Chapter 26: Martial Arts
As a result, that bloodstained chamber had transformed into a training ground enveloped in a strange silence.
In the center of the chamber filled with corpses.
Two swordsmen stood facing each other.
Siren had immediately accepted the wager proposed by Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Ifrit muttered involuntarily.
“……What the fuck is going on here?”
The situation was completely absurd.
The members of both teams withdrew to opposite ends of the chamber to watch the duel that was about to begin between the two swordsmen.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
In contrast, Ash remained motionless, holding his Blade.
Her gaze shifted toward Siren.
The woman was performing warm-up exercises with a smile of absolute happiness, as though she could not contain her excitement.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
To Ifrit, Ash was such a strange and peculiar humanoid that it was impossible to describe him with a single expression.
‘What the hell is he thinking?’
At most, he seemed to be observing his opponent.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
How could she put it?
And, at the same time, there was something old-fashioned about him.
Sometimes he seemed more human than humans themselves.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
But at other times, he made decisions far colder and more rational than anyone else’s.
At times, he behaved like a stubborn old man, rigid and incapable of accepting other opinions.
That made him seem both like an obstinate researcher and a ruthless underworld mercenary.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A genuine walking contradiction, composed of characteristics completely incompatible with one another.
And this time was no different.
It was impossible to understand what went on inside his head.
A wager out of nowhere?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
When he normally behaved like someone who would despise that sort of thing.
And that was not all.
No, why the hell had he proposed a wager so suddenly?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— I know you’re strong, but be careful anyway. agent After all, she’s number one in the rankings.
— I appreciate your advice.
To be precise, it had all begun with some advice she had given him out of concern.
Before preparing for the duel, Ash had held a brief conversation with Ifrit.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— I am not taking her lightly.
— ……Haa. timber Then at least remember one thing. alpha See the tattoo on her arm? silence If it starts glowing blue, get away immediately.
— Shit! arcade I’m telling you not to take her lightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— Cooling? All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com abstract Do you mean she uses ice martial arts?
— Get away? voyage I suppose it possesses some special function.
— It’s a high-powered cooling system. attic Thanks to it, she can push her performance to the limit without overheating her Neuro Matrix.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— For Siren?
— There’s not much more to say. riddle Oh, it also contains all the combat data Undine accumulated during her lifetime. echo She probably has some swordsmanship-related software installed. agent I bought her a few programs myself as gifts.
— I don’t know shit about ice martial arts or anything else. timber What I do know is that when she activates that system, she can move at an insane speed. attic That bitch can unleash ten sword slashes in a single second!
— Interesting. adjust Continue.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
After that brief conversation, Ash seemed lost in thought for a few moments.
— Hmm.
— ……What the fuck are you talking about? august I bought them for Undine!
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Noona, noona!”
— In that case, I shall have to modify my plans slightly.
Finally, he murmured to himself.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
She turned her head.
“What?”
Jack O’Lantern’s voice abruptly pulled Ifrit from her thoughts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Who do you think is going to win?”
“Obviously Mister Ash!”
“……What?”
Akina suddenly interjected.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Jack O’Lantern continued speaking in a way that made it difficult to determine whether he was trying to calm her down or add fuel to the fire.
“Yeah, I figured you’d say that. accent But could you calm down for a moment and listen to what I have to say?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Dullahan had also approached and joined the conversation.
[He’s at a bit of a disadvantage, isn’t he?]
“Akina, Siren holds first place in the rankings. advance Do you think she got that position by winning a wager? portal Just watch her videos to understand that she’s absolutely insane. matrix It’s true that Mister Ash is impressive, but if his opponent is Siren, then……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Akina gave a disdainful snort.
[I saw her fight in person a while ago. acquire We did a collaboration with Witchcraft. apron Yeah. riddle That thing isn’t human. anxiety She’s a genuine monster, hahahahaha.]
“Ha! august Well, my Mister isn’t human either!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
[HAHAHA. echo That’s true, you’re right, hahahaha.]
Ifrit exploded and struck both Dullahan and Jack O’Lantern on the head.
“Agh! audit Shut up already!”
“Akina, when we say someone isn’t human, we don’t mean they’re literally not a person……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Akina, who had witnessed the entire scene, let out a cheerful laugh.
“Are you already discouraging us before we’ve even started? album What’s wrong? galaxy Are you members of Witchcraft now? academy Then get your asses over to the other side!”
At that reprimand, the two men immediately shut their mouths.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Noona, you think Mister is going to win too, right? album Right?”
Ifrit watched the girl for a few moments before stroking her head.
Then she pressed herself against Ifrit’s side and asked.
“I hope so.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
He silently raised his Blade until it was vertical.
Ash was the first.
Then he rotated it once, tracing a circle in the air.
At that precise instant, the two figures standing face-to-face finally began to move.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“What was that? Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. palette What did you just do?”
“I am Ash Blade. accent I currently work as a mercenary for Team Elementary Girls. galaxy I shall use this sword to face you.”
Rather than a movement intended to attack his opponent, it seemed like an ancient, ceremonial gesture through which he showed respect.
At that completely unexpected formality, Siren’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Ah! admire And what do I do now……? sphere I don’t have anything like that……”
“……It is an opening stance. artist A way of showing respect toward your opponent.”
“It does not matter.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren thought for a few moments.
Apparently, she had greatly enjoyed that ancient ceremony of Ash’s.
Or perhaps she simply wanted to learn absolutely everything about him.
“No! atomic Of course it matters! avalanche This is my historic first duel with you, Ash! galaxy I must show you the proper respect too!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Although the gesture possessed a certain traditional elegance, the drones fluttering around her made it look more like an Idol’s final pose at the end of a performance.
Then she swung her Blade in a wide arc, held it in a reverse grip, and positioned it in front of her chest while bowing her head deeply.
Siren raised her head and spoke.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
That gleam soon transformed into obsession and madness.
“I am Siren, leader of Witchcraft. alert I will also use this Blade to face you, Ash. arrow And besides……”
Her black eyes began to shine.
“If I win, I want you to teach me your swordsmanship.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Especially that last attack in your video…… I want to master it and make it my own.”
“You are too ambitious.”
Ash answered briefly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At that question, Ash remained silent for a few moments.
“T-Then! apron What do you want, Ash?”
“Ah, well, I…… Can’t I?”
“I did not say that.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Credits.”
Shortly afterward, his voice module emitted a deep electronic sound.
Siren’s ceremonial stance faltered.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Why are you so surprised? beacon Is there anything more important than money?”
“Exactly. absorb So tell me, how much would you be willing to pay?”
“What?”
“Uh…… Then, do you mean that if you win, I’ll have to give you money?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Uh…… How much do you need?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Siren was momentarily speechless.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Well, I am not particularly knowledgeable about such matters. audit How does two million credits sound?”
It was a considerable amount for Ash, but relatively small for Siren.
A somewhat ambiguous figure.
Two million credits.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At that moment, Akina, who was watching from quite a distance away, shouted.
“No! portal Ask for more, Mister!”
“One million more?”
“One million more!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Now that I think about it, I believe three million would be an appropriate amount.”
After that brief consultation, Ash immediately revised his proposal. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
“Yes!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Does that seem acceptable to you?”
Siren blinked a couple of times before immediately nodding.
“……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Nothing more.
The only thing that truly mattered was that she would have the opportunity to cross swords with Ash.
Credits mattered very little to her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Excellent. timber Then let us begin.”
“I’ll give them to you. echo There’s no problem.”
As soon as she finished answering, bright lights flashed a couple of times in Siren’s eyes.
“Yes!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— 5!
— Starting countdown!
As though that had been a signal, all the drones fluttering around the two swordsmen began broadcasting the same announcement.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— 3!
— 4!
— 2!
— 1!
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
As that high-pitched beep echoed throughout the chamber, the two swordsmen, who had been staring intently at each other, moved at the same time.
Siren was the one who launched the first attack.
— BEEEEEP!
***
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
They were fierce and powerful attacks, worthy of the Idol who occupied first place in the Halloween rankings.
A succession of relentless blows that barely left time to breathe.
Ash was forced to retreat several steps while holding back her offensive.
Clang, clang, clang!
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
However, that was all.
Even amid that rain of attacks, Ash immediately understood that his suspicions had been correct.
Ash Blade.
‘A succession of powerful and flashy attacks.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Although his body was that of a humanoid constructed entirely from machinery, within his main core resided the consciousness of a martial artist who had devoted his entire life to the sword.
At times, it had been his only way of communicating with the world.
To him, a sword had never been a simple weapon.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At others, his only companion along the path during an existence marked by relentless training.
Every breath and every step had to accompany the movements of the sword with a perfectly defined intention.
And sometimes, it had been like the King of the Underworld himself, subjecting him to endless trials on the boundary between life and death.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It had been a life in which he and his sword had become a single entity.
Even during his final years, when he had sold his soul to revenge and ended up destroying everything, the sword had always remained by his side.
Only by following that path of the sword could he truly become himself.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Powerful and flashy?
True strength had to incorporate the principles of heaviness and power.
The problem began precisely there.
That was why, from Ash’s perspective, the swordsmanship Siren was displaying was extraordinarily crude.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Of course, an expert who had reached the realm of the Union of Man and Sword could freely employ all those principles as the situation demanded.
But Siren was not one of those people.
And if what one sought was a dazzling technique capable of adopting countless variations, then one had to concentrate on the principles of speed and illusion.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Her movements were simply strong and flashy at the same time.
Just then, Siren executed a horizontal slash.
She relied on the extraordinary power provided by her Cyberware and swung her sword by brute force, without any philosophy or understanding behind her movements. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
It was already the third time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
But that was not a true path of the sword.
Her sword followed exactly the same trajectory as on the previous occasions, without deviating even a fraction.
It was probably the optimal point of impact calculated using Undine’s combat data and the Melee Combat Algorithm.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was nothing more than a succession of movements dictated by data.
His suspicions had been correct.
Just as he had expected.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Is that all you can do?”
Ash addressed Siren, who continued swinging her sword without pause.
“Heroine.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
She could not answer.
It was the same horizontal slash as before.
She had activated her combat protocols and did not have sufficient processing resources to maintain a conversation at the same time.
Siren swung her sword again.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
He advanced half a step and turned his sword slightly.
So he decided to stop blocking her attacks.
Four completely identical attacks.
For some reason, Ash began to feel irritated.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
And Ash did not waste that tiny opening.
“……!”
Siren’s Blade collided with it and was deflected in a completely unexpected direction.
Her stance collapsed in an instant.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Ugh!”
His sword slid forward like a snake and gently struck Siren’s shoulder with the back of the blade rather than its edge.
There was no significant impact.
Tap.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
You had just died once.
However, the meaning of that light contact was perfectly clear.
Siren hurriedly retreated, startled.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“What is wrong?”
But Ash did not pursue her.
He simply remained motionless, observing her in silence.
Ash continued.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren frowned and charged at him again.
“……Grr!”
“It seems this duel you were looking forward to so much is turning out quite differently from what you imagined.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
The problem was that the trajectories of her sword remained exactly the same.
This time, her attacks were even faster and sharper.
A thrust came.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A diagonal slash came.
Ash deflected it.
Ash deflected it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Then another.
He deflected one.
He also deflected a descending vertical slash, a low cut aimed at his legs, and three consecutive thrusts seeking to penetrate his defense from unexpected angles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A single step.
That was enough to completely disrupt her center of gravity and send Siren falling onto her backside.
And yet another.
As though that were not enough, Ash took a step toward Siren just as her stance momentarily became unstable.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Although she had ended up on the ground, Siren remained there for quite some time with a dazed expression, unable to understand what had just happened.
“……Huh? alien Why did I……?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“This is a little disappointing.”
“Hmm.”
Those words brought all of Siren’s thoughts to a halt.
Ash looked down at her and let out an electronic sigh.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
However, Ash was not finished yet.
Naturally, Ash had no facial expression that could be interpreted.
“I know this may seem like a discourteous question, but do you truly wish to learn the art of the sword?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren hurriedly stood up and gripped her sword again.
“W-Wait! galaxy Wait a moment, Ash!”
But to Siren, who was looking up at him from below, it was completely different.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“We’re not…… we’re not finished yet! legend I-I’ll show you my true power……!”
Then she shouted in a voice that seemed on the verge of tears.
In truth, Siren had anticipated that there would be a certain difference in skill between them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
After all, Ash had been extraordinarily impressive in that video.
The most powerful Idol, who had never suffered a defeat regardless of who her opponent was.
Because she was number one in the Halloween rankings.
However, part of her had also thought that perhaps she could give him a fairly even match.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren.
That was who she was.
But one only had to look at the current situation.
Moreover, she had enormous confidence in her own swordsmanship.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Like a little girl standing before a gigantic mountain, she felt that an unfathomable and insurmountable abyss existed between them.
This went far beyond something so simple.
A difference in skill?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A terrifying truth of which she had not been aware until that moment.
And then, suddenly, she understood something.
‘Ash……’
She did not even have any idea what she should do. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was true.
Ash had not launched a single attack.
Both hands with which Siren held her sword began to tremble.
‘He hasn’t even swung his sword once to attack me.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
While Siren swung her sword like a madwoman, he had simply blocked, deflected, or redirected all her movements.
From the depths of her heart, an ever-growing admiration began to well up.
‘Is there really that much difference between us? amateur That much?’
She had been dancing with all her strength, while her opponent seemed capable of containing everything using barely a finger.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Faced with Siren, who was practically screaming, Ash nodded slowly.
“One more time! apple Can I try just one more time?!”
A brief movement of his head.
However, at the same time, that word Ash had spoken, ‘disappointing’, weighed upon her entire body.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
‘I have to use all my power.’
A faint hope appeared on Siren’s face.
It was his permission.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
‘All my power!’
She could not leave after having caused him such disappointment.
She could not allow it to end like this.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Then, a chilling blue light began flowing along the wavy tattoo on her right arm.
At that instant, her black eyes began to shine.
A high-pitched sound announced the activation of her high-powered cooling system.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Amid that thick vapor, resembling a dense sea fog that obscured vision, only her blue-illuminated arm continued glowing like a will-o’-the-wisp.
A cloud of coolant vapor erupted from her body and completely enveloped her in an instant.
Whooosh!
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