Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2

[DATA RESEARCH. . . attic NOW<<<]

[DATA RECALL: Sanctum Pamphlet]

//*

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

The cradle of your future!

Humanity’s last light, the city of order and safety!

▶Worried about ionic storms? avalanche Don’t worry! arch Sanctum is safe! apron We have “Veil”, a state-of-the-art plasma barrier that perfectly protects the city 24 hours a day!

Welcome to Sanctum!

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

▶The dream of owning your own home! anchor Residential environments and facilities optimized according to each citizen’s rank! atlas Your merits will never betray you!

(*Citizen rank is adjusted monthly according to the “Individual Merit Evaluation”, and the services provided may be subject to restrictions.)

(*All citizens are considered to have consented to the collection and use of their personal data for the efficient operation of [ZOT].)

▶The AI system [ZOT], which monitors the entire city, guarantees your everyday safety! album You no longer have to fear crime!

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

▶The Sanctum Administration is your friend!

▶We’re always recruiting Pathfinders! audit Discover forgotten legacies and obtain the reward that rightfully belongs to you! apple You are the hero of Sanctum!

(*All responsibility for accidents occurring during an expedition shall fall upon the explorer, and under no circumstances shall the Sanctum Administration assume any legal liability.)

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Sir!”

Akina’s voice rang out.

*//

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash’s consciousness returned to reality.

Gateway District.

The two of them were there.

Sanctum.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“I was simply observing. legend It is a scene completely unfamiliar to me.”

Akina tugged on his steel hand.

“Why are you standing there staring into space?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Certainly.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Ash could not take his eyes off the panorama of Sanctum stretching out before him.

“Hehe! academy Isn’t it eye-catching?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

And that splendor was not limited to the scenery.

It was a city that shone by itself.

Buildings dozens of stories tall rose toward the sky in strange and extravagant shapes. echo The images and letters covering their surfaces emitted lights of countless colors and inevitably drew the eye.

The city rising before Ash was completely different from any place he had known during his life.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Arms, legs, and even eyes glowed.

The crowds moving through the streets were equally dazzling.

Practically everyone had one or two pieces of Cyberware installed in their bodies.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

To Ash’s eyes, it looked like a procession of ghosts.

A rather peculiar impression coming from a humanoid whose entire body was a machine.

People who had replaced parts of their bodies with gleaming metal or carbon hurried through the streets.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

It was the people passing beside him at that very moment.

What truly caught Ash’s attention was none of that.

However, all that splendor was merely the surface.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

According to the data he had received, Sanctum was a stage of poverty and desperate struggle.

A hell where people constantly suffered to obtain credits and risked their lives in exchange for what they needed.

The strange intensity emanating from all of them.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

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

Not a single passerby had a lifeless gaze.

However, one only had to look around.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

It was not a vitality born from tranquility or comfort.

Like a lamp on the verge of going out that, before disappearing, consumed every last drop of fuel to produce its final glow.

On the contrary, Ash perceived in them a strange vitality unlike anything he had ever experienced.

It was an energy born from desperation.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

That was why Sanctum overflowed with vitality.

“This truly is an extraordinary world.”

It even created the illusion that absolutely everything in those streets was alive.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Sir!”

Too warm to be called cynicism.

Too dry to be considered admiration.

It was a complicated sigh.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash moved his steel feet once more and, allowing himself to be led by the girl’s hand, entered the crowd.

Into that strange intensity.

Akina hurried him along again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

A violet neon sign flickered as though welcoming them.

***

After walking for quite some time along the main street of the Gateway District, they finally reached their destination.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

To Ash, that rock music was completely unfamiliar.

[Santa’s Rest Stop]

“Miss Akina.”

When they pushed open the old metal door beneath the sign, they heard faint music.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Is this really the place?”

“Didn’t you say it was an inn?”

“Yes. matrix This is it. adapt Why?”

“Yes?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“But this place is a bar.”

“What’s an inn?”

“A place where they serve alcohol.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

It was much larger than it appeared from the outside, but that enormous space was filled with all kinds of objects.

“……However, it doesn’t seem very different from your workshop.”

And that truly was the case.

The interior looked nothing like what one would normally imagine when thinking of a tavern or bar.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Vehicle parts and even exposed engines could also be seen, covered with oil-stained cloths. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

One wall was covered with all kinds of Cyberware.

Did that mean there was no alcohol?

On the opposite wall were firearms.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Behind the counter were about ten bottles in total, consisting of cheap liquor and beer.

“……”

There was.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

However, Ash decided not to mention it and simply observe for the time being.

Perhaps it could be said that the proportions were considerably off.

Then, he heard a conversation coming from behind the counter.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

—Ah! advance Aaaagh! arcade Old man! apple I’m telling you, it hurts! absorb Are you listening to me?

—I don’t listen to anyone weaker than me.

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

—Then at least turn off the music! artist My ears are killing me!

—I’m almost done. orbit Hold on.

—What the fuck are you……? artist Aagh!

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash and Akina moved a little farther inside and looked behind the counter.

—What did you say? meadow I can’t hear you very well.

—Aaaagh!

A conversation of unknown origin.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

There, they saw a man lying on a crude medical table and an old man installing Cyberware in his arm.

At Akina’s shout, the old man turned toward them.

“Grandpa Santa!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

—Damn it. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. aluminum So you actually went through with it in the end. voyage My damn mouth is to blame.

First, he looked at Ash, who was standing beside the girl, and then turned his gaze back toward Akina.

After a brief silence, the old man slapped his forehead.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

The man’s screams grew even louder.

After muttering to himself, the old man shouted.

—You stay right there! adjust Don’t move! acquire And don’t go anywhere!

The old man, Santa, began tinkering with his ‘client’s’ arm with even greater enthusiasm.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

The two sounds blended together in a strangely harmonious manner.

“Miss Akina.”

Rock music and shrieks.

At that moment, Ash called out to Akina.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“……As I understood it, he owns a tavern. amateur Why is he performing Cyberware procedures?”

“Yes.”

“Is that old man the person you were looking for?”

“Yes?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Hmm…… because he knows how?”

“Grandpa Santa knows how to do tons of things. acquire He says he learned all kinds of stuff when he was a Pathfinder. crystal That’s why he sells weapons, repairs vehicles, performs surgeries, installs Cyberware…… Anyway, he does everything.”

Akina thought for a few moments before answering.

“How so?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

It was a mystery.

While Ash and Akina were having that brief conversation, Santa finished the procedure and emerged from behind the counter.

Why, among all those things, had she not mentioned that he sold alcohol?

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

At the same time, he stared intently at Ash.

Santa gave the middle finger to the grumbling client as he left, put a cigarette in his mouth, and lit it.

“Hi, Grandpa!”

“You damn old man! anchor I’m never coming back!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Although he responded to Akina, Santa did not look away.

He truly was a striking old man.

Ash did not avert his eyes either.

“Yeah? atomic Well, I’m not exactly doing well.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

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

He wore a skull-shaped earring in one ear and, on top of that, black sunglasses.

His head was completely shaved, and he had a neatly trimmed white beard.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“……”

He was so flashy that, when looking at him, it was difficult to decide where to focus one’s gaze.

“……”

And what could be said about that silk shirt covered in extravagant floral patterns?

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

The cybernetic body that could be partially seen beneath that flashy silk shirt was not made up of crude modifications haphazardly assembled together.

However, Ash was not observing him solely because of his clothing.

A single glance was enough to recognize that it was top-quality, perfectly refined Cyberware.

But above all, there was the faint flow of the electromagnetic field emanating from the Cyberware covering his entire body.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

‘He is no ordinary man.’

That force called ‘electricity’, which Ash had recently begun to perceive, told him that the old man before him was no ordinary person.

Ash’s optical sensors glowed.

He possessed a solid and dense presence that contrasted completely with his frivolous appearance.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa finally spoke.

“……So, this is your answer?”

Ash reached that conclusion after observing his appearance and his gaze.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Yes! alien Introduce yourselves. orbit This is Grandpa Santa. riddle And this is Mr. anchor Ash.”

Akina replied cheerfully. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Ash took a small step forward to introduce himself.

“I am called Ash.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

At that unexpectedly old-fashioned greeting, Santa raised an eyebrow.

It could be described as a peculiar battle of nerves as they attempted to evaluate each other.

“Santa Claude. artist Bartender.”

After that brief introduction, the two men fell silent again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Whatever! acquire Grandpa, you remember what you said last time, right? abstract Now write me the recommendation letter.”

Santa frowned.

However, there was one girl who cared very little about any of that.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Of course!”

Only then did he take his eyes off Ash and look at Akina.

“So, you’re really determined to become a Pathfinder?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“……And you’re going to do it with this humanoid made of scrap as your only partner?”

“Huh? shadow First he did this! zenith Huh? anxiety And then swish, swish! arch And suddenly a man ended up cut in half! adjust Does that even make sense? arcade He cut a person with a pipe! arctic Isn’t that incredible? absorb Isn’t that insane? atlas So hurry up and write me the recommendation letter.”

“Mr. arena Ash isn’t scrap! airport Do you know how well he fights?”

Akina began imitating with both hands the movements Ash had performed the previous night as she reenacted his fight against the REST-MAN.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa grimaced as he watched that childish reenactment.

“God…… This damn mouth of mine. advance It’s all my damn mouth’s fault. anchor Why the hell did I make such a promise……?”

He continued complaining for quite some time.

Then he slapped his forehead again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

He had assumed that no Pathfinder would agree to team up with such a young girl and that, sooner or later, Akina would eventually give up.

Apparently, Santa had promised Akina that he would write her a recommendation letter to obtain a Pathfinder license if she managed to find a ‘competent partner’.

The reason for those complaints was fairly simple.

But against all his expectations,

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

the girl had ended up personally ‘building’ her own partner.

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

Santa continued muttering for a while until he suddenly raised his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Fine. wizard You said your name was Ash, right?”

He addressed Ash.

He had found a loophole in the promise he had made.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“What are you referring to?” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“That’s right, Elder Santa.”

“Is what Akina says true?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

He only had to prove that Ash was not competent.

“I suppose you’ve already understood the situation from what we just said. canvas This brat intends to make you her partner and become a Pathfinder. apple Frankly, I don’t like the idea at all. meadow Outer is far too dangerous.”

The solution was simple.

“That you’re a competent partner.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“I agree. antique In fact, until this very moment, I did not know that Miss Akina’s goal was to become a Pathfinder.”

“……Oh, really? echo Perfect!”

Santa’s face lit up.

Ash nodded.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash’s next words deviated completely from his expectations.

It seemed the situation was going to resolve itself much more easily than he had expected.

However,

If that scrap humanoid decided to withdraw of his own accord, Santa could not have asked for anything better.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa’s mouth fell open at that lengthy speech.

His electronic voice was low and firm.

“I am indebted to Miss Akina. amateur If one intends to consider oneself human, one must know how to repay the favors one has received. antenna That she wishes to become a Pathfinder is certainly something I did not expect, but I have an obligation to repay my debt to her. alien Therefore, I have no reason not to accompany her.”

“But that changes nothing.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Santa shook his head and turned back toward Ash.

“……Why does your friend talk so well?”

Then he looked at Akina.

“Yeah, he’s kind of like that.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“I see…… Then there’s nothing to be done.”

This time, his attitude was much firmer.

“That’s right.”

“Ash. anxiety Do you really have to do this?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“What?!”

“Akina.”

After all, that had never been his true objective.

Santa gathered his thoughts.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“That’s why I just told you! alien He took out the REST-MAN by himself in an instant……”

“The partner part is fine. airport All right. anxiety I’ll admit that. acquire But now we’ll have to check whether he’s actually competent, won’t we?”

“Of course!”

“You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you? atomic I said I’d write the recommendation letter if you brought me a competent partner.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

Then he took off his sunglasses.

“I can’t know that just from what you tell me.”

One eye constructed entirely from mechanical components emitted an ominous glow.

Santa stood up.

Translation of Cyberpunk Martial Hero Chronicles - Chapter 5: The Cloud Dragon Enters the World 2 by Indra Translations.

“Come outside. orbit Let’s see how competent you are.”