Chapter 43: Underland 2

The dazzling LED lights, neon signs, and holographic billboards gradually disappeared, replaced by crumbling buildings and gray structures corroded by the passage of time.

Apparently, they had already reached the outskirts of Sanctum.

When the heavy armored vehicle Revenant left the Gateway District, the scenery beyond the windows quickly began losing its colors.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“From now on, we won’t be following the official roads. meadow I’ll guide you along the way.”

With movements that revealed her familiarity with the area, she began directing him through shortcuts known only to the inhabitants of Sanctum’s lower classes, as well as abandoned tunnels.

Following her directions, Revenant traveled through that colorless city.

Siren, who was sitting in the passenger seat, took out a Data Pad and spoke.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“This place……”

Without realizing it, Ash leaned his torso forward to observe the scenery beyond the window. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Finally, they arrived at one of the waste treatment facilities located on the outskirts.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Mountains of accumulated scrap and waste scattered everywhere.

Seeing this, Siren tilted her head.

“Is something wrong?”

Destroyed Cyberware and components whose functions were impossible to identify.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

It was an all-too-familiar sight.

Even that repulsive smell of oil mixed with rust.

‘……That’s right. shadow Everything began in a place like this.’

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash remembered the girl who had awakened him and those days during which, thanks to her hands, his new ‘body’ had gradually taken shape.

“Ah. ability Forgive me. august This place reminds me of another very much like it.”

“Lord Ash?”

Ash suddenly returned to reality and murmured quietly, almost as though speaking to himself.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

She had never imagined that someone could look at a junkyard and use the word ‘memories.’

Siren repeated the question in disbelief.

“……Memories? album In a place like this?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At those words, Siren’s expression hardened slightly.

Instead, he simply asked about the next step of their journey.

Ash did not answer her question.

“……Then, why have you guided me here?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“I’m thinking of using an underground tunnel managed by REST-MAN.”

“Ah. adjust Now that you mention it, I believe I remember hearing that the waste treatment facilities are under REST-MAN’s jurisdiction.”

She gazed at the gloomy waste treatment facility beyond the window before answering slowly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Hmm…… REST-MAN.”

“That’s right.”

Then, as though making a casual remark, he asked.

Ash remained silent as he made small adjustments to the steering wheel.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash shook his head.

“I’m sure there is. alpha It’s just that I don’t know any. arena But why do you ask? riddle Have you had some trouble with REST-MAN?”

“Is there no other route?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Because of me?”

“It is not because of me. anchor It is because of you.”

Then he glanced sideways at Siren.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Indeed. auction After all, REST-MAN is an organization closely connected to your past, is it not?”

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

Siren was momentarily at a loss for words.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash continued speaking calmly.

“From what I have observed, you do not seem particularly comfortable with the fact that you once belonged to REST-MAN. advance Am I mistaken?”

“I only asked you to guide me, but circumstances have ended up bringing us into a situation like this. wizard I am very sorry. aspect Please forgive me.”

“……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

His face was made of steel and revealed no expression.

Without realizing it, Siren began staring intently at Ash’s profile.

However, there was something she could perceive.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking for a while, but even setting aside your swordsmanship, Lord Ash, you’re a truly admirable person. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. artist You seem like a real adult.”

Consideration, concern, and a sincere apology.

Things that were uncommon in Sanctum.

For some reason, a pleasant warmth began spreading through her heart, and the eyes with which she gazed at Ash took on an even brighter gleam.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Of course there are. abstract For example…… Grandpa Santa?”

“A real adult? altitude Are there such things as fake adults?”

At those words, Ash let out a soft laugh.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“You will surely have the opportunity someday. avalanche The two of them argue quite frequently.”

“Really? admire Now I want to see it.”

“Elder Santa is a good person. palette He is also our benefactor, as he is always looking out for us. atlas However, I must admit that the expression ‘fake adult’ suits him rather well. album Every time he argues with Miss Akina, an extraordinary commotion breaks out.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“……Heroine Siren. altitude Are you certain this is the place?”

Ash had imagined a tunnel.

While they were having that brief conversation, Revenant finally reached the specific point Siren had indicated.

“Yes. admire I’m sure.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

What he had never imagined was finding himself facing a gigantic mountain of waste that rose before them like a cliff.

Just as he was about to ask again……

A tunnel leading toward the underground city.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Well, whatever. sphere Stop right there!”

Along with that sharp command, several men equipped with crudely manufactured Cyberware began emerging from among the piles of scrap.

Someone’s voice was heard.

“What the hell? action An armored vehicle for the Outer?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Don’t get out. acquire And let me handle them.”

Ash was about to get out of the vehicle when Siren grabbed his arm.

After speaking those brief words, she lowered the passenger-side window.

‘……It seems we have arrived at the correct place. amateur Could they be some kind of entrance guards?’

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Then his face contorted violently.

Both his curse and his gaze were directed at Siren.

“Fuck.”

One of the REST-MAN members, who had already approached the vehicle, leaned his head in to examine the interior.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

At those words, murmurs began spreading throughout the junkyard facilities.

“Well, look who’s here! galaxy Hey, everyone, come over here! afford We’ve got the ‘traitor’ here!”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Hearing that, Siren turned her head.

Then she gave a smile to the REST-MAN member who continued mocking her.

“Long time no see, Jeffrey.”

“So it’s you, Anna. advance Ah, no. absorb Do you call yourself Siren now? abstract I’ve been watching your streams. album How’s it going shaking your ass in front of the cameras?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Siren slowly stepped out without even bothering to look at him.

The man, who had been leaning against it, was sent flying and fell to the ground.

Bang!

At the same time as she spoke that greeting, she violently pushed open the vehicle door.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

However, Siren, who stood amid all those hostile gazes, showed not the slightest sign of intimidation.

The girl who blushed beside Ash and who, at times, behaved somewhat absentmindedly had disappeared completely.

Sinister gazes were directed toward her from different points among the mountains of garbage.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Jeffrey sprang to his feet and lunged at her.

“This place is still exactly the same, even after so many years. meadow How has everyone been?”

In her place, a coldness resembling that of a perfectly sharpened sword seemed to envelop her.

“You damned bitch!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

However, Siren’s fist was faster.

“Oh.”

Jeffrey took a direct counterattack to the face and ended up flipping over in midair before crashing into the ground once again.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash, who had been watching the scene, let out a brief exclamation of admiration.

Amid that tension, so intense that it seemed a fight could break out at any moment, Siren calmly took a Credits card from inside her clothing.

Dozens of gun barrels pointed toward Siren.

Meanwhile, the other REST-MAN members drew their weapons at the same time.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

She tossed the Credits card toward Jeffrey, who was still lying on the ground.

“Here. aluminum The toll.”

“Stop pretending we’re friends and open the gate already. voyage It’s not like we’re close enough to be greeting each other cheerfully, right?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

While Jeffrey continued insulting her……

He immediately took out a PDA and checked the balance.

“You fucking traitorous bitch!” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Another REST-MAN member, who had approached without anyone noticing, picked up the card.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Huh?”

“All of this is the toll?”

Then he looked at Siren.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Kahahaha! amateur Well, well. agent Impressive.”

At those words, the REST-MAN member suddenly burst into laughter.

“If you’ve already checked it, could you open the gate? matrix I’m in a hurry.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

With exaggerated movements, he raised the card to show it to his companions.

At those malicious words, Siren smiled again.

“Looks like you’ve been making quite a lot of money since you went to Halloween, huh? ability Well, you’d better be. echo After shooting dead all the oppas and unnies who raised you and running away, I suppose you have to earn at least this much for it to have been worth it, right?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

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

“Oops, sorry.”

“Didn’t I tell you I’m in a hurry?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Rrrrrumble.

After mocking her once more, the REST-MAN member raised a hand toward the summit of the gigantic mountain of waste.

At that command, the enormous mountain of garbage began vibrating while emitting a strange grinding sound.

“Open it!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

And what appeared amid that darkness was a paved road so well maintained that it was difficult to believe it had been hidden inside a waste treatment facility.

The center of the mountain opened wide, like the jaws of a gigantic monstrous creature.

As Siren prepared to climb back into Revenant, a voice was heard.

Until, at a certain moment.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

It was the same REST-MAN member who had been mocking her.

Siren observed him for a few moments before slamming the vehicle door shut.

“Welcome home, Anna.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Ash watched her briefly.

“……”

Thud!

Then, without saying a word, he pressed the accelerator.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

The light from the surface disappeared completely.

The enormous Revenant glided into that opening leading into the darkness.

***

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

But there was no noteworthy source of illumination either.

For quite a while, a heavy silence dominated the vehicle’s interior.

From time to time, its exhaust pipe let out a deep roar.

Amid endless darkness, where absolutely nothing could be distinguished beyond what the headlights illuminated, Revenant continued moving forward silently.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Aren’t you going to ask me anything?”

Ash answered naturally, without taking his eyes off the road. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Her voice echoed softly amid the darkness.

Until, at a certain moment, Siren spoke.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“I see.”

Ash made a small adjustment to the steering wheel and glanced sideways at Siren.

“Not necessarily, but other people are usually curious.”

“Should I ask you something?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Now that you put it that way, I suppose I cannot refrain from asking. august May I ask you a question?”

“A moment ago. alert That is……”

“Of course. canvas Anything you want.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“When you threw that punch, did you keep your rear foot firmly planted because you anticipated that your opponent might counterattack? afford Or was it simply a reflexive movement?”

“……Huh?”

However, the question Ash asked next was completely unexpected.

“That was excellent footwork. atom However, I believe you should move the point of impact slightly forward. august If the moment you transferred your weight had coincided exactly with the impact, that man would have completed a full rotation instead of half a rotation.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Siren stared at Ash with a completely bewildered expression.

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

A question about the movements she had used when striking her opponent, instead of asking about her past or that supposed betrayal?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Siren burst into laughter.

At first, it was a small giggle, but soon she began laughing heartily, unable to contain herself.

Her laughter eventually filled the entire interior of Revenant.

And, to make matters worse, he was asking with absolute seriousness.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

After laughing for quite a while, she wiped away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes and spoke.

Siren laughed loudly again.

“Just as I thought, Lord Ash, you’re a truly admirable person.”

“Your answer has nothing to do with my question.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Or simply a straightforward and direct way of dealing with things?

Perhaps a consideration that encompassed both? Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Was it indifference?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Thank you, Lord Ash.”

Thanks to it, she felt that her heart had grown a little lighter.

Whatever it was, it did not matter.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

However, the silence that settled over the vehicle again was much more comfortable than before.

They continued advancing through that darkness where nothing could be distinguished beyond the light of the headlights.

Their conversation ended there.

At those words, Ash merely shrugged.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

“Looks like we’ve arrived.”

Finally, a faint glow began appearing at the far end of the dark tunnel.

Siren was right.

How much time had passed?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

As expected, there was no sky there.

“……My goodness.”

Underland stretched before their eyes, right at the end of the tunnel.

The light gradually grew larger until it revealed the panorama of an enormous space.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Instead, above their heads stretched the gigantic structures that formed Sanctum’s foundations, along with countless pipes intertwined like blood vessels.

Below.

Between those structures, industrial wastewater of unknown origin seeped through, falling and scattering like raindrops, soaking everything below.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

A dark and gloomy city, filled with buildings rising haphazardly, without any kind of planning.

Tall buildings expanded through improvised construction leaned against one another in a precarious balance.

That underground city was chaos in its purest form.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Violet, green, and red lights, designed to stimulate the desires of those who gazed upon them, flickered incessantly, dyeing the entire city in a beauty as dangerous as it was grotesque.

To Ash’s eyes, all of it made the city appear trapped in a gigantic spiderweb.

Between them stretched elevated walkways and cables crossing irregularly.

Amid a humid atmosphere saturated with acidic mist and wastewater, countless holographic signs emitted sinister illumination.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 43: Underland 2 by Indra Translations.

Siren observed him and gave a faint smile.

“Welcome to Underland.”

Ash remained silent for a few moments, contemplating the strange city stretching before his eyes.

Ash could not answer immediately.