Chapter 43: Underland 2

When the heavy armored vehicle Revenant left the Gateway District, the scenery beyond the windows quickly began losing its colors.

Apparently, they had already reached the outskirts of Sanctum.

Siren, who was sitting in the passenger seat, took out a Data Pad and spoke.

The dazzling LED lights, neon signs, and holographic billboards gradually disappeared, replaced by crumbling buildings and gray structures corroded by the passage of time.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

With movements that revealed her familiarity with the area, she began directing him through shortcuts known only to the inhabitants of Sanctum’s lower classes, as well as abandoned tunnels.

“From now on, we won’t be following the official roads. arcade I’ll guide you along the way.”

Following her directions, Revenant traveled through that colorless city.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“This place……”

Without realizing it, Ash leaned his torso forward to observe the scenery beyond the window.

Finally, they arrived at one of the waste treatment facilities located on the outskirts.

Seeing this, Siren tilted her head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Even that repulsive smell of oil mixed with rust.

Destroyed Cyberware and components whose functions were impossible to identify.

“Is something wrong?”

Mountains of accumulated scrap and waste scattered everywhere.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash remembered the girl who had awakened him and those days during which, thanks to her hands, his new ‘body’ had gradually taken shape.

‘……That’s right. crystal Everything began in a place like this.’

It was an all-too-familiar sight.

“Lord Ash?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Ah. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com academy Forgive me. arrow This place reminds me of another very much like it.”

Siren repeated the question in disbelief.

Ash suddenly returned to reality and murmured quietly, almost as though speaking to himself.

“……Memories? artist In a place like this?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

She had never imagined that someone could look at a junkyard and use the word ‘memories.’

“……Then, why have you guided me here?”

Ash did not answer her question.

Instead, he simply asked about the next step of their journey.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

She gazed at the gloomy waste treatment facility beyond the window before answering slowly.

“I’m thinking of using an underground tunnel managed by REST-MAN.”

At those words, Siren’s expression hardened slightly.

“Ah. alert Now that you mention it, I believe I remember hearing that the waste treatment facilities are under REST-MAN’s jurisdiction.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Then, as though making a casual remark, he asked.

Ash remained silent as he made small adjustments to the steering wheel.

“Hmm…… REST-MAN.”

“That’s right.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“I’m sure there is. echo It’s just that I don’t know any. arctic But why do you ask? meadow Have you had some trouble with REST-MAN?”

“Is there no other route?”

Ash shook his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

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

Then he glanced sideways at Siren.

“……Because of me?”

“It is not because of me. aluminum It is because of you.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash continued speaking calmly.

Siren was momentarily at a loss for words.

“Indeed. wizard After all, REST-MAN is an organization closely connected to your past, is it not?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……”

“From what I have observed, you do not seem particularly comfortable with the fact that you once belonged to REST-MAN. auction Am I mistaken?”

“I only asked you to guide me, but circumstances have ended up bringing us into a situation like this. galaxy I am very sorry. arrow Please forgive me.”

Without realizing it, Siren began staring intently at Ash’s profile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Consideration, concern, and a sincere apology.

Things that were uncommon in Sanctum.

His face was made of steel and revealed no expression.

However, there was something she could perceive.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“A real adult? armor Are there such things as fake adults?”

For some reason, a pleasant warmth began spreading through her heart, and the eyes with which she gazed at Ash took on an even brighter gleam.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking for a while, but even setting aside your swordsmanship, Lord Ash, you’re a truly admirable person. canvas You seem like a real adult.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At those words, Ash let out a soft laugh.

“Elder Santa is a good person. arch He is also our benefactor, as he is always looking out for us. anchor However, I must admit that the expression ‘fake adult’ suits him rather well. palette Every time he argues with Miss Akina, an extraordinary commotion breaks out.”

“Really? galaxy Now I want to see it.”

“Of course there are. acoustic For example…… Grandpa Santa?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Heroine Siren. adopt Are you certain this is the place?”

While they were having that brief conversation, Revenant finally reached the specific point Siren had indicated.

“You will surely have the opportunity someday. adopt The two of them argue quite frequently.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Yes. riddle I’m sure.”

A tunnel leading toward the underground city.

Ash had imagined a tunnel.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“What the hell? crystal An armored vehicle for the Outer?”

Someone’s voice was heard.

What he had never imagined was finding himself facing a gigantic mountain of waste that rose before them like a cliff.

Just as he was about to ask again……

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Well, whatever. adjust Stop right there!”

‘……It seems we have arrived at the correct place. voyage Could they be some kind of entrance guards?’

Along with that sharp command, several men equipped with crudely manufactured Cyberware began emerging from among the piles of scrap.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

One of the REST-MAN members, who had already approached the vehicle, leaned his head in to examine the interior. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Ash was about to get out of the vehicle when Siren grabbed his arm.

“Don’t get out. harbor And let me handle them.”

After speaking those brief words, she lowered the passenger-side window.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Fuck.”

Both his curse and his gaze were directed at Siren.

Then his face contorted violently.

“Well, look who’s here! zenith Hey, everyone, come over here! altitude We’ve got the ‘traitor’ here!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“So it’s you, Anna. abstract Ah, no. autumn Do you call yourself Siren now? academy I’ve been watching your streams. admire How’s it going shaking your ass in front of the cameras?”

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

At those words, murmurs began spreading throughout the junkyard facilities.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Bang!

Hearing that, Siren turned her head.

“Long time no see, Jeffrey.”

Then she gave a smile to the REST-MAN member who continued mocking her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Siren slowly stepped out without even bothering to look at him.

The man, who had been leaning against it, was sent flying and fell to the ground.

At the same time as she spoke that greeting, she violently pushed open the vehicle door.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

The girl who blushed beside Ash and who, at times, behaved somewhat absentmindedly had disappeared completely.

However, Siren, who stood amid all those hostile gazes, showed not the slightest sign of intimidation.

Sinister gazes were directed toward her from different points among the mountains of garbage.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“This place is still exactly the same, even after so many years. aluminum How has everyone been?”

“You damned bitch!”

In her place, a coldness resembling that of a perfectly sharpened sword seemed to envelop her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Oh.”

However, Siren’s fist was faster.

Jeffrey took a direct counterattack to the face and ended up flipping over in midair before crashing into the ground once again.

Jeffrey sprang to his feet and lunged at her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Meanwhile, the other REST-MAN members drew their weapons at the same time.

Ash, who had been watching the scene, let out a brief exclamation of admiration.

Dozens of gun barrels pointed toward Siren.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Amid that tension, so intense that it seemed a fight could break out at any moment, Siren calmly took a Credits card from inside her clothing.

She tossed the Credits card toward Jeffrey, who was still lying on the ground.

“Here. arrow The toll.”

“Stop pretending we’re friends and open the gate already. athlete It’s not like we’re close enough to be greeting each other cheerfully, right?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Another REST-MAN member, who had approached without anyone noticing, picked up the card. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“You fucking traitorous bitch!”

While Jeffrey continued insulting her……

He immediately took out a PDA and checked the balance.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“All of this is the toll?”

Then he looked at Siren.

“If you’ve already checked it, could you open the gate? galaxy I’m in a hurry.”

“Huh?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At those words, the REST-MAN member suddenly burst into laughter.

With exaggerated movements, he raised the card to show it to his companions.

“Kahahaha! acquire Well, well. alien Impressive.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At those malicious words, Siren smiled again.

“Didn’t I tell you I’m in a hurry?”

“Looks like you’ve been making quite a lot of money since you went to Halloween, huh? academy Well, you’d better be. amber After shooting dead all the oppas and unnies who raised you and running away, I suppose you have to earn at least this much for it to have been worth it, right?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

After mocking her once more, the REST-MAN member raised a hand toward the summit of the gigantic mountain of waste.

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

“Open it!”

“Oops, sorry.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Until, at a certain moment.

The center of the mountain opened wide, like the jaws of a gigantic monstrous creature.

At that command, the enormous mountain of garbage began vibrating while emitting a strange grinding sound.

Rrrrrumble.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

And what appeared amid that darkness was a paved road so well maintained that it was difficult to believe it had been hidden inside a waste treatment facility.

“Welcome home, Anna.”

It was the same REST-MAN member who had been mocking her.

As Siren prepared to climb back into Revenant, a voice was heard.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……”

Thud! This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Siren observed him for a few moments before slamming the vehicle door shut.

Ash watched her briefly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

***

Then, without saying a word, he pressed the accelerator.

The light from the surface disappeared completely.

The enormous Revenant glided into that opening leading into the darkness.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Amid endless darkness, where absolutely nothing could be distinguished beyond what the headlights illuminated, Revenant continued moving forward silently.

From time to time, its exhaust pipe let out a deep roar.

But there was no noteworthy source of illumination either.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

For quite a while, a heavy silence dominated the vehicle’s interior.

Her voice echoed softly amid the darkness.

Until, at a certain moment, Siren spoke.

“Aren’t you going to ask me anything?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Should I ask you something?”

“Not necessarily, but other people are usually curious.”

Ash answered naturally, without taking his eyes off the road.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Now that you put it that way, I suppose I cannot refrain from asking. wizard May I ask you a question?”

Ash made a small adjustment to the steering wheel and glanced sideways at Siren.

“I see.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Of course. accent Anything you want.”

“When you threw that punch, did you keep your rear foot firmly planted because you anticipated that your opponent might counterattack? matrix Or was it simply a reflexive movement?”

“A moment ago. absorb That is……”

However, the question Ash asked next was completely unexpected.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Huh?”

Siren stared at Ash with a completely bewildered expression.

“That was excellent footwork. action However, I believe you should move the point of impact slightly forward. amber If the moment you transferred your weight had coincided exactly with the impact, that man would have completed a full rotation instead of half a rotation.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

And, to make matters worse, he was asking with absolute seriousness.

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A question about the movements she had used when striking her opponent, instead of asking about her past or that supposed betrayal? Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At first, it was a small giggle, but soon she began laughing heartily, unable to contain herself.

After laughing for quite a while, she wiped away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes and spoke.

Siren burst into laughter.

Her laughter eventually filled the entire interior of Revenant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Your answer has nothing to do with my question.”

Siren laughed loudly again.

“Just as I thought, Lord Ash, you’re a truly admirable person.”

Was it indifference?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Whatever it was, it did not matter.

Or simply a straightforward and direct way of dealing with things?

Perhaps a consideration that encompassed both?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Thanks to it, she felt that her heart had grown a little lighter.

“Thank you, Lord Ash.”

Their conversation ended there.

At those words, Ash merely shrugged.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

However, the silence that settled over the vehicle again was much more comfortable than before.

How much time had passed?

They continued advancing through that darkness where nothing could be distinguished beyond the light of the headlights.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Looks like we’ve arrived.”

Finally, a faint glow began appearing at the far end of the dark tunnel.

Siren was right.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Underland stretched before their eyes, right at the end of the tunnel.

As expected, there was no sky there.

“……My goodness.”

The light gradually grew larger until it revealed the panorama of an enormous space.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Below.

Between those structures, industrial wastewater of unknown origin seeped through, falling and scattering like raindrops, soaking everything below.

Instead, above their heads stretched the gigantic structures that formed Sanctum’s foundations, along with countless pipes intertwined like blood vessels.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Between them stretched elevated walkways and cables crossing irregularly.

Tall buildings expanded through improvised construction leaned against one another in a precarious balance.

A dark and gloomy city, filled with buildings rising haphazardly, without any kind of planning.

That underground city was chaos in its purest form.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Amid a humid atmosphere saturated with acidic mist and wastewater, countless holographic signs emitted sinister illumination.

Violet, green, and red lights, designed to stimulate the desires of those who gazed upon them, flickered incessantly, dyeing the entire city in a beauty as dangerous as it was grotesque.

To Ash’s eyes, all of it made the city appear trapped in a gigantic spiderweb.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Welcome to Underland.”

Ash remained silent for a few moments, contemplating the strange city stretching before his eyes.

Siren observed him and gave a faint smile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash could not answer immediately.