Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2

After that brief handshake.

That silence continued until the hands that had clasped finally separated.

A brief silence fell over the place.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa was about to ask what he meant, but a memory suddenly flashed through his mind, and he immediately shut his mouth.

“What the hell are you talk……?”

“Santa. sphere Is this woman the ‘mommy’ you told us about earlier?”

Ash shifted his gaze away from Findriel and turned toward Santa.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa’s face, which had remained stiff until then, began turning red at an alarming speed.

— Because I’m going to bring you a damn powerful mommy.

Just then, Findriel tilted her head slightly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

However, Ash merely shrugged in response to that resentful look. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Santa hurriedly waved his hands before shooting Ash a furious glare for a few moments.

“I-It’s nothing! alpha Absolutely nothing! orbit Hahaha! auction Don’t pay any attention to it!”

“Mommy?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Once seated, she addressed Santa, who remained on the other side of the counter.

“I can sit here, can’t I?”

Meanwhile, Findriel briefly surveyed her surroundings and then walked decisively toward one of the stools in front of the bar.

Asking after she had already sat down.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

That was more of a notification than a question, so Santa simply nodded.

Santa hurriedly pulled out an old rag and began wiping the surface of the counter, although it did not seem to look much better than before.

“Uh…… Yes, of course. absorb If that’s what you wish, Lady Findriel.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Ash Blade.”

The woman called out to Ash.

Just then.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Are you telling me to sit beside you?”

At those words, Ash’s optical sensors flickered a couple of times.

“There aren’t many seats available, so I suppose we have no other choice, don’t you think?”

“You aren’t planning to stand there the entire time, are you?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Therefore, Ash took a seat beside her.

A bartender and two customers sitting side by side at the bar.

Ash observed the two bodyguards for a few moments. palette They remained motionless like wooden statues, but neither showed the slightest reaction.

“It would be discourteous to refuse an invitation.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Since we’re sitting at a bar, I suppose we should order something to drink. airport What’s the best liquor you have here?”

Findriel interlaced the fingers of her snow-white hands and began examining the dusty liquor bottles on the other side of the bar, one by one.

Considering that they had only just met and the conversation they were probably about to have, that arrangement was rather strange.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Everything I have here is pretty cheap……”

Santa bent down and retrieved a bottle of liquor from beneath the counter.

Santa, who had finally found customers willing to buy alcohol, studied the bottles on display for a few moments and shook his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Upon seeing it, Findriel frowned slightly.

At first glance, it looked extraordinarily expensive.

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Then don’t give me the most delicious one, but the strongest. galaxy The one with the highest alcohol content.”

“But this is the best liquor I have in my establishment.”

“Santa Claude. ability I didn’t come all this way to drink Foundation liquor.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Offering alcohol to a humanoid.

After placing her order, Findriel turned her head toward Ash.

Faced with that unprejudiced proposal, Ash let out a soft laugh.

“It’s my treat. arena Choose whatever you like.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“In any case, since you are treating me, I shall take this opportunity to increase Santa’s sales a little.”

“You think so?”

“It seems your personality is quite different from what your appearance suggests.”

Ash reflected for a few moments before answering.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

After receiving their orders, the bartender immediately took out two crystal glasses and began carefully cleaning them.

“One moment, please, esteemed customers.”

Ash ordered precisely the bottle Santa had been about to put away again, the most expensive one in the entire establishment.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

The woman gently rolled the empty glass across the bar before beginning to speak.

The glass of liquor resting before Ash remained untouched, while Findriel’s was already empty.

***

How much time had passed?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“You, Ash Blade.”

“What are you referring to?”

“How interesting.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash, who had been watching the amber-colored liquor swirling inside his glass, turned his head toward the pale-skinned woman.

“That’s precisely what’s interesting.”

“I do not recall doing anything particularly interesting.”

The woman pushed her glass forward.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Meanwhile, Findriel looked at Ash again. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

“You don’t seem like someone who belongs to a small team of Pathfinders being hunted by Vortex. adjust I was convinced that, after a while, you would be the one to start talking.”

Santa took the glass and began filling it with a strong, dark-brown liquor.

“Another of the same.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash shrugged.

“I simply thought that a lady from a distinguished family had gone out to enjoy a little freedom for the first time in a long while. orbit It seemed discourteous to interrupt her, so I decided to remain silent.”

“Ah. apple So this was some kind of psychological game?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

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

However, trying to discern anything from Ash’s face was practically impossible.

The woman narrowed her eyes.

“Hmm……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“……I find you more interesting by the moment.”

After all, he did not even have facial expressions.

“Then how about we bring this little outing to an end?”

“I could say the same of you.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Findriel raised the glass that had just been filled and emptied its contents in a single gulp.

“Vortex. adapt This chip contains a list of the names and personal information of the principal Vortex Assaults we are keeping under surveillance.”

One of the bodyguards, who had stood perfectly upright from the beginning, pulled a data chip from his clothing and handed it to her.

Then she extended a hand behind her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Among them is one you should pay particular attention to. arctic From what I’ve heard, you’ve encountered him as well.”

“Exactly.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

The woman briefly observed Ash’s reaction before continuing.

“……John Priest.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Then he is no ordinary adversary.”

Findriel placed the chip on the bar and began spinning it with one finger.

Findriel pushed the chip she had been playing with toward Ash.

“He is Vortex’s shadow, a hired killer responsible for carrying out their dirtiest work. atomic Not even we know exactly how many executives from rival corporations and Pathfinders have disappeared at his hands.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash contemplated the chip he held in his hand for a few moments before raising his head toward Findriel.

The small device slid across the bar until it was caught between his steel fingers.

“You’ll also find information about him in there. timber His main methods of assassination, the weapons he uses, and other details. athlete Although there will surely be information we’re missing, so don’t blindly trust everything it contains.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

However, his optical sensors displayed no particular emotion.

“I appreciate the information.”

At those words, a clearly perceptible smile appeared on Findriel’s face for the first time.

“But what we need most is not information.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“When the Active Season is about to begin, we’ll launch a public opinion campaign in collaboration with Halloween Entertainment.”

The woman raised an arm, rested her chin on her hand, and gazed at Ash.

“It’s still too early to be disappointed. adjust That chip is nothing more than a small gift to demonstrate my goodwill.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“The horrific human experiments Vortex conducted in Underland. arctic We intend to reveal all of that to Sanctum. crystal It will surely cause a considerable scandal, don’t you think? august One big enough to force even Vortex’s executives to mobilize desperately.”

“A public opinion campaign?”

Her eyes curved into an elegant smile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Then she continued in a voice full of confidence.

“At the same time, our Pathfinders will also begin mobilizing. meadow Naturally, their objective will be to undertake expeditions into the Outer. matrix However, during those expeditions, they might have some ‘accidental’ confrontations with Vortex Society, don’t you think? attic And if that happens, well, they’ll have no choice but to fight.”

Findriel fell silent for a few moments.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash did not answer immediately.

Instead, he remained lost in thought.

It was not a bad proposal.

“Everything will happen simultaneously. alien We’ll attack their upper management through a public opinion campaign while striking the Pathfinders who serve as their hands and feet. beacon If we do that, I believe…… the number of enemies pursuing your team will decrease drastically. timber What do you think?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

No.

It was far more than a good proposal.

It was something truly extraordinary.

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash continued slowly swirling the glass resting on the bar as he reflected.

However, even taking that into account, the proposal was practically equivalent to a Megacorp personally organizing and executing an entire operation for his benefit.

Finally, his voice module emitted an electronic sound.

Of course, such a thing was only possible because of the tensions between Foundation and Vortex. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash gently tapped his own torso with his fingers.

“It seems a little excessive.”

“What does?”

“Everything Foundation is offering us. airport It seems a little excessive.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Without changing the position in which she rested her chin on her hand, she replied.

At those words, Findriel’s smile grew even more pronounced.

“The only thing I can offer you is the combat data recorded in this body. agent Are you willing to provide us with such an enormous amount of support solely for that? absorb Strange as it may sound coming from me, would Foundation not be getting the worse end of such an agreement?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“As I have already told you, the only thing we can offer is……”

“I never said I wanted ‘only’ the data.”

Ash shook his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Findriel extended a hand and pointed directly at Ash.

“……And what would that be?”

Her scarlet eyes fixed themselves on his turquoise optical sensors.

“No. matrix There’s something else.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash stopped swirling his glass.

“You.”

The amber-colored liquor inside began rippling gently.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

After a few moments.

“Are you telling me to join Foundation?”

A deep electronic sound echoed through the rest stop.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Surprisingly, Findriel shook her head.

“……Then?”

“I don’t expect that much.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

However, instead of asking what it meant, Ash accessed his system and immediately searched for the definition of the word.

“I want you to become a Foundation Ambassador.”

[DATA RECALL: Ambassador]

It was an unfamiliar term.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ambassador.

*//

[DATA RESEARCH… NOW<<<]

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Because they do not officially belong to the corporation, they retain their operational autonomy and maintain an exclusive collaborative relationship based on mutual benefits.

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

A term used to refer to an independent Pathfinder who carries out their activities under the full sponsorship of a particular corporation.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

For that reason, corporations provide virtually unlimited support, including enormous amounts of money, equipment of the highest quality, privileged information, and legal counsel.

Because they can act freely while receiving the full backing of a corporation, countless people aspire to become Ambassadors.

The existence and achievements of an Ambassador can, in themselves, become a living symbol of the influence and technological capabilities of the corporation sponsoring them.

However, precisely for that reason, it is a prestigious position reserved for an extremely small number of individuals.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash remained silent for a few moments.

The data search finished in an instant.

*//

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Now I understand. arch You have not come simply to help us, but to propose a business partnership.”

“Is there really such a difference between helping and collaborating? arctic After all, both still benefit us mutually.”

“The magnitude of the benefits is different. harbor And so is the relationship established between the two parties.”

Until he finally raised his head and gazed into Findriel’s scarlet eyes.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

The dark-brown liquid began filling her glass once more. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Findriel gave a small smile and extended her empty glass toward Santa.

“Investments should be made when their value is at its lowest.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Indebted? athlete This is an advance on the contract.”

“And, in the process, make him indebted to you?”

“If you discover a giant who is about to begin moving in earnest, shouldn’t you do everything possible to make sure he stays by your side?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash shifted his gaze between the glass and the woman’s face.

Findriel raised her freshly filled glass and looked at Ash.

“Ambassador. orbit You’ll accept, won’t you?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

Instead of answering, Ash slowly raised the glass of liquor he had not tasted even once until then.

The red eyes reflected in his optical sensors continued watching him with an almost obsessive insistence.

“You drink considerably more than your appearance suggests. beacon How many glasses have you had already?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Very much so.”

“Why? airport Is that also different from the impression I gave you at first?”

At that completely unexpected observation, Findriel opened her eyes wide.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

The crystalline sound of glass echoed through the silent establishment.

After that brief reply, Ash gently clinked his glass against the one Findriel was holding up.

Clink.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

“Ah. audit By the way.”

Ash did not answer.

Findriel suddenly spoke.

“What exactly did you mean by that ‘mommy’ you mentioned earlier?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 67: The Calm Before the Storm 2 by Indra Translations.

And so, under the gazes of his two customers, Santa pretended not to notice anything and stubbornly continued cleaning a glass that had done nothing wrong.

Following his gaze, Findriel also turned toward him.

He simply turned his head toward Santa.