Chapter 40: Traces 2
Clang! action Clang! zenith Clang!
At first, it was a feeling of incongruity.
The sword of the Ninja wearing the wolf mask was imbued with an extraordinarily intense killing intent.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, Ash could clearly distinguish a pattern in his movements.
‘These movements are undoubtedly……’
There were defined techniques and steps accompanying each one. atom His body adopted certain stances and expressed the will of the person wielding the sword.
It was a sword conceived exclusively for killing, devoid of any trace of mercy.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
They were movements that revealed the profound foundations of a martial art.
From that moment onward, Ash stopped actively trying to subdue his opponent and began matching his rhythm, allowing him to demonstrate everything he knew.
That was unquestionably a sword technique from the Central Plains.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But the more he did so, the more intense that feeling of incongruity became.
The Ninja seemed to interpret that as a sign that he was succeeding in overpowering him.
As though he had been waiting for precisely that opportunity, he twisted his sword and launched a succession of attacks to pressure Ash.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
When he examined each movement separately, they seemed unfamiliar.
However, when those movements were linked together, Ash recognized an extraordinarily familiar sequence.
The sudden changes in stance and shifts in center of gravity.
The thrusts executed with almost perfect precision and the vertical slashes descending along defined trajectories.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The Ninja’s sword rushed toward Ash, tracing a line of light.
And, just as he expected.
‘Without a doubt, I know this sword technique. anxiety His next movement will be a thrust.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash deflected the attack with ease.
However, Ash did not attempt to block it.
The Ninja, who had apparently anticipated that he would be able to block it, immediately lowered his sword and executed a slash aimed at his ankles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
That was precisely what the Ninja was displaying before him.
A deception executed through exaggerated movements to confuse the opponent’s eyes.
‘Because it is a feint.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords.
‘……The Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords.’
Upon confirming that the second attack was also a feint, Ash finally understood the source of the feeling of incongruity that had been troubling his Main Core.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
It was the introductory sword technique first learned by every disciple of the Kunlun Sect, to which Ash had belonged throughout his life.
However, the principles of transformation it contained were practically inexhaustible.
Furthermore, it provided a fundamental foundation for understanding divine techniques and higher martial arts.
It was not a supreme martial art capable of shaking the entire world.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But then.
For that reason, it was considered the root of Kunlun’s martial arts.
It was a technique containing principles so profound and mysterious that no common scoundrel could even dream of learning it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
All that remained was killing intent.
And, to make matters worse, it had completely lost the depth and mystery it was originally supposed to possess.
How was it possible that such a venerable sword technique was being used by such a strange assassin?
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Because, in that world where everything was covered in steel, he had found a trace of his home.
An absurd situation whose circumstances Ash knew absolutely nothing about.
As he firmly gripped his Blade, the first thing that arose within him was a whirlwind of emotions as intense as boiling lava.
He felt joy. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And profound bewilderment.
But he also felt anger.
Because that trace was imbued with the unpleasant stench of blood.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“As expected, your swordsmanship is truly extraordinary.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Why was Kunlun’s swordsmanship in the hands of such an assassin?
Those contradictory emotions mingled until they formed a complex feeling impossible to describe with a single word.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“But, as you can see, it’s useless.”
It was precisely at that moment that the Ninja decided to speak to him.
He could not have chosen a worse moment.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash deflected his opponent’s sword and retreated with a light leap.
“Are you bewildered? legend It seems your sword has lost a little of its sharpness.”
“……Bewildered? galaxy It would not be incorrect to say so.”
For some reason, he seemed to be enjoying the situation enormously and continued speaking between soft chuckles.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Then he continued.
“If you intend to ask me about our extraordinary regeneration, I’m afraid I cannot answer……”
“There is something I would like to ask you. zenith Would you permit me?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash shook his head.
“No.”
“I have not the slightest interest in such insignificant tricks. portal What arouses my curiosity is your swordsmanship.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash had always treated everyone he encountered with courtesy.
Was it perhaps because of the emotions boiling within him?
However, now it was different.
His turquoise optical sensors emitted an unsettling glow as he stared fixedly at the man wearing the wolf mask.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At that instant.
An explosive fighting intent erupted from Ash’s body. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“Therefore, I shall ask you.”
It was completely different from the presence he had displayed while they exchanged attacks.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash spoke.
The Ninja involuntarily took a step backward.
Its intensity was so overwhelming that it seemed capable of bursting his opponent apart by itself.
However, that was of no importance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Everyone stopped moving.
***
“Why is someone I have never seen before using my sect’s Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Jack and Dullahan, who were providing first aid to Rudolph, as well.
Santa and Siren, who were pursuing their respective opponents, and the Ninjas who were trying to escape from them.
Even Akina, who remained protected in Ifrit’s arms.
“……Mister……?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The fighting intent emanating from his body was far from ordinary.
Everyone froze at the sudden change in Ash’s attitude.
It was a sensation completely different from killing intent that seemed to cut through flesh.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Thus, an unexpected silence descended upon the rest stop’s backyard.
It was more akin to the pressure of a gigantic mountain descending upon one’s shoulders.
An oppressive force that imprisoned the entire body until even the slightest movement became difficult.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Why do you not answer? anxiety Until a moment ago, you would not stop talking, would you?”
Ash was the one who broke it.
His electronic voice sounded like the growl of a ferocious beast.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“I-I don’t know…… what you’re talking about. athlete What are these Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords?”
The Ninja wearing the wolf mask, who stood before him, began trembling slightly.
Ash silently regarded him for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Then he let out a brief sigh.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
His optical sensors shone with an even colder light.
“Ha.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“I’m afraid there’s been a misunderstanding. afford This sword technique has no name. voyage I simply learned it from our Hyung.”
Only then did the Ninja realize that the Thirteen Cloud Dragon Swords Ash was talking about were precisely the technique he himself was using.
“Are you saying that you have been wielding that sword without even knowing what technique you are using?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“How interesting.”
“What do you find interesting?”
“……You learned it from your ‘Hyung’?”
A dry electronic sound escaped Ash’s voice module.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“That someone incapable of understanding its principles, and who does not even know its foundations, dared to teach it to others.”
That was an obvious insult.
“……!”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash brought his Blade close to his body, adopting a middle guard, and lowered his stance slightly.
“I warn you not to insult our Hyung.”
“You were the one who insulted me first. arcade With that sword.”
The Ninja responded with a warning delivered in a dangerously sharp tone.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“I have no intention of tolerating such an insult. advance And you? acoustic Are you merely going to warn me again?”
Curiously, that position closely resembled the one the Ninja had used moments earlier.
Slowly, the Ninja wearing the wolf mask adopted a fighting stance.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Of course not.”
As though those words had been a signal, the Ninja charged toward him.
“Then come.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
In an instant, he closed the distance and brought his sword down in a vertical slash.
Ash did not block the attack.
That was enough for the Ninja’s sword to cut through nothing but air.
He simply took a step to the side.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
His sword moved.
It followed exactly the same trajectory and used the same technique the Ninja had just executed.
“Incorrect.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
But that first movement had been nothing more than preparation to obtain an advantageous position.
Like Ash, the Ninja attempted to dodge the Blade rushing toward him.
However, the result was completely different.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Cloud Dragon Seeking Claw. zenith When a dragon soaring through the heavens extends its claws, it does not do so to tear its opponent apart. action It does so to probe for openings and prepare its next movement.”
He simply launched a thrust.
The Ninja did not respond.
The sword immediately changed its trajectory and slashed the Ninja’s abdomen.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Too hasty.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
That movement combined precisely with the shift in center of gravity the Ninja had made while executing his thrust.
Ash moved one leg and struck his opponent’s shin.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Ugh!”
As a result, he ended up falling to the ground.
However, the Ninja did not remain lying there.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He immediately rose to his feet and, upon discovering a thrust already practically in front of his face, hurriedly raised his sword.
He managed to block that thrust, which had appeared without warning.
Clang!
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The attack contained overwhelming power.
Faced with such strength, the Ninja hastily retreated.
But he was unable to neutralize its full force.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He simply spoke in his electronic voice.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Ash did not pursue him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The sword technique Ash was using was undoubtedly the same one he had learned. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
The Ninja gritted his teeth.
However, there was something he could not understand.
“Cloud Sea Opening. august This technique requires concentrating all one’s strength at a single point. academy Therefore, maintaining a stable stance is essential. apron An attack executed without proper preparation is worse than not attacking at all.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
And, at the same time, completely different.
And every time he tried to understand why that difference existed, Ash added an explanation.
It was the same.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Finally, the Ninja shouted.
“Shut up!”
In a sense, those words could be interpreted as mockery.
He charged forward with a roar.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At that remark from Ash, which could have been either a sigh of disappointment or mockery, the Ninja continued swinging his sword.
But every one of his attacks was blocked.
Then he began executing the sword technique he had learned from his Hyung.
“Were you not even taught to maintain an unshakable mind?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
An authentic sword technique, whose movements contained entirely different meanings.
Some attacks blocked his path, while others confused his eyes.
And, time and again, a sword following an apparently identical trajectory came rushing toward him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
A sword that appeared to be aimed at his upper body suddenly descended toward his lower body.
And a movement that seemed defensive transformed into a thrust of extraordinary speed.
At times, an attack he seemed to have successfully blocked turned out to be a feint, used solely to prepare the next movement.
‘What…… is this?’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Despite being pressured without pause, the Ninja was unable to clearly understand what was happening.
And that flow was truly mysterious.
Those sword attacks, each endowed with a purpose and meaning, began forming a single flow.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
He even felt as though he were wandering through a thick fog.
However, that was no longer important.
‘Is this…… the true form of my sword technique?’
Even at that very instant, his body continued being mercilessly cut and pierced.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At some point, the Ninja’s manner of fighting began to change.
Furthermore, the sword technique his opponent, Ash, was using was extraordinarily similar to his own.
And, as though that were not enough, he even took the trouble to explain each of his movements.
Because, somewhere in his heart, which until then had been dominated by anger and confusion, a pure admiration befitting a swordsman and an intense desire to improve began to emerge.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Of course, that did not mean Ash began holding back his attacks.
He had stopped interpreting Ash’s words as mockery.
Now he received them as teachings and tried, little by little, to put them into practice.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
At that change, Ash’s optical sensors emitted a peculiar glow.
Even so, the Ninja wearing the wolf mask continued striving with all his might to learn from his sword, even at the cost of suffering numerous wounds.
‘……Oh?’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Despite the pain of having his entire body cut and pierced, his opponent was desperately trying to observe his sword and learn from it.
His technique was still imbued with intense killing intent.
That transformation was something even Ash had not anticipated.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
As he watched him, Ash unconsciously reduced the force he put into his sword a little.
But, at the same time, it was also a sword desperately struggling to understand the principles of each movement and the connections between the different techniques.
He continued targeting Ash’s vital points, attempting to take his life at any cost.
One could say that such an attitude reflected a touching sincerity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Who would have imagined that he would end up practicing swordsmanship with an assassin who had barged in during the middle of the night? Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
And, before either of them realized it, the confrontation between them had begun transforming into a training duel.
It was a truly absurd situation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
To be more precise, he did not want to.
However, he could not stop his sword.
Because it had been far too long.
Even Ash found the situation ridiculous.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Far too long since the last time he had participated in a training duel between two practitioners of Kunlun swordsmanship.
Those days when, from time to time, he crossed swords with his junior sect brothers.
He remembered the training grounds of Mount Kunlun, where the clouds descended until they brushed against the ground.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
A peace whose true value he had not understood back then.
Peaceful days that would never return.
They were precious memories, buried beneath the weight of an eternity.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, that was nothing more than an unexpected moment of nostalgia.
‘……It was like this in those days as well.’
The violent confrontation unfolding in the rest stop’s backyard came to an end without warning.
The image of his junior sect brothers, who desperately wielded their swords to defeat him or learn even one more thing, began overlapping with the figure of the Ninja before him.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Got you! acoustic You damned slippery rat!”
Apparently, he had crushed it completely to prevent him from regenerating again.
Santa’s steel fist had just shattered the shoulder of the Ninja wearing the rat mask.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Haaah!”
Something similar was happening at the opposite end.
Siren’s sword pierced the chest of the Ninja wearing the rabbit mask.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
However, given the extraordinary regenerative ability her opponent had demonstrated until then, it was difficult to believe that would be enough to kill her.
The course of the battle had changed completely in an instant.
She had struck precisely where the heart was located.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Ash had already lowered his sword.
And that brought the Ninja wearing the wolf mask back to reality.
“What do you think? canvas Do you wish to continue?”
At that question, delivered with the usual nonchalance of his electronic voice, the Ninja slowly shook his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“I’m told that often. anchor And besides……”
“It seems you share quite a close bond. acid Something rather unusual among assassins.”
“……No. canvas It seems that will be enough for today. shadow I cannot allow my brothers and sisters to die here.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
The Ninja wearing the wolf mask slowly lowered his sword and took a capsule resembling a medicinal pill from inside his clothing.
Boom!
He hurled it violently against the ground.
“We are not assassins. abstract We are Ninjas.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“Damn it!”
“Waaah!”
A thick curtain of dark-blue smoke spread in an instant, blocking the vision of everyone present, without distinguishing between allies and enemies.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
“It’s not that I have a proper name, but……”
While Santa and Siren, who had been about to finish off their respective opponents, reacted in bewilderment, Ash directed a few words toward some point within that dense curtain of smoke.
“Now that I think about it, I still have not heard your name.”
A few moments passed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Those were his last words.
“My brothers and sisters call me Zero.”
A faint voice emerged from within the smoke.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 40: Traces 2 by Indra Translations.
Shortly afterward, when the night wind dispersed the curtain of smoke, the Ninjas had already disappeared.
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