Chapter 40: Traces 2
Clang! auction Clang! beacon Clang!
At first, it was a feeling of incongruity.
The sword of the Ninja wearing the wolf mask was imbued with an extraordinarily intense killing intent.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, Ash could clearly distinguish a pattern in his movements.
It was a sword conceived exclusively for killing, devoid of any trace of mercy.
There were defined techniques and steps accompanying each one. arcade His body adopted certain stances and expressed the will of the person wielding the sword.
‘These movements are undoubtedly……’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
They were movements that revealed the profound foundations of a martial art.
From that moment onward, Ash stopped actively trying to subdue his opponent and began matching his rhythm, allowing him to demonstrate everything he knew.
That was unquestionably a sword technique from the Central Plains.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The Ninja seemed to interpret that as a sign that he was succeeding in overpowering him.
But the more he did so, the more intense that feeling of incongruity became.
As though he had been waiting for precisely that opportunity, he twisted his sword and launched a succession of attacks to pressure Ash.
The sudden changes in stance and shifts in center of gravity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, when those movements were linked together, Ash recognized an extraordinarily familiar sequence.
When he examined each movement separately, they seemed unfamiliar.
The thrusts executed with almost perfect precision and the vertical slashes descending along defined trajectories.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash deflected the attack with ease. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
The Ninja’s sword rushed toward Ash, tracing a line of light.
‘Without a doubt, I know this sword technique. arch His next movement will be a thrust.’
And, just as he expected.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
‘Because it is a feint.’
The Ninja, who had apparently anticipated that he would be able to block it, immediately lowered his sword and executed a slash aimed at his ankles.
However, Ash did not attempt to block it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
That was precisely what the Ninja was displaying before him.
Upon confirming that the second attack was also a feint, Ash finally understood the source of the feeling of incongruity that had been troubling his Main Core.
A deception executed through exaggerated movements to confuse the opponent’s eyes.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
It was the introductory sword technique first learned by every disciple of the Kunlun Sect, to which Ash had belonged throughout his life.
The Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords.
‘……The Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, the principles of transformation it contained were practically inexhaustible.
It was not a supreme martial art capable of shaking the entire world.
Furthermore, it provided a fundamental foundation for understanding divine techniques and higher martial arts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
It was a technique containing principles so profound and mysterious that no common scoundrel could even dream of learning it.
How was it possible that such a venerable sword technique was being used by such a strange assassin?
But then.
For that reason, it was considered the root of Kunlun’s martial arts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
All that remained was killing intent.
And, to make matters worse, it had completely lost the depth and mystery it was originally supposed to possess.
An absurd situation whose circumstances Ash knew absolutely nothing about.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But he also felt anger.
He felt joy.
As he firmly gripped his Blade, the first thing that arose within him was a whirlwind of emotions as intense as boiling lava.
Because, in that world where everything was covered in steel, he had found a trace of his home.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And profound bewilderment.
Why was Kunlun’s swordsmanship in the hands of such an assassin?
Because that trace was imbued with the unpleasant stench of blood.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Those contradictory emotions mingled until they formed a complex feeling impossible to describe with a single word.
“As expected, your swordsmanship is truly extraordinary.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“But, as you can see, it’s useless.”
For some reason, he seemed to be enjoying the situation enormously and continued speaking between soft chuckles.
He could not have chosen a worse moment.
It was precisely at that moment that the Ninja decided to speak to him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Are you bewildered? legend It seems your sword has lost a little of its sharpness.”
Ash deflected his opponent’s sword and retreated with a light leap.
“……Bewildered? voyage It would not be incorrect to say so.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“No.” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“There is something I would like to ask you. portal Would you permit me?”
“If you intend to ask me about our extraordinary regeneration, I’m afraid I cannot answer……”
Then he continued.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Was it perhaps because of the emotions boiling within him?
“I have not the slightest interest in such insignificant tricks. atom What arouses my curiosity is your swordsmanship.”
Ash shook his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
His turquoise optical sensors emitted an unsettling glow as he stared fixedly at the man wearing the wolf mask.
Ash had always treated everyone he encountered with courtesy.
However, now it was different.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
An explosive fighting intent erupted from Ash’s body.
At that instant.
“Therefore, I shall ask you.”
It was completely different from the presence he had displayed while they exchanged attacks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash spoke.
However, that was of no importance.
The Ninja involuntarily took a step backward.
Its intensity was so overwhelming that it seemed capable of bursting his opponent apart by itself.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Everyone stopped moving.
Santa and Siren, who were pursuing their respective opponents, and the Ninjas who were trying to escape from them.
***
“Why is someone I have never seen before using my sect’s Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Even Akina, who remained protected in Ifrit’s arms.
Jack and Dullahan, who were providing first aid to Rudolph, as well.
“……Mister……?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The fighting intent emanating from his body was far from ordinary.
It was a sensation completely different from killing intent that seemed to cut through flesh.
Everyone froze at the sudden change in Ash’s attitude.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Thus, an unexpected silence descended upon the rest stop’s backyard.
It was more akin to the pressure of a gigantic mountain descending upon one’s shoulders.
Ash was the one who broke it.
An oppressive force that imprisoned the entire body until even the slightest movement became difficult.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The Ninja wearing the wolf mask, who stood before him, began trembling slightly.
“Why do you not answer? palette Until a moment ago, you would not stop talking, would you?”
His electronic voice sounded like the growl of a ferocious beast.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Then he let out a brief sigh.
“I-I don’t know…… what you’re talking about. apple What are these Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords?”
Ash silently regarded him for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
His optical sensors shone with an even colder light.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Ha.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Only then did the Ninja realize that the Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords Ash was talking about were precisely the technique he himself was using.
“……You learned it from your ‘Hyung’?”
“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding. alien This sword technique has no name. adjust I simply learned it from our Hyung.”
“Are you saying that you have been wielding that sword without even knowing what technique you are using?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“What do you find interesting?”
A dry electronic sound escaped Ash’s voice module.
“How interesting.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“……!”
The Ninja responded with a warning delivered in a dangerously sharp tone.
“That someone incapable of understanding its principles, and who does not even know its foundations, dared to teach it to others.”
That was an obvious insult.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“You were the one who insulted me first. crystal With that sword.”
“I warn you not to insult our Hyung.”
Ash brought his Blade close to his body, adopting a middle guard, and lowered his stance slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Slowly, the Ninja wearing the wolf mask adopted a fighting stance.
“I have no intention of tolerating such an insult. abandon And you? arctic Are you merely going to warn me again?”
Curiously, that position closely resembled the one the Ninja had used moments earlier.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
As though those words had been a signal, the Ninja charged toward him.
“Then come.”
“Of course not.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
That was enough for the Ninja’s sword to cut through nothing but air. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
He simply took a step to the side.
Ash did not block the attack.
In an instant, he closed the distance and brought his sword down in a vertical slash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, the result was completely different.
It followed exactly the same trajectory and used the same technique the Ninja had just executed.
His sword moved.
“Incorrect.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But that first movement had been nothing more than preparation to obtain an advantageous position.
The sword immediately changed its trajectory and slashed the Ninja’s abdomen.
Like Ash, the Ninja attempted to dodge the Blade rushing toward him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He simply launched a thrust.
The Ninja did not respond.
“Cloud Dragon Seeking Claw. atom When a dragon soaring through the heavens extends its claws, it does not do so to tear its opponent apart. album It does so to probe for openings and prepare its next movement.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash moved one leg and struck his opponent’s shin.
That movement combined precisely with the shift in center of gravity the Ninja had made while executing his thrust.
“Too hasty.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
As a result, he ended up falling to the ground.
“Ugh!”
He immediately rose to his feet and, upon discovering a thrust already practically in front of his face, hurriedly raised his sword.
However, the Ninja did not remain lying there.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But he was unable to neutralize its full force.
He managed to block that thrust, which had appeared without warning.
Clang!
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash did not pursue him.
The attack contained overwhelming power.
Faced with such strength, the Ninja hastily retreated.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He simply spoke in his electronic voice.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Cloud Sea Opening. artist This technique requires concentrating all one’s strength at a single point. action Therefore, maintaining a stable stance is essential. amber An attack executed without proper preparation is worse than not attacking at all.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
It was the same.
The sword technique Ash was using was undoubtedly the same one he had learned.
The Ninja gritted his teeth.
However, there was something he could not understand.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And, at the same time, completely different.
In a sense, those words could be interpreted as mockery.
And every time he tried to understand why that difference existed, Ash added an explanation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He charged forward with a roar.
“Shut up!”
Finally, the Ninja shouted.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At that remark from Ash, which could have been either a sigh of disappointment or mockery, the Ninja continued swinging his sword.
But every one of his attacks was blocked.
“Were you not even taught to maintain an unshakable mind?”
Then he began executing the sword technique he had learned from his Hyung.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At times, an attack he seemed to have successfully blocked turned out to be a feint, used solely to prepare the next movement.
An authentic sword technique, whose movements contained entirely different meanings.
Some attacks blocked his path, while others confused his eyes. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
And, time and again, a sword following an apparently identical trajectory came rushing toward him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
‘What…… is this?’
A sword that appeared to be aimed at his upper body suddenly descended toward his lower body.
And a movement that seemed defensive transformed into a thrust of extraordinary speed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Those sword attacks, each endowed with a purpose and meaning, began forming a single flow.
Despite being pressured without pause, the Ninja was unable to clearly understand what was happening.
He even felt as though he were wandering through a thick fog.
And that flow was truly mysterious.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, that was no longer important.
Even at that very instant, his body continued being mercilessly cut and pierced.
‘Is this…… the true form of my sword technique?’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Furthermore, the sword technique his opponent, Ash, was using was extraordinarily similar to his own.
Because, somewhere in his heart, which until then had been dominated by anger and confusion, a pure admiration befitting a swordsman and an intense desire to improve began to emerge.
And, as though that were not enough, he even took the trouble to explain each of his movements.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He had stopped interpreting Ash’s words as mockery.
At some point, the Ninja’s manner of fighting began to change.
Of course, that did not mean Ash began holding back his attacks.
Now he received them as teachings and tried, little by little, to put them into practice.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At that change, Ash’s optical sensors emitted a peculiar glow.
That transformation was something even Ash had not anticipated.
Even so, the Ninja wearing the wolf mask continued striving with all his might to learn from his sword, even at the cost of suffering numerous wounds.
‘……Oh?’
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
His technique was still imbued with intense killing intent.
Despite the pain of having his entire body cut and pierced, his opponent was desperately trying to observe his sword and learn from it.
He continued targeting Ash’s vital points, attempting to take his life at any cost.
But, at the same time, it was also a sword desperately struggling to understand the principles of each movement and the connections between the different techniques.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And, before either of them realized it, the confrontation between them had begun transforming into a training duel.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
As he watched him, Ash unconsciously reduced the force he put into his sword a little.
One could say that such an attitude reflected a touching sincerity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Even Ash found the situation ridiculous.
However, he could not stop his sword.
It was a truly absurd situation.
Who would have imagined that he would end up practicing swordsmanship with an assassin who had barged in during the middle of the night?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He remembered the training grounds of Mount Kunlun, where the clouds descended until they brushed against the ground.
Because it had been far too long.
To be more precise, he did not want to.
Far too long since the last time he had participated in a training duel between two practitioners of Kunlun swordsmanship.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
They were precious memories, buried beneath the weight of an eternity.
Those days when, from time to time, he crossed swords with his junior sect brothers.
A peace whose true value he had not understood back then.
Peaceful days that would never return.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
‘……It was like this in those days as well.’
The violent confrontation unfolding in the rest stop’s backyard came to an end without warning. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
The image of his junior sect brothers, who desperately wielded their swords to defeat him or learn even one more thing, began overlapping with the figure of the Ninja before him.
However, that was nothing more than an unexpected moment of nostalgia.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Got you! zenith You damned slippery rat!”
Apparently, he had crushed it completely to prevent him from regenerating again.
Santa’s steel fist had just shattered the shoulder of the Ninja wearing the rat mask.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
She had struck precisely where the heart was located.
Something similar was happening at the opposite end.
Siren’s sword pierced the chest of the Ninja wearing the rabbit mask.
“Haaah!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And that brought the Ninja wearing the wolf mask back to reality.
Ash had already lowered his sword.
The course of the battle had changed completely in an instant.
However, given the extraordinary regenerative ability her opponent had demonstrated until then, it was difficult to believe that would be enough to kill her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“It seems you share quite a close bond. avalanche Something rather unusual among assassins.”
“……No. wizard It seems that will be enough for today. anxiety I cannot allow my brothers and sisters to die here.”
At that question, delivered with the usual nonchalance of his electronic voice, the Ninja slowly shook his head.
“What do you think? voyage Do you wish to continue?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He hurled it violently against the ground.
“I’m told that often. acoustic And besides……”
“We are not assassins. silence We are Ninjas.”
The Ninja wearing the wolf mask slowly lowered his sword and took a capsule resembling a medicinal pill from inside his clothing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
A thick curtain of dark-blue smoke spread in an instant, blocking the vision of everyone present, without distinguishing between allies and enemies.
Boom!
“Waaah!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Now that I think about it, I still have not heard your name.”
While Santa and Siren, who had been about to finish off their respective opponents, reacted in bewilderment, Ash directed a few words toward some point within that dense curtain of smoke.
“Damn it!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
A faint voice emerged from within the smoke.
A few moments passed.
“It’s not that I have a proper name, but……”
“My brothers and sisters call me Zero.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward, when the night wind dispersed the curtain of smoke, the Ninjas had already disappeared.
Those were his last words.
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