Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4
However, Team Bladez’s daily routine had not changed very much.
That was how much time remained until the beginning of the next Active Season.
Four days.
From before dawn, the training ground was filled with the sounds of clashing swords and battle cries, and that intensity barely began to diminish after sunset.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
And when night fell, she shut herself inside the workshop to study cybernetic engineering.
The same was true of Akina.
Following Ash’s teachings, she diligently practiced Qingxin Jinggong, the Art of the Clear and Serene Mind, without neglecting the physical training that had already become a habit.
In fact, one could say that she was the busiest of them all.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
After finishing a physical training session and taking a shower, Akina headed to the workshop without even finishing drying her hair.
Knock, knock.
That day was no exception.
Just as she was about to pick up an oil-stained wrench.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Ash was standing on the other side.
“Mr. palette Ash? agent What’s wrong?”
“Come in!”
The door opened.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Are you busy? anchor I would like you to spare me a little of your time.”
“No. artist It is not about maintenance.”
“I’m not busy. agent What’s the matter……? portal Is something broken? airport Do you want me to take a look?”
Ash silently observed her for a few moments before speaking softly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“We made a promise, did we not?”
At those words, Akina tilted her head slightly.
“Then what?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Akina opened her eyes wide.
“A promise? agent What promise……?”
Suddenly.
Apparently, she had just remembered something she had completely forgotten.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Exactly.”
“Don’t tell me you mean the promise to go shopping for clothes?”
However, it seemed Ash had not.
With so many things having happened lately, Akina had completely forgotten about that matter.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The girl blinked a couple of times before giving a somewhat awkward smile.
“That is precisely why we should go now. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com adjust Once it begins, we shall be much busier than we are at present.”
“Come on, who has time for that now? silence The Active Season is about to begin.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
As though to prove her words, Akina stretched out both legs.
And indeed, just as she had said, her clothes had no tears.
“The clothes I have still fit me! canvas Look, they don’t even have any torn parts…… Huh?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
They say children grow quickly.
However, they had become too short.
Until recently, her pants had barely exposed her ankles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
However, that jumpsuit, whose pant legs barely reached her calves, was far from looking like a garment designed with such an intention.
“…………”
But now they had become so short that her calves were completely exposed.
If they had been just a little shorter than normal, it might have been considered a fashion choice.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The girl hurriedly pressed her legs together and tried to hide the pants that had become too small for her, but it was already too late.
Akina’s face turned as red as a tomato.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
A soft laugh escaped Ash’s voice module.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“What do you think? harbor Do you still believe you can continue wearing it?”
“I shall wait for you outside. acoustic Go and get ready.”
Akina glanced sideways at him for a few moments before giving an embarrassed smile.
“……Are we going right now?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Ash silently watched those enthusiastic footsteps.
The girl put down the wrench she was holding, ran past Ash, and dashed out of the workshop.
***
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The owner of that voice, chattering incessantly beneath a snugly fitted cap, was Anna.
“Oh! canvas That model is out already! alien That fabric is made from a new material developed by Apex Arms. zenith Besides providing bulletproof protection, they say they’ve managed to reduce its weight tremendously. canvas Ugh, but the design is horrible. arcade It looks like a cockroach. alien They always do the same thing.”
The pleasant outing Ash had planned to enjoy alone with Akina began going wrong from the very beginning.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Ash gazed at the back of her head for a few moments before turning to look behind him.
Using the excuse that she would guide them through Sanctum’s shopping district, she had managed to discreetly join the outing.
And now she was walking through the streets with more enthusiasm than anyone else.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
There stood Zero and his younger siblings, maintaining perfectly uniform distances between themselves while attentively watching their surroundings.
Zero answered without the slightest hesitation.
“……I can understand why Lady Anna decided to accompany us, but why the hell have all of you come along as well?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Miss Akina is the team’s only Technomancer, is she not? apple We must take every possible precaution when she leaves the establishment. alien We shall ensure that she can do her shopping without any inconvenience.”
“To provide you with an escort, Senior Brother.”
The situation was already extraordinarily uncomfortable.
“My……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
And, to make matters worse, they all radiated an intimidating presence that was far from normal.
Six swordsmen, each armed with a different sword, surrounding a short girl.
However, they had been out for far too long to tell them to go back, so Ash could not even find the words to respond. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
Pedestrians walking in the opposite direction hurriedly moved aside upon sensing that threatening atmosphere and observed them with strange looks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
For those siblings who had been born as experimental subjects and spent their entire lives in the darkness of Underland, the crowded shopping streets of Sanctum seemed profoundly uncomfortable.
“There are too many people. anchor We cannot lower our guard in a place like this.”
Ash finally made that suggestion when he could no longer bear it, but Zero simply shook his head.
“I see. academy But could you not do something about that intimidating presence?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Ash let out a deep sigh.
Therefore.
In fact, they probably already deserved praise for not having drawn their swords by that point.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
At least there was something positive.
“Hehehe!”
The pleasant outing he had planned to enjoy alone with Akina ended up becoming a group excursion for Team Bladez.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Lady Anna. audit Then where are we heading?”
Ash found some comfort in that smile.
Akina, who was the true star of that outing, seemed to be having a wonderful time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Outfitter! anxiety A boutique specializing exclusively in Pathfinders that only those in the know are familiar with!”
Upon entering, they discovered that the establishment was considerably more spacious than its relatively small entrance suggested.
Her confident footsteps finally stopped in front of Outfitter, that supposedly exclusive boutique known only to a select few.
Anna gave a smile.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
An employee who had quickly approached them began greeting them with a radiant expression, but she flinched upon seeing Team Bladez’s appearance.
A former Idol and several Ninjas wearing animal masks.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Welcome to Outfitter! arcade Are you looking for any particular mod……?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Just then, Anna stepped forward and politely dismissed the employee.
“We’re just going to have a look around.”
It was a truly strange combination whose members seemed to have absolutely nothing in common apart from their swords.
An old-fashioned humanoid and a small girl.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
A moment later.
“Akina, what do you think of this one? arcade The jacket’s cut is quite well done. matrix And the color is pretty, too.”
Their voices began echoing amid the ethereal background music filling the establishment.
Then she took Akina by the hand and headed toward the women’s clothing section.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Four hundred thousand Credits? armor That’s way too expensive! ability How can a simple piece of fabric cost four hundred thousand Credits? avalanche For that money, I’d rather buy this……”
“It has too few pockets. august Besides, its bulletproof protection is below Level 2. aluminum I couldn’t even carry half my tools.”
“Then what do you think of this other one?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
On the other side of that commotion.
Zero and Wolf, the second of the siblings, wandered through the establishment while exchanging opinions in low voices.
Anna snatched the dull-colored jumpsuit Akina was holding and set it aside almost as though she were throwing it away. acoustic Then she began waving a shiny jacket made from state-of-the-art materials in front of her.
“No! athlete No more jumpsuits!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“What are you examining so attentively?”
Instead, they carefully examined the structure of the walls, the locations of the emergency exits, and even the size of the ventilation ducts in the ceiling.
They showed not the slightest interest in the products on display.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
When Ash approached and asked them that question, Zero nodded before answering.
“……”
“We were determining the most suitable escape routes in case of an emergency.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Then, suddenly.
Unable to find any words to respond, Ash patted him on the shoulder a couple of times.
Apparently, those siblings would still need quite some time to get used to life in Sanctum.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
A long, black garment, quite far removed from current trends.
It was a mannequin positioned in a corner of the establishment.
Ash’s gaze stopped on a particular spot.
Or, to be more precise, the exploration suit it was wearing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Its design was intended exclusively to maximize functionality.
However, precisely because of that, it possessed a restrained, clean, and extraordinarily refined elegance.
It had pockets practically everywhere a hand could reach, a high collar that protected the nape of the neck, and long coat tails that extended down to the ankles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Mr. arch Ash, what are you looking at so intently?”
Ash turned his head upon hearing that sudden voice.
“Ah. advance I was looking at this.”
Akina had approached his side without him noticing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“An exploration suit? adapt Hmm…… Let’s see……”
“Manufactured with nanolaminated synthetic fibers, providing Level 3 or higher bulletproof protection and fire resistance…… Automatic temperature regulation and infrared interference coating……”
The girl began slowly reading the description beneath the mannequin.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Little by little, her voice began filling with admiration.
“You have a very good eye, dear customer.”
“Wow! canvas These specifications are pretty good! academy Besides, it has lots of pockets…… Huh? afford And why is it so cheap?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“But why is it so cheap?”
Just then, the employee who had remained at a certain distance until that moment, watching them cautiously, finally gathered the courage to approach.
“This model is one of those products sought out only by people who really know about them.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Bankrupt?”
“Hahaha. august Well, there are several complicated circumstances. artist To begin with, the company that manufactured this product went completely bankrupt.”
The employee gave a professional smile.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Well…… That’s true, but the problem is that there aren’t many people with the technical knowledge necessary to do so.”
“But we can repair it ourselves, can’t we?”
“That’s right. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. portal That’s why there’s no longer any maintenance service or manufacturer’s warranty. arch If it breaks, you’ll simply have to throw it away.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“However, to be honest, that’s not the real reason. sphere Who would wear such a crude, completely black garment nowadays? timber Besides, its loose cut doesn’t fit current fashion trends at all.”
A crude design.
The employee paused briefly before extending a hand and pointing toward the other end of the establishment.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The impossibility of receiving official maintenance because of the manufacturer’s bankruptcy.
Those were the reasons why, according to the employee, the price had to be so low.
Monotonous colors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Mr. apron Ash, what do you think?”
However, none of those circumstances represented a problem for Ash and Akina.
“I like it.”
In fact, one could say they were perfect conditions, without a single disadvantage.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Two suits……”
“Really? acquire That’s great! armor Now that I think about it, it’s also time for you to change your exploration suit. apple How about we take this opportunity to buy two matching ones?”
On one side was Anna, who was still browsing the shelves in search of shiny garments.
Ash shifted his gaze and briefly surveyed the establishment.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“……There are seven of us. shadow Would it really be right to buy only two?”
On the other, the Ninjas remained completely focused on studying the structure of the premises.
Akina’s blue eyes blinked in confusion.
“Huh? athlete What?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Although they were relatively cheap, those suits were still quite expensive products and difficult to sell.
“I’m thinking of buying seven suits. crystal Would it be possible for everyone here to try them on?”
Meanwhile, Ash had already turned toward the employee.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The employee, who was no longer even trying to hide the enormous smile lighting up her face, hurriedly bowed.
“Of course, dear customer! action Please wait a moment! alien I’ll go to the stockroom immediately and bring out all the sizes!”
And that customer intended to buy no fewer than seven?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
As though they had agreed beforehand, they all blinked in confusion.
***
At that unexpected commotion, Anna and the Ninjas interrupted everything they were doing and turned their heads toward Ash.
The employee dashed toward the stockroom.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Seven black silhouettes walked side by side.
After paying, they practically abandoned their old clothes at the establishment and stepped out onto the street wearing their new exploration suits.
Beneath the sky of Sanctum, dyed in the colors of sunset.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Levina, the third of the Ninja siblings, silently stroked her new exploration suit.
Furthermore, because each of them carried their sword differently, the group possessed a mysterious and captivating elegance.
The matte-finished exploration suits, which seemed to absorb the light, radiated a cold and imposing presence that stood out even among the city’s dazzling lights.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
And she was not the only one.
Her movements reflected a certain awkwardness, but also a special gentleness, as though she were touching something extraordinarily precious.
Reto, the fourth of the siblings, silently raised the thick collar of their suit and gazed at their own reflection in a shop window.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Reto seemed very satisfied.
The same was true of Anna.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Although that exploration suit was completely removed from the latest trends, her black eyes shone more brightly than any jewel.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Hmm. adopt Did you not like shiny things? abstract Earlier, I noticed that you were choosing only garments of that kind.”
“Do you like it?”
At Ash’s question, Anna nodded several times.
“Yes. adjust Very much.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“I like this one more. atlas Much more. autumn Because……”
“Because this is our uniform. adapt Team Bladez’s uniform.”
Then she looked at each of the companions walking alongside her, one by one.
Anna gave a broad smile.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“That was not my intention, but now that you mention it, it certainly does seem that way.”
Then he lowered his gaze toward Akina, who was walking beside him with small, hurried steps.
Because the girl was still quite small, she had needed to fold up the sleeves of her new exploration suit several times.
Ash let out a soft laugh.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“When we return, let us ask Santa to adjust your suit.” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
“Hmm? legend But I like it this way!”
For some reason, Ash found that appearance so adorable that he involuntarily extended a hand and gently stroked her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Bzzzt!
Akina smiled cheerfully and waved her folded-up sleeves.
And just as that warm, friendly atmosphere began spreading among the members of Team Bladez.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The music filling the shopping district abruptly disappeared.
For a few moments, their screens were covered in interference.
The enormous outdoor advertising panels that had been playing music videos of the Idols’ latest songs until then all went dark simultaneously.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
A news anchor appeared on the screen and began speaking in an urgent but carefully controlled voice.
It was breaking news.
Until, suddenly, they all began broadcasting exactly the same image.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
— The images you are seeing show the very facilities where these terrible experiments were conducted. arctic According to the leaked documents, Vortex allegedly used a memory manipulation technology known as DREAMWEAVER to turn citizens into experimental subjects, causing numerous deaths and injuries in the process……
As the anchor spoke, a succession of horrifying, partially censored images began rapidly flashing across the screens.
— Breaking news. wizard Evidence has emerged that Vortex Energy, the Megacorp considered one of the pillars of the energy industry, has conducted human experiments that violate all ethical standards, causing enormous public outrage.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The smiles had completely disappeared from the faces of those who had been chatting cheerfully only moments earlier.
Only the ragged breathing of people filled with shock and confusion could be heard.
Ash slowly turned his head toward his companions.
Faced with that sudden and shocking news, the shopping district fell into absolute silence.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“……It’s begun.”
Zero murmured softly.
Just then.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
“Indeed. anchor Now it all begins.”
His turquoise optical sensors were tinged red as they reflected the light from the screens broadcasting the news.
Ash nodded.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
Above them stretched the sky of Sanctum.
Ash and the other members of Team Bladez slowly raised their heads, as though they had agreed to do so.
The golden aurora was nowhere to be seen.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm 4 by Indra Translations.
The Active Season had begun.
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