Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream
On the way to the Nexus Port, after passing through the underground chamber.
“They looked like they’d just swallowed a pile of shit!”
The five Pathfinders advanced through the dark ruins, surrounded by lively conversation that seemed completely out of place.
“Hahahaha! album Did you see the looks on their faces?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Although, since Dullahan communicated through text messages instead of speaking, Jack O’Lantern ended up being the loudest.
The ones doing most of the talking were Jack O’Lantern and Dullahan.
[Literally, hahahaha. sphere They told us to turn off the broadcast! apron Hahahaha. artist Would you have turned it off? adjust Hahahaha.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
The little girl looked at them reproachfully.
Akina also joined in from time to time.
“Hmph! athlete You didn’t believe me at first!”
However, he was not the only one participating in the conversation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
However, upon seeing Ash standing right beside her, he did not even dare extend his hand.
Faced with Akina’s accusations, Jack O’Lantern hurriedly tried to cover her mouth.
“What was it you said? All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com afford That he was at a disadvantage? anchor Who was at a disadvantage?! abandon I told you my Mister was super strong! absorb But you didn’t believe me even a little, and now you come along saying……!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
[Sorry.]
Seeing how the two men immediately shrank back, Akina smiled triumphantly.
“Ah, hahaha…… Well, the thing is……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
At Ifrit’s sudden reprimand, the three closed their mouths.
“Argh, what a racket! voyage Have you completely forgotten to watch our surroundings? afford The exploration isn’t over yet! aluminum Concentrate!”
Anyone who saw her would have thought she had been the one who participated in the duel and emerged victorious.
But that lasted only a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
As though nothing had happened, they gathered together again and began whispering about the duel from earlier.
Naturally, the confrontation had ended with Ash’s victory.
The impact sent her flying through the air, and she ended up losing consciousness.
Siren had begun running out of strength and, eventually, failed to completely block one of Ash’s attacks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
All of that had happened barely thirty minutes earlier.
Thus ended the brief confrontation, and Team Elementary Girls resumed their exploration.
However, judging by the smile she retained even after suffering such a crushing defeat, that duel must have been extraordinarily memorable for her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Leave them be, heroine. advance It will be enough for me to pay a little more attention to our surroundings.”
She let out a sigh.
Ash addressed Ifrit, who was about to reprimand them again.
After all, if Ash, who was capable of detecting threats even before Dullahan, who specialized in reconnaissance, said something like that, she did not have much to object to.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
They continued walking for a few moments.
Then Ifrit suddenly addressed Ash.
“I am listening.”
“Hey, Ash.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Can I ask you something?”
When his turquoise optical sensors settled on her face, Ifrit involuntarily flinched.
Ash turned his head toward her.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Ask.”
That monster had effortlessly crushed the number-one Idol in the Halloween rankings.
She, too, had not completely recovered from the impression the duel had left on her.
And, for some reason, feeling the gaze of such a monster upon her was extraordinarily intimidating.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Ifrit took a deep breath for a few moments.
Then, making an effort to ignore that strange pressure, she asked her question.
It was a fairly simple question.
“Why the hell did you propose that wager-based duel?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
However, surprisingly, Ash lowered his head upon hearing it.
“What? armor Why are you suddenly saying that?”
“I owe you an apology.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“We lost quite a bit of time because of me, did we not?”
“No. matrix I didn’t ask because I wanted an apology. auction I’m genuinely curious. meadow From what I know of you, though it’s not like I know you all that well, you don’t seem like someone who would do something like that. arcade Isn’t Akina supposed to be the one who gets money out of people?”
Ash let out a deep laugh.
Ifrit looked at him in bewilderment before shaking her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“……The reason, you ask?”
“You are undoubtedly correct. august You possess extraordinary perception, heroine.”
“Thanks for the compliment. armor But seriously, what was the real reason?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Don’t tell me…… Was it because of me?”
Ifrit made such a strange expression that even the LED heart in her eye seemed to become distorted.
“Well, now that I think about it, I believe I was a little angry.”
After a brief pause, Ash continued.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Ash stared at her.
“Heroine.”
“……And why have you suddenly become the subject of this conversation?”
“Well, you know. apple Aren’t you saying you got angry because that bitch Siren started provoking me?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“You think too highly of yourself.” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“What? matrix What is it?”
Ifrit’s face turned red.
“You could just say no! album You always find an elegant way to make fun of me. arctic Anyway, has your anger passed?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Or at least that was what she thought.
“Completely.”
To Ifrit, that conversation was over.
“Well, of course. alert Three million credits practically fell out of the sky for you. afford With that much money, anyone would stop being angry.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
But Ash was not finished.
“About that arm.”
His next words made her stop.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“……Huh?”
He asked with absolute calmness, as though he merely wanted to know whether she had eaten yet.
“If you ever manage to recover it, what do you intend to do with it? artist Do you intend to install it on your own body?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
However, Ifrit could not answer immediately.
“I see.”
“……I don’t know. wizard I’ve never thought about it. shadow There’s no guarantee that bitch will return it, either. canvas I’m always insulting her and demanding that she hand it over immediately, but honestly, I wouldn’t return it either if I were in her place. adjust Do you know how much that thing costs?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
He simply added in a low voice.
Ash asked no further questions.
“Then it would be wise for you to start thinking about it.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
And with that, the conversation ended.
“……What?”
Ash turned his head away, as though he had nothing more to say.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Concentrate!”
Then she clapped her hands and took out her Data Pad.
Ifrit pondered those enigmatic words for a few moments before shaking her head a couple of times.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“We’re almost there. academy We’re literally just a few steps away, so concentrate.”
A holographic map appeared above its surface, showing the coordinates where an unknown Idol had died.
At her instructions, the three who had been chatting immediately separated.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Dullahan took the lead.
Akina positioned herself in the center.
It was the reconnaissance formation they had agreed upon from the beginning.
And Jack O’Lantern took up the rear.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
***
In that manner, the five Pathfinders continued advancing toward the depths of the ruins.
The numerous threats lurking in the depths of the ruins tormented the Pathfinders in different ways.
Their journey was far from peaceful.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Bloody Heart Mk.7.
Many things happened in a relatively short period.
Since they were at an awkward distance to reach with his sword, Ash used his ranged weapon for the first time.
While they were passing through a narrow corridor, the ceiling panels suddenly opened, and dozens of turrets appeared simultaneously.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
It was said that all the paths and principles of the universe ultimately converged into one.
His marksmanship proved surprisingly disastrous.
He was so incredibly bad at shooting that, even in the middle of that emergency, Ifrit could not contain her laughter.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
It was a group of Idols who had arrived from another direction.
After passing through an alleyway filled with traps, they encountered other Pathfinders.
However, apparently, that convergence of all arts did not include the use of firearms.
“Hello, motherfuckers! echo We are the Sha!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“I!”
“Uh, wait a moment. antenna Isn’t that humanoid over there Ash?”
“S!”
“Ning!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Ash? auction The one who had a duel against Siren?”
Apparently, they had seen some clips of the duel between Ash and Siren.
The group members began exchanging nervous glances as they awkwardly backed away.
The male Idol group Shining Stars, dressed in extraordinarily flashy outfits, immediately abandoned their arrogant attitude and lowered their heads.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Excuse me, I’m a huge fan of yours…… Could you give me an autograph?”
Then the one who had shouted the first syllable of their name took a hesitant step forward.
“A fan? atom Did you not just call us motherfuckers?”
“That was because I didn’t recognize you! palette I’m terribly sorry!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Then he shrugged and began moving his fingers rapidly. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
The man respectfully bowed his head and hurriedly took out a Data Pad, which he extended toward Ash.
Ash alternated his gaze between the device and the man.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Done.”
[(Ash Blade) 哀是 不來異刀]
Elegant, vigorous strokes appeared on the holographic surface of the Data Pad, written in calligraphy so fluid that it was difficult to believe they had come from a mechanical hand.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
They were strange characters he could not recognize.
The man stared at the result with an expression of absolute bewilderment.
“Thank you very mu…… Huh?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Excuse me, what does this mean……?”
“It is my name.”
The members of Shining Stars remained motionless for quite some time, staring at the Data Pad containing that strange signature.
Ash answered indifferently and turned around.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
However, incidents both large and small continued occurring throughout the rest of their expedition.
They destroyed Sentinels.
They encountered traps.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
How much time had passed?
And, from time to time, they also ran into other Idols.
Finally, they arrived at the place they had seen in the PDA video.
“……Have we arrived?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
The floor was covered in thick layers of dust, while enormous stone columns rose all the way to the ceiling.
That place resembled the altar of a gigantic temple.
And in the center of that altar…… This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
The entire space was imbued with a strange sense of sanctity that not even the passage of countless years had managed to conceal.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Ifrit’s eyes lit up.
There, floating in the air, was the diamond-shaped golden crystal they had been searching for.
“Nexus Port……!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Only one thing truly mattered.
Although it was filled with complex structures, that chamber was considerably larger than the one where they had confronted Witchcraft.
However, to Ifrit, the size of the place was completely unimportant.
After confirming that it really was the Nexus Port, she hurriedly began examining their surroundings.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
There was no one else there besides them.
At her joyful exclamation, Jack O’Lantern and Dullahan raised their arms toward the sky.
“Ha, hahahaha! antique I couldn’t believe it, but we really did it!”
“Perfect!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
From that instant onward, the three began moving frantically.
“Hello, my dear Ifritis! beacon Did you wait long? alert Oh, don’t be like that! adapt We’ve prepared an enormous gift to make it up to you!”
“Jack! anxiety Start the broadcast! alert Let’s show everyone the moment of our discovery!”
[Wow, hahahaha. attic I can’t believe it worked! acid Hahahaha.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Akina was about to perform a Deep Dive.
Meanwhile, Jack O’Lantern began gathering metal plates and other materials scattered throughout the ruins, carrying them to the center of the chamber.
Ifrit blew a kiss toward the broadcasting drone as she chatted animatedly with her viewers.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Tssss!
That was why they were constructing an improvised barricade in preparation.
And that meant the Sentinels would almost certainly launch a counterattack.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
As his hands moved, the molten metal filled the gaps between the plates.
Amid all that activity, Ash’s gaze remained fixed on a single place.
An intense light emerged from Dullahan’s fingers, accompanied by sparks from a welding torch.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
From the moment they had entered that chamber, the girl had not taken her eyes off the Nexus Port.
The Technomancer who would soon perform the Deep Dive.
Akina.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Ash silently approached and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Akina flinched and turned her head.
She was biting her nails, as though she were uneasy or nervous.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
The girl shook her head.
“……Mister.”
“Are you very nervous?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
However, Ash did not point out that contradiction.
Her halting voice and trembling hands completely contradicted her words.
“Hehehe! galaxy Of course not! artist Have you forgotten who I am? antique I’m a genius Technomancer! acid S-Something like this is…… a piece of cake!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Instead, he knelt on one knee to bring himself to her eye level.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“You are absolutely right. crystal Miss Akina, you are the most extraordinary Technomancer I have ever known. atom I can assure you of that with absolute confidence.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“I am also including all those I shall meet in the future.”
Ash let out a deep laugh and gently took the hand the girl had been biting.
“……But aren’t I the only Technomancer you know, Mister?” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
The small tremors in her hands gradually began to disappear.
Had those words helped her?
The same happened with her blue eyes, which until then had been filled with unease.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Ash remained silent for a few moments.
“Mister, listen…… Could you say those words from before to me one more time?”
“Which words do you wish to hear?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
He soon understood exactly which words the girl wanted to hear.
Then he recalled the events of their first expedition.
“Go and come back. action I shall be here the entire time.”
And he repeated them without changing a single one.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Meanwhile, the sounds of welding stopped.
At that firm promise, a faint smile finally appeared on Akina’s face.
“……Do you promise you’ll keep those words?”
“I promise I shall keep them without fail.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Miss Akina, are you ready?”
Jack and Dullahan had finished their work and were now watching them while nodding their heads.
Ash addressed the girl.
Ifrit, who had been chatting animatedly with her viewers in front of the drone, also turned toward them and nodded.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
After all, the entire journey they had undertaken up to that moment had served a single purpose.
She no longer hesitated.
Instead of answering, Akina nodded, just as the others had done.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Akina took a deep breath and began walking toward the enormous altar.
Toward the Nexus Port, which shone with golden light.
To bring her to the Nexus Port.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Then she connected her head to the Nexus Port through a cable.
For a brief instant, her eyes met Ash’s.
When she finally reached it, she gathered her hair and tied it into a single ponytail without hesitation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“We shall see each other in a little while.”
So she gave him a smile filled with determination.
“See you in a little while.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
Akina closed her eyes and allowed her consciousness to flow into Cyberspace, an ocean of information whose immensity no ordinary human being could even imagine.
The girl’s small body slowly began rising into the air.
Shortly afterward, a kind of bluish mist began swirling around her.
That was their entire farewell.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
The entire ruins began to tremble.
No.
At the same time the Deep Dive began, the entire altar started vibrating slightly.
RUMBLEEEEE!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
An emotionless mechanical voice echoed throughout the chamber.
— Warning. sphere An unauthorized connection to the system by a biological entity has been detected. acoustic The unauthorized entity must immediately terminate the connection and cease all functions. crystal In the event of noncompliance.
The red warning lights that had remained inactive at different points along the walls lit up simultaneously, bathing the entire place in red.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 28: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream by Indra Translations.
“Get ready!”
The four Pathfinders surrounding Akina tightened their grips on their respective weapons.
It was a declaration announcing the bloody battle that was about to begin.
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