Chapter 18: Halloween Society
Akina tried to squeeze out every last possible credit, while Santa did everything he could to pay her as little as possible.
To Ash, it looked like a genuine battle between a spear and a shield.
In the end, Akina emerged victorious.
The negotiation between the two dragged on for no less than two days.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
— Yes!
— Fine! 220,000! ability Now let me get some sleep already!
And so, Ash and Akina earned the considerable sum of 220,000 credits on their first expedition.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
For novice Pathfinders, those were extraordinary earnings.
Even after paying off their debt to Santa and covering Akina’s monthly living expenses, they would still have 100,000 credits left.
If they added the 50,000-credit reward for the Mapping contract, the total came to 270,000 credits.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And it was precisely the most important one of all.
Although that was already surprising enough, they still had another source of income pending.
“Mister, wait for me a moment!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Ash.”
Santa took out a cigarette, lit it, and looked at Ash.
A brief silence followed.
As they were preparing to leave, Akina seemed to remember something she had forgotten and hurried upstairs to the second floor.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Ash shook his head.
The smoke escaping his lips slowly dispersed into the air.
“Have you ever visited a district administered by a corporation?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“I see.”
Santa gave his cigarette a slight flick to shake off the ash.
“This will be my first time.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
However, shortly afterward, his optical sensors emitted a faint flash.
“You see, Sanctum is like a rag doll sewn together from scraps of fabric in different colors.”
At those enigmatic words, Ash tilted his head slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Society.
“Are you referring to the Societies?”
It was the term used to designate the autonomous districts administered by megacorporations.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
At the same time, he began recording the conversation.
“From the outside, it might look like a single city, but the reality is completely different. beacon You could say it’s a collection of territories governed by different desires.”
Ash silently waited for his next words.
Santa nodded slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And he was certain this occasion would be no different.
Santa continued.
Santa’s advice always proved useful for surviving in Sanctum.
“Society isn’t simply a word for territory controlled by a corporation. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com alien To be more precise…… Yes, it would be better to define it as a society united by a shared ‘value’.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Of course.”
“I’ll give you an example. atomic You know Apex Arms, right?”
“A value?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“I see. amateur Do you not think that is an excessively extreme position?”
“Apex’s fundamental value is ‘evolution’. antenna Maybe that’s why they despise the human body in Apex Society. crystal They consider it garbage. alpha Those lunatics believe perfection can only be achieved through cybernetic modifications.”
After all, his left arm had been manufactured using Apex Arms technology.
It was impossible for Ash not to know that name.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Santa extinguished his cigarette by crushing it and continued.
“All Societies are like that.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“……Then what is Halloween’s fundamental value?”
“The same goes for Vortex Energy. matrix Their fundamental value is ‘efficiency’. accent They consider emotions and desires inefficient elements and rigorously eliminate them. aluminum The funny thing is that, by living such disciplined and efficient lives, they end up giving off an almost religious atmosphere.”
When the conversation reached that point, Ash, who had been listening attentively, asked a question.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
That smile seemed to tell him to go and find out for himself.
Santa smiled, as though he found the question amusing.
“What do you think?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
***
“Are we leaving now? avalanche To Halloween Society!”
It was Akina, coming down from the second floor.
Shortly afterward, hurried, noisy footsteps could be heard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The true boundary was marked by color and sound.
What separated Halloween Society from the other districts of Sanctum was neither a gigantic steel gate nor a strict security system.
Unlike the Gateway District, where Santa’s Rest Stop was located, Halloween Society shone with an explosion of colors from its very entrance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And that was not all.
Rather than a city, the place resembled a gigantic open-air nightclub combined with a recording studio that never stopped operating.
Music of every conceivable genre constantly drifted in from somewhere, played at such a high volume that it seemed capable of rupturing their eardrums.
The buildings, with their extravagant shapes and structures that seemed to have grown without any order, were covered in dazzling neon signs and multimedia façades, as though competing with one another to see which could attract the most attention.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The holographic screens installed on their exterior walls displayed spectacular combat scenes featuring popular Idols.
The people walking through the streets were equally extravagant.
From time to time, their flirtatious messages of gratitude addressed to their fans could also be heard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Daring clothing and fashion designs as strange as they were eye-catching.
Bodies reinforced with Cyberware.
Hair dyed in fluorescent colors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
It was, quite literally, a completely different world.
And nobody was afraid to stand out.
Nobody looked like an ordinary person.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
For that reason, Ash and Akina attracted considerable attention.
So much so that it seemed more like a dream or a hallucination than a real place.
Both wore practical clothing in muted colors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
They looked like a black-and-white photograph mistakenly placed on a full-color screen.
Akina murmured those words to herself as she pulled something out of her clothes.
Therefore, they could not blend into the surroundings at all.
“Hehe. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. aspect I knew this would happen, so I came prepared!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Mister, how do I look?”
Without even using a mirror, she began applying it directly to her lips, spreading it around haphazardly.
It was a bright-red lip tint.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Ash extended a hand and carefully wiped away the excess color.
A completely white face with lips as red as blood.
And, to make matters worse, the tint had smeared in every direction.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“It means it was an admirable attempt.”
“It was an admirable attempt.”
“What? agent What’s that supposed to mean?”
Akina was about to respond when, suddenly,
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
All the music echoing throughout the city abruptly stopped.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
— Happy Halloween!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
In its place, a cheerful and slightly frivolous male voice resounded everywhere.
All the city’s noises vanished as if by magic.
— It’s so good to see you, friends! beacon Your talkative friend, Chatterbox, is back!
Had that voice been some kind of signal?
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Along with Chatterbox’s shout, an entire façade of the building transformed into a gigantic ranking board.
People stopped whatever they were doing and simultaneously raised their gazes toward the tallest building in the area Halloween Entertainment’s headquarters.
— All right, all right! armor Once again, the moment of truth has arrived! academy Who will be Halloween’s brightest star today? amber TODAY BEST! athlete Let’s find out right now!
Upon that exterior wall, relatively simple compared to the surrounding buildings, a dazzling hologram appeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Every time a name appeared, the corresponding Idol’s face and a short video of their performances were projected onto the hologram.
[TODAY BEST 100]
The rankings began at 100th place and rapidly advanced toward the top positions. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“What rank do you think Ifrit noona will be?”
Ash and Akina also raised their heads to watch the spectacle.
“Hmm. aluminum Considering that heroine, should she not occupy a fairly high position? sphere After all, she is a veteran Pathfinder who has been active for a long time.”
At the same time, enthusiastic cheers erupted from different parts of the streets.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
90th place.
“Hehe. adjust Right?”
From that moment onward, both began watching the rankings more attentively.
70th place.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The rankings continued climbing, but Ifrit’s name was nowhere to be found.
50th place.
Finally, only one position remained to be revealed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
First place.
The moment Chatterbox finished shouting, an ovation erupted simultaneously among the people filling the city.
—Who will be today’s number one?!
And yet, Ifrit had not appeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
— Siren! antique Siren! orbit Siren!
Their shouts echoed throughout the city.
[Witchcraft – SIREN]
And finally, at the very top of the rankings, the name and face of the person who had secured first place appeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Long hair as black as night, skin as white as snow, and a sword held in one hand.
— Waaaaaaah!
It was Siren, the leader of the popular Idol group Witchcraft.
The woman in the hologram gazed at the crowd with black eyes whose expression was impossible to decipher.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
She seemed bewildered by the fact that Ifrit had not even managed to enter the top hundred.
Akina’s voice was barely a whisper.
Meanwhile, the plaza remained packed with people chanting Siren’s name.
“……It can’t be.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And finally, he remembered Ifrit, whose name had not even appeared.
He observed Siren at the top of the rankings.
Amid that whirlwind of madness, Ash began to reflect.
Then the people shouting her name.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
‘What do you think?’
Ash believed he finally understood.
Santa’s words returned to his mind.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Her practically infallible marksmanship, her ability to use smoke and divert the Sentinels’ attention, and even her capacity to fight competently with a sword she was not accustomed to using were sufficient proof of that.
‘Halloween’s fundamental value is popularity.’
But so what?
Ifrit was, without a doubt, an experienced Pathfinder.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Ash stopped looking at the rankings.
A person’s value depended on only one thing.
In that place, skill and experience were secondary matters.
‘How many people desire you?’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The building’s interior was as dazzling as the streets.
At his calm voice, Akina nodded, although her expression revealed a certain dissatisfaction.
“Miss Akina. orbit Let us go inside.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“How may I help you?”
The screens distributed everywhere played videos of Siren, who had just secured first place, without pause. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
A female-looking android behind the reception counter gave them a friendly smile.
However, it conveyed a slightly colder and more refined atmosphere.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“We’re here to see Ifrit noona.”
“Do you have a scheduled appointment?”
The android consulted some data for a few moments and replied without losing her gentle smile.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Understood. advance I will contact Miss Ifrit right away. antique Could you wait a moment in the lounge?”
“Uh…… We don’t have a reservation, but Noona told us to call her when we came.”
“Thank you very much!”
The android pointed toward a luxurious waiting area at one end of the lobby.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Wow. august How much do you think all this costs?”
Following her directions, the two settled onto one of the sofas in the lounge.
However, neither of them seemed particularly accustomed to resting on such soft furniture, so their postures were somewhat stiff and uncomfortable.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Akina began talking nonstop, apparently to dispel that discomfort.
How much time had passed?
Ash merely nodded occasionally.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
She wore a cap pulled low over her forehead and a mask covering her face, leaving only her eyes visible.
Suddenly, Ash rose from his seat.
“Huh? abstract Mister, what’s wrong?”
Without paying attention to Akina’s puzzled question, Ash headed without hesitation toward a woman sitting alone at a nearby table.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
He stopped in front of her and activated his voice module.
However, Ash did not seem to attach any importance to it.
When she saw Ash approaching, the woman hurriedly put away the PDA she had been holding.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Huh? attic Y-yes?”
At that greeting, delivered in a deep voice, the woman flinched slightly.
“Good morning.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
But Ash paid it no attention.
At his courteous words, the woman nodded slightly.
“Forgive the interruption, but may I ask you a question?”
Her response was hesitant.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Why have you been moving closer to us?”
At that question, the woman was left speechless, as though her breath had been cut off.
“Ah, yes. abandon How can I help you……?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And there was only one reason he had decided to approach her precisely now.
In truth, Ash had sensed her gaze from the moment they entered the building.
Silently, but unmistakably, the distance between them had been shrinking.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
And when she returned, she sat right beside the sofa occupied by Ash and Akina.
Shortly afterward, she stood up again, apparently to dispose of her empty glass.
Then she ordered a drink and, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, moved to a sofa closer to them.
At first, that woman had been sitting in one of the most secluded corners of the lounge.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“It’s just that…… this seat is more comfortable for me……”
By that point, it could no longer be considered a mere coincidence.
It was an explanation that could hardly convince anyone.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Then he addressed Akina. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
“I see. agent Forgive the interruption.”
However, Ash nodded.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Miss Akina. altitude What do you say we change seats?”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
Then she cast a suspicious glance toward that highly suspicious woman.
Akina seemed to sense that something strange was happening and hurriedly stood up.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
However, just as both were about to leave,
A hurried voice stopped them.
“Wait a moment!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“Excuse me, are you the one appearing in this video?”
It was playing the video of Ash’s battle that Ifrit had posted a few days earlier.
When they turned around, they saw that the woman had quickly taken out her PDA and was showing them the screen.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
Then she rose from her seat and bowed her head before them.
At that, the woman let out a long sigh.
Ash nodded briefly.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. airport I’m truly very sorry.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
However, Ash immediately rejected her apology.
Her attitude was quite respectful.
“That will not be necessary.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
“I have already said that is enough.”
“What use would there be in listening to the words of someone who conceals her face?”
“Ah, I’m not covering my face for any bad reason……”
Although his words were courteous, his tone was cold.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The woman hesitated for a few moments and lowered her head.
At the same time, Akina’s eyes widened enormously in surprise.
Her black hair fell like a waterfall over her shoulders.
However, as though she had finally made a decision, she removed her mask and cap.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 18: Halloween Society by Indra Translations.
The true identity of that woman was the Idol who occupied first place in Halloween’s rankings.
Siren.
“……Eeeh?”
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