Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors
Santa’s Rest Stop.
Until, at a certain moment.
Several days later.
Santa Claude was cleaning a newly acquired piece of Cyberware while bobbing his head to the rhythm of the latest music playing through the speakers.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The lights illuminating the rest stop, the television, the signs, and even all the equipment installed in the operating room behind the counter shut down completely.
The music disappeared with a brief burst of interference.
BZZZT!
And that was not all.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Amid that silence, Santa shouted.
“Argh! arrow That damned brat again!”
Santa sprang to his feet and practically ran to the second floor.
For a brief instant, the world seemed to stop.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Didn’t I tell you not to touch the electrical panel?! arena The circuit breaker tripped, damn it! anchor What the hell did you connect this time?!”
Shortly afterward, a girl appeared from inside the completely dark room.
Then he threw open the door to the storage room Akina was using as temporary accommodation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Santa slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand.
Looking a little embarrassed, she scratched her head and let out a giggle.
“Sorry. alien I was testing something, and it looks like I caused an overload. crystal Ah, what a waste. acquire I almost had it.”
It was Akina, holding a power cable whose end was completely charred.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Ahhh. shadow What sin did I commit to have to endure such misfortunes at this stage of my life?”
Ash, who was standing beside her, took the girl by the shoulder.
“You should not say such things. airport Especially you, Miss Akina.”
“Did you commit some sin, Grandpa?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Ah, I see!” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
“Because the misfortune Elder Santa is talking about is precisely you.”
“What do you mean, ‘Ah, I see’?! sphere Get everything back to normal right now……!”
“Why?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Akina shook her head.
It was exactly the same song Santa had been listening to moments earlier.
It was then that loud music began to play.
“……Have you already fixed it?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Then where is that music coming from?”
“Huh? atomic It wasn’t me.”
The sound was getting closer and closer.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Accompanied by the powerful roar of several engines.
“It seems we have visitors.”
Even considering that the Gateway District was a particularly noisy neighborhood, that racket stood out from the usual commotion.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
A slender woman climbed off the motorcycle and removed her helmet.
It consisted of a bright-red motorcycle and two armored exploration vehicles.
Sure enough, a small group had just entered the rest stop’s parking lot.
At Ash’s words, Santa and Akina poked their heads out the window.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The woman, Ifrit, smiled broadly and raised her hand to greet her.
“Noona!”
“Little one! arena How have you been?”
Upon recognizing her, Akina shouted.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Jack O’Lantern and Dullahan also poked their heads out of the armored vehicles they were driving and waved.
The rest stop, which had fallen silent after the circuit breaker tripped, was once again filled with commotion.
“Hyung! arcade Akina! adopt We’re here!”
[Hellooo. acquire But why are all your lights off?]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“……They’re your guests, aren’t they?”
“That is correct.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Akina did exactly the same.
Santa simply walked away, making it clear that since they were their guests, they would have to attend to them themselves.
“Mister, take care of welcoming them for a moment!”
“Halloween Idols, huh? acquire What a noisy bunch. acid And they’ve literally shown up with a couple of trucks.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward.
Thus, the responsibility of receiving the visitors fell entirely upon Ash.
After saying that, the girl ran off toward the electrical panel.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Ash waved an arm as he gave directions.
“Further in! apron A little more!”
Following his instructions, an enormous armored vehicle slowly advanced toward the rest stop’s backyard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The armored vehicle Ifrit had offered as a reward for that exploration.
The reason Ash had unexpectedly ended up working as a parking attendant was the vehicle Dullahan had brought.
Revenant.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
And which, from now on, would become Ash and Akina’s means of transportation.
However, that was where the problems began.
Since they could not leave it parked in the customer parking lot, they had to store it in the backyard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
So Ash had no choice but to intervene.
For that reason, the available space was far too narrow for an armored vehicle of such size.
The yard was filled with scrap metal and garbage scattered everywhere.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Keep going straight!”
Dullahan turned off the engine and shook his head.
Following Ash’s directions, Revenant finally managed to fit into one corner of the yard.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Because of the movement, the message that appeared on his visor looked slightly blurry.
“We shall have to remove at least some of the scrap metal.”
Ash nodded in agreement.
[If you want to use this properly, you’ll first have to do something about that entrance.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Ash, how have you been?”
Ifrit, who had approached without him noticing, winked at him.
“I am well.”
“Good idea. atlas Just clearing all that out would make the entrance almost twice as wide.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“……Is that all?” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“Well, normally when someone asks how you’re doing, you ask them the same thing, don’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Ash let out a brief chuckle.
“Hahaha! amateur That’s what I wanted to hear!”
“And how have you been, heroine?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Ta-da! anxiety Ifrit, from Elementary Girls, has made it into the Today Best!”
After fiddling with it a couple of times, she showed it to Ash.
Ifrit’s eyes sparkled with their characteristic heart-shaped glimmers as she took out her PDA.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Among the names appearing there was Ifrit’s.
She occupied 43rd place.
The PDA screen displayed the Idol rankings.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“And I’m not the only one! portal Look at this!”
They occupied 89th and 93rd place, respectively.
“Hahaha! galaxy How did we become so popular all at once?! admire This is incredible!”
When she scrolled down the screen, the names of Jack O’Lantern and Dullahan also appeared.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
However, every individual had their own priorities.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
So he replied briefly, with complete sincerity.
To be honest, Ash considered rankings nothing more than an insignificant way of ordering people.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Come on, all of this was thanks to you, Hyung!”
Jack O’Lantern joined the conversation.
“Congratulations.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
However, from the way his body was constantly moving, it was obvious that he was extraordinarily happy.
“It’s the first time I’ve made it into the Today Best since I started working with ROA! meadow Wow, I can’t believe we actually did it!”
Since he always wore his pumpkin-shaped helmet, it was impossible to see his face.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
That was precisely why ROA had never managed to appear in the rankings.
After all, what could possibly be spectacular about working in transportation and rescue?
[It really is surprising, hahaha.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
But that was now a thing of the past.
“Then……”
Amid that festive atmosphere, Ash spoke again.
They had finally managed to secure a place, even if it was among the lowest ranks!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Hmm. arcade Considering that you brought Revenant, I suppose you have come to complete our deal?”
“Hehe. arctic Why do you think that is?”
“What brings you here today? portal It does not seem that you came merely to boast about your achievements.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“The main event? galaxy Is there something else?”
“The deal? arcade Of course we have to settle that. wizard But that’s not the main event.”
Ifrit smiled.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Ifrit burst into cheerful laughter at Ash’s answer.
“Of course! anxiety What do you think comes after finishing an exploration?!”
Then she slapped Revenant’s bodywork several times.
“……Settling the profits?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Immediately, the rear hatch swung wide open to both sides.
All of them were luxury food products bearing the Foundation Systems logo.
The interior was packed with all kinds of food.
There was synthetic meat of the highest quality, organic vegetables, and even alcoholic beverages that looked extraordinarily expensive at first glance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Settling the profits? anxiety No, no! acid Obviously, it’s time for a party! alert To celebrate recovering the Nexus Port and Elementary Girls making it into the rankings!”
“Yeeeeeeah!”
Ifrit spread her arms wide.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
[Let’s hear you shout!]
Apparently, Akina had managed to restore the power supply. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
At that very moment, the entire rest stop lit up again.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“All right! anxiety Let’s have some fun! action Today we’re going to drink until we drop dead! harbor What are you waiting for?! atom Get excited!”
“H-Huh?! acid What’s going on?! athlete Don’t start without me!”
The rest stop’s back door flew open, and Akina came running across the yard with hurried steps.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
***
A rhythm of heavy bass began reverberating throughout the yard.
At Ifrit’s words, Dullahan put on some music.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
However, that did not last long.
Everyone let themselves be carried away by the loud music, and their excitement reached its peak.
The party began.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Nor was it because a neighbor had shouted at them to turn down the volume.
Not even because of Ash’s lectures, as he insisted that Akina was still far too young to drink alcohol.
And it was not because Santa had discreetly joined the party after seeing the expensive alcoholic beverages.
The spirits of everyone present soon began to sink.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The reason was a seemingly insignificant but absolutely decisive problem. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
“Hey, why is this happening? alpha Aren’t you supposed to just put it on the grill?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
None of those present knew how to cook.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Dullahan took out another piece of synthetic meat and confidently decided to give it a try.
[Hmm. arcade I think the method is wrong.]
Ifrit muttered as she stared at the premium synthetic meat that had ended up turning into charcoal.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Now there were two pieces of charcoal.
Immediately afterward, he activated the welding torch built into his hand and began scorching the synthetic meat.
“Do we really have to cook it? amateur It’s delicious even if we eat it like this.”
[Meat has two sides, right? apron Then you have to burn both of them.]
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“……What on earth are all of you doing?”
Ash snatched it away from her and let out a deep sigh.
Meanwhile, Akina was calmly chewing on a piece of raw meat.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“And you call that cooking?”
“Well, cooking.”
At Ash’s words, Ifrit tilted her head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
At that instant.
Another sigh escaped Ash’s voice module.
“……Isn’t it? echo I’m sure it was something like that……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
A small revelation flashed through his Main Core like lightning.
Since arriving in that world, he had never seen a meal that actually looked like food.
‘……Now that I think about it.’
He had not been there for just a day or two, but for several months.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
And during all that time, he had not seen a single properly prepared meal?
He only had to look at Akina and Santa.
That was how things were.
Both were accustomed to sustaining themselves with convenient nutritional capsules, energy bars, and some kind of paste of unknown composition.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
They were not foods that just anyone could afford.
In that world, the very concept of cooking barely existed.
In fact, every one of the organic ingredients Ifrit had brought was extraordinarily expensive.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Rather, they could be considered luxury items reserved for the upper classes.
In Sanctum, that simple act was practically a symbol of wealth.
Taking fresh ingredients and spending time personally preparing a meal.
Unaware of any of this, Ifrit had apparently purchased the highest-quality ingredients simply because she wanted to make the celebration special.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
‘I had never thought about something like this.’
A society where cooking was not a common practice.
But the result was plain to see.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
It was such a profound difference that it even filled him with a kind of horror.
To Ash, that was not merely strange.
Sanctum was such a place.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
An infinitely distorted world whose development had been oriented exclusively toward survival.
He remained silent for a few moments, observing those around him.
If Ash still had a human body, his skin would surely have crawled.
A world where people could replace their entire bodies with steel and become cyborgs, yet were incapable of properly grilling a simple piece of meat.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The delicious taste of perfectly cooked meat.
The comforting warmth of freshly prepared rice.
‘……Then, they do not know it.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Those heartwarming moments when one shared a drink with loved ones, enjoyed delicious side dishes, and conversed peacefully.
A table generously laden with all kinds of appetizing dishes.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
However, it was enough to spur Ash into action.
It was a faint sensation.
Somewhere within his steel chest, an emotion that was difficult to identify began to emerge.
Finally, he approached Ifrit, who was standing in front of the grill, and gently moved her aside.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“I shall take care of it.”
“Step aside.”
“H-Huh?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Elder Santa. apple Do you happen to have an iron plate with a concave surface? artist Preferably one capable of withstanding high temperatures.”
“……Uh, I might have something lying around if I look for it……”
Ash took the tongs from her and addressed Santa.
“I intend to use it for cooking, so it must be clean.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Uh…… I’ll see what I can find.”
While Santa returned inside the rest stop, Ash examined the available ingredients.
Then he turned his attention toward the synthetic meat that had been primarily responsible for the entire disaster.
‘Their appearance is different, but their aromas and colors are quite similar to those I know. meadow With these, I should be able to prepare a few simple vegetable dishes without any problems.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
‘Hmm. crystal It has too much fat to be beef, and its texture is quite soft. atomic Perhaps it is more similar to pork? arctic In that case……’
However, Ash paid it no mind.
It was a piece of meat whose muscle texture and fat had been printed at perfectly regular intervals, giving it a slightly artificial appearance. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
After deciding roughly what he was going to cook, Ash extended his hand toward Akina.
“Miss Akina. armor Do you not carry a knife for self-defense? alpha Could you lend it to me for a moment?”
His turquoise optical sensors flashed.
‘Twice-Cooked Pork would be a good choice. sphere And with whatever remains, I can prepare skewers.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Ash accepted the knife.
His hands began cutting the ingredients in a perfectly even rhythm.
At those words, Akina immediately took out her tactical knife and handed it over, as though hypnotized.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Under those precise cuts, the vegetables bearing the Foundation Systems logo were divided into portions of identical size.
TAP! adjust TAP! shadow TAP! acoustic TAP!
While everyone watched the scene, completely fascinated……
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
“Ehhh? silence You’re going to cook with that?”
Santa had returned.
“Will this do? amateur It’s a Chest Armor from Heavy-class machinery……”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Then he carefully examined its inner surface to make sure there was no rust or oil stains.
While Akina frowned, Ash silently accepted the Chest Armor.
“Not bad. amateur It will suffice.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Then he lowered his stance slightly and began precisely controlling the intensity of the fire.
Satisfied, Ash placed the piece over the grill.
In an instant, the flames surged violently until they enveloped the Chest Armor in a deep-red glow.
SSSSSS!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
A wonderful aroma, unlike anything those present had ever experienced, began spreading throughout the yard.
It was a rich, fragrant smell, capable of awakening the most primal instincts of appetite.
Shortly afterward.
Onto the concave surface of the Chest Armor, which was now thoroughly heated, Ash successively added oil, spices, chopped vegetables, and meat.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
Jack and Dullahan.
Santa.
From that moment onward, not a single conversation could be heard in the yard.
Ifrit.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 36: Unexpected Visitors by Indra Translations.
The five humans began unconsciously drawing closer, step by step.
Until they ended up gathered around the humanoid who was cooking.
Even Akina.
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