Chapter 16: Return
Ash, who was walking beside her, replied.
Ifrit asked.
Her tone sounded fairly normal, although it also carried a hint of irritation, like someone in a bad mood.
“How much are you at now?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……6%.”
“It might have changed already.”
“Did you not ask me that just a moment ago?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Quite some time had passed since they crossed the security bulkhead.
“Damn it.”
The red emergency lights and sirens that had turned the ruins into something resembling hell itself were far behind them. adopt Apparently, the area defended by the Sentinels had fairly well-defined boundaries.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
It was a sign that, at least for the moment, the immediate danger was over.
Even the roars of the Grotesques, which had occasionally been heard until then, had practically disappeared.
For that reason, the three were making their way through the ruins with relative ease, although they remained on their guard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, there was something slightly different about their appearance.
“That is correct.”
“Are you sure it’s charging properly?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The problem was that the cable was too short, so both of them had to walk in a rather awkward posture, as though they were leaning against each other.
Since Ash’s energy reserves were practically exhausted, Ifrit had reluctantly agreed to share some of her reserve energy.
A thin cable connected the charging port of the drone launcher on Ifrit’s shoulder to Ash’s battery.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
For that reason, Ifrit had been pouting for quite some time.
It was obvious that she was not particularly pleased with the situation.
Seen from behind, they looked like a couple of lovers strolling arm in arm.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
‘This feels so weird! august Way too weird!’
However, she could not simply disconnect the cable either.
Ifrit kept complaining inwardly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
She had exhausted all her ammunition, and Akina possessed practically no combat ability.
If an enemy appeared, Ash was the only one who could still fight properly.
Of course, that did not mean the strange feeling would disappear.
From both a rational and a moral standpoint, recharging Ash’s battery was the right thing to do.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
She immediately covered her mouth, as though she had surprised herself, but it was already too late.
Akina, who was walking behind them, let out a small giggle.
Everyone had heard her.
“Pfft.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Seeing them both react simultaneously, Akina hurriedly nodded. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
“Don’t laugh, Akina.”
“Do not laugh, Miss Akina.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……How much are you at now?”
“Not even thirty seconds have passed since you last asked me.”
However, the smile in her eyes remained.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Aaaagh!”
“Ah! anxiety That’s exactly why I’m asking how much you’ve got!”
“6%. orbit It is still not enough.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Meanwhile, both did their best to ignore the giggles Akina let slip from time to time.
***
And so, that affectionate couple continued walking through the ruins, joined together by a thin cable.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
The barren wasteland could hardly be considered a pleasant landscape, but they all experienced an undeniable sense of freedom.
When Ash’s battery reached 13%, the three finally emerged from the ruins.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Is this the place?”
A space completely open in every direction.
And, above all, the reassurance of knowing they would no longer have to face sudden attacks.
Thus, they arrived at the rendezvous point.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I thank you for your help, heroine.”
“That is correct.”
Ash disconnected the cable.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Forget it. atlas I only did it because I needed to.”
“You know Vortex Energy, right?”
Ifrit also removed the cable and let out a sigh.
As she carefully coiled the cable to put it away, she said something rather unexpected.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The question came without any context, so Ash felt somewhat puzzled, but he nodded.
“Huh? shadow Wasn’t that just a rumor?”
“Of course. attic Is it not one of Sanctum’s megacorporations?”
“I heard they recently managed to recover some new technology. meadow What was it called? apron KERS, maybe?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash tilted his head slightly.
At Akina’s sudden interjection, Ifrit shook her head.
“It’s true. silence Halloween also took part in that operation to recover Nexus. canvas In the end, those bastards at Vortex kept everything, but whatever. orbit If you can, try to get your hands on one of those systems. absorb KERS.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Goodness…… Are you telling me it is possible to generate electricity simply by moving?”
“What is KERS that makes you recommend it to me?”
“I’m not a Technomancer, so I don’t know the details either. alpha From what I heard, it’s a technology that recovers kinetic energy and returns it to the battery. orbit Simply put, it means you can recharge a certain amount of energy just by moving.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ifrit shrugged.
“Of course, its efficiency probably isn’t all that great yet. amateur After all, it’s a prototype. aluminum But at least you wouldn’t have to go around borrowing electricity from other people like you are now, right?”
Rather, they were sincere advice.
At first glance, her words might have sounded like mockery, but they were not.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
And if that happened at the worst possible moment, Akina would end up completely alone in the middle of the ruins.
For Ash, electricity was comparable to his primordial innate energy.
If he exhausted it, his body could stop functioning.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
It was so obvious that it required no explanation.
‘……KERS.’
The result would be the death of both of them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
At Ash’s salute, Akina, who was standing beside him, also bowed her head.
Ash stored those mysterious initials deep within his main core and cupped his fists in a martial salute filled with sincerity.
“I thank you for the information. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. atomic I shall also keep your advice deep within my heart, heroine.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Thank you.”
“Ah, don’t do that! acquire You’re giving me goosebumps! athlete Besides, it’s easy to say, but it’ll probably be fucking difficult to get one. adjust After all, it’s cutting-edge technology.”
Ifrit, who seemed uncomfortable with such formality, waved her hands to stop them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Well, I’m leaving. album My vehicle’s over there.”
Ifrit shuddered from head to toe, as though she could no longer bear it, and turned around.
“Uuuugh.”
“Even so, that does not change the fact that I owe you my thanks.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Finally, she called out to Ifrit, who had already turned away.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Akina, who had been watching her, shifted her blue eyes from side to side, as though considering something.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“……Noona! apple Wait a moment!”
Akina hurried toward her and began searching for something among her clothes.
It was the pistol Ifrit had thrown onto the ground during the battle.
Shortly afterward, she took out an object.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ifrit’s eyes widened.
“Hehe. album When I finished the Deep Dive and opened my eyes, I found this lying right at my feet! amber So I hurried to pick it up!”
“Huh? arch Why do you have that?”
The Bloody Heart Mk.7.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Oh, really? athlete And then?”
“……To be honest, for just a teeny little moment, I thought maybe I could keep it…… But it belongs to someone! aluminum So I have to give it back to you!”
“Hehe. orbit Did I take a little too long to return it?”
Akina smiled shyly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
He was holding his face with one hand while shaking his head.
Ifrit stared fixedly at Akina for a few moments before turning her head toward Ash.
“……”
Suddenly, Ifrit burst into laughter.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Pfff, hahahaha! aspect Just what kind of girl are you?!”
“Wow. amber This girl really is quite a character.”
“I’m Akina Greenwood.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Then, the luminous heart in her mechanical eye flashed, and without warning, she grabbed Akina’s cheeks and began stretching them.
“Auuuuugh.”
Ifrit laughed so hard that she ended up clutching her stomach.
Ash, who had approached without anyone noticing, intervened.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I see no need to do so.”
“Pull them harder.”
“What? album You’re not going to stop me anymore?”
“Hahahaha!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Here you go!” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Although her cheeks were completely swollen and she was holding them with one hand, Akina once again extended the arm holding the pistol.
Only after laughing heartily for quite some time did Ifrit finally release Akina’s cheeks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I don’t need it.”
“Huh?”
However, Ifrit simply shook her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“But……”
“So you keep it, Ash.”
“That thing has shitty recoil, and since it uses large-caliber ammunition, I can’t carry too many bullets either. academy Besides, I have another primary weapon. anxiety I was only carrying that pistol because I was required to use it under an advertising agreement.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Are you referring to needing some means of attacking from a distance?”
At those words, Ash turned his gaze toward Ifrit.
“Remember what I told you in the ruins?”
“Are you serious?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Exactly. artist Your swordsmanship is absolutely insane, but I’m sure there will be situations where that won’t be enough.”
“……Especially when you have to protect a Technomancer during a Deep Dive.”
Ifrit gently stroked Akina’s head.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
For an instant, a shadow of sadness crossed her eyes.
Ifrit displayed a broad smile.
“However……”
“Ah! apple If you’re that concerned about it, consider it payment for appearing on my stream. meadow The truth is, I recorded you two a little earlier without permission. academy And it looks like people loved it!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash stopped insisting and accepted the pistol.
He felt its considerable weight in his hands.
“So consider it a fair exchange.”
Perhaps someday, just as Ifrit had said, that weapon would end up saving both his life and Akina’s.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“I do not know exactly what it means to record us without permission, but if that is what you wish, heroine, I shall accept the arrangement.”
A vehicle appeared in the distance, approaching amid the roar of a powerful engine.
It was precisely then.
It was public limousine number 302, the same one Ash and Akina had arrived in.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, suddenly, she turned her head back slightly.
Her light violet hair fluttered gently.
“It’s here.”
Upon seeing it, Ifrit turned around casually.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Of course. advance After all, you still owe us the 500,000 credits we have yet to receive, do you not?”
Ash nodded.
“See you again. echo Both of you.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“No, that’s not what I meant……”
Ifrit immediately grimaced and, without saying anything else, waved one hand a couple of times.
At the same time, public limousine number 302 arrived at the rendezvous point.
The woman’s slender figure quickly moved away until it blended into the wasteland landscape.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Unlike the outbound journey, the vehicle’s interior was practically empty.
Ash and Akina boarded the public limousine. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
“All right.”
“……We should leave as well.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
That was how expeditions to Outer were.
The others had probably died.
Of all those Pathfinders who had departed for Outer, only five passengers remained now, including the two of them.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
This time, they had managed to board the limousine for the return journey, but no one could guarantee that the same thing would happen next time.
Every instant could become the boundary between life and death.
Understanding that reality, Ash and Akina remained silent for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The vehicle shook as it advanced, and beyond the windows, the desolate landscape passed rapidly before their eyes.
Shortly afterward, the limousine started with the roar of its heavy engine and began the return journey to Sanctum.
Akina, who had been gazing at it, opened her mouth.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“About Ifrit noona……”
“Mister.”
“I am listening.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, her words reflected a confusion she could not conceal.
Since Akina was looking out the window, Ash could not see her expression.
“At first, I thought that since she belonged to Halloween Entertainment, she obviously had to be crazy. ability But now I’m not so sure. arcade I think she’s actually a pretty nice person…… Hehe. agent It even makes me laugh to say it. auction An Idol who seems like a good person?”
Ash silently turned his head toward her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
After a few moments, Ash replied.
“She is a good person.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Akina turned her head toward him.
“And at the same time, she is a woman who has massacred REST-MAN for no apparent reason.” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
“Right?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“It is possible. autumn But that does not matter.”
“Don’t you think she might have her own reasons?”
“……Huh?”
“What matters is understanding that no person has only one side to them.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash observed her for a few moments before turning his gaze back toward the window and continuing in a low voice.
Akina tilted her head slightly.
“If we cannot even fully understand what goes on in the heart of a mere beast, how could we hope to understand the full complexity of the human heart?”
“……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Akina frowned slightly, as though reflecting on those words.
Then she shook her head vigorously.
“What a person shows on the outside never represents their entirety. atlas Therefore, what we see is nothing more than a small part of who they truly are. aluminum We must not make the mistake of judging someone hastily and drawing definitive conclusions based solely on one of their facets.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“Sometimes you talk in a way that’s way too complicated, Mister. atom So what’s the conclusion?”
“That you are my benefactor, a Technomancer, a cheerful young lady, and also a thief who enjoys stealing things.”
Ash’s optical sensors turned toward Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
“A-anyway, listen! canvas This time we managed to make some pretty juicy profits……!”
Akina’s face turned completely red.
“……Why did we suddenly end up talking about me?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
However, probably due to the exhaustion caused by the successive life-and-death battles and the accumulated tension, her voice gradually began to fade.
Akina continued chattering for quite some time.
By the time the sun started setting, the only sound that could be heard was her soft breathing as she slept.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Through his steel arm, he sensed a faint warmth.
Then he leaned slightly and adjusted his posture so she could rest more comfortably.
Ash gazed at the girl who had fallen asleep leaning against his body.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Amid the intense reddish hues of the sunset, a gigantic wall of light appeared.
It was Sanctum.
How much more time had passed?
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash gazed through the window at the dazzling panorama of the city, which, despite all its splendor, seemed strangely cold and empty.
He experienced an unfamiliar sensation.
However, now it no longer seemed particularly strange to him.
When he had first arrived there, that city had seemed little more than a den of ghosts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
Ash became lost in those thoughts.
‘To think that someday I would look upon Sanctum and feel…… that I have returned home.’
Perhaps he, too, had made the mistake of hastily judging Sanctum after knowing only one of its facets.
Then he suddenly remembered the conversation he had had with Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
And shortly afterward, like a river flowing into the ocean, it glided smoothly through the gigantic gates of Sanctum.
Numerous automobiles crossing the wasteland began converging toward Sanctum.
Limousine number 302 continued advancing.
It was not the only vehicle.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 16: Return by Indra Translations.
The red-tinted ruins and the blazing sunset grew increasingly distant, slowly fading behind them.
Probably all of them carried a large number of empty seats.
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