrown across the vehicle, before raising his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“So they want to play?”
Ifrit, who had ended up thrown against one end of the vehicle because of the sudden turn, cursed.
“Those motherfuckers……!”
Apparently, they had just fired at them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
She was about to open the upper hatch when Ash also stood up.
Both emerged through the upper hatch of the armored vehicle, which continued speeding forward.
“Perfect! admire Let’s have some fun!”
“I shall accompany you.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Amid that confusion, the motorcycles approached, raising an enormous cloud of dust.
The wasteland had become a scene of utter chaos, enveloped in clouds of dust kicked up by dozens of vehicles and the thunder of gunfire.
The freezing wind of their movement whipped their clothes violently.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The bullets produced a shower of sparks as they struck the armor plates.
Ratatatata!
Then they pulled alongside the armored vehicle and began firing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Then she gave a crazed smile and raised her weapon, Dragon Breath.
Ifrit cursed again.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
A shotgun that spat fire.
Dragon Breath was a shotgun.
“Eat this!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
However, three other motorcycles emerged from that dust storm.
With a deafening explosion, a blast of incendiary pellets spread outward and completely engulfed the group of motorcyclists.
Far from retreating, their riders closed the distance while adjusting the heavy weapons they carried on their shoulders.
Two motorcycles burst into flames, and their riders tumbled to the ground screaming.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Shit!”
His deep electronic voice resonated through the rushing wind.
They were anti-tank cannons.
Before Ifrit could aim, Ash stepped forward.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Ash’s body shot from the edge of the armored vehicle’s roof as though he had been launched by an explosion.
“W-What the hell is that?!”
“Cover me.”
A faint trail of sparks hung in the air along the spiral trajectory he had followed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Slash!
His sword immediately descended.
One of the motorcyclists stared in horror at Ash’s figure as he hurtled toward him.
But before he could react, Ash had already arrived.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Without stopping, Ash stepped on the motorcyclist’s shoulder and used that momentum to launch himself toward another rider following behind him.
“He’s insane!”
The motorcyclists stared in horror at Ash’s figure, which seemed to be flying directly toward them, and raised their weapons.
With a sharp sound, the barrel of the anti-tank weapon was cleanly severed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“How are you?”
However, Ash moved faster than their bullets.
He twisted his body in midair, dodged the projectiles that grazed past him, and landed with absolute precision behind the second motorcyclist. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Then he swung his sword and struck the motorcyclist with the back of the blade.
The humanoid had appeared as though he had fallen directly from the sky.
“……”
His turquoise optical sensors flashed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The motorcycle lost its balance and began veering toward one of his companions.
“Aaargh!”
“Huh? attic W-Wait! crystal You damn idiot! antique Don’t come this wa……!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Ash was no longer there.
And Ash?
The two motorcycles collided, became horribly tangled together, and rolled across the ground.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
He had jumped from one moving motorcycle to another and neutralized all his enemies.
All of that had happened in less than ten seconds.
Just as he had done when launching his attack, he had soared into the air again and returned to the roof of the armored vehicle before anyone even noticed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Ash, who had already sheathed his sword, stopped just as he was about to descend through the hatch and asked her.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
It was an almost supernatural feat, a demonstration of the incredible capabilities that could be achieved through absolute mastery of lightness movement techniques.
Ifrit, who had stood there watching him with her mouth open instead of providing cover, blinked a couple of times.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Ah, y-yeah……”
“Are you not coming inside?”
As soon as she finished climbing inside, Chatterbox’s excited voice erupted through the radio.
Ifrit followed him into the armored vehicle with a dazed expression.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
— Incredible! absorb Did you just see that, dear viewers?! silence The secret weapon of Team Elementary Girls! legend That is, uh…… Wait a moment. aluminum Ah! aluminum Ash Blade! amateur The humanoid swordsman who shook Sanctum not long ago with a single short video! audit He charged into the enemy ranks all by himself and tore them all apart with astonishing ease! canvas What the hell was that way of moving?!
Honk! artist Honk! avalanche Hooonk!
And Chatterbox was not the only one who was excited. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Dullahan, who occupied the passenger seat, reacted similarly.
Jack O’Lantern, who had honked the horn several times, abruptly turned his head.
“Wow! harbor That was insane! amateur What the hell did you just do?! abandon How can you move like that?!”
A brief message appeared on his visor, perfectly expressing how he felt.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
He even began applauding.
Apparently, he had been quite impressed.
[That scared the shit out of me.]
“Heh, hehehe! antique What did I tell you?! adapt I warned you he was incredible! orbit We’re going to be the stars of this operation!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“If we keep this up, we might even make it into TODAY BEST!”
[LET’S GOOOO! matrix STRAIGHT TO TODAY BEST! absorb LET’S GOOOO!]
The interior of the armored vehicle filled with shouting and excitement.
“Of course! autumn All right! attic Let’s go!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Did any of your parts get damaged?”
However, Ash, who was the true protagonist of all that commotion, remained completely calm.
He left his noisy companions behind and silently sat beside Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Ash gazed at Akina for a few moments.
“None.”
“And your energy? arctic How much battery do you have left?”
Then he raised the steel hand she herself had installed for him and gently stroked her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
None of those things mattered in the slightest to Ash and Akina.
Even amid that festive atmosphere, the two were thinking only about survival.
“Do not worry. adjust There is absolutely nothing to fear.”
Audience ratings, broadcasts, and popularity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
With a heavy rumble, the vehicle accelerated and sped across the wasteland, raising an enormous cloud of dust.
The armored vehicle’s enormous engine emitted a deep roar as its eight cylinders came into action one after another.
After reassuring Akina, Ash deactivated his voice module and turned his gaze toward the outside.
“All right! acquire Let’s keep up this pace! acid Jack, step on the accelerator!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The armored vehicle, which had advanced without stopping throughout the journey, finally came to a halt.
They had reached their destination.
***
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“By the way, noona, are we really going in without broadcasting anything?”
His voice was full of disappointment.
Jack O’Lantern asked that question as he turned off the engine.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“I already told you. adapt Who cares about the boring details of an exploration? sphere Our objective is the Nexus Port. academy We just have to find it before everyone else. orbit We can start broadcasting when that happens.”
Dullahan nodded.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Ifrit answered while opening the rear hatch.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
A message appeared on his visor.
Jack O’Lantern still looked disappointed.
[Yeah. acid And we also have to watch out for anyone trying to follow our route.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Apparently, he regretted wasting all the attention they had suddenly gained thanks to Ash.
“Enough talking.”
However, he also understood that exploring without broadcasting offered numerous advantages, so he decided not to insist.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
At that brief order, her companions began moving.
“Get ready.”
Ifrit was the first to step down from the armored vehicle.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
He also carefully inspected the condition of his firearms.
Jack O’Lantern took out several small bombs and fastened them around his waist.
“Dullahan and I will take the lead. avalanche Jack will cover the rear. alien If we encounter obstacles, we’ll try to eliminate them with explosives whenever possible. matrix Speed is the most important thing on this expedition. academy Oh, bring some extra bombs. adopt Now that I’m seeing these ruins in person, they’re bigger than I expected.”
Dullahan repeatedly moved his mechanical arms to check his systems.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
It was evident that they were accustomed to working together.
Following her instructions, the three Idols began preparing their equipment with quick, practiced movements.
They were veterans who knew the ruins perfectly well.
Ifrit and her companions were no ordinary Pathfinders.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Ifrit raised an eyebrow slightly, as though the question had caught her by surprise.
“What’s gotten into you? adapt You’re giving me chills. apple Are you actually going to obey me if I give you an order?”
Amid those preparations, Ash, who had just stepped down from the armored vehicle alongside Akina, asked.
“What will my role be?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“……You have a strange ability to charm people, you know that?”
“If necessary.”
Ifrit blinked a couple of times at that response. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Then she operated the loading mechanism.
Click!
Ifrit raised Dragon Breath.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Protect Akina. zenith No matter what happens. auction As long as you do that, it’ll be enough.”
A heavy metallic sound resonated through the air.
There was not the slightest trace of a joke in her voice.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
“Consideration? alien Nothing of the sort. athlete It’s the hardest job of all.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
Ash gazed into her peculiar eyes for a few moments before slowly nodding.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
The five Pathfinders nodded at the same time and began venturing into the dark ruins.
“Good. anxiety Then, shall we get moving?”
Ifrit slung Dragon Breath over her shoulder and spoke one last time.
The preparations were quickly completed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 23: TRICK OR TREAT? by Indra Translations.
Thus began their second expedition.
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