Chapter 26: Martial Arts
As a result, that bloodstained chamber had transformed into a training ground enveloped in a strange silence.
Two swordsmen stood facing each other.
Siren had immediately accepted the wager proposed by Ash.
In the center of the chamber filled with corpses.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Ifrit muttered involuntarily.
The situation was completely absurd.
The members of both teams withdrew to opposite ends of the chamber to watch the duel that was about to begin between the two swordsmen.
“……What the fuck is going on here?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Her gaze shifted toward Siren.
In contrast, Ash remained motionless, holding his Blade.
The woman was performing warm-up exercises with a smile of absolute happiness, as though she could not contain her excitement.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
To Ifrit, Ash was such a strange and peculiar humanoid that it was impossible to describe him with a single expression.
‘What the hell is he thinking?’
At most, he seemed to be observing his opponent.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At times, he behaved like a stubborn old man, rigid and incapable of accepting other opinions.
And, at the same time, there was something old-fashioned about him.
Sometimes he seemed more human than humans themselves.
How could she put it?
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was impossible to understand what went on inside his head.
That made him seem both like an obstinate researcher and a ruthless underworld mercenary.
But at other times, he made decisions far colder and more rational than anyone else’s.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A wager out of nowhere?
No, why the hell had he proposed a wager so suddenly?
And this time was no different.
A genuine walking contradiction, composed of characteristics completely incompatible with one another.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Before preparing for the duel, Ash had held a brief conversation with Ifrit. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
When he normally behaved like someone who would despise that sort of thing.
And that was not all.
To be precise, it had all begun with some advice she had given him out of concern.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— I know you’re strong, but be careful anyway. meadow After all, she’s number one in the rankings.
— Shit! harbor I’m telling you not to take her lightly.
— I appreciate your advice.
— I am not taking her lightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— Get away? meadow I suppose it possesses some special function.
— It’s a high-powered cooling system. atom Thanks to it, she can push her performance to the limit without overheating her Neuro Matrix.
— ……Haa. legend Then at least remember one thing. alpha See the tattoo on her arm? anchor If it starts glowing blue, get away immediately.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— I don’t know shit about ice martial arts or anything else. adjust What I do know is that when she activates that system, she can move at an insane speed. anchor That bitch can unleash ten sword slashes in a single second!
— Cooling? shadow Do you mean she uses ice martial arts?
— Interesting. acid Continue.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— Hmm.
— ……What the fuck are you talking about? meadow I bought them for Undine!
— For Siren?
— There’s not much more to say. alien Oh, it also contains all the combat data Undine accumulated during her lifetime. amateur She probably has some swordsmanship-related software installed. anxiety I bought her a few programs myself as gifts.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Finally, he murmured to himself.
After that brief conversation, Ash seemed lost in thought for a few moments.
— In that case, I shall have to modify my plans slightly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“What?”
She turned her head.
Jack O’Lantern’s voice abruptly pulled Ifrit from her thoughts.
“Noona, noona!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Who do you think is going to win?”
Akina suddenly interjected.
“Obviously Mister Ash!”
“……What?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Akina, Siren holds first place in the rankings. acoustic Do you think she got that position by winning a wager? antique Just watch her videos to understand that she’s absolutely insane. portal It’s true that Mister Ash is impressive, but if his opponent is Siren, then……”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Jack O’Lantern continued speaking in a way that made it difficult to determine whether he was trying to calm her down or add fuel to the fire.
“Yeah, I figured you’d say that. airport But could you calm down for a moment and listen to what I have to say?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
[I saw her fight in person a while ago. antenna We did a collaboration with Witchcraft. album Yeah. amateur That thing isn’t human. galaxy She’s a genuine monster, hahahahaha.]
[He’s at a bit of a disadvantage, isn’t he?]
Dullahan had also approached and joined the conversation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Akina, when we say someone isn’t human, we don’t mean they’re literally not a person……”
“Ha! timber Well, my Mister isn’t human either!”
[HAHAHA. zenith That’s true, you’re right, hahahaha.]
Akina gave a disdainful snort.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Agh! beacon Shut up already!”
At that reprimand, the two men immediately shut their mouths.
“Are you already discouraging us before we’ve even started? galaxy What’s wrong? meadow Are you members of Witchcraft now? adjust Then get your asses over to the other side!”
Ifrit exploded and struck both Dullahan and Jack O’Lantern on the head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Noona, you think Mister is going to win too, right? amateur Right?”
Akina, who had witnessed the entire scene, let out a cheerful laugh.
Then she pressed herself against Ifrit’s side and asked.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“I hope so.”
At that precise instant, the two figures standing face-to-face finally began to move.
Ifrit watched the girl for a few moments before stroking her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Rather than a movement intended to attack his opponent, it seemed like an ancient, ceremonial gesture through which he showed respect.
Then he rotated it once, tracing a circle in the air.
Ash was the first.
He silently raised his Blade until it was vertical.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At that completely unexpected formality, Siren’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“I am Ash Blade. alien I currently work as a mercenary for Team Elementary Girls. antique I shall use this sword to face you.”
“What was that? portal What did you just do?”
“……It is an opening stance. armor A way of showing respect toward your opponent.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“It does not matter.”
“Ah! alien And what do I do now……? absorb I don’t have anything like that……”
“No! abstract Of course it matters! acoustic This is my historic first duel with you, Ash! auction I must show you the proper respect too!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Then she swung her Blade in a wide arc, held it in a reverse grip, and positioned it in front of her chest while bowing her head deeply.
Apparently, she had greatly enjoyed that ancient ceremony of Ash’s.
Siren thought for a few moments.
Or perhaps she simply wanted to learn absolutely everything about him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren raised her head and spoke.
Although the gesture possessed a certain traditional elegance, the drones fluttering around her made it look more like an Idol’s final pose at the end of a performance.
“I am Siren, leader of Witchcraft. absorb I will also use this Blade to face you, Ash. voyage And besides……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Her black eyes began to shine.
“Especially that last attack in your video…… I want to master it and make it my own.”
That gleam soon transformed into obsession and madness. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“If I win, I want you to teach me your swordsmanship.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Ah, well, I…… Can’t I?”
Ash answered briefly.
“I did not say that.”
“You are too ambitious.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward, his voice module emitted a deep electronic sound.
“Credits.”
At that question, Ash remained silent for a few moments.
“T-Then! shadow What do you want, Ash?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren’s ceremonial stance faltered.
“Why are you so surprised? advance Is there anything more important than money?”
“What?”
“Uh…… Then, do you mean that if you win, I’ll have to give you money?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Exactly. wizard So tell me, how much would you be willing to pay?”
Siren was momentarily speechless.
“Uh…… How much do you need?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Well, I am not particularly knowledgeable about such matters. acid How does two million credits sound?”
It was a considerable amount for Ash, but relatively small for Siren.
Two million credits.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
At that moment, Akina, who was watching from quite a distance away, shouted.
“No! arcade Ask for more, Mister!”
A somewhat ambiguous figure.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
After that brief consultation, Ash immediately revised his proposal.
“Yes!”
“One million more?”
“One million more!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Does that seem acceptable to you?”
“Now that I think about it, I believe three million would be an appropriate amount.”
“……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren blinked a couple of times before immediately nodding.
Nothing more.
Credits mattered very little to her.
The only thing that truly mattered was that she would have the opportunity to cross swords with Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
As soon as she finished answering, bright lights flashed a couple of times in Siren’s eyes.
“Yes!”
“Excellent. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. aspect Then let us begin.”
“I’ll give them to you. ability There’s no problem.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
As though that had been a signal, all the drones fluttering around the two swordsmen began broadcasting the same announcement.
— 4!
— 5!
— Starting countdown!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
— 1!
— 2!
— 3!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren was the one who launched the first attack.
***
As that high-pitched beep echoed throughout the chamber, the two swordsmen, who had been staring intently at each other, moved at the same time.
— BEEEEEP!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
They were fierce and powerful attacks, worthy of the Idol who occupied first place in the Halloween rankings.
A succession of relentless blows that barely left time to breathe.
Clang, clang, clang!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
However, that was all.
‘A succession of powerful and flashy attacks.’
Ash was forced to retreat several steps while holding back her offensive.
Even amid that rain of attacks, Ash immediately understood that his suspicions had been correct.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Although his body was that of a humanoid constructed entirely from machinery, within his main core resided the consciousness of a martial artist who had devoted his entire life to the sword.
To him, a sword had never been a simple weapon.
Ash Blade.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
And sometimes, it had been like the King of the Underworld himself, subjecting him to endless trials on the boundary between life and death.
At others, his only companion along the path during an existence marked by relentless training.
At times, it had been his only way of communicating with the world.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Only by following that path of the sword could he truly become himself.
It had been a life in which he and his sword had become a single entity.
Even during his final years, when he had sold his soul to revenge and ended up destroying everything, the sword had always remained by his side.
Every breath and every step had to accompany the movements of the sword with a perfectly defined intention.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
True strength had to incorporate the principles of heaviness and power.
The problem began precisely there.
Powerful and flashy?
That was why, from Ash’s perspective, the swordsmanship Siren was displaying was extraordinarily crude.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
And if what one sought was a dazzling technique capable of adopting countless variations, then one had to concentrate on the principles of speed and illusion.
But Siren was not one of those people. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
Of course, an expert who had reached the realm of the Union of Man and Sword could freely employ all those principles as the situation demanded.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
She relied on the extraordinary power provided by her Cyberware and swung her sword by brute force, without any philosophy or understanding behind her movements.
Just then, Siren executed a horizontal slash.
Her movements were simply strong and flashy at the same time.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was probably the optimal point of impact calculated using Undine’s combat data and the Melee Combat Algorithm.
It was already the third time.
Her sword followed exactly the same trajectory as on the previous occasions, without deviating even a fraction.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was nothing more than a succession of movements dictated by data.
Just as he had expected.
But that was not a true path of the sword.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Ash addressed Siren, who continued swinging her sword without pause.
“Is that all you can do?”
“Heroine.”
His suspicions had been correct.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
She had activated her combat protocols and did not have sufficient processing resources to maintain a conversation at the same time.
Siren swung her sword again.
She could not answer.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
For some reason, Ash began to feel irritated.
Four completely identical attacks.
It was the same horizontal slash as before.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren’s Blade collided with it and was deflected in a completely unexpected direction.
He advanced half a step and turned his sword slightly.
“……!”
So he decided to stop blocking her attacks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
His sword slid forward like a snake and gently struck Siren’s shoulder with the back of the blade rather than its edge.
Tap.
And Ash did not waste that tiny opening.
Her stance collapsed in an instant.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
There was no significant impact.
“Ugh!”
However, the meaning of that light contact was perfectly clear.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
You had just died once.
But Ash did not pursue her.
Siren hurriedly retreated, startled.
He simply remained motionless, observing her in silence.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“What is wrong?”
“It seems this duel you were looking forward to so much is turning out quite differently from what you imagined.”
Ash continued.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Siren frowned and charged at him again.
“……Grr!”
This time, her attacks were even faster and sharper.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
A thrust came.
Ash deflected it.
The problem was that the trajectories of her sword remained exactly the same.
A diagonal slash came.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
He deflected one.
He also deflected a descending vertical slash, a low cut aimed at his legs, and three consecutive thrusts seeking to penetrate his defense from unexpected angles.
Ash deflected it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
As though that were not enough, Ash took a step toward Siren just as her stance momentarily became unstable.
And yet another.
Then another.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
A single step.
That was enough to completely disrupt her center of gravity and send Siren falling onto her backside.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“Hmm.”
“……Huh? ability Why did I……?”
Although she had ended up on the ground, Siren remained there for quite some time with a dazed expression, unable to understand what had just happened.
Ash looked down at her and let out an electronic sigh.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
However, Ash was not finished yet.
Those words brought all of Siren’s thoughts to a halt.
“This is a little disappointing.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
But to Siren, who was looking up at him from below, it was completely different.
Naturally, Ash had no facial expression that could be interpreted.
“I know this may seem like a discourteous question, but do you truly wish to learn the art of the sword?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Then she shouted in a voice that seemed on the verge of tears.
“W-Wait! absorb Wait a moment, Ash!”
Siren hurriedly stood up and gripped her sword again.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
After all, Ash had been extraordinarily impressive in that video.
“We’re not…… we’re not finished yet! Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. action I-I’ll show you my true power……!”
In truth, Siren had anticipated that there would be a certain difference in skill between them.
However, part of her had also thought that perhaps she could give him a fairly even match.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
That was who she was.
The most powerful Idol, who had never suffered a defeat regardless of who her opponent was.
Because she was number one in the Halloween rankings.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
But one only had to look at the current situation.
A difference in skill?
Siren.
Moreover, she had enormous confidence in her own swordsmanship.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
This went far beyond something so simple.
Like a little girl standing before a gigantic mountain, she felt that an unfathomable and insurmountable abyss existed between them.
And then, suddenly, she understood something.
She did not even have any idea what she should do.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
‘Ash……’
A terrifying truth of which she had not been aware until that moment.
Both hands with which Siren held her sword began to tremble.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was true.
While Siren swung her sword like a madwoman, he had simply blocked, deflected, or redirected all her movements.
Ash had not launched a single attack.
‘He hasn’t even swung his sword once to attack me.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
However, at the same time, that word Ash had spoken, ‘disappointing’, weighed upon her entire body.
‘Is there really that much difference between us? crystal That much?’
She had been dancing with all her strength, while her opponent seemed capable of containing everything using barely a finger.
From the depths of her heart, an ever-growing admiration began to well up.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
“One more time! shadow Can I try just one more time?!”
A brief movement of his head.
Faced with Siren, who was practically screaming, Ash nodded slowly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
It was his permission.
A faint hope appeared on Siren’s face.
She could not allow it to end like this.
‘I have to use all my power.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Then, a chilling blue light began flowing along the wavy tattoo on her right arm.
‘All my power!’
At that instant, her black eyes began to shine.
She could not leave after having caused him such disappointment.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Whooosh!
A cloud of coolant vapor erupted from her body and completely enveloped her in an instant.
A high-pitched sound announced the activation of her high-powered cooling system.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 26: Martial Arts by Indra Translations.
Amid that thick vapor, resembling a dense sea fog that obscured vision, only her blue-illuminated arm continued glowing like a will-o’-the-wisp.
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