Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Sando grinned mischievously, raising his voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's witness this! This fine young man says he's going to land every throw and win the grand prize!"

The crowd erupted in good-natured laughter.

With the Treasure Hoarder Ferret's elusive movements, no one thought Ren had a chance.

After all, it was just a game—a bit of fun for everyone.

But Sando's shout drew even more onlookers, amplifying the buzz.

The lively atmosphere made Chisato beside Ren a bit uneasy.

"Renny, it's okay if we don't get the prize," she said softly.

Ren glanced at Sando, noticing his sly grin.

This schemer was deliberately cornering him!

"Well, since you're so interested, I might as well play along."

With that, Ren picked up another ring.

This time, his movements were slow, the ring wobbling lazily as it arced through the air.

Chisato's eyes widened in surprise. Did Renny just mess up?

At that speed, even she could do it.

The ferret's ears twitched, sensing the sound.

Ren's gaze remained calm.

Sando smirked, ready to pounce on the opportunity to mock him.

"Cough, no need to feel bad—failure's nothing to be ashamed of..."

He clapped Ren's shoulder, feigning concern while sneaking a smug wink.

How about that? Feeling humiliated yet?

Sando's chest swelled with pride as he relished the moment.

Finally, he could enjoy some payback for the time Ren had pounded his face in.

But his smirk soon froze.

The ring drifted lazily through the air, steadily approaching the ferret.

It hovered just above the creature's head, descending ever so slowly.

Move, you idiot! Why aren't you dodging?!

Sando's eyes bulged as if he'd seen a ghost.

But the ferret, inexplicably, remained frozen in place.

And just like that, the ring landed squarely on its neck.

By the time the ferret realized what had happened, it was too late.

Sando's expression crumbled, his confidence shattered.

How... how is this possible?!

[Yoohoo Art: Silencer's Secret]

[Approaching creatures like Crystalflies won't alert them]

"Yes! Renny, you did it!"

Chisato jumped for joy, her face glowing with pride and excitement.

Ren turned to Sando, holding up a fresh stack of rings.

"There's still plenty more. Watch closely."

Sando's face paled.

He didn't know how Ren had done it, but he knew he was in trouble.

If Ren landed every throw, he'd be out of business by the end of the night.

But with the growing crowd, there was no way he could back out now.

---

Beyond the bustling scene, under the moonlight, Ayaka quickened her pace.

Her silver hair flowed behind her, glowing ethereally under the night sky.

"Ayaka—wait for me!"

Yoimiya's voice carried a trace of complaint, sounding like a child left behind.

But Ayaka was too focused to hear her.

Her gentle gaze was tinged with memories.

She remembered a wooden sword being handed to her by a familiar figure.

"I want to grow stronger, to protect the Kamisato Clan!"

"Very well. I'll teach you the Kamisato Art."

"Thank you, Master!"

Ayaka stopped in her tracks, her chest rising and falling gently.

Her eyes locked onto Ren in the crowd.

Softly, she murmured to herself:

"Master, could it really be you?"

If you truly wish to remain hidden, then don't blame me for seeking you out myself.

Once I confirm it's you, please... stay with the Kamisato Clan, by my side.

Yoimiya finally caught up, clutching her side.

"Ayaka, what's gotten into you?"

Ayaka turned to Yoimiya, her expression unusually serious.

Yoimiya instinctively hugged herself.

"Ayaka, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Apologies, I lost my composure."

Ayaka composed herself, her serene demeanor returning.

She was once again the Kamisato Clan's elegant Shirasagi Himegimi.

"Didn't you want to try the ring toss game, Yoimiya-san?"

"Well, yeah, but—wait a second!"

Yoimiya puffed her cheeks in frustration. Aren't you going to explain yourself?

Ayaka avoided her gaze, instead looking toward the commotion in the distance.

Suddenly, her eyes narrowed slightly.

Yoimiya leaned closer, curious.

"Who's that girl with Takahashi-san?"

"She's pretty cute."

Ayaka's gaze remained steady as she replied softly,

"She's the heiress of the Kanjou Commission."

Yoimiya nodded, only half understanding.

But something about Ayaka seemed different—more focused, like she was sizing up a rival.

Weird. Who's the rival here?

Shaking her head, Yoimiya returned her attention to the game.

"Ayaka, look! He landed another one!"

Her excitement bubbled over.

"You think he'll win the grand prize?"

Ayaka considered it for a moment before shaking her head slightly.

"It's a perceptive creature, very difficult to catch."

"Only someone like Sayu-san might manage multiple successes."

As Ayaka analyzed, Yoimiya tugged on her sleeve, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Wow! Ayaka, look!"

Ayaka blinked, her eyes instinctively following Yoimiya's gaze.

Her lips parted slightly in surprise.

At the booth, Ren picked up another ring.

This time, he turned towards Chisato beside him.

The delicate girl gazed at him, her eyes sparkling with expectation.

"Renny, I want it."

"..."

Without a word, Ren handed her the ring.

She accepted it, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower.

"Thank you, Renny."

"This should be... ah!"

Before she could finish her thought, her face flushed red as she let out a startled squeak.

Warmth enveloped her hand—Renny had taken it in his.

Chisato's mind went blank, unable to process anything beyond the fact that he was holding her hand.

Ren remained calm, his voice steady.

"I don't have enough strength left... Why don't we win that big prize together?"

"O-okay!"

And so, he held her hand, soft and small in his grasp.

Unconsciously, the space between them seemed to shrink.

Her face turned scarlet, her ears burning.

But her heart was full of warmth.

Renny's presence... feels so safe.

So happy. So perfect.

As Ren prepared to throw the next ring, a sudden notification interrupted him.

[Ding! Emotion Points from Yoimiya +1.]

[Ding! Emotion Points from Kamisato Ayaka +1.]

"???"

Ren froze mid-throw.

What's with these sudden points?

And why does it feel like I've been caught red-handed?