Chapter 61: A New Path
Only a cold night breeze blew silently among the piles of abandoned scrap.
Santa’s Rest Stop and its backyard were immersed in absolute silence, as though the commotion that had filled the place during the day had never existed.
In the middle of the night, when everyone was fast asleep.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
In one hand, he carried a perfectly clean glass, without a single speck of dust, and a container of purified water.
Ash found a relatively flat steel table in one corner of the yard.
Amid that stillness, Ash appeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
For quite some time, he carefully cleaned the dust that had accumulated on its surface.
Upon the modest altar he had just prepared, Ash placed the glass and poured the purified water into it.
After contemplating them for a few moments, Ash deactivated his optical sensors.
The splendid lights of Sanctum appeared and disappeared across the rippling surface of the water.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Then he heard the sounds.
Amid the darkness.
His senses began expanding in concentric circles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The low-frequency vibrations emitted by the ventilation systems of the gigantic buildings.
Even the whispers of data traveling through the fiber-optic cables buried underground.
The faint roar of motorcycle engines in the distance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
However, Ash did not attempt to forcibly block out those sounds.
The city was never truly silent. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
He must not pursue tranquility artificially.
Instead, he accepted everything emanating from the city as part of a single, gigantic current.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Accepting that reality as well must be the first step toward Wu Wei, the principle of acting without forcing the natural course of things.
And allowed his own existence to become part of that flow.
However, perhaps that was precisely what was natural in that place.
Everything that existed in that world had been artificially created.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Then a strange synchronization began.
The cerebral energy sending countless signals through his Neural Matrix slowly began to resonate with the city’s flow.
At times, they even reminded him of the heartbeat of a gigantic living creature.
As that resonance intensified, the sounds of the city ceased to seem like mere noise.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The purified water he had poured into it had become completely still and now reflected the dark sky like a mirror.
A turquoise light flickered in his deactivated optical sensors.
The glass appeared before his eyes.
How much time had passed?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Upon the surface of his mind, as tranquil as a motionless lake, not a single worry remained.
The thoughts that had been stirring incessantly had settled, and the emotions swirling within him had calmed.
His mind was also in that state.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
There could be no more appropriate condition in which to confess the sin of breaking the rules of his sect.
The state of Mingjing Zhishui.
A heart as serene as still water and as clear as a mirror.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
His steel forehead touched the cold, dirty ground directly.
Ash contemplated the glass resting upon the altar for a few moments.
Then he knelt before it and performed a deep bow.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“O heavenly spirits and souls of all the ancestors who rest upon Mount Gonryun.”
“I beg you to forgive this unworthy disciple who, having lost even his body of flesh and blood, presents himself before you in this grotesque form of steel. amber I implore you to hear my desperate plea.”
His voice dispersed into the tranquil night breeze.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“A great evil that has established itself in these lands has stolen our sect’s legacy and is desecrating it at will. arcade If we allow this to continue, the path of Gonryun will be reduced to a mere technique for killing, and its honorable name will be sullied.”
Without raising his head even once, Ash continued speaking.
He paused briefly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
His voice trembled slightly as he spoke those last words.
For a few moments, images of the people living at the rest stop passed through his Main Core.
“Furthermore, the new people with whom this unworthy disciple has formed bonds are exposed to a threat so great that even their survival until tomorrow cannot be guaranteed. canvas The situation has reached a point where I can no longer stand idly by in the face of such atrocities.”
“……For that reason, beginning today, I intend to break the strictest of our sect’s rules. academy I intend to pass on the martial arts of Gonryun to people who do not belong to it.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
His turquoise optical sensors gazed at the glass resting upon the altar.
His steel face was reflected on the surface of the glass.
Ash slowly raised his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Once that reverent salute was complete, he did not look back.
“I shall personally bear all the sins and consequences of this transgression. arena Therefore, I implore you to watch benevolently over those poor souls who wish to embark upon a new path.”
After speaking those words, Ash slowly rose.
Then he bowed deeply before the glass, performing a reverence filled with all the respect and solemnity befitting Gonryun.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
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With firm steps and without the slightest regret, he silently disappeared into the shadows.
And so, silence once again took hold of the backyard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Until, at a certain moment.
Only the glass resting upon that modest altar continued faintly reflecting the lights of Sanctum.
A tiny ripple appeared on the surface of the water, which until then had remained completely motionless.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The following day.
Or whether it was a response from those to whom Ash had directed his prayers.
***
It was impossible to know whether it had been caused by the night breeze.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Huff, haah! alien Haah!”
As soon as dawn began to break, the winds of change started blowing through Santa’s Rest Stop.
The first to experience those changes firsthand was Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The girl ran endlessly around the dusty yard, breathing with difficulty.
How long had she been running?
Her work overalls, completely soaked in sweat, clung to her body, but she did not stop.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Finally, her legs gave out, and she staggered to a halt.
As she tried to catch her breath, which seemed to have become stuck in her throat, she spotted a table.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Or, to be more precise, the glass resting upon it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Akina quickly grabbed the glass and drank all the purified water it contained in a single gulp.
“Aaaah! airport I’m alive again!”
“Ah! galaxy Water!”
After emptying it in an instant, she placed the glass back on the table and collapsed against it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Ugh, what’s all this about so suddenly?”
Then she began complaining.
As she breathed heavily, the events of a few hours earlier flashed through her mind like a succession of images.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
— Ummm…… Who is it……?
— It is time to get up, Miss.
— It is I. anchor Ash.
It had all begun with a few words from Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
— ……Mr. adjust Ash? anchor What’s going on at this hour of the morning?
— I have been thinking, and I have reached the conclusion that the first thing you need is to improve your basic physical fitness. audit So let us go outside immediately.
— It is not the middle of the night. adjust It is already morning. aspect Besides, the weather is cool, so it is the perfect time to begin training.
— Huh? athlete Training? amateur What training?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
It had occurred to her that Ash might start scolding her for collapsing again without his permission.
Remembering that, Akina jolted and hurriedly straightened her upper body.
And so, Akina, who until then had been enjoying a deep sleep, began running at that uncertain hour between the middle of the night and morning.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Miss. acid Who gave you permission to rest?”
Akina shuddered upon hearing that electronic voice behind her.
“Eeeek!” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
And her suspicions proved correct.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Ash, who was about to begin scolding her, suddenly turned his head.
Then she scratched her head while giving an awkward smile.
“What do you mean, you just sat down? antenna Ever since I started watching you……”
“Hehehe…… I just sat down. canvas Barely a second ago.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“……One moment. adapt Why is it empty?”
His gaze shifted toward the table and the glass beside Akina.
“Because I drank it.”
At that question, Akina answered cheerfully.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
It was true.
“Yes. ability I was really thirsty. crystal You prepared it, didn’t you?”
“……Are you referring to the purified water that was here?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
However, he had not left it there for someone to drink.
Ash held his head with one steel hand and slowly began shaking it from side to side.
He had prepared it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Now that you have hydrated yourself, I suppose you will be able to run even more.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Observing that reaction, Akina simply tilted her head, unable to understand what was happening.
Ash let out a deep sigh and addressed her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Akina extended an arm and pointed toward a certain place.
At those words, Akina’s expression immediately stiffened.
“No, but listen!”
In truth, there was something that bothered her a little.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The four Ninjas were in the place she was pointing toward.
Their legs were crossed in an extraordinarily awkward manner. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
“Why am I the only one who has to run?! beacon Look at those Ninja boys and girls! athlete They’re just sitting there!”
However, they were sitting in a rather peculiar posture.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“What they need now is to learn an internal cultivation technique. voyage At this moment, they are concentrating all their attention on finding the first indication of how to practice it.”
“Huh?”
“Because their bodies have already reached full development.”
Ash followed the direction of her hand before looking back at her and replying.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Nor did I expect you to understand. abstract So……”
“What does that mean? arctic I don’t understand a single thing!”
To Akina, those words were completely incomprehensible.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
At those words, Akina pouted.
“Let us stop arguing and continue running.”
Ash extended both arms and helped the girl to her feet.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The Pathfinders who explored the Outer.
In truth, despite all her complaints, Akina understood better than anyone the importance of being in good physical condition.
“……Okaaay.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
And, in most cases, the slowest and most physically vulnerable members were the Technomancers.
Suddenly, Akina remembered that terrible pursuit she had experienced in the Outer.
Their survival and ability to move often depended on the slowest member of the team.
After all, because of their cerebralization modules, they could not install too much Cyberware.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
The endless waves of Grotesques that advanced without giving them a single moment of rest.
Then she put on a deliberately cheerful smile.
Akina forced herself to stop pouting.
Even now, remembering those events sent shivers down her spine.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Ash watched her figure gradually recede for a few moments before beginning to walk slowly.
“Then let’s keep running!”
The girl set off running around the backyard again.
His steps took him to one of the corners where Zero and his younger siblings remained seated cross-legged.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
However, judging by the occasional small movements of their fingers, it seemed that none of them had managed to concentrate properly.
“That is enough. airport Stop for a moment.”
The four Ninjas continued sitting motionless in that posture.
At that sight, Ash spoke quietly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Has any of you managed to sense anything?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Second, who wore the wolf mask, even stretched out his legs and let out a sigh that was difficult to interpret.
Upon hearing those words, the Ninjas began moving visibly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“……It’s difficult.”
At Ash’s question, they all shook their heads.
“Do you remember what I explained to you?”
Zero was the one who answered.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“That is right. autumn This is known as breath regulation. beacon It does not simply consist of expelling, during exhalation, all the energy we absorbed while inhaling, but of retaining within our bodies the essence it contains. echo That is why we must control our breathing so that it is long, deep, and tranquil.”
“Of course. aluminum You told us that we should concentrate on feeling how the energy of the world enters and leaves our bodies as we inhale and exhale, correct?”
“……Yes. matrix I remember you explained exactly that. meadow You also said we should gradually accumulate that energy within our bodies.”
“There is no need to worry about Qi circulation yet. alpha For now, you must concentrate solely on perceiving the Qi that exists in all things throughout the universe. adapt Everything begins from that point. palette It is your first day, so do not be too impatient.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Um…… Lord Ash?”
At Ash’s calm teachings, the Ninjas nodded silently.
Then they corrected their postures and immersed themselves in meditation once more.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“What should I do?”
At that moment, Siren, who had been observing the entire situation, approached Ash.
She asked cautiously.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Ash shook his head.
Ash turned his head to look at her.
“Should I run like Akina? anxiety Or try practicing what they call Qi circulation and breath regulation, like them?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
Ash observed her face for a few moments before continuing.
At that blunt answer, Siren looked rather dejected.
“From what I understand, the structure and operating principles of humanoids and Cyberware are quite similar. absorb Is that correct?”
“Your body has been replaced with Cyberware. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. wizard Therefore, there is little point in discussing improvements to your basic physical condition. canvas Increasing your power would be another matter. canvas Furthermore, most of your body is no longer composed of biological tissue. amber Under those circumstances, accumulating internal energy would not make much sense either.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“In that case, there is something different you can learn from me. armor No, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that it is something we will have to research together, rather than something I can simply teach you.”
“Of course. voyage It’s essential for controlling Cyberware.”
“Then do you also possess a Neural Matrix?”
“Huh? athlete Ah, yes. athlete Although there are certain differences depending on the individual…… I understand that their general structure is quite similar.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
At those somewhat mysterious words, Siren tilted her head.
“……And what is it?”
“I say that because what I intend to pass on to you is still incomplete.”
“Research together?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
“Neuro Heart Technique.”
In response to Siren’s question, Ash answered.
End of “A New Path”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 61: A New Path by Indra Translations.
P.S.: I had planned to schedule the publication for 20:20, but I accidentally set it for 21:20 and had to correct it in a hurry. meadow Sorry for the delay.
Thank you very much.
Author’s Note
td-reading-probeWhat did you think of this chapter?
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