Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3

Ash’s deep electronic voice resonated softly.

“Are you leaving already?”

Findriel had risen from her seat.

The hems of the black dress silently brushed against the floor.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

As she put on the black gloves she had left on the bar, she continued speaking.

“Of course. autumn I’ve already gotten what I wanted.”

Her answer was imbued with the characteristic satisfaction of someone who had accomplished her objective.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Foundation will do everything possible to hinder Vortex, but we won’t be able to stop all their hired killers. aspect Unlike Sanctum, the Outer is a very vast place.”

“Kill as many as you can.”

“You are correct.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

She said it as though it were a casual remark, but the meaning of those words was far from casual.

Ash also stood up.

“And, if possible, John Priest as well.”

His enormous steel body cast a shadow that blocked part of the rest stop’s old lighting.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Then he looked directly into those scarlet eyes watching him.

“Wouldn’t that benefit both of us?”

“From what I understand, you want me to weaken Vortex’s forces.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

As she lowered the veil she had kept raised over her head, she murmured almost in a whisper.

Findriel seemed to interpret that gesture as a kind of acceptance, for the corners of her lips rose into a broad smile.

Ash simply shrugged.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

With those words, the conversation came to an end.

Findriel turned around without showing the slightest regret.

“Next time, it shall be my treat.”

“I had a lot of fun today. beacon We’ll see each other another time.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And so, the woman left the rest stop.

Following her movements, the bodyguards who had remained motionless as statues opened the establishment’s door.

A current of cold air gently stirred the hems of her dress.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Apparently, all the commotion that had been held back by Findriel’s overwhelming presence had just been released at once.

Bang!

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

Behind her, something that had remained suppressed until that moment suddenly erupted, shaking the silent establishment.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

— Was there some problem?

— Senior Brother, were you in a difficult situation?

— A whole lot of problems, damn it!

— Hey! echo How could you bring up the mommy thing at that exact moment?!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

— No, Zero. audit You don’t need to regret something like that……

— Project an imposing presence. advance To think I overlooked something so important. august It seems I still have much to learn……

— Zero! action What did I tell you?! orbit We should have stood behind him like those bodyguards! admire In situations like this, the important thing is to project an imposing presence!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

— You may not.

— Aw, why not?! palette Let me have just a little sip!

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

— Huh? agent Alcohol! admire Mr. alien Ash, can I drink this?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Findriel involuntarily stopped and turned her head toward the door, which was still open.

— I said no.

A deafening commotion.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The humanoid with whom she had been conversing only moments earlier was now arguing with a small girl while holding her hand.

Meanwhile, those carrying swords were exchanging opinions about escorts and bodyguards.

Through her vision, partially obscured by her thin veil, she could see how the rest stop had returned to that noisy, lively world its inhabitants shared.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Noisy.

A warm scene.

And, in a sense, so carefree that it seemed full of vulnerabilities.

An exchange of emotions of which not even the slightest trace existed in her own life.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“……They seem to get along very well.” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Even when she climbed into the luxurious sedan whose door one of her bodyguards had opened, she continued watching.

Findriel watched that commotion with her red eyes.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The woman murmured involuntarily.

Findriel forced herself to look away.

“How enviable.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Then she spoke softly toward the driver’s seat.

The rest stop’s cheap neon sign grew increasingly distant.

“Drive.”

The luxurious sedan began gliding silently along the road.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

She could no longer hear the voices.

Findriel turned her head one last time to look at it.

However, she continued gazing toward that place which, without a doubt, remained just as noisy and lively as before.

***

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“I didn’t think you’d accept the proposal to become an Ambassador so easily.”

Santa, who remained in front of him, began putting away the crystal glasses while commenting with apparent indifference.

Ash raised his head and looked at the old man.

After sending his companions, who had suddenly burst into the establishment, back to the backyard, Ash returned to the stool where he had been sitting.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

After finishing putting away the glasses, Santa took out an ashtray and lit a cigarette.

“What do you mean, why? meadow Because the timing isn’t exactly the best.”

“Why do you say that?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“As you well know, Foundation is about to enter a war of acquisitions and mergers against Vortex. matrix Offering to make you an Ambassador at such a delicate moment means……”

The small red ember released tiny incandescent particles beneath the lighting.

“That they intend to involve me in that war, is that not so?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“But then, why did you accept the proposal?”

“……What? album You already knew?”

Ash nodded slowly.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“The fact that we…… No. accent The fact that I must confront Vortex will not change. airport If that is the case, would it not be better to have a trustworthy ally? shadow After all, there is a saying that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, is that not true?”

“Huh?”

“Because the outcome will be the same.”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Instead of answering, he let out a small, incredulous laugh and inhaled deeply from his cigarette.

Santa was speechless for a few moments.

“So, since they’re going to use you anyway, you’re planning to take as much advantage of them as possible, too?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“It’s exactly the same thing.”

“I shall simply fulfill my obligations as an Ambassador.”

Santa flicked the ash from his cigarette before continuing, his artificial eye gleaming behind his sunglasses.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Then a question that had just occurred to him prompted him to speak again.

In response to that sincere warning, Ash simply nodded.

“I know it sounds ridiculous for me to tell you this after being the one who introduced her to you, but don’t trust that woman, Findriel, too much. harbor She’s far more dangerous than she appears.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Hmm. apron Well, it’s hard to say. audit The weather forecasts are too unstable. arrow But I’m sure it’s less than a week away. avalanche Approximately…… four days, perhaps?”

“Four days……”

“Santa. amateur How long until the Active Season begins?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

For some people, four days could represent quite a lot of time.

“We shall have to hurry our preparations.”

Ash’s optical sensors emitted a faint, sharp glow.

However, for someone who had to prepare against a threat that had practically reached his doorstep, they were nothing more than an instant. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

That same night Findriel had visited the rest stop.

***

As though they sensed the storm that was about to arrive.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And now.

He had considered that, thanks to her physical training, the girl had finally developed a foundation solid enough to begin learning the fundamentals of an internal cultivation technique.

Ash took Akina up to the establishment’s rooftop and instructed her to take a seat.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“…………”

Ash could not conceal his astonishment.

Indeed, Akina was a true genius.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The energy of all things, which had taken Zero several days and nights of uninterrupted effort to perceive, had been perfectly comprehended by Akina in barely an hour.

She could be considered an extraordinary talent that appeared once every thousand years.

It was a speed that completely exceeded every limit of common sense, something Ash had never witnessed even during his life in the Central Plains.

His optical sensors flickered intensely, as though unable to believe what he was witnessing.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Akina was a Technomancer who had undergone a cerebral cybernetization procedure.

However, there was a problem.

If only it had ended there.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The places through which the breath of life should circulate, naturally present in every human being, had been occupied by the cold surfaces of alloy components.

Nor could he detect the slightest response from the meridians at the Yinjiao point, located on the upper gum, or the Chengjiang point, situated beneath the lower lip, both necessary for maintaining the circulation of internal energy.

Ash could not perceive the Baihui acupoint, located at the crown of her head, through which the energy of heaven was supposed to be received.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

It was not a simple obstruction of Qi.

“My……”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

It was an absolute interruption of the meridians, caused by mechanical components that had severed the energy channels of her body.

Suddenly, Ash remembered being told that the cerebral cybernetization procedure carried extraordinarily high risks.

A complete and irreversible disconnection.

Under those conditions, it was surprising that she was still alive, much less that she could circulate her Qi.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Faced with that completely unexpected obstacle, Ash involuntarily let out a thoughtful murmur.

Obtaining a mechanical brain in exchange for voluntarily severing the circulation of the energy that constituted the foundations of the human body.

‘What if this interruption of the meridians is precisely the cause?’

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Upon hearing that sound, Akina opened her eyes and emerged from her meditation.

Seeing the concern shining in the girl’s bright eyes, Ash made an effort to organize his complicated thoughts.

“Mr. orbit Ash, what’s wrong?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

His optical sensors flickered a couple of times as he searched for the gentlest possible words to avoid hurting her feelings. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“Hmm…… Miss Akina. agent The problem is……”

“Your body is not suited to learning most of the supreme martial arts I know.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

However, the girl gave a broad smile.

Ash carefully explained the condition of her body.

And he ended by telling her that the only things he could teach her were basic methods of breathing and Qi circulation, closer to practices intended to preserve health than to true martial arts.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Oh, so that’s all! airport With such a serious expression, I thought I’d contracted some deadly disease! august Anyway, that means I can still learn something useful, right?”

“It’s fine! autumn After all, I’m a Technomancer, aren’t I? riddle What use would making lightning and clouds come out of a sword be to me? atom I couldn’t use any of that in Cyberspace!”

At that instant.

Her voice sounded more cheerful than ever, as though she were the one trying to comfort Ash.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“Huh? apple Uh…… That it’s fine?”

Ash’s optical sensors shone.

“What did you just say?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“That I couldn’t use it in Cyberspace?”

“Exactly!”

“After that.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

A sea of chaos where hundreds of millions, trillions of pieces of data swirled like a storm.

That meant her battlefield was not located in the physical world.

Akina was a Technomancer.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“What is it?”

Finally understanding that simple and obvious truth, Ash spoke hurriedly.

“I have just remembered something I can teach you.”

What she needed to avoid losing herself in that place was not martial arts.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

However, Akina did not share that solemnity.

Ash’s voice was extraordinarily solemn.

“The Dao.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Faced with such an innocent question, Ash was speechless for a few moments.

“The Dao? apple What’s that?”

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

What was the Dao?

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

Was there any question more difficult to answer?

“Among Taoist teachings, there is an expression called Zhixu Ji, Shoujing Du, which means to attain absolute emptiness and preserve the deepest stillness. antenna It teaches us to empty the mind completely so that nothing can disturb us and, from that serenity, contemplate the return of all things to their origin.”

The Taoist humanoid, who seemed strangely enthusiastic, began uttering electronic words resembling verses from an ancient sacred scripture.

“……It is difficult to offer a definitive answer to that question. abandon After all, even I have not finished learning it. portal However……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“It means it could help you resist the Echo Effect.”

The smile instantly disappeared from her face, which until then had been full of mischief.

At those words, Akina’s blue eyes trembled intensely.

“……And what the hell does all that mean?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“I cannot guarantee it. alpha However, I am convinced it will be helpful. adjust After all, it is a teaching whose purpose is to prevent one from losing one’s own identity.”

After all, for a Technomancer, the burden represented by the Echo Effect was far greater than that of any sword or bullet.

“Is that…… really possible?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“The technique I am going to pass on to you is called Qingxin Jinggong, the Art of the Clear and Serene Mind. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. attic Originally, it was a Taoist practice of health preservation and spiritual recitation that the priests of Gonryun used to cultivate their minds. adopt Not only does it allow one to restore vitality and strengthen the body, but it also constitutes a spiritual discipline intended to prevent one from losing one’s true self.”

Ash sat across from Akina, adopting the same cross-legged posture, and continued speaking.

Akina tilted her head slightly as she listened to the explanation.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

“The method is simple. alien Breathe slowly, as you did when you learned to perceive the energy of all things, and focus your attention on my voice.”

Ash deactivated even his optical sensors and began reciting slowly in a deep, gentle electronic voice.

There were many words and concepts she had never heard before, but she remained silent, patiently awaiting Ash’s next instructions.

Although they were nothing more than electronic sounds produced by his voice module, they seemed to contain a mysterious energy capable of profoundly calming the heart of whoever heard them.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

That no longer sounded like the voice of a machine.

“Heaven speaks not a single word, and yet it covers all things. alien Earth speaks not a single word, and yet it supports all beings……”

It was a melody.

An ancient song passed down through countless generations.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

And, surprisingly, the countless thoughts that had disturbed her mind only moments earlier began fading away as if by magic.

The impatience to achieve her revenge.

Akina listened to that voice as though enchanted.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

All those waves of emotion seemed to sink silently beneath the surface of a tranquil lake.

Even the bitterness of having discovered her own limitations.

“The highest goodness is like water, which benefits all beings without competing with any……”

The fear of the Echo Effect.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

A city where thousands of noises mingled incessantly.

In the middle of that city, a girl who had replaced her brain with a machine began silently immersing herself in the deepest reaches of her consciousness, following the teachings of a humanoid Taoist.

Sanctum.

At a certain point, Akina stopped hearing every other sound.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 68: The Calm Before the Storm 3 by Indra Translations.

The golden aurora enveloping Sanctum was beginning to fade slowly, as though dissolving into the night sky.

And above their heads.

Only Ash’s Taoist recitation remained.