Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3

Ash’s deep electronic voice resonated softly.

The hems of the black dress silently brushed against the floor.

Findriel had risen from her seat.

“Are you leaving already?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

As she put on the black gloves she had left on the bar, she continued speaking.

Her answer was imbued with the characteristic satisfaction of someone who had accomplished her objective.

“Of course. amateur I’ve already gotten what I wanted.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Kill as many as you can.”

“Foundation will do everything possible to hinder Vortex, but we won’t be able to stop all their hired killers. audit Unlike Sanctum, the Outer is a very vast place.”

“You are correct.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Ash also stood up.

“And, if possible, John Priest as well.”

She said it as though it were a casual remark, but the meaning of those words was far from casual.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“From what I understand, you want me to weaken Vortex’s forces.”

“Wouldn’t that benefit both of us?”

Then he looked directly into those scarlet eyes watching him.

His enormous steel body cast a shadow that blocked part of the rest stop’s old lighting.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Findriel seemed to interpret that gesture as a kind of acceptance, for the corners of her lips rose into a broad smile.

As she lowered the veil she had kept raised over her head, she murmured almost in a whisper.

Ash simply shrugged.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Findriel turned around without showing the slightest regret.

“I had a lot of fun today. meadow We’ll see each other another time.”

“Next time, it shall be my treat.”

With those words, the conversation came to an end.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And so, the woman left the rest stop.

A current of cold air gently stirred the hems of her dress. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Following her movements, the bodyguards who had remained motionless as statues opened the establishment’s door.

Just then.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Apparently, all the commotion that had been held back by Findriel’s overwhelming presence had just been released at once.

Bang!

Behind her, something that had remained suppressed until that moment suddenly erupted, shaking the silent establishment.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

— A whole lot of problems, damn it!

— Was there some problem?

— Hey! advance How could you bring up the mommy thing at that exact moment?!

— Senior Brother, were you in a difficult situation?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

— No, Zero. apple You don’t need to regret something like that……

— Project an imposing presence. action To think I overlooked something so important. abandon It seems I still have much to learn……

— Zero! arch What did I tell you?! artist We should have stood behind him like those bodyguards! arrow In situations like this, the important thing is to project an imposing presence!

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

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

— Aw, why not?! attic Let me have just a little sip!

— You may not.

— Huh? crystal Alcohol! meadow Mr. apron Ash, can I drink this?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

A deafening commotion.

— I said no.

Through her vision, partially obscured by her thin veil, she could see how the rest stop had returned to that noisy, lively world its inhabitants shared.

Findriel involuntarily stopped and turned her head toward the door, which was still open.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Meanwhile, those carrying swords were exchanging opinions about escorts and bodyguards.

The humanoid with whom she had been conversing only moments earlier was now arguing with a small girl while holding her hand.

Noisy.

A warm scene.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And, in a sense, so carefree that it seemed full of vulnerabilities.

Findriel watched that commotion with her red eyes.

An exchange of emotions of which not even the slightest trace existed in her own life.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“How enviable.” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Even when she climbed into the luxurious sedan whose door one of her bodyguards had opened, she continued watching.

“……They seem to get along very well.”

The woman murmured involuntarily.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Findriel forced herself to look away.

“Drive.”

Then she spoke softly toward the driver’s seat.

The luxurious sedan began gliding silently along the road.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Findriel turned her head one last time to look at it.

She could no longer hear the voices.

The rest stop’s cheap neon sign grew increasingly distant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

However, she continued gazing toward that place which, without a doubt, remained just as noisy and lively as before.

After sending his companions, who had suddenly burst into the establishment, back to the backyard, Ash returned to the stool where he had been sitting.

***

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Ash raised his head and looked at the old man.

“I didn’t think you’d accept the proposal to become an Ambassador so easily.”

Santa, who remained in front of him, began putting away the crystal glasses while commenting with apparent indifference.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“What do you mean, why? autumn Because the timing isn’t exactly the best.”

The small red ember released tiny incandescent particles beneath the lighting.

After finishing putting away the glasses, Santa took out an ashtray and lit a cigarette.

“Why do you say that?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“That they intend to involve me in that war, is that not so?”

“As you well know, Foundation is about to enter a war of acquisitions and mergers against Vortex. absorb Offering to make you an Ambassador at such a delicate moment means……”

“……What? sphere You already knew?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“But then, why did you accept the proposal?”

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

Ash nodded slowly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Santa was speechless for a few moments.

“The fact that we…… No. adjust The fact that I must confront Vortex will not change. artist If that is the case, would it not be better to have a trustworthy ally? palette After all, there is a saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, is that not true?”

“Huh?”

“Because the outcome will be the same.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“So, since they’re going to use you anyway, you’re planning to take as much advantage of them as possible, too?”

“It’s exactly the same thing.”

Instead of answering, he let out a small, incredulous laugh and inhaled deeply from his cigarette.

“I shall simply fulfill my obligations as an Ambassador.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

In response to that sincere warning, Ash simply nodded.

“I know it sounds ridiculous for me to tell you this after being the one who introduced her to you, but don’t trust that woman, Findriel, too much. adapt She’s far more dangerous than she appears.”

Santa flicked the ash from his cigarette before continuing, his artificial eye gleaming behind his sunglasses.

Then a question that had just occurred to him prompted him to speak again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Hmm. wizard Well, it’s hard to say. adjust The weather forecasts are too unstable. atlas But I’m sure it’s less than a week away. sphere Approximately…… four days, perhaps?”

“Four days……”

“Santa. atom How long until the Active Season begins?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“We shall have to hurry our preparations.”

For some people, four days could represent quite a lot of time.

However, for someone who had to prepare against a threat that had practically reached his doorstep, they were nothing more than an instant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

***

Ash’s optical sensors emitted a faint, sharp glow.

That same night Findriel had visited the rest stop.

As though they sensed the storm that was about to arrive.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

He had considered that, thanks to her physical training, the girl had finally developed a foundation solid enough to begin learning the fundamentals of an internal cultivation technique.

And now.

Ash could not conceal his astonishment.

Ash took Akina up to the establishment’s rooftop and instructed her to take a seat.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

His optical sensors flickered intensely, as though unable to believe what he was witnessing.

“…………”

Indeed, Akina was a true genius.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

If only it had ended there.

She could be considered an extraordinary talent that appeared once every thousand years.

It was a speed that completely exceeded every limit of common sense, something Ash had never witnessed even during his life in the Central Plains.

The energy of all things, which had taken Zero several days and nights of uninterrupted effort to perceive, had been perfectly comprehended by Akina in barely an hour. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Nor could he detect the slightest response from the meridians at the Yinjiao point, located on the upper gum, or the Chengjiang point, situated beneath the lower lip, both necessary for maintaining the circulation of internal energy.

However, there was a problem.

Ash could not perceive the Baihui acupoint, located at the crown of her head, through which the energy of heaven was supposed to be received.

Akina was a Technomancer who had undergone a cerebral cybernetization procedure.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The places through which the breath of life should circulate, naturally present in every human being, had been occupied by the cold surfaces of alloy components.

“My……”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

A complete and irreversible disconnection.

It was an absolute interruption of the meridians, caused by mechanical components that had severed the energy channels of her body.

It was not a simple obstruction of Qi.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Under those conditions, it was surprising that she was still alive, much less that she could circulate her Qi.

‘What if this interruption of the meridians is precisely the cause?’

Suddenly, Ash remembered being told that the cerebral cybernetization procedure carried extraordinarily high risks.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Upon hearing that sound, Akina opened her eyes and emerged from her meditation.

“Mr. apron Ash, what’s wrong?”

Faced with that completely unexpected obstacle, Ash involuntarily let out a thoughtful murmur.

Obtaining a mechanical brain in exchange for voluntarily severing the circulation of the energy that constituted the foundations of the human body.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Seeing the concern shining in the girl’s bright eyes, Ash made an effort to organize his complicated thoughts.

His optical sensors flickered a couple of times as he searched for the gentlest possible words to avoid hurting her feelings.

“Hmm…… Miss Akina. shadow The problem is……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Your body is not suited to learning most of the supreme martial arts I know.”

And he ended by telling her that the only things he could teach her were basic methods of breathing and Qi circulation, closer to practices intended to preserve health than to true martial arts.

Ash carefully explained the condition of her body. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Her voice sounded more cheerful than ever, as though she were the one trying to comfort Ash.

“Oh, so that’s all! alpha With such a serious expression, I thought I’d contracted some deadly disease! audit Anyway, that means I can still learn something useful, right?”

“It’s fine! anxiety After all, I’m a Technomancer, aren’t I? adjust What use would making lightning and clouds come out of a sword be to me? album I couldn’t use any of that in Cyberspace!”

However, the girl gave a broad smile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“What did you just say?”

Ash’s optical sensors shone.

At that instant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Exactly!”

“That I couldn’t use it in Cyberspace?”

“Huh? alert Uh…… That it’s fine?”

“After that.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

What she needed to avoid losing herself in that place was not martial arts.

That meant her battlefield was not located in the physical world.

Akina was a Technomancer.

A sea of chaos where hundreds of millions, trillions of pieces of data swirled like a storm.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“What is it?”

“I have just remembered something I can teach you.”

Finally understanding that simple and obvious truth, Ash spoke hurriedly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

However, Akina did not share that solemnity.

Ash’s voice was extraordinarily solemn.

“The Dao.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

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

“The Dao? atom What’s that?”

What was the Dao?

Faced with such an innocent question, Ash was speechless for a few moments.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“……It is difficult to offer a definitive answer to that question. atomic After all, even I have not finished learning it. anxiety However……”

Was there any question more difficult to answer?

The Taoist humanoid, who seemed strangely enthusiastic, began uttering electronic words resembling verses from an ancient sacred scripture.

“Among Taoist teachings, there is an expression called Zhixu Ji, Shoujing Du, which means to attain absolute emptiness and preserve the deepest stillness. amateur It teaches us to empty the mind completely so that nothing can disturb us and, from that serenity, contemplate the return of all things to their origin.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

At those words, Akina’s blue eyes trembled intensely.

“It means it could help you resist the Echo Effect.”

“……And what the hell does all that mean?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

After all, for a Technomancer, the burden represented by the Echo Effect was far greater than that of any sword or bullet.

“Is that…… really possible?”

The smile instantly disappeared from her face, which until then had been full of mischief.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Ash sat across from Akina, adopting the same cross-legged posture, and continued speaking.

“The technique I am going to pass on to you is called Qingxin Jinggong, the Art of the Clear and Serene Mind. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. afford Originally, it was a Taoist practice of health preservation and spiritual recitation that the priests of Gonryun used to cultivate their minds. attic Not only does it allow one to restore vitality and strengthen the body, but it also constitutes a spiritual discipline intended to prevent one from losing one’s true self.”

“I cannot guarantee it. anchor However, I am convinced it will be helpful. august After all, it is a teaching whose purpose is to prevent one from losing one’s own identity.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Akina tilted her head slightly as she listened to the explanation.

“The method is simple. arctic Breathe slowly, as you did when you learned to perceive the energy of all things, and focus your attention on my voice.”

There were many words and concepts she had never heard before, but she remained silent, patiently awaiting Ash’s next instructions.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Ash deactivated even his optical sensors and began reciting slowly in a deep, gentle electronic voice.

“Heaven speaks not a single word, and yet it covers all things. arch Earth speaks not a single word, and yet it supports all beings……”

That no longer sounded like the voice of a machine.

Although they were nothing more than electronic sounds produced by his voice module, they seemed to contain a mysterious energy capable of profoundly calming the heart of whoever heard them.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And, surprisingly, the countless thoughts that had disturbed her mind only moments earlier began fading away as if by magic.

An ancient song passed down through countless generations.

Akina listened to that voice as though enchanted.

It was a melody.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The fear of the Echo Effect.

The impatience to achieve her revenge.

Even the bitterness of having discovered her own limitations.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Sanctum.

“The highest goodness is like water, which benefits all beings without competing with any……”

All those waves of emotion seemed to sink silently beneath the surface of a tranquil lake.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

At a certain point, Akina stopped hearing every other sound.

A city where thousands of noises mingled incessantly.

In the middle of that city, a girl who had replaced her brain with a machine began silently immersing herself in the deepest reaches of her consciousness, following the teachings of a humanoid Taoist.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And above their heads.

The golden aurora enveloping Sanctum was beginning to fade slowly, as though dissolving into the night sky.

Only Ash’s Taoist recitation remained.