Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood
Inside one of them was a cleverly concealed space.
Enormous empty tanks stretched out everywhere, their openings exposed like monstrous jaws.
Siren led the two swordsmen to an abandoned water purification facility.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
However, precisely because of that, it could be considered an excellent refuge, completely isolated from the threats outside.
The interior of the hideout was covered in a thick layer of dust, as though no one had set foot there for a long time.
“This is the place.”
Perhaps because that space had originally been used as a water tank, her voice echoed faintly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Siren nodded at Ash’s words and immediately activated a switch installed on the wall.
The blue ceiling lights flickered several times before emitting a faint glow.
“Luckily, they still work.”
“It is a good place.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
The three swordsmen, enveloped in that dim bluish light, remained watching one another for a few moments.
Amid that icy silence, Ash was the first to move. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
With unhurried movements, he drew his Blade.
“……Then, let us begin talking.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“What are you……!”
“Do not be alarmed.”
At that action, Zero hurriedly stepped back and moved a hand toward his waist.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Ash spoke those words in his deep electronic voice and placed his Blade on a table in the center of the hideout.
Zero shifted his gaze between Ash and the Blade resting on the table before murmuring.
“I simply wish to make something clear.”
After placing his sword on the table, he took a step back.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“You want us to put down our swords?”
“……”
Amid that tense, silent confrontation between the two swordsmen, Siren hesitated briefly before drawing her Blade.
“After all, we are hardly people who trust one another completely, are we? afford I believe that, at the very least, we should do this so that we can concentrate on each other’s words instead of watching each other’s hands.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero looked from one to the other and let out a faint sigh.
Then she placed it beside Ash’s.
“……I feel as though I’m undressing.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“My life hasn’t exactly been easy.”
After murmuring those words, Zero drew a Blade slightly shorter than the others and placed it on the table.
“It seems you are never separated from your sword.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
In that space where a strange sense of affinity and palpable tension coexisted, Ash spoke.
In that manner, three swords of different shapes lay arranged on the surface, forming a triangle.
“What do you say we take turns asking a question and answering it? wizard In return, each of us must answer the other’s questions with complete sincerity, without concealing anything or telling a single lie.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Finally, the first question that left his lips was somewhat unexpected.
“Very well. arctic Since I was the one who proposed the rules, you may ask the first question. palette Ask whatever you wish. arrow I shall answer without hiding anything from you.”
Ash nodded.
At those words, Zero thought for a few moments.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Ash’s optical sensors flashed with interest.
“How is Rudolph Hyung? wizard Is he still alive?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Ah. avalanche Forgive me.”
Ash inclined his head slightly.
“That doesn’t answer my question, Ash.”
“……Your first question is rather interesting.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“I…… see. autumn I’m glad to hear that.”
“He is alive. zenith Furthermore, he is receiving treatment. amateur An old acquaintance of his is looking after him, so you have no reason to worry.”
“Then, it is my turn.”
Ash took the data chip out from inside his clothing.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero gazed at the chip before answering Ash’s question.
“What is this?”
“A Kill Switch……”
“It’s an access key with administrator privileges for Dreamweaver, the memory-editing algorithm developed using Memoryphilia’s proprietary technology. alpha To be more precise, we could call it a Kill Switch. crystal One capable of resetting everything.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Who the hell gave you a job like that?”
“No one had explained anything to me. echo I simply accepted a job to return this chip to its ‘original owner’ and put an end to the conflict.”
“……Did you really know absolutely nothing? shadow Not even what that chip means?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Did you not ask me whether I truly knew absolutely nothing?”
“It is my turn to ask.”
At that question, Ash shook his head.
“What……? apple Didn’t you just ask a question?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Very well. meadow My next question.”
Zero let out a faint exclamation of resignation. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
“……Ah, right.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“……”
Zero realized something.
“Why do you need that Kill Switch?”
Ash turned the chip between his fingers until the holographic inscription [DREAMWEAVER] was visible.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
It was not simply a matter of taking turns.
One question and one answer.
In reality, those rules required far more mental effort than they appeared to, since the amount of information each person could obtain depended entirely on how they phrased their questions.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Ash was a far more complicated opponent than he had imagined.
Zero let out a barely perceptible sigh beneath his mask.
They had exchanged only a few questions and answers, but a considerable difference was already beginning to emerge in the amount of information each had obtained.
It was necessary to use one’s wits to uncover the opponent’s cards while concealing one’s own as much as possible.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
‘He’s led me exactly where he wanted. arena And we’ve barely begun.’
After all, it was now his turn to answer.
Zero temporarily set those thoughts aside.
He thought for a few moments before slowly opening his mouth.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Do you not think that answer is too superficial? action If we are going to answer in that manner, what is the point of having this conversation?”
Ash crossed his arms.
“……For the sake of Underland.”
“……Hmm.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“I shall ask you again. legend Why do you need that Kill Switch?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“……I suppose you’re right.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero remained silent for a few moments.
Although he spoke with apparent calm, an anger he could not conceal slightly permeated his voice.
However, when he finally began speaking, his words revealed many things.
“……To save my younger brothers and sisters. antenna Their memories have been manipulated through Dreamweaver, and now they’ve become puppets of an individual known as Master.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero pointed at the data chip.
“And that’s not all. arrow Countless inhabitants of Underland have also had their memories manipulated and now pledge absolute loyalty to him. alert Some commit murders against their own will. august Others end up working as prostitutes, forced to sell their bodies. august All because of a simple wave of Master’s hand!”
“I need that chip to restore their memories. autumn That Kill Switch is capable of resetting all the memories that have been implanted in them.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
The Ninja who had pursued him and attacked the rest stop.
Rudolph’s sudden appearance.
As he listened, Ash began rapidly piecing together all the events that had occurred up to that point.
Zero continued speaking as though pouring out everything he had been holding inside.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Memoryphilia.
The Ninja wearing the tiger mask, Zero.
The data chip Santa had given him.
Dreamweaver.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
He was a Fixer with a strong sense of justice who, together with Zero, had stolen the Kill Switch, the only key capable of saving countless people subjected to brainwashing.
All those fragments of information that had remained scattered until then began fitting together inside Ash’s Main Core, forming a much broader picture.
Rudolph was not a simple thief.
‘I see. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. amateur So that was what was happening.’
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
And his decision had been perfectly reasonable.
Santa, unaware of that situation, had simply tried to resolve the entire conflict by ‘returning’ the data chip.
It was a plan Ash himself had agreed with.
After all, he merely intended to put an end to the disputes to protect himself, his former subordinate, and the rest stop he considered his home.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
The true meaning and importance of that data chip.
Zero’s words pulled Ash out of his thoughts.
“It’s my turn to ask a question now, isn’t it?”
However, there was something neither Santa nor Ash knew.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Why do you intend to return that chip to Memoryphilia? abandon We can’t allow it to fall into their hands again. acoustic You have no idea how hard Rudolph Hyung and I had to work to obtain it……”
“Go ahead.”
He raised his head.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“However, things have changed now. alpha I have found a fairer and much better solution.”
After speaking those words, he tossed the data chip to him.
Ash spun the data chip between his fingers for a few moments before raising his head and staring directly at Zero.
“Because they threatened my home. anxiety When I realized that this data chip was the source of all the problems, I decided to return it to put an end to the disputes and settle all outstanding grievances. canvas To be frank, it was not a solution I particularly liked, but at the time, I had no other alternative.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
As Zero gently caressed the device between his hands, Ash spoke.
“……H-Huh?”
“Is it my turn now?”
Zero let out a bewildered exclamation at that completely unexpected situation and managed to catch the chip in a somewhat clumsy posture.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“What do you intend to do after saving your younger brothers and sisters?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“W-What does this mean……?”
Zero, whose mind had gone completely blank, began to stammer.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Manipulating people’s memories at will to force them to obey your orders? This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. amber That is something I find deeply repugnant. arctic And I am not particularly pleased that they threatened my acquaintances and me, either. alert That is why I am thinking of completely destroying that organization called Memoryphilia. auction Would you be interested in participating?”
“Why are you suddenly asking that?”
Zero could not keep up with that sudden change in the conversation.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“……Huh?”
At those words, Zero blinked a couple of times with an utterly dumbfounded expression.
***
Fortunately, he was wearing a mask, so no one could see it.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Why are you looking at me that way?”
For some reason, Siren was gazing at Ash with extraordinarily bright eyes.
Ash’s unexpected decision brought a brief silence to the hideout.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
She simply continued blinking as she stared intently at him.
Ash asked her that question, but she did not answer.
For some reason, Ash began to feel rather uncomfortable under that gaze.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
After a few moments, Zero spoke.
Zero, for his part, seemed to have withdrawn into his own world, completely oblivious to the others.
He held the data chip Ash had just given him with tremendous care.
“Can I trust you?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
However, if someone listened closely enough, they would discover that there was much more behind those words.
His voice was filled with distrust.
The joy of finally obtaining the Kill Switch.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
The anger toward Memoryphilia, threatening to overflow.
And finally, a fighting spirit that had awakened upon hearing Ash declare that he would destroy that entire organization.
A multitude of emotions seemed to swirl within him.
The sorrow for his younger brothers and sisters, who even at that very moment must have continued being manipulated.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Then he let out a soft laugh.
Ash observed Zero and answered in his electronic voice.
“I have already given you the data chip. arctic If you still ask me that, what more am I supposed to prove to you? apron To begin with, is it even possible for absolute trust to exist between us?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“……Forward.”
Zero raised his head while gripping the data chip tightly between his fingers.
“At times like this, one must simply move forward. august Without stopping to calculate or question everything. artist Forward.”
“Very well.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
The confusion that had permeated his voice until then disappeared, replaced by a firm resolve.
“I’ll fight by your side.”
It was a kind of determination.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“I am glad to have you with me.”
“Ah, but there’s one more thing.”
Ash nodded briefly.
Zero’s gaze shifted toward the three Blades resting on the table.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Don’t we still have an unfinished conversation?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
In other words, he wanted to know why they both used the same sword technique.
He was referring to the swords.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“……”
Ash gazed for a long while at the three swords resting on the table, just as Zero did.
After a few moments, he nodded slowly.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero shook his head.
“……I suppose you’re right.”
“Excellent. voyage Then let us begin preparing a plan. audit I believe it would be best to rescue your younger brothers and sisters first. crystal Do you have any strategy in mind?”
“……You are right. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. auction We have not yet discussed that. academy However, let us leave it for later. shadow Would it not be more reasonable to deal with the problems before us first?”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
At that question, Zero raised an arm and extended two fingers.
“How to use it? abstract Could you explain that to me in greater detail?”
“Not exactly. admire Until now, I’ve been concentrating on obtaining the Kill Switch and figuring out how to use it.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“That’s right. adjust Rudolph Hyung told me he’d tested it, so I’m sure it works.”
“……And that is all?”
“There are two methods. wizard The first consists of inserting the chip into the memory slot of the person whose memories have been altered and speaking the initialization command.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“The second method consists of using a signal amplifier that, as I understand it, is hidden in Club Inferno, Memoryphilia’s main base. armor If we use that method, we can awaken a large number of people simultaneously. portal However, as I already mentioned……”
“I see. artist And the second?”
“We would have to infiltrate their main base, which would entail considerable risk.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“That’s why I’d thought of luring my younger brothers and sisters out one by one and using the Kill Switch to awaken those I managed to reach first.”
“Exactly.”
Zero nodded at Ash’s words and continued.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
They were probably the same ones who had broken into the rest stop.
“How many younger brothers and sisters do you have?”
Three.
“Three.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
Zero let out a deep sigh.
Ash lowered his head slightly and stroked his chin for a few moments.
“It is a good plan. adjust However, there is a problem. arrow If we manage to capture one of them, the others will surely become more cautious. accent And if things become complicated, they might even use your siblings as hostages.”
“You’re right.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Memoryphilia is searching for this data chip. amber But tell me something. echo What do you think they would do if it ended up in the hands of someone much harder to confront than us?”
“……They’d try to prevent it before it happened.”
Then, as though something had just occurred to him, his optical sensors flashed.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“They probably would, but…… wouldn’t it be rather difficult to bring about such a situation?”
“Then would they not use the best cards at their disposal? zenith For example, your younger brothers and sisters.”
“Extremely difficult. alpha After all, we would have to set up the entire scenario from scratch.”
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“However, do we not have our Heroine Siren?”
Ash turned his head.
His gaze had settled on Siren.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“Heroine.”
“W-Wait? ability Who? arcade Me? amateur Are you referring to me? voyage How?”
She, who had been listening attentively to their conversation until then, began looking from side to side with a bewildered expression.
Ash placed a hand on her shoulder.
Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 47: EP.2 Sea of Corpses and Blood by Indra Translations.
“By any chance, did you bring your broadcasting drone with you?”
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