Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7

While the vehicle searched for its usual parking space, Ifrit, who was touching up her makeup, remarked casually.

The exclusive pit stop for the Halloween Festival, located in the Central Hub.

Sanctum.

ROA’s specialized armored transport vehicle smoothly entered the area.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Don’t get out right away. autumn Wait for the right moment and use the back door. atom There’s a staff-only entrance inside the pit stop.”

“I’d like to, but experience tells me that probably won’t be possible. amateur In situations like this, someone usually has to serve as a shield.”

Everyone inside the vehicle nodded.

“……Are we not leaving together?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

He had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.

Everyone except Ash.

However, since she was the team leader, he decided to nod anyway.

“……Understood. attic I shall do so. action However, may I ask why? crystal I am afraid I have been unable to follow this conversation.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Ifrit, who had already finished applying her makeup, broke into a broad smile.

“You’ll understand when you see it.”

“Noona. audit Shall we open up now?”

Perhaps because of the striking colors adorning her face, her smile appeared extraordinarily radiant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Ifrit nodded at Jack O’Lantern’s question.

PSSSH!

Then she addressed Ash again.

“You said it was Santa’s Rest Stop, right? arctic We’ll meet there shortly. abstract Go ahead and get some rest. beacon And…… take good care of that little one. antenna We’ll settle our deal when we meet, all right?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

But that was not all.

At the same time, the armored vehicle’s rear hatch swung wide open.

The pungent smell of ozone, the aroma of energy drinks, and deafening music mingled as they flooded the vehicle’s interior.

The sound of hydraulic cylinders interrupted the conversation. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

A thunderous roar of cheers, so intense that it drowned out every other sound, made the air vibrate.

“Kyaaaaaah!”

“Ifrit! artist Please tell us how you feel after getting the highest number of views at this festival!”

“See?! alpha I was right! adjust It’s Team Elementary Girls!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Elementary Girls! adopt Are you planning to use this incident to make a triumphant comeback?”

Unknown Idols, gossip-hungry reporters, and even streamers.

“Senior! accent I love your streams! harbor Could we do a challenge together?”

A crowd of hyenas attracted by the scent of success had gathered around the armored vehicle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Hello, everyone!”

As though wishing to reciprocate such enthusiasm, Ifrit stepped forward.

All of them stared into the armored vehicle, driven by their own interests.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Ifrit elegantly stepped down from the armored vehicle as though she were walking along a red carpet.

“Wow! meadow So many of you came to welcome me! airport Are there any Ifritis here? aspect All you Ifritis, raise your hands!”

Not the slightest trace remained on her face of the exhaustion she had shown moments earlier.

On the contrary, she wore a fresh, radiant smile capable of attracting every gaze.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

While countless camera flashes and questions rained down upon her, she calmly waved and winked at the crowd.

And that experience was not limited to exploring ruins.

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

Ifrit was a veteran.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

That slender woman was single-handedly receiving the entire avalanche of questions and camera flashes.

“……Huh?”

Ash immediately understood what she had meant when she said someone would have to serve as a shield.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

And she was not simply shouting at them to leave.

Other times she made jokes.

Sometimes she responded with lighthearted remarks.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

She truly was a veteran Idol.

I see.

And occasionally, she even offered little gestures of fanservice to keep the crowd’s attention focused entirely on her.

“But, Miss Ifrit!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

After all, the crowd was looking for another “protagonist.”

However, even experience had its limits.

“Is Ash Blade inside the vehicle too?”

And this time, in particular, there was not much she could do.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

For the first time, small cracks began appearing in Ifrit’s perfect smile.

“Even just a single word from Lord Ash……!”

“That’s right! antique Is he in there?!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

The crowd paid no attention to her words.

“A-Ahaha……! alien Our guest members are extremely exhausted right now, so…… we agreed that I would handle the interviews. meadow Ah! acquire How about I tell you how we first discovered the Nexus Port?”

“What will happen to Ash from now on? silence Will he officially join Halloween?”

“No! abstract The one we want to see right now is Lord Ash!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

In truth, there would be no problem with Ash giving an interview.

The situation was beginning to take a complicated turn.

‘Those damned sons of bitches! ability They’re like hyenas……!’

After all, no one could deny that he had been the true protagonist of that exploration.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

They could not waste her time with interviews.

At that moment, she could barely focus on regaining her physical and mental stability while attempting to free herself from the Echo Effect that continued affecting her mind.

She had to find some way to divert their attention.

However, Akina, who could be considered his partner, was hardly in good condition.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Siren! arctic It’s Siren from Witchcraft!”

“H-Huh?”

It was then that several figures appeared through the rear hatch. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Ifrit was struggling to maintain her smile while thinking about what to say next.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Siren, who could barely remain standing with Dullahan’s assistance, appeared before the crowd.

In an instant, every gaze turned toward her.

Limping on her left leg, which had already received treatment, she positioned herself beside Ifrit.

“But what’s Siren doing there……?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Amid the rain of camera flashes, Siren suddenly pulled Dullahan, who was supporting her, closer.

Could there possibly be a more attractive news story?

The pitiful appearance of the contestant who occupied first place in the rankings.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

[Ahem.]

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

“If it hadn’t been for the ROA team’s help, both my teammate and I would have been in grave danger. alert I will never forget this debt.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“And above all, if you hadn’t been there, Senior Ifrit, I really would have been in terrible danger.”

Siren bowed her head toward Ifrit, who stood beside her with an expression resembling someone who had just seen a ghost. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

But it did not end there.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

She immediately understood what was happening and, as though wishing to return the favor, affectionately wrapped an arm around Siren’s shoulders.

However, she was a veteran.

Ifrit’s lavender-colored eyebrows began twitching.

Suddenly, she was behaving as though they were close friends.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

This time, it was Siren who made a face as though she had just bitten into something disgusting.

“Of course I had to protect my junior. arena Our dear Siren has been through so much.”

All accompanied by an extraordinarily benevolent smile.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

After all, the rivalry between those two women was something practically everyone familiar with them knew about.

Immediately, another shower of camera flashes rained down upon both women.

Ash, who had been watching that scene with a blank expression, turned his head when someone lightly tapped him on the shoulder.

But had they reconciled now?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

It was Jack O’Lantern.

“……What is the reason for such sudden gratitude?”

“Hyung, thank you so much.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“You can come out in a little while. legend Well then, have a safe trip back, and see you soon!”

“I had to thank you. agent If you hadn’t been with us during this exploration, we would’ve all ended up dead.”

Jack let out a brief chuckle and exaggeratedly turned his neck from side to side.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

When Lamia appeared, her body having been practically destroyed, another shower of camera flashes rained down upon them.

After saying a brief farewell, Jack began pushing the wheeled medical stretcher, known as a Gurney, on which Lamia was resting.

“Come on, come on! amateur We’ve got an emergency patient here! voyage Everybody out of the way! zenith And let me make it clear that I’ll run you over if you don’t move!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Confusion piled upon confusion until the place became utter chaos.

Ash watched the backs of everyone who had stepped forward for a few moments.

Amid that artificial commotion.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

***

“Mmm……”

No one paid him the slightest attention.

Then he embraced Akina and stepped down from the armored vehicle.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

She was in their temporary accommodation on the second floor of Santa’s Rest Stop.

The first thing she saw was an old ceiling stained with oil.

A familiar sight.

After frowning several times, Akina opened her eyes.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“……Huh?”

She had absolutely no idea how or why she had ended up lying in that bed.

Her last memory was of herself traveling through Cyberspace while extracting ancient knowledge.

It was strange.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

To make matters worse, her body felt as heavy as soaked cotton, and her head was filled with interference so intense that it caused her pain.

“……What happened? album Was it…… a dream?”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

A burning smell.

However, they were all fragmented sensations.

The word dream made her remember a few things.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Even Mister’s voice, which occasionally seemed to echo beside her ears.

And anger as well.

Sadness.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

His absence awakened an inexplicable feeling of anxiety within her.

Now that she thought about it, Mister, Ash, was nowhere to be found.

“Mister?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Then she hurried downstairs to the first floor.

Instead, she found Grandpa.

Mister was not there either.

Finally, the girl sat up, her body still numb.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Santa was leaning against the counter, arguing with a customer.

“Lower the price.”

“Then just ask me for a discount. matrix Don’t go around making amateur assessments.”

“Don’t give me that nonsense! legend Anyone can see that was repaired with welding! ability What do you mean it’s never been in an accident?!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Akina shouted directly at him.

Then he lowered his sunglasses slightly and examined the girl.

“Where is Mister Ash?!”

Santa raised his head when he heard her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“What is?”

Instead, he extended his index finger and pointed upward. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“……Hmm. adjust They’re blue.”

Santa did not answer.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“And why are you asking me? abstract Stop bothering me and go. echo Quickly!”

“If you’re looking for Ash, he should be on the rooftop. adopt He’s been there ever since you arrived.”

“The rooftop? advance Why?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Hey, Akina.”

“What is it?”

However, Santa called to her in a low voice.

Akina hurriedly turned around.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Santa muttered something for a few moments.

“……Nothing. alert Go upstairs and see him.”

Finally, he closed his mouth and shook his head.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

However, Santa already seemed to have lost all interest in her and had returned to concentrating on his argument with the customer.

The girl climbed the short flight of stairs.

Akina tilted her head, puzzled.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

CREEEAK! Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

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

Finally, she reached the rooftop and opened the door.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

And Ash as well.

The door opened with a creak.

A cold night breeze greeted her, along with the spectacular illuminated landscape of Sanctum.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

The neon lights of the enormous advertisements swept across his steel body.

Each time that happened, Ash’s dark surface was tinted with different colors before returning to its original shade.

“Mister!”

He remained seated with his back straight, gazing out over the panorama of that constantly changing city.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“What happened? agent We did it, right?! advance Right? atomic Hehe, I knew I could do it! agent After all, I’m a genius! audit But, by the way, what happened? airport It’s just that I don’t remember very well what happened…… Hehe.”

Akina ran straight toward him and dropped down beside him.

Despite that torrent of words, Ash did not respond.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Ash slowly turned his head.

Akina tilted her head, puzzled.

However, he said nothing.

“Mister? acoustic Are you listening to me?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

He simply examined the girl before him carefully, while his turquoise optical sensors emitted a faint glow.

Those eyes that now shone blue.

At a certain moment, his gaze stopped on Akina’s eyes.

Not gold.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Faced with that strangely cold and heavy atmosphere, Akina puffed out her cheeks.

Then he continued gazing at the nighttime scenery.

“……”

Ash looked away again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Her cheerful voice contained an unmistakable tone of displeasure.

“……What’s wrong with you? agent Did I do something bad?”

Apparently, she did not like being practically ignored by Ash at all.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“Misteeer! zenith Answer me! silence Ah, could your voice module have broken down? afford Although, well, it was a little…… No, quite old……”

Ash remained quietly listening to her.

Until, at a certain moment, he turned his head and looked at Akina again.

Her cheerful chatter filled the silent rooftop.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

“The Data Card you gave me contained an enormous amount of information. wizard However, there was something that, for some reason, could not be found anywhere. meadow All information related to the ‘Echo Effect’ had been omitted.”

“Miss Akina.”

“Hmph! alien What?! armor So it wasn’t broken! ability What’s gotten into you all of a sudden? shadow Are you angry with me or something? agent Then tell me already what happened to make you so……!”

Then he activated his voice module.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

However, Ash did not stop speaking.

The girl flinched.

“……!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 34: EP.1 The Butterfly Dream 7 by Indra Translations.

Akina could not easily find an answer.

“Why did you do it?”

His turquoise optical sensors emitted a cold glow.