Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6

Originally, Sword Qi was the crystallization of internal energy.

The greater a practitioner’s martial mastery, the more intense its color became.

And the more concentrated that energy was at a single point on the blade, the greater its power was considered to be.

Sword Qi.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

However, the blue lightning enveloping Ash’s sword at that moment was something completely different.

The essence of perfectly controlled force.

That was Sword Qi.

Far from being refined or concentrated, it continued scattering blue electrical discharges in every direction, like a furious thunder dragon moving as it pleased.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Black scorch marks began appearing on the chamber’s floor and walls.

This was not a refined force.

Wherever the arc discharges passed, the air emitted strange sounds of combustion.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

[WARNING!]

[POWER LEVEL: 71%… 68%…]

Was this what it felt like to hold a bolt of lightning from the heavens between one’s hands?

Rather, it seemed as though Ash had merely managed to temporarily seize the reins of an uncontrollable power.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

[NEURAL MATRIX STABILITY: 21%]

‘It is not easy to control.’

[CORE TEMPERATURE RISING…]

System warning messages appeared one after another.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Even his Main Core, responsible for processing all that information, was so hot that it seemed about to melt.

His battery was draining in real time, and his artificial neural networks seemed to be screaming in pain.

Simply keeping Plasma Sword Qi active was already pushing his systems to the brink of overload.

However, Ash was satisfied.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

He had managed to incorporate, even if only partially, the principles of the martial world he knew.

Therefore, that was enough.

And, furthermore, the destructive power of that technique seemed extraordinary.

After all, he had never expected the path to be easy.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Then, here I come.”

It was a charge of extraordinary speed that incorporated the principles of Flying Dragon Shrinks the Earth.

Ash’s figure, enveloped in blue flashes, charged toward the bodyguard.

At least to deal with that arrogant “bodyguard.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

He was determined to resist desperately.

However.

CRAAACK!

The bodyguard attempted to suppress the unsettling sense of danger beginning to rise within him as he prepared to receive that blue lightning.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

The cutting force of Plasma Sword Qi had torn apart everything composed of electricity and energy.

A single collision.

That single impact was enough to shatter the protective field that had defended the bodyguard’s body until then. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Horrified by that unexpected result, the bodyguard hurriedly retreated.

His golden optical sensor flickered unsteadily.

— ……!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Without even having time to dodge, the bodyguard was forced to defend himself.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

However, Ash was not an opponent he could escape simply by retreating.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

All that could be distinguished was blue lightning.

The steel Blade was enveloped in blue lightning.

He gripped his single-edged sword with both hands and received the succession of attacks descending upon him.

Every movement left behind afterimages of that color, accompanied by even more intense arc discharges that obscured his vision.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

CRACKLE! abstract CRACKLE!

With each impact, new sparks erupted from different parts of his structure, and his internal systems became increasingly unstable.

Every time the swords collided, electrical discharges traveled along the bodyguard’s blade and penetrated his body.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

The bodyguard quickly withdrew his sword, but his hands had already lost much of their sensitivity, as though they were paralyzed.

Blocking those attacks had practically ceased to have any meaning.

— Th-This……!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Ash did not waste that opportunity.

Then it began producing numerous blurred afterimages.

The steel Blade, imbued with Plasma Sword Qi, vibrated slightly for an instant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

It looked much more like a storm cloud charged with lightning.

The illusory sword art, whose movements were already unpredictable by nature, was now reinforced with the destructive power of Plasma Sword Qi.

Taiqing Dragon Form Sword unfolded at close range, spreading like a cloud.

However, it no longer resembled a simple cloud of mist.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

KRAKOOOM!

Its presence was so overwhelming that it seemed as though a thunder dragon had descended from the heavens.

The bodyguard could only stare, completely stunned, at that cloud of blue lightning about to devour him.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

His silk garments were charred in numerous places.

Even the single-edged sword he had desperately managed to raise ended up breaking from the impact and fell to the ground.

Amid that discharge, which turned his optical sensors white, the bodyguard’s left arm was completely torn off at the shoulder.

A bolt of lightning struck.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

— ……Kgh!

After losing an arm and his sword simultaneously, the bodyguard was unable to maintain his balance and fell to his knees.

The burned remnants clung to different parts of his body like soot stains.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

‘I cannot die like this. zenith Not this way!’

Amid that desperate situation, the bodyguard thought.

‘……No.’

His golden optical sensor stared incredulously at the blue lightning enveloping Ash’s sword. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

— He…… Hehehe……

The bodyguard raised his head.

Then he addressed Ash, who was looking down at him.

He still had to fulfill his mission.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

— Your…… sword…… is different…… from any…… other I know.

— Extra……ordinary! armor A truly…… impressive…… ability!

From his deteriorated voice module came words that could be interpreted as either praise or an exclamation of admiration.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

He simply remained watching him in silence.

Ash did not respond.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Then, at a certain moment……

Then he began speaking about something seemingly unrelated to the situation.

Ash slowly knelt on one knee to bring himself to the bodyguard’s level.

— That…… power…… what is it?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

— ……?

“They were individuals who considered their own lives as insignificant as those of flies.”

“The enemies I faced in the past, those known as Martial Demons……”

His electronic voice echoed softly throughout the silent chamber.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

— ……

The bodyguard ended up asking involuntarily.

“They were not easy opponents. timber They were willing to sacrifice their lives without the slightest hesitation, so it was practically impossible to anticipate their next movements.”

“However, they all shared a certain characteristic.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Before dying, they attempted to take their enemies with them, even if they had to destroy themselves to do so.”

— What…… was it?

Ash’s turquoise optical sensors flashed with a chilling light.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Then he gently placed them against the center of the bodyguard’s chest armor.

“Did you truly think I would not notice that you were trying to buy time with all those useless words?”

Ash extended the index and middle fingers of his left hand, forming a Sword Finger.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Once inside, it rapidly expanded and precisely deactivated the power source that was building up an overload.

CRACKLE!

The faint dark-red glow beginning to emerge from within the bodyguard faded away to no avail.

A concentrated current of neural energy emerged from his fingers and penetrated the bodyguard’s body like a needle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

It was another of Ash’s techniques, developed thanks to Electric-Qi Sense, which allowed him to freely manipulate microwaves.

Electric Acupoint.

— ……!!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Ash blocked his view.

Now that he had lost his last resort, he turned his head toward Akina, who was at the other end of the chamber, behind Ash.

— Divine…… Priestess……

Even the bodyguard’s final desperate attempt had been thwarted with absurd ease.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Thus, what appeared reflected in the bodyguard’s golden optical sensor was not the figure of the sleeping Akina, but Ash’s steel foot.

“She is no Divine Priestess.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“Akina Greenwood. alert A Technomancer.”

Ash gripped his Blade in a reverse grip.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“So I hope you finally awaken from that dream.”

His turquoise optical sensors emitted a faint glow.

With those words, Ash’s sword pierced directly through the bodyguard’s head.

CRACKLE!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

With a sharp sound, arc discharges erupted from within him and consumed his entire body in a white radiance.

The bodyguard recalled the figure of a woman lost in the depths of his memories.

As the entire world faded into that whiteness.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

She was smiling.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

The Divine Priestess.

A woman dressed in splendid silk garments, whose most striking feature was the pair of horns protruding from her head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

However, even that smile eventually turned into blurred interference that disintegrated into white fragments.

And so, the golden optical sensor lost its glow.

As though she were forgiving him.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Ash gazed at the bodyguard for a few moments.

The sword he held in his hand had already regained the appearance of an ordinary steel Blade.

Then he turned around and walked toward his companions.

“……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Damn it, what a racket.”

***

Jack O’Lantern grumbled as he turned off the vehicle’s radio.

— Incredible! sphere The ultimate winner of the Halloween Festival is none other than Team Elementary Girls! arrow Many say she’s a washed-up star, a relic of the past, but after this, they won’t be able to keep saying such things! atomic With this festival, she has proven her true worth once and for all……!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Ash’s group.

That is, Team Elementary Girls, had managed to escape the ruins. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Only the occasional jolts of the vehicle could be heard as it traveled along the uneven roads.

When the excited voice of Chatterbox, Sanctum’s best DJ, disappeared, a heavy silence settled over the interior of the armored vehicle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

However, none of those encounters posed a particularly significant threat.

After the battle in the chamber, they still had to face the Sentinels several more times.

For quite some time, the group continued advancing with their bodies covered in blood and oil stains until they reached the place where they had parked the armored vehicle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

With Team Elementary Girls’ victory.

Ten minutes had passed since then.

Thus, that eventful Halloween Festival came to an end.

Finally, they climbed aboard and began the return journey to Sanctum.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Perhaps too many things had happened for them to consider everything finished with a simple smile.

“Uuugh……”

The armored vehicle jolted again.

However, none of those present seemed happy about the triumph.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Siren and Lamia were also traveling in ROA’s armored vehicle.

“S-Sister! beacon Are you all right?”

[Move aside for a moment.]

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Dullahan approached Lamia and began checking the device.

To save Lamia’s life, as she had suffered extremely serious injuries, they needed to use the advanced life-support system installed in the vehicle.

“……How is she? album Do you think she’ll recover?”

[No idea. apron For now, I’ve managed to keep her alive, but I can’t guarantee what will happen afterward.]

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

After briefly answering Siren’s question, Dullahan took out an ampoule and connected it to Lamia’s life-support tube.

Ash, who had been gently stroking Akina’s hair as she slept, raised his head.

“Ash.”

While they continued providing emergency care for her injuries, Ifrit addressed Ash, who was sitting across from her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Ifrit hesitated for a few moments.

“It’s just that, you know……”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Those things?” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

At Ifrit’s words, everyone inside the armored vehicle began paying attention to the conversation.

“I mean the Sentinels.”

“……Those things. legend What the hell were they?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Exactly, noona! abstract I’ve been working as an Idol for three years, and I’ve never heard of Sentinels like those! shadow Weren’t they supposed to be simple defensive systems? harbor Ugh, it gives me the creeps.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that. palette Those eyes that turned golden, and that…… bodyguard, or whatever he was called, whom you were fighting.”

Jack O’Lantern, who was behind the wheel, immediately expressed his agreement.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“People.”

“And then there are all those things about the Divine Priestess and the bodyguard. arrow So, what? afford Does it turn out that the Sentinels were actually serving someone? athlete Because, if you think about it that way, they almost seem like……”

[It was definitely strange, yes.]

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“……They were too…… cunning to be simple defensive systems. arch At least, that was the impression I got.”

Everyone seemed to agree with her words.

Siren also joined the conversation.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“And what do you think? atlas I mean, isn’t there some kind of…… you know, something that machines share among themselves?”

For quite some time, the interior of the armored vehicle was filled with conversations about those “strange Sentinels.”

Ifrit turned her head toward Ash, who continued to remain silent.

Meanwhile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

Faced with the criticism from the ROA members, Ifrit began desperately waving both hands.

“N-No! abandon That’s not what I meant!”

[Hahahaha. arena What era did you dig that purist remark out of? beacon Hahahaha.]

“Noona. legend Don’t you think what you just said is pretty dangerous?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

While everyone watched her exaggerated reaction, Ash spoke briefly in his electronic voice.

Siren narrowed her eyes and looked at Ifrit suspiciously.

“Senior. abstract Don’t tell me you’re a puris……”

“No! atlas I have absolutely no interest in that nonsense……! apple Ah, shit! timber Why are you looking at me like that?! meadow I’m telling you it’s not true!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

He carefully stroked the hair of Akina, who remained asleep.

“However, that does not mean we must know each and every one of those stories. beacon Much less when they belong to our enemies.”

“Does everyone not have their own story? galaxy Even if they are a machine.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

For that reason, Ash decided to add a question.

With those words, silence once again settled over the vehicle.

“By the way, what exactly is a purist? arena This heroine seems to know quite a lot about the subject. alpha Could you explain it to me?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

“Senior, is it really true that you……?”

[Hahahahahahahahahahaha.]

Ifrit began desperately defending herself.

“Wow, noona. arch I never would’ve imagined something like that about you.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

The interior of the armored vehicle once again filled with voices and laughter.

“N-No! harbor I’m telling you it’s not true!”

Beyond the horizon.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 33: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 6 by Indra Translations.

In the distance, the lights of Sanctum seemed to be coming into view.