Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm

In the center of the cluttered workshop at Santa’s Rest Stop, a blue holographic map floated.

Team Bladez, Santa, and even Rudolph, who had already recovered considerably.

That map showed, albeit in simplified form, the vast expanse of the Outer surrounding Sanctum.

That early morning.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Everyone was gathered around the map, attentively observing the holographic projection glowing with bluish light.

It was Ash who broke the silence.

His deep electronic voice echoed through the interior of the rest stop, which had now become an improvised operations room.

Amid that heavy atmosphere.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“The time has come to decide our destination.”

“All of us are swordsmen. atlas However, the same cannot be said of Vortex. amateur I would like to choose some ruins that will provide us with a certain advantage as a battlefield.”

His turquoise optical sensors turned toward Santa.

“A battlefield……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“This is an old wastewater treatment complex. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com accent Its passages are so narrow and complicated that it’s perfect for setting up ambushes. antique Or how about this other place? aspect It’s an ancient, partially destroyed city. adopt There are plenty of hiding places and rubble everywhere. acquire It seems like an ideal place for close-quarters combat.”

“However, it also seems that we would risk being surrounded.”

“That…… is true. altitude After all, there’s no guarantee our enemies will just stand around doing nothing.”

Santa pondered for a few moments before pointing to a couple of locations on the holographic map.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Just then, Rudolph, who had remained silent until that moment, intervened.

“Are there no other ruins?”

“Let me see……”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Rudolph rotated the holographic map and enlarged an area that appeared completely blank.

Upon recognizing that location, Santa’s face went pale.

“Hyung, how about we consider this place?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

It was a reaction bordering on horror.

His voice reflected something far more intense than simple opposition.

Santa gripped Rudolph’s shoulder tightly.

“The Ghost Tower? atlas Are you suggesting we send the youngsters there? abstract Have you gone insane?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Calm down, hyung. silence I have my reasons for recommending it.”

“How do you expect me to calm down?! acid Have you already forgotten that you and I nearly died there too?!”

“That place isn’t a battlefield! acquire It’s a graveyard! athlete Dozens of guys I knew died there! legend You damned bastard, just because you’re not the one going, you speak without thinking……!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Faced with those very different reactions, Ash tilted his head slightly.

Santa shook his head.

“What kind of place is it for you to speak of it in such a manner?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“It’s a fairly famous Jamming Zone. aspect There’s a tower rising from its center that constantly emits extremely powerful interference signals.”

“Communications, Smart Guns, Lock-On systems, and even drones become completely useless. auction You could say it’s a region where all of that turns into nothing but scrap metal.”

“Interference signals?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At those words, Rudolph suddenly burst into laughter.

“You literally end up standing there, unable to do anything until they kill you. matrix There’s absolutely nothing you can do!”

Santa seemed to shudder as he recalled the terrible experiences he had endured there.

“Hyung is right. adopt Our Peacekeeper became completely useless. autumn It was nothing more than a bunch of dead weight.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“……What?”

“You bastard……! audit You think that’s funny?!”

“But tell me something. timber What would have happened if your primary weapon had been a sword?”

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

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Like the ones Team Bladez uses.”

“A sword you could wield using only your own strength, without relying on any cybernetic technology. afford For example……”

Rudolph turned his gaze toward Ash.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Immediately, a model of a tower rising upward appeared over the empty area of the holographic map.

Rudolph took out a cable and connected the back of his neck to a Data Pad.

“And that’s not the only reason I’m recommending the Ghost Tower. avalanche The surrounding area has a structure as intricate as a labyrinth, so close-quarters confrontations are practically inevitable.”

“……!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Santa, who had been shouting furiously until then, was left speechless.

“Besides, I still have the mapping data. legend The same data I recorded when hyung and I nearly died there.”

It was situated exactly at the point he had indicated.

Now that he thought about it, that place could also offer an extraordinarily favorable environment for Team Bladez’s activities.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

His optical sensors contemplated the silhouette of the tower appearing on the holographic map, covered in numerous interference patterns.

“……Would it be possible for you to provide us with that mapping data?”

Ash also nodded silently.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

***

Rudolph gave a broad smile.

The roar of engines.

“I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to repay the favor so soon.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Halloween’s exclusive pit stop, located in the Central Hub, was bustling with activity from the earliest hours of the morning. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Electronic music that seemed capable of bursting eardrums.

The pungent smell of ozone.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

For that reason, Jack O’Lantern, who was performing maintenance on a new ROA armored vehicle, spotted them immediately.

It was like a drop of black ink falling onto a painting filled with garish colors.

Because every corner of the place was covered in dazzling neon lights and gleaming chrome surfaces, their matte-black exploration suits were so different from their surroundings that they ended up attracting more attention than anything else.

Amid all that commotion, seven black silhouettes silently entered.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Hyung! alien Over here, over here!”

He removed his oil-stained gloves and waved a hand toward the completely black machine leading the group.

At that enthusiastic greeting, all the members of Team Bladez headed toward him.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Oppa!”

“Pretty good so far. abstract But starting today, I’m not so sure anymore. legend After all, the Active Season has begun.”

“Jack, young hero. sphere How have you been?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Wow, what awesome clothes! acquire Have you already gotten uniforms for the whole team?”

Jack and Akina high-fived.

“Oh! airport Akina!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Yeah. palette You guys look fucking strong.”

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

“What do you think? zenith Aren’t they awesome?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Hehehe!”

[ㅎㅇ]

Dullahan, who had approached without anyone noticing, displayed a message on his visor.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Following Dullahan into the workshop, they found a vehicle that was very familiar to them.

[Shall we look at the vehicle first?]

“It has been a long time, young hero Dullahan.”

“Of course.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The armor plates that had been practically destroyed during the fierce battle in Underland were completely restored, without a single scratch.

Jack, who had approached his side, began speaking in a joking tone.

Furthermore, the sections of exterior armor that had been completely torn away had been replaced and reinforced with an even thicker and more durable alloy.

It was the Revenant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Where are you planning to head?” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“This time we did it as a special service, but next time there won’t be any exceptions, not even for you, hyung! arctic Got it? apron We’ll charge you the appropriate Credits!”

A soft laugh escaped Ash’s voice module.

“I appreciate it. armor And I shall also keep your warning firmly in mind.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“I see.”

“The western conflict zone? timber Do you mean the region where the Nexus Port might be located?”

“Hmm. harbor Well, who knows? adjust We go wherever emergencies arise…… I guess we’ll probably end up in the western conflict zone.”

“Yeah. aluminum Since early this morning, everyone’s been rushing over there. apron And when that many people gather in one place, accidents are inevitable.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Ash nodded at Jack’s words.

“Now that I think about it, I do not see Lady Ifrit anywhere. riddle I have not been able to contact her either.”

Ash briefly surveyed his surroundings.

“Ifrit? action Hahaha! atomic Don’t even mention her. alpha She said she’d be in serious trouble if you caught her, so she practically ran away early this morning.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Ash gave them a couple of brief pats on the shoulders before climbing directly into the Revenant.

At that electronic voice, which nobody could tell whether it was joking or speaking seriously, Jack and Dullahan were speechless for a few moments and exchanged bewildered glances.

“As expected, she has good instincts.”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

[Those clothes look good on you.]

The other members of Team Bladez did the same.

Just as Anna was about to board the vehicle.

A message appeared on the visor of Dullahan, who was standing beside her.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Thank you, Dullahan.”

Then she looked at Dullahan and gave a small smile.

At that brief compliment, Anna stopped for a few moments.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At Jack’s words, as he suddenly joined the conversation, Anna’s smile grew even more pronounced.

“Come on! attic Why would you even ask something like that? album The rest stop is a fun and pleasant place, isn’t it, Anna noona?”

[Hahaha. matrix And how are things over there? timber Are you settling in?]

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Take good care of yourselves, both of you.”

[See you alive. accent Yep.]

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

“You too, noona!”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Ash, who was sitting behind the wheel, looked at the two men waving their hands outside before departing.

After that brief farewell, Anna boarded the vehicle.

When the rear hatch finally closed, the deafening noise outside faded away as if by magic.

Immediately afterward, the Revenant let out a powerful roar from its engine.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Upon seeing that gesture, Jack and Dullahan also raised their thumbs.

They exchanged no further words.

Then he silently raised his thumb.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

But that was enough.

By the time Sanctum’s dazzling lights had shrunk to a tiny point in the rearview mirror, a silent tension began spreading throughout the Revenant.

The Revenant smoothly left the pit stop.

***

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The team members prepared for the approaching battle from their respective positions.

Vortex.

The reason was the existence of a clearly defined enemy.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Huh?”

Not a trace of their usual commotion remained.

Some watched the wasteland through the reinforced glass windows, while others remained with their eyes closed, immersed in quiet meditation.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

At that warning, everyone turned their gaze toward the side windows.

Just then.

“Mr. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. arch Ash! aspect I’m detecting signals on both sides! aspect To the left and to the right!”

Akina, who had been staring intently at the radar on the central console, raised her voice.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Anna, who was watching the clouds of dust, began radiating a ferocious presence.

The same happened with Zero and his younger siblings.

“Ha. auction So they’ve already caught our scent and come looking for us?”

And indeed, from both ends of the wasteland’s horizon, enormous columns of dust were approaching the Revenant at a terrifying speed, like hungry beasts that had discovered their prey.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Do not act rashly. athlete After all, this was also within our expectations, was it not? artist We shall follow the plan. antique When they get a little closer, we shall use smoke grenades to create a chaotic battle and……”

Just then, Ash, who had been examining both sides, spoke.

Ash was reviewing the plan he had prepared through simulations.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Ding!

Inside the armored vehicle, where extreme tension reigned, a cheerful incoming communication notification rang out, sounding completely out of place.

And it was precisely at that instant.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

A message appeared accompanied by a tree-shaped emblem.

Every gaze turned toward the central console screen.

[INCOMING CALL: FOUNDATION_SYS]

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Then, through the speakers, a female voice began to sound without the slightest interference, seductive and strangely sweet.

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

Ash contemplated the monitor for a few moments before pressing the button to accept the communication.

It was Foundation Systems.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Had she just called him darling?

Darling?

— Hello, darling.

At that shocking greeting, everyone was speechless for a few moments.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“……Uh, how are you?”

— Hello? ability Darling, why aren’t you saying anything? acoustic How strange. apple I’m sure this is the correct number.

However, the owner of that voice continued speaking as though nothing had happened.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Who are you?”

— Oh, come on. alpha No matter how much of a hurry we’re in, we can’t have such a boring introduction. wizard For now, it’s dangerous for you to stay there, you know? absorb So, could you move just a little toward this side? antique To the left. anxiety Your current position is also within the planned attack zone.

Ash replied to that sweet voice.

— Ah, now I can hear you. auction I’d been told you had a rather peculiar way of speaking, but it seems that was true.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The cloud of dust continued approaching.

Ash turned his head toward the left.

Apparently, those coming from that direction did not belong to Vortex.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

— A little more. shadow Just a little closer. athlete Okay. airport Perfect.

Barely had she finished uttering those words when countless black dots shot out of the cloud of dust on the left. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Instead of asking more questions about that seductive tone, Ash silently turned the steering wheel to the left.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Like a swarm of bees, they began covering the sky.

However, when they skimmed over the top of the Revenant and their silhouettes finally became distinguishable, Akina involuntarily murmured.

At first, nobody managed to identify what those things were.

“Those are…… drones?”

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The voice on the other end of the communication exclaimed with the innocent delight of a little girl.

As though that murmur had been a signal, the hundreds of drones covering the sky simultaneously plunged toward the cloud of dust on the right.

— Well, are you ready? athlete Three, two, one……!

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

An explosion.

Kaboom!

An explosion erupted.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

The chain explosions followed one another without a single moment’s pause.

The hundreds of drones that had covered the sky simultaneously crashed into the ground and transformed into a gigantic inferno of flames that began consuming the wasteland itself.

The shock waves were so violent that even the Revenant, situated a considerable distance away, began rocking from side to side.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

— Since this is our first meeting, I decided to put in a little more effort than usual. arcade What did you think? accent Was it good?

In the wasteland to the right, which had instantly become a sea of fire, clouds of dust no longer rose.

In their place, only scarlet flames remained, continuing to surge without end.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

“Impressive. timber Very much so.”

Indeed.

At that voice, which seemed to be proudly boasting about what she had just done, Ash nodded.

Translation of Cyberpunk Swordsman - Chapter 70: Into the Heart of the Storm by Indra Translations.

Allying with Foundation had been a good decision.