Chapter 95: Heading West 3
In truth, he did not even believe he could free himself.
However, he kept struggling, probably because his survival instinct compelled him to continue fighting.
Cromwell’s neck was trapped between Ash’s steel fingers.
He continued kicking desperately while suspended in the air.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“I wish to make something clear. alien I am far more interested in the information you can provide me than in your life. acquire After all, you and I have no personal grudge against each other, do we?”
Ash merely watched him in silence, his distinctive optical sensors emitting a turquoise glow.
Until, finally, his voice module emitted an electronic sound.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
However, precisely because of that, Cromwell had no alternative.
Perhaps those were not the most appropriate words for someone holding another person by the neck.
His calm electronic voice echoed through the silent canyon.
“Let us forget this rather unpleasant first encounter and attempt to have a conversation. alert What do you think? crystal Do you agree?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Feeling the force that continued constricting his entire body, he nodded desperately.
“Ack! advance Cough, cough!”
Then Ash dropped him to the ground as though discarding an old part.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Then he looked up.
For some reason, that inorganic glow struck him as extraordinarily chilling.
The turquoise optical sensors gazed down at him from above.
Cromwell began coughing as he hurriedly inhaled air.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
In contrast, the electronic voice he heard sounded surprisingly considerate.
He even extended a hand to help him.
“Get up. august How can the leader of an organization remain sprawled on the ground like that?”
“Are you all right?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell shuddered as he looked at that incomprehensible humanoid, whose words and actions contradicted each other in an utterly absurd manner.
Then he noticed the steel hand Ash was offering him.
Engraved upon it was an emblem that any citizen of Sanctum would immediately recognize.
“……Huh?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
That could mean only one thing.
The image of a leafy pine tree.
“Damn it……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
One of the three most powerful corporations in Sanctum, collectively known as Trinity.
Cromwell’s mind went completely blank.
Foundation Systems.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
It was the dizziness brought on by realizing, far too late, that he had made the terrible mistake of confronting someone he should never have provoked.
He had gone out to intercept an old armored vehicle rattling along the road.
What began running down his spine was not simply fear.
Who the hell could have imagined that its occupants were connected to Foundation?
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The hand Ash was offering began to withdraw.
Cromwell immediately grabbed it.
“Do you not intend to take my hand?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
However, to Cromwell, that serenity was more intimidating than any threat.
Ash’s electronic voice remained completely calm.
“Good. apple Are you now prepared to talk?”
The touch of that palm was cold, but the strength with which Ash helped him to his feet was so firm that resistance was impossible.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Uhahahaha! legend Of course I am! sphere My, I nearly made a terrible mistake!”
He clumsily stood up and replied in a voice that had, without his realizing it, become extraordinarily servile.
He even let out a ridiculous laugh. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell brushed the dust off his golden coat and raised both arms, forming a large X.
“You already made it.”
“……Ahem, ahem!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“We cannot receive such a distinguished guest in such an inhospitable place.”
With an exaggerated gesture, he pointed toward his truck.
His words flowed with extraordinary ease.
Following that unmistakable signal, the gun barrels aimed at Ash quickly disappeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“How about we have a nice, relaxed conversation somewhere more comfortable?”
It was an indication for him to lead the way.
Ash responded with a slight movement of his chin.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
***
Ash and Team Bladez followed him.
Cromwell let out a sigh of relief at that silent approval and hurried toward his extravagant truck.
The interior of the truck, whose entrance was guarded by Team Bladez.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“……Uh, this looks nothing like the outside, does it?”
The visibly worn sofas and walls completely devoid of decoration made it look more like a shipping container inhabited by a vagrant.
There was even a strange, unpleasant smell.
Surprisingly, it was rather modest.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The creaking of the old furniture seemed to perfectly reflect his situation.
Akina, who had entered alongside Ash, wrinkled her nose as she whispered those words.
Cromwell did his best to ignore her and sat down on one of the sofas. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“Well, would you like something to drink? atomic I have a bottle of special liquor I’ve been saving for an important occasion…… Ah, right. echo I suppose there’s not much point in offering it to a humanoid.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Instead, he remained standing, leaning his back against one of the interior walls.
“I appreciate the offer.”
Ash did not sit down.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
However, it seemed as though all the air inside the truck shifted in response to that small gesture.
It was an insignificant movement.
Then he turned his head slightly toward Cromwell.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Hmm.”
Cromwell began pouring himself liquor into a glass with practiced movements.
“Now tell me. alert Who has passed through this canyon?”
“First of all, there’s something I need to clarify. apron We don’t know everyone who’s headed to the western battlefield either.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
At that brief question, Cromwell gave a bitter smile.
“Why?”
“Because we originally came to participate in the battle in the west too. afford We haven’t been established in this canyon for very long. album Maybe four days?”
That was quite unexpected.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell took a sip of liquor before continuing.
“That’s right. antique Although, in the end, we accomplished absolutely nothing and ended up retreating here.”
“Then did that organization of yours, Hyper Something-or-Other, also participate in the operation to recover the Nexus?”
Ash’s optical sensors glowed slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Mercenary groups have participated too, not just corporations. adapt Bone Street, Crimson Reaper…… I’ve even seen REST-MAN from time to time. accent Although those bastards seem to have slightly different objectives, but whatever.”
Cromwell continued sharing everything he knew.
“Every organization with any kind of reputation has participated. galaxy From Chaka Chaka, famous for its extravagant products, to the Cyborgs of Apex and the new Walkers from Titan Robotics. amateur That should give you an idea.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Crimson Reaper? aspect Did you not say earlier that you had dismantled that group?”
“Yeah. auction That was a lie.”
Ash interrupted him.
“One moment.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“But all of those are just small fry compared to the names I’m about to mention.”
“……Ah.”
Cromwell downed the remaining liquor in his glass in a single gulp.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Stroud. harbor Omni-Cell. canvas Both corporations passed through this canyon.”
His Adam’s apple moved visibly.
Omni-Cell.
“……!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Her usual cheerful expression had completely disappeared.
As soon as she heard that name, Akina’s shoulders, as she stood behind Ash, trembled slightly.
In its place, something as cold as ice had emerged.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Ash did not overlook that change.
Meanwhile, Cromwell added a few words, almost under his breath.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
However, this was not the appropriate place to discuss it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Without realizing it, he had fixed his gaze on Ash’s right hand.
Stroud.
After those words, which sounded almost like a lament, a heavy silence descended upon the interior of the truck.
“……And today, Foundation has arrived too. auction With that, all three corporations of Trinity are gathered. airport From the beginning, this was never a conflict that guys like us could get involved in.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The fact that all those giants pulling the strings of Sanctum had gathered in one place carried extraordinary weight.
Omni-Cell.
And Foundation’s Ambassador.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Data……? harbor Do you also have information about Omni-Cell?”
“Well, anyway, that’s everything I know. aspect Was it useful? beacon If you need them, I can also give you the related data.”
Finally, Cromwell broke the silence.
A few moments passed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell, who had remained lost in thought for a few moments, nodded.
“That is not what I asked you. sphere Do you have information or not?”
“Huh? academy Why are you interested in Omni-Cell? action As far as I know, the corporations of Trinity maintain pretty good relations with one another……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“If we look, we’ll probably find some recordings made by my men. apple Although they’ll only be videos they secretly took when they passed through this canyon.”
“Very well. abstract I’ll give them to you.”
“That does not matter.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward.
“Hmm. canvas Since those guys almost never appear in public, it seems everyone got curious and decided to record them. amber Thanks to that, we have quite a few videos.”
Apparently, he was sending messages to his subordinates hidden at various points throughout the canyon.
His cybernetic eye glowed for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The girl took out her Data Pad with practiced movements and connected it to the console.
In the blink of an eye, she had downloaded all the files.
Upon seeing them, Akina hurried into action. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
As Cromwell spoke, dozens of video files appeared on the truck’s main console.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell let out a sigh of relief.
“Good. silence I’ve told you everything I know, and I’ve given you the data too. athlete Don’t you think that should be enough for you to spare my life?”
Cromwell, who had been watching her, immediately turned his head toward Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
At those words, Cromwell’s face contorted violently.
Ash had just shaken his head.
“No. acid It is still not enough.”
However, he immediately had to hold his breath.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“……Hmm? altitude Mr. apple Ash, what do you need that for?”
Ash completely ignored his reaction and silently extracted his Pathfinder license from the back of his neck.
“What?! alien T-this isn’t what we agreed on!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
A shrill notification rang out from Cromwell’s personal PDA.
Instead of answering Akina’s question, Ash began operating the Data Pad she was holding.
Shortly afterward.
Ding!
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
[1,500,000 Credits]
[TRANSFER COMPLETE]
His eyes widened.
Bewildered by that unexpected alert, Cromwell checked his device.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“W-what the hell……? alien Did you just send me money? beacon Why?”
However, no matter how many times he looked again, the words confirming the transfer were still there.
Cromwell stared at the message displayed on his PDA screen and rubbed his eyes for a few moments.
“Huh?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“That is not a toll. ability It is an advance payment.”
Ash pointed at the PDA.
“Did I not tell you? matrix It was still not enough.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“An advance payment? acquire What the hell are you talking about?”
Ash’s gaze moved beyond the truck’s small window, toward Cromwell’s subordinates who remained hidden at various points throughout the canyon.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Since our paths have crossed, I thought we might work together.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“……And then?”
“While we explore the western battlefield, how would you feel about establishing yourselves in the surrounding area and monitoring the movements of the various forces?”
Then he looked back at Cromwell and got straight to the point.
“From what I have seen, your men are quite skilled at concealing themselves. voyage They also seem to understand the importance of information. advance Do you not think it would be a waste to use such talents solely for plundering?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“You must neither fight nor intervene. ability Simply hide, observe, and record what happens. voyage Then you will share that information with us. agent In real time.”
“You need only inform us which corporations enter each area or whether any new faction appears. anxiety Especially…… when it comes to Omni-Cell, I do not want you to overlook even the smallest detail.”
Ash’s optical sensors emitted an intense glow.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“……For how long?”
“Then it’ll be a short-term contract. echo And the payment?”
“Until our expedition ends.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Cromwell remained silent for a few moments.
Four million Credits.
“Two and a half million. acoustic Including the advance payment, four million.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
He stared blankly into space before lowering his gaze toward the figure of 1,500,000 displayed on his PDA screen.
“Are you serious? This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. academy You’re willing to spend that many Credits just to have us watch from a distance?”
Then he looked back at Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Ash placed his steel hand on Akina’s shoulder as she stood beside him.
“Of course.”
“We are risking everything on this expedition. airport And if Omni-Cell is among our adversaries, we have even more reason not to retreat.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Faced with that proposal, delivered with absolute calm, Cromwell finally could not contain his laughter.
Ash and Akina exchanged a glance for a few moments before nodding simultaneously.
At first, it was a small chuckle, but soon he began laughing uproariously, as though unable to contain the excitement welling up inside him.
“What do you say, Cromwell? sphere Will you accept the deal?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The canyon passage, which until then had remained completely blocked, was cleared in the blink of an eye.
***
“Uhahahaha! amber Very well! autumn I accept the contract!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
With practiced movements, they collected the portable automatic turrets and removed the barricades.
Although they had been forced to retreat after being overwhelmed by their adversaries, these men also possessed enough strength to have dared participate in the conflict on the western battlefield.
The entire procedure was so quick and efficient that the members of Team Bladez, who were watching from a short distance away, were slightly bewildered.
Following Cromwell’s signals, his subordinates began emerging from their hiding places scattered throughout the canyon.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
They were certainly far from being a mere band of improvised highwaymen.
Hyper Quantum Universal Strategic Solutions & Advanced Protection Logistical Systems was a much better-trained organization than it appeared.
Its members moved in perfect coordination and discipline.
“Mr. abandon Ash.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Akina, who was also watching the scene, spoke.
“What are you referring to?”
“Did you already know?”
“That those Hyper Something-or-Other guys were much better-trained professionals than they looked.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
At that question, Ash thoughtfully stroked the underside of his head.
“There were quite a few indications. orbit For example, the fact that no one except me managed to detect their ambush.”
Ash’s gaze turned toward Cromwell.
As he watched Cromwell’s subordinates working in perfect coordination, he replied quietly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Is that why you decided to hire them?”
“Indeed. agent In truth, our greatest weakness is that we are too few in number. riddle Team Bladez needs to act as a single body. anxiety That means we cannot afford to separate some of our members to form a reconnaissance unit.”
“And now we have eyes and ears that can fulfill that function.”
“Also, the way they all responded in coordination to a simple signal. meadow Even when their leader fell into my hands, none of them lost their composure, and they kept their weapons trained on me until the very end. echo There were too many unusual details to consider them a mere gang of incompetents.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
His gaze turned toward Cromwell’s extravagant truck, whose subordinates had already finished clearing the road.
Ash nodded.
“Exactly. palette We have acquired some rather capable eyes and ears.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Akina let out a small giggle.
“Well, although their leader seems to be a somewhat strange person.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Meanwhile.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Reports every hour. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. accent And if anything out of the ordinary happens, we’ll have to report it immediately. afford Correct?”
“Perfect. amateur As soon as we finish packing everything up, we’ll head straight to the battlefield.”
“That is correct.”
Cromwell, who had been issuing orders to his subordinates, approached Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Ah!”
“I am counting on you.”
Ash replied briefly before climbing into the Revenant.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Ash lowered the window and stuck his head out.
He hurried over and began knocking on the passenger window.
“What is it?”
It was then that Cromwell seemed to remember something.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“I forgot to mention something.”
“Halloween Entertainment also arrived at the western battlefield.”
At that instant, Ash’s optical sensors blinked rapidly.
“You forgot something? advance What do you mean?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Hmm. timber That…… I’m not sure about.”
“Well, in a sense, it was to be expected. aspect Those guys live for anything exciting. alpha Did you think they’d miss a spectacle like this?”
“Halloween? anchor Halloween is also in the west?”
“Do you know which team they sent?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Then his eyes lit up, as though he had just remembered something.
Cromwell remained thoughtful for a few moments.
“First place? zenith Number one?”
“Ah. harbor Now that you mention it, I think I heard that the group holding first place had arrived too.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Witch Craft.
“Oh! agent Exactly! afford That was the name! adopt I see the young lady knows quite a bit.”
“If I remember correctly, the group currently holding first place in Halloween’s rankings is Witch Craft……”
It was then that Akina intervened.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
That was the name of the idol group formerly led by Anna, also known as Siren.
And the person currently occupying that position was none other than……
However, the group’s leadership had changed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Ifrit.
“……Ifrit.”
At that instant, Ash’s optical sensors took on a chilling glow.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Perhaps it was not exactly anger.
No.
The intensity of that anger was enough to make Bark, who was sitting behind the steering wheel, involuntarily shudder.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Rather, it was profound irritation.
Ash had not forgotten.
“I was wondering where she had hidden herself after ignoring all my attempts to communicate with her. adapt So she was here.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
“Bark. galaxy Let us get moving. admire It seems there is someone I must meet on the battlefield.”
When Anna had previously appeared using the surname “Blade,” Ifrit had been behind it.
Then, in a serene electronic voice, yet one laden with unsettling coldness, he spoke.
At that voice, as calm as it was chilling, Bark involuntarily shuddered while gripping the steering wheel.
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
Vroooooom!
Bark slammed his foot down on the accelerator.
“Y-yes, sir! academy Right away, boss!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Chivalry - Chapter 95: Heading West 3 by Indra Translations.
The Revenant’s enormous engine roared as its cylinders propelled the heavy vehicle forward.
Toward the western battlefield.
Toward the ruins located on the other side of the canyon.
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