Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm

Team Bladez, Santa, and even Rudolph, who had already recovered considerably.

That early morning.

That map showed, albeit in simplified form, the vast expanse of the Outer surrounding Sanctum.

In the center of the cluttered workshop at Santa’s Rest Stop, a blue holographic map floated.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

His deep electronic voice echoed through the interior of the rest stop, which had now become an improvised operations room.

It was Ash who broke the silence.

Amid that heavy atmosphere.

Everyone was gathered around the map, attentively observing the holographic projection glowing with bluish light.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“The time has come to decide our destination.”

“All of us are swordsmen. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com action However, the same cannot be said of Vortex. canvas I would like to choose some ruins that will provide us with a certain advantage as a battlefield.”

His turquoise optical sensors turned toward Santa.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Santa pondered for a few moments before pointing to a couple of locations on the holographic map.

“This is an old wastewater treatment complex. atom Its passages are so narrow and complicated that it’s perfect for setting up ambushes. abstract Or how about this other place? matrix It’s an ancient, partially destroyed city. atom There are plenty of hiding places and rubble everywhere. arch It seems like an ideal place for close-quarters combat.”

“A battlefield……”

“However, it also seems that we would risk being surrounded.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“That…… is true. abstract After all, there’s no guarantee our enemies will just stand around doing nothing.”

“Let me see……”

“Are there no other ruins?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Just then, Rudolph, who had remained silent until that moment, intervened.

Upon recognizing that location, Santa’s face went pale.

Rudolph rotated the holographic map and enlarged an area that appeared completely blank.

“Hyung, how about we consider this place?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

It was a reaction bordering on horror.

“The Ghost Tower? airport Are you suggesting we send the youngsters there? wizard Have you gone insane?”

His voice reflected something far more intense than simple opposition.

Santa gripped Rudolph’s shoulder tightly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Calm down, hyung. abandon I have my reasons for recommending it.”

“That place isn’t a battlefield! action It’s a graveyard! airport Dozens of guys I knew died there! silence You damned bastard, just because you’re not the one going, you speak without thinking……!”

“How do you expect me to calm down?! palette Have you already forgotten that you and I nearly died there too?!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“What kind of place is it for you to speak of it in such a manner?”

“It’s a fairly famous Jamming Zone. aspect There’s a tower rising from its center that constantly emits extremely powerful interference signals.”

Santa shook his head.

Faced with those very different reactions, Ash tilted his head slightly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Communications, Smart Guns, Lock-On systems, and even drones become completely useless. crystal You could say it’s a region where all of that turns into nothing but scrap metal.”

“Interference signals?”

Santa seemed to shudder as he recalled the terrible experiences he had endured there.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At those words, Rudolph suddenly burst into laughter.

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

“You literally end up standing there, unable to do anything until they kill you. adjust There’s absolutely nothing you can do!”

“Hyung is right. auction Our Peacekeeper became completely useless. wizard It was nothing more than a bunch of dead weight.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“But tell me something. aluminum What would have happened if your primary weapon had been a sword?”

“……What?”

“You bastard……! canvas You think that’s funny?!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Like the ones Team Bladez uses.”

Rudolph turned his gaze toward Ash.

“A sword you could wield using only your own strength, without relying on any cybernetic technology. riddle For example……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Immediately, a model of a tower rising upward appeared over the empty area of the holographic map.

“And that’s not the only reason I’m recommending the Ghost Tower. riddle The surrounding area has a structure as intricate as a labyrinth, so close-quarters confrontations are practically inevitable.”

Rudolph took out a cable and connected the back of his neck to a Data Pad.

“……!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

It was situated exactly at the point he had indicated.

Santa, who had been shouting furiously until then, was left speechless.

Now that he thought about it, that place could also offer an extraordinarily favorable environment for Team Bladez’s activities.

“Besides, I still have the mapping data. action The same data I recorded when hyung and I nearly died there.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

His optical sensors contemplated the silhouette of the tower appearing on the holographic map, covered in numerous interference patterns.

“……Would it be possible for you to provide us with that mapping data?”

Ash also nodded silently.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to repay the favor so soon.”

Rudolph gave a broad smile.

***

The roar of engines.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Halloween’s exclusive pit stop, located in the Central Hub, was bustling with activity from the earliest hours of the morning.

The pungent smell of ozone.

Electronic music that seemed capable of bursting eardrums.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

It was like a drop of black ink falling onto a painting filled with garish colors.

Because every corner of the place was covered in dazzling neon lights and gleaming chrome surfaces, their matte-black exploration suits were so different from their surroundings that they ended up attracting more attention than anything else.

Amid all that commotion, seven black silhouettes silently entered.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Hyung! abandon Over here, over here!”

For that reason, Jack O’Lantern, who was performing maintenance on a new ROA armored vehicle, spotted them immediately.

He removed his oil-stained gloves and waved a hand toward the completely black machine leading the group.

At that enthusiastic greeting, all the members of Team Bladez headed toward him.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Oppa!” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

“Jack, young hero. avalanche How have you been?”

“Pretty good so far. echo But starting today, I’m not so sure anymore. alert After all, the Active Season has begun.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Oh! auction Akina!”

“Wow, what awesome clothes! arrow Have you already gotten uniforms for the whole team?”

Jack and Akina high-fived.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

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

“Yeah. abandon You guys look fucking strong.”

“What do you think? aspect Aren’t they awesome?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

[ㅎㅇ]

Dullahan, who had approached without anyone noticing, displayed a message on his visor.

“Hehehe!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

[Shall we look at the vehicle first?]

“Of course.”

Following Dullahan into the workshop, they found a vehicle that was very familiar to them.

“It has been a long time, young hero Dullahan.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Furthermore, the sections of exterior armor that had been completely torn away had been replaced and reinforced with an even thicker and more durable alloy.

It was the Revenant.

The armor plates that had been practically destroyed during the fierce battle in Underland were completely restored, without a single scratch.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

A soft laugh escaped Ash’s voice module.

“I appreciate it. adjust And I shall also keep your warning firmly in mind.”

“This time we did it as a special service, but next time there won’t be any exceptions, not even for you, hyung! action Got it? silence We’ll charge you the appropriate Credits!”

Jack, who had approached his side, began speaking in a joking tone.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Hmm. riddle Well, who knows? canvas We go wherever emergencies arise…… I guess we’ll probably end up in the western conflict zone.”

“Yeah. meadow Since early this morning, everyone’s been rushing over there. ability And when that many people gather in one place, accidents are inevitable.”

“The western conflict zone? altitude Do you mean the region where the Nexus Port might be located?”

“Where are you planning to head?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Ifrit? palette Hahaha! beacon Don’t even mention her. antenna She said she’d be in serious trouble if you caught her, so she practically ran away early this morning.”

“I see.”

“Now that I think about it, I do not see Lady Ifrit anywhere. silence I have not been able to contact her either.”

Ash briefly surveyed his surroundings.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“As expected, she has good instincts.”

Ash nodded at Jack’s words.

At that electronic voice, which nobody could tell whether it was joking or speaking seriously, Jack and Dullahan were speechless for a few moments and exchanged bewildered glances.

Ash gave them a couple of brief pats on the shoulders before climbing directly into the Revenant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The other members of Team Bladez did the same.

A message appeared on the visor of Dullahan, who was standing beside her.

Just as Anna was about to board the vehicle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At that brief compliment, Anna stopped for a few moments.

[Those clothes look good on you.]

Then she looked at Dullahan and gave a small smile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

[Hahaha. avalanche And how are things over there? antenna Are you settling in?]

“Come on! amateur Why would you even ask something like that? apple The rest stop is a fun and pleasant place, isn’t it, Anna noona?”

“Thank you, Dullahan.”

At Jack’s words, as he suddenly joined the conversation, Anna’s smile grew even more pronounced.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“You too, noona!”

“Take good care of yourselves, both of you.”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

After that brief farewell, Anna boarded the vehicle.

[See you alive. academy Yep.]

When the rear hatch finally closed, the deafening noise outside faded away as if by magic.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Immediately afterward, the Revenant let out a powerful roar from its engine.

Then he silently raised his thumb.

Ash, who was sitting behind the wheel, looked at the two men waving their hands outside before departing.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

But that was enough.

They exchanged no further words.

Upon seeing that gesture, Jack and Dullahan also raised their thumbs.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

By the time Sanctum’s dazzling lights had shrunk to a tiny point in the rearview mirror, a silent tension began spreading throughout the Revenant.

***

The Revenant smoothly left the pit stop.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The team members prepared for the approaching battle from their respective positions.

Vortex.

The reason was the existence of a clearly defined enemy.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Not a trace of their usual commotion remained.

Some watched the wasteland through the reinforced glass windows, while others remained with their eyes closed, immersed in quiet meditation.

“Huh?”

Just then.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Akina, who had been staring intently at the radar on the central console, raised her voice. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

And indeed, from both ends of the wasteland’s horizon, enormous columns of dust were approaching the Revenant at a terrifying speed, like hungry beasts that had discovered their prey.

At that warning, everyone turned their gaze toward the side windows.

“Mr. acquire Ash! arcade I’m detecting signals on both sides! action To the left and to the right!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Anna, who was watching the clouds of dust, began radiating a ferocious presence.

“Ha. zenith So they’ve already caught our scent and come looking for us?”

The same happened with Zero and his younger siblings.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Ash was reviewing the plan he had prepared through simulations.

Just then, Ash, who had been examining both sides, spoke.

“Do not act rashly. absorb After all, this was also within our expectations, was it not? shadow We shall follow the plan. matrix When they get a little closer, we shall use smoke grenades to create a chaotic battle and……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

And it was precisely at that instant.

Inside the armored vehicle, where extreme tension reigned, a cheerful incoming communication notification rang out, sounding completely out of place.

Ding!

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

It was Foundation Systems.

A message appeared accompanied by a tree-shaped emblem.

[INCOMING CALL: FOUNDATION_SYS]

Every gaze turned toward the central console screen.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

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

Then, through the speakers, a female voice began to sound without the slightest interference, seductive and strangely sweet.

Ash contemplated the monitor for a few moments before pressing the button to accept the communication.

— Hello, darling.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At that shocking greeting, everyone was speechless for a few moments.

Had she just called him darling?

Darling?

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“……Uh, how are you?”

However, the owner of that voice continued speaking as though nothing had happened.

— Hello? harbor Darling, why aren’t you saying anything? voyage How strange. audit I’m sure this is the correct number.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Who are you?”

— Ah, now I can hear you. portal I’d been told you had a rather peculiar way of speaking, but it seems that was true.

Ash replied to that sweet voice.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The cloud of dust continued approaching.

— Oh, come on. ability No matter how much of a hurry we’re in, we can’t have such a boring introduction. orbit For now, it’s dangerous for you to stay there, you know? voyage So, could you move just a little toward this side? shadow To the left. amber Your current position is also within the planned attack zone.

Ash turned his head toward the left.

Apparently, those coming from that direction did not belong to Vortex.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Barely had she finished uttering those words when countless black dots shot out of the cloud of dust on the left.

Like a swarm of bees, they began covering the sky.

— A little more. amber Just a little closer. alien Okay. portal Perfect.

Instead of asking more questions about that seductive tone, Ash silently turned the steering wheel to the left.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Those are…… drones?” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

However, when they skimmed over the top of the Revenant and their silhouettes finally became distinguishable, Akina involuntarily murmured.

At first, nobody managed to identify what those things were.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

— Well, are you ready? sphere Three, two, one……!

As though that murmur had been a signal, the hundreds of drones covering the sky simultaneously plunged toward the cloud of dust on the right.

The voice on the other end of the communication exclaimed with the innocent delight of a little girl.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

An explosion erupted.

An explosion.

Kaboom!

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The shock waves were so violent that even the Revenant, situated a considerable distance away, began rocking from side to side.

The chain explosions followed one another without a single moment’s pause.

The hundreds of drones that had covered the sky simultaneously crashed into the ground and transformed into a gigantic inferno of flames that began consuming the wasteland itself.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

In their place, only scarlet flames remained, continuing to surge without end.

— Since this is our first meeting, I decided to put in a little more effort than usual. beacon What did you think? orbit Was it good?

At that voice, which seemed to be proudly boasting about what she had just done, Ash nodded.

In the wasteland to the right, which had instantly become a sea of fire, clouds of dust no longer rose.

Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Allying with Foundation had been a good decision.

Indeed.

“Impressive. attic Very much so.”