Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3
It was the signal that optimization had finished.
The Data Pads scattered around Ash.
Seeing this, Ash, who had been sitting cross-legged, slowly stood up and began disconnecting the cables attached to different parts of his body.
They all simultaneously emitted a green light.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Without a doubt, it was a cutting-edge product.
The connection ports on his new jet-black torso closed one after another with faint clicks.
It even had exterior plates that covered the connection ports.
Its level of sophistication was incomparable to that of his old torso.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Akina, who was asleep, stirred slightly upon hearing those sounds.
She was resting on an improvised bed in a corner of the workshop.
“Uuuh……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Ash stepped down from the modification platform, making as little noise as possible. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
“……”
Unlike before, his new legs were perfectly balanced and supported his body with absolute stability.
She had devoted an entire day and a half, and even a little more, to performing the modifications, so she must have ended up completely exhausted.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Therefore, he wanted to take advantage of that opportunity to check his new capabilities.
Only one day remained until the date they had agreed upon with Ifrit.
After watching Akina, who continued sleeping, for a few moments, he headed toward the backyard of Santa’s Rest Stop to give his new body a brief test.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Excellent.”
The cold air brushed against his steel skin.
Or perhaps dawn had already begun to break.
It was midnight.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
All his movements flowed with absolute naturalness.
Then he drew the steel sword he always carried with him, as though it were part of his own body.
Ash let out a brief exclamation, apparently pleased by that refreshing coolness.
It was an experience that never ceased to amaze him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
In fact, he even felt lighter and more agile than before.
Although he had replaced his torso and right leg, he did not experience the slightest sense of unfamiliarity.
It was probably due to Akina’s extraordinary skill and the forced synchronization Ash had achieved through the Neuro Heart Technique.
Everything felt as natural and fluid as though that had been his body from the beginning.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Although it was somewhat absurd to speak of such a transformation when he possessed a mechanical body, was there really a more appropriate comparison to describe what he felt?
Ash let out a brief chuckle.
It reminded him of the sensation someone would probably experience after undergoing a complete transformation of their bones and tendons.
That left Ash slightly bewildered.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Electrical energy began circulating powerfully through the new matrix of his artificial neural network, as though a torrent were rushing through his circuits.
“……To be precise, I suppose I should call it a partial transformation.”
“Oh?”
He straightened his sword blade and began using the Neuro Heart Technique.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
That probably meant the new artificial neural network was much more resistant.
First, sparks no longer flew from his joints.
He immediately noticed several differences.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The second difference was his maximum energy capacity.
Furthermore, that strange resistance he usually experienced whenever he attempted to increase his power had disappeared.
Since electrical leakage no longer occurred, energy efficiency had increased.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
And the third was, of course, the intervention of KERS.
The new torso functioned as an incomparably larger electricity reserve than the previous one.
[K.E.R.S. alpha ACTIVATED]
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
That new technology constantly recovered energy in response to each of his movements.
[ENERGY RECOVERY READY]
A series of characters appeared in a corner of his field of vision, announcing the activation of the KERS system.
It was evident that it would extraordinarily increase his ability to sustain prolonged battles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The sword techniques embodying Kunlun’s profound mastery began to unfold in his hands.
Ash’s optical sensors glowed as he began swinging his sword with greater intensity.
His movements were elegant and fluid, but they could also transform into a storm of attacks that followed one another without interruption.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The more intense his movements became, the higher the energy recovery rate of the KERS system rose.
At times, he employed the principles of Dragon Form Step and Flying Dragon Shrinks the Earth to move swiftly from one end of the courtyard to the other.
During his first expedition, even executing a single technique could consume a considerable amount of electricity.
[ENERGY RECOVERY RATE: 53%]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The electronic exclamation that involuntarily escaped his voice module expressed his feelings with absolute sincerity.
However, things were completely different now.
That awakened a strange feeling of excitement in Ash.
“Marvelous!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
A limited reserve of electricity.
From the moment he awakened inside that steel body, Ash had not managed to free himself for even an instant from the pressure represented by energy consumption.
It was a sensation completely different from anything he had experienced until then.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
He always had to prioritize maximum efficiency and reduce his movements to a minimum.
It was like an invisible shackle restricting his every action.
He had to carefully consider even the execution of a single technique.
And using consecutive combinations of sword attacks was something he could not even dream of.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
But now everything had changed.
Ash adjusted his grip on the hilt.
The abundant energy reserve and the support of the KERS system provided him with an extraordinary sense of freedom.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
His jumping ability was so extraordinary that he managed to reach the height of the rooftop of Santa’s Rest Stop with a single leap.
And then, using the principles of Cloud Sea Flying Shadow, he soared into the sky.
His turquoise optical sensors shone more intensely than ever. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
His figure ascended through the air in a spiral.
Then he twisted his waist and swung his sword.
It was a lightness movement technique reinforced through the Neuro Heart Technique, something he would not even have dared to attempt before.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
But his technique did not end with a single attack.
His body seemed to stop for an instant while he remained suspended in the air.
Following that movement, the Gore-Tex coat he wore billowed like a pair of wings.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
A humanoid performing a sword dance in the middle of a deserted courtyard at night.
A combination of consecutive attacks that pierced through the void.
Immediately afterward, three sword attacks erupted simultaneously.
More than a simple sword technique, it resembled a genuine dance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The energy recovery efficiency of the KERS system increased sharply.
[ENERGY RECOVERY RATE: 82%]
Although it could simply be described as a demonstration of skill performed by a steel body, that scene possessed an elegance and depth difficult to express in words.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Just as they had explained to him, the greater the intensity of his movements, the higher the recovery rate became.
Finally, when Ash stopped his combination of attacks, the total energy consumption had not even reached 2%.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Compared to his previous body, that represented efficiency several dozen times greater.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
He made not the slightest sound.
“……Hahaha.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Ash landed on the courtyard floor.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
A sensation resembling the awakening of the martial artist’s instincts he had temporarily forgotten.
It was an intense, almost intoxicating joy, as though he had just recovered something he had lost long ago.
With those capabilities, he felt he could overcome any danger he encountered during the Nexus recovery operation.
Ash experienced something that went far beyond simple satisfaction.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
However, at that precise instant, the imposing energy enveloping him like a storm dissipated completely.
The girl named ‘Nangrang’.
Suddenly, something had returned to his memory.
He was about to tighten his grip on his sword hilt once more to enjoy that sensation a little longer.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
What had that recording been?
How did he know that name?
Who was Nangrang?
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The message [ERROR CODE: 88X1_FRGMNT] appeared repeatedly, and he could not even play back that recording.
And, above all, why did he feel that strange tightness deep within his chest every time he remembered it?
However, it was useless.
Ash lowered his sword for a few moments and accessed his main core system to examine his memory storage device.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Barely more than a day remained until the Nexus recovery operation.
He made a conscious effort to push those thoughts away from his main core.
Ash reflected for a few moments, but finally shook his head.
‘What a strange situation.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
If he allowed those unanswered questions to prevent him from preparing properly, the consequences could be terrible.
Ash firmly gripped his steel sword once more.
‘All things have their priorities. harbor For now, I must concentrate on preparing for the expedition.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The nighttime dance continued.
And the image of that girl with the red smile slowly began to fade.
Then he swung it forcefully, as though intending to drive away all those unnecessary thoughts through his sword techniques.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
They say the first time is never the same as the second.
The following day.
***
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Their first expedition as Pathfinders had provided them with more than just credits.
Even though it was still very early, the place was packed with people.
However, unlike the previous occasion, neither of them stopped to observe their surroundings.
Ash and Akina arrived at the Central Hub.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Both made their way through the crowd of Pathfinders with considerably more practiced steps until they reached the access gate.
It had also given them some experience, although it was still limited.
— Akina Greenwood. meadow Ash Blade. harbor Correct?
TIMEMAN continued speaking in his usual mechanical tone.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Ah! alien There she is! adjust Noona!”
The sound of music grew increasingly louder, so it seemed obvious that they were heading in the right direction.
After passing through the gate, they headed toward the Pit Stop reserved exclusively for Halloween Entertainment, instead of the hangar where the limousines were waiting.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
— Oh! avalanche You’re here already!
Ifrit, wearing her usual extravagant outfit, turned her head toward them.
Akina waved a hand.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Dullahan, who was beside her, also raised a hand in greeting.
[Hello]
She greeted them with the luminous heart in her eye glowing cheerfully.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Ifrit whistled as she pointed toward Akina’s bulletproof tactical vest.
“Well, brat. apple Looks like you got yourself some good equipment, huh?”
A brief message appeared on his visor before disappearing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Her gaze naturally shifted toward Ash.
“Of course! admire Now I’m a real Pathfinder too!”
Unlike Akina, his appearance had not changed very much.
“Good. atlas Very good.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“As for you……”
That was all.
A steel sword and a black exploration suit.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Just so you know, if you need to recharge your energy, do it here. ability Don’t go connecting cables to someone else’s body again.”
“I see you’ve gotten yourself a proper upgrade, huh?” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
However, since he had replaced his torso, it could not be said that there was no difference at all.
“I merely made the necessary preparations.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
— Ah! palette Noona! apron I told you not to hit it like that! aluminum I just got it!
Apparently, that would be the vehicle they would travel in during the expedition.
As she spoke, Ifrit tapped the armored vehicle parked behind her a couple of times.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
At those words, the rear hatch of the armored vehicle opened with a heavy noise.
The vehicle spoke.
A young man emerged from inside.
“Shut up and get out here already to introduce yourself. silence You’re participating with us as a support member.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
A helmet shaped like a ripe pumpkin.
He was slender and wore a leather jacket.
The eyes and grotesque mouth drawn on the helmet glowed with orange LED lights.
However, there was something that attracted far more attention than his clothing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
After that brief pause, he spoke in a deep voice that did not seem to match his youthful appearance.
The young man emerged grumbling, but his gaze stopped on Akina.
“Ah, seriously! amber Why do I have to go around introducing myself……?”
Then he fell silent for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Dullahan, who had silently approached his side, struck him on the back of the head.
“Hello. afford My name is Jack O’Lantern. echo I’m an Assault from ROA. galaxy By the way, how old are you? album You’re really pretty. arcade Are you training to become an Idol? artist Do you have a boyfriend? harbor Because if you don’t……”
The pumpkin helmet rocked back and forth.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Agh!”
[Sorry. acquire This guy’s half crazy. aluminum Please bear with him.]
“Ah! antenna I told you not to hit me on the head!”
At that moment, Ifrit, who had also approached, kicked him in the leg joint.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“I told you to introduce yourself! august When did I tell you to start flirting?”
“What did you just call an Idol as pretty and adorable as me? alert A weapon?”
“Ah, wait! Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. shadow That really hurts! album You hit the bone! antenna Don’t you know your body’s practically a weapon, noona?!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
They continued hitting him for a while.
“Adorable? auction Not even in your dreams! antique At this point, you’re practically a washed-up Idol……! galaxy Agh! atlas I’m telling you, it really hurts!”
Meanwhile, Ash spoke.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Without anyone noticing, he had wrapped one of his arms around Akina’s shoulders.
“Hmm? afford Yes?”
“Miss Akina.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Why?”
“It would be better if you did not get too close to that young hero with the pumpkin head.”
“……He is someone we have only just met, is he not? amber We must never let our guard down around strangers.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“What is it?”
“Okay. avalanche But, Mister……”
“What does flirting mean?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
Ash did not answer.
— Happy! canvas Halloween! amateur Attention, all Idols at the Pit Stop!
While that little scene unfolded, the thunderous music filling Halloween’s Pit Stop gradually began to diminish.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
It was a familiar voice.
Dullahan and Ifrit, who were still hitting Jack O’Lantern, stopped.
Chatterbox, Halloween Society’s most prominent DJ.
— The biggest festival in Sanctum, the one you’ve all been eagerly waiting for! legend Halloween Festival is about to begin! attic All Idols planning to participate should finish their preparations as soon as possible!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
In the background, montages of spectacular combat scenes featuring the company’s Idols began playing.
The enormous inscription ‘HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL’ appeared projected throughout the Pit Stop.
As he spoke those words, all the surrounding screens changed to display eye-catching posters.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
— This time, we’re going to disguise the recovery operation as a festival. armor If most of the Idols suddenly head to the same place, it’s obvious that the other Societies will start getting suspicious.
Ifrit had already explained the plan to them.
Although the change had been sudden, Ash and Akina were not surprised.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
From the perspective of the other Societies, everything would appear to be a completely ordinary ‘festival’.
Originally, Halloween Festival was the name given to large-scale expeditions in which numerous Idols gathered in a particular area to produce different types of content.
That included Grotesque hunts, punishment missions, and snuff recordings, among other things.
The current expedition would take advantage of precisely that custom.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
— Very well! arena With all preparations now complete, I ask the participating Idols to depart immediately for their assigned locations! athlete Shall we all shout it together? alpha Happy! avalanche Halloween!
However, in reality, it was a major secret operation intended to secure the Nexus Port whose existence was known only to Halloween.
As soon as Chatterbox’s announcement ended, the Pathfinders preparing in the nearby Pit Stops erupted into cheers.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
And the entire place was enveloped in an atmosphere of celebration.
Then they began hurrying toward their respective vehicles.
The music that made the air vibrate grew even louder.
Ifrit clapped her hands loudly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Let’s go!”
“Good! riddle Let’s enjoy the festival! anchor We need to get going too!”
[LET’S GOOOOOO!]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
“Miss Akina. antique We should go as well.”
Shortly afterward.
“Yes!”
Following the other three, who continued shouting cheerfully, Ash and Akina also boarded the armored vehicle.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 22: UPGRADE COMPLETE! 3 by Indra Translations.
The armored vehicle, with its five occupants aboard, departed from the Central Hub amid the powerful roar of its engine.
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